Chapter 492 The Devouring Snake
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Okay, Aki-nii,” Nimura Ruruko replied.
She was disappointed, but she understood. After safely dropping the girl off at home, Aki headed back.
Thinking it over, he recalled who Diodora was. Diodora Astaroth — a young Devil with a strange fetish for nuns. Asia had been kicked out of the church back then because she healed him. The whole thing was his plan. He wanted a chance to defile Asia.
That was all Aki knew. He’d only seen the anime, and the later episodes hadn’t been as interesting, so his memory was fuzzy. He hadn’t expected that perverted nun-lover to still be obsessed with Asia, even this far off the original world line.
After Asia was kicked out, before Diodora could make his next move, she met Aki and got targeted by Amano Yuuma. By the time Diodora found another chance, Asia had already Dual Cultivated with Aki countless times.
Back home, Aki found Rias and called the girls to the living room. He explained what happened.
”Well… Aki-sensei, President…” Asia’s eyes were downcast. “Actually, I met this person after school today too.”
”Asia, did he do anything to you?” Aki growled.
Since he couldn’t force Aki, he’d tried offering all his nuns in exchange for Asia. The thought disgusted Aki. No matter how beautiful the woman was, he would never trade his own. If he remembered right, Diodora’s women were his Peerage members — all pure nuns he’d tricked into joining.
”No.” Asia shook her head gently and smiled. “I’m not good at fighting, but I’m already Demon King-class. Even if he wanted to do something, he couldn’t.”
Diodora’s escape trick was unusual, but his combat strength was only average High-Class. Before coming to Aki, Diodora had found a chance to talk to Asia alone. He tried all kinds of dramatic confessions and memories, but none of it worked. Finally, he tried to kiss her hand. Asia drove him off. With no other choice, he went to Aki and made the trade request.
”He said he was the Devil I healed back then. Because I healed him, I got kicked out of the church. Now he wanted to repay me by marrying me…” Asia explained briefly. Worried Aki might be upset, she added, “Of course, I refused clearly. But I didn’t expect him to go find Aki-sensei…”
Aki smiled and pulled Asia into his arms. She beamed at him — that was better than any words of comfort.
”Diodora is from the Astaroth family — the current Demon King Beelzebub’s house. He’s the next head.” Rias rested her chin on her hand thoughtfully. “I didn’t expect him to be connected to Asia.”
Another Demon King family heir… Aki silently complained. Just as he expected. This wasn’t just high status — the guy was practically a Demon King in training.
”Honestly, I don’t remember him well. I don’t even remember his face clearly.” Under everyone’s gaze, the blonde little nun grew shy once her emotions settled. She gently broke free from his arms. “Because there were a lot of sad things back then…”
Healing Diodora was why Asia got kicked out of the church that raised her. Then the Fallen Angels targeted her. Aki understood — this was all Diodora’s conspiracy. He’d just stolen his prize. But the others didn’t know. As the next head of the famous Astaroth family, Diodora’s reputation was good.
”To make such a promise for the girl who saved him… that sounds like Diodora, the young master.”
”It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” Rias patted Asia’s head to comfort her.
”Mm, I know.”
Rias wouldn’t doubt Aki’s words, but she was deceived by appearances. She thought Diodora had made a painful decision for love. In reality, he was just bored with those nuns. And now Asia was both a believer in God and Demon King-class. To him, she was incredibly tempting — that’s why he risked his life to approach Aki.
Aki glanced sideways. “That guy isn’t simple. Everyone should be careful.”
Diodora couldn’t even beat Asia, and as the next family head, he wouldn’t dare cause trouble. That saved Aki some worry. He could tell Rias about the guy’s character, but letting them see for themselves would make a stronger impression.
The girls looked at Aki curiously, especially Rias. But seeing he didn’t want to say more, they just acknowledged it and didn’t ask.
”Since everyone’s here, I have an announcement.” Rias’s voice turned serious as she looked at everyone, focusing on the Divine Research Society girls — or rather, her Peerage. “Next week, there’s a Rating Game.”
”Rating Game? Against who?”
”Not against anyone. It’s a tournament.” Under the girls’ curious looks, Rias explained slowly. “It’s a tournament to determine the strength of the next generation of young Devils. If not for Loki’s attack, it would have been held right after the alliance. That’s why all the young leaders came to the alliance meeting.”
”Young Devils…” Aki looked around. Almost everyone here counted as young Devils. Forget the Divine Research Society — even the not-yet-healed Yubelluna group were upper-tier among young Devils. If they joined, wouldn’t it be unfair? Even the strongest young Devil, Sairaorg, was maybe God-class at best. No match for Aki.
