2 "I wouldn't mind"

Kyo Bael didn't move from his place, but the dark energy that he threw indicated that the fight had already started.

He didn't flinch seeing the Bael's power of destruction headed straight at him. He waited until the last moment possible to activate his power of destruction. A red so pretty one would be astounded at knowing the destruction it could bring.

His power of destruction effortlessly destroyed the attack of the Bael heir.

Did destruction destroy destruction? Yes, because one was stronger.

The Bael's eyes widened. "Impossible…"

A slight smile appeared on his face at Bael's words. Everything about him was impossible.

He was impossible.

And that was fine with him.

His power of destruction spread all around him, quickly forming themselves into the shape of stars that with their red glow and the purple sky made for an ethereal sight.

He might get in trouble for this later but… his devil side urged him to show the guy with a pale imitation of his power, his place.

The stars with an astonishing speed headed towards the Bael heir.

Kyo Bael tried to destroy the stars with his power of destruction but it was to no avail, just when the stars were going to impact him. A teleportation circle appeared under his feet and he was quickly teleported to an instructor's side.

"…Winner Sirzechs!"

The fight hadn't even lasted three minutes. To be fair, the Bael heir was also only eleven years old. He was too, but he was in a different category altogether. He had more insight into the power of destruction.

He spared a glance towards the Bael heir, noticing how shocked he looked at being completely outclassed.

Just as he passed by him, he thought to let the heir hear a few words of wisdom.

"If you wish to defeat me… don't. Because you can't."

He ignored the instructor's surprised look and left towards his friends.

"That was amazing Sirzechs! You destroyed him!" Serafall engulfed him with a hug.

"Yes, mentally at least. Good job," Ajuka nodded.

"Thanks, guys! It's your turn now, show me all you got!"

Both gave nods of acceptance as they left for the platform.

This fight was probably the longest. Serafall had more magic output, but Ajuka had better control of his. In the end, Ajuka managed to outsmart Serafall and won.

Meaning the finals for the title of strongest in the school was between him and Ajuka.

From what he had observed, Ajuka was certainly stronger than Kyo Bael. Not in the strength of his magic, but in his control of it and thinking.

Ajuka might already have a plan to defeat him. But that was fine, he would just show Ajuka the difference in their power.

"Ajuka Astaroth and Sirzechs Gremory!"

They headed towards the platform, Ajuka had sweat running down his forehead as he recently finished fighting Serafall and was tired.

On the other hand, he was also tired from using magic pressure quite frequently however, given his large magic pool and exquisite control of it, he was in a better shape than Ajuka.

"Begin!"

The ground broke as large rocks floated in the sky and started rotating gaining speed. This was Ajuka's plan, leave him with little space to maneuver and hit him from all sides.

It was a good plan, he thought. But unfortunately for Ajuka, he had no idea of his proficiency in the power of destruction. As he had never fully revealed his power.

Aura of destruction. A technique in which the power of destruction surrounds his body like a mantle. The larger he made this aura the more magic he expended.

The rocks which came in contact with the aura were completely disintegrated.

However, Ajuka wasn't expecting him to succumb to a bunch of flying rocks, it was just a distraction for him to hide.

Ajuka had concealed his presence and now was nowhere to be seen.

'Left, right, above, then Ajuka is… below!' He jumped up as the ground beneath him broke and tried to swallow him whole. His wings expanded as he tried to gain distance from the ground when the ground contorted into a hand that tried to grab him.

His aura flared and he extended it enough for the hand to be extinguished.

Then Ajuka appeared, his skin was covered in some sort of rock armor. He rose to the sky with a strong flap of his wings to dodge Ajuka's punch.

Ajuka in return also flew towards him with surprising speed. However, he was faster than the Astaroth heir, so he quickly made the distance between them bigger. The green hair devil was undeterred and continued rushing at him.

He tried to slow Ajuka down with his magic pressure, but his friend already seemed to know how to deal with it. As the green-haired teen suppressed his magic to the point he was floating without any defense of his magic, this allowed Ajuka to get passed the magic pressure.

Magic pressure was a simple technique he made, in which it dominated the opponent's magic and forcefully stopped the opponent from advancing or moving.

However, what if there was no magic to dominate? Then one wouldn't get suppressed and the technique would be useless.

He quickly let go of his magic pressure, having used it for most of his fights and it was straining his magic reserves.

The risk of such action? As a devil, magic was one of their natural defenses. So foregoing said defense, would make you not only weaker but in a more dangerous position. A well-placed strike could be lethal.

What long-range techniques did he have to abuse Ajuka's plan? One is his power of destruction. Which he wouldn't use against a friend in a mock battle.

'Damn you Ajuka,' He was annoyed just looking at his friend's smile.

'A fistfight it is.' He got in a loose stance as his green-haired friend quickly arrived in front of him.

The rock armor he was wearing had disappeared from when he suppressed his magic previously.

Was his friend that confident in close combat?

