Rise of Strongest Dragon Emperor

10 Chapter 10(1/2)

Under Occult Research Club. Special Prison Cell.

Alexander`s cell finally opened up and he stepped outside. His entire body was emitting powerful white aura, indicating that he was not just on edge, but barely even controlled his flow of his powerful energy. And after his second Seal was broken, enabling all of his Devil nature and powers to come out in the open for the final time. Right now, his power was quite high, somewhere on the level of High-Class Devils or veteran 6 or even 8 winged Fallen Angels. Needless to say, he was easily the strongest Devil in Kuoh, surpassing all two Kings by a landslide, along with their respective Peerages. In physical strength, he could pound Koneko into a pulp. Magical prowess, Akeno and Sona would be pulverized in the matter of seconds. And considering his growth, in mere months he could reach the level of Ultimate Devils. Shortly speaking, Alexander`s power was no joke for anyone, and that`s not mention his Forsaken Regalia.

And now, as an ultimate insult, he was made into the same thing as his mother.

A slave to the person that he despised the most and by the very same person that sold out his mother. Now, he had a very long fuse, but now..

Suddenly, Alex saw that Rias was chuckling lightly and in the next second she burst out with laughter, Sirzechs was standing silently, his right hand, however, was in form of a fist. That was so infuriating that Alex literally let loose of his control.

"Gremory.. Just what the fucking hell are you laughing at?!" Alex shouted out, sending out the powerful wave of energy, knocking out of balance both Sirzechs and Rias. "If you two believe that I`ll submit, then be prepared for a very slow and painful realization."

Sirzechs, then suddenly raised his hands up as a sign of peace. Grayfia, who had managed to regain her usual composure, now was on combat alert, but not on her husband`s side, but on Alex`s. Even if Alex could kill Rias with just ? of his power now, he was dreadfully outmatched by Sirzechs. She, on the other hand, was more than capable enough to battle her own husband.

Crimson Satan spoke calmly now and apologetically.

"Please, I ask for your forgiveness for this little prank." Sirzechs smiled carefree at utterly shocked Alexander. "I can assure you that it was Rias` idea, but even I find this to be quite a bit cruel."

While Alexander was having a hard time figuring out just what the hell was that about, a certain someone was growling like never before in afterlife. Soon after Alex had woken up, he discovered that because of his Devil`s nature being fully released now, his bloodline had managed to summon out someone that he didn`t expect at all. He thought that spirit of his mother was nothing more but an illusion, a projection of his own conscience, but now he was sure of a different version. Because from now on, as a shadow, he was followed by a spirit of his very own grandfather, Lucifer, dressed in his ceremonial garments, face identical to Alexander`s. As proof that Alex wasn`t the only one who heard him, Galeran admitted that this really was a spirit of Lucifer, with whom he just so happens to be acquainted with very closely.

Dead Satan was growling.

"Damn those Gremory and their sense of humor."?Lucifer was understandably not happy.?"Nobody joked about something like that in my times. Damn, even Rizevim has better jokes then that!"

Finally, Alex`s mind came back to normal state and he stared at the Crimson Satan.

"Okay, just what the hell was that about?" Alex was blunt. "I take it, I`m not enslaved?"

"No, of course not." Sirzechs assured him, getting a sigh of relief from Alexander. "Alexander, after what happened to your mother, I would never even consider a possibility of enslaving someone. I personally made that mistake all those years ago and I take full responsibility for it, putting my trust in House of Phenex and.. betraying your trust, Grayfia." The last one was directed towards silver-haired woman standing here.

Alexander looked at the young looking man, who had a truly apologetic and guilty look on his face. He could clearly see that this time around, Sirzechs was truthful and honest. Young Lucifer didn`t claim to know current Lucifer, he knew Serafall FAR better than any other Satan, but now.. Alex was truly looking at a man guilty before his own wife for betraying her trust and lying to her. Even after all he has done to his mother and family, Alex couldn`t help, but feel sympathy.

"For once, that red-haired bastard is honest, that`s for sure."?Lucifer confirmed, looking at his 'successor' and then at his older daughter.?"Grayfia.. I can`t imagine just what thoughts course in her mind, but I would give all that I had just to comfort my little girl here."

