Generally, there was a "Dimensional Barrier" between the Underworld and the Human World. Although the various mythologies were attached to Earth, they were distinct locations, separated by something similar to the Dimensional Gap. Usually, one couldn't cross between them unless a fixed teleportation point was established. Of course, that was just the standard way. One could also enter officially via a Dimensional Train. There was a Gremory-exclusive train line beneath Kuoh Town.
The Old Satan Faction, however, clearly didn't have such things. Katerea teleported Rhode to the Old Satan territory in the Underworld. The dim room at the Khaos Brigade HQ changed instantly to reveal an endless landscape. The sky was dark purple, with a sun hanging high above. Despite the sun, the temperature wasn't scorching.
Most notably, Rhode noticed the scent of the air. Compared to the dry, smog-filled air of the Human World, the air in the Underworld was remarkably sweet and fresh. Someone with respiratory issues living here might just be cured instantly. No wonder most pure-blooded devils hated living in the Human World.
"This is the Underworld. I assume it's your first time here." Seeing Rhode's reaction, Katerea had a slight smile. The Underworld was her home; seeing an outsider impressed naturally made her happy. "This territory belongs to us, the legitimate Devil King Faction. After those thieves stole my throne, they drove all the devils who refused to obey them here to fend for themselves. One day, I will take back the title of Leviathan!" She clenched her fist, looking determined.
Rhode sighed inwardly. The 'righteous' people are living lazy lives, while the 'villains' have clear goals and work day and night for them. Who are the real villains here? Still, he didn't comment on the conflict between the new and old Devil Kings. Sirzechs and the others were the protagonists, but to Katerea, Serafall and the others were indeed thieves who had stolen her birthright.
"Take this pass. With this, you can move freely through our territory, except for the forbidden zones. If someone stops you, show them this." The "pass" was actually a scale-like object.
"Eh? A scale?"
"Yes. It's a scale shed from my true form. As you know, I carry the blood of the legitimate Leviathan." Katerea looked proud as she mentioned her bloodline.
"So... it's basically skin flakes? Like dandruff?" Rhode muttered, making Katerea's teeth itch with annoyance.
"I have other business. I'll come find you when I'm free." Katerea was about to leave, but Rhode called her back.
"Wait, one more thing."
"What?"
"I was wondering where our... I mean, the 'legitimate' Devil King Faction's treasury is? Don't look at me like that; I'm just curious. Purely for research."
"..." Katerea ultimately didn't tell him where the treasure was kept. She didn't know why he wanted to know, but she felt it wasn't safe to say. Before leaving, she warned him not to enter forbidden areas, as even a pass wouldn't save him.
After she left, Rhode wandered the Old Satan territory alone. The Underworld's surface area was similar to Earth's, and because there were no oceans—only lakes and land—the habitable area was enormous. Since the devil population was small, much of it was undeveloped. Even the defeated Old Satans had a vast area to live in, even if they were barred from the government-controlled lands.
However, their standard of living was poor. The buildings he saw were mostly low-rise; while they weren't exactly primitive, they were about at the level of the 1980s or 90s. They couldn't compare to the modernized New Satan government. No wonder Katerea wanted to take back power—compared to her old luxury, this poverty was unbearable. It made Rhode wonder about that "blank check" she gave him. The number might be anything, but could he actually cash it?
Rhode never did find the treasury. However, he had mapped out a good portion of the territory and lit a teleportation anchor. Now he could travel between the Underworld and the Human World at will.
After a while, just as he was starting to get bored, several devil soldiers appeared before him, saying Lord Leviathan was looking for him.
"So, have you adjusted to our environment?"
"It's okay. Just a bit poor. There's no entertainment at all—not even an internet cafe."
Katerea's mouth twitched.
"Entertainment venues?"
How could such a thing possibly exist in her territory?
"Facilities that erode one's resolve have no place here. But once I return to the capital, Lilith, you will have everything you desire."
"Rhode, I ask you once more: are you willing to help me return to the throne of Leviathan?"
As Katerea's words fell, a system panel popped up in front of Rhode's eyes.
[Mission: Devil King Leviathan]
[Target: Assist Katerea Leviathan in reclaiming her throne.]
[Reward: Katerea Leviathan Affection +50, Random Reward x2]
Rhode had to admit the rewards were quite generous, but the difficulty of the mission was rather high.
Based on the original plot, the Old Satan Faction was just a collection of worthless scrubs. They'd struggle to even fight Sirzechs alone, let alone the fact that there were two Devil Kings as strong as Sirzechs in the current government. Furthermore, Serafall and Falbium were several times stronger than the original Devil Kings. Even if Katerea's group consumed a few "snakes," they would likely only be fodder to be one-shotted.
Moreover, the Three Factions were clearly planning peace talks. If a move was made against the Underworld, Michael and Azazel would certainly not sit idly by.
However, Rhode quickly hit upon a new idea.
The mission only required Katerea to reclaim her throne; it didn't explicitly state that he had to go to war with the Three Factions.
Why not just declare an independent country within the Old Satan territory?
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High School DxD : Reincarnated into the Multiverse, but it's High School DxD (216 Chapters – Ongoing)
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