Issei was flying in Tannin's hand. He felt excited, but they stopped beforehand to pick someone up in another territory. The individual was Saji Genshirou, one of Sona Sitri's pawns.
"I'll have a training partner." (Issei)
"I hope I can help you, Issei-san." (Saji)
"I'll help you with all my strength." (Issei)
Issei was excited to train when he saw the way Saji behaved. He would never refuse to help someone who was always striving to be the best, and he found that pleasant.
"The spirit of both of you is very great." (Tannin)
Tannin, Issei, and Saji flew to the land of dragons in the Underworld, a land that was under the jurisdiction of the Ancient Dragon King Tannin.
"This place looks very wild." (Issei)
"A perfect environment for us to improve." (Saji)
Saji was a little afraid because of the dragons, but he did not dare show weakness in front of his goal and his idol. He did not want to leave a bad impression.
"Your training will consist of daily sparring with me, endurance runs with dragons attacking you, survival training, and many other Spartan-style sessions that will make you stronger." (Tannin)
Issei smiled at that, but he also felt a bit afraid when the Dragon King listed everything they would do in this training. Saji trembled even more visibly when he thought about whether he would return home alive.
"I don't know if I'll make it back alive." (Saji)
"I'll become very strong from this, but I don't know if I'll survive." (Issei)
"I'll watch your suffering from the best seat." (Qin)
"I didn't like that." (Issei)
"I didn't ask for your opinion." (Qin)
Issei and Qin started arguing again, but it was interrupted by the beginning of the training given by Tannin.
...
...
...
The beginning of the training was difficult for Saji and Issei. Both were extremely exhausted, but they supported each other in order to survive the dragon hell created by Tannin.
"Come on, we can't give up!" (Issei)
"We're going to survive!" (Saji)
Issei and Saji were emanating very powerful auras while trying to survive the dragons attacking them during the run. They had to overcome this or they would not be able to meet their mistresses' expectations.
"I'm glad you're here to help me." (Saji)
"It would be terrible to go through this infernal training alone." (Issei)
Thus, the first days of training continued, with Saji and Issei supporting each other whenever they faced a mental or physical obstacle. When one fell, the other had to extend a hand to help him back up.
...
...
...
The middle of the training was even more difficult, as it combined the near-death dragon run with a survival test. They had to find a safe place to sleep at night in the midst of the dragons.
"I haven't slept in three days." (Issei)
"Those damn dragons!!" (Saji)
"We're going to manage to sleep!" (Issei)
"We'll win, Issei-san!" (Saji)
"Yes!!" (Issei)
Issei and Saji pushed themselves to the limit to find a place to sleep while fleeing from the dragons. Their endurance and senses were being sharpened.
...
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...
More and more obstacles were created. Sparring with Tannin was extremely difficult, because both Issei and Saji were easily beaten by the Dragon King and had to flee to survive in the land of dragons.
"We have to run and still avoid letting him find us!" (Issei)
"We're not training, we're in hell!" (Saji)
Issei quickly agreed as he and Saji ran more and more to escape the dragons or Tannin. Being caught in that exhausted state would not be good.
"The good thing is that our strength is on another level now." (Issei)
"We have to reap the rewards of hell, or it wouldn't be worth it." (Saji)
"Exactly." (Issei)
The two friends were hidden in the secret base they had created after many attempts at escaping the dragons. However, an explosion struck that place, and a great demonic power was exerted by that dragon.
"I found you!!" (Tannin)
"Let's go!!" (Saji / Issei)
Issei and Saji began training brutally once again, trying to survive the hell that had been created for them there.
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...
The final day of training arrived. Issei and Saji looked like completely different people, judging by the auras they emanated. They had survived hell.
"We're leaving." (Issei)
"I only survived thanks to you." (Saji)
"Me too." (Issei)
Issei and Saji smiled as they shook hands. They were taken back to their territories by the dragons that resided in Tannin's land.
"I'll never forget this." (Saji)
"The young Saji is very strong." (Qin)
"As expected from the man who survived this with me." (Issei)
"He's spectacular and truly very talented." (Qin)
The impression Issei and Qin had of Saji was the best possible. They admired that blond-haired young man who gave everything he had to survive the infernal training of the Dragon King.
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...
Issei seemed to be the last to arrive in Gremory Territory. The man had torn pants and no shirt left, his muscles fully exposed for everyone to see.
"I'm back from hell." (Issei)
Issei described his training as hell in his mind, but it had made him much stronger, which was exactly what he had needed all this time—a training session in hell itself.
