Chapter 284 Aki’s Chess Pieces
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Although he hadn’t reached Demon King-class in one fell swoop, Katerea had still brought Aki tremendous growth.
Setting aside the sheer accumulation of Mana, the countless sessions of [Dual Cultivation] in the blurred folds of time, combined with the bloodline talents of the Leviathan lineage, her own unique talents, and the various skills he had mastered, all served to further enhance Aki’s strength.
In particular, his [Devils Lineage] had become even more potent after incorporating the Leviathan bloodline talent; there were subtle changes to his appearance, though they were difficult to discern without close inspection.
…
…
July 12th. Less than twenty days until summer vacation.
Aki was in the classroom, idly catching up on the lessons he had fallen behind on.
As his power grew, his memory had advanced by leaps and bounds. Even having missed nearly half a semester’s worth of classes, a simple glance through the textbooks was enough to ensure he could pass with flying colors.
After all, with this kind of rigid, rote high school education, you’d have to try hard to fail if you just memorized the material. Except for math…
Math was one of those things—once you understood the formulas and algorithms, if you didn’t get it, you just didn’t get it.
Fortunately, Aki was naturally inclined toward science and had the foundation from his previous life, so passing shouldn’t be too difficult.
”Koaki, come to the [Activity room] for a moment. Your [Evil Pieces] have arrived.” Rias stated via the [Soul Network].
”Understood, Buchou.” Aki replied, sounding completely neutral.
Aki stretched, decisively putting down the boring textbook, and signaled Ravel and Koneko to head to the [Activity room] with him.
[Occult Research Club].
Aki accepted the sixteen beautiful, slightly dark-blue chess pieces from the silver-haired, beautiful wife. “Miss Grayfia, I’m sorry to have you run errands for us again.”1 Aki said with a polite nod.
”Red Dragon Emperor-sama…” Grayfia murmured with refined superiority.
”If you don’t mind, please, just call me by my name. I’m actually not too fond of that title.” Aki said, maintaining a clean, neutral tone.
Aki hadn’t felt much about the title before, but after that stunt pulled by Vali and Katerea during the [Three Factions Talk], combined with the presence of the White Dragon Emperor [Albion], he had grown to dislike it.
Barring any accidents, once he reached [God-tier], he would help the Red Dragon Emperor [Ddraig] resurrect. If that failed, he’d at least find him a new host.
Regardless, he wouldn’t continue using a [Sacred Gear] that offered no help and possessed its own consciousness.
Unless the soul residing inside was a [Schoolgirl], that would be different. Well, an [Onee-san] wouldn’t be bad either.
Grayfia smiled faintly. “Indeed, continuing to address you as Red Dragon Emperor-sama is perhaps inappropriate, Aki-sama.”
”Miss Grayfia, just ‘Aki’ is fine.” Aki chuckled, his tone remaining standard and calm. Being called ‘Sama’ by the perfectly ripe head maid always felt a bit strange.
”Then, Aki, please just call me by my name as well. No need for the honorifics.” Grayfia replied with aristocratic elegance.
”Grayfia… Fia.” Aki said, testing the name.
Aki’s eyes lit up. Such a golden opportunity to close the distance was not to be missed.
He didn’t just use her name; he went straight for a more intimate nickname.
”Fia, may I call you that?” Aki asked, his voice steady.
The silver-haired beauty hadn’t expected Aki to be so bold. She was momentarily stunned, though she didn’t seem to dislike it.
For some reason, the beautiful, dignified silver-haired maid suddenly recalled the time she had to check his body in the [Bathroom] while he was unconscious.
The Underworld’s strongest Queen used her iron willpower to suppress her wandering thoughts and smiled in response: “Although it is a bit embarrassing, if you wish to call me that, Aki… then you may.”
Aki had first entered her—and the Underworld’s—radar during the Azazel incident, where the [Boosted Gear]’s [Balance Breaker] mode had played a pivotal role.
