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(TPD) Chapter 27: The Second March (Interlude)
🕑 Added 2024-12-28 11:48:09 +0000 UTCChapter 27: The Second March (Interlude)
Thankfully, Zekram had allowed Avalon to switch out of his dress shirt and blazer the next morning, fitting him in a tight black compression shirt as he stood in the Bael Clan’s courtyard—facing Ruval who was opposite him.
“It really has been some time since we last did this,” Avalon interlocked his fingers, stretching his arm backwards before loosening up his shoulders.
“That it has, but are you sure it’s fine for us to do it out here? We’ll probably end up damaging everything—shouldn’t we use one of the indoor training areas instead?”
“No need, she’s got it handled,” Avalon looked over to Zekram who was standing on the sidelines, with Wilbert reluctantly beside her since he wanted to observe their spar as well.
Zekram had activated one of the many barriers surrounding the estate to make sure they wouldn’t ruin her illustrious courtyard.
“You seem pretty close with her, ever planning on telling me who she is?”
“Zekram Bael.”
Ruval did a double take, “Pardon?”
“I said she’s Zekram Bael, you’ve seen how all the servants in this estate are treating her, who else do you think would get that kind of treatment other than Lord Bael?” He tilted his head.
Ruval’s face paled, beads of sweat running down his face as he slowly craned his head towards the woman observing from afar, “S-So you’re telling me, the person who I pointed at and treated like a complete stranger back then, was Zekram Bael? The Bael Clan’s Ancestor? That’s what you’re telling me?”
“Mhm.”
“...I am in so much trouble, aren’t I?” His will to fight had suddenly dimmed.
“You’ll be fine, even though my fiance’s quite grumpy, she was probably aware that you didn’t know who she was at the time.”
“Fiance?” Ruval furrowed his brow, “What are you talking about?”
“Oh… I didn’t tell you, did I?” Avalon chuckled nervously. “Erm… Surprise? I guess?”
The Phenex started to look back and forth between Avalon and Zekram, his brain still trying to wrap itself around what he had just heard.
“You—are getting married to that?” He was clearly trying to elevate the latter, “I don’t believe you.”
Avalon shrugged, “It's unimportant for now, let’s just focus on sparring shall we?”
“That would be preferable, but I’m definitely going to get to the bottom of whatever it is you’re planning, trust me on that.” His hands erupted into two miniature, fiery infernos upon the activation of his Hell Fire.
Avalon smirked, bright-blue flames with black accents swirling through them covering his hands in turn, a result of his, or more accurately Tomoe’s Fox Fire.”
“I can do that too now.”
Ruval’s eyes widened in disbelief, “Since when?”
“Since three years ago,” with breakneck speed, Avalon put himself only a few centimeters in front of Ruval. His arm shooting forward like an olympic javelin and slugging Ruval in the side of his face, causing the blonde to stagger backwards as he reeled from the impact.
But like usual, the Phenex just laughed the pain away, relocating his jaw with a grotesque popping noise before recollecting himself. “You’re supposed to give me a heads up before you begin.”
“I couldn’t help it, it’s nearly been over a week since I last fought,” for Avalon that was the equivalent of a millenia. “You already know that I lack self-control.”
“Lack, is an understatement.”
Ruval had originally considered using his wind to increase the strength of his flames, but now that Avalon had access to fire as well, doing so didn’t seem very wise since it could just end up strengthening his opponent as well at the cost of his own stamina.
‘Even if I can’t use my wind as openly as I’d like to, I still have another technique I can rely on.’
Again, Avalon went in close and threw a right hook at Ruval’s chest, the speed of his punch was far too fast for Ruval to even think about blocking, but that was something he had already gotten used to.
Right before Avalon’s knuckles connected with Ruval’s skin, his chest erupted into a torrent of flames, causing Avalon’s hand to pass right through it as if there wasn’t anything there to begin with.
