Chapter 31 - 30

As Soma finished dressing up in front of the mirror he looked himself over and nodded, he would be visiting hell for the first time (if one doesn't count how his usual training is and was like) and, as such, he had already equipped himself well.

Underneath this formal wear Soma had on his combat attire (deactivated as to not accidentally burn someone to smoldering ashes), it was also fitting since it was very comfortable so it was more than fine to use in this party. He also had his gun, the multiple accessories filled with magic energy, his sword was hidden inside his body just in case as well and several Black Keys he forged using the energy from Excalibur Blessing. ​​

Soma's desire for that sword was precisely for this, to enhance the power of Black Keys he was forging using the best of materials and techniques. If he was to compare them, each of these Black Keys of Soma would be equal to a D Rank Noble Phantasm. Quite weak individually, but they can have many uses if the user knew how to manipulate them right. Truly, this Excalibur being able to amplify the powers of catholic rituals helped him in the production of his actual weapons, that the sword was also useful in strengthening his house's bounded field against devils was a nice caviat.

It might be a bit excessive and wasteful, but Soma did not mind that his house now probably could kill Satan class devils that stepped inside if Soma so much as thought about it.

Concentrating on his hair, Soma decided to go with a different look to match more this get up, making his hair be a bit longer and putting it in a ponytail. He felt it looked a bit too much, but it looked elegant enough. He also put away several needles filled with the poison of Albion in said hair. It was something he learned as a small trick just in case it was needed, a hidden weapon that no one would see coming in most cases since no one would look amidst his hair and considering that the needles were no thicker than his hair, it was all too easy for no one to notice them until it was too late.

Looking himself in the mirror Soma and frowned.

"Fuuuhhh, it is time for being overly formal and shit. Dam I hate to do it, but needs must I guess." Soma muttered as he straightened his posture, the whole air around him changing subtly but perceptibly.

He was trained in proper etiquette by several people, from nobles and royalty, to tyrants and spies. He honestly hated all this stiff stuff, but this party was not about him but about his friend Riser. Tonight it was about him and he would not make a fool of himself and his friend just because he would need to act like that.

He could act like a perfect gentleman or a knight if he wanted, he just preferred to act like a barbarian and a punk most times since it felt extremely more natural to him than trying to act like some snooty noble or a white knight of justice.

Having everything set he went to Aya's room, knocking on the door.

"J-Just a moment!" She shouted from inside and there was the sound of her hurrying inside there. He even heard a thump and her releasing a yelp of pain he could tell came from her tripping on her feet, something she did sometimes.

How could someone this clumsy be that great a dancer, he could never know.

After a few moments, the door opened and from inside Aya appeared before him. She had a short black dress with white highlights and a cute but elegant jacket over it. It looked pretty nice on her and it was clear she put on some make-up, but it was quite obvious that she had no experience doing it.

"H-How do I look?" She questioned and Soma gave a gentle smile.

"Your dress and shoes look great, but your make-up could use some work."

"I, I see." She said, a bit depressed. She was not used to dressing up or using make-up and this was all very last minute for her, she did what she could but it was not quite as nice as she wanted.

Soma, seeing this, put a hand on his shoulder.

"Do you want me to fix it up?" he said and she looked with wide eyes at him.

"You know how to do make-up?" She questioned and he chuckled.

"A bit, now come on. There is not much time and we have to hurry up." Soma said.

Of course, he knew how to use make-up. How could he not when using it was one of the skills he was taught while learning to disguise himself with the Hassans? Being able to blend in and change his looks was an essential skill if he wanted to be a good killer, and Soma was good enough to be a Hassan as long as he managed one kill great enough to warrant the name as, skill wise, he was no lesser than any of them (except the Old man, but he was BS anyway and shouldn't count).

After around fifteen minutes Soma was done. He could have done it faster, but he wanted this night to be special for Aya and to make her feel great about herself so he went all out with it. Not only her make-up, but he also prepared her hair and nails.

