The Elias Territory - Day One
The teleportation magic faded, leaving Algernon standing alone on a windswept hill overlooking what would become his domain. The sight before him was sobering.
The Elias Territory stretched for miles—a vast valley flanked by mountains, with the ruins of what had once been a magnificent city scattered across the landscape like broken teeth. Five hundred years of abandonment had not been kind.
Marble spires lay shattered, grand halls had collapsed into rubble, and wild magic crackled unpredictably through the air, making the entire area dangerous for anything below High-Class.
This was the cost of the Great War, written in stone and loss.
A shimmering scroll materialized in Algernon's hand—official documentation from the Satans. He unrolled it, reading Sirzechs's elegant script:
Algernon Azeroth, Head of the newly recognized Azeroth Clan,
The territory of the former Elias Clan is now yours by right of achievement. This land has remained unclaimed for five centuries due to its unstable magical conditions and the significant resources required for restoration.
Your first challenge as an independent noble house: tame this territory and restore it to habitability. Prove you can not only wield power in combat but also build something lasting. The Underworld watches with interest.
Success in this endeavor will demonstrate your worthiness to eventually seek Pillar status.
- Sirzechs Lucifer, on behalf of the Four Great Satans
Algernon allowed himself a smile. This wasn't punishment—it was opportunity. An established territory would come with political entanglements, existing power structures, nobles who'd resent his authority. This was a blank canvas, his to shape from the ground up.
"Kuroka, Vali, Issei—come forth."
Through the peerage bond, he summoned his three members. Crimson-black light flared as they materialized beside him, each responding instantly to his call.
Vali appeared first, his four pairs of blue-black wings unfurled, the mark of his Devil-Dragon hybrid nature enhanced by the mutation pieces. At Ultimate-Class, with Divine Dividing's Balance Breaker unlocked, he was a force that could challenge even Satan-Class opponents when pushed.
Issei materialized next, three pairs of red-black wings marking his growth. The past year of intensive training had pushed him to High-Class Peak, and while his Boosted Gear hadn't reached Balance Breaker yet, he'd mastered the foundational applications of his Longinus. The goofy teenager had become a capable warrior.
Kuroka appeared last, her four pairs of crimson-black wings shimmering with spatial distortions. Her Ultimate-Class power combined with her mastery of Senjutsu (85%), Youjutsu (90%), and spatial manipulation made her an invaluable strategic asset.
"Welcome to our new home," Algernon said, gesturing to the ruined landscape. "The Azeroth Clan's seat of power—or what will be, once we rebuild it."
Vali surveyed the ruins with analytical interest. "Ambitious. Most would see only rubble. You see potential."
Issei looked overwhelmed. "That's... a lot of rubble, King. Are we supposed to rebuild all of this?"
"Not alone," Algernon assured him. "I've planned for this."
Kuroka's ears twitched with amusement. "You've been scheming again, haven't you, boss? What did you do?"
"During my year fighting in the arenas, I did more than just earn recognition," Algernon explained. "I accumulated resources, made contacts, and secured agreements. The prize money from my victories, combined with what I'd saved over the years, gives us a substantial starting fund."
He pulled several items from his newly expanded inventory—a benefit of his clan establishment that had enhanced his system functions:
A Demonic Core, a dense crystal of concentrated magical energy capable of powering infrastructure for decades. "Vali, this will be your responsibility. We need to reactivate the territory's ley lines and stabilize the wild magic. Your understanding of power manipulation and your Divine Dividing's reflection ability make you perfect for channeling energy into the land itself."
Vali accepted the core with interest. "Interesting challenge. Terraforming through power distribution rather than destruction."
Next, Algernon produced a contract scroll sealed with official Underworld stamps. "During the tournament, I secured a contract with the Master Forgers—a cooperative of dwarven and cyclops craftsmen specializing in magical construction. They're expensive, but their work is legendary. Kuroka, you'll coordinate with them."
"Nyahaha~ So I get to boss around grumpy dwarves? This should be fun." Her golden eyes gleamed. "You want me to create a permanent spatial gate to their workshop?"
"Exactly. It'll allow for efficient resource transport and direct supervision. Your spatial manipulation is perfect for the task."
Finally, he manifested a crystalline storage cube. "This contains the materials I've accumulated—enchanted metals, rare woods, construction resources, everything we'll need for the initial phases. Issei, you'll manage logistics. Transporting materials where they're needed, coordinating with the construction crews."
Issei grinned, his Boosted Gear manifesting on his arm. "Awesome! I can use Boost to enhance my strength for heavy lifting, right?"
"That's the idea. This will also help you develop better control over extended Boost usage."
As his peerage began their assigned tasks, Algernon stood watching the ruins with calculating eyes. This wouldn't be quick—proper city construction took time, even with magic. But he had resources, skilled labor, and most importantly, a clear vision of what he wanted to build.
Three Months Later
The transformation was remarkable, if still incomplete.
Where once only ruins stood, the foundation of a new city was taking shape. The Master Forgers had proven their worth—their magically-enhanced construction techniques allowed them to work at speeds impossible for normal methods, while still maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic quality.
The central keep had risen first, built on the foundation of the old Elias clan castle. The Crimson Fortress, as Algernon had named it, was a masterwork of defensive architecture combined with symbolic power. Its walls were reinforced with enchanted metals that could withstand Ultimate-Class attacks, while the central tower incorporated a massive Demonic Core that served as both power source and defensive anchor.