Ruval took advantage of the opening to grab Avalon’s arm, reinforcing his hand with Demonic Power before slugging him in the side of his head, returning the favor with twice the force.
Avalon clutched the spot of impact, his brain needing a moment to comprehend what had just happened.
‘He destroyed his own chest with his Hell Fire, taking advantage of his immortality to cause me to miss so he could counter-attack.’
The corners of Avalon’s mouth curled upwards, “That was a good one—when did you create it?”
“Three years ago,” he replied with an equally smug grin. “I hope you’ve got something more to show than me than just a flimsy imitation of my Hell Fire.”
‘Did that brat just call my Fox Fire flimsy? Avalon, take off your blindfold—we can’t just let that slide.’
‘We’re sparring, not trying to kill each other, and what kind of Kyuubi gets ticked because of a single comment made by a child? Have some dignity.’
“If that’s what you want.”
‘Pandorica, is it possible to weaken my senses as well with controlled release?’
[It is Young Lord, but that will also consume a great deal of energy.]
If his CAD could just weaken his senses indefinitely, then he wouldn’t have any need for his blindfold anymore.
‘That’s fine, bring it down from 10% to 5%.’
[As you wish.]
Avalon tapped his CAD, the red light attached to the battery turning green with a whirring sound. “That Fallen Angel is capable of using a binding spell, so I suggest you take this opportunity to get some training in.”
“Woah!” Ruval rolled out of the way, missing the sudden appearance of a thread attempting to coil around his neck by a hair’s breadth, “What did you just do?”
“That thread is imbued with sealing magic, if you’re entrapped by it your Demonic Power will be restricted. So make sure you predict where they’re going to come from and dodge accordingly,” he used five at the same time, attacking Ruval from multiple angles at the same time as the Phenex struggled to keep track of where each one would arrive.
“Hold on, this is supposed to be a sparring match—so why does it suddenly feel like you’re just training me?”
“You’re just imagining it, and try not to talk while you’re moving, it’ll only make it harder for you to concentrate.” Rather than just spreading out his threads like a domain, Avalon decided to control all five of them manually, attaching each of them to his fingertips and moving in tandem with Ruval’s rhythm. Doing whatever he could do catch him off-guard, and keep him on his toes as much as possible.
“I’m definitely not imagining it! This isn’t even sparring anymore!” To Avalon’s delight, Ruval was doing a solid job of using his Demonic Power to sense where each thread would come from, and move in time to avoid being hit.
“Stop talking, you’re just making it harder for yourself.”
Clearly unhappy with how the “spar” was progressing, Ruval decided to take a chance.
He let the closest thread between him and Avalon approach him on purpose, using the permeability technique he had just shown to create a window of opportunity in between the thread passing through his body, and the next one coming to attack him.
Vortexes composed of wind surrounded his feet, carrying him with increased speed towards Avalon, evidently trying to negate the usage of his threads by forcing him into a close quarters duel.
“The Fallen Angel is also capable of close combat,” he pulled out a kunai, throwing it at Ruval and forcing the activation of his permeability before he actually made contact, which was followed up by Avalon reinforcing his hand before slugging him in the forehead. “She has Light Magic, you’ll probably lose if you try to rush her.”
“You didn’t use a weapon before either! That’s cheating!” Ruval protested.
“It’s not cheating, it’s just the element of surprise,” he replied shamelessly. “I didn’t know about your technique either, and I don’t know all of the Fallen Angel’s techniques either. So you’ll have to be prepared for anything.”
In truth, Avalon was just worried about Ruval.
He knew how dangerous the Fallen Angel was, and if it was possible he’d try to discourage Ruval from engaging with her. However, he knew such a thing wouldn’t be possible with Ruval’s current state of mind. Therefore, he could only try to prepare him as best as he could.
Lith dying was one thing, but if Ruval died—he didn’t even want to imagine such a scenario.
“So you were just trying to train me after all,” Ruval sighed. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, you did beat a Cadre after all during the time we didn’t meet with one another.”
