The warm morning sun streamed into Kael's private study, illuminating the shelves stacked with ancient grimoires, scrolls, and tomes that detailed everything from beginner enchantments to forbidden soul arts. Sitting at his desk, Kael calmly flipped through a thick book titled "Foundations of Demonic Energies and Arcane Laws." His expression was serene, yet focused.
"Magic is less about chanting," he muttered, "and more about rhythm, intent, and structure… like writing a poem with your soul."
Void energy flickered around his hand, manipulated with finesse as he wove a crude construct—a miniature magical cube spinning slowly in the air. It distorted slightly with every rotation, unstable.
"Still too rigid," he noted.
The door creaked open.
"You're up early," came Rias's voice, smooth and slightly tired.
Kael didn't look up. "I find the morning is when my mind's the sharpest."
She stepped into the room, arms crossed over her chest, her long crimson hair cascading down her back.
"We're expecting guests today," she said, eyeing the magical cube hovering over his hand with a flicker of interest.
Kael dispelled the cube and turned in his chair, one brow raised. "Guests?"
"My childhood friend," she said. "And also my rival. Sona Sitri."
Now that name sparked interest.
Kael leaned back in his chair, a smirk forming at the corners of his lips. "Ah, the illustrious student council president of Kuoh Academy. Refined, calculating, smart, and one hell of a tactician, from what I remember."
Rias's eye twitched. "Why do you sound... interested?"
"I admire competence," he said simply, sipping his tea.
Rias's lips thinned into a line. "Of course you do."
The edge in her voice wasn't lost on Kael. He chuckled softly and glanced up at her. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Rias."
"I'm not jealous," she snapped a little too quickly.
"Right," he replied smoothly, clearly amused.
A few hours later, in the grand parlor of the Gremory estate, Kael stood in his regal attire once again—tailored dark vest, silver embroidery, and black gloves. He always dressed like he expected royalty at his door.
And today, he wasn't far off.
Sona Shitori, or Sona Sitri, entered with calm, confident steps. Her deep indigo hair framed her glasses perfectly, and her eyes scanned the room like a tactician assessing a battlefield.
"Lady Sitri," Kael greeted with a graceful nod, his tone silky. "A pleasure."
"And you must be the infamous Kael Vaelion," she replied, her voice composed, smooth like still water but with a hint of intrigue. "The mysterious fiancé."
"Guilty," he said, offering a charming smile. "Would you like some tea? Or do you prefer something with a sharper edge?"
Sona blinked, caught slightly off guard, then smiled faintly. "Tea is fine."
They sat and talked.
About everything.
Philosophy. Magic theory. Strategic principles. Even books.
Their conversation flowed with such ease it was like they had known each other for years. Sona, typically reserved, found herself actually enjoying it.
Across from them, Rias sat silently, chin resting on her hand, watching with growing irritation.
The way Sona's eyes gleamed when Kael spoke. The way he leaned in slightly when she offered her own insights. It was like watching a puzzle perfectly fit together—and Rias hated puzzles she couldn't solve.
She sipped her tea, scowling. "Third wheel, huh?" she muttered.
Eventually, Kael excused himself to return to training. "It was a pleasure, Lady Sitri," he said, giving her a slight bow. "I hope we can talk again soon."
"I would like that," Sona replied, smiling politely, yet genuinely.
As Kael left, the room fell into silence for a beat.
Then Sona turned to her childhood friend. "He's... surprisingly insightful. I didn't expect that."
"Hmph," Rias huffed, arms crossed. "He's arrogant, smug, manipulative—"
"But also well-read, ambitious, and witty," Sona added with a raised brow. "Rias, he's unlike most devils I've met."
"I know," Rias mumbled, looking away.
"…You like him."
"I do not," Rias hissed, cheeks flushed. "He's just... complicated."
Sona smirked. "Saying that to me while turning red makes it rather obvious, you know."
Rias turned away in a huff. "Just shut up and drink your tea."
Meanwhile, in the training hall, Kael stood with his shirt unbuttoned, blade in hand, casting wind and fire spells in tandem with his strikes. He wasn't practicing to impress anymore—he was practicing for survival.
His eyes locked onto the dark portal slowly materializing before him.
[Dungeon Unlocked: Lava Hell]
[Tier: Intermediate]
[Type: Fire – Volcanic – Environmentally Hostile]
[Recommended Level: 8+]
[Objective: Reach the Core and Defeat the Lava Serpent]
Kael's smirk returned, sharp as ever.
"Let's see what hell feels like."
He stepped forward—into the fire.