DxD: The Devil

Training [2]

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When I learned who Vivar was, I was shocked. A figure from our earth in this world? This made me wonder if DxD is just another version of our Earth. Did every human that ever existed on our earth exist in DxD as well?

Although I knew Sirzechs [Knight] also existed on the earth from my previous life, the thought that El Cid also existed was hard to grasp. 

The biggest question in my mind was, how was he a military leader who lived and died during the 11th century reincarnated as a devil when the evil piece system according to light novels was created only a few centuries ago? 

The timeline and the exact date of when the [Great War] started and when it ended was kept vague and because of it most of the history about the war was always vague.

Due to this even the timeline and date of [Devil Civil War] was not known. 

"Greetings, Master"

In the training ground, El Cid was my master, the man who was teaching me the essence of physical combat. He was also my weapons instructor. 

Although outside of the training ground, I was not allowed to call him master. This was the way of noble and I too had to follow it. 

El Cid nodded his head.

El Cid wore a white linen tunic, loose enough for ease of movement, with a dark crimson surcoat draped over it. His black trousers were fitted yet flexible, allowing him to move freely. Sturdy leather boots covered his feet, their soles worn from years of battle.

At his side rested a knightly sword, its hilt black. 

"So, tell me what I taught you in the previous class?"

My mind instantly recalled the previous class's teaching. 

"I learned about seeking Practice rather than Perfection."

El Cid nodded "Good." and continued "What do you think we will do today?"

I already knew the answer. It was something we always did. "Revise and Practice."

I had been learning only the fundamentals of swordsmanship which included grip control, footwork, guard stances and time and distance control along with other fundamentals which included various maneuvers, and offensive and defensive fundamentals. 

"First of all, let's warm up."

Just like that, I started 'warming up' which mind you was an hour-long workout routine that involved flexibility training and calisthenics. 

I finished my exercise and after a short 15-minute break, I once again stood before El Cid. 

"Today I will be teaching you about the concept of [Life Force]" 

Life Force? Does he mean something like Touki and Senjutsu?

"Precisely like its name, it is a power to control the flow of life energy which is present in all living beings." 

So, he is talking about Senjutsu but isn't that something only exclusive to Yokais? Or did I forget it?

"Although it lacks the direct destructive nature of demonic power or human magic, it is a power you must learn if you truly wish to advance beyond what you are capable of right now." 

"Will you tell me how it is used? What is its exact application?"

A smile appeared on El Cid's face. 

"Of course, I will provide you with a comprehensive book for it later on. For now, let's just say it will dramatically increase your sensing capabilities, strengthening capabilities and amply your attacks."

I nodded. I could fake a curious look, but he would notice it easily and be with me for three years he already had a certain idea about my personality. 

"And more importantly, this would be an ace up your sleeve."

I nodded, El Cid would also sometimes teach me strategies and tactics, knowledge on how to control an army and he would emphasize always having a few hidden tricks just in case. 

"Okay now start your fundamentals from the first again!"

I sighed, he would always make me repeat the fundamentals and not teach me anything else.

"Master, why don't you teach me anything else?"

This was the first time, II had asked him this question. Yes, he had taught me from when I was five months old and had continued and I was three now. I had learnt from him for two and a half years already and the only physical thing he would teach me about combat and swordsmanship was the fundamentals. 

He did teach me many theories, philosophies and tactics but had never taught me anything beyond this. 

Teaching me a little bit about Senjutsu was the newest thing he had taught me in the last year. 

"It is because you are still too young Vael. You still have a lot of time to get stronger, during this period it is way better to master the fundamentals. It is better in the long term."

I nodded, if a legendary warlord was saying it was better like this then who am I to argue?

And then just like every day, I once again practiced the fundamentals. 

After, I had learnt 'Practice over Perfection'

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Third Person Pov

In a secluded corner of the garden, Vael sank into a pristine white chair, the chair was elegantly designed with soft cushions. Infront of him, a white table that too elegantly crafted with intricate designs. 

The garden itself was very beautiful with vibrant trees and beautiful flowers covering the field. The garden itself was located on the outermost area of the forest located at south of Beleth Palace. The soft stream of river flowed naturally with the garden making the garden very beautiful.

This was a garden built for Vael on his second birthday by his father. 

He was currently reading a book. The book had black covers and on the front page, there was nothing, but four words written on the cover in golden.

'Life-Force: A comprehensive guide'

It was the very book El Cid had mentioned during their previous training session. 

'So, it seems Life Force is Senjutsu. El Cid wrote this book himself, and he mentioned that the name of this power varied due to the different cultures and even explained what it is called in other cultures.' 

Vael nodded his head in understanding, sipping the tea that was placed in a white teacup on the table.

Vael studied more, understanding the application of [Senjutsu]-as he decided to call it that. His mind already started formulating ways to implement in his combat system. 

With Senjutsu, harming members of [Phenex Clan] was also possible as Senjutsu could attack the life force itself. 

'Although it was listed in advanced application it must be hard to learn. The book did not include how one could learn Senjutsu but I did have a Senjutsu master at home so no worries for me there.'

A teleportation circle appeared a few meters away from the chair Vael was sitting on. His eyes flickered on the teleportation circle, but it quickly darted back to the book. 

The Beleth Clan symbol was apparent in the magic circle and with a dim purple glow a figure could be seen. A tall man with white hair and black eyes could be seen. His facial features had similarities with Vael although the man had a different shade of white than that of Vael, Black horns curved from the man's head. 

Vael stood from his chair, placed his palms where his heart would and bowