DxD: Curse Devil

1 Hour Later

Alexander walked through the dense forest, his crimson eyes scanning his surroundings. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient trees. The moonlight barely pierced through the canopy, casting eerie shadows along the narrow path. Despite the unfamiliarity, he felt strangely at ease. He had read about this place—the Familiar Forest, where devils came to find companions that would aid them in battle or serve as loyal partners.

As he moved deeper into the woods, a strange figure came into view—a small man wearing a capv.He wore a white undershirt and jean. The moment Alexander stepped closer, the man turned his head toward him.

"Hoho! A visitor!" The man chuckled, rubbing his beard as he examined Alexander from head to toe.

Alexander narrowed his eyes but remained composed. "You must be Zatouji, the familiar master."

"Indeed, I am!" Zatouji grinned. "And you, boy, you are here for a familiar, yes? Hoho! This is your first time, I see it in your eyes!"

Alexander nodded. "I need a familiar that can assist me in battle and grow alongside me. I'm not interested in anything weak or decorative."

Zatouji's grin widened. "Hoho! A bold request! But finding a strong familiar is no easy task, especially for a first-timer. You see, powerful familiars do not simply accept just anyone. They choose their masters just as much as their masters choose them."

"I don't care about traditions," Alexander replied coldly. "If strength is required, I will prove myself."

Zatouji observed him for a moment before laughing again. "Hoho! You remind me of another stubborn young devil I once met. Very well! If you're serious, follow me!"

Zatouji looked at him with interest. "Hoho! What is your name, boy?"

Alexander met his gaze with a calm, unwavering expression. "My name is Alexander."

Zatouji raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Interesting… A devil who doesn't flaunt the name of the clan he belongs to. That's rare."

Alexander remained silent, his expression indifferent. He had long since stopped caring about the status tied to his family name. Strength was all that mattered.

Zatouji chuckled. "Hoho! Very well, Alexander. Let's see if you have what it takes to earn a familiar worthy of your ambition. Follow me!"

Alexander, uninterested in any guidance, responded flatly, "No need to help me. I'll find one on my own."

Zatouji sighed, pushing up his glasses. "Alright, suit yourself. But don't go too far to the west."

But Alexander was already walking away, his mind focused on his goal. He didn't hear the warning.

Watching him disappear into the dense forest, Zatouji frowned, muttering under his breath, "Please don't be another arrogant devil killed by her…"

Alexander moved deeper into the forest, his senses sharp as he searched for a familiar. The air was thick with the scent of earth and magic, a clear sign that powerful creatures resided here. He had read about the process of forming a pact, but he wanted more than just a typical familiar—he needed a true partner.

As he ventured further, the forest grew darker. The towering trees blocked most of the moonlight, and an eerie stillness settled over the area. A strange energy pulsed through the air—ancient, powerful, and untamed.

Then, he heard it. The crunch of leaves. A low growl.

Alexander stopped, his hand instinctively moving to Dark Star's hilt. From the shadows, a massive fox stepped forward. Her fur was a stunning shade of white, thick and untamed, flowing down her back like a mane. Blue markings adorned her face, accentuating her fierce golden eyes, which gleamed with intelligence and wild strength. Nine long, bushy tails swayed behind her, each moving independently, radiating an aura of raw power.

She was unlike any beast he had ever seen. Majestic, terrifying, and beautiful.

The fox lowered her stance, ears flattening as she bared her fangs. A deep, guttural growl rumbled from her throat. Alexander smirked, tightening his grip on his sword.

"If you want me dead, you'll have to try harder than that," he muttered.

In a blur of movement, she lunged.

The fox unleashed a flurry of attacks, her speed nearly impossible to track. Claws sliced through the air, each strike aiming for his throat, his chest, his legs—any opening she could exploit. Yet, despite her sheer ferocity, Alexander moved effortlessly, weaving between her attacks with an inhuman grace.

His body was a masterpiece of raw power and refined agility. Muscles coiled like steel cables beneath his skin, lean yet packed with explosive strength. His frame was built for combat—broad shoulders, a chiseled torso, and arms sculpted from relentless training. There was no excess, no wasted movement, only a body forged for efficiency, capable of overwhelming force and absolute precision.

Every dodge was measured, every step perfectly timed. He didn't just react—he anticipated. His footwork was flawless, his speed unreal. He wasn't just surviving the fox's onslaught; he was studying her, analyzing every motion, every pattern in her attacks.

A swipe aimed for his head—he tilted just enough for the claws to miss by a hair's breadth. A tail lashed out to trip him—he leaped, twisting midair before landing smoothly. His heart pounded, adrenaline surging through his veins, but his expression remained calm.

The fox snarled, her golden eyes burning with challenge. She had faced many devils before, but this one… this one was different.

Alexander exhaled slowly, gripping Dark Star tighter.

"My turn."

With a swift motion, Alexander drew Dark Star from its crimson scabbard, the blade humming with energy that resonated in the air. Without hesitation, he launched a barrage of slashes, each one faster and more deadly than the last.

The blade cut through the air like a razor, leaving afterimages of crimson light in its wake. Each strike was precise, aimed at the fox's key points—her legs, her side, her neck, all with the intent to cripple or strike down. The power behind each slash was incredible, the force of his strikes making the ground tremble with each impact. The blade seemed to sing as it cut through the air, every arc of it charged with energy that sent shockwaves rippling through the space around him.

The fox, agile and fast, tried to dodge, but Alexander's speed was unmatched. The slashes came from every angle, overwhelming her defenses. She barely managed to deflect a few of the blows with her claws, but the sheer force of his strikes pushed her back, forcing her to retreat. Her fur was singed in places, her breath quickening as she realized she was no longer the predator.

Alexander's eyes, cold and focused, never left her. He continued his assault, pressing forward with unyielding determination.

The fox paused mid-step. She stood tall, her golden eyes locked onto Alexander, her body still tense from the earlier barrage. Despite the burns and scratches, she was not defeated—only intrigued by the devil before her.

"I must say," she began, her voice calm but tinged with admiration, "you are quite strong for a devil."

Alexander, still holding Dark Star with one hand, took a step back, eyes narrowing in disbelief. He had never expected the fox to speak. His grip tightened on the sword as he asked with a hint of confusion, "You can talk?"

The fox gave a sly grin, her sharp fangs briefly visible. "I can do more than talk, but I find it more useful to converse with those who interest me."

For a moment, the forest around them fell silent, the tension in the air palpable as the two locked eyes, neither making a move. Alexander couldn't help but wonder just who or what this fox was, but he kept his guard up, his senses alert.

"What do you want?" Alexander asked, his voice low and cautious.

The fox tilted her head, her smile widening slightly. "I could ask you the same thing, but… maybe we'll find out together."

Suddenly, a radiant glow enveloped the fox, her form shimmering as if she was merging with the very light itself. The fox's body began to shift, morphing into a tall woman standing before Alexander. The transformation was swift but mesmerizing.

The woman before him had long, flowing white hair that cascaded down her back, giving her an ethereal appearance. Her eyes, now a striking shade of golden amber, held a fierce yet kind gaze. She wore a pristine white kimono that billowed gently in the wind, its sleeves wide and flowing with grace. A vibrant red skirt, cinched at the waist, complemented the outfit, giving her a dignified yet fierce look.

Resting against her shoulder was a massive kanabo, its spiked form giving off an intimidating aura. The weapon, which almost seemed to match her towering presence, was forged for destruction, yet it was wielded with a sense of control and power that spoke of great strength.

With a confident, almost playful smile, she looked directly at Alexander and said, "My name is Yamato."