Chapter 112: Chapter 90. Night Before the Nightmare
The atmosphere on the rooftop thickened, tension crackling through the air like a live wire. It felt like the entire world was holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable explosion.
"Wow… My family is full of criminals, huh? The old man would be proud to see that I can 'fix' them." Satria mused internally, though his expression remained unreadable.
"Is that true, Kiyohime-san?" Fatalis asked her sister's wife, her voice steady but filled with quiet intensity. Even if the accusations were true, that didn't mean she was going to side with the devils.
Kiyohime scoffed. "Hmph! Is self-defense a crime now? Blame your kind for trespassing into my domain. It's a fitting punishment for the trash that tried to turn me into their slave."
Sirzechs' gaze hardened. "Do you understand the gravity of your actions? Killing a pure-blooded noble is an act of war against us. I bear no personal grudge, but your crime cannot go unpunished. The laws of the Underworld demand judgment."
"And if she refuses to be judged by your laws?" Fatalis asked, her expression darkening, hostility flaring against the devil race.
Sirzechs' answer was simple.
"Then… you leave me no choice."
The air around him shimmered, the sheer weight of his power pressing against them. A crimson aura of Destruction crackled around his raised hand, warping the space itself.
"Oi, oi, don't tell me you're gonna fight here?!" Azazel exclaimed, alarmed. He could already see the situation spiraling into disaster.
Satria's side was already on high alert. Fatalis and Crom Cruach stood firm, their own power flaring in defiance. Sparks of energy crackled between them, the pressure of their combined strength distorting the very air.
Zeoticus' eyes widened in shock. "It can't be…" He knew this power. A force feared by countless races across the world.
"D-Dragon…?"
"Sweetheart, stop this!" Venelana called out to her son, desperate to prevent the coming catastrophe. "Think about your surroundings!"
"Such power…" Serafall paled. "Sirzechs-chan, STOP IT! This city cannot withstand your full strength! If you clash here, it'll lead to a disaster!" Not only that—if the Shinto Pantheon sensed an imbalance in their land, they might ban the devils from entering their territory altogether.
Sirzechs remained unfazed. His gaze flicked back to Satria.
"Boy, make your decision now. Will you stand as our ally, or as our enemy? Hand over the criminal before it's too late!" His voice was measured, but cautious. There was something about this human that unsettled him. 'Why is he so relaxed? Does he not fear me? Just… what is he?'
But before Satria could answer, Fatalis let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
"You hypocritical bastard. To hell with your so-called 'law'! Are you the type of leader who only cares about his own people, blind to everything else? How many innocent souls have you dragged into your twisted games? How many have you turned into your eternal pets—like that perverted Red Dragon brat?!" She jabbed a finger at him before flipping him off.
"Shut up!" Sirzechs' aura flared dangerously. "You know nothing about our race! It was necessary! After the Great War, our numbers dwindled—we had no choice but to take drastic measures to ensure our survival!"
"Bullshit!" Crom Cruach stepped forward, his draconic aura intensifying. "I may not know everything about devils, but I do know this—you're greedy, power-hungry assholes who only care about yourselves. Take that Red Dragon brat, for example. Don't act like you won't throw him away when he's no longer useful."
"W-What? We would never—"
"Liar."
Kiyohime's voice cut through the tension like a blade.
Sirzechs froze.
"I can hear it," she continued, her golden eyes glowing ominously. "Your heartbeat. The way it wavers. Your words say one thing, but your body betrays the truth."
A heavy silence fell.
Then, Sirzechs chuckled.
It started as a quiet laugh… then grew into something dark.
"Heh… Heh… Hahaha… AHAHAHAHA!" His laughter echoed across the rooftop before he leveled them with a gaze colder than the depths of Hell.
"Enough. I'm done playing nice with you." His voice was like steel. "Did you really expect devils to behave like saints? Hand over the criminal…" His power surged, waves of destruction rolling off him like a living storm. "Or face the Wrath of Sirzechs Lucifer."
