World Rebellion

Shattering Pillar 10

We Finally Get Somewhere In This Story

It was a beautiful day outside dragons were proudly flying high in the night sky. The man-eating flowers had just started to bloom. Politicians were scheming now more than ever to gain more power. Oh and the 4 rulers of hell along with their subordinates had all gathered in a single mess hall to hear (judge) the dreams of the future generation.

Overall it was a perfect day to hold the youth gathering.

Yes on this fateful day the future generation of the underworld has been packed together into one single room for the simple purpose of being judged their image for the future and their ability to realize that image via a simple tournament.

Of course, that only what is on the surface of things. As devils, naturally they are a race that has to overcomplicate everything. Already heirs to the households are trying to build a connection with other households in an attempt to build connection, make alliances for the matches to come, Or maybe try to obtain information about the competition peerage and ability.

[The Sword Of Heaven] Isshiki

Nothing is going as it should be.

Those were the only real though coursing through my mind ever since Issei and I has returned from our training in the Dragons Valley. No long before even that. Not that this feeling is exactly new. After all, in the first place from the memory, I have gotten from my previous life in these sorts of fanfic extra Oc characters are always being added for no random reason but to be a rival. Plus ripples in the plot is to be expected from the massives waves I created alone.

This, however, is a complete overhaul. Riser rating game being later rather than sooner was within the realm of change. At least then I can scoff that off as a minor change that would allow me to be in the game itself. That guys Zaxan existence could at least be explained as a minor antagonist Oc. Xenovia death, however, should have never happened. I can think of no reason on why anyone would kill her off then of all times especially since they risk fighting an entire church and garnering heavens watchful eye in the process. After all, if you wanted to keep a low key existence than logic would dictate you don't garner the attention of the faction with followers and connections spread all over the world.

Ever since I failed to protect her. Things have been nothing but downhill. KH has stopped contacting me for some reason meaning I no longer get visions of changes in the future. And now I got hit with this little surprise.

Originally the youth gathering despite its name should have been only a gathering of 4-6 chosen high-class new blood devils and their respective peerages. This way the matches wouldn't be clogged up with more 'minor' events and showed the rest of the world (since the youth gathering is something that is publicly broadcasted) only the best the underworld had to offer.

Now, this, however, looks more like a full blown tournament. In the room alone right now there are probably anywhere from 10-20 high-class devils and their peerage. Most of them I am pretty sure are stronger than even Didoria Astaroth who seems to be chatting with another devil in the corner of the room no doubt scheming something.

On top of it all, I am pretty sure some of these guys are older than 21. Though if the rumor is true, then all of them are probably Riser rival that joined just for the chance to have a rematch with him. Naturally an official rating game would have solved that problem but apparently, the 3rd son of the Phenex family had halted his rating games career for an entire year now.

The only reason why the list of names to watch out for is not bigger is probably because the smaller more paranoid peerages are too afraid to challenge the already big cast of big names that here already.

Looking at a random corner of the room now. I can see my king long-term rival Sona chatting with one of Riser 'rivals' now. Looking a bit farther off I could see the rest of Sona peerage chatting with each other. From what I can tell they all got stronger. From my experience fighting with them during Kokabiel, I would say they were definitely weaker than us. However, now I feel as if we are definitely on equal ground. Especially that person with blood red hair.

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WAIT!? I don't recall anyone with blood red hair joining Sona peerage this early on. In fact, I don't recall someone with blood red hair joining Sona peerage period.

Should I go up and ask Saji and the others about the new person? No that would make me look like I am trying to get some information on the new piece that Sona obviously put effort into hiding until now. If I recall though Rias vs Sona happens is the first match in the rating game. Meaning if their time to obtain info it would be now. Even if I can't get anything important like ability perhaps a description will help me narrow the person existence down a bit.

Walking toward the toward Saji and the others.

" Saji, everyone it goods to see you after so long."

" Same to you also. Let me tell you, ever since word got out that you guys left for some intense training trip around the world Kaichou been putting us through one hellish training session after another every day for the last few months now. So don't expect us to be at the same level as before." Saji said, no proclaimed as if it was some kind trials of Hercules that he had just endured.

Off in the back, the rest of the peerage was strangely laughing things off as if they had just recall a repressed memory they didn't want to remember.

" Oh is that so? Well, let me tell you we haven't been slacking either. I'm sure you'll find that me and the rest gotten a few new aces up our sleeves." I replied back.

" The same can be said for us."

" Oh does it involve the new peerage member Sona got?"

" Oh her? Sorry man Kaichou told us all to keep quiet, sorry, but man for a rece-"

" Saji!"

