True Magician

Chapter 166

The Underworld.

- "Sensei..." began Sona, looking at me with a puzzled expression. "Why did you want to be here instead of..."

- "Because I wanted to. Don't ask stupid questions, So-tan," I chuckled.

- "But... Lord Lucifer said that..." continued Sona.

- "I promised him I'd come, and I did, didn't I? Nothing else matters," I shrugged. "What, you don't like sitting next to ordinary demons? Oh dear, So-tan. You're such an unpleasant girl."

What was she talking about? Well, instead of ending up in the VIP box for Sirzechs and his ilk, we were transported to the regular stands of a massive arena in the capital of the Underworld, because I had slightly redirected her portal. For this reason, it was noisy around us, so I covered us with a closed field, making us look like ordinary onlookers and drowning out unnecessary sounds.

A huge number of demons, occupying not only the seats but also the stairwells and any other free space, excitedly discussed the upcoming battle and were afraid of missing any details. Moreover, this scene was no different from what one might see at any world-class tournament in the human world. Men, women, children, old people... A complete diversity in every way, but at the same time, if you didn't know that they were demons, anyone who saw them would think that they were all humans.

Of course, most of their words were about Rias and Sairaorg, who were already in the center of the arena with their entourages, chatting about something. The main topic of discussion was the power of the heirs and their entourages, or more precisely, Issei with his Boosted Gear.

As expected, the onlookers actively discussed his joining Rias and, consequently, the Underworld. Against this backdrop, they began to talk about reborn demons, the growth of the race's power, and so on.

However, as I overheard, ordinary demons were unaware that their ancestors, although from another world, had returned and were now putting local affairs in order. At the same time, Goetia's invisible hand, so to speak, was putting the Underworld in order, as indicated by the conversations of ordinary demons and their rejoicing on this subject.

- "Ha... Well, I've done my part," she sighed wearily and rubbed her temples. "Anyway, what did you want to talk to me about?"

- "Are you in a hurry, So-tan?" I asked with interest. "Since it's a rating game between the heirs, are you participating too? Do you want to prepare?"

- "I already lost," Sona replied curtly.

- "To whom?"

- "Sairaorg. And it was obvious that I couldn't beat him," she shrugged and looked at me with slight irritation. "So, what did you want to talk about? I'm sure it's not to discuss my successes."

- "Well, why not? That's exactly what I wanted to talk about," I grinned, and in response, Sona turned her gaze sharply toward me with wide eyes. "Oh? What's that reaction? You're looking at me like it's my fault that normal anime series don't get sequels."

- "The way you said that... You weren't lying," she said slowly. "And that's scary."

- "That was rude, but I don't care," I shrugged. "You know, you're the only heir who hasn't asked for anything as a reward for the Rating Game."

- "But..." Sona lowered her gaze.

- "Yes, I know," I interrupted her. "But for all the work you've done and the few fun moments, I'm willing to make some concessions."

- "What do you mean?"

- "Since neither Serafall nor you have contacted me about that situation, I assume you didn't find anything," I began, to which she gave me a short, slightly nervous nod. "To be honest, I really like you."