Serafall took a deep breath, trying to ease the growing hostility in the air. "You need to calm your friends down before something truly regrettable happens, and that goes for you too, Sirzechs-chan." Her tone was firm yet gentle, her concern genuine. "Emotions won't change anything. It's a bad idea to antagonize us, Shin-kun. If you cooperate, I promise your friends will be safe under my watch. We'll make sure she gets the best care."
There was something about this young man that intrigued her—his strength, his confidence… and the unwavering loyalty of the women around him. Who was he to them?
Satria's face darkened, his expression unreadable yet heavy with meaning.
"This is where you went wrong, Serafall.." His voice carried the weight of unshakable conviction. "I am not some naive fool you can buy with empty assurances. You disappoint me." His sharp gaze locked onto her. "Not only do you turn a blind eye to slavery, but you protect those who abuse their power. Let me make something clear—my family would rather be destroyed than surrender one of our own to the enemy!"
Then, the world trembled.
A surge of Conqueror's Aura erupted from Satria, a crushing wave of sheer willpower rippling outward. The air crackled violently, unseen forces distorting space itself.
CRACK!
The ground beneath him fractured. Trees splintered. Buildings shattered. An invisible shockwave surged through the city, sending tremors through the earth.
One by one, weaker individuals collapsed, their eyes rolling back as they fell into unconsciousness, unable to withstand his sheer presence.
And then—
He vanished.
No—he was moving.
To the untrained eye, it looked as if Satria and his clone had disappeared, but in reality, they had scattered at impossible speed.
In an instant, he reached the residential districts, evacuating entire neighborhoods. Families who had been in danger found themselves suddenly standing in safe zones, dazed but unharmed.
And just as swiftly, he returned.
Back at the battlefield, the devastation was evident.
From the Gremory side, Venelana was the first to fall, unable to resist the overwhelming force. Zeoticus barely held on, his vision swimming as he teetered on the edge of consciousness.
"M-Mother—!!"
Sirzechs gritted his teeth, struggling against the immense weight pressing down on him. He could barely breathe.
"You… What are you?!" His voice wavered, equal parts rage and disbelief. "Are you seriously declaring war on us?!"
Satria met his gaze without hesitation.
"It depends on your actions... If your faction keeps being an asshole and prefers war as solution, then we shall give it to them!!!"
There was no doubt, no fear—only certainty.
Sirzechs felt his heart pound. This isn't normal. This isn't human. What the hell is he?!
Serafall's breath hitched.
"Impossible… No human should possess this kind of power and aura. How… How did he reach this level?!"
Even Azazel, a seasoned warrior, felt a chill run down his spine.
"This pressure… This sheer presence… I haven't felt anything like this since the old man." He swallowed hard, a rare moment of unease settling in his gut.
Meanwhile, among Satria's allies—
Crom Cruach's lips curled into a smirk, her golden eyes gleaming with something primal.
"Ah… I finally understand. The reason they are so loyal to him." Her respect transformed into something deeper—devotion.
Kiyohime, nestled close to her husband, smiled.
"Danna-sama did all this… for me?" A warm, possessive glow filled her heart. "Hehe~ I was right to choose him as my life companion. I will never let him go."
Meanwhile, Fatalis had the most smug grin on her face.
"Hehe~ Panik gak? Panik gak? Panik lah! My beloved husband is a boss. Senggol dong!"
Before tensions could explode, Azazel took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"Enough."
His voice carried authority, cutting through the hostility like a blade.
"Sirzechs, have you forgotten why we're here?" His golden eyes narrowed. "We came here for a peace treaty—not to start another war. And from what I'm hearing, it was your side that attacked her first."
A heavy silence followed.
Sirzechs clenched his fists but slowly exhaled.
"…You may be right." His crimson aura dimmed, the suffocating pressure easing as he finally relented. "I apologize for my impulsive actions… and for mistreating your family."
Satria nodded, also lowering his aura.
"You should have done that from the start."
Without hesitation, he pulled Kiyohime into his lap, his arms securely wrapped around her. His voice was firm but soft, filled with unwavering devotion.
"She is my first love. Even if the world turns against her—I will stand by her side, no matter the cost."
Kiyohime's heart swelled. Her arms wrapped around him, her voice dripping with affection.
"Danna-sama~ You're my everything, too. I love you."
