At Sitri Mansion.
In Motohama's Room, the crimson magic circle blazed to life on the exquisite floor, as space adjusted itself like it was a usual norm in this realm.
Rias Gremory stepped through it first, her blue-green eyes scanning the empty room with the intensity of someone searching for treasure they'd recently lost. Akeno Himejima followed half a step behind, her eyes carrying the same look as her king, that made even her concerned expression look vaguely suggestive.
Both wore matching frowns that sat awkwardly on faces, that usually were accustomed to confidence and control.
Rias's gaze swept across the meticulously organized room, then turned to her Queen whose gaze was fixed on multiple empty potion vials, that rested at the desk beside his bed.
"This is his room, right?" Rias asked.
Instead of Akeno answering, Sona Sitri's composed voice came from the doorway, her presence announced by the soft click of expensive shoes on hardwood as she addressed the presence of the devil duo at her humble abode.
She stood framed in the entrance like a portrait of self discipline epitome, one hand resting on the doorframe, the other pushing her spectacles higher on her nose with the gesture of someone who'd perfected the motion into an art form.
"Yes, it is" Sona confirmed, stepping into the room "And, He left a moment ago with Grayfia-san"
Rias's eyes widened in surprise "Grayfia? Why would she—"
Sona interrupted before her friend would drown into Motohama's increasingly complicated existence "She was here to escort him to Lucifaad to meet the Satans"
The words landed in the room like grenades with polite timers.
"He should still be recovering, Sona. Why would you allow him to leave?" Rias protested, voice rising with genuine concern that replaced her usual composed demeanor "What's with the urgency to meet them when it's just been a day since he defeated Riser?"
Sona shook her head slowly, a gesture weighted with resignation and something approaching bemused acceptance "He recovered in just a few moments after drinking one of his new potions. At this point, you should realize he isn't an ordinary human....who is getting progressively less ordinary with each day"
Rias couldn't argue with that assessment even if she wanted to, the memory of yesterday's battle replaying behind her eyes like highlights of a fantasy movie produced by someone with too much budget and madness.
The battle with Riser was impressive enough to be on the no.1 trending video of Devitube, with over 100 million views.
In the eyes of the Devils in the Underworld, Motohama had utterly annihilated the Phenex heir, reduced him to an unconscious heap of broken pride and traumatized phoenix, made the supposedly immortal regeneration look like a cheap party trick performed by a drunk magician.
She was absolutely certain no devil of her generation would've accomplished what Motohama had pulled off, the kind of victory that made even Ultimate-class devils sit up straight and start taking notes on the concept of Aura farming.
Akeno spoke up, her usual playful tone wrapped around genuine concern "Ara ara, it seems our Motohama-kun has become quite the celebrity in the underworld. Though I wonder if the Satans summoned him for praise... or for interrogation?"
Sona adjusted her glasses as she sighed looking at empty potion vials "Likely both. A human defeating a pure-blooded devil heir in such a brutal manner has caused political uproar in the Underworld beyond just freeing you from that engagement, Rias. The Old Satan faction is already demanding answers, explanations, and probably blood for letting such an event take place on devil soil under devil supervision"
Rias clenched her fists as she couldn't do anything, while being powerless in her situation.
'Motohama'
---
At Lucifaad, Satan's Office
"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Motohama-kun" Sirzechs smiled with genuine warmth that somehow managed to coexist with the overwhelming power within him like a kid holding a nuclear weapon "I imagine you're wondering why we requested your presence so urgently"
Motohama stood accompanied by Grayfia with casual readiness of knowing he was in a room with people who could erase him from existence but probably wouldn't because it would lead to too much paperwork.
The four Satans occupied their chairs like kings on thrones, Sirzechs with his charisma and barely contained power, while Ajuka looking at Motohama with the interest of a scientist seeing a potential pupil for his legacy.
Falbium was like he was three seconds from snoring but still doing his best to stay awake through this whole ordeal. Serafall waved cheerfully from her seat, somehow managing to make even the formal devil business look like a casual hangout, dressed in her magical girl costume instead of her professional attire.
Motohama remained standing until Sirzechs gestured to an empty chair, as he took his seat and said "I assume it has something to do with yesterday's battle?"
His voice came out steady, which was impressive considering he was addressing the four most powerful devils in existence in a room.
Ajuka nodded, still maintaining his analytical gaze that never left Motohama's face "Indeed. Your victory over Riser Phenex has created quite the stir among devil nobility"
"A human defeating a High-class devil in sanctioned duel is unprecedented in recent history, and by recent I mean the last several centuries, ever since the Devil Civil War"
Serafall added with genuine enthusiasm that somehow managed to sound both adorable and slightly unhinged "And the way you did it! That spatial attack that just ate his flames! And, my favourite one! the final strike that you did with the sword! Mo-tan, you're full of surprises!!!"
Her eyes sparkled with excitement that would've been endearing if not for the underlying implication that she was probably using all this for future exploitation, that Motohama was unaware of.
