The Underworld was stirring. Whispers of destruction spread like wildfire as Julian Kaiser Mercury carved his path of vengeance. The New Satan Faction, once emboldened by their victory over the old ways, now found themselves questioning the shadows that were closing in around them. Three more pureblood devil families had fallen—powerful houses with deep ties to the faction. Their fortresses lay in ruin, their members slain, and their allies terrified.
But Julian's strikes were calculated, leaving no trace of his identity behind. To the New Satan Faction, he was a phantom—a force they could not understand nor predict. Meanwhile, Julian continued his quiet life in Kuoh, balancing his plans with moments of peace and unexpected encounters that would shape his future.
Julian's steps led him to the bustling streets of Kuoh Town, a far cry from the chaos of the Underworld. Here, he blended seamlessly with the mundane life of the town's residents, observing and learning. It was amidst this calm that he encountered three individuals who would play significant roles in his journey—women whose presence would stir both his plans and his heart.
Ingvild Leviathan: Julian first met Ingvild in the park, where the gentle strains of her singing reached him. Her voice was hauntingly beautiful, carrying a power that resonated deep within his soul. As Julian approached, he found her sitting alone, her violet eyes gazing at the sky.
"That was a mesmerizing melody," Julian said, his tone calm and genuine.
Ingvild turned to him, her expression startled but curious. "You heard it?"
Julian nodded, his silver eyes meeting hers. "It's rare to hear such beauty in the midst of all this noise."
Their conversation unfolded naturally, revealing Ingvild's melancholy over her cursed bloodline and her isolation from the Leviathan family. Julian listened intently, his presence comforting and steady. By the time they parted ways, Ingvild felt a strange sense of connection, as though she had found someone who understood her pain.
Yubelluna: The encounter with Yubelluna was less serene. Julian found himself wandering near the outskirts of Kuoh when a sudden explosion erupted nearby. He quickly assessed the situation, finding Yubelluna surrounded by rogue devils who had attempted to ambush her. She was powerful, her explosive magic holding them at bay, but the sheer numbers threatened to overwhelm her.
Julian stepped in without hesitation, his Reflection power nullifying their attacks and turning the tide of the battle. Together, they defeated the attackers, Yubelluna's eyes wide with surprise as she turned to him.
"I didn't need saving," she said, her tone firm yet appreciative.
Julian smiled faintly, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Perhaps not. But I couldn't stand by and do nothing."
Their banter hinted at the beginning of a rapport, Yubelluna intrigued by Julian's strength and character.
Seekvaira Agares: The third encounter occurred in the hidden archives of Kuoh Academy, where Julian often retreated to study and plan. Seekvaira was immersed in her own research, her sharp mind and strategic focus apparent in the way she analyzed the texts before her.
Julian approached her quietly, their shared love for knowledge sparking an engaging conversation. They discussed tactics, history, and the current state of the Underworld, Julian's insights impressing Seekvaira. She found herself drawn to his intellect and the quiet intensity of his presence.
Back at the Mercury estate, Julian found himself seeking Kalawarner's company more often. Their bond had grown, each encounter deepening the trust and understanding between them. But Julian knew it was time to take their connection to the next level—to bring her into his peerage.
One evening, as the stars glittered above the estate, Julian approached Kalawarner. She stood by the balcony, her azure wings glowing faintly in the moonlight.
"Kalawarner," Julian began, his tone steady. "I want you to be more than an ally. I want you to be a part of my peerage."
Kalawarner turned to him, her gaze thoughtful. "Your peerage? That's a serious commitment. Why me?"
Julian stepped closer, his silver eyes meeting hers. "Because I trust you. Because I see your strength, your resilience, and your potential. You've stood by me, and I want you to stand with me."
Kalawarner studied him for a long moment, her guarded expression softening. "You're not making this easy to refuse."
"You don't have to decide now," Julian said gently. "But know that the offer stands."
Kalawarner's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'll think about it."
Meanwhile, Julian's peerage carried out his plans with devastating precision. Three pureblood devil families tied to the New Satan Faction were targeted, their strongholds destroyed in calculated strikes. Julian's peerage worked like shadows, leaving no survivors and no evidence of their involvement.
The New Satan Faction was reeling, their confidence shaken as whispers of the mysterious force spread through the Underworld. They scrambled to identify their enemy, but Julian remained an enigma, his movements unpredictable and his strikes untraceable.
As Julian stood in the quiet of his study, the faint glow of the Mercury sigil illuminated his contemplative expression. The New Satan Faction was beginning to feel the weight of his vengeance, but this was only the beginning. Julian knew that the path ahead would demand more sacrifices, more cunning, and more resolve.
Yet amidst the chaos, Julian found himself thinking not just of his plans, but of the connections he was forging—the women who had crossed his path and the bond he shared with his peerage. For the first time in years, Julian felt the stirrings of something beyond revenge. But he knew better than to let it distract him.
The stars outside gleamed faintly, as if watching over him. Julian's silver eyes reflected their light as he whispered to the night, "They won't see me coming."