'Listen to you and I`m starting to doubt if you were the ultimate evil from the Bible.' Alex noted dryly.

"Oh please.. I`ll be the first to admit that I`ve messed up a lot in the past, but I was following the orders from my former jackass boss."?Lucifer spoke.?"Believe me, if there ever was an ultimate villain, then it most certainly was Bible God, not me. I mean, seriously, that bastard married me to Lilith! I mean, have you seen just how ugly that bitch was?! Compare to her, Alexandra was a true goddess in both flesh and spirit!"

'Good think that I`ve never really was a Christian.' Alex noted in his mind, turning to Rias. "Okay, care to elaborate what`s my status from now on? I take it, my newfound bloodline has raised quite a few arguments?"

Sirzechs turned back to Grayfia`s nephew, with Rias coming now in front of Alex as well, after rising from the ground. Grayfia remained at Alex`s side, feeling that right now, Alex was the one in need of her support. It was probably her motherly instinct kicking in, or it was the fact that she was finally in a presence of a member of her bloodline, after not seeing one in centuries. Either way, she was right now feeling in place.

"I too would like to hear them." Grayfia spoke firmly, seeing her nephew`s questioning gaze on her. "Seeing as Alexander is not only a grandson of Lucifer, but also a current head of Lucifuge family, it`s only appropriate for me to hear it as well.

'Head of Lucifuge family? Just how does that work, I wonder?' Alex was honestly surprised to hear that.

"Hm.. Considering the fact that Grayfia is married into Gremory family and has a son, Rizevim has no Lucifuge blood in him, and Euclid is nowhere to be found for centuries, it automatically makes you not only a member of my family, but also a de-facto head of Lucifuge family."?Lucifer explained.?"I took Alexandra as my wife, basically integrating Lucifuge family into my own bloodline, meaning that one of our children, or grandchildren, would have to inherit the title and name of Lucifuge family. And seeing where all of my and Alexandra`s children are, you are basically the entire Lucifuge family along with being a Lucifer."

"Are you openly acknowledging Alexander as a head of Lucifuge family, Grayfia?" Rias asked curiously. "Even though he carries in him a blood of far more noble origin?"

"Hey, don`t you even dare to look down upon Lucifuge family!"?Lucifer was now furious.?"That family has every right to be respected and admired, more than those mongrels you called original Leviathan, Beelzebub and Asmodeus. Without them, Underworld wouldn`t even exist in the form you know it today. They`ve done to Devil`s society just as much good as Bael and Belial clans! So shut your mouth, girly!"

'Of all the people, I was expecting you to give me facts about nobility of your own bloodline.' Alex said with amusement. 'Well, time to defend the bloodline.'

"Lucifuge family may hale as Extra Demons, but their history and achievements put them puts it in the same tier as Bael clan." Alex interjected, surprising Grayfia and Rias as well. "A clear proof to this is the fact that my grandfather has taken Alexandra Lucifuge not as his mistress, but as his official wife, naming her as his equal in the eyes of 72 Pillars, rejecting possible fiancées from all other noble clans. If anything, this family deserves respect."

Grayfia was honestly amazed that Alexander was defending the bloodline of her mother, which she held dear to her heart. While she had nothing against her father`s name, she still preferred to be named as her mother and she associated herself with Lucifuge family first, Lucifer second. So, hearing Rias practically offending her own bloodline was quite infuriating. She had known her since she was but an infant and Grayfia had to admit that the excessive attention of her father and brother have spoiled her to a degree. Hearing Alexander defending his grandmother`s and hers bloodline was very appreciated and it made Grayfia smile at her nephew.

Sirzechs acknowledged this as well and nodded to Alex.

"True words." Sirzechs admitted, turning to his sister. "Rias, Alexander holds not only the blood of Lucifer, but also of his grandmother, Alexandra Lucifuge. I suggest you show respect to the family that Lucifer himself held in highest regard."

"In highest regard I held Zekram Bael and Corvinus Belial."?Lucifer commented.?"I always put Lucifuge family in the same tier as myself. Heck, if it wasn`t for them, I would`ve gone insane with that bloodsucking bitch of a woman!"