Her radiant smile only made the women around them seethe with jealousy.
Azazel chuckled, a sly grin playing on his lips as he observed the young man before him. "Well, well~ she's one lucky lady to have you, Shin-kun. It's rare to meet youngsters of your caliber in this world."
Extending a hand, he continued, "I've heard of you and your achievements. Charismatic, strong, brave, humorous, creative, and even an entrepreneur. No wonder my tomboyish daughter took an interest in you." His golden eyes gleamed with amusement. "It's an honor to finally meet you. Perhaps… we could even be allies after this?"
Satria smirked, exuding a cool confidence as he clasped the handshake firmly. "Sure, why not? Though… who's this 'daughter' you're talking about?"
Azazel's grin widened. "Valiana. The White Dragon Emperor. But listen, don't call her 'Empress'—and for the love of everything holy, never call her 'Princess.' Trust me, you'll experience hell if you do."
Satria raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? I never knew she had a Fallen Angel for a father." He leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "As for Valiana… she's the kind of woman who possesses a strong sense of self—someone who refuses to be defined by others. Fiercely independent, unyielding in the face of adversity. She never backs down from a challenge. She's strong, resilient, and completely authentic."
Azazel blinked. His playful grin vanished, replaced by genuine shock.
"You…" His eye twitched. "How far have you gone with my daughter?!"
In a flash, he grabbed Satria's shoulders and started shaking him violently.
"Tell me everything! Spill it! Right now!"
Satria's composure shattered as his body flailed under Azazel's grip. "What the heck, old man?! I—I don't know what you're talking about!"
"Liar! No one describes a woman that vividly unless they've at least held hands under the moonlight!"
"I SWEAR, LET ME GO!"
Crom Cruach and Fatalis, watching from the sidelines, were doubled over with laughter.
Meanwhile, Kiyohime frowned, possessively wrapping her arms around Satria. "Danna-sama is mine, no matter how many admirers he has."
Azazel finally released him with a sigh. "Tch. Fine. But I'm watching you, brat."
Satria exhaled, fixing his collar. "Damn… do all dads interrogate potential sons-in-law like this?"
Azazel smirked. "Oh, you have no idea."
•
Satria's clone stood at a distance, casually flipping through a well-worn copy of Jiraiya's novel, completely unbothered by the suffering taking place in front of him.
"Are you always this weak, Kazuma?" he asked without even glancing up.
Meanwhile, buried waist-deep in dirt and surrounded by broken trees, Satou Kazuma lay sprawled on the forest floor, panting like a dying animal. His entire body ached from the relentless, hellish training Satria had put him through.
"Yes, yes! Sorry for being weak, Mr. Overpowered Harem Protagonist!" Kazuma snapped, waving a limp hand. "C-Can we rest for a second? I—I don't wanna die, man."
His whole body screamed in agony, and more than anything, he regretted every life decision that led to this moment.
'What part of him is a good teacher?! Kuroneko is a liar! Or does this guy just go easy on girls?! Damn it!'
Satria sighed, strolling over while cracking his knuckles. "As people say—'No pain, no gain.' And this? This is just the beginning."
With a casual wave of his hand, Kazuma's injuries disappeared, healed instantly.
"Now that you're good as new… GET UP, YOU WORTHLESS TRASH!"
"YES, SIR!!!" Kazuma sprang to his feet, saluting like a soldier.
Inside, though, he was screaming.
'SHIT, SHIT, SHIT!! This is literally military training! Note to self: NEVER ask for training from this MADMAN again!'
Satria smirked approvingly. "Good answer, soldier. Now, listen up. It's not just about brute strength. It's about understanding your power and using it with purpose."
Kazuma gulped. That sounded way too ominous.
"And now, we're going to unlock 'The Hood.' So… prepare yourself."
Kazuma's stomach dropped.
Satria picked up a random stone and flicked it.
CRACK—BOOM!!!
The moment it left his fingers, the entire forest trembled. The stone tore through the air like a meteorite, leaving behind a trail of pure devastation. Trees were obliterated, boulders split like paper, and the ground cracked beneath the sheer force.
Kazuma's soul attempted to flee his body.
