Chapter 14: Six Day Later
Six Days Later
Following the meeting with Maxius and his newly unveiled androids, significant changes swept through the Gremory castle. The sudden disappearance of the second son of the Gremory family caused not only turmoil within the household but also sparked widespread speculation across the underworld. Rumors spread like wildfire, with some viewing Maxius's departure as a bold act of defiance, while others saw it as a calculated move by a young prodigy seeking to carve his own path. Many in the great king faction cheered at the news, regarding Maxius as a potential second coming of Ajuka Beelzebub, a visionary who could bring about great changes. Meanwhile, factions opposed to the Gremory family eyed the situation with interest, hoping to exploit any potential weaknesses arising from the internal upheaval. The castle, once a symbol of stability, now stood at the center of intrigue and tension.
In the Gremory castle, members of the main family gathered in a room, reading the farewell letters Maxius had left behind, each reacting with a mix of shock and emotion.
Dear Family,
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for thirteen incredible years of care, support, and the freedom to explore my passions. However, after much thought, I have chosen to embark on a journey into the wider world with Katsumi and Kei to establish my peerage and seek new experiences. I deeply regret not being able to say farewell in person, but I am certain that certain individuals—especially a certain wicked witch—would have tried to prevent my departure. Hence, this was the only course of action I could take.
Sincerely,
Maxius Gremory
P.S.
Rias, don't miss me too much. We'll meet again soon. I left you a present, so please treat her kindly.
After reading the letter, the family was stunned by Maxius's sudden departure. Shock and disbelief rippled through the room, with emotions ranging from sorrow to frustration. However, one individual's reaction stood out. Venelana clutched her letter tightly, her cold smile masking a simmering fury. Her power of destruction began leaking uncontrollably, manifesting as crackling waves of energy that shattered nearby furniture and sent shards flying across the room. Even the walls trembled under the force of her barely contained wrath, prompting Zeoticus to act swiftly.
Zeoticus rushed to calm his wife before she caused further damage. "Honey, please calm down."
""That little brat thinks he can do whatever he pleases? And who is he calling a wicked witch?" she seethed, her voice rising in pitch as her power crackled dangerously around her. "Running away without a proper farewell—how insolent! I can't wait to see him again!" The intensity of her emotions caused the floor beneath her to tremble slightly, as if reflecting her barely contained rage.
Meanwhile, Rias looked heartbroken, her usually vibrant expression clouded with sadness. This was the first time she had ever been truly separated from her twin for such an extended period without any knowledge of his whereabouts, leaving her feeling helpless and adrift. She clutched the letter tightly in her hands, rereading Maxius's words, as if hoping to draw some sense of comfort or understanding from them. Beside her, Akeno stood quietly, her arm wrapped around Rias in a gesture of silent support, offering warmth and reassurance through her presence.
Sirzechs and Grayfia, holding their infant son Millicas, exchanged serious glances, though their thoughts remained unreadable to those around them.
Suddenly, two magic circles appeared in the room. From them emerged two figures: a little girl with long silver hair and a young man with short black hair.
Sirzechs immediately stepped forward. "Who are you, and how did you breach the castle's wards? This place is protected against unauthorized entry."
Ko regarded Sirzechs calmly, his demeanor unflinching, before shifting his attention to Grayfia and the infant in her arms. As he attempted to approach, Sirzechs swiftly stepped in front of him, his aura flaring slightly in a silent warning. Despite the tension, Ko remained composed, his gaze steady as though weighing the situation carefully.
"What do you want with my wife?" Sirzechs demanded.
"I have no business with Lady Grayfia," Ko replied evenly, his tone calm yet firm, as if rehearsed for such an occasion. "My business is with young master Millicas, whom I've been tasked to protect by my master, Maxius. He entrusted me with this responsibility, ensuring that the young heir remains safe under any circumstances."
"Maxius!" several voices echoed in unison.
Luna stepped forward, addressing Rias directly with a respectful yet confident tone. "Young master Maxius assigned me to stay by your side and assist you in any way I can. He entrusted me with ensuring your safety and supporting you in his absence, as he knew this separation would be difficult for you."
"I am Luna, designated as Android #8."
"And I am Ko, designated as Android #4," Ko added.
"Androids?" Venelana questioned, her eyes narrowing.
"Yes," Ko confirmed. "We were created by young master Maxius."
The revelation left everyone in stunned silence.
"But you both feel like devils," Sirzechs observed, "yet I cannot sense any demonic power from you."
"We were designed to resemble devils," Ko explained. "However, we prefer the term 'artificial devils.'"
