Agares Territory, Underworld
Here stands Sona's long-cherished dream: a Rating Game school open to all.
You'd think it'd be built in Sitri territory, given Sona's the next head of the Sitri clan, but politics got in the way. For the old-guard nobles who value bloodlines, a school open to all, regardless of class, is far from amusing. At a past young devils' gathering, they laughed off Sona's dream. Making it real invited opposition and pressure.
If Sona pushed forward, Serafall, her supporter, would surely protest, turning Sona's dream into a political issue tied to Serafall's agenda. Ridiculous, but that's how the higher-ups see it.
This is why Rias—Gremory—couldn't openly help. If Gremory, tied to Sirzechs, got involved, it risked escalating tensions among the Four Great Satans' factions. So, Rias offered only discreet support.
Sona seriously considered abandoning her dream to avoid impacting her sister's politics—a foolish move for the Sitri heir.
But someone extended a hand.
"Why not build it in my territory?" said the current head of the Agares clan. "We'll operate cautiously, keeping the higher-ups appeased."
The Archduke Agares commands great trust among the Satans' political factions. With even the Great King faction's backing, the first Rating Game school was built in Agares territory. Without the Archduke's aid, it might never have happened.
That's the backdrop. Now, we Occult Research Club members were visiting Sona's first school to help with trial enrollments. The school's in Auros, a town near Agreas, the floating city where Gremory and Baal held their Rating Game.
After several teleportations from Gremory Castle, we arrived at the top floor of Auros's watchtower. A town official greeted us at the magic circle and led us down.
Waiting below was—
"Hey, Hyoudou," Saji said.
"Yo, Saji," I replied.
The official handed us off to Saji, and we walked through the town. Fields, windmills, and European-style houses came into view—a quiet, pastoral place.
"Nice spot, huh?" Saji said.
"Yeah, peaceful. Looks like a good place to relax."
"Plus, Agreas, the big Rating Game stage, is nearby. The view's something else."
True. The floating island from here was striking—majestic and mystical.
"I'd love to farm here someday," Asia said.
"Me too," Xenovia added. "Living with Asia, tending fields… With a long devil's life, taking a break from swordsmanship to farm sounds nice. If Asia's here, Issei's coming too, right? I'll tag along."
Their eyes sparkled. If Asia wanted to live in the countryside, I'd probably follow. Farming with her and Xenovia? Sounds good.
Irina gazed skyward. "Maybe I'll try rural life too. Though, an angel living in the Underworld might be tricky. Helping out at your farm during visits could work."
"With the Three Factions' peace, it's not impossible," I said. "Sirzechs and Azazel grab ramen together now, after all."
"If that's the case, I'll live with you and farm!" Irina said. "Michael would probably approve!"
Yeah, Michael'd give the okay instantly.
"This town's charming," Reyna smiled. "I could use some downtime here too."
We chatted lightly as we followed Saji for about ten minutes until a new building appeared—a school modeled after Kuoh Academy. Slightly smaller, but the gym and field layout were identical. The gate's sign read "Auros Academy" in devil script.
"Named after the town, huh?" I said.
"Safe choice," Saji grinned.
Using Sitri or Baal's name would've stirred up the fussy higher-ups. Smart move.
We passed through the gate toward the main building. On the field, kids ran and competed with magic, guided by Sitri and Baal clan members—likely trial enrollees.
Inside, Sona greeted us at the entrance.
"President, I brought the Occult Research Club," Saji said.
"Good work, Saji. You can return to your post."
"Got it. Catch you later, Hyoudou." Saji waved and left.
I glanced around. The new building gleamed, its design echoing Kuoh Academy.
Rias extended her hand, smiling. "Congratulations, Sona."
"Thank you, Rias," Sona said, shaking her hand. "It's just the first school, and opening's a ways off, but we've shaped it enough for trial enrollments. Thanks for coming, everyone."
She looked thrilled.
"Let me show you around," Sona said.
As we followed, parents and kids bustled through the halls. Baal clan members and guest lecturers taught eagerly attentive children, with Sitri members assisting. Student council members, being students themselves, couldn't lead classes.
Volunteers also darted about. Most kids were around ten, with a few mid-teens mixed in.
"How many are here?" Rias asked.
"Word spread, so more came than expected," Sona said. "About 150 kids today."
Impressive! With parents, it's even more. Proof Sona's school's drawing attention.
But it also means there are this many kids who want to learn but can't. I hope they can attend here—it'd open up their futures.
In the gym, a lively voice rang out. "Listen up! A punch comes from dropping your hips, channeling your whole body forward in a straight line!"
"Yes!" the kids shouted back.
Sairaorg was teaching them straight punches, full of enthusiasm, grinning ear to ear. The kids matched his energy, throwing punches with gusto.
Noticing us, Sairaorg waved. "Rias and crew! Look, kids, the Breast Dragon's here!"
The kids turned, eyes wide.
"It's the Breast Dragon!" one yelled.
"The Switch Princess too!"
"Is the Darkness Knight Fang gonna fight?"