Motohama chuckled awkwardly as he was slowly realising how Sona felt as centre of attention, in her sister's presence.
Sirzechs coughed to get attention back to the important matters as Serafall immediately silenced herself with a finger on her lips.
"We've called you here, because several noble houses have already begun making inquiries about you. Some wish to recruit you into their peerages...quite forcefully, I might add. Others are... considerably less welcoming of your presence in the Underworld, as large population of female devils had rejected them...and still doing so"
Falbium drawled without bothering to open his eyes fully, voice carrying that particular lazy menace of someone who'd perfected the art of sounding harmless while being anything "You've become politically inconvenient by being too god-damned impressive, kid. Now we need to figure out what to do with you before someone tries something stupid while you're here and forces us to do more work"
At the emphasis on work, a deep annoying sigh escaped from his lips.
Ajuka leaned forward, steepling his fingers like a professor about to explain a particularly complex theorem to his students.
"A human defeating a High-class devil has implications beyond just the duel you and Phenex agreed upon. It challenges certain... deeply entrenched assumptions about the natural order that some of our more conservative factions hold dear. The assumptions that keep them powerful and everyone else conveniently beneath them".
Sirzechs continued, expression shifting into something more serious "Multiple noble houses have expressed interest in adding you to their peerages, some with offers that I can't convey in presence of my wife. As you know already, The Evil Pieces would grant you significant power boosts, official status in devil society, protection from enemies, and access to resources most beings can only dream about"
"Yet you've refused it actively without hesitation. May I ask why?"
Motohama stayed calm, though internally he was getting tired of answering this same damn question again and again and thought of printing it on his back, so every time someone asks it, he just turn around and walk away to know his answer.
Ajuka leaned back, one elegant eyebrow rising as he regarded Motohama with renewed interest.
"From a purely logical standpoint, the benefits of becoming a devil far outweigh the drawbacks, what reason could you possibly have to remain human and vulnerable?"
Motohama was silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts before speaking with a respectable tone.
"My reason for keeping my humanity is to keep myself who I am"
Silence.
"I don't think any of you here would agree to turn into a dragon if given the chance, even knowing they're among the strongest beings in existence. The power would be incredible, the lifespan even longer than yours, the raw strength even more, but for that you'd also reject devil race, would you really trade who you are for just sake of more power?"
Sirzechs's lips curved into a knowing smirk as understanding bloomed across his features. Serafall's eyes widened slightly, replacing her earlier playfulness. Ajuka's analytical expression shifted into something approaching respect.
Falbium chuckled in amusement, his eyes now opened fully for the first time since Motohama entered.
Motohama continued as he said firmly "Chasing power at the cost of your self is just a lack of belief in what you already are and what you can accomplish. And I don't have that particular brand of greed or insecurity. I know I can get stronger on my own terms, at my own pace, staying myself through the process even if it takes longer and requires hardships".
Grayfia's voice interrupted him "Be careful with your words. You are speaking to the Satans".
Her silver eyes held warning that promised consequences if he pushed too far.
'Why is she so uptight all the time? No wonder Sirzechs is spending most hours a day in this office instead of going home. Living with a lady of this level of seriousness must be like living in a library run by militant nuns with swords'
Sirzechs waved one hand dismissively, though his smile had grown warmer "It's quite alright, Grayfia. What he speaks is truth, and I respect conviction that comes from genuine self-awareness rather than bravado or stupidity. There's a difference between the two that most people never learn, even in our age".
He looked at Motohama with something approaching actual respect, the kind reserved for equals "Your determination to forge your own path is admirable, Motohama kun. It reminds me precisely why we fought to change devil society in the first place. The power shouldn't be solely determined by bloodline, the true strength could come from will and work rather than just lucky genetics and family crests".
His words carried the weight of past battles and older convictions.
Ajuka interjected as he asked the question Motohama had been dreading "There's another matter we'd like to address while you're here. Would you care to explain your dealings with Grigori?"
Motohama knew honesty was the only viable strategy since these people probably already knew and were testing his willingness to be truthful. So he did what any sane individual would do in his position at this moment.
"I've agreed to sell my potions to Grigori in exchange for artificial Sacred Gears. It's a straightforward transaction, with nothing more than that"
Motohama's thoughts raced behind his calm expression.
'No point hiding it when the peace treaty between factions is going to happen soon anyway. Better they hear it from me now than from intelligence reports that make me look sneakier than I actually am. Besides, Serafall was the one who handed me that letter, I can't be playing them fools'
He said "I understand this might be concerning given the current political situation between the factions. But trust me, I have no other relations with them other than this"
Falbium's expression remained calm but he sighed "Concerning is one word for it, though I can think of several others that are substantially more troublesome. You're trading with the Fallen Angels while operating in devil territory and maintaining close ties with devil heiresses. That puts you in a position so politically delicate it makes our current issue in the Underworld like a slap on our face"
Ajuka asked "Artificial Sacred Gears? May I ask what you intend to use them for?"
