One Year Later
Time in the Underworld moved differently than in the human world—not in any mystical sense, but in the way it shaped those who trained there. A year of constant growth, relentless effort, and strategic planning had transformed everyone involved.
Algernon stood in his training hall, analyzing his current state with clinical precision. At fifteen years old, he'd reached what he considered the upper threshold of High-Class, approaching the barrier to Ultimate-Class that loomed ahead like a visible wall.
His energy manipulation had reached 98%—so close to theoretical perfection that the final two percent felt more philosophical than practical. Every technique, every application of demonic power, responded exactly as intended. The arena fights, the constant training, the life-or-death encounters—all of it had refined his control to an art form.
But Ultimate-Class required more than just control. It required a fundamental evolution of one's demon energy core, a qualitative leap that couldn't be achieved through incremental progress alone.
'Not yet,' he thought, dismissing a cluster of compressed orbs that had been orbiting him. 'But soon.'
Through the peerage bond, he could sense his members' progress:
Kuroka had achieved Ultimate-Class six months ago, her spatial manipulation now so refined she could create pocket dimensions large enough to trap High-Class devils indefinitely. Her Senjutsu had evolved to the point where she could drain energy from her surroundings to supplement her own reserves.
She split her time between the Tokyo safe house with Cleria and combat missions Algernon assigned.
Vali had also reached Ultimate-Class, his Devil-Dragon hybrid physiology allowing him to push Divine Dividing in unprecedented ways. Under Azazel's guidance—still unaware of Vali's true allegiance—the White Dragon Emperor had become a monster in combat.
Issei had surprised everyone, including himself. The boy who'd been a helpless human a year ago was now a solid High-Class devil. His Boosted Gear had awakened three months into training—triggered when Algernon had pushed him into a genuine life-or-death situation against a summoned Rating Game simulator.
The Sacred Gear's power, combined with the mutation pieces and relentless training, had forged him into a capable combatant.
Though still far from mastering his Longinus, Issei could now use Boost reliably, had developed basic Dragon Shot techniques, and was beginning to understand the tactical applications of his power multiplication ability. More importantly, he'd grown mentally—no longer the perverted, directionless teenager but someone with purpose and determination.
'Three pieces claimed, all growing stronger,' Algernon thought with satisfaction. 'The foundation is solid. Now to build on it.'
A notification through the peerage bond drew his attention. Kuroka, reaching out from the Tokyo safe house.
Boss, Cleria wants to talk. Says she's ready to discuss long-term plans.
I'll be there tomorrow. How's her condition?
Physically recovered. Mentally... better. She's been planning. I think she's decided to trust us, nya~
Good. That's exactly what we need.
He cut the connection and pulled up his status screen, something he did periodically to track measurable progress:
_________________________________________
STATUS
Name: Algernon Azeroth
Age: 15
Race: Demon (Pure Demon Energy Core)
Lifespan: Infinite (Supreme Candidate)
Class: Tier 1 - High-Class (Peak)
Title: King
Evil Pieces: Fully Mutated (Conqueror's Brand - Crimson-Black)
Active Peerage:
Bishop: Kuroka Azeroth (Ultimate-Class)
Pawn (×4): Vali Lucifer (Ultimate-Class, Satan-Class with Balance Breaker)
Pawn (×4): Issei Hyoudou (High-Class, Ultimate-Class with Boosted Gear)
Skills:
Demon Physiology: High-Class Peak
Dimensional Awareness: Dormant (Requires Main World Conquest)
Advanced Energy Manipulation: 98%
Talents: [LOCKED] Unlock Condition: Conquer Main World
Dimensional Jump
Gate Creation
_________________________________________
MAIN QUEST: Conquer the Demon Race
Progress: 0.15%
SIDE QUEST: The Crimson Princess
Progress: 67.8%
Time Remaining: 2 years, 3 months
___________________________________________
The side quest progress made Algernon pause. 67.8%. Two-thirds of the way to completion.
His relationship with Rias had evolved considerably over the past year. What had started as friendship and training partnership had deepened into something more complex. They spent significant time together—not just training sessions, but genuine companionship. Conversations that lasted hours, comfortable silences, shared laughter.
The bond was real, built on mutual respect and genuine affection. But Algernon remained acutely aware of the quest's objective and what it implied. The system wanted more than emotional connection—it wanted a physical claim, her consent to intimacy that would solidify their bond permanently.
'Two years left,' he thought. 'Time enough to let things develop naturally. No rushing, no manipulation. When it happens, it has to be genuine.'
He dismissed the status screen and checked the calendar. Tomorrow he'd visit Cleria in Tokyo. Next week, Rias's school would be starting a new term—she was entering her second year at Kuoh Academy, having taken over administration of the town alongside Sona Sitri.
But today, he had other priorities.
Kuoh Academy - Old School Building
Rias was in the Occult Research Club room when Algernon arrived, paperwork spread across her desk. At fifteen, she'd grown into her role as heiress with impressive grace. Her crimson hair was pulled back practically, glasses perched on her nose as she reviewed documents.