'Wait.. You mean to tell me that you took Lucifuge women as your..'

"No, I only ever bedded Alexandra, and I`ve truly fallen for her at the time. They simply managed to keep me in line and provided seemingly endless supply of valerian for my nerves."?Lucifer admitted.?"You think why all of our members have silver hair?"

"We can discuss this after we are through with all of this. Let`s get down to real matter at hand." Alex recommended. "What`s your real decision, Satan?"

"Right." Sirzechs nodded to that one. "As you`ve guessed right, your unique bloodline and heritage made you a very special case to deal with. Taking into consideration your history and your sudden supporters within Devil society, there was little that we could do. And so, after long discussion and hearing the opinions of others, along with the fact that Serafall herself spoke in your defense, I`ve made a decision, regarding you and your future."

"He certainly knows how to build up the hype."?Lucifer noted.

"Alexander, starting from this day, you are no longer a part of Rias` Peerage, as you`ve been granted status of a High-Ranking Devil due to your extraordinary abilities in magic and your noble bloodline. You will also be acknowledged as direct descendant of Lucifer and shall be referred as Alexander Lucifer. Along with that, as a High-Ranking Devil, in the nearest future you shall receive your own set of Evil Pieces. And if you are asking for your status as a Pawn.." Sirzechs simply raised his hand and revealed something that Alex didn`t expect to see.

In Crimson Satan`s hand was a single glowing chess piece. Alex`s Mutation Piece, his Pawn piece, his collar and leash. That wasn`t a torture, but an extraction of his Evil Piece, as it did connect all of his body. And if it was out of his body, then..

Alexander stood there simply blown away by all this information. That was the moment has been striving all this time and waited and now.. I finally came. He was freed of the shackles and granted liberty. For the first time in his life, fate has decided to turn to his favor and reward for all his hardships and sufferings. Now, he was finally free and given the chance to build his own path, just as he had hoped and wanted.

Young Lucifer didn`t expect that he would also be given his very own set of Evil Pieces. He simply didn`t know what to do with them once he would get it. He knew full well that King`s Servants are essentially his main powerbase and most trusted people. They will stand by your side and fight your battles, and Alex knew that if he were to ever put his faith in someone, it would be those whom he wouldn`t consider his servants, but his allies, his closest comrades, brothers and sisters in arms. Lucifer didn`t dismiss the thought of using the Evil Pieces, no, he will use them, but only if his candidates are willing to become Devils. And if they ever decided to become part of his Peerage, then they wouldn`t be mere servants, but a real family of his. Their fights and troubles would be his if they allowed him to help, as he simply couldn`t ignore his friends` in trouble or in need. And if they ever doubted him, he wouldn`t shut them down, but listen. For him, they would be equals, not his servants.

After taking it all in, Alex suddenly got a feeling that there just?had?to be a catch. Never, never in his life had luck turn to him without something sour to taste in return. And Alex`s senses were telling him that there just had to be a catch.

'Am I being paranoid, or there is something that will sour up this whole deal?'

"Knowing Devils, Gremory, Sirzechs and women, you are absolutely right to think so."?Lucifer agreed.?"And knowing customs of Devil society and just seeing that grin on Gremory girl`s face gives me one or two ideas on what`s going to happen next."

"However, in order to settle all the angry voices and make it look as legitimate as possible, there is a certain requirement for you that need to be met." Sirzechs spoke diplomatically, stepping back and letting Rias in Alex`s full sight. "Alexander, once you graduate from high school, you shall take Rias as your wife and marry her. I expect of you to treat her fairly and with care and I`m looking forward to the day when I can call you my brother." Sirzechs added with a goofy smile on his face.

And there he had it. Alex honestly was expected everything, but this. Just who in the world came up with that kind of requirement?! Just who in the red blazes decided that he has to marry the single girl he found to be the most irritating and who simply sold him out to Riser?!

And then Alex took a look at Rias` face..

"Don`t tell that it was your idea.." Alex was right, as he saw Rias simply smile to him carefree.

"I`m looking forward to our future life, my darling." Rias said in cheerful voice.

'Lucifer, mark my words, one of these days, I`ll kill that crimson haired princess.'