"You should put on some clothes." (Rias)
"Leave him like that, I like seeing those muscles." (Akeno)
"Me too." (Xenovia)
"I have nothing against him staying like that." (Asia)
"Issei-kun looks like he suffered a lot." (Kiba)
"Senpai looks even more manly now." (Gasper)
"They're incredible. The auras of my friends have increased two or three times compared to before. I'm excited to see how far they'll go." (Issei)
"They're as talented as Saji." (Qin)
The girls were blushing when they saw Issei's barbaric appearance. The man looked like one of those extremely sexualized male magazine models.
"I'm going to take a shower." (Issei)
"Do that. You must stink a lot, Skunk King." (Qin)
"Go to hell." (Issei)
Issei ignored them, as he didn't like his current appearance. He disliked wearing casual or inelegant clothes; he preferred dressing in the finest things.
For some reason, the girls were peeking at the boy while he showered and enjoyed it, taking several photos to keep on their phones.
"This photo turned out really good." (Akeno)
"Send it to me and I'll send you this one." (Rias)
"This one's even better." (Xenovia)
Even Koneko was taking pictures of Issei showering and getting dressed. The five girls were exchanging photos and even making a gallery for moments like that.
"I feel like something strange is going on." (Issei)
"It must be your imagination." (Qin)
"Men spy on women, but it shouldn't be the other way around." (Issei)
"It shouldn't." (Qin)
Qin and Issei believed they couldn't possibly be spied on, since that made no sense to them. After all, it was usually women whose bodies were leered at by lustful men.
Issei's night was not peaceful when four women entered his room and unleashed all the lust they had been holding back.
"I think we said something stupid." (Issei)
"Yes, we definitely said something stupid." (Qin)
...
...
Issei woke up after that long night with four naked women in his bed. He was somewhat exhausted, but he got dressed and went to lie down somewhere in Gremory Territory while contemplating his achievements.
"I'm very powerful." (Issei)
"But not as much as Vali and Hades." (Qin)
"At most, my strength is that of a Supreme-Class devil." (Issei)
"Your rival has already touched a level close to Maou. The Maou level is the same level Tannin is at." (Qin)
"I trained with someone very strong. I'm eager to unleash my 100% again." (Issei)
Issei and Qin's conversation was interrupted when a well-dressed Rias arrived, followed by the entire Gremory group.
"We're heading out now for an important meeting. Don't cause trouble." (Rias)
"Okay." (Issei)
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...
The Gremory Group had a hard time reaching the meeting, as Rias was very famous and caused quite a commotion when entering the train. They had to wait a while before boarding.
"I need to prepare myself for when I become famous." (Issei)
"It's going to be annoying." (Koneko)
"There will be many women after him." (Rias)
"It'll be fun to see Issei-kun become famous." (Kiba)
The meeting location was very luxurious and large, a building with very special decoration.
"This place is really nice." (Issei)
"Yes, it was prepared for this meeting of promising elites." (Rias)
The Gremory Group was received by Sairaorg, who seemed to act as a leader among the young talents at the meeting.
"I'm glad you came." (Sairaorg)
Sairaorg was dressed as usual, but he emanated an even stronger aura than before. Issei noticed that this man never took breaks from training and wished everyone were like that.
"I'm glad to see you too." (Rias)
Rias and Sairaorg exchanged basic greetings and were happy to see each other safe. They were family and treated each other as such.
"I'm here too." (Sona)
Sona arrived accompanied by her peerage and Saji. The blond-haired young man wore his usual outfit as he followed his mistress.
"This is a nice place." (Issei)
Issei sat wherever he found comfortable and luxurious, not caring about others' opinions.
"I hope no one provokes him." (Rias)
"Issei-san will behave as long as no one messes with him." (Asia)
"I hope no one is stupid enough to provoke Issei-kun, or they'll pay dearly with broken bones." (Akeno)
The Gremory Group relaxed when they saw the blindfolded man sitting calmly. The Sitri Group was also relieved, as he wasn't openly seeking trouble and seemed to be behaving.
Sairaorg's attention was drawn by a disturbance caused by two extremely strong demonic powers. One appeared to be a green-haired woman with red eyes, while the other had blue hair, reddish skin, white tattoos on his face, and a malicious smile.
"I won't tolerate you saying more nonsense." (Seekvaira)
"It's a shame you refused my offer to show you the world in a better way." (Zephyrdor)
"Bastard!!" (Seekvaira)
Both auras surged as Sairaorg walked toward them, giving a very serious warning look. Seekvaira understood, but the other did not.
"Take your fight somewhere else and another time. Behave here, or I'll beat both of you." (Sairaorg)
"You inc—" (Zephyrdor)
He couldn't finish his sentence before being instantly punched into the wall by Sairaorg. The shockwave from the Bael heir's punch alone was enough.
"He's very strong. I admire him even more now." (Issei)
"He truly is someone to admire." (Qin)
"His behavior is worthy of a noble and a king." (Issei)
"Yes, he must be the best one here." (Qin)
Qin and Issei lost themselves in internal conversation while Zephyrdor was awakened by his servants and Seekvaira went to touch up her makeup for the upcoming meeting.
