The mourning banners still hung across the Valvas estate when six of the most powerful devils in the Underworld gathered in its grand audience hall.
Outside, the skies above the Bael territory burned crimson as evening descended.
Within the hall sat Darius Valvas, the legendary Sword Saint, beside his wife Clara Valvas. Standing near them were Grayfia Lucifuge, her silver hair glimmering under the blue lantern light, and the guests: Zekram Bael, Andrew Agares, and Serafall Leviathan.
The Council of Six
The air itself seemed to hold its breath.
Zekram Bael's deep voice broke the silence first.
"Alex and Jessica's deaths cannot go unanswered. But the child's safety comes first. The Naberius clan will surely try again."
Andrew Agares nodded, fists clenched.
"My sister's son carries the blood of three great houses. He'll be targeted—perhaps even used as a pawn in politics."
Serafall leaned back, her usual cheerful tone subdued.
"Maybe... we could hide him in the human world? Japan's a good option. The barrier networks there are strong."
Grayfia shook her head firmly.
"Roy belongs to the Valvas family. Sending him away now would only scar him more."
Clara sighed softly.
"He has already lost everything. I can't bear to send him off alone again."
The debate rose and fell, power signatures flickering with every word—Saturn-class energy saturating the room like a storm barely contained.
A Sudden Surge
Then it happened.
A pressure swept through the mansion—thick, fiery, divine.
The floor trembled. Every devil in the hall turned their gaze toward the east wing—Roy's chambers.
"This aura—!" Grayfia gasped.
"It's Roy," Darius said, eyes widening. "His devil power is skyrocketing!"
From medium-class to high-class, the boy's aura climbed in seconds, stabilized, then flared again—sharp, controlled, refined.
Zekram's lips curved into a rare smile.
"Heh... seems your grandson inherited your spirit, Darius."
Clara's eyes glistened with pride.
"Our little Roy..."
Serafall placed a hand over her heart, cheeks pink.
"He's amazing... just like—" She bit her lip, cutting herself off before the others noticed the blush spreading across her face.
Grayfia, standing quietly beside her, hid her own reddened cheeks behind a neutral mask.
"Of course he is... he's our Roy."
The Challenge
Moments later, Roy entered the hall—calm, composed, his crimson-gold eyes shining.
He bowed respectfully.
"Grandfather. Everyone. I thank you for worrying about me... but I have a request."
Darius raised an eyebrow.
"Speak, boy."
"I want permission to destroy the Naberius clan."
The hall fell silent. Zekram's expression darkened. Clara gasped. Even Serafall looked uncertain.
Andrew stood up.
"Roy, you're strong—but nowhere near ready. Revenge will only destroy you."
Roy met their gazes without flinching.
"Then test me. If I can defeat Grandfather in a duel, you'll agree to let me pursue my vengeance. If I lose, I'll train until you say otherwise."
The sheer determination in his voice silenced even Zekram Bael.
Darius chuckled softly.
"So that's your answer, eh? Very well, my grandson. Draw your blade."
The Duel of Fire and Steel
The training arena behind the mansion exploded in brilliance as Ryūjin Jakka ignited—flames scorching the marble floor.
Darius drew his own blade, an ancient devil-forged sword that once split the heavens during the Civil War.
For an instant, two generations of Valvas stood opposite one another—the Sword Saint and the Reincarnated Devil.
"Show me your resolve, Roy!"
"I will, Grandfather!"
Their swords met—fire against light.
Each strike carried the force to shatter mountains. Elemental storms swirled around them—wind, lightning, and molten flame merging into one.
For every swing Darius made, Roy matched it, his control perfect, his power shockingly stable.
The flames of Ryūjin Jakka roared, and even the barriers reinforced by Zekram cracked under the sheer heat.
Minutes felt like hours.
When the final blow came, both blades halted inches from each other's throats.
"Draw," Darius said, smiling through the steam.
"Draw," Roy echoed, panting but grinning.
Aftermath
When the battle ended, the guests departed—each whispering about the reborn genius of the Valvas line.
Only Darius, Clara, Zekram, and Grayfia remained in the silent arena.
Clara turned toward her husband.
"Tell me truthfully, Darius... how much power did you use?"
Darius exhaled slowly.
"Transcendental level."
The words hung in the air like a divine decree.
Zekram's eyes widened in disbelief; even Grayfia froze.
"Then..." Clara whispered, trembling between pride and shock.
"Yes," Darius said, looking toward the door where Roy had left. "He withstood it."
Zekram nodded, a proud smile breaking through his stoic façade.
"That boy... he'll shake the Underworld someday. But for now—this must remain a secret. No one outside the Valvas family can know his true power."
"Agreed," Darius said.
"Agreed," Clara echoed.
"Understood," Grayfia bowed.
The four exchanged solemn looks. Above them, the night sky over the Valvas estate burned brighter than ever—heralding the rise of a new storm in the Underworld.