Seeing what Aki was thinking, Rias continued. “But we don’t have to participate. Our strength is already in another dimension. Plus, the Loki fight proved us.”
Having every member at Demon King-class was indeed unfair to others. This arrangement made sense.
”What about Sairaorg? His strength crushes everyone too, right?” Aki frowned.
Not participating was fine, but besides Rias, Sona Sitri was also his King. Even with a strength boost, she couldn’t match Sairaorg. Rating Game didn’t kill — at worst, they’d be half-dead — but that’s not what he wanted to see.
”Rating Game depends on overall strength. Sairaorg is strong individually, but his Peerage is manageable.” Rias explained. “I’m telling you this so everyone knows. And especially for you, Aki.”
Aki met her eyes and understood. “President, you mean I can join as part of Sona’s Peerage?”
”Right. Sona and her group have improved a lot recently. This tournament is a good test.”
”I understand. I won’t step in unless necessary.”
”I don’t know much else about the tournament since we’re not competing.” Rias smiled. “There’s not much time left. You can stay with Sona more. Don’t worry about Asia. Diodora Astaroth is participating too.”
”Okay.”
At the same time, back in the underworld, Diodora sat with his eyes closed in his study. He muttered to himself, “Asia Argento, I won’t give up.”
The Rating Game was coming — a good opportunity. Unfortunately, Asia was in Rias’s Peerage and wouldn’t compete. If that was the case…
Three days later, in the Divine Research Society activity room, a green magic circle lit up.
”Astaroth…” Rias murmured, putting down her book.
Asia froze. She started to get nervous. Even though she was much stronger now, her personality was still kind and gentle. Diodora was tied to her darkest memories. Even if she’d moved on, she couldn’t completely ignore him.
”Greetings, everyone. I am Diodora Astaroth.” Diodora smiled, eyes narrowed, addressing the girls in the room. “I’ll be direct. I want to trade for the nun.”
Asia was startled. After failing with Aki, he was now directly asking Rias to trade Peerage members. Peerage members could be lent and traded — Aki had only learned that later. Aki was nominally in Rias’s Peerage and had to obey her. But if Rias did that, she wouldn’t be Rias.
As luck would have it for Diodora, Aki wasn’t at the Divine Research Society. He was with Sona Sitri, helping her and the Student Council girls train for the tournament.
Rias stared coldly at Diodora. “You want Asia, don’t you.”
”Heh, glad you’re reasonable.” Diodora’s fingers moved slightly. Two small magic circles appeared, showing projections of two pretty, noble-looking girls. “This trade is good. I’m offering…”
Rias didn’t even let him finish. “Sorry. I’m not interested. Asia is an important member of my Peerage. I see her as a sister.”
”President…” Asia was touched. Tears gathered in her emerald eyes.
”Trying to trade for a woman you want to marry. Do you even understand what marriage means?” Talking to Diodora up close for the first time, Rias finally understood what Aki had meant. Forget Aki — even she wanted to attack him now. She was barely holding back.
After being frustrated repeatedly and shut down by Rias, Diodora couldn’t keep up his act any longer. His eyes opened slightly, revealing red, eerie pupils. His fake smile vanished.
He paused, then turned. “I understand. I’ll go for now. But I won’t give up.”
With that, Diodora tried to move toward Asia, but Rias’s Mana blocked him. Unable to touch the blonde nun he craved, Diodora could only shower her with sweet words. “Asia, our meeting and reunion are fate. Even if the whole world denies us, I will cross it. I love you, Asia.”
But no matter how well he spoke, Asia didn’t respond. Diodora had no choice but to leave. If the conflict escalated, Rias might hold back, but if Aki showed up, he’d have to waste another precious life-saving ability.
Underworld Abyss. Sheba Beelzebub watched Diodora arrive and said darkly, “Finally made up your mind?”
”Mm. I’ve decided.” Diodora’s eyes turned cruel. “But first, when you attack, you have to help me take out the Red Dragon Emperor.”
”Don’t worry. He was already in our plans.”
”Then it’s settled. Four days from now. You can prepare in advance. Here are the spatial coordinates for the competition site.”
…
One day later, Aki looked at the dark-skinned beauty before him and smiled. “Good news. Very useful. What reward would you like?”
”No. Next time.” Cattleya’s pretty face reddened. Her long, toned legs squeezed together unconsciously. “I sneaked out. Everyone’s watching closely this time. If I’m caught, it’ll be trouble.”
