Shirou blinked at the Devil King's words, straightening slightly as he felt the weight behind Sirzechs' calm tone. "A proposal?"
Sirzechs nodded, his smile now tempered with something sharper—intention. "Yes. It's clear your peerage is powerful, loyal, and… functional, in a way most newly reincarnated groups rarely are. And you've made it equally clear you don't want handouts or outside interference."
He folded his hands atop his knee. "So, I'd like to offer a solution that benefits us both."
Ajuka tilted his head slightly but said nothing, curious.
Sirzechs continued, tone smoothly diplomatic. "I can arrange for legal identities for each of your peerage—complete with proper registration and cover stories. But not just as civilians. As members of the Kuoh community."
Shirou narrowed his eyes slightly. "You mean… jobs?"
"Exactly. Most of you have abilities or knowledge that would be welcome in either Kuoh Academy or Kuoh University. For instance…"
He glanced at Romani. "If you had truly held a doctorate, we could place you as the Academy's part-time nurse. The current one is ready to retire."
Romani let out a soft, groaning sigh. "I knew it. I knew it the moment I said I knew—"
Florence's eyes gleamed. "Perfect. I'll assist him as an intern until I've updated myself with modern medical protocols."
Romani slouched. "I suddenly miss the apocalypse."
Sirzechs chuckled and continued. "Some of your more combat-focused companions—Achilles, Sigurd, Yan Qing—can help manage the Emiya dojo, which, if I recall, was once a well-known martial arts center in the area."
Shirou blinked as he remembered he, in fact, owned a dojo. "Wait… that old thing?"
Ajuka chimed in, finally. "The property is legally zoned for use as a private training hall. We could get it re-licensed within the week. If your group accepts supernatural clients, you'll find no shortage of interest."
Sirzechs added, "In fact, I'd be happy to help with that. And in exchange…" He met Shirou's gaze directly. "I'd like your peerage to assist my sister."
Shirou straightened. "You want us to work with Rias?"
"I want you to help her grow. Train her and her peerage. Sparring partners. Support. And…" he added, with only the faintest edge of command beneath his words, "I'd like to know we can count on you if things become… unstable."
Ajuka's voice followed smoothly. "This territory is Rias and Sona's, after all. If you're going to hold this much power, we need to be certain you won't isolate yourself when others come knocking."
Shirou exhaled slowly. "So you want us to be unofficial protectors."
Sirzechs' smile deepened. "Let's call it allies. Trusted neighbors. Not bound by law… but by respect."
Shirou looked to his peerage.
Florence, ever composed, nodded. "I accept."
Romani groaned again, but shrugged. "You know I'm in."
Achilles was already stretching. "Yes, to training. I live for that."
Karna, Arjuna, and Sigurd all gave calm nods. Yan Qing smiled as if it were obvious.
Shirou's chest felt warm and full, and maybe just a little burdened—but not in a bad way.
He turned to Sirzechs and nodded once, firm. "We accept."
Sirzechs stood with grace, reaching out to shake Shirou's hand. "Welcome to Kuoh, Shirou Emiya. I look forward to seeing what your legend becomes."
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Once the agreement was settled and the atmosphere less tense, the conversation turned more instructional. The last of the tea had been poured, and Sirzechs leaned back in his seat, fingers laced calmly over his knee.
"Now that you're officially Devils," he said, "it's only fair you understand how advancement works in Devil society—beyond your current standing."
Shirou tilted his head. "Rias mentioned promotion was possible, but not how."
Ajuka took over, his voice level and matter-of-fact. "There are three main ways for Devils to gain power and rise through the ranks."
He lifted a finger. "First, through contracting—fulfilling wishes for humans. It's the traditional path and the slowest. Every successful contract builds a Devil's reputation and influence. The more satisfied your clients, the faster your points rise."
Florence nodded once. "Transactional and grounded. That's manageable."
Ajuka lifted a second finger. "Second, through military accomplishments—defeating powerful threats, especially those from the other factions. Angels, Fallen Angels, even Stray Devils. However, due to the current truce, opportunities for this route are rare and politically complicated."
Achilles made a disappointed sound. "So, no heroics for now."