"I`ll be looking forward to that day, my boy."?Lucifer spoke.?"Lucifer and arranged marriage are two things that never end well in a mix."

Occult Research Club President`s cabinet.

"I can`t believe that Rias has chosen you as her fiancée! Now I`ll never have a chance to see her magnificent bosoms!" Issei was crying out loud in the clubroom. "WHY?!"

"If you want to do so, Issei, then feel free to take my place as Rias` fiancée." Alex spoke in absolutely serious tone, leaning against the wall.

"Now, now, Alex, why should you be so antagonistic about it?" Rias asked, sipping her tea from her seat. "After all, you are going to be a husband to heiress of Gremory family. I would say that everything has played out perfectly for all parties."

"Really? Then why the hell am I feeling like I was played again?!" Alex asked in near shouting. "Out of all girls in the world, I am now forced to marry you.."

It has been 4 hours since Sirzechs announced to Alex that he is now a new official fiancé to his little sister Rias Gremory. The official, public version states that during the Rating Game Alexander was not only defending his own family name, but also honor of Rias as Riser Phenex has showed himself as insufferable candidate to marry Heiress of Gremory family. Alexander Lucifer, in this story, was saved by Rias and her family and was repaying for their kindness by defending the honor of Rias Gremory and executing his duty as her Servant. As for his origin, it was stated that Alexander didn't know a thing about it and that House of Phenex has subjugated Alexander`s mother without knowledge of Four Satans and forced her to run away. In other words, society was fed with a romanticized version of what had happened, presenting Gremory family and Alexander in best lights and as closest with each other. Of course, those that were very close to Alex or even remotely involved in this matter knew that this was nothing more but a ruse and fabrication.

As for the supposed hero and 'loving hero', Alexander was, obviously, against this entire idea to begin with and the single reason he had to agree with this was because the alternative was death and he still wanted to live. Still, the very idea of being betrothed to Rias irritated him to no end, because it seemed like she simply enjoyed putting him in these kinds of situations, where he would be the loser before her. Honestly, it seemed like Rias was fixated on making him hers no matter what and now she found a new way to so, through a freaking marriage. It was just like with Riser, only now it was Alex who was in Rias` place and she was in Riser`s. Just what the hell was going on inside that girl`s mind?!

The reaction of others was quite interesting, to say the least.

Issei was ultimately crushed by this news as he now could forefeet his dream on Rias and her boobs. Honestly, as much as he sometimes irritated Alexander, young Lucifer was actually a bit sad for him, not because of his loss. But because that idiot couldn`t see just how adoringly and fondly young former nun was looking at him. Alex honestly couldn`t believe that Issei still didn`t notice Asia`s deep feelings for him. If he was in his place, Alex would go for Asia without second thoughts. She may`ve not had the same curves and sizes as Rias, but she more than made up for it with her natural kindness, gentle heart and such cute looking face. She was a naturally wife material and that Pervy Pants should get it together with Asia.

Kiba reacted as any gentleman would, by congratulating Alex on his engagement with Rias, believing that this was a good idea and they would be a great couple. Naturally, Alexander responded in only way he knew to express his feelings and opinion on the subject. And that resulted in Kiba receiving a very strong, very satisfying and very well deserved punch to the face, leaving almost half of his face as one swollen black area. Asia, who didn`t know what to think of this, fixed Kiba quite quickly with her Sacred Gear, but even with that, Knight still felt very sore.

"You could`ve been a little less aggressive." Kiba spoke to Alex, rubbing his face. "I was just trying to cheer you up. What`s wrong with that?"

"Do you want a full list in numerical order or in alphabetic one?" Alex sarcastically asked him. "Besides, don`t think that I`ve forgotten that a certain blonde-haired douche here specifically stated that I`m a walking source of trouble for him and the rest of the people and who is also doesn`t give a damn about those who surround him. Word of advice, Kiba: never speak crap about a Lucifer behind his/her back, or the next time you`ll end up with no words to share."