Before Saji could continue any further a cold reprimanding voice called his name. Instantly shutting him up. Turning around I saw that the source of the voice was none other than that of Sona, who had just finished her talk with that other noble.

" Ka-Kaichou?!" Saji explained as he froze up.

" I recall telling to keep quiet about our newest member did I not?" Sona had a dark aura around her. As if she was prepared to reprimand Saji for all his mistakes in life.

" Yeah but I was-"

" Don't blame him for it. I was the one that asked after all." I intervened before Saji could dig his own grave any deeper.

" Oh, Ishiki? Are you perhaps scouting for Rias?" Sona asked in her usual professional tone

" Ah no. It was simple curiosity that led me to this point."

" Well then, I suppose I can't fault you for that. Though I still can't tell you anything. After all for all we know. Me and Rias very well could be the first match in this rating game."

Before I could reply back through the doors to these halls opened up. Announcing the arrival of yet another peerage to this competition. The attention of everyone in the room immediately turned to the gigantic pairs of white doors. Dropping all pretense of what they were doing before. Waiting in anticipation at who they all seem to be expecting and consider how late this peerage is along with considering the faces of everyone already here, There is really only one peerage it could be.

Walking through the doors no one was surprised when the figure of Riser Phenex along with his peerage were the ones that entered these halls. In fact, the mood in this rooms grew serious as if everyone just suddenly decided that this is when the true youth gathering began. As if everything until now was nothing more than a mere prologue. Looking to the side it seems that Sona and her peerage also had that same opinion. As a serious look was all they gave to this development.

As for Riser and his peerage. Well as much I would hate to admit it, there was no denying that at this moment they truly looked like nobles. For despite the amounts of stares they were receiving, Riser continue walking with a calm smirk on his face down toward the centers of these halls. His peerage following stoically following behind him.

Speaking about his peerage they mostly looked the same as canon wearing the same things they wore in canon also. The difference now is that his queen was no longer with him, Riser bishop rather than Ravel is none other the Valerie who I knew was the user of Sephiroth Grail. She was wearing a gothic lolita victorian dress, the two green haired chainsaw lolis were replaced by two pink hair angels or rather fallen angels, and finally, a girl whom I recognized as Akame, from Akame Ga Kill. Who seems to be replacing the brown-haired rook that wore a mask, Riser had in canon.

The composition of the peerage did not surprise me all that much. Since that bastard, Zaxan was apparently taking away the role of the queen than the chance that the rest of the peerage being different would not be too far fetched. Though I did not expect Akame to be one of the new members. Then again considering my past experience other characters existing in this world is not impossible.

Riser and his peerage continued walking down the middle of the hall. No one bothering to stop them, as if they were oozing a royal aura that demanded respect.

Suddenly though Riser stop where he was, as an annoyed look started to form on his face. Turning around, Riser peerage split in two as if to make way for his voice and sight.

" Oyy Emo freeloader why don't you hurry up and get over here. Your keeping up the line." Riser shouted at the door. Confusing everyone in the room on who he could be referring to.

" Who the bloody hell you calling freeloader, If anything I am carrying this team with all the paperwork I do, Kentucky Fried Chicken!"

Walking into the room at that exact moment was none other than Zaxan Ark. Who to everyone surprise was holding a vanilla milkshake with one hand and playing a game on his phone with his other hand. Though more surprising than that was the fact that he wasn't even a devil if the lack of demonic energy was anything to go by.

" That changes nothing and actually the hell you playing now of all times!?" Riser quipped back.

" Fake/Grand Order, I'm doing an event last minutes now!" He answered while still sipping on his milkshake and playing.

" Fake what? shouldn't you have done that yesterday were in the middle of something if your blind eyes can't tell!"

" Well, maybe I would have had time yesterday if somebody didn't dump all their paperwork on me at the literal last possible minute I literally stayed up all night trying to finish and barely got done 20 minutes before we left!" Zaxan raised his voice in complaint as he put his milkshake away into some kind of portal.

" You should have made time! Naturally, as a Phenex family servant, it is only expected for you to handle such task. I am simply training you early." Was Riser snarky arrogant retort.

" The bloody hell you Narcissistic Fried Chicken. Since when? Why am I the only one amongst the servant dealing with this stuff." Said Zaxan still walking closer toward Riser as he pointed an accusing finger.

" Because if your gonna freeload off us then at least do some work!"

" Bloody hell didn't I already say that I am practically carrying this team! Do you even know how many shady missions I do on a regular base! " everyone in the entire hall eyebrow rose up a bit particular towards that last bit. As they all begin to consider how truly deep the Colorless Snake connections went.

