"Hyoudou Issei!" Sairaorg's voice boomed, carrying the sharp edge of a challenge.
"What is it?" Issei's heart hammered against his ribs, but he managed to maintain a steady poker face as he met Sairaorg's gaze.
Sairaorg let out a low chuckle, stepping closer to clap a firm hand against Issei's chest. "That was quite a fight you put up against Riser back then."
"Ah... thank you."
"Hahaha! That night was supposed to be Rias's wedding, yet you went and tore the whole thing down."
"...Did I overstep?" Issei asked tentatively.
"Not at all. In fact, I'm grateful to you for saving her."
"Haa..." Issei sighed, unsure of how to respond. Being in the presence of the number one young devil was, frankly, overwhelming.
Sensing Issei's discomfort, Sairaorg took a step back. "Welcome to the young devils' gathering. As the representative of everyone here, I give you all a warm welcome."
"Enough with the pleasantries, let's get the dancing started," Rias interjected, her hands resting confidently on her hips.
"Hahaha! Fair point! Let the party begin!"
The music swelled, and the young devils began to pair up, moving gracefully to the beautiful melody.
Issei had his work cut out for him that night; he danced with Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, Sona, and finally, Shinra.
They didn't dance all at once, of course—each took their turn until the set ended with Shinra.
Asia was watching Issei and Shinra from the sidelines when a handsome young man with dark green hair and suspicious eyes approached her.
"Are you the one named Asia?" Diodora Astaroth asked.
"Yes, my name is Asia. Do I know you?"
Diodora gave a thin smile, nodding with a deceptively gentle expression. "Of course. You are famous—the healer blessed by the heavens. It is truly a tragedy that a soul like yours had to become a devil."
Asia's face went pale.
Xenovia immediately stepped in, shielding Asia. "I don't know who you are, but stop bullying my friend!" Her tone was firm, her gaze sharp and intimidating.
"Kukuku, I am not bullying her."
"U-um... that is..." Asia looked dazed, cold sweat beading on her forehead.
By now, the commotion had drawn the attention of several other young devils. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd:
"Know your place, you low-class reincarnated filth!"
"How dare they stand up to high-ranking nobility?"
"See? That's what happens when we let our servants get too close."
Asia and Xenovia heard every word. Xenovia, being a warrior at heart, possessed a mental fortitude that was nearly impossible to shake with such petty insults.
But Asia was different. She had been cast out of the church for being too kind. She didn't have Xenovia's thick skin. Her eyes welled up, looking as though she might burst into tears at any moment.
Issei, having just finished his dance, saw the situation unfolding. Anyone in his shoes would have been furious. But before Issei could take action, he felt a sudden, crushing surge of crimson aura from behind him.
Turning around, he saw Rias. Her face was cast in shadow, and her body was radiating a terrifying amount of the Power of Destruction. The young devils present were the elite of the elite, so they felt the sheer weight of her power instantly.
"Watch your tongues," Rias said, her voice cold and devoid of emotion, "unless you wish to die."
A heavy silence fell as the young devils clamped their mouths shut, their expressions twisting in terror. Sona turned pale, while Sairaorg, standing nearby, narrowed his eyes sharply.
Rias's aura continued to swell. Some of the weaker devils began to feel lightheaded, nearly collapsing under the pressure. Before that could happen, Issei rushed forward and pulled Rias into an embrace.
"Stop," he whispered softly into her ear.
"They've learned their lesson."
The aura vanished instantly.
"But—"
"No 'buts.' Your aura was so strong the others could barely survive it."
Rias looked around, stunned to see the members of Sona's peerage—aside from Saji, Sona, and Shinra—slumped weakly on the floor.
"...Was this my fault?"
"Ugh, you could say that. But they're just overwhelmed for a moment, so don't worry too much about them."
Rias calmed down after hearing Issei's reassurance. One by one, the fallen devils scrambled to their feet and hurried away from her.
The terror Rias had unleashed was now etched into their hearts; none of them would ever dare speak ill of her House again.
To be continued...
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