Venelana's eyes gleamed dangerously, her aura crackling with barely restrained power, as she asked in a cold, measured tone, "Do you know where Maxius is?" The tension in the room became palpable, with even Sirzechs and Grayfia exchanging uneasy glances. It was clear that beneath her composed demeanor, Venelana's frustration had reached a boiling point, and everyone present could feel the weight of her wrath ready to explode at any moment.
Her unsettling smile prompted Ko to respond quickly, his voice steady but cautious. "No, madam. For our safety, young master Maxius did not disclose his location, fully aware that someone might attempt to extract the information from us by any means necessary. He prioritized our protection, ensuring we couldn't reveal his whereabouts, even under duress."
All eyes turned to Venelana, whose growing frustration was evident.
From that day forward, Maxius became a wanted man, with his own mother placing a substantial bounty on his capture and return. The announcement sent shockwaves through the underworld, with many factions speculating on the reasons behind his sudden departure. While some viewed him as a rebellious youth, others saw an opportunity to exploit the situation for political gain. The Gremory household was thrown into chaos as would-be bounty hunters and curious onlookers sought information, while Venelana's fury only grew stronger, vowing to bring her son back, no matter the cost.
Human Realm
Megijima
On a tranquil beach, Maxius and Katsumi lounged on chairs, enjoying the sun's warmth as the gentle sea breeze carried the scent of salt and ocean. Little Kei busily built a sandcastle nearby, his small hands carefully shaping the towers and walls while occasionally giggling with delight. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore created a soothing background melody. Meanwhile, Nox stood off to the side, ever vigilant, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any potential threats. Despite the peaceful scene, a subtle tension lingered, as if even in moments of rest, they remained prepared for the unknown dangers ahead.
Katsumi turned to Maxius, shielding her eyes from the bright sun with one hand. "I know we didn't come here just to sunbathe—not that I'm complaining—but why did we come to this island?" She glanced around, taking in the pristine beach and the seemingly endless expanse of blue water stretching out before them. Despite the peaceful surroundings, she could sense that there was more to their visit than simple relaxation.
Maxius smiled. "Enjoy the sun while you can. Where we're heading next, relaxation won't be an option."
"Really?" she asked, intrigued.
"Yes. We'll spend six months there, training and surviving in an environment unlike any we've faced before. The island is known for harboring powerful oni, yokai, and demonic beasts. With any luck, we might find someone willing to join my peerage, but we'll need to earn their respect first. This isn't just a journey; it's a test of our strength, endurance, and ability to adapt to harsh conditions.""
Nightfall
Washigamine Summit
At the peak of the summit, Maxius, Katsumi, Nox, and Kei stood before a cave. The wind howled around them, carrying with it a chilling reminder of the island's harsh environment. Maxius turned to Katsumi, his expression serious but calm. The entrance to the cave loomed ahead, dark and foreboding, as if guarding the secrets hidden within. The jagged rocks surrounding the entrance glistened faintly in the moonlight, giving the entire scene an eerie, otherworldly glow.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes," she affirmed.
Raising his hand, Maxius summoned a magic circle. "Break."
Before them, the air fractured like glass, revealing a portal.
"Let's go. We only have a few seconds before the barrier reforms."
Without hesitation, they all leapt into the portal, which closed behind them, leaving the cave as if nothing had happened.
In the heart of a vast forest, Maxius, Nox, Kei, and Katsumi emerged.
"Maxius, where are we?" Katsumi asked, taking in their new surroundings.
"The island of demons, also known as Onigashima—the land of the Oni. This remote island is infamous for being a sanctuary of fearsome oni and yokai, whose strength surpasses that of most other creatures in the human realm. The terrain is rugged, with dense forests, towering mountains, and treacherous caves that hold ancient secrets. It was once ruled by Shuten Doji, a legendary and formidable oni known for his unparalleled power and cruelty. Shuten Doji's reign came to an end when he was sealed away by the Five Principal Clans, who feared his growing influence over the demon world. Despite his absence, his legacy continues to loom large, and many still believe that remnants of his power remain hidden across the island."
Maxius surveyed the dense forest around them, noting the towering ancient trees and the dense undergrowth that muffled sound and limited visibility. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and foliage, and faint distant roars echoed ominously. "For the next six months, this will be our home," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "Stay alert—this forest is teeming with powerful demonic beasts, and it seems four of them are already eyeing us as prey. They're probably testing our strength, waiting for the right moment to strike." He glanced at Nox, who gave a slight nod, already sensing the approaching threats. "Katsumi, Nox, stay close and be prepared. This place won't forgive even the smallest mistake."