If anyone were to look at her now, they wouldn't see an abused little girl that was the target of the scorn of her classmates, but a beautiful young teenager that could make heads turn as she passed. She looked at the mirror with wide eyes when she saw the results.

"This, this is me?"

"Yep." Soma said.

"But, I am not this pretty." she said, touching her face as if not believing the person in the mirror is her.

Soma put a hand carefully on her head, not disturbing her hair, and spoke.

"Aya-chan, not all people are born with the same natural beauty. There are some that are born with a better natural look, but that doesn't mean others can't be even more attractive. It is all about effort and knowing how to do it, and I assure you that you will be one of the prettiest girls at the party. I might just need to take a stick to beat up the guys that come sniffing, haha!" he said at the end with his usual boisterous tone, and she smiled at this. It was as if Soma was a big brother, friend, and somehow father figure for her sometimes, and she loved it all.

With the brightest smile to date, she turned to him and said.

"Let's take a picture before we go. I want to remember this night forever."

Soma nodded and pulled his phone. Using his hair he pulled the phone an appropriate distance away and was about to take a picture when a loud 'meow' was heard and Aya giggled.

"It seems like Mya wants to be in the picture too." Aya said and Soma shrugged, he had been taking care of this cat before but Aya had all but adopted the cat as soon as she started living here.

With gentle hands, the cat was picked by Aya, but it proceeded to scale to Aya's shoulder and settle there as if it was proud of being there.

She just smiled and Soma coughed to hide a smile at Aya's actions and that of Mya the cat.

After they got in proper position again Soma used his hair and took the picture, the two youngsters smiling softly while holding hands.

It was a beautiful picture that Aya would treasure for the rest of her life.

As they were leaving Soma took out what looked like a brooch with a star on the center and spoke seriously to Aya.

"Aya-chan, this is something I made a while back that can help keep you safe. I already set it up for it to work for you, you just need to say a few words to activate it, I am sure that with this you will be safe." Soma said and Aya blushed at the care he was showing her.

He then proceeded to tell her the 'magic words' to activate the item and, after she memorized them, it was time to leave.

///---///

Going to the Underworld was a rather unique experience. Riser explained that there were usually certain procedures one had to go through, but the ultimate power of existence (money) took care of it to make the ones that could make a fuzz calm down and look the other way.

Getting in the Underworld Soma could feel how the air around him was 'wrong'. It felt wrong, like if the whole place didn't feel like Earth whatsoever. The air felt much richer with mana, but it was of a corrupted and dark type no matter how bright the place might look.

"So, what do you think? Incredible, wouldn't you say?" Riser said proudly, feeling more at home here than in the human world.

"It is... unique." Soma said and Riser laughed brightly.

"I knew you would love it as well, bro." Riser said and Soma decided not to correct Riser on that one.

He wouldn't mind visiting, but he wouldn't make it a point to be in this dimension for long periods of time. He felt like being here would interfere with the modifications of his body and training Heaven's Feel here was completely out of option. One must have their souls extremely pure to be able to learn, much less master, the Third Magic here. And training in such an environment would only complicate things as he had a plan for his body development and if he mixed the negative energy in the air while modifying his body he couldn't know what effects it would cause. It would most likely be very negative and affect his whole body modification plans, not worth it in the end.

Going along with Riser's direction Soma was soon standing at a great ball feast, there were many people all around, devils of all kinds. From human-looking, to those who look like they are balls of fur, pointy ears, no ears or nose, normal skin, pink skin, scales, it was a festival of uniqueness and it was only due to years in the Throne and the uniqueness of the place that made Soma able to handle such a showing.

Aya was overwhelmed soon enough, but Ravel quickly came to her and took her to show Aya to her 'friends'. Well, not really friends, more those she knows in high society that is closer to her age, but at least Aya had someone close by that she could be glad about.