" That just you spending your own time on those strange hobbies of yours. Didn't I say you should always make time for the peerage!"

" Of bloody course. If anything I should be saying that to you. What are you spending all this extra time on anyways!?"

" Conquering routes!" Riser proudly proclaimed.

At that moment the room was so completely devoid of sound that you could drop a pin on the carpet and it would still be heard by everyone. And though I couldn't see it I knew my master Rias was currently giving Riser the meaning possible glare she could now.

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" WHAATTTTT! You mean to tell me that all this time I been doing your work, you were out trying to add more women to your harem! Don't you already have enough as is !?" Zaxan said while pointing to everyone in Riser peerage.

Finally, Zaxan had reached where Riser stood and they were now quite literally butting head against each other. All the while the servants watched with boredom as if this was some kind of regular occurrence that happened every now and then.

" Not adding! Conquering. There's a difference." Riser raised his finger and wiggled it around.

" Ohhh then how those conquering been doing for ya. After all, I don't see any new lady friend coming over lately! How Veronica doing by the way"

" Hmmm that because I am currently working on a simultaneous clear! Such skill precise work doesn't happen in a day you know. And she doing fine why just recently we went the Phenex land together."

The temperature in the room was rising both figuratively and literally. As Zaxan and Riser magic power clashed against each other creating a vacuum around them. I knew they weren't very serious about this after all the amount of power Zaxan was releasing was far less than when I first met him. To these two, this amount is mere child play probably. To them, everything until now was nothing more than a small game.

No one tried to stop them, as most everybody was affected by the power they were casually releasing. Those that weren't affected stood either in awe at their might or was strong and smart enough to withhold themselves because they wanted to scout the competition.

Finally when it would seem like Zaxan and Riser was about to clash however a single man walked forth and created a gigantic shockwave with his clap. Snapping everyone attention toward him.

" Alright now gentlemen's let keep this for later. After all the gathering will soon truly begin." The one to stop all this was none other than that of Sairaorg Bael. Who stood proudly upon the same stage as these two giants without worry.

" Well, it seems that I, Riser has shown you all such a troublesome sight. So the least I could do for now to make this up is to calmly step down." Riser said casually as if what just happened ago didn't even happened.

" Meh, I'm game for that option. After all, I got business to do here today, unlike a certain somebody. Still, though we arrived quite late don't you think?" Zaxan replied very much the same as if this was a common occurrence.

" Nonsense were here just on time if anything thing we have perfect timing on our entree!" Was Riser reply.

Riser and Zaxan sent one glare toward one another before leaving walking side by side with one another toward the pair of doors at the other end of the room that would lead to where to real gathering would take place. The rest of Riser peerage following closely behind.

When the pair of doors opened up at the arrival of Riser peerage everyone in the halls immediately gather up in line with their peerage and followed suit behind.

It only took me a moment to detect Rias along with everyone else and rejoined them as we made our way toward the giant pairs of doors.

Finally, the Youth Gather had begun.

[Fated Hell] Zaxan

The locations of the Youth Gathering was nothing special. It was mostly just an empty white marble hall with some expensive looking painting and the fancy vases nobles like so much decorating the room, placed in the corner. In the dead center there a fancy red carpet leading to a small flight of stairs. At every 2 steps, there was a big square landing and position at the sides of these two landing was 2 giants elongated rectangular desk where a bunch of extremely high-class nobles sat at. In total there were 3 sets of these. At the end of all this were 4 thrones each one decorated in their own themes and color. red for Sirzech, blue for Ajuka, pink for Serafall, and green for Asmodeus who to almost everyone surprise was actually here for once.

" Those of you that have come here today. The next generation that will one day inherit the responsibilities of the underworld. You who holds within your skills and powers recognized to be above all others amongst your generation. We have gathered you today in hope to better understand your potential." Sirzech said.

You know sometimes I forget that beyond my simple hatred toward him due to simply being an obstacle in my way, along with him being a staunch supporter of Rias. The guy in front of me now is a genuinely great charismatic leader. He was also one of the few characters in DxD I didn't have any sort of problem with before coming here. Kiba will always be best Bro to bad he with Rias. Hmmm, maybe I should have tried turning him toward the dark side back during the Excalibur event. I could have even had Ikaros bake me a fresh batch of cookies.

" So may I assume that we will all be put into a tournament rating game against each other just as rumored?" Seekvaira asked.

" That right. Though I must warn you now not only will the underworld be watching these matches but also the angels and fallen angels along with various groups from other pantheons. We hope to use this chance as a way in order to close the gap between our various factions."

Nobody budge at this new. Everyone here already resolved to see this until the end.

