"So, what are you planning? I'll hear you out, but I'm not interested in just getting dragged into trouble with you."
Roygun, chastising herself for momentarily flinching at the Emperor's aura, was the first to speak. Dihauzer paused for a moment in thought, then gave them a small smile.
"You don't need to worry about that. On the contrary, not participating in this will only cost you more."
"Oh? And what, exactly, would we lose?"
"Everything you've built... and everything to come."
The casually delivered words were impossible to ignore. Bividen, who had scrambled so hard for his honor, stared wide-eyed. Roygun, who had dropped her pretense, also looked grim. They thought it might be another joke, but while his smile remained, the Emperor's eyes weren't smiling at all. They felt it in their bones: he was serious.
"You're certainly talking big..."
"I have a reason to... now that this has fallen into my hands."
With a snap of his fingers, Dihauzer teleported a stack of documents in front of them. The message was clear: Read this. An alarm blared in both their minds—'If we look at this, there's no going back'—but the Emperor's steady gaze wouldn't let them refuse.
Roygun, as if in resignation, was the first to reach for the papers. It was true that stalling here was pointless. It was better to just brace herself. As she read, her eyes scanning the text, she realized the truth: Dihauzer Belial knew the one secret they wanted to hide most. Before she even finished, Roygun covered her face with one hand and hung her head, defeated.
Seeing her despair, Bividen grew anxious and snatched the documents from her. As he read, his hand began to tremble, and his lips quivered. The one person who must never know had learned the truth. The fact that they had used the "King" Piece—that they had been cheating.
"...!"
A surge of rage made him slam the papers onto the floor, which only seemed to underscore the truth. The contents were too detailed to be mere research. This had to be written by someone who understood their Pieces. Normally, Bividen would have laughed in the Emperor's face, asking if he really believed such an urban legend. But he was too far gone to even think of that.
What mattered now was what came next. The Emperor knew. He knew that Roygun, Bividen, and several other top players were cheating, using the King Pieces at the behest of the Old Devils. What would happen if he announced this to the entire Underworld? If this went public, their honor, their futures... everything would be gone.
At that thought, Bividen's head snapped up, his eyes meeting Dihauzer's.
"Don't tell me... the 'event' you were planning... was to make this public!?"
If so, it would certainly cause a massive uproar, just as he'd said. It would shake not just the management, but the entire devil world. The cleanup would be catastrophic. Roygun, too, lowered her hand, her eyes filled with resignation as she waited for his answer.
Dihauzer Belial took in both their stares, paused for a long moment, and then... spoke with a troubled expression.
"Yes, that's the thing. I'm trying to decide what to do about that right now."
"...Huh!?"
"Wait, Dihauzer. This is literally a matter of life and death for us..."
"Even if you say that... whether this gets announced or not depends on the choice you two make."
Dihauzer just laughed, clearly enjoying his rivals' confusion. There was no anger, no contempt, no disdain. The Emperor, who loved the game more than anyone, was looking straight at the two cheaters with a gaze that was sharp, but direct. The fact that he wasn't angry shook them to their core.
He was toying with them. Was he always this hard to read? They could guess that his change was because he learned the truth of the Rating Game—the King Pieces. But was that enough to change a man this much?
If anything, given his strong sense of justice, he should have been furious. He never would have given such a playful, mocking response. They realized something fundamental about him had changed.
"...'A choice'? What choice!?"
"Bividen!"
"Emperor Belial! You're not the kind of man who can overlook corruption! That's why the Old Devils never involved you in their politics! What do you mean, we decide?! Are you... are you really saying that if we choose to obey you, you'll keep this quiet!?"
"Yes, that's exactly right."
Bividen, who had exploded at the word "choice," was struck speechless by the immediate confirmation. Roygun, too, gaped, staring at Dihauzer in utter shock.
"Are you serious?"
"Completely. In return, you will follow my orders from now on, not theirs. You will also convince the other players who are cheating. Of course, as long as you don't throw your matches, I have no intention of meddling in your games. You can play as you like."
"...This is impossible."
'Hey, Roygun. This guy's a fake Dihauzer.'
'Funny, Bividen. I was just thinking the same thing.'
For once, the Number Two and Number Three players, who were usually at each other's throats, were in complete agreement. A single look was all it took. A swirling, incomprehensible terror filled them—mostly because they had no idea what he would do next.
"However, I'm not letting you off scot-free. You will tell me everything, and if you've committed other crimes, you will atone. And, eventually, you will voluntarily retire from the game. An honorable retirement. After that, you will be barred from all games and competitions, but you can live the rest of your lives as you please. You will also be forbidden from ever speaking of the King Pieces."
"That's..."
"I'm not saying you have to retire immediately. Years, decades... that's fine. (Though I can't wait centuries...) If all the top players retired at once, it would throw the Underworld into chaos."
When they thought about it, the terms were exceptionally generous. If this was exposed, they would have been scorned by the entire Underworld, left with nowhere to go. He was offering to let it end as an "honorable retirement." They wouldn't lose what they'd built as players. They would have to leave eventually, but he was willing to turn a blind eye for a while.