Soma was the very picture of nobility, with a different hairstyle, clothes, temperament, and manners befitting of true nobility. Currently, he was talking with an older devil that had heard of how Soma had defeated Dimaria and was trying to ask what would be the conditions he would want to join his peerage.

'No fucking way, you asshole.'

"It is a very tempting offer, Lord Andromalius. However, I have to politely decline at the moment." Soma said with a slight and adequate smile.

"Is there really nothing I could offer to make you consider my offer? I can even offer to help you to quickly rise to a High Ranking devil so you could obtain your own Peerage. You would have greater powers, maintain a youthful appearance for centuries to come, and live in luxury!" The old lord said with a slightly pleading tone. He REALLY wanted a powerhouse in his peerage since his current one was quite weak having been selected more for their appearances.

Who would know that women chosen only by their looks and thick ass could not be strong if they never trained once in their lives?

"I sincerely apologize, but despite what many may think I do appreciate the race I was born at and wouldn't like to change it as of the moment. But, perhaps we could discuss some trade for later my lord, I am quite proficient in the production of several types of mystic items that could be of some interest to you, for a fair price of course." Soma said with a pleasant smile that seemed extremely genuine no matter how one looked at it.

Inside however...

'Go and fuck off, stupid asshole! I won't be turning into some devil slave just because you want to offer me a chance to make more slaves, if I wanted a slave I wouldn't need your shitty system anyway. Besides, I can live for centuries if I damn want without needing to become anyone's slave or change my race. So here, I am offering you some simple trinkets, so shut up and give me money.'

"That is rather disappointing, my young friend. But, I believe we can discuss more about trade at a later date, my family do have a large herd of bicorns and several hellhounds, I am sure some agreements might be able to be formed." The Lord said, trying to impress some of the things he can offer if the items Soma can make are good.

"Of course, I would highly desire to form friendly relationships with you." 'Bicorns? Interesting, it would be worth studying it and some other breeds of magical horses to see to making myself a good mount, I suppose.' Soma thought internally.

He would have talked some more when someone came to him.

"Hello, are you Mr. Hanakai that lord Riser is speaking about?"

Turning Soma saw a gentle-looking, handsome young man with dark green hair and quite squinted eyes, he was also wearing expensive-looking clothes including a cape of all things.

"That is correct, my name is Soma Hanakai. I fear we haven't been introduced yet, who might you be, my lord?" Soma questioned.

"I am Diodora Astaroph, heir to the house Astaroph and younger brother of Satan Beelzebub." Diodora said, hoping Soma would show more deterrence for him due to his position.

He didn't.

A devil heir ultimately didn't mean much in Soma's eyes, devils lived for thousands of years so a devil could potentially stay as 'heir' for hundreds, thousands of years even, and in that period they could meet all sorts of unfortunate ends.

No, Soma cared more about the actual lords, not the heirs who held no true power.

Of course, this didn't mean he wouldn't be polite, he just wouldn't care overly much about them.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, heir Astaroph. Unfortunately, I was still talking with lord Andromalius so if you wouldn't mind I would like to continue my current talks before engaging in conversation with you. I do believe someone from your station would deserve the proper attention that I wouldn't be able to provide if my focus was in my current conversation." Soma explained with a slightly apologetic face.

Translation:

'Fuck off, idiot. I am talking with this cash cow, I don't have time to play nice with some useless idiot when I can be making money instead!'

Diodora looked slightly troubled until Lord Andromalius laughed.

"That is quite alright, young Mr. Hanakai. I still have some other matters to attend to and I have seen a friend just arrived, we can continue this conversation later. Now go on, I will let the youngsters have their talks without us old fossils getting on the way." he said and left, Soma almost showing a frown of irritation.

He was just about to get several fantasmal species specimens for what amounted to perhaps two or three hours of work, and this moss head idiot ruined it.

But, this was a noble party and Soma's manners have been hammered down on his head several times over until he could act as if he was the perfect nobleman that could appear in any royal court and fit right in. Cursing someone for their actions in a party was not something a 'proper noble' would do at a party like this, no matter how tempting.