Ajuka ignored him.
"And third," he said, lifting his final finger, "the Rating Game. An organized system of combat between peerages—watched, judged, and broadcast. Performing well in these matches increases prestige and social standing. Most modern Devils rise through this method."
Romani raised an eyebrow. "So it's a structured PvP ladder."
"Essentially," Ajuka replied with a shrug. "And very lucrative, politically."
Sirzechs sipped his tea. "There are also—regrettably—downsides to being a Devil, which I suspect Rias didn't emphasize."
The room quieted as all eyes returned to him. "Devils, even reincarnated ones, are spiritually opposed to anything connected to the Biblical God's system—this includes churches, holy objects, sacred swords, and sacred gears with divine energy. Exposure causes intense pain, paralysis, or even death. Holy water, crosses, even prayer can harm you. Especially if you come into direct contact with purified scripture or exorcist tools."
Florence frowned. "What about sunlight? I felt drowsy when I woke up, which is unlike me."
Ajuka tapped the table. "Sunlight drains energy slowly but steadily. It won't kill you, though."
Romani furrowed his brow. "That's… inconvenient."
Sirzechs gave a sympathetic smile. "It's survivable."
Ajuka nodded, then added, "There is one more thing. A quirk that comes with Devil-kind. Every Devil, new or old, is governed—consciously or subconsciously—by one of the Seven Deadly Sins."
Romani's brows lifted. "That sounds… ominous."
"It varies from person to person," Ajuka said. "Some Sins are overt—like Lust for that boy Issei Hyoudou. Others are subtle, like Pride or Envy. But the Sin influences behavior, emotions, even magic. It's best to identify yours early."
Arjuna's eyes narrowed. "So, we're bound by a flaw."
Ajuka tilted his head. "More like a shadow cast by your nature. Learn to manage it, and you won't be ruled by it."
Shirou's expression shifted slightly, quiet with thought. "And what about us?"
Ajuka leaned forward just slightly, curiosity glinting behind his gaze. "That's the interesting part."
He reached toward the edge of the Evil Piece box, fingers hovering above the remaining white Pawn pieces. "Your Evil Pieces… are different. White. And unlike any recorded set I have made. I don't feel the usual pull—no distinct heaviness, no taint of demonic impulse. Which is… unique."
Romani folded his arms. "You're saying we might not be as influenced by the usual weakness?"
Ajuka nodded slowly. "Possibly. But that's something I'll need to confirm once I study the sample Shirou agreed to give me."
Karna stepped forward slightly, tone thoughtful. "You said each Devil is governed by a Sin. What about you?"
Ajuka smiled faintly. "Greed. Naturally."
Sirzechs chuckled beside him. "Mine's Pride. Though it's taken centuries to master."
Romani hummed. "Then I suppose we'll see what shadows we brought with us."
Shirou exhaled, gaze falling on the white pieces in the box. "Let's hope they don't define us."
Ajuka leaned forward slightly, tapping a finger against the table once. "Now, you've heard the burdens. Let's not ignore the benefits."
He gestured to the group. "Being a Devil has its drawbacks, but it also grants you access to an array of natural enhancements and spellwork that very few other beings can tap into so freely."
Romani crossed his arms, curious. "Such as?"
Ajuka ticked off the points smoothly, as if reciting a clinical report. "First, physical enhancement. You'll all notice by now—your strength, stamina, agility, reflexes, even senses like hearing and vision—are already above normal levels. This is a passive upgrade that came with your transformation. Devils can also see clearly in darkness—a natural consequence of our nocturnal affinity."
Achilles flexed his fingers with a grin. "That explains why I felt faster."
Ajuka nodded. "Additionally, all Devils have the power of flight through our wings. Yours should manifest once you attune to them fully. The wings can retract at will—vanishing entirely when not in use."
Arjuna raised a brow. "And they are necessary for aerial mobility, I assume?"
"Indeed," Sirzechs answered with a soft smile. "They're more than decorative. Aerial combat is quite common in the supernatural world."