But with Aki’s rocket-like growth in power and the combat prowess he displayed during the [Three Factions Talk], anyone with a shred of insight knew that Aki himself was far more worthy of attention than his [Sacred Gear].
There had been many successors to the Red Dragon Emperor before, and there would be more in the future.
But Aki’s ability and potential, particularly that absurd combat strength that left him invincible at his own level, were truly one of a kind.
Setting aside the filter of the “Red Dragon Emperor,” the silver-haired beauty held Aki in even higher regard.
Thinking of the moment during the [Three Factions summit] when he had proactively intercepted the enemy, allowing her to focus on deconstructing the barrier, the warmth in her eyes seemed to turn into a tangible stream, wrapping around Aki from head to toe.
Watching the ‘deep, soul-searching gaze’ between Grayfia and Aki, Rias couldn’t quite keep it together.
She let out a rare, jealous pout, looking flustered as she interrupted their interaction. “Grayfia, you’re not needed here anymore. Hurry back to the Underworld.” Rias snapped with a hint of teen frustration.
The silver-haired beauty looked at Rias with a knowing smile, not bothering to call out her little feelings. “Understood, Rias-sama.” Grayfia replied with Victorian deference.
A magnificent silver [Magic circle] manifested, and a faint light enveloped the head maid.
”I look forward to everyone’s arrival in the Underworld.” Grayfia said gracefully.
Before leaving, Grayfia left behind a parting remark that left Aki completely baffled.
”I was just notified of this myself. We are required to return to the Underworld during summer vacation. It seems to be related to that [Devils] elder who appeared last time.” Rias explained, her voice dropping to a neutral, serious register.
Rias gave a brief explanation and then moved on from the topic.
Compared to that last-minute notification, the [Evil Pieces] were the priority.
”Koaki, have you thought about how you want to use these pieces?” Rias asked, returning to a neutral, leadership tone.
”Hmm…” Aki mused, keeping his voice level.
Aki toyed with the chess pieces, which had a fantastic tactile feel and looked like blue crystal, finding himself in a moment of hesitation.
Before obtaining the [Soul Contract] ability, he had really looked forward to having his own [Peerage].
But now… the [Evil Pieces] seemed somewhat redundant.
”I’m not really looking to [Contract] a [Peerage].” Aki stated plainly.
Rias nodded in understanding. Cultivating a [Peerage] required a massive expenditure of energy, and it came with risks. Many ordinary [High-Class Devils] made the same choice.
But overall, the benefits of cultivating a [Peerage] outweighed the downsides. If one had the ability, it was best to do so.
”Koaki, if you see someone suitable, you should try to [Contract] them,” Rias said. “Once you promote to the university division, there will be more [Rating Game] matches, or rather, resource allocation conducted via [Rating Game] formats.”
[Rating Games] were meant for adult [Devils], so it was normal not to see their full value yet.
Hearing Rias put it that way, Aki realized the logic.
”Got it, I’ll choose my [Peerage] carefully.” Aki agreed.
There were plenty of candidates, but after spending so much time around Rias’s array of top-tier talent, he found it hard to settle for anyone too ordinary.
As for those he did fancy, they were already under [Soul Contract].
Even if they weren’t, he couldn’t exactly go poaching from Rias or Sona Sitri.
Thinking it over, there seemed to be only three suitable candidates right now.
Naruse Mio, Naruse Maria, and the blonde twintail young lady he’d won from that [Yellow-haired Punk] chicken-boy.
The Naruse sisters weren’t in the [Activity room], and they had rejected the [Soul Contract] last time, so he wasn’t sure if they would agree this time.
Thus, Aki’s gaze instinctively turned to Ravel.
Seeing the devil-noble daughter with flushed cheeks, clenching her small fists, and looking incredibly nervous, he smiled.
It was as if the words “Choose me” were written all over the face of this noble daughter currently under Rias’s wing. He had originally worried she might be unhappy because it was a wager, but it seemed he had overthought it.