"What would you say of us having a talk by the balcony? I have some matters I would like to discuss with you." Diodora said and Soma nodded his head.

As they went there Soma made sure to stay vigilant as he and Diodora went to that location.

The air outside felt as distasteful for Soma as the air inside the banquet hall, the Underworld not agreeing with him in the end. Not that Diodora noticed, taking a deep breath as if this felt great for him.

"You know, I have heard quite a lot about you these last few days." Diodora said, making Soma raise a brow.

"Is that so?" Soma said noncommittally.

"But of course, it is not every day we hear of someone who managed to fight in equal terms with lady Dimaria. She is quite famous here in the Underworld, after all. It makes one wonder, what you think of the world as it is. If you are satisfied with this peaceful world we live in." Diodora said and Soma just looked at him for a bit before answering.

"Honestly? I would rather this world not be too peaceful. It is in the chaos that the greater opportunities appear and heroes can truly rise, peace is necessary of course but an eternal peace... that would be rather boring." Soma said.

This was his honest opinion, surprisingly enough. Soma did not want giant and constant wars that would spill to the normal civilians, but if the world was to be an eternal utopia of peace then what would be the point of all his efforts in improving himself? How would he be able to prove himself as worthy of being a hero?

Sure, he wouldn't go out of his way to create wars, nor would he let them be formed if there was a chance of them escalating too much, but he was no pacifist who dreamed of eternal peace.

Diodora looked at him for a moment longer and then chuckled.

"You are a rather interesting human."

"I will take that as a compliment." Soma said with a smile.

Diodora just shook his head in amusement.

"And you well should, it was a compliment after all." Diodora said before changing gears. "I heard you showed some interest in research, if you wish I could introduce you to my brother on a later date."

"That would be most gracious of you, heir Astaroph." Soma said in fake honesty. He had no true desire to get closer to a man that made the monstrosity that was the Evil Piece system.

A man that so callously made an enslavement system and gifted it to every self-entitled noble of his race that wanted it, this sort of person would hardly be much better in Soma's eyes than Valper. The only difference is that Valper is directly responsible for the deaths of around 40 kids, Ajuka is indirectly responsible for the enslavement and deaths of at least a few tens of thousands considering the lowest estimates, and if you count all stray devils born from his fail-safe in case a slave runs away. Sure, Beelzebub had a better objective, but so did all the scientists that made the atomic bomb to end all wars.

Diodora, not knowing Soma's true thoughts behind his mask of cordiality and nobility, nodded and wanted to speak some more when Riser opened the doors to the balcony.

"This is where you are, bro. Come, come, I want you to help me with something." Riser said, dragging away Soma without giving Diodora a second glance.

As the Astaroth heir was left behind he turned a ring of his, a bubble of magic surging around him creating an illusion for anyone looking from the outside of him drinking some wine. Inside this bubble, no sound could escape, and with his bases well guarded Diodora took out a small phone, dialing a number in it.

"Report." The voice from the phone spoke.

"I got in contact with the human of interest, I would say that his desires for war could align with ours under the right circumstances. From what I see he would fit as either forming his own group or joining the Lucifer brat's team." Diodora said.

"Interesting. We appreciate your information and will report to lady Ophis in time of the possible recruit, your contribution has been noted." The person on the other side then turned off the phone and Diodora put his phone in his pocket again before moving along.

For him to even associate with a human, he could really go the extra mile for his current allies in the Chaos Brigade, though he had to admit that Soma at least was no stupid human and knew his manners. Diodora wondered if he knew some cute nun, he was always looking for new additions to his collection after little Asia passed away.

It is a shame what happened, Diodora had been waiting back at his home for the signal that Raynaere would send him to when he could go get his prize, he did pay them a hefty sum for it. Unfortunately she passed away and when Diodora went to take a look the cops were already there and Asia had died for a long time already.

