One hundred and fifty years.
Such a long time.
The Underworld had changed from when the Empire was established. It had become a superpower in the Draconic Deus with it being magically modernized to an astonishing level of Arcanotechnological level and Magical level.
“Tribune, the Emperor has called you for a meeting.”
Said a man clad in golden runic armor to another man in the same armor, with just a red cloak attached to it.
“I will be there shortly.”
Answered another man as he stopped his training with halberd and went to the Throne Room. They were at the Anor Londo in the Imperial Palace in Sanctus Imperialis. The place changed exponentially; it had a more noble feeling to it, a more sacred feel to it.
“Sirzechs, father called you too?”
Asked a masculine voice belonging to a huge silver-black haired man with a short haircut, in military uniform, that was highly decorated with awards and medals. Sigmar Helason Lucifer was one of two sons of the Crimson Emperor Zeoticus Gremory von Lucifer and son of Hela Odinsdottir, Lord Marshall Militant of Imperialis Militarum of the Baator. Following his mother’s footsteps, he joined the army at the age of 14. He became a decorated General at the age of 80, breaking historical records at the fastest promotion due to his brilliant strategies and overwhelming strength.
He pulled his brother in a bear hug lifting him half a meter in the air.
“Hi, brother.”
Sirzechs Lucifer was a bit shorter than his brother, but with his long crimson hair with silver streaks, he gave a more charming aura compared to the rather brutish appearance of his brother. They were of the same age and often competed against each other.
Contrary to Sigmar, Sirzechs entered Adeptus Custodes, where he quickly rose ranks and achieved the Rank of Tribune by slaying the early Emperor Level Monster that attacked their mission as pinnacle Satan. That happened just several months ago, and soon he will reach Super-Devil Class.
“Are you done doing ruckus, you two dunderheads? Once again, you are putting to shame all teachings that our parents taught us. Sigmar, you are General of the Imperialis Militarum, is it highly unfitting for you to be shouting in the Imperial Palace. And you Sirzechs, as Tribune of Adeptus Custodes, you should have reprimanded this musclehead for making noise in Sanctus Imperialis.”
Reprimanded them female voice belonging to a charming young woman with glossy silver hair covering one side of her face and is usually tied in a bun, forest green eyes, and has a large bust. She wore the uniform of the Commissariat perfectly.
“Ts Hilda, you are so spoilport.”
Complained Sigmar as he looked at his sister.
It was always like this. Sigmar did something stupid; Hilda came and reprimanded Sigmar for doing something she deemed idiotic, then she scolded Sirzechs for not doing anything and just standing there and grinning like a fool. Then the situation would proceed with Hilda having some remarks at Sigmar’s address. As short-tempered as he was, he would constantly challenge her to fight, which she would always agree to prove her superiority. In the end, they would start fighting, and they would drag in Sirzechs in the end.
“What is going on here?”
Asked a majestic voice, a figure clad in golden armor that was even more beautifully crafted than that of Sirzechs.
“Lord Captain-General!”
Shouted all three of them, as they immediately straightened themselves and saluted to the Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes, Diablo Noir.
In Baator, there was an extremely strict social hierarchy, where the entire society was highly militarized and had the utmost respect for those with higher social ranks, and especially higher military ranks. Birthright, gave you many privileges, but not even Imperial Princes dared to refute someone as Diablo, not only due to his post as the Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes, but he was also a pinnacle Super-Devil, only a bit weaker than their father and Elders. In the end, strength was the most essential thing in Baator, besides merits.
In Baator, actually, it was Commoners that dominated the upper ranks of Imperialis Militarum, as while many of them were weaker due to lack of Clan Traits, even more of them had better strategic thinking and made great officers. On the contrary, most Noble Devils joined either Custodes or Special Units of the Military, where high combat prowess was an elementary requirement.
“Now stop with this barbaric behavior and follow me. And don’t forget I am watching you, especially you, Sigmar and Hilda. If you do something that would damage Sanctus Imperialis, I will deal with you like during your training.”
Warned Diablo with a sadistic grin as both Sigmar and Hilda paled. When they were young, it was mainly Diablo that took care of their martial training, while they learned the usage of Magic and Clan Traits from their parents.
***
I sat on my throne, thinking about the things that have changed in the past 150 years.
Today, we had far more Ultimate-Class and Satan-Class devils and powerhouses than before, but I knew that in Astral Boundary, it didn’t matter much. Only by having an Apocalypse-Class devil, Baator would be classified as a faction in a true sense.
Without it, we would be nothing more than just some random bandits that control huge territory that would be eventually taken from us, so we need to get stronger as a whole.
I now had three children, and while I didn’t say it many times, they were my joy and pride. All of them were extremely powerful, hard-working, and talented.
Especially Sigmar and Sirzechs, both of them were already nearing Super-Devil Class, while Hilda was a bit lacking. Still, alas, they invested more time into training compared to their sister, who took her duties as Commissar more seriously, instead of dumping the majority of them to her adjutant. Hilda was like a mini Grayfia, be it appearance or personality. At the same time, Sirzechs was even more airhead than Vena, and Sigmar inherited most of my and Hela’s battle lust and bloodthirstiness.