Motohama responded carefully, walking the tightrope between honesty and truthfulness "I have my reasons for wanting them, but I can assure you they're not aimed at harming devil interests or creating weapons to use against the Underworld. I'm simply trying to explore different avenues of power, to protect myself and the people I care about without relying on anyone's generosity or servitude".
"Mo-tan, you need to understand how this looks from our perspective. Grigori and the Devil faction have maintained a very delicate peace for years now, held together by promises and mutual exhaustion from the Great War. If something goes wrong with your dealings and it traces back to devil territory, to you operating under our hospitality..."
Motohama nodded, acknowledging the concern with the gravity it deserved "I understand the position this puts everyone in. I'm not trying to create any troublesome incidents or start faction wars. I just... I need to find my own path to strength, and the Fallen Angels had something I needed that no one else could or would provide".
Falbium actually sat up properly for the first time, abandoning his perpetual slouch "Kid, you're walking a tightrope stretched between buildings on fire while juggling chainsaws and political dynamite. One wrong step, one miscalculation, one piece of bad luck, and you'll have both sides coming after you".
Motohama replied firmly "I know it's risky. I know I'm threading a needle while blindfolded. But I don't have the luxury of a peerage backing me, or a faction's protection. I have to take opportunities where I can find them, even if those opportunities come from people who might be enemies tomorrow".
Sirzechs gaze continued to study Motohama for a moment and finally replied "We can't force you into a peerage, as you've made your decision clear with admirable consistency, and honestly, forcing the human who just defeated Riser Phenex in front of the entire Underworld nobility would be both morally wrong and strategically foolish".
Falbium added with a lazy grin that had returned to his features "Plus it would make us hypocrites after all that pretty talk about reforming devil society and breaking the tyranny of bloodlines. Can't have that, right?"
Sirzechs continued "However, we also can't ignore that you're trading with Grigori while operating in devil territory. What we can offer is a formal affiliation as usual, but with benefits of access to Satan territories and resources.
Ajuka explained "You'd be recognized as an independent contractor allied with the Satans. It would give you legitimate standing in Underworld politics, protection from noble houses trying to coerce or threaten you, and access to certain resources and information networks. In exchange, we'd expect you not to act directly against devil interests and to consult with us on matters that might affect factional balance".
Falbium clarified with blunt efficiency, "Basically, don't sell weapons to our enemies, that might start any wars we'll have to clean up, don't make deals that put us in compromising positions, and we'll keep the political vultures off your back while giving you resources and powers"
Motohama considered this carefully in his head. It was reasonable, more than reasonable, actually. No binding servitude, no loss of autonomy, just mutual cooperation with clear boundaries. And above all, direct contact with Satans and their territories.
They made an offer he could not refuse.
"What would this entail specifically?" he asked, meeting Sirzechs's gaze directly "I need to know the exact terms, the limitations, the expectations, and the fine print before I agree to anything. I've learned that devil contracts can be you know... with their interpretation of verbal agreements."
Sirzechs's smile gained appreciation for the cautious approach "Grayfia will prepare a formal contract outlining all terms and conditions in explicit detail with no deliberate loopholes or clever wordplay. We're not trying to trap you into anything, that would defeat the entire purpose of this arrangement."
Motohama nodded slowly, then dropped his next piece of information like a carefully placed landmine "I'll be leaving in a few hours. There's some unfinished business I need to take care of back in the human world."
"Grigori contacted me last night" he continued, watching their reactions carefully "The delivery of artificial Sacred Gears I requested is ready for pickup. I need to handle that transaction personally".
Sirzechs nodded, expression neutral despite the implications "Very well. Grayfia will have the contract documents prepared for your review before you depart if possible, or delivered to you shortly after. Take whatever time you need to read them thoroughly. There's no rush, we're looking to invest in a long-term relationship, not trying to pressure you into hasty decisions, Motohama kun".
Ajuka added "And, I would very much like to discuss your alchemical processes in detail sometime in the near future. I know they could revolutionize our medical practices, particularly for our long suffered sleep disease"
Motohama gave a slight smile "Sure. After I've reviewed the contract and we've established our working relationship properly".
As Motohama turned to leave, Falbium spoke without opening his eyes fully "One more thing, kid. You humiliated Riser Phenex and the Phenex family, in front of the entire Underworld nobility. His family will want revenge for that most likely, and the Phenex clan's got deeper pockets than most devil noble families. So be vary of them"
Motohama nodded, as he said "I understand. I'll be careful".
Serafall bounced back to her cheerful self with whiplash-inducing speed, somehow making the transition from serious warning to bubbly enthusiasm look natural "Don't look so worried, Mo-tan! You've got friends in high places now! I'll make sure everyone in the Underworld loves you!!"
Motohama simply nodded as he thanked lady luck, that she was on his side.
"Oh! And Mo-tan? That final move you did with the sword?! The one that defeated big bad Phoenix? We'll absolutely use that for my upcoming Magical girl movie's climax scene! I know you will enjoy it very much~! Because, you will be the main lead beside me!!!"
Then regretted it immediately.
'I've won, but at what cost?'
. . .
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