The path to vengeance was fraught with unexpected encounters, and Julian Kaiser Mercury had grown adept at navigating them. His plans were unfolding with precision, each step carefully calculated to weaken his enemies and strengthen his position. Yet amidst the chaos, Julian found himself drawn to the connections he was forging—relationships that would ultimately define the future he sought to create.
The journey to meet Tiamat was not one Julian had planned, but destiny had a way of intervening. Tiamat, the strongest of the Dragon Kings, had long been an enigmatic force in the supernatural world. Her power was unmatched, her presence commanding, and her loyalty to no one but herself. It was during a reconnaissance mission in the Underworld that Julian crossed paths with her.
The air was thick with the weight of her aura, the sheer force of her magic palpable even from a distance. Julian approached cautiously, his silver eyes steady as they met her piercing gaze.
"You've got courage," Tiamat said, her voice resonating with a draconic intensity. "Few dare to approach me without an offer of tribute."
"I don't offer tribute," Julian replied calmly, his tone unwavering. "I offer respect."
Tiamat's lips curved into a faint smile, her interest piqued. "Interesting. And what is it you seek, devil?"
Julian's response was measured, his words carefully chosen. "Nothing but your company. Perhaps an exchange of wisdom, if you're willing."
Their conversation unfolded like a dance, each word revealing fragments of their personalities. Tiamat's curiosity grew as Julian held his ground, his presence commanding yet unassuming. By the end of their encounter, Tiamat had agreed to see him again—a rare concession from the Dragon King.
Back in Kuoh Town, Julian's steps led him to another unexpected encounter—Yasaka, the graceful leader of the Kyoto Youkai faction. Her golden hair and serene demeanor were a stark contrast to the chaos of the world around them. Julian found himself drawn to her wisdom and kindness, traits that resonated deeply with his own suppressed longing for stability.
Their meeting occurred at a shrine, where Yasaka had been overseeing a ritual. Julian's arrival was met with curiosity, her amber eyes studying him as he approached.
"You carry a heavy burden," Yasaka observed, her tone gentle.
Julian nodded, his silver eyes reflecting the flickering flames of the shrine's candles. "It's a burden I've learned to embrace."
Their conversation was quiet, introspective, and filled with mutual respect. Yasaka's understanding of the supernatural world and her desire for harmony intrigued Julian, while his calm demeanor and quiet strength left an impression on her. As they parted ways, Yasaka felt a sense of connection that she hadn't experienced in years.
With Tiamat, Yasaka, Kalawarner, Ingvild, Yubelluna, and Seekvaira now part of his life, Julian knew it was time to formalize their bonds. One by one, he approached each woman, his offer of a place in his peerage presented with sincerity and respect.
Kalawarner had already joined, her loyalty unwavering. Ingvild, drawn to Julian's understanding of her struggles, accepted with quiet determination. Yubelluna, intrigued by Julian's strength and purpose, joined with a fiery resolve. Seekvaira, ever the strategist, saw the potential in aligning with Julian and agreed readily. Tiamat's decision was more reluctant, but Julian's respect for her autonomy won her over. Yasaka, though hesitant, found herself trusting Julian's vision and accepted his offer.
When the ritual was complete, Julian's peerage was transformed. Each member's sigil glowed faintly, the magic binding them together as a unified force.
Julian's manipulation of Rias and Sona had been slow and deliberate, each interaction designed to deepen their reliance on him. Now, he was ready to take the final step—one that would break them emotionally and mentally, leaving them vulnerable to his influence.
With Rias, Julian orchestrated a confrontation that exposed her deepest insecurities. Through carefully chosen words and actions, he made her doubt her strength, her leadership, and her ability to protect those she cared about. Julian's presence became her only source of reassurance, the one anchor she could cling to in the storm.
With Sona, Julian exploited her intellectual pride, subtly undermining her confidence in her strategies and decisions. He positioned himself as her most trusted ally, the one person who could help her navigate the challenges she faced. Julian's calm and calculated demeanor made her see him as indispensable.
Rias and Sona were emotionally dependent on Julian, their trust in him unwavering. Yet Julian knew that this was only the beginning—the true test would come when he revealed his true intentions.
His peerage was complete, his enemies growing more fearful with each passing day, and Rias and Sona teetering on the edge of collapse. The stars outside gleamed faintly, as if watching over him.
"This is only the beginning," Julian whispered, his voice steady. "Before this game is over, they'll see the price of their betrayal."