" Then while we're on this topic may I ask if we will also be joining the battle against the Khaos brigade also?" Sairaorg spoke.

" We hope to avoid that scenario if possible. Though I admit you all possess strength rivaling any other average adult high-class devil out there. The fact is you all also represent the futures hopes of the underworld. Losing just even a single one amongst you would result in a beyond immeasurable loss for the underworld." Sirzech calmly replied.

Seeing Sairaorg Nodding in acceptance at the answer given Sirzech moved on.

" Now then before we announce the matchups first I would like to hear the dream and goals of everyone here today. Sairaorg since you were the center of attention just now how about we start with you."

Adhering to Sirzech word Sairaorg walked up toward the stage stopping on the floor just below the Maou and turned around to face everyone here.

" My dream is to become a Maou!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. Forcing everyone to recoil back at the intensity of his declaration.

Around the spectator's seats, many were voicing their opinion on how hard and unlikely his dreams are. As you could imagine this created quite the tense air around the place. However, with sheer charisma alone one man cut through it all to voice a single question.

" Oh, a Maou? Well, I won't tell you how hard the journey will be after all I imagine you knew already the weight of your words when you said them. So instead I will ask why you wish for this dream?" said Sirzech.

" I wish to prove to myself and to everyone else in the underworld my meaning of strength." Was Sairaorg reply.

" Your meaning of strength?"

" Yes, my meaning of strength. As we all know at birth unlike you or the modern day genius Riser I was born without barely any magical powers nor even the power of destruction. Because of that, I have been shunned nearly all my life. So rather than accept my weakness I trained. I trained until my fist bled. I trained until from dawn to dusk and even beyond. I trained until my body screamed in pain from simply laying down. I trained to the point where I even once broke every bone in my body. As a result, I have become strong, strong enough to be a top contender in this year tournament, strong enough for crowds of sponsors to gather before and with this strength, I wish to prove to everyone that strength exists beyond that of simple talent that hard work can get you anywhere in life."

At the end of his speech, everyone in the room could not help but to clap at speech hell even I did along with Riser. Then again unlike Rias and Issei I actually liked this guy then and even now. Eventually, the room quieted back down and we could continue.

" Thank you for your passionate speech before you go I like to ask one last question. The one I am sure is on everyone mind until now. Why did you choose to enter this year gathering?"

" Is it not simple lord Lucifer? Yes, I could have entered the previous year's competition and breeze through it but exactly what would that prove? That I am stronger than the average high-class devil? No, I wish for worthy opponents to prove myself against and who is more worthy than those standing here now. There is the group I am consider part of the rookie four. There is a horde of equally worthy individuals who have even already entered to pro scene. And most important of all." At that moment Sairaorg eyes shifted to the the side a little everyone in the room following his gaze until they landed straight back to me or rather to Riser, his peerage, and me.

" Ah, I see how blind of me not to see something so basic. you wish to challenge the one who currently holds the crown of the strongest."

" That right lord Lucifer as my first step toward the road of a Maou I will first claim the crown of the strongest." Pointing a finger straight at Riser he proclaimed. " Riser Phenex in this year youth gathering I will defeat you in order to prove the value of my dream!"

Thus like that the crowd erupted. Hmmm right off the bat this tournament already has what all great tournament need a narrative. The drama of the genius vs the commoner. An intense fight that everyone is looking toward for now heightened to a new extreme due to the story that has been written. In the midst of all this cheering stood two individual Riser and Sairaorg staring straight into each other eyes. One with a raging inferno of passion the other a cold calm of acceptance saying bring it on. No word had to be spoken from these two for even the crowd to understand. Thus like that Sairaorg was dismissed and walked off stage with great pride.

Man, it will be hard to beat that opening act. Hopefully the other will be just as entertaining. Else I'll fall asleep.

30 minutes later

As it turned out none of the other contestant showing was anywhere near the same level of drama that Sairaorg had. Honestly, halfway through the second guy I literally just hit the fast-forward button due to being that bored. Most of their dream was cliche as hell bring prosperity to there house name, something something rating games (Rias was in this group somewhere but I forgot where due to how generic her dream is.), Become the family heir by surpassing their siblings. Admittedly some of them were genuinely good but their reasoning on why after completely ruined everything.

Sona was the most interesting with her goal of building a school for the low-class devil. It certainly the one I want most to come true. There were also more than a few takedown Riser every now and then, most of these came from Riser long time 'rivals' in the rating games.

Finally, at the end of these 30 longs minutes, almost everyone had gone and as expected they saved the best for last.

" Now then I believe with that there only really one person left. Riser Phenex would you enlighten us all what your dream is?"