A devil's life is long. They still had thousands of years. Dihauzer Belial was offering them a choice that would define that entire lifespan. There was no room for excuses. There were only two options: self-destruction... or clinging to this new future.
"...Dihauzer. I want to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"I don't understand. Why not make it public? This 'choice' you're offering... it's almost too good to be true. You love the game. We are cheaters who brought 'unnecessary things' into it. I can't believe you'd forgive that."
It was like a spider's thread, dangling into hell. The downside of siding with Dihauzer was making an enemy of the Old Devils and losing their backing. But the hope... it was dazzling. If they chose ruin, the Old Devils would abandon them anyway. They were just pawns. In fact, they might even be "disposed of" to silence them.
If they betrayed the Old Devils, there would be retaliation, but they would also have to stay silent about the King Pieces. They all shared the same fatal weak point. And even if they were exposed, they could just... return the Pieces to the Maou. That would at least earn them the Maou's protection.
But that's why it made no sense. Why offer this? A Maou, sure. A politician would want to minimize chaos. But for Dihauzer Belial, the player, to offer them a path to redemption... they couldn't understand it.
If he exposed them, the other players would be furious, and he would be hailed as the game's hero. It would clear the air for him. Why not do it?
"...That's true. 'Emperor Belial' probably couldn't have forgiven it."
Dihauzer shrugged. Bividen just grunted, confused by the cryptic, smiling answer.
"What are you talking about? You are Emperor Belial."
"Yes, I am. But I made this decision with my own heart... as Dihauzer Belial, a single devil."
"As... yourself?"
Dihauzer thought of the boy he had met. He was only able to be this calm, to face them this directly, because of him. The boy himself would deny doing anything so grand, but it was, without a doubt, that small human child who had revolutionized the Emperor's heart.
He had been reminded of the dream he'd abandoned long ago. He had a fan who was genuinely moved by his games, who called him "real" when he was full of lies. A fan who had told him, "I think you're allowed to be a little more selfish," and lifted the weight from his shoulders.
He had lived for so long in a world where his every word and action was broadcast. He'd become the Emperor of the game he loved, so he'd pursued "proper" conduct, "proper" thoughts, "proper" games... until it became his default, suffocating him. He hadn't even realized it, until that boy told him. He'd been an idiot.
"Emperor Belial" would have told the Underworld the truth. Because as the Emperor, he could not allow it. It wouldn't be fair to the serious players. It was his responsibility. Sin must be atoned for. He actually still believed that was the "right" thing to do.
But what would he gain by pursuing righteousness alone? Was that the future he really wanted? He understood the importance of the truth, but to ignore the unhappiness it would cause... that was just a child swinging "justice" around.
So, Dihauzer Belial, the man, thought. He thought about a happier future. A future that protected him, the players, and the hearts of the fans who had cheered for them.
And this was the answer he'd arrived at.
"I still... think of you two as my rivals."
"...You're lying."
"It's strange, I know. I was disappointed when I learned you cheated. But the Rating Game isn't one where power alone gets you to the top. I'm sure the Old Devils helped, but I never saw through it. I realized... that's because I acknowledged you as brilliant players, not just powerful ones."
Roygun Belphegor. Her flashiness was captivating, her teamwork with her peerage, breathtaking. She had never, even as Number Two, stopped baring her fangs at him. She came at him with everything she had, and it made his own heart race.
Bividen Abaddon. He was a master entertainer. He'd built his status not just in the game, but in many fields. His aristocratic mindset clashed with Dihauzer's, but Dihauzer had even learned from his skills in manipulation. Their matches were decided by split-second tactics.
"I... want to fight strong opponents. If the game continues as-is, just entertainment for nobles, new talent will be crushed. I might never meet them. I hate that. So, I'm changing the game. But it will take years."
"Dihauzer..."
"If I expose you now, what happens? First, the fans will be devastated. I don't need to make them feel betrayed. I want them to keep loving the game. Second, the players. We are their role models. We should see that through. And finally... I still want to compete with you."
"...As a fan... I'd be sad if I could never see their matches again."
The boy's honest, lonely words... It was a selfish thought, he knew. He knew they'd cheated. But he, too, had been captivated by their matches.
Reforming the game was a done deal. But it would take time. If he kicked them all out now, most of the current top players (who were all corrupt) would be gone. The game would fall apart. And that would be a problem. He wouldn't have any strong opponents left.
In summary:
Q: 'We cheated, but we can keep playing for a while?'
A: 'I'll let you. So, entertain me while I reform the game. I can't stand being bored. But once the reforms are almost done, retire and make room.'
...That was the long and short of it. (Though the part about not wanting to hurt the fans was true.) He wasn't about to tell them that, of course. Hiding that true motive, the Emperor smiled serenely.
"...And if we refuse? Or betray you?"