Kiba decided to shut himself for good this time, just like Akeno, who was unusually quiet and not talkative as she would be in any other day. Alex could understand that she must`ve felt hurt by Rias for basically making Alex her official lover and a future husband, without taking into consideration Alexander`s opinion and the fact that there were others that had felt very strongly about him and wished to be with him. And now Rias basically cut all the bridges to Alex with this sudden decision, shocking everyone who had feelings for Alex in the room at the moment. Akeno was felt betrayed by her best friend, who seemed like she had no romantic interest in Alexander at the moment and she finally could have someone so close to her, but now..

Koneko was feeling robbed of what was rightfully hers and she had no interest in staying in clubroom today, so she left. Alex could only imagine what would Kuroka do once she gets the news and knowing that Shirone and Kuroka now were getting along famously and without any trouble, save for Alex, black cat must`ve already gotten the news from her little sister.

Sona Sitri felt like she was slapped in the face and insulted, because she simply followed Koneko the mere moments after she left, not wanting to look in Rias` eyes and seeing her smirking victoriously. What nobody knew, not even Alex at the moment, was the fact that Sona took a couple of days off for personal matters and basically isolated herself from the rest of the world in her own house in human world, staying in her room and crying. She may`ve put a strong fa?ade, but inside she was just as fragile and delicate as any other girl of her age when in love with someone. And Sona really did love Alex for who he was, for what he represented, not because of his abilities or status. Not only because he completed the single requirement to get receive her permission to marry her, but because he didn`t give a damn about her status, but cared for her personality. And now, this very man was stolen by her best friend right under her nose. And not even Serafall, who was with her little sister Sona, could comfort her and calm her down.

Tsubaki followed her King and also left the place, having absolutely no desires to see victorious Rias basically mocking her, her best friend and other girls that had feelings for unfortunate Lucifer. She personally didn`t care for Alex`s heritage or bloodline, as did he for hers or other`s. She admired and loved it about him, along with his basically selflessness. He didn`t give a damn about himself if his friends were in trouble. He was willing to do whatever needed to help them, disregarding his own life. An ultimate knight of sorts, and Tsubaki couldn`t help but feel drawn to him. And now, that red-haired succubus has decided to basically take what she saw from everyone else. Just like Rias always did.

As for Rias Gremory herself, she had to be honest with herself. Alexander Black, or Lucifer, was the most independent and persistent person she had ever met in her life. He was absolutely untamable and couldn`t be compromised. For him, concept of being subjugated was something that he couldn`t get behind, no matter how sweet was the deal. At first, he was nothing more but an irritation to Rias, since he wouldn`t simply give in to her charms and seductive nature, like Issei did so easily, but he persisted to do everything on his own and get results. That`s why he trained and worked so hard, making every effort to get the hell away from Rias, who had resurrected him as her servant. And it`s because of that, because of such fierce independence and unwavering will to fight for his freedom Rias had actually found herself infatuated by him. Alex didn`t buy to her persona or seductiveness, practically ignoring her as a girl, while she most certainly wished to be seen as one in his eyes. Rias wanted Alex, all to herself and to be the one that is in center of his very life, that`s why she made this decision. She was well aware that Sona, Tsubaki, Raynare and even her trusted friends Koneko and Akeno were in love with him and wished to be his, but Rias decided that she`ll do absolutely anything to get Alex as her lover. She was competitive and she would never want to lose such man to them. Of course, she might allow him to have a little harem of his own, but only after he pledges his heart and soul to her, when she knows that she is his number one. Only once Rias has Alex she`ll allow the others to have him, but only partially, because she will be not just a master of his soul, but also of his heart.

Alex simply sighed and then a very interesting thought found a way into his mind to him while he was merely trying to find a way to 'accidentally make Rias` into a pile of ashes'.

'Oh man, I`ll have a lot of explaining to do once my dad and sis hear about this.' Alex spoke to himself, seeing his ghostly grandfather in the same position as his grandson.

"You know, even after Lucia`s explanations and checking out your own memories, I still find it shocking that you are not only my grandson, but also Azazel`s son."?Lucifer admitted to him.?"Don`t get me wrong here, that guy is one of the best men I`ve met in my life, despite being the person that invented perversion and groping. I still remember one time he was shot out of the Heaven when he tried to sneak in women`s bathroom just to see Gabriel`s boobs."