Although he had vaguely sensed that Ravel had some feelings for him beforehand, now that it was confirmed, Aki still felt a surge of joy.
For Ravel, or rather, for the women he had encountered since, the effects of the [Bitter Parent Template] were almost nonexistent.
Part of it was the suppression Aki exerted after growing stronger, and part of it was that they were powerful enough to be immune to that influence.
So, Ravel was being drawn to Aki purely by his own charm. How could Aki not be happy?
He actually wanted to [Soul Contract] Ravel as well. This sharp-tongued young lady had high potential and looks to boot.
More importantly, she was kind-hearted and liked him from the bottom of her heart.
She wasn’t yet the “fully-grown woman” Aki loved most, but judging by the figures of other Phoenix clan members, Ravel certainly wouldn’t stay petite.
And she was only sixteen! Her chest was already quite developed; the future was looking promising!
Not wanting to keep the somewhat tsundere, sharp-tongued young lady waiting, Aki said with a doting smile: “Ravel, would you be willing to become my Queen?”
”I am!” Ravel shouted with bubbly, idol-like enthusiasm.
The answer was instantaneous.
—
Summary:
Aki is handed a set of Evil Pieces by Grayfia, leading to a flirtatious interaction that leaves Rias flustered. After Grayfia departs with news of an impending Underworld summons, Aki and Rias discuss the necessity of contracting a peerage for future Rating Games. Aki ultimately decides to select Ravel as his Queen, and she eagerly accepts his proposal.
—
Trivia:
Aki is currently catching up on schoolwork and notes that his memory has improved alongside his power.
Aki has a personal disdain for the title “Red Dragon Emperor” due to the events of the Three Factions Talk.
The “Bitter Parent Template” is a mechanic Aki uses, though it is becoming less effective on powerful women.
Ravel Phoenix is only sixteen years old but is already physically well-developed.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• Katerea – A dark-skinned, tall, and slender Demon King-class beauty with long, silken dark-gold hair. Stripped of her powers and restrained by the Magic-Sealing Body Lock, this Leviathan powerhouse initially contributed to Aki’s growth through combat. Held captive, she undergoes intense conditioning in the Kuro Room, fueling a deep conflict as her inherent pride gives way to total submissive compliance to Aki.
• Aki – A tall, handsome Kuoh Academy strategist and King-status devil cultivator with a sturdy, powerful build. As a dominant mentor, healer, and Kuro Room operator, he uses magical tool control, Dual Cultivation, and soul contracts to psychologically condition others and restore their potential. Pragmatic and flirtatious, he manages a growing harem and supernatural Peerage, creating and distributing Evil Pieces on his rapid path to Demon King-class.
• Leviathan – A title of the Four Great Satans held by Serafall and Katerea, designating their status as high-ranking Demon King-class entities. Serafall maintains crucial diplomatic ties with other factions as a leader scheduled to attend the summit, while both are defined by their supreme authority and distinct, powerful identities within the underworld’s hierarchy.
• Rias – Rias Gremory, an elegant SS+ rank high-class devil heiress and Kuoh Academy’s Occult Research Club president, is a stunning woman with crimson hair, blue eyes, and porcelain skin. As head of the Gremory household, this confident, casual yet protective female King leads her peerage with empathetic authority. Prone to jealousy, Sirzechs’ sister and Sona’s friend mentors Aki and manages a villa.
• Y – The first initial/part of the name Y Ddraig Goch.
• Koneko – A sixteen-year-old Nekoshou with white hair, cat features, and a petite, doll-like physique, this stoic girl serves as Rias Gremory’s Rook. Accompanying the protagonist Aki to the activity room, her immense strength benchmarks his limits. Currently in a tough gym fight, her usual impassive restraint yields to magical resonance, making her deeply affectionate with Aki and prone to jealousy.
