"Thank you for waiting. The Demon Lords are ready to receive you."
The doors to the hall swung open, and a line of servants entered with practiced grace.
At last, the formal ceremony was about to begin.
"Don't worry, Asia. Just stick close to me," Tenra whispered, squeezing her hand.
Asia nodded, her smile blooming like sunlight after rain. "Okay, Tenra-san."
The chatter faded as all the young devils and their peerages followed the servants into a grand, stately hall. The atmosphere shifted—solemn, expectant. On the high dais sat a row of elderly devils, each one a power broker of the Underworld.
At the center, four figures commanded every gaze:
Sirzechs Lucifer.
Serafall Leviathan.
Falbium Asmodeus.
Ajuka Beelzebub.
The four Demon Lords—names inherited from the originals, now the living symbols of the Underworld's order. Just their presence sent a thrill through the crowd; every young devil could feel the weight of history pressing down.
Tenra studied them all. Sirzechs and Serafall were familiar faces, but Falbium and Ajuka he'd only heard about. Ajuka, especially—another transcendent, just like Sirzechs.
An elderly devil, voice thick with authority, rose to address them. "Young devils, you've worked hard to get here. This assembly was convened so you can see, firsthand, the responsibilities you'll carry for the next generation."
Another, bearded and sardonic, chimed in: "Though I hear you started fighting the moment you arrived…"
Tenra felt a dozen eyes land on him, Seekvaira, and the still-recovering Jefard. He shrugged, innocent as could be—not his fault.
No one called them out by name, and soon the Demon Lords and dignitaries took turns with speeches—warnings, encouragement, reminders that the Underworld's future was in their hands. It felt exactly like a school principal's pep talk. Tenra stifled a yawn, fighting the urge to nod off.
Finally, Sirzechs stood, his voice warm and commanding. "Forgive us for lecturing so long. But all our dreams and hopes rest with you. Remember this: you are the treasures of the Underworld."
A ripple of emotion ran through the crowd.
"And now, I'd like to hear about your dreams. What does the future look like for each of you?"
The room buzzed with whispers. Sairaorg was first to step forward, chest out, voice ringing clear:
"My dream is to become a Demon Lord!"
The declaration drew gasps—even the elders couldn't help but take notice. Whether he could achieve it or not, just saying it aloud took guts.
Rias was next, her tone steady and proud. "I want to become the next head of the Gremory family—and win the Rating Games. And… there's someone I absolutely want to defeat, no matter what. I want to prove myself to him."
The first part was expected; the second, mysterious. Who did the Gremory princess want to defeat? Akeno and Yubelluna exchanged knowing glances, while Tenra rubbed his nose, exasperated and a little flattered. Even now, Rias's pride refused to yield. He wouldn't have her any other way.
One by one, the other young devils stepped up—some wanted to lead their families, some aimed for Demon Lord status, others dreamed of conquering angels and fallen angels to unite the world under devils. It was a parade of ambition, each more grandiose than the last.
Soon, only Sona Sitri and Tenra remained.
Tenra had no interest in grand declarations. His dreams were his own, meant to be lived, not announced. He planned to slip away quietly.
But Sona, seeing Tenra's silence, stepped forward with a deep breath. Her voice was calm, but her eyes burned with conviction.
"My dream is to build a school in the Underworld that teaches Rating Game strategy and knowledge."
A murmur of confusion ran through the elders.
"Isn't there already a school for that?" one asked, genuinely puzzled.
"There is," Sona replied evenly, "but only high-class devils and a privileged few are allowed to attend. I want to create a school where low-class and reincarnated devils can learn—without barriers."
Tenra could see where this was headed. He covered his forehead, bracing for impact.
Right on cue—
"Hahahaha!"
Laughter erupted from the elders—everyone except the Demon Lords. Scornful voices overlapped:
"Impossible!"
"What a dreamer!"
"Sitri's next head, spouting nonsense—good thing this is just a pre-debut meeting!"
The ridicule was open and vicious. Even some young devils looked at Sona as if she'd grown a second head.
In the Underworld, low-class and reincarnated devils were servants, pure-blooded high-class devils the true rulers. Sona's dream was a direct challenge to centuries of tradition and privilege—no wonder she faced mockery.
Yet Sona stood tall, face flushed but unbowed. Rias watched, conflicted—she'd never realized her friend harbored such ideals.
Suddenly, Serafall slammed the table, eyes blazing. "Hey, enough! Bully my Sona-chan again and I'll bully you right back!"
The tension spiked. The elders shrank back, but one old devil dared protest. "Leviathan-sama, your sister's dream is absurd. As Demon Lord, you're sworn to protect our families' honor and privileges. Have you forgotten?"
"I don't care! Anyone who bullies my Sona-chan is wrong!" Serafall shot back, stubborn as ever.
The hall was silent, everyone struggling to process the spectacle of the Demon Lord doting on her sister so openly.
Sona, for all her composure, now hung her head, cheeks burning. She was touched by her sister's support—but mortified all the same.
Serafall, not just stubborn but shrewd, added, "Fine—if Sona-chan wins in competition, you'll have nothing to say! Achieve good results, and anything's possible!"
Sirzechs nodded thoughtfully. "A good suggestion. How about we hold a competition—a pre-debut tournament for the young devils?"
Excitement rippled through the hall. For ambitious youth, a chance to shine before the Demon Lords and elders was a golden opportunity.
"Rias, Sona—let's have you two face off in the opening match," Sirzechs proposed, smiling.
The girls locked eyes, fierce determination sparking between them.
"Yes, Lucifer-sama!" they chorused.
It seemed the crisis had passed, the ceremony nearly over. But as Tenra tried to slip out with Ile and Nel, Sirzechs's gaze found him.
"Tenra-kun, everyone's shared their dreams except you. Won't you tell us yours?"
Tenra's mouth twitched. So much for escaping unnoticed…
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