”It’s fine. You won’t have to hide much longer.” Aki’s eyes sharpened. “This time I’ll wipe out the Old Devil Faction completely. After that, you can show yourself openly like Vali.”
”Aki…” Cattleya hesitated. Seeing her evasive eyes, Aki understood.
”Don’t worry. I’ll try to spare the Leviathan family Devils.” He said that, but in a war like this, he couldn’t fight alone. On a chaotic battlefield, who could watch out for everyone? He was just giving her reassurance so she wouldn’t worry about being useless and abandoned.
”Mm!” The dark-skinned beauty understood this, but hearing his words, she still felt relieved.
”I’ll head back now.”
”Mm. Stay safe.”
After seeing Cattleya off, Aki immediately went to the underworld. He told Sirzechs and Serafall everything about Diodora, the Old Demon King faction, and the Khaos Brigade collusion. With his current strength and relationships, he could meet Demon Kings directly without going through Rias or Sona.
Hearing his report, Sirzechs was surprised. “How did you get such detailed intel?”
”Uh, can I not say?”
Everyone knew he’d captured Cattleya, but turning her into an obedient, pleasure-seeking husk and sending her back as a spy? Only Aki knew. It sounded impressive, but saying it out loud was embarrassingly strange.
Seeing Aki like this for once, Serafall and Sirzechs were curious, but after exchanging glances, they decided not to push.
”Fine. You don’t have to say.” Sirzechs thought for a moment. “Your intel matches ours exactly — more detailed too. It’s reliable.”
”You already knew about the Khaos Brigade and Old Devils’ movements?”
”Mm. Diodora’s Mana has been strangely increasing lately. We got some tips from Norse and the Fallen Angels. We’ve been investigating together for a while.”
Aki understood. No wonder Sirzechs only seemed surprised at the detail, not the content itself. Such a big operation couldn’t have been a last-minute decision. The Khaos Brigade must have been planning for a long time. Diodora joining was just the final step.
”Ophis’s snake power? Then we need to inform everyone about this operation.” Serafall’s expression was serious. The most important part of the intel from Cattleya — and Aki — was about the Infinite Dragon God Ophis. The Khaos Brigade dared to oppose all mythologies because they had Ophis backing them. The Old Demon King faction dared to attack the underworld because Ophis gave them some of her power.
The Infinite Dragon God Ophis. Also known as the Devouring Snake. Both names referred to infinity, cycles, immortality, the world, and so on. Cattleya, a main combatant, had naturally received Ophis’s power. Aki had seen the infinity symbol on her palm. In terms of Mana, it was about God-class. Combined with the host’s own strength, they might reach High God-level. Ophis’s power was strong, but getting this effect after splitting it among so many people was surprising. After all, no matter how naive she was, she wouldn’t lend out all her power at once.
”Mm. I’ll communicate with Odin and Michael.” Sirzechs nodded, equally serious. If Ophis was involved, the underworld alone couldn’t win — even with preparation and ambush.
”Then Rias and the others have to participate in the tournament after all.” Serafall smiled at Aki. “Since you’re here, could you tell them? Use whatever excuse you want.”
”Fine…” Aki agreed helplessly. Before leaving, he complained, “This tournament really is unlucky. Last time Loki. Now Ophis herself.”
Serafall couldn’t help laughing. “Haha. Don’t worry. After this, there won’t be another tournament.”
”It better be.”
Aki waved goodbye to the two Demon Kings. He’d leave the headache to the big shots. Being a Demon King looked cool, but Aki preferred his current life.
Back home, Aki made up a random excuse. Through the Soul Network, he hinted at some truth to Rias and the others. Too many people knowing risked leaks, but a hint was fine.
Notes:
• Aki – A tall, handsome Kuoh Academy student and Red Dragon Emperor, he is a reincarnated cultivator who currently inhabits a pitch-black cat form with piercing azure eyes. Calculating and protective, he commands the Boosted Gear and Origin Blood. Connected to the Gremory household and Naruse Mio via a Soul Network, he manages a vast harem while navigating ancient conspiracies and his own feline instincts.
• Asia – A voluptuous, golden-haired former nun and S-Rank Gremory Bishop, this reincarnated, kind-hearted Devil acts as a naive yet diligent healer and mascot in the Occult Research Club. Her pure presence and intuitive wisdom comfort others during internal conflicts. Under Aki’s tutelage, her deep affection for him fuels an anxiety about being good enough within the club’s competitive dynamics.