Around the keep, the inner city was taking form. Wide streets paved with enchanted stone that would self-repair minor damage. Buildings constructed with magical sustainability in mind—climate control, waste disposal, water purification, all integrated into the infrastructure rather than added as afterthoughts.
Vali's work had stabilized the wild magic permeating the territory. By carefully channeling the Demonic Core's energy through the ley lines, he'd created a network of controlled magical flow that not only made the land safe but actually enhanced the ambient energy. Living here would naturally strengthen those with magical potential.
Kuroka's permanent spatial gate had proven invaluable. The Master Forgers could transport materials and workers instantly, dramatically improving efficiency. She'd also established several smaller gates throughout the construction site, allowing rapid movement between work zones.
Issei had grown into his role, developing a surprising talent for logistics coordination. His natural friendliness made him popular with the construction crews, and his ability to use Boosted Gear for heavy lifting made him indispensable for certain tasks.
But perhaps most importantly, word had spread.
The first arrivals came cautiously—low-class devils with no clan affiliation, seeking opportunity. Stray devils looking for a place to belong. Demons from branch houses tired of living in the shadows of main families. Even a few non-devil supernatural beings attracted by rumors of a merit-based society.
Algernon welcomed them all, with conditions: contribution to the community, adherence to established laws, and loyalty to the Azeroth Clan. In return, he offered something rare in devil society—the chance to rise based on ability rather than bloodline.
By the end of three months, Aethelgard had its first thousand residents.
Six Months After Claiming the Territory
The city had reached a critical milestone: basic self-sufficiency.
The infrastructure was complete enough to support the growing population. Residential districts housed the influx of new citizens. Commercial areas provided shops and services. Agricultural zones—magically enhanced to produce crops year-round—ensured food security.
The Crimson Fortress stood complete, its spires visible for miles. From its highest tower, Algernon looked out over his domain with satisfaction.
"Boss!" Kuroka's voice called from the doorway. "The academy construction is on schedule. Should be ready within two months."
Ah yes, the academy. That had been Algernon's most ambitious project yet.
The Azeroth Academy would be different from traditional devil educational institutions. Where noble schools focused on etiquette, politics, and bloodline abilities, his academy would teach practical combat skills, magical theory accessible to those without special bloodlines, strategic thinking, and personal development.
The curriculum was designed to create capable devils regardless of their starting point. Issei had actually suggested some of the coursework, drawing on his experience as someone who'd started from zero and built himself up through training.
"Good," Algernon said. "And the instructor positions?"
"Vali agreed to teach advanced combat, though he insists on brutal standards. Issei volunteered for basic combat and Sacred Gear theory. I'll handle Senjutsu and Youjutsu fundamentals." Kuroka's tail swished with satisfaction. "We're also recruiting external instructors—a few veteran Rating Game participants, some specialists in various magical disciplines."
"Excellent. Make sure they understand our philosophy: merit over bloodline, results over politics."
As Kuroka departed to continue preparations, Algernon returned his attention to the city below. In just six months, they'd transformed ruins into the foundation of something lasting.
Population had grown to five thousand—a mix of low and mid-class devils, with a handful of high-class individuals drawn by opportunity. The diversity was remarkable: branch house members seeking independence, former servants wanting better opportunities, even a few disgraced nobles trying to rebuild their lives.
More importantly, a culture was developing. People weren't just living here—they were investing in the city, in the clan, in the vision Algernon represented. Merit-based advancement meant anyone could rise, which created a hungry, ambitious population eager to prove themselves.
The Azeroth Clan was becoming real, not just as a political entity but as a community.
Nine Months In - Academy Opening Day
The Azeroth Academy stood on the city's northern edge, a sprawling campus designed to accommodate hundreds of students. Its architecture blended traditional devil aesthetics with practical functionality—training grounds, lecture halls, residential facilities, specialized workshops for various magical disciplines.
Opening day had drawn attention from across the Underworld. An academy that accepted students based on potential rather than pedigree was controversial. Conservative nobles saw it as undermining tradition. Progressive voices praised it as long-overdue reform.
Algernon stood at a podium before the first class of students—two hundred young devils, ages ranging from children to young adults, all selected based on magical potential and desire to learn.
"Welcome to the Azeroth Academy," he began, his voice carrying authority. "You're here because you showed potential, not because of your family name. Some of you are from branch houses. Others are clan-less. A few are former strays seeking redemption."
He let that sink in, watching their varied reactions.
"Here, none of that matters. What matters is what you become. The instructors will push you hard. The standards are high. But if you meet them, you'll leave here as capable combatants, skilled magic users, and strategic thinkers."
Algernon gestured to where Vali, Issei, and Kuroka stood. "Your primary instructors are members of my peerage. They've achieved their power through training and determination, not inheritance. They'll teach you to do the same."
Over the following months, the academy proved its worth. Students pushed beyond what they'd thought possible. Vali's brutal combat training forged capable fighters. Issei's enthusiastic teaching style made complex concepts accessible. Kuroka's patient instruction in advanced magic opened new possibilities.
More importantly, graduates began making names for themselves. Some joined Rating Game teams. Others took positions in various devil organizations. A few even earned recognition from Pillar clans based purely on demonstrated skill.
The Azeroth Academy became proof that Algernon's philosophy worked.
One Year After Territory Claim
Algernon stood atop the Crimson Fortress, surveying his accomplishment.
Aethelgard had grown into a proper city—twenty thousand residents, bustling commerce, functioning infrastructure, and the academy producing capable graduates every season. The ruins were gone, replaced by a thriving community that existed as living proof that merit could triumph over bloodline.
(END OF CHAPTER)
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