His eyes widened as he stared at the aftermath. "T-T-THAT WAS JUST A STONE?!?!"
Satria turned to him, smiling as if he hadn't just casually performed nature's equivalent of a tactical missile strike.
"Ever learned physics?" he asked casually. "You should know Einstein's equation: E = mc²."
Kazuma gulped. "...Y-Yeah?"
Satria grinned. "E stands for energy, m stands for mass, and c² represents the speed of light squared. Fortunately for you, I'm one of the few people who can apply this theory in real life."
Kazuma turned pale. This wasn't training—THIS WAS A DEATH SENTENCE.
"C-C-Can I resign?" Kazuma squeaked, frantically searching for an escape. "I-I'm not feeling well today, Satria-sensei."
Satria's smile widened. His eyes sparkled with pure, unfiltered sadism.
"Nope~" he chirped. "You were the one who requested this, remember? So get ready for a very special training session from your handsome and kind teacher."
Kazuma's survival instincts kicked in.
"NOOOOOO!!! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!!"
His desperate screams echoed through the forest.
But there was no escape.
•
"Soon… the ones who wronged you shall face judgment, especially the Church that condemned us."
A chilling whisper floated through the dimly lit chamber.
Across the room, a member of the Old Devil Faction narrowed his eyes at the deranged figure. "Are you sure you want to bring this madman into our mission, Katarea?"
Katarea gave a wicked grin. "Why not? He is nothing but a pawn. When he's no longer useful, we'll discard him like the trash he is."
The air grew heavy with dark magic as the sinister man gazed at the moon through a broken window.
His eyes burned with a mix of madness and sorrow.
"Jeanne…" His whisper carried through the wind. "My dear, sweet Jeanne…"
A blonde girl in the hall flinched at the sound of her own name.
"Do you know him?" a fellow member asked, glancing between her and the stranger. "He seems… obsessed to you."
Another laughed mockingly. "Who would have thought that a descendant of the Saint of Orleans would attract such a freak?"
Jeanne's face twisted in disgust. "No! I don't want anything to do with freaks like him! Stop saying my name with your filthy mouth!"
The sinister sorcerer turned, stepping closer.
With a wave of his hand, grotesque nightmarish creatures twisted into existence, their forms warped and shrieking as they clawed at the air.
"D-D-Don't come any closer…" Jeanne stammered, her heart pounding.
A flick of his wrist sent black tendrils coiling around her, tightening with every breath she took.
Tears streaked down his cheeks as he gazed at her with a twisted devotion. "She was the only light in my life… An ugly woman like you doesn't deserve to bear her name."
His voice softened, almost melancholic. "Without her, I am but a shadow, lost in an endless night. But one day, we will meet again… and she will grant me absolution."
Jeanne struggled, gasping for air. "L-Let me go! Or I swear—I'll kill you, you ugly son of a—!"
She tried to activate her Sacred Gear, but the dark bindings crushed her efforts, sealing her magic away.
"No… no! Someone—please save me from this freak!"
A muscular man, restrained by the same writhing tendrils, thrashed in place. "Oi! Leave her alone, bastard! Damn these things—!"
The sorcerer turned his gaze to the hall.
"Watch me, Jeanne…" His lips curled into an unhinged grin. "I shall punish this pretender for daring to wear your sacred name!"
A spectator smirked from the sidelines. "Oi, Cao Cao. You're just gonna let this happen?"
The leader of the Hero Faction barely looked up. "Why should I waste my energy? If she is weak, she is of no use to me."
"NOOOO!!!" Jeanne screamed, squeezing her eyes shut, bracing herself for the end.
Then—
A flash of destruction ripped through the air, shattering the monstrous creatures in an instant.
The Ouroboros Dragon stepped forward.
All eyes turned to her.
With an effortless wave, she dispelled the dark energy around Jeanne, letting her collapse to the ground.
Silence.
For a moment, the mad sorcerer simply stared at her, as if locked in a trance.
Then… he turned away, grinning.
Consumed by madness, yet driven by a twisted sense of purpose, he vanished into the shadows.
And tomorrow…
He would unleash true horror upon this world.
To be continued...