'Oh well, I lost one nun, I still have several I can get to.' Diodora thought, deactivating his ring as he drank the last of the wine in his cup and got moving in search of anything interesting in this party.

///---///

"So, you want me to play a bit?" Soma asked to clarify.

"Yes, I have told some of my drinking companions about your playing and they don't believe it. They claimed our video was a fake! I couldn't accept the insult so I decided to ask you to show that you can do it since it wouldn't look good if I were to perform here. So, can you do it?" Riser asked, he was called a liar when he said how his new bro was a great musician and Riser didn't like that.

He was speaking the truth and he hated to be called a liar.

Soma looked at Riser and sighed.

"Fine, but I am only doing this because today is supposed to be your day, and only one music. I want to go check on Aya and I want to see if Momo is around as well." Soma said and Riser waved his worries off.

"Don't worry, Aya is with Ravel right now and Momo should be coming with Sona who should arrive together with me 'beloved' Rias." Riser said with clear distaste and Soma just sighed.

"It seems like my gift will be even more useful than I thought." He muttered and Riser got a bit curious about what sort of gift that Soma had prepared for him. "Anyway, when can I start?"

"Wait just a bit, I will set things for you to begin." He said and ran off, leaving Soma to prepare the guitar for the song.

After a minute or so the music was cut short as Riser appeared on stage.

"Friends, family, my fellow lords, today my bestman decided to grace us with a song. I would like if you all could stop for a moment and listen for this song he is dedicating for this great gathering." Riser said pompously, making Soma grumble inside at how grand he made something simple look like.

He was just playing a song, not anything huge!

Clamping down on such emotions, Soma started to play the guitar.

Soon, music started, and this one deeply resonated with the devils all around.

[OST: Nanatsu no Taizai Season 4 opening 1 'Hikari Are']

As if our intertwining paths are a mischief of the gods

The time spent with you will now become my sin

Wandering through this rebirth, all I kept count of

Were your smiles and pain, in this endless night

I'll scream it all out so I'll never forget that there is a tomorrow for you

Let there be a faint light, light that will shine brightly in the darkness

Don't let go of my hand ever again

I'll cry it out just this once and embrace the sin

Even with my view blurred, I'm still looking for someone

For you, who saw the day beyond this darkness

It's as if we are a pendulum meeting and separating forever and ever

I suffered and loved you as the moon rose once again

When you start singing, don't lose your heart

Let me feel the pain as I swim in the ocean of my sin with sorrow

If you are living this moment, don't forget

Cry it out and open the gate to the dawn beyond the skies

We're still yearning, We're still yearning

Yearning for the light that shines at dawn

I'm waiting for the light, I'm waiting for the light

Waiting for the day that it reaches your eyes

I'll scream it all out so I'll never forget your tomorrow self

Let there be a faint light, light that will shine brightly upon the darkness

Don't let go of my hand ever again

I'll cry it out just this once and embrace the sin

We're still yearning, we're still yearning

Yearning for the light that shines at dawn

I'm waiting for the light, I'm waiting for the light

Waiting for the day that it may reach your eyes

We're waiting for the light, We're waiting for the light

We're still yearning for the light

We're yearning for the light that shines at dawn, we're yearning

Yearning for the day that it reaches your eyes

[Ost end]

As Soma finished his song he could see many people with tears glittering in their eyes. For devils are beings of sin, many had gone through intense romances but their very natures sometimes got in the way, their lives almost as if controlled by sin despite what they might want.

But this song seemed custom-made for them as, despite the exciting melody, it touched deeply the souls of many couples that had long since forgotten their love for one another. They embraced once more their almost forgotten light of love they forgot due to their very nature, and many pairs embraced as the song played.

This was the power of music, touching people's souls and connecting the audience. Soma was actually asked for an encore, but it was at this moment that the guests of honor arrived, namely-

The bride and her entourage entered the room.