Chapter 277 Concluding the Peace Contract and the Fate of the Captive
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Before reaching God-tier, the Boosted Gear functions as a stable, cross-rank amplifier. Combined with Aki’s absurd combat aptitude and [Talent], it equates to bridging two full tiers of power. As for after reaching God-tier… surely the enemies encountered at that level wouldn’t still be an entire realm stronger than him.
After God-tier, the number of individuals at each subsequent stage decreases exponentially; only about one in ten God-tier powerhouses can reach [Sub-Dragon God-level]. And of those ten [Sub-Dragon God-level] powerhouses, at most only one will achieve [Breaching] to become a [Dragon God-level] powerhouse. As for anything beyond that—at that level of existence, open conflict is rare. If a true life-and-death battle were to break out, the [Three Realms] would suffer devastating blows, and no one would emerge unscathed.
Therefore, Aki set a small goal for himself: become a God-tier powerhouse. Before that, he needs to attain [Demon King-class]. With that, Aki looked toward Katarina, whose aura was weak and who remained unconscious. “Come to think of it, even after using the [Dual Cultivation Ability] for so long, this is the first time I’ve had to use forceful means. Thinking about it really is quite stimulating, but before that, I need to find a way to confine the recovering ‘Black Beauty’.”
Sirzechs and Serafall watched the Katarina in Aki’s hands, wanting to say something, but after meeting the resentful glares of Rias and Sona Sitri, they decisively rubbed their noses and cast the thought aside. The two [Demon King] lords were very much interested in preserving the pure-blooded descendant of the original Leviathan. But seeing as Aki didn’t intend to kill Katarina, it seemed there was no need to offend the [Red Dragon Emperor] and the two little princesses of the house over it.
Glancing at the two [Demon King] lords, Aki felt the frustration he’d been harboring dissipate quite a bit. He dragged the half-crippled Katarina back to Rias and the others, discussing how to imprison a [Demon King-class] powerhouse and have his way with her. As for whether the [Three Factions] leaders would go on to sign the peace [Contract] or return to handle their internal conflicts, that was no longer his concern.
The heated battle suddenly cooled. Once the enemies were successfully repelled, the [Angel Pawn] and [Fallen Angels Pawn] separated into two distinct camps.
”Devils, Fallen Angels, and Angels working together, huh.” Shemhaza watched the [Pawn] in the sky and smiled faintly. “Peace has truly arrived.”
”Of course. The Kokabiel incident was my dereliction of duty; when I return, I will have him submerged in the eternally sealed Ice Prison to properly atone.” Michael and the two [Demon King] lords understood instantly—if they didn’t sign the peace [Contract], it would only play right into the hands of [Khaos Brigade]. Although their cooperation this time was purely because the enemy had combined the strength of all [Three Factions] first, the fact that they had worked together was undeniable, and it could certainly be used as a selling point.
”The matters concerning Katarina and Zolgear are also our own problems.” Sirzechs followed up, stating: “We will deal with them properly once we return.”
”The matter with Vali was my oversight; I’ve caused everyone trouble.” Shemhaza caught the nuance; the [White Dragon Emperor] was indeed more closely tied to the [Fallen Angels], so he decisively took responsibility. It was just lip service anyway. Besides, making the Devils shoulder all three incidents would look a bit too unsightly.
The gentle, handsome Michael regained his air of a ‘nice guy,’ squinting his eyes as he smiled: “The [Ten Core Gods] seem to be stirring again. I hope that after the peace [Contract] is signed, we can all keep an eye on them.”
”Those stubborn bastards still haven’t given up on the insane idea of enslaving all humanity?” Serafall said with a look of disgust: “They just taught the [Hero Clan] at the very beginning, and now they consider themselves [Master]—what a bizarre sense of pride.”
Michael sighed softly. “Actually, the [Ten Core Gods] have cycled through many generations. Some main gods who accepted humanity and shared our policy have appeared, but…”
Aki pricked up his ears to listen carefully. He had mostly grasped the worldview of [High School DxD], but he still didn’t fully understand how the elements from [The Testament of Sister New Devil] had been integrated. One such mystery was the relationship between the [Ten Core Gods] and the current [Three Factions], as well as the underlying reasons.
With Michael’s “but,” Aki finally gained a general understanding of the cause and effect. The [Ten Core Gods] were existences that appeared after the true god disappeared, similar to the [System] remnants currently in Heaven. However, they possessed true life, and therefore, their own consciousness and personalities.
Unfortunately, the rigid rules similar to a [System] always influenced them. The result was an extreme hostility toward [Fallen Angels] and [Devils], and they viewed the new life of the [Human World]… humanity, as mere servants to be used and discarded at will. They performed the role of the aloof god to perfection, but unfortunately, they were only God-tier—God-tier with massive limitations. Eventually, the [Three Factions] united with human powerhouses, specifically the [Hero Clan], and drove them into a corner of Heaven, where they could no longer interfere with the trajectory of the [Three Realms].