Standing now upon the stage and facing the audience was none other than Riser Phenex looking as smug as ever. All eyes all attention on him everyone on the edge of their seats

" Well now, this is quite embarrassing after all it seems I Riser have already been upstaged by one that had come before me hahaha." Riser said laughing things off.

" Oh is that so does that mean you believe your dream to not be significant enough to be heard a second time," Sirzech asked calmly, though I could feel a bit of malice coming off that comment.

" Oh please do not be mistaken Sirzech all Riser really meant was that I hope that audience does not mind hearing the same thing spoken twice."

Riser brushed it off as a joke. Not truly serious in what he said after all for the last 30 minutes now all we been doing is repeating the same exact dream over and over again with few exceptions. Nobody will take heed of another repeat especially if it comes from the king.

" Ah, then my apologies please do continue."

" Very well then my dream is like that of my challenger today." Everyone then realized exactly what it was. " I, Riser wish no will to become a Maou!" Unlike Sairaorg who announced it with such intensity that it paralyzed everyone. Riser could be described as pure cold tempered confidence it like he wasn't announcing his dream but rather he was stating he WILL become a Maou.

" Ohhh well then since we were on the topic allow me to ask you just like I did Sairaorg why you wish to become a Maou?"

" For the sake of myself and that of my family." Riser said.

" Could you elaborate?"

" Very well as most of you must know many years ago a tragic event occurred that stripped the House of Phenex of both family heads. My father and mother. Due to this, the Phenex house entered a time of upheaval where we slowly declined. In this time my eldest brother Ruval was forced to take the mantle of the family early. Though we have long since stabilized the fact is our power is still not equal to that of when we stood at our prime."

" I see so you wish to become a Maou to bring fame to your family who had face a time of hardship however what do you mean when you said you would do this for yourself." Sirzech suddenly cut in.

" Simple Sirzech-sama. My brothers, they are all carrying a burden of supporting the family right now. Ruval is the family head as we know. Kai-nii is a famous actor that working hard even now. In fact, even my little sister Ravel I would say is getting ahead of me in some areas as she making her own headways into things. Everyone in the Phenex family is working hard to restore our prestige. Everyone but Riser that is. That is why I do this. This is my way of contributing to things. By becoming the first Maou ever since the civil war. I, Riser even if no longer a Phenex in name will at least raise our prestige to heights never seen before in our family history." Riser raised his opened palmed hand toward the sky as if the emphasize the heights the house would reach.

" I see so that is your reasoning how noble of you (now if only you could be that way with women)," Sirzech whispered the last part to quiet for anyone, not even Riser who was right there to hear.

" Well then like Sairaorg, I would like to ask you on why you join now also?"

" Because now I am ready."

" Wah!?" was Sirzech and everyone reaction at the possible implications of his words.

" As many of you may also know in this youth gathering me and my fiance will have a game of sort to decide whether we annul our marriage our continue on with it. In other words, this will be the year I am at last married!" Riser spoke not even thinking about the possibility of losing. Truly he as every bit confident as always.

" Before that happened, however, I wish to become someone worthy of her and that way." Riser with one of his finger directed for someone amongst the crowd to come up.

Well that my queue.

Walking up toward the stage I stopped not on below the Maou but on the same level as them Riser standing right next to me. Getting an old-fashioned scroll out of my sleeve. I unsealed it and began reading.

" By the word of Riser of the Phenex Household. Upon the end of the youth gather upon the stage of my final grand victory where I shall hence take it all. I Riser Phenex request that the Maou of military Asmodeus relinquish his position to me. If he does not then upon that moment I challenge Asmodeus for a duel of names. In which if I am to fall, shall so relinquish my title and honor as a man of the Phenex household. However, if fate so just allows victory to smile upon me than in turn I shall take thy title Asmodeus from you." I finished resealing the scroll and handing it toward Asmodeus to grab.

At that moment the crowd erupted. The elder noble sitting all stood up pointing finger toward Riser and shouting things such as how this was a foolish decision or how this is insanity so on and so forth.

However what silenced all of this was the visage of Asmodeus who was now standing in front of me. Slowly moving his hand forward he grabbed the scroll in my hand and burnt it.

" I Asmodeus Maou of the military do so accept this challenge."

Welp I finally update this story after so long. Not gonna lie I had this sitting for the longest time at 3k words and it just sat their waiting to be finished this entire time as a was writing my DanmachixFate fic.

Enough though about that and lets focus on this chapter... Hmmm don't really have much to say about it. I feel that it did a good job as being the prologue to well let just say shits hits the fan starting now.

Next time we will hopefully get the first match for Riser peerage underway as I show off what the team is capable of.

Anyways review and tell me what you think