His question was answered as Ajuka quickly threw various punches toward him, he blocked a few but the ones that did hit did nothing. He had forced more magic into his body to increase his defenses. So he barely felt Ajuka's punches.

An annoyed smile appeared on his friend's face.

Even if Ajuka's punches barely did any damage, he was not going to continue taking them. He grabbed the fist headed towards his throat and quickly pulled it towards himself, Ajuka showed surprise and tried to get away. But it was too late, his grip and strength were stronger and Ajuka couldn't cancel his momentum.

A fist quickly met with Ajuka's temple and just like that it ended.

He grabbed the knocked-out Ajuka before he could fall since they were still high up.

"Winner Sirzechs Gremory!" The only claps that resounded were Serafall's due to most students still being knocked out.

It was an hour after when Ajuka finally arose from his slumber. He and Serafall were waiting for him to wake up.

"Good fight," He said to his recently awake friend.

The green-haired teen smiled at his words, "You have so much magic, it's unfair."

He just laughed at that, "Was your plan to make me run out of it?"

Ajuka nodded, "The techniques you were using seemed to require quite a bit of magic. Even with your bast reserves, I thought it wouldn't take too long for you to run out of magic."

Ajuka had the right idea but hadn't taken into account how proficient he was at controlling his magic. Over the years he had gained such tight control of it, that he barely wasted excess magic.

"Well, better luck next time." Not that it would matter, he wouldn't lose.

"Oh, I'll definitely beat you next time," Ajuka replied confidently.

"Hah, we'll see," Both grinned as a rivalry was formed between them.

The fact he won was made public and as a formality various houses were sending him letters, congratulating him on such a feat and requesting to meet. His dad had also let slip people were sending him marriage contracts, no doubt trying to get the power of destruction to their lineage.

Alas, probably none of the marriage contracts would come to fruition. Because by the time a deal would probably be completed, he would be strong enough to get out of it.

As years passed, the school remained the same, except he was getting more preferential treatment from the instructors as he was the most powerful student. The descendants of the Maou didn't come to school at all.

They probably saw it as beneath them.

He graduated at fifteen along with Ajuka and Serafall, the school had a ceremony where he had graduated as the strongest fighter and third in terms of academics. Ajuka and Serafall had taken places one and two respectively. With Ajuka, he could understand, but how did Serafall rank above him in academics?

"Hehe, I'll never tell you, Sirzechs~" Serafall laughed at his surprised expression the day he saw the rankings.

Whatever he was still the strongest. He hadn't lost a battle against Ajuka and while there were some fights where Ajuka might think he was close to winning, he was never close at all.

It was the day he graduated when he received an invitation. An invitation from the house of Lucifer, rejecting it was akin to, nay it was certain death. Although, with his strength, it might not mean death, at least for him.

Later, after an hour of his parents panicking at what the invitation could mean, Ajuka and Serafall contacted him claiming to have received the same invitation.

Together they came up with a theory, it was not an invitation from Rizevim Livan Lucifer, but his descendant. Every heir was invited to attend, it seems after being out of public light for years, the Maou's descendants probably wanted to remind everyone of their superiority.

That was not going to fly with him.

It was time to show the Maou's descendants their place.

The best of clothes was made for him to attend this event, a black suit which screamed rich.

"Hmm, you look dashing, I approve," Serafall nodded contently, unashamedly checking him out.

"Thanks," He smiled, "You look beautiful as well."

Her smile widened and her eyes gained a strange glint, as they continued walking Serafall hummed a happy tune.

They were on their way to meet up with Ajuka as they were planning on arriving at the event together. Although he and Ajuka could have gone by themselves as they were strong enough, there was a reason why they didn't. They didn't know what the descendants would do.

Serafall was just fifteen years old alongside him and Ajuka, but her looks were already turning heads. Not just the heads of teenage males, but heads of important figures. If she wasn't from the Sitri family, who knows what could have already happened to her.

Female devils matured faster than males. While Serafall was also strong, they weren't going to risk anything.

"Hey Sirzechs," His attention turned towards his female companion as she gave a slightly shy smile.

"Have you heard that we might," She paused for a moment, thoroughly thinking her next words.

"Get married?" He interjected before she could finish her question.

She blushed but didn't avert her eyes from his, she gave him a nod in response.

"Yes, my parents told me yesterday." While the contract wasn't completely finalized as the negotiation was still ongoing, his father told him it was most likely going to be finished sometime soon.

"What do you think about it?" He cut through the silence, not used to being with a Serafall this quiet.

"I wouldn't mind," she quietly stated, "Not if it is with you."

They had stopped walking and were now standing face to face, Serafall having to slightly lookup due to his height.

Seconds passed as they just stared at each other's eyes.

Blue and green met purple.

"I wouldn't mind either," Serafall was his first friend and while he wasn't a hundred percent sure of his feelings, he wouldn't mind forever living with her.

The smile she gave him at his words would forever remain in his mind. Serafall was always a happy girl and she smiled often. But words couldn't describe this smile of hers.