Ajuka continued. "Devils also possess a passive skill called Language. It's a universal comprehension spell. Anything you say will be understood in the language most familiar to the listener—and vice versa. That includes human speech, supernatural dialects, and even some beastfolk tongues."
Romani blinked. "So, we're real-time translators now?"
Florence sipped her tea. "Efficient."
Ajuka tapped once more. "And beyond that, you'll gain access to a variety of basic Devil magic. These include—"
He gestured toward a small, flickering sigil that formed mid-air as he spoke. "—Transportation, binding, summoning, elemental control, appearance manipulation, illusion, and more. The more skilled you become, the more you'll refine and customize these."
Sirzechs added kindly, "Rias and Sona can teach you the basic frameworks. Most Devils start with elemental alignment—learning one or two affinities before branching out."
Yan Qing raised a hand. "Would it be rude to ask what determines a Devil's affinity?"
Ajuka smiled. "Not rude. Affinities are shaped by a Devil's emotional stability, magical reserve type, and internal disposition. Yours will likely differ due to your origins."
Romani sighed. "You mean more study."
"You'll be fine," Florence replied coolly. "I'll quiz you."
Ajuka gave a final nod. "You may not be bound by the usual demonic impulses due to your altered Pieces… but that doesn't mean you're exempt from the structure. The Underworld has rules."
Shirou exhaled, nodding. "And we'll follow them. Just… in our own way."
Sirzechs chuckled, the last of the tea swirling in his cup. "You're going to be very interesting, Shirou Emiya."
Then, with a sigh, Sirzechs stood, his coat flowing gently behind him as he offered one final nod. "I'll inform Rias and Sona of the arrangement. Your registration to Devil society will be handled later today."
Ajuka, meanwhile, approached the low table and gently lifted the remaining white Pawn Piece from the box, holding it up to the light. The surface shimmered faintly, almost like marble and glass interwoven.
"I'll begin studying this immediately," he said. "No tampering—only observation. I'll send a report once I understand the difference."
Shirou inclined his head. "Thank you."
Ajuka gave him one last calculating look—half curiosity, half admiration—and then the two Maou stepped out together.
The front door clicked shut behind them.
For a long moment, Shirou remained standing near the center of the room, gaze fixed on the empty teacups and faint magical residue still clinging to the air. Then, with a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair and muttered:
"I really should've… looked into this more before turning all of you into Devils."
There was a beat of silence and then Achilles walked up behind him and ruffled his hair, grinning. "Don't be dramatic, Master. You're starting to sound like Romani."
"Hey," Romani grumbled.
Yan Qing leaned around from Shirou's other side, lightly poking his temple. "You worry too much. You asked. We answered and chose."
Florence placed a steady hand on Shirou's arm. "Nothing has changed, Shirou. You gave us life, and now you're doing everything you can to make it livable. That's more than enough."
Karna nodded solemnly. "You gave us agency. That matters."
Arjuna, arms crossed but voice steady, added, "You let us choose our purpose again. Whatever happens from here—that is something we own."
Romani, leaning against the wall, smirked faintly. "Besides, judging by what we've seen of Ajuka's curiosity, you've already become his favorite mystery. He's not going to break your toys."
Shirou finally let out a relieved breath, the tension in his shoulders easing. He offered a sheepish smile. "Thanks. All of you."
There was a collective nod, a comfortable silence stretching between them.
Then Shirou clapped his hands together. "Alright. Enough heavy talk. We've got a full day ahead. First stop: clothes."
Achilles whooped.
"Already excited," Romani groaned. "Can't we eat again instead?"
"You just ate," Florence said flatly. "You'll live."
Shirou chuckled. "I still have some of my dad's old clothes, if anyone wants to try before we go. Might be a decent temporary fix."
Sigurd glanced down at himself. "If there's anything with less armor, I'd appreciate it."
Romani nodded sagely. "I've got my Chaldean clothes, so I'm good."
Achilles clapped his hands. "Let's go. I'm calling dibs on anything orange."
Florence raised a brow. "You wear orange. You're going to look like a stop sign."
Yan Qing smirked. "Perfect. That way he'll be easy to avoid."
The laughter that followed was warm, genuine—and for the first time since their arrival, light.
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