Since the search for the crest began, Lucifer sat upon his obsidian throne, eyes gleaming with amusement as souls writhed and burned in the flames of judgment.
Lucifer: "Maids."
In an instant, four figures materialized—black-clad maids bowing before him, their eyes downcast in reverence.
All Four (in unison): "Yes, Lord..."
Lucifer: "Perform for me... using only katanas. Only one of you may remain standing by the end of this show."
The Maids: "Of course, Lord."
Lucifer leaned forward, anticipation crackling in the air as the four maids took their positions, unsheathing their katanas.
Lucifer: "Let the battle begin!" he declared, his voice dripping with cruel delight.
The clash was immediate—steel against steel, sparks dancing in midair. Akane and Lila dueled with swift, calculated strikes, their movements honed like twin storms. Not far off, Sophia and Emilia engaged in their own brutal exchange, katanas ringing with each fierce blow.
Akane found an opening and landed a decisive strike, sending Lila crashing to the floor. Sophia and Emilia's duel intensified—graceful yet ruthless—until Sophia disarmed her opponent and pressed her blade to Emilia's throat.
Lucifer applauded slowly, his grin wide with satisfaction.
As the defeated maids retreated, Sophia stood tall, chest heaving from exertion. Lucifer descended from his throne, eyes alight with mischievous approval.
Lucifer: "A fine performance, Sophia. Don't think your victory will go unrewarded. Your next challenge awaits."
Sophia (bowing): "I'm honored, my Lord."
Lucifer: "Find me a man named Ryan Hoffman... and discover what he's up to."
Sophia: "I'll begin at once, Your Grace."
With a whisper of shadows, she vanished.
Lucifer returned to his throne, laughing—a slow, echoing sound that grew more intense.
Lucifer: "Hoffman... Did you truly think I could ever forget? Hades may be gone, but that doesn't mean you were free to abandon your duty... Grim Reaper. Now this... this will be entertaining... HA... HAHAHAHA!"
Meanwhile...
School had just ended. Yami walked alongside a group of girls, when a familiar figure approached them.
Jayson: "Hello, ladies. Excuse us, but Yami and I have a last-minute student council meeting to attend."
Yami: "See you later, okay?"
Misami: "Sure, just stop hogging the spotlight."
Yahiko: "Yeah, Satu. I want my prince all to myself."
Yami (smirking): "Later, guys."
The girls continued bickering as they walked off, and Yami followed Jayson toward the council room.
Jayson: "Are you into reading?"
Yami: "Yeah, mostly manga, though."
Jayson: "Same here. Aside from reading, got any dream goals?"
Yami: "Haven't really thought about it, to be honest."
Jayson: "Fair. You've still got time to figure it out. Wanna hang out sometime?"
Yami: "Sure. Maybe tomorrow night?"
Jayson: "Aight, bet. And—here we are!"
He opened the door to the student council room. Inside were several students and a stern-looking woman.
Jayson: "Yami, meet the student council. First up, Katie Yana."
Katie: "Hey hey!"
Jayson: "Next, our resident genius—Leon Walker."
Leon: "Greetings. And you're late!"
Jayson: "And finally, the one who organized this—Vice Principal Smith."
Leon: "Don't ignore me!"
Jayson (grinning): "Okay everyone, this is Yami. Let's get started."
Leon (muttering): "I hate you..."
Yami and Jayson took their seats as Leon opened a file, seriousness overtaking his tone.
Leon: "There've been kidnappings near the school since the year began. Only one survivor… Mr. Saturo."
Ms. Smith (interrupting): "Mr. Saturo, when you were taken, did they say anything about their motives?"
Katie: "And where did you learn to fight like that?"
Leon: "Let's stay on topic. The school can't ignore this. We've decided to form a safety team. Anyone without afternoon classes can volunteer. Also, with the school festival coming up, all hands need to be ready."
He looked at Yami.
Leon: "Yami, I'm putting you in charge of the team. Pick your members."
Yami: "Why me, if I may ask?"
Leon: "Because you know self-defense. You can teach others. It saves the school budget and gives us free labor."
Jayson: "You never sugarcoat anything, do you?"
Leon: "Can it!"
Katie: "Makes sense... but Yami, you still haven't answered Ms. Smith."
Yami: "Like most thugs, they were vile toward the girls they captured. But they mentioned their boss… said he was targeting girls specifically."
Ms. Smith: "I see. I'll inform the principal right away."
She stepped out.
Yami: "So... is the meeting over?"
Jayson: "Yep. Let's go grab some ramen."
Leon: "Yes, yes. See you all next week."
Katie: "Later, guys!"
The group dispersed. Yami and Jayson headed to a nearby ramen shop, exchanging contact info on the way.
Yami: "Hey, Jayson—"
Jayson: "Sure, I'll join your safety team. As long as I'm vice."
Yami: "You didn't even let me finish."
Jayson: "You were gonna ask me anyway."
Yami (chuckling): "Fair enough. Let's order."
Jayson: "Now you're speaking my language. Seth! The usual, and a special for my friend here—on me."
Seth, the shop owner, gave a thumbs-up and went to prepare their meals. Minutes later, steaming bowls were set before them.
Jayson: "Let's dig in!"
Yami: "...Right!"