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...
Sirzechs arrived wearing his formal Demon King attire. Serafall came as well, not dressed as a magical girl. They were accompanied by two individuals who were likely Beelzebub and Asmodeus.
"Things seem to be getting interesting." (Issei)
Issei paid close attention to all the young people present. The Maous were about to give a speech concerning them.
"I ask the promising young ones to introduce themselves." (Sirzechs)
The young devils introduced themselves as the Maou requested, eager to assert themselves before the rulers of the Underworld.
"I am Diodora Astaroth, heir of the Astaroth Clan." (Diodora)
The man seemed gentle, with a very calm voice and an air that reflected that.
"I am Sairaorg Bael, heir of the Bael Clan." (Sairaorg)
Sairaorg possessed a very powerful aura and inspired confidence in everyone around him.
"I am Rias Gremory, heir of the Gremory Clan." (Rias)
Rias spoke with nobility, displaying the etiquette of demon elite society.
"I am Sona Sitri, heir of the Sitri Clan." (Sona)
Sona appeared more astute and intelligent, possessing the same noble air as Rias, with something extra.
"I am Seekvaira Agares, heir of the Agares Clan." (Seekvaira)
Seekvaira carried a more mature, dignified demeanor.
"I am Zephydor Glasya-Labolas, heir of the Glasya-Labolas Clan." (Zephydor)
He seemed more arrogant, reminding Issei of Raiser before his mindset was reformed.
"You are the future of the new generation of devils—the most talented of this era so far. Your peerages are also exceptional, which is why you were gathered here and recognized as such." (Sirzechs)
Sirzechs spoke eloquently as most of the young devils felt praised by the words of the most powerful being in the Underworld alongside Beelzebub.
"I want to test your power in a Rating Game tournament among the six of you. I want to see who is the strongest before you are recognized as experienced devils." (Sirzechs)
Everyone was excited. A Rating Game tournament to decide the strongest group among the new generation.
"Will we be able to fight the Khaos Brigade someday?" (Sairaorg)
"I don't know, but I would like to avoid that. I don't want to send young people to war." (Sirzechs)
Sairaorg felt a bit frustrated, thinking they might be underestimated.
"Why? Aren't we capable?" (Sairaorg)
That was the question on everyone's mind.
"I recognize you as capable, but I want you to bloom in your full splendor. You are the future of the Underworld and may even become Maou-level beings. You are too valuable to throw away." (Sirzechs)
Everyone understood the Maou Lucifer now. He wanted to protect these talents from the coming war as much as possible. Even Sairaorg understood his cousin.
"I want to hear each of your dreams before we draw the groups. I want to see your determination." (Sirzechs)
Sirzechs ignited the spark in each of them. The Maous were eager to hear what these young people wished to give to the Underworld.
"I will become a Maou, and I will achieve it when everyone recognizes me as worthy." (Sairaorg)
Many doubted Sairaorg, believing someone from the Great King's clan could not become a Maou.
"He's a great guy. His presence is worthy of a king, and I'm willing to work to become a Maou by his side." (Issei)
"I share the same opinion." (Qin)
"I will become the head of the Gremory Clan and win every Rating Game I participate in." (Rias)
"A worthy ambition for my queen." (Issei)
"I will create a Rating Game school accessible to everyone—not only the upper class, but also lower-class devils and reincarnated ones." (Sona)
Many in the room laughed at Sona's statement, irritating her friends.
"Don't laugh at my Sona-Kaichou's dream. It will come true, I'm sure of it." (Saji)
More laughter followed, angering Sairaorg.
"Make him behave." (???)
"He's an idiot." (???)
Some higher-ranking devils demanded Sona discipline Saji. She was embarrassed but had no intention of punishing him.
"Low-class devils and reincarnated ones exist only to serve high-class devils. That's their function—slaves or blind servants. They don't need knowledge." (???)
That statement caught the attention of a blindfolded man.
"So reincarnated devils exist only to serve and be nothing more?" (Issei)
"Yes." (Superior)
The superior was forced to his knees, coughing blood under the pressure of demonic power and Ki. Issei stood up as his chair turned to dust.
"Kneel. You are not worthy of standing in my presence." (Issei)
The high-class devils dropped to their knees under Issei's pressure. Only the six talents, some peerages, and the Maous remained standing.
"Sairaorg... I also want to become a Maou, and I look forward to working alongside you, my friend." (Issei)
Issei left the place as the others regained their breath.
"What an incredible man." (Sairaorg)
"You truly are my idol." (Saji)
Saji admired Issei even more after witnessing him dominate the room, even in the presence of the Maous.