Akuma woke up with a rare sense of peace, stretching his sore muscles from the past month of brutal training. Today was his first day off. No running up volcanoes, no acid meditation, no getting punched in the face by a man who could probably split mountains with a flick of his wrist.
"Akuma, get up! We're going to the clan compound for the ceremony," his mother, Lilith, called out from the kitchen. The scent of spiced meat and roasted vegetables filled the air, and Akuma's stomach growled in response. He dragged himself out of bed and shuffled to the dining room, plopping down at the table.
Lilith, his mother, was a striking woman—long crimson hair, fierce golden eyes, and an energy that could scare even the most hardened demons into submission. She had a smile that could turn warm and loving in one moment and become absolutely terrifying in the next.
As Akuma stuffed his face with food, Lilith placed a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, kid. When we get to the compound, don't show them your Sun Breathing."
Akuma blinked. "Why? Are they allergic to sunlight too?"
Lilith rolled her eyes. "No, idiot. The main branch of our clan is full of power-hungry bastards who don't take kindly to the side families being stronger than them."
Akuma swallowed his food dramatically. "Ah, so it's like being a Hyuga branch member?" He turned toward the reader and broke the fourth wall. "So this is what Neji felt like…"
Lilith flicked his forehead. "Stop that. Save your nonsense for later."
After finishing breakfast, they set off toward the Beelzebub Clan compound. The massive fortress loomed in the distance, dark spires reaching toward the crimson sky of Hell. The entrance was guarded by towering demonic statues, their eyes glowing with eerie light. As they stepped inside, Akuma noticed dozens of other young Yokai and demons gathered, all wearing formal robes embroidered with their family insignias.
The air was thick with tension. Most of the younglings gave Akuma dirty looks, whispering behind his back.
"He's a hybrid?"
"A disgrace to the clan…"
"Why is he even allowed here?"
Akuma sighed. "Great. I'm the black sheep. What's next? A forehead curse seal?"
As they made their way through the compound, Lilith suddenly tensed. Akuma followed her gaze and saw a woman who looked almost identical to his mother—except her eyes held a sharp, calculating glint.
"Lilith," the woman purred, smirking. "Still alive, I see."
Lilith scowled. "Unfortunately, yes. Unlike you, I don't need to stab people in the back to stay ahead, Saria."
Akuma's eyes widened. "Wait, wait, wait—you have an evil twin?! Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"
Lilith gritted her teeth. "Because I don't waste my breath on people who don't matter."
Saria chuckled. "Oh, but I do matter. I'm the one who actually stayed in the main family. Unlike you, the runaway rebel."
Akuma raised a hand. "Uh, question—should I be getting popcorn for this or…?"
Lilith ignored him and pulled him along. "We're leaving."
They finally arrived at the grand hall, where the clan head, Lord Baelzebuth the 8th, stood atop an obsidian podium. His massive, insect-covered form was revolting, his very presence causing the ground beneath him to rot. He spread his arms and began his speech.
"Our great clan has ruled over vermin and plague since the ancient times! We are the harbingers of decay, the rulers of infestations! And yet, there are those among us who are lesser. Those who are not pure!"
Akuma raised an eyebrow. "Wow. Subtle."
Lilith leaned down and whispered, "Shut up."
Lord Baelzebuth continued, "Tomorrow, the younglings shall enter the Demon Forest! There, you will forge your contracts with the insects and parasites that define our power. Only the strong will return! The weak… will be consumed."
The crowd erupted into cheers. Akuma gave a slow clap. "Wow. So inspiring. Almost makes me forget I might get eaten alive."
After the speech, the younglings were assigned rooms. As Akuma entered his, he found Lilith already waiting for him. She was holding a long, sleek black-bladed sword. She handed it to him with a soft smile.
"This… belonged to your father."
Akuma's breath hitched. He unsheathed the blade and felt a strange pulse of energy from it. It was dark, elegant, and somehow felt… alive.
"It's called Vindication Rapier," Lilith said. "It attracts insects, parasites, and all manner of vermin due to the poison infused in its steel. It will serve you well in the forest."
Akuma looked up at her, his grip on the sword tightening. "...Was he strong?"
Lilith's eyes softened. "Stronger than you can imagine."
He nodded and strapped the sword to his back. Tomorrow, he would enter the Demon Forest. Tomorrow, the real test would begin.
As he lay down to sleep, he exhaled deeply. "Well… I survived Yoriichi's training. What's the worst that could happen?"
From the depths of Hell, the Demon Forest whispered back.
You will see.