• Ravel – A 16-year-old blonde, twin-tailed Phoenix clan princess and sharp-tongued, pure-blooded Devil. Formerly Riser’s strategist, she now serves as a Queen to Rias and Aki, whom she is deeply infatuated with and closely studies. Clad in lolita attire with flame wings, she is kind-hearted yet protective of her position, harboring anxiety about new peerage members while aiding recovery efforts.
• Grayfia – The strongest Underworld Queen and Sirzechs’ wife/secretary, she is a dignified, silver-haired head maid serving the Gremory house with iron willpower. Composed yet seductive, this high-ranking Devil authoritatively executes the Demon King’s wishes. Using her Demon King-class power, she acts as a medical examiner, barrier dismantler, and referee, and collaborated with Aki to create a specialized drug.
• Albion – The White Dragon Emperor is an ancient, God-tier entity of immense power residing within the White Dragon Armor Sacred Gear. Serving as a clinical advisor and voice of reason for his host, Vali, during battles, he acts as a massive energy source. He maintains a distinct identity as a legendary dragon, communicating directly with his wielder to guide them through high-stakes conflicts.
• Vali – A stoic, arrogant half-demon youth of Ancient Devil blood, this individual is associated with the White Dragon Emperor, Albion. Wearing resplendent white armor with light-absorbing wings, he triggers Balance Breaker at will. Taken in by Azazel, this cynical, battle-obsessed Khaos Brigade member seeks a fated rival, though Governor Shemhaza admits his recent actions reflect an oversight in supervision.
• Ddraig – The Welsh Dragon and Red Dragon Emperor, one of the Two Heavenly Dragons. As an ancient, strongest dragon with a deep, resonant voice, his powerful soul is currently dormant and sealed within the Boosted Gear. He retains a powerful will and recognizes his wielder, Aki, as his chosen heir, maintaining impactful relationships with those around him.
• Queen – A devil serving Riser Phenex.
• Azazel – A decadent, arrogant fallen angel and former Governor General, this middle-aged man in a neon hot-spring yukata pairs a rogue personality with immense, Demon King-class power. Defeated by and confirmed weaker in combat than Aki via Balance Breaker, he still acts as a formidable antagonist who researches Sacred Gears, provides the Occult Research Club with data, and shapes their view of Aki.
• Sitri – The prestigious devil hierarchy family name carried by Sona, representing her noble lineage and identity.
• Sona – A young, analytical woman with long black hair and glasses, she is the Sitri clan’s future head, Student Council President, and a member of the Gremory household. Highly intelligent and composed, she uses structured leadership to manage her council and acts as a strategic ally to others, standing alongside Rias to protect their shared interests and uphold her noble identity.
• Naruse Mio – A supporter and cheerleader for the Gremory peerage.
• Naruse – Mio and Maria, transfer students from a significant lineage tied to Wilbert, are high-potential individuals destined to become Demon King-class powerhouses standing with the Gremory household. Their arrival has triggered recent instability and activity within the Occult Research Club, which includes their parents, pulling them into a central, high-stakes pursuit.
• Maria – Shela’s daughter and a rare Demon King/Succubus Queen descendant, this white-haired Kuoh Academy transfer student has immense, unawakened magical potential. A member of the Naruse sisters who once declined a Soul Contract, she is Mio’s younger half-sister in Rias Gremory’s peerage. Playful yet obsessive, she seals her mature form into a petite frame, deferring to Mio while acting as Aki’s sharp tactical aide.
• Mio – A proud, large-busted Naruse pure-blood Devil and Demon King’s daughter with peach eyes and red twin-tails. This tsundere schoolgirl transferred to Kuoh Academy to evade pursuers. Boasting fire and unawakened gravity magic, she once declined a Soul Contract but now serves as a Bishop in Aki’s peerage. She resists her fate, curious about the Occult Research Club while managing a complex bond with Aki.
• Phoenix – The Phenex noble clan, from which Riser and Ravel originate, is known for their unique bloodline abilities and the healing properties of their tears.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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