The atmosphere within the Bael Castle was thick with ancient power and the scent of ozone. As Alexander stepped through the grand archways, his 50% synchronization hummed, sensing the massive magical reserves hidden within the walls.
"Great-grandfather!" Alex said with a genuine smile, stepping forward to give Zekram Bael a firm hug.
The oldest of the Baels let out a rare, hearty laugh. "I am well, my dear grandson. Your presence alone feels like a storm brewing. You've grown even more than the reports suggested."
Beside Zekram stood a man with a sharp, intellectual gaze—Ajuka Beelzebub, the creator of the Evil Piece system.
"Hey, geek!" Darius shouted, slapping Ajuka on the back. "This is my grandson, Alexander Argus Runcandel. Try not to bore him to death with your equations."
Ajuka sighed, though a small smile played on his lips. "Lord Darius, you still tease me after all this time? I'm one of the Four Satans, have some decorum."
"Decorum? Who's the one who stays in a research lab 24/7 and forgets to eat?" Darius retorted, making Ajuka cough in embarrassment.
Ajuka turned to Alex, his eyes shimmering with curiosity. "Alexander, it is a pleasure. Please, call me Brother or simply Ajuka. I have heard... interesting things about your mana signature."
"Sure, Ajuka," Alex replied smoothly.
The Mutation of the Monarch
Ajuka led them to a pedestal holding a glowing, crystalline orb. "This orb is linked to the core of the Evil Piece system. Place your hand on it, Alexander. It will determine the pieces best suited for your soul's weight."
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: Ciel, the system is trying to read my soul. Don't hide it this time. Let it see a fraction of the 'Ruler's' weight. Let's see if Ajuka's 'Masterpiece' can actually handle me.]
As Alex's palm touched the cold glass, the room went silent. Then, a pulse of golden light exploded from the orb, so bright that even the Super Devils present had to shield their eyes.
The Mechanical Scream:
The orb didn't just glow; it vibrated violently. Suddenly, two complete sets of Evil Pieces materialized in the air—not the standard obsidian or ruby, but a deep, shimmering gold with violet lightning dancing inside them. Every single piece—every Pawn, Knight, Bishop, Rook, and Queen—was a Mutated Piece.
Ajuka Beelzebub: (Staggering back, his jaw dropping) "Two sets? Every single one mutated? That's... that's mathematically impossible! The system only grants two sets to those whose souls are so vast they would crush a single King's frame. And the mutations... they didn't just happen; the pieces evolved to survive your touch!"
Darius & Zekram: (Grinning with terrifying pride) "That's a Runcandel for you! Our descendant doesn't just play the game; he breaks the board!"
The Shock of the Watchers
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: Two sets? That's 30 pieces total. Ciel, analyze. / Ciel: "Master, the pieces have bonded with your Gnosis. They are no longer just Devil tools; they are 'Divine Vessels.' Anyone you reincarnate with these will gain a fraction of your Outer God potential."]
The Listening Audience:
Rias Gremory: (Her heart nearly stopping) 'Two sets of Mutated Pieces... I only have one mutation in my whole peerage. Alex could build an army of Super Devils with that!'Sona Sitri: (Adjusting her glasses, her eyes wide) "He truly is a King among Kings. To think... I was the first one he kissed."Serafall:"Two sets?! That means he can have two Queens! One for Sona-chan and one for... ME!"Great Red (Female):'Mutated by his very touch? This 'toddler' is growing up much faster than I expected.'
"Is it supposed to happen like this?" Alex asked, looking at the glowing golden pieces floating around him.
"No," Ajuka breathed, reaching out to touch one but pulling back as the violet sparks zapped him. "This is the first time in history. You aren't just a King, Alexander. You are the Sovereign."
Alex nodded, waving his hand as the 32 pieces (including the Kings) vanished into his personal storage.
Alexander's Inner Voice:
[Internal Thought: 30 slots to fill. I already have Grayfia, Sylpha, and Kuroka in mind. And Tsubaki... she did ask for that date. I'll need to be careful who I choose. I'm not building a peerage; I'm rebuilding my Guardians.]