"You know the answer. I'll make it public. This is only a 'secret' to you and your bosses. I have no real reason not to expose it. (Though I'll do it carefully, for the fans' sake). Oh, and don't worry. I'll take all your fans for myself. I am the Emperor, after all."
"You can't win against those old schemers..."
"I will win. I only invited you because my chances are better with you on my side."
He wouldn't just dump the info like in the original story. He would work with Ajuka, step by step, and hunt them down. He was fully prepared to bite out their throats.
Bividen's last-ditch attempt at a threat fell flat. He scowled, tapping his fingers. Refusing now was a bad move. Even together, they couldn't take Dihauzer. And his unseen peerage was a wild card—the barrier proved they were ready. If he and Roygun resisted, the peerage might expose the secret immediately.
He could pretend to agree, to buy time... but the year-end event was too soon. He couldn't gather the resources to counter-attack, and if he failed, he'd lose everything. It was too big a gamble.
He had to decide. Now. And he had to be sure.
Bividen sighed. He, a pragmatist, and Dihauzer, a game-purist, were a terrible match. But... trusting the Old Devils was suicide. This was the lesser of two evils. He looked up and saw the Emperor watching him with that infuriatingly pleasantsmile. It was going to give him trauma.
"...Fine. I'm in, Dihauzer. I'll side with you."
"Roygun!?"
"Bividen, you know it too. He's serious. We'll lose everything. And the Old Devils... we're just pawns to them. But more than that... I still want to play. Even if it's just for a few more years. I'm a cheat, I know... but I still love the Rating Game."
Roygun didn't regret using the King Piece. It let her stand on the stage she'd always dreamed of. And this... this was a peaceful end. She'd always been terrified of being found out. Now, that anxiety was gone. And the man she'd always chased had acknowledged her as a rival, even knowing the truth. That was enough.
"...Very well. I'll commit. I always knew they'd try to keep their hooks in me even after I retired. This is a good chance to cut them all loose."
Bividen was more of a businessman. He was born to wealth and status, but lacked one thing: the talent to become an Archdevil. He hated being looked down on by those who were only "strong." The King Piece gave him that power. He couldn't go back to being on the ground.
"Dihauzer. You said we're free to do as we please, outside your direct orders. Is that true?"
"Of course. As long as you commit no more crimes, I won't interfere. My only goal is to reform the game."
"...Understood. I'll cooperate. I can contact the extremists in the Maou faction to help keep the Great King faction in check. In all matters of the game, I'll follow your lead."
"You... you have ties to the Maou faction's politicians? You... really were planning something nasty, weren't you?"
"Insurance. Just in case."
Roygun sighed at the unrepentant Bividen. At least he was showing his cards. They were temporary allies.
Dihauzer kept his true original motive—saving Creuserey—to himself. Reforming the game was part of his goal, so it wasn't a lie. He would eventually have to tell them his plan for the upcoming event (to intentionally force a draw), but that could wait.
"By the way, Dihauzer... how did you get this information? The higher-ups were careful to keep it from you."
"Yes, I'm curious as well."
Now that the deal was struck, they wanted information. Dihauzer had a cover story ready.
"You saw the documents. You can probably guess. No, there's no one 'backing' me. Let's just say... certain parties offered me this material, which could destabilize the current government, in exchange for lending them my popular support. They tried to frame the Maou, but it's obvious the management is the problem. I have no grudge against the Maou. I was planning to give them this information all along, to prove their innocence."
The two winced at his bright smile. Bividen sneered, pleased at the poetic justice. Roygun just had a headache.
(Of course, Kanata Kuramoto's name would never be mentioned. The "official" story was that this information came from the Old Maou faction, and Dihauzer was the one leading the charge. The true instigators—the "Guardian" group, the Maou, the Emperor, the Kuoh group, and the magical (catastrophes)—were the only ones who knew the truth. Dihauzer would take all the "credit.")
"So, Dihauzer... how do you plan to take the game's initiative from them? Surely you're not stupid enough to just... sue them?"
"You figured it out, Lord Abaddon. That's exactly right."
"Of course, you wouldn't... HUUUUH!?"
Wow, a perfect routine, Roygun thought, momentarily escaping reality. He's got talent.
"What... what are you thinking!? Even with the three of us, a direct assault is...!"
"I told you at the beginning. If the top three are doing this, I want a firework that lights up the whole Underworld."
Dihauzer's voice was unshakable. He took a deep breath, ready to give them their orders, and fixed them with a serious gaze.
And so, the reckless plan, born from an oblivious, natural-born chaos-agent, was given voice by the Emperor.
"We're doing it. A legitimate outcry from the players, demanding reform... We are going on STRIKE!"
"A STRIKE!?"
'What is he even saying?' Dihauzer saw the look on their faces and found himself marveling at Kanata's mental fortitude. How did he put up with this look all the time? 'Naturals' truly were the strongest form of chaos. The Emperor, being slightly more sane, almost faltered under their deadpan stares.
...But he'd do his best.
And thus, the two 'straight men' who would support the "Super Emperor Time" in the years to come were officially born.
***
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