The Mercury estate was alive with activity. Julian Kaiser Mercury's peerage had grown into a formidable force, each member bringing their unique strengths and personalities into an intricate dynamic. The bonds they shared, forged through battles and trust, were the foundation upon which Julian's empire was being built. Yet even with their progress, Julian's mind was focused on the next steps—steps that would bring him closer to dismantling the very structure of the New Satan Faction.
The morning began with Tiamat and Tesla locked in a heated debate over the application of magic in modern technology. Tiamat, ever the draconic force of nature, dismissed Tesla's concepts as "unnecessary human inventions," while Tesla defended his innovations with an electric fervor. Meanwhile, Napoleon mediated, his strategic mind crafting compromises that only seemed to escalate the discussion further.
In the corner of the study, Ingvild's soft voice carried a melody that resonated through the halls, her singing calming the tension between the others. Yubelluna watched with amusement, her destructive magic tempered by a surprising gentleness in these peaceful moments. Kalawarner and Seekvaira observed the chaos with wry smiles, their shared sharp wit often leading to quiet commentary that earned laughs from the group.
Julian stood at the center of it all, his silver eyes taking in the scene with quiet satisfaction. The members of his peerage were more than allies—they were his family, a testament to the unity he sought to rebuild after the loss of his own. Yet even amidst the warmth of these interactions, Julian's mind remained focused on the larger game.
The search for the final member of his peerage had taken Julian to the far reaches of the Underworld, where remnants of forgotten legacies often hid. It was in the ruins of an ancient temple that he encountered Katerea Leviathan, a devil whose ambitions had once driven her to near-ruin. Katerea's power and cunning were undeniable, but her fall from grace had left her bitter and distrustful.
Julian approached her cautiously, his presence calm yet commanding. Katerea's violet eyes narrowed as she regarded him, her voice sharp. "What do you want, Mercury?"
"I want to offer you a chance," Julian replied, his tone steady. "A chance to reclaim your power, your influence, and your place in the Underworld."
Katerea scoffed, her wings folding tightly against her back. "And what would you gain from this?"
"An ally," Julian said simply. "Your strength is undeniable, but your ambition blinded you. With the right guidance, you could become more than what you were."
The conversation was tense, each word carefully chosen as they tested each other's resolve. By the end of their exchange, Katerea agreed to join Julian's peerage, her decision driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to reclaim her former glory. With her addition, Julian's peerage was complete—a force unmatched in its diversity and power.
The time had come for Julian to take the final steps in his manipulation of Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri. Their dependence on him had grown steadily, each interaction deepening their trust and reliance. Julian's next move would shatter them emotionally, ensuring that their siblings, Sirzechs and Serafall, would be too preoccupied to intervene in his plans.
For Rias, Julian orchestrated a scenario that forced her to confront her deepest fears. Through carefully planted illusions and subtle manipulation, he made her believe that her friends and loved ones were abandoning her. The weight of her insecurities, combined with Julian's calculated words of comfort, left her vulnerable and broken.
With Sona, Julian struck at her pride. By subtly sabotaging one of her most critical strategies for Kuoh Academy, he made her feel the sting of failure. When she turned to him for guidance, Julian presented himself as the only one who truly understood her struggles, solidifying her dependence on him.
As both Rias and Sona succumbed to their emotional turmoil, Sirzechs and Serafall became consumed with their sisters' well-being, their attention diverted away from the growing threat in the Underworld. Julian's plan was falling into place.
With the Satans distracted, Julian and his peerage turned their attention to the most influential pureblood devil clans: the Bael, the Gremory, and others whose power formed the backbone of the New Satan Faction. Julian's strikes were swift and devastating, each attack a calculated blow to the faction's foundation.
The Bael Clan's fortress, a symbol of their dominance, was reduced to rubble in a single night. Tesla's electrical storms and Oppenheimer's destructive energy left no survivors, the clan's forces overwhelmed by the sheer power of Julian's peerage. Tiamat led the charge, her draconic might obliterating their strongest defenses.
Meanwhile, the Gremory Clan's resources and influence were systematically dismantled. Julian's strategic mind orchestrated a series of attacks that left their alliances fractured and their power diminished. The New Satan Faction was reeling, their confidence shaken as they struggled to comprehend the force that was tearing through their ranks.
As Julian stood atop the ruins of the Bael fortress, the faint glow of the Mercury sigil illuminated his determined expression. His peerage stood around him, their unity a testament to the strength they had built together.
"This is only the beginning," Julian said, his voice steady. "The New Satan Faction will fall, and the Underworld will remember the name Mercury."
The stars above shimmered faintly, their light reflected in Julian's silver eyes. The game was far from over, but Julian was ready for whatever came next.