• Amano Yuuma – Yuuma Amano is the alias of Raynare, a Fallen Angel disguised as a school uniform-wearing student with an innocent face, slender figure, long black hair, and black wings. Serving in Rias’s Peerage, the ORC, and a barrier maintenance team, she assists with grooming at the villa. Possessive and assertive, she proactively trains her partner Aki, with whom she desires intimacy.
• Amano – Raynare Yuuma, a fallen angel masquerading as a Kuoh schoolgirl, is a striking woman with long hair and a commanding presence. Secretly a Devil bound by a Soul Contract to Aki, this former Occult Research Club member possesses black-belly powers and instant-change abilities. She conceals her true faction and fears, remaining a disciplined, protective figure deeply concerned for Aki’s well-being.
• Yuuma – Amano Yuuma (Raynare) is a striking, large-busted schoolgirl with long black hair and violet eyes. Formerly a fallen angel, she is now a high-class devil, light magic master, and devoted Pawn in Aki’s peerage via a soul contract. Bound by an obsessive, absolute allegiance to Aki, she playfully teases him while hypothesizing that his soul, though incredibly strong, is pure and pitifully lacking.
• Y – The first initial/part of the name Y Ddraig Goch.
• Rias – Rias Gremory, a sharp, playful high-class devil and Gremory heiress, is Sirzechs’s sister and daughter of Venelana. Known for her crimson hair, she heads the Occult Research Club, protecting her peerage including Mio, Xenovia, and Maria. As Aki’s fiancée and partner privy to his transmigration, she guides his cultivation while navigating complex feelings toward his pursuit of Grayfia and her mother.
• Yubelluna – An A+-rank magic user with a curvaceous figure and long purplish-red hair, specializing in explosive and barrier spells. Formerly a Phoenix-clan devil who loved Riser Phoenix and aimed to be the first cultivator, she now enjoys freedom in the Human World after his incapacitation. She has recently joined Ravel’s Peerage to pursue a new path.
• Sona Sitri – Sona Sitri, aka Shitori Sona, is a High-Class, pure-blood devil who became a master strategist at seventeen. As Kuoh Academy’s Student Council president, she wears formal attire and glasses, sporting short black hair and a stern look. Noted for her massive Mana, she tactically leads the Sitri family and manages local supernatural threats while deferring to Rias Gremory.
• Sitri – The prestigious devil hierarchy family name carried by Sona, representing her noble lineage and identity.
• Sona – An analytical, bespectacled young woman with long black hair, she is the Sitri clan’s future head and Student Council President. Highly intelligent and composed, she manages her council with structured leadership. As a strategic, noble ally to Rias, she works to protect their shared interests and serves as a capable, potential collaborator.
• Cattleya – Job: Old Devil Faction informant; Relationship: Provides intel to Aki; Note: Source of information about Cardinal College.
• Vali – A stoic, arrogant half-demon youth of Ancient Devil blood, this battle-crazed individual is the White Dragon Emperor, Albion. Wearing resplendent white armor with light-absorbing wings, he triggers Balance Breaker at will. Taken in by Azazel but later joining the Khaos Brigade, this cynical warrior seeks a fated rival, though Governor Shemhaza admits his actions reflect a lack of supervision.
• 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.
• Serafall – Serafall Leviathan is a Super-Devil, one of the Four Great Satans, and Sona Sitri’s bubbly, energetic sister with an extreme sister-complex. A peer to Sirzechs who once vied with Grayfia for the title of the Underworld’s strongest female devil, she balances her immense power and threat-monitoring duties as a leader with a personal preference to avoid conflict.
• Sirzechs – Sirzechs Gremory, the red-haired Demon King Lucifer, is a formidable strategist and Rias’s brother. Known for his battlefield prowess, he charmed the enemy general Grayfia into defecting, later marrying her and fathering Georgix. A complex, often elusive leader, he balances diplomatic duties and rebuilding the Underworld with a cultivation obsession that frequently strains his family life, yet he remains an ally to Aki.
• Ophis – The Infinite Dragon God, an initiator of the Khaos Brigade who refuses to coddle others.
• Michael – A handsome, pragmatic Archangel in golden armor, he leads Heaven and the surviving Seraphs after God’s disappearance. Wielding a dragon-slaying Holy Sword, he possesses power exceeding a Super-Devil and unmatched intelligence. He maintains the System to preserve peace among the Three Factions, prioritizing order over individual lives, and modified the Holy Sword Project’s fatal rituals.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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