'Yeah, he told me about it.' Alex recalled that talk. 'He had also stated that after meeting mom, he simply couldn`t look on other women the same way he did.'

"Really? He must`ve really loved Lucia then."?Lucifer said.

'And he also stated that compare to Gabriel, mom won in every area by a landslide and that once he actually got to see Gabriel`s bosom, he simply stated in front of Michael and Gabriel herself and I quote: "Nah, Lucia`s are ten times better."'

"He actually said that after seeing Gabriel`s boobs?!"?Lucifer looked bewilderment at his grandson.?"And he said that that to both Michael and Gabriel?! Who is that guy and what he done to the original pervert?!"

'Don`t know, but I know one thing for certain.' Alex smiled a little. 'Mom was at her happiest with him. And he still can`t get over her death, looking for the bastards that sold her out and those that killed her. I hope he`ll at least find some comfort in knowing that mom`s murderer is dead now.'

Grigori`s HQ in Underworld.

Azazel`s fist shattered the glass he was holding, with the entire room shaking from the wave of energy he just sent through the whole building and surrounding area. It was a very rare occasion for current Governor General to lose his self-control, even for a split second, but there were times that he couldn`t simply control his emotions and had to let loose. This was one of those moments when simply couldn`t hold his temper back and released it, destroying the entire cabinet and almost everything inside of it in a matter of second. Fortunately, people inside of his cabinet weren`t hurt in any way, but even Vali and Lucina had to take a step back. Not even they, Azazel`s apprentice and his very own daughter, haven`t seen him in such rage before. And Fallen Angel had all the reason to be furious.

He was just informed about what the hell happened really at that damned Rating Game he and the others were looking, until the transmition was cut after the forest was blown up by Akeno. He got that information from an eye witness, Fallen Angel Raynare, who was sent by Alex in case anything serious had happened to him. Azazel originally sent her to keep an eye out for his son, just in case, but after he found out that the residential Fallen Angels have decided to go rouge and Alex personally took care of Raynare, Governor General decided to assign her as his own servant, but also as someone to be close to him and keep him out of harm's way. And now, she returned to the Grigori with the information that shocked every single one in this room.

She told all of them the truth behind Lucia`s murder and how Alexander dealt with Riser, the man that killed her. Needless to say, that produced a number of reactions. Shemhazai and Baraqiel, Azazel`s best friends and very close friends with Lucia, were understandably sad for their best friend and angry with House of Phenex. Vali cracked his knuckles, feeling an itch to go to those Phoenixes and give them a taste of Vanishing Dragon`s power. Lucina was actually crying a little, feeling very sad at the memory of her mother and being furious all together because she found out of the people responsible for her death. However, she was extremely glad that Alex had managed to avenge her in the end. Now, she could at least rest in peace. And then, there was the Azazel, a loving father and husband, one that had lost his wife to those bastards and believed to have also lost his own son to those killers as well. Now, he has found out that the man responsible for Lucia`s death was none other, but her own tormentor and enslaver, Riser Phenex. Azazel had long suspected him and his whole accursed family to be involved in that, but he had no proof of that. But now.. He only wished that he was the one to end that bastard once and for all. But, that didn`t mean that he wasn`t immensely proud of his son for doing it. His dead douchbag boss knows he was right now proud as hell for his son. However, the end of that story still shocked him, as Raynare did reveal something that was already rumored to have happened and told by Devils.

Now they knew that Alex was in fact captured and imprisoned, but now was freed, as he was now promoted to High-Ranking Devil, much to his old man`s pride, and was even engaged to Rias Gremory as a reward for his faithful service to her and protecting her dignity.

Needless to say, nobody bought that crap.

"That`s bullshit! There is no freaking way Alex would even think about something like that!" Raynare was speaking to Governor General and others in the room. "It must be Rias Gremory and her schemes. I know for a fact that she always wished to control Alex and now is trying to do so through marriage."

"Sounds to me that Rias girl is need of some personality correction." Lucina crossed her arms. "Just who the hell does she thinks she is to force someone, especially Alex, into an arrange marriage? Especially after she got out of one herself!"

"Believe me, I`ll be more than hap-->>

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