Avalon was a Super Devil, albeit still incomplete, and Ruval wasn’t.
As unfair as it was, it was an unavoidable truth that neither of them could hide from.
“Sorry—”
“Don’t apologise, I’ll genuinely get mad if you do. I’m at fault for thinking we’d still be even,” Ruval took a deep breath. “Alright! If you’re going to train me, then let’s do this properly.” He slapped himself to regain his composure.
To Avalon’s delight, Ruval had decided to steel himself instead of being overrun by an inferiority complex.
“But before we continue, are you planning on telling me what that device wrapped around your neck is? I saw you turn it on before you started using those threads,” he pointed.
“It’s to help me control them since I’m still not as familiar with the technique as I’d like to be,” he lied through his teeth, deciding that the truth would just cause Ruval’s mood to worsen unnecessarily.
“So you were cheating after all!”
“Maybe,” he smiled.
‘There’s only a week left before Ruval will have to leave, that won’t be nearly enough time to put him on even ground with her, and he’s already aware of that. However, he still wants to defeat her nonetheless—Wilbert, I’m counting on you to keep my friend safe, alongside my precious subordinates.’
And just like that, their training session continued until evening, with Sairaorg even joining in half way through to help Ruval better work on his hand to hand as they spared together.
---
Much to Adaloth’s surprise, Zekram had invited her to discuss something while Avalon and Ruval were busy in the courtyard. The Ancestor being fully aware that what was happening outside wasn’t a genuine spar, causing her to lose interest.
“What do you want?” Adaloth made no attempt to masquerade the deep resentment she had for the woman in front of her, nor did she think such a thing was necessary.
“I simply wish to discuss your training,” she motioned for one of her attendants to come closer. “Would you care for some tea?”
“Not if you’re the one offering,” Adaloth scoffed.
“Suit yourself then,” Zekram calmly took a sip from her teacup.
“I don’t need your help with training either, Mathers is already handling that for me.” She folded her arms, kicking her legs up on the table in between them.
“I’m not talking about that sort of training, I’m referring to your ability to act as a suitable Queen.”
“I don’t need you for that either, I’m doing a perfectly fine job of that thank you very much.”
“Indeed, your current performance is acceptable, but it isn’t going to be enough once your brother is actually crowned Great King. Like him, you have absolutely no experience dealing with the Great King Faction itself. You’ll be expected to handle a great deal of work on your lonesome, stuff that I’d rather he not get involved in, or rather, stuff that I don’t believe he has the capacity to get involved in.”
Zekram was well aware of Adaloth’s stark lack of empathy in comparison to Avalon—something which she actually respected about her.
“I can figure that out on my own as well.”
“Maybe, but you won’t be able to figure it out fast enough. Unless you’d rather still be in the process of learning by the time he’s Great King? I’d have to assign someone else to act as his interim Queen until you were prepared should that come to fruition.”
Adaloth frowned, clearly displeased by the notion.
“Moreover, the one tutoring you wouldn’t be me—I’ll be occupied mentoring your brother. I’d have Grayfia be the one to handle it.”
“Grayfia? The only reason she’d agree to that is so her husband could keep an eye over everything going on here,” she doubted that Zekram wasn’t aware of such a thing.
The silver-haired maid, dubbed the “Strongest Queen”, was certainly someone Adaloth would approve of receiving mentorship from. The only issue from her perspective being that Zekram was responsible for the mentorship.
“And that’s a bad thing?” Zekram rose a brow, “If I can have someone handle your mentorship and ease your older brother’s concern at the same time, then that can only be a positive. His pestering isn’t something I can completely shut out after all.” She fully understood the risk of pushing the Satan Lucifer over the limit, and it wasn’t one she was willing to take.
“You just have everything all figured out don’t you?” Adaloth said sarcastically, “Fine, I’ll learn from Grayfia if that’s what you want, but there’s something I want to ask you beforehand.”