But the [Ten Core Gods]’ intentions never wavered; they were always looking for ways to change the current situation. It was just that they were too arrogant to look down upon a ragtag group like [Khaos Brigade]; even if the initiator was the [Infinite Dragon God] Ophis, in their eyes, they were still a rabble of low-born mongrels. The [Khaos Brigade] prided themselves on noble bloodlines and didn’t see eye-to-eye with the [Ten Core Gods] at all. Ophis, in particular, would never coddle them, which is why the two hadn’t teamed up. This time, the appearance of Ornis was merely a coincidence of mutually aligned goals that led to a joint collaboration.
Ornis, that strange, mechanical [Angel], was a creation of the [Ten Core Gods] meant to replace [Angels]. Since they lacked a [System], they couldn’t create actual [Angels], so they took an alternative path and came up with these mechanical [Angels] who, like them, treated humans as low-class slaves.
Because the [Ten Core Gods] constantly replaced their generations, a few main gods with normal thought processes occasionally appeared—especially those who controlled powers related to positive emotions, as they were more easily freed from the shackles of their instincts. For example, [Raphaelene] and [Afreya].
However, awakened main gods were always in the minority. Once the other [Ten Core Gods] discovered their boundary-crossing behavior, the punishment was light—stripping them of their divinity—or severe—eternal imprisonment or even execution. Execution was rare; it was almost unheard of. Executing a main god of the same rank left a bad impression and could easily shake their unshakable status among the mechanical [Angels]. Thus, when Basara Toujou’s surrogate mother, [Raphaelene], committed such a crime, she was merely stripped of her divinity and subjected to torture.
In the end, the [Three Factions] leaders signed the peace [Contract]. It was just that the matters involving [Khaos Brigade] and the [Ten Core Gods] would still give them headaches once they returned. The [Three Factions] peace [Contract] could provide peace of mind for the clansmen to develop, but as leaders, they seemed even more exhausted than before.
As for the matter between Aki and Katarina, everyone tacitly chose to forget. Even the reason for Zolgear’s defection was glossed over; for one, Wilbert’s relationship with the [Gremory household] was unusual. Furthermore, Naruse Mio had high potential; if she continued to grow, she would undoubtedly become a [Demon King-class] powerhouse. And this powerhouse would absolutely stand on the side of the [Gremory household]. After all, [Naruse’s adoptive parents] were still working as servants in the [Gremory household], essentially under their protection.
* * *
Late at night, the heavily wounded Katarina finally woke up. “Ugh… where is this…”
She felt lost for a moment in the completely unfamiliar environment, then immediately remembered those vicious, red claws. Her ‘Black Beauty’ physique couldn’t help but tremble, as if reliving the pain of broken bones and torn tendons. After a long while, she calmed down and carefully observed her surroundings.
It was pitch black, without a single glimmer of light; the Devils’ night-vision [ability] was useless here. Judging by the sound reflection, the room wasn’t very large, maybe around a dozen square meters. After observing the environment, Katarina focused her attention on herself. Her powerful [Demon King-class] self-healing [ability] had already restored her halfway, but she still felt entirely powerless, unable to even break free from the ropes binding her hands and feet.
Furthermore, she sensed she was completely unclothed. Every time she curled up and squirmed on the ground, the cold, rough sensation made her feel both shamed and enraged. Recalling what Aki had said during the battle, Katarina felt a shiver of terror and quickly checked her private parts, which were bound by the rough hemp rope in a lewd fashion.
”Huff… thank goodness…”
Noticing nothing unusual with her body, the ‘Black Beauty’ finally let out a breath of relief.
”Heh…”
Aki’s slightly mocking laughter rang out abruptly. “To think the dignified [Leviathan Demon King] would care so much about her virginity.”
Being called the [Leviathan Demon King] gave Katarina a secret thrill of pleasure, but upon remembering her current situation, her face immediately darkened. What she found even more unacceptable was that Aki had been watching her movements from close by, and yet she hadn’t noticed at all.
—
Summary:
Aki reflects on his power scaling and captures the weakened Demon King-class powerhouse, Katarina, intending to confine her. The Three Factions leaders negotiate a tenuous peace contract while managing internal issues involving the Khaos Brigade and the Ten Core Gods. Katarina eventually regains consciousness in a dark confinement, only to be taunted by Aki as he reveals his presence.
—
Trivia:
The Boosted Gear acts as a cross-rank amplifier for those below God-tier.
God-tier powerhouses are exponentially rarer at higher levels of advancement.