She looked up as he entered, and her expression immediately brightened. "Algernon! I wasn't expecting you until this evening."
"Finished training early. Thought I'd surprise you." He settled into a chair across from her desk. "How's the paperwork?"
"Tedious but necessary." She removed her glasses, rubbing her eyes. "Managing a territory is more administrative work than I expected. Sona makes it look easy."
"That's because Sona thrives on organization." Algernon smiled. "You'll adapt. You've been handling the Rating Game training well enough."
That made her grin with pride. Over the past year, her Power of Destruction control had improved dramatically. She was now solidly High-Class, her energy manipulation at approximately 60%—exceptional for her age and training duration.
"Speaking of training," Rias said, leaning forward, "I've been thinking about the engagement."
"What about it?" Algernon asked carefully.
"I want to challenge him. Soon." Her voice was firm, determined.
Algernon nodded slowly. "Then I'll support you. Whatever you need—additional training, strategy sessions, even stepping in as an advisor if permitted."
Relief and gratitude flooded Rias's expression. She stood, walking around the desk to where he sat, and surprised him by pulling him into a hug.
"Thank you," she whispered. "For everything. For believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. For pushing me to be stronger. For... being here."
Algernon returned the embrace, acutely aware of how much their relationship had shifted over the past year. What had started as a training arrangement had evolved into something deeper.
"Always," he said quietly. "I'll always be here for you, Rias."
She pulled back slightly, her blue-green eyes meeting his crimson ones. For a moment, the air between them felt charged with unspoken emotions, possibilities hanging in the balance.
Then the moment passed as footsteps echoed in the hallway. Akeno's voice called out, "Rias? Are you—oh!" She stopped in the doorway, taking in the scene with raised eyebrows and a knowing smile. "Am I interrupting something?"
Rias stepped back, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "No, we were just discussing strategy for the Rating Game."
"Strategy. Right." Akeno's smile was positively feline. "Well, don't let me interrupt your... strategic discussions."
As Akeno settled into preparing tea with exaggerated nonchalance, Algernon caught Rias's eye and they shared a quiet laugh. Some things didn't need to be said aloud.
Two Months Later
Today, Algernon pushed aside all his schedule, he had a different priority: Valentine's Day.
He'd been planning this for weeks, ever since realizing the holiday aligned perfectly with where their relationship had naturally progressed.
Algernon arrived at the school building with movie tickets and a carefully prepared plan. When he entered the clubroom, Rias looked up from her paperwork with surprise and delight.
"Movie tickets?" She read the offering with a smile. "Are you asking me on a date, Algernon?"
"Is that a yes?"
Her smile widened. "Absolutely."
_______________________________________________
The movie was some romantic comedy neither of them paid much attention to. Sitting together in the darkened theater, Algernon's hand found Rias's, and she didn't pull away. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes about how comfortable they'd become with each other.
Afterward, they walked through a nearby park as evening settled over Kuoh. The atmosphere was peaceful, the Valentine's decorations giving everything a festive feel.
"This was nice," Rias said softly. "We should do things like this more often. Not everything has to be about training and strategy."
"Agreed." Algernon stopped walking, turning to face her. "Actually, there's something I wanted to give you."
He pulled out a small jewelry box, and Rias's eyes widened slightly. "Algernon..."
"It's not what you're thinking," he said with a slight smile. "Or rather, it's exactly what you're thinking, but not in the way you might assume."
She opened the box to reveal a delicate golden pendant. Simple, elegant, beautiful in its minimalism.
"There's more," Algernon said, gesturing. "Slide the pendant upward."
Rias did, and revealed the engraving hidden inside: I LOVE YOU
Her breath caught. She stared at the words, then up at him, emotions playing across her face too quickly to catalog.
"Rias Gremory," Algernon said, his voice steady despite his racing heart, "I love you. I love you because you're brave, determined, compassionate, and strong. Because you make me want to be better. Because when I'm with you, everything else fades into background noise."
He took her hands in his. "I'm not asking for anything in return. I just wanted you to know. Whatever the future holds, that won't change."
Rias was crying now, tears streaming down her face, but she was smiling. "You idiot," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "How could you think I wouldn't feel the same way?"
She threw her arms around him, holding tight. "I love you too, Algernon. I have for a while now. I just wasn't sure how to say it, or if it was appropriate, or—"
He silenced her with a kiss.
It wasn't their first kiss—they'd shared a brief one months ago during a moment of celebration after a particularly successful training session. But this was different. This was a declaration, an acknowledgment, a promise.
When they finally separated, both breathing hard, Rias laughed through her tears. "We're such idiots. How did it take us this long?"
"Because we wanted to be sure," Algernon said, cupping her face gently. "Because this matters too much to rush into without certainty."
"And now you're certain?"
"Absolutely."
They kissed again but this time it didn't stay gentle for long. The kiss deepened, both of them pouring their feelings into it.
Suddenly, Algernon Princess caried her and teleported to her room.
(END OF CHAPTER)
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