“Go on.”
“Do you really not feel anything for Avalon?”
“Feel? Ah, you’re referring to love,” Zekram put her teacup down—tension building in the atmosphere as Zekram steeled her gaze, a cold glint shimmering her eyes. “Love is worthless Adaloth, I find the very thought of needing another person to fulfil me sickening. Frankly speaking, I was hoping that you’d feel the same, but unfortunately that doesn’t appear to be the case.”
Adaloth stared at her intently, sneering inwardly as she observed Zekram.
‘You’re lying, you’re after more than just what’s in his pants, you want what’s in his head and heart as well.’ Her eyelids narrowed, ‘You’re a hollow woman trying to build a more fulfilling future for yourself with him, and I won’t let it happen. I felt you glaring at me while I was cuddling him last night. You can hide everything else about you from me all you want, but your womanly side will always be an open book to me.’
“Oh, and the next time you use one of my guest rooms to procreate with him— please have the decency to put the covers in the laundry once you’re finished.” That statement completely derailed Adaloth’s train of thought as Zekram took her leave.
“You’re just jealous you haven’t had any action,” Adaloth muttered to herself.
‘Love is worthless? Don’t make me laugh Zekram, unless you perform surgery on your brain to rid yourself of all sense of feeling. You’ll crave it just like everyone else, and I’ll keep twisting that knife of insecurity you’ve plunged into yourself as punishment for what you’re trying to take from me.’
---
A week had gone by since Avalon’s life in the Bael Clan had begun.
“Sniffle… My babies are leaving without me… Sniffle… Ahhhhhhh! I can’t bear it!” He was stood at the entrance of the estate, watching as Wilbert, Ruval, Esdeath, and Lars were all preparing to make their leave for the battlefront. “Comfort me Honey!” He pulled Zekram into a tight hug, causing her to awkwardly pat his back while enduring the second-hand embarrassment.
“There there…” Granted, the sight of Adaloth’s jealous glare brought Zekram an undeniable sense of satisfaction. “You’ll see them again soon enough, and I’m sure they can handle themselves just fine.” She signalled for Wilbert to hurry up and depart, the longer they dawdled, the higher the chance of Avalon trapping them all in his Spider Dance so they couldn’t leave grew.
“But they could be hurt out there! Even the thought of it alone is enough to drive me insane!” Zekram decided to strengthen her grip on him, worried that he was about to bolt.
“Avalon,” Grayfia, who was standing beside them, said.
“Sniff… Yes?”
“I’ve just received some of the Levi-tan merchandise Lord Beelzebub sent you for completing your engineering lessons—”
“LEVI-TAN!” He rushed back inside, leaving Zekram utterly confused as to how he managed to break out of her grip like she wasn’t even holding him to begin with.
“Thank you.”
The silver-haired maid simply met her with a curt nod, clearly not a fan of the Ancestor, a common sentiment amongst almost everyone who knew her on a personal basis.
“Since when did he start calling you Honey?” Adaloth was still glaring daggers at Zekram, “I’ve never heard him refer to you like that before.”
“I already told him that he doesn’t have to call me that, but he insists on it every now and then. Doesn’t he have a pet-name for you as well?” She asked, knowing full well that such a thing didn’t exist.
“He does.”
“Oh?” She plastered on a knowing smile, “And what would that be?”
“It’s a secret between me and him, you don’t need to know about it.”
“Ah—of course, I shouldn’t intrude on your privacy,” she smirked while returning back inside.
---
Sorry about the shorter chapter, but I really couldn’t think of much more that would fit into this interlude.
The next chapter will be a timeskip of about one and a half years, I don’t plan for Avalon to remain a child age-wise for the entirety of this story so I might pick up the pace a little more from here on out, but I won’t skip anything relevant/important.
I’m also thinking about including some more lighthearted/omake style content in between and during chapters to give readers a breather every now and then, so if you have some suggestions for that go ahead and leave them here for me.