Her face radiated pure happiness.

At that moment he did what felt right. His hands gently grabbed her waist and pulled her close to him, her arms went towards his neck as she also pulled, their eyes making contact until his lips met hers. He watched her close her eyes and he did the same as they enjoyed their moment together.

Here amid a forest close to the Astaroth manor, they shared their first kiss.

Minutes went by as they just basked in each other's close presence. Her head was nuzzled into his neck as tenderly hug her.

"We should get going or we'll be late," He hated to interrupt this moment, but they truly had to get going and pick up Ajuka.

"Don't wanna," mumbled Serafall as her grip on him tightened.

He smiled at her affection, "C'mon, we'll have time to do this later."

"You promise?" Her face looked up to his as her purple eyes pleadingly looked at him.

"Yes, I promise," He assured.

"Okay," she gave him one more kiss before pulling away.

"Let's go!" She happily exclaimed, her hand holding his as they made their way to Ajuka's house.

They ringed the bell yet nobody answered.

"Quick or we'll be late!" Serafall yelled as if it would be Ajuka's fault if they were late.

The door opened as a nicely dressed Ajuka stepped out, "Too late for that I'm afraid."

He closed the door as a magic symbol appeared at their feet, a flash, and they were gone.

The Lucifer manor was the biggest out of all clan houses. Why did they need so much space?

For events like these. The manor was almost full as maids and butlers served drinks and food to the numerous guests. There was a balcony in which there were four highly expensive chairs. He did not doubt who they were for. From the balcony, one would be able to see all the guests, as if one were looking down at their subjects.

People chat among themselves as they drank their wine. Teenagers drinking wine? Yes, devils were rarely negatively affected by those types of drinks, unless they drank too much.

The three grabbed a glass of wine from a nearby maid as they made their way deeper inside the manor. Having nothing to do but wait for the hosts' presence.

An hour went by as the three were sitting at a table, Serafall sitting so close to him, their shoulders were touching. Ajuka just raised an eyebrow at this but chose not to comment about it.

A spoon or fork hitting a glass resounded through the place as everyone instinctively looked up towards the balcony. Sitting in their respective chairs were the four descendants of the Maou.

Razevan Lucifer had a smirk on his face as everyone quieted down and paid him attention.

"My fellow devils, it is everyone's honor to be here tonight and as I'm sure you are all aware, shortly we will be leading all of you as the next Maous. As such, we called you all here to pledge yourself to us. One by one, step forward and bow to acknowledge us as your future leaders."

People exchanged looks at his words as they wondered who would go first.

"Better make haste as traitors will not be allowed to leave this place, with their lives at least." Beelzebub's descendants claimed as people felt more pressure.

A man stepped forward, "I, Alphe Valac from house Valac pledge to follow you as my Maous."

"House Valac, you're in luck as you were the first to pledge yourself to us, you will not have to give any offerings. Enjoy the rest of your evening." Razevan sipped his wine as he calmly continued looking at the rest of the guests.

One by one, heirs kept pledging themselves to the descendants as they also gave various offerings like land, wine, gold, or slaves. About half the heirs had pledged themselves before the pledges stopped. Nobody else was stepping forward.

A minute, then two, three. A frown finally appeared on Razevan's face as his smile disappeared.

"Well? What are the rest of you waiting for?"

"You are the descendants of the Maou, but you're not the Maous." Kyo Bael confidently stated, not having once moved from his chair.

One could swear silence was heard throughout the whole place.

"And do you all agree with him?" Nobody responded to Lucifer's descendant's words, but their postures affirmed their thoughts. They were all ready for battle.

"Very well then," Razevan stood up followed by the rest of the descendants.

They jumped down from the balcony and chaos ensued.

The first attack was a huge fireball directed towards Razevan Lucifer. That heat and color, the fire undoubtedly came from the Phenex heir. An ice wall appeared to block the fire, which succeeded as the flame dissipated but the Ice was all melted.

Serafall squeezed his hand and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek before she also left to join the fight. Ajuka had already begun fighting as he was trying to separate Razevan to engage in a single fight.

Ajuka eventually succeeded but Kyo Bael join in the fight against Razevan Lucifer.

A huge Ice mace appeared which quickly hit the Leviathan descendant through a wall and out of the manor. Serafall quickly followed after the flying Leviathan heir.

The rest of the heirs teamed up against the original Asmodeus descendant.

While the fight was going on the only undisturbed place was his table, where he was still sitting and quietly drinking his wine, observing the fight occurring.

Why wasn't he helping his friends?

There was one other opponent hiding and watching who required his attention. He had confidence the heirs would win against the Maou's descendants, which left him to deal with the hiding nuisance. As soon as the hiding person made a move he would interfere.

'For how long are you going to watch, Rizevim Livar Lucifer?' he wondered calmly, leaving his glass at the table, his wine had run out.

Apparently, not too long.

A smile spread on his lips as he turned to face the newcomer sitting across from him.