Light
Light and Albert rolled up to the iron gates of a sprawling estate perched on a lonely hill. The gates swung open silently, and the car glided along a tree-lined drive. Light frowned at the empty façade.
"It's odd, " he said, stepping out. "Father owns these grand properties yet no one ever lives here but him."
Albert tightened his coat against a chill breeze.
"Perhaps solitude is the purest form of peace, sir," he offered.
Light smirked.
"Maybe you're right, Albert. But his aura… it makes the air feel thick, almost sinister. I doubt anyone stays near him for long."
They exchanged a look and moved toward the main doors. Inside, every hall and salon was immaculate and empty. Light ran a hand along a marble banister.
"No help anywhere. Looks like we'll have to track him down ourselves."
Albert's footsteps echoed off polished floors.
"It appears so, sir."
Room after room yielded nothing until they reached the heart of the house. A distant strain of classical music drifted down a grand staircase. Light's eyes lit up.
"Ah found him."
They climbed the stairs into a vaulted concert hall. A massive crystal chandelier glittered overhead, casting fractured light across rows of empty seats and a polished stage. On the balcony above, seated in a high-backed chair, was Lucifer, his posture calm, his gaze fixed on them.
Light raised his voice.
"Father! I am here! What is your command?"
Lucifer remained silent for a moment, then spoke in a voice smooth as velvet.
"Light, I have plans for you."
Light's grin widened. I knew it, he thought. "And what is my order, Father?"
Lucifer's eyes glinted.
"You will fight."
Light's confidence flared.
"I will fight anyone anytime."
Lucifer pointed toward the far side of the hall. Light turned and saw a lone figure step into the chandelier's glow: a young man with long, dark hair and steely eyes that seemed to hold centuries of experience.
Light's breath caught.
"You want me to fight… him?"
Lucifer inclined his head.
"That is Edwin."
Light stared in disbelief. "Edwin the one who took down Belial?"
Lucifer nodded.
"He is my disciple, as you are. But only one may sit at my side. The victor earns that seat."
Light's voice shook with indignation.
"Father, you can't be serious! I've been loyal since the beginning."
Lucifer said nothing, studying them both. At last, he spoke
"My mind is clear. The winner will stand beside me."
Light opened his mouth to argue, but Edwin moved first. In a single, fluid motion, his fist drove into Light's jaw, sending him sprawling onto the marble floor.
Edwin's eyes remained locked on Light cold, unyielding. Light pushed himself up on one elbow, a slow, determined smile curving his lips.
"So be it," he rasped. "May the best demon win."