They rushed us. Expected, honestly. It's part of Sona's plan—a surprise for the kids. It worked, but calming their excitement was tricky. Sona tried, but they weren't listening.
Then—
"Leave it to me!" Rayvel, my 'Bishop' and manager, stepped in.
As expected—
"Please line up for handshakes and autographs!" she announced. "Bring chairs and a table! Issei-sama, Rias-sama, here's a marker! Everyone, the Breast Dragon and Switch Princess aren't going anywhere—line up!"
Oh, that's her plan.
Thus began an impromptu Breast Dragon event.
The sudden Breast Dragon event included handshakes, autographs, and a show. For a last-minute thing, it was a hit. The kids loved it.
Now, I'm taking a break. Others are helping with classes—Miu with magic, Alice with physical activities, and Rayvel with operations.
I need to get assigned soon.
"Here you are, Issei Hyoudou," Sairaorg said, approaching with Sona and Vice-President Shinra.
Sona glanced around. "Thank you, Issei. The kids enjoyed it. What do you think of the school?"
"It's great," I said. "The kids are motivated, the teachers are passionate, and the environment's calm. Top-notch."
Shinra added, "Beyond those wanting Rating Game lessons, we have kids rejected by all schools."
"Rejected?" I asked.
"Yes. Denied for weak abilities, low magic, or low status, their futures sealed."
Sairaorg continued, "Some, despite their house's rank, were forced out for weak magic. Others had talent but were barred by low status. Many here came desperately seeking a chance."
I see. For pureblood-obsessed nobles, training 'lesser' or 'untalented' devils is unthinkable—they fear them growing stronger than the aristocracy.
Sona murmured, "Japan's a good country. Studying there showed me how amazing equal education is. The country where you and Tsubaki grew up is far ahead of the Underworld."
"This school's a landmark," Sairaorg said. "I hope it spreads to other territories. It must."
Their eyes gleamed with resolve.
Sairaorg grinned. "I'm teaching physical techniques."
"Saw you teaching punches," I said.
"Yeah, my first time playing teacher. I'm just mimicking books. Not sure if I'm doing it right, but the kids punch with all they've got."
He looked happy—genuinely enjoying teaching.
Staring at his fist, he said, "This rough, ugly fist was forged for fighting. But teaching kids, I realized… maybe I was born to teach, not just destroy. Finding value in these hands feels good. Maybe I'm exaggerating."
He gazed at the kids on the field, perhaps recalling his past.
"If you lack something, make up for it elsewhere."
Words from his mother, Misra, when he was young. Strength, intellect—didn't matter. Without magic or destructive power, perseverance would lead to victory. Those words stuck with him.
Now, he's passing them on.
Sona surveyed the school. "We'll keep pushing. We haven't even started. We'll break through every obstacle."
She sounded like Rias—proof of her passion for this school.
Suddenly, a commotion arose. Even kids focused on lessons ran toward it.
"What's that?" I muttered.
"They're here," Sona said.
"Yeah," Sairaorg and Shinra nodded.
They walked toward the noise, and I followed.
There stood—
"Hey, I came to check it out," a man said, raising a hand. Gray hair and eyes, a refreshing smile.
The reigning Rating Game champion, the Emperor.
—Diehauser Belial.
Sairaorg and Sona shook his hand.
"Thank you for coming, Lord Diehauser," Sairaorg said.
The Emperor smiled, scanning the school. "Nice place. Looks like it'll attract good students."
He grinned warmly at the excited kids.
The champion himself visiting? Shocking.
Shinra whispered, "He's filming a movie in Agreas tomorrow."
A movie star, huh? Wonder what kind. I did a tokusatsu gig, but this feels different.
His visit's great PR for the school. It might draw even more applicants.
The Emperor looked at us earnestly. "I'll support this as much as I can. Nurturing future players is wonderful."
He shook my hand and Shinra's too. What charisma!
After chatting with the Emperor, Sona and Shinra guided him around, leaving me with Sairaorg.
I was about to join a class when Sairaorg spoke.
"Issei Hyoudou, why not teach the kids? Unlike me, you had a mentor. Pass it on."
"Me?" I said.
Right, Reyna and Koneko mentioned this in vampire territory.
"I'm just copying books," Sairaorg said. "You've been trained. You could teach what you learned."
True. Someone with real training can pass on proper methods.
"You started with nothing and became a hero," he said. "The kids might be curious about your training."
I began with zero, trained under a master, and gained my strength. That rigorous training made me who I am.
The kids looked at me with sparkling eyes. Some even asked, "How do I get as strong as the Breast Dragon?" Their desire to grow stronger was clear—not just admiration.
But teaching my master's methods directly? Tough.
"Climb that cliff in three seconds!"
"Impossible!"
Or…
"Magical☆Punch!"
"That's just a punch! Wait, the mountain's gone! I'm gonna die!"
Or…
"Guess that girl's three sizes."
"Uh, from top to—"
Yeah, teaching that would make the kids cry. Parents would complain.
So…
"Can I stick to basic techniques?" I said, sweating. "My master's methods might end this school before it starts."
Sairaorg tilted his head, puzzled.
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