The Three Realms would be devastated by a true life-and-death battle between top-level powerhouses.
The Ten Core Gods are remnants of a post-Akira godless era that developed consciousness but remained bound by System-like rigid rules.
Ornis mechanical Angels were created by the Ten Core Gods to compensate for their inability to create natural Angels.
Katarina is a pure-blooded descendant of the original Leviathan Demon King.
Notes:
• 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.
• Katarina – A pure-blooded descendant of the original Leviathan and a Demon King-class powerhouse known as the ‘Black Beauty’. She is currently a captive.
• 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 – Sona Sitri’s sister Serafall is a buxom, long-black-haired schoolgirl in twintails, a Super-Devil, and one of the Four Great Satans (Leviathan). A peer to Sirzechs and combatant of the new era, she possesses immense power but is reluctant to engage in conflict. Known for her extreme sister-complex, she often maintains a bubbly, energetic facade despite being a high-ranking Devil leader.
• Sirzechs – Sirzechs Gremory is a red-haired Demon King holding the title Lucifer. As Rias’s brother and a high-ranking Devil leader, he commands a regal presence and immense magical power, actively restraining his strength to prevent destruction. A skilled politician focused on family, he acts as a pivotal peace negotiator whose superior combat capabilities easily surpass those of figures like Katerea.
• Sitri – The prestigious devil hierarchy family name carried by Sona, representing her noble lineage and identity.
• 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.
• 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.
• Shemhaza – A veteran Fallen Angel leader and Governor-General who succeeded Azazel, this scholarly, pragmatic powerhouse commands subordinates like Kokabiel while advocating for peace and taking responsibility for internal incidents. Masking his intent with calm analysis at summits, he is locked in a duel with a demon king-class foe, balancing strategic retreats with raw combat power to preserve assets.
• Kokabiel – A twelve-winged obsidian Fallen Angel and battle-maniac who recently reached Demon King-class status. Responsible for a past incident, this individual is now destined for solitary confinement in the Ice Prison.
• Michael – A gentle, handsome Archangel with a radiant aura and golden armor, he serves as Heaven’s pragmatic, polite leader after God’s disappearance. Maintaining the System to preserve peace among the Three Factions, he prioritizes order over individual lives. Possessing power exceeding a Super-Devil, his immense combat prowess serves as a benchmark entity, leading the four surviving Seraphs.
• Zolgear – An aging Devil Grand Duke with white facial hair and unique horns, this gaunt, Ultimate-Class demon serves as Maria’s power benchmark. Nearing the end of his lifespan, he leads a faction to eliminate Mio, fears the Gremory house, and seeks Wilbert’s power to survive. Though he monitors remote magic, timeline shifts spared Shela and caused him to fail at threatening Maria, leaving him frustrated.
• 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.
• Ophis – The Infinite Dragon God, an initiator of the Khaos Brigade who refuses to coddle others.
• Ornis – A mechanical monster dubbed a Mechanical Angel by Aki. It is associated with the Ten Core Gods and displays high durability and synthetic speech.
• Raphaelene – A main god who attempted to break free from instincts and was subsequently punished.
• Afreya – A main god who displayed signs of awakening beyond the influence of the Ten Core Gods.
• Basara – Handsome, spiky-haired magic novice with a distinct scar, Basara is Jin Toujou’s son, Chisato’s nephew, and a Kuoh Academy student from a Hero Village. He possesses the unique Banishing Shift ability, is a loyal friend to Aki, and handles complex dynamics involving the Hero Clan, his mothers, and cousins. Recovering from physical training, he also provides information on school vampire rumors.
• Toujou – The Toujou family name is carried by Basara and his father Jin.
• Naruse Mio – A supporter and cheerleader for the Gremory peerage.
• Gremory – Rias Gremory, a pure-blood devil of the prestigious Gremory house, has striking crimson hair, blue eyes, a curvy figure, and a prominent bust. Wielding top-level demonic power, she governs Kuoh Academy’s hidden hierarchy and leads her household in a high-stakes competition against the rival Phoenix clan.
• Wilbert – The deceased former Demon King, lover of Shela, and father of Maria. Possessing immense power inherited by Mio as the source of her fire-based abilities—which Zolgear seeks to extend his own life—he was linked to the previous Gremory head and shaped Mio’s upbringing by choosing her kind, anonymous adoptive parents in the Human World.
• 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.
• 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.
• Akira – A blonde, arrogant SSS-Rank strategist for the Naruse sisters, he wields the Boosted Gear, Soul Covenant, and Dual Cultivation. Connected to the yakuza and ORC, this unstable youth uses his Underworld knowledge to protect allies while building a contract harem. Driven by envy and a quest for revenge against Aki, his growth-oriented yet volatile nature ultimately leads to a tragic downfall.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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