The halls of the Mercury estate were quiet, the faint hum of magical energy radiating from the walls. In the dim glow of his study, Julian Kaiser Mercury poured over maps and documents. Each line and detail marked another step in his intricate web of plans, but now the stakes were higher. With the New Satan Faction growing uneasy, Julian knew he had to tread carefully to maintain the illusion of anonymity while delivering calculated devastation.
His peerage moved about the estate, their unique energies a constant reminder of the strength he had cultivated. Tesla's experiments buzzed faintly in the distance, Einstein scribbled furiously in his notebooks, and Napoleon organized a list of potential targets for their next move. Each member fulfilled their role with precision, but Julian's mind was already moving ahead, considering his next strategy.
Julian's focus was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. He glanced up as it opened slightly, revealing Kalawarner's familiar figure. Her azure wings shimmered faintly in the light, her expression unreadable as she stepped inside.
"You wanted to see me?" she asked, her tone casual but with a hint of curiosity.
Julian gestured for her to enter, standing to meet her gaze. "I wanted to discuss your decision."
Kalawarner's eyes narrowed slightly, her arms crossing as she leaned against the doorframe. "About the peerage?"
Julian nodded, his silver eyes steady. "I want you to know that my offer wasn't made lightly. You've proven your loyalty and your strength, and I believe you would be an invaluable part of what we're building here."
Kalawarner studied him for a long moment, her expression thoughtful. "And what exactly are you building, Julian? Revenge? A legacy? Or something more?"
Julian hesitated, her words cutting through the layers of his carefully constructed facade. For all his planning and precision, the truth of his motivations was something he rarely allowed himself to dwell on.
"Perhaps it's all of those things," he admitted quietly. "But I know that I can't do it alone. And I don't want to."
Kalawarner's expression softened, the guarded edge in her posture fading. "You have a way of making things difficult to refuse."
Julian allowed a faint smile. "Is that a yes?"
Kalawarner sighed, her lips curving into a wry smile. "Fine. I'll join your peerage. But don't think for a second that I'm going easy on you."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Julian replied, his tone carrying a touch of warmth.
As Kalawarner reached out, Julian activated the ritual. The magical energy enveloped them both, binding her to his peerage. When the light faded, the sigil of the Mercury Clan glowed faintly on her wrist—a symbol of their shared purpose.
In the Underworld, the New Satan Faction was in disarray. The fall of three more pureblood devil families had sent shockwaves through their ranks, each attack more precise and devastating than the last. Their leaders convened in secret, their voices filled with anger and unease.
"Who is behind this?" one of them demanded, his fists slamming against the table. "We've lost valuable allies, and we're no closer to identifying the threat."
"It's a ghost," another muttered, his voice tinged with fear. "An enemy that strikes from the shadows, leaving no trace."
Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan, while not officially part of the faction, had grown increasingly wary. Though their influence remained strong, the cracks beginning to form in their alliances could not be ignored.
Unbeknownst to them, Julian's next move was already in motion.
With Kalawarner now part of his peerage, Julian's focus shifted to further strengthening his position in Kuoh. He had begun to see signs of the ripple effect his interference was causing—small but significant changes that indicated the growing dependency of Rias and Sona on his presence.
Rias, now deeply conflicted over her arranged engagement and her growing trust in Julian, had started seeking his advice more frequently. Sona, impressed by his strategic mind, had begun involving him in her plans for Kuoh Academy's future. Each interaction brought them closer to him, tightening the threads of their reliance.
Julian's manipulation was subtle but deliberate. He played the role of a confidant, a partner, and a friend, all while maintaining the distance necessary to keep his true intentions hidden.
As the night deepened, Julian stood on the balcony of the Mercury estate, the cool breeze brushing against his skin. Kalawarner joined him, her expression thoughtful as she gazed at the stars.
"You're quiet tonight," she said, her tone gentle.
Julian's silver eyes remained fixed on the horizon. "Just considering what comes next."
"And what does come next?" Kalawarner asked, her gaze shifting to him.
Julian turned to her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "The next move in the game."
As the stars glittered above them, Julian knew that the path ahead would only grow more dangerous. But with each step, he felt his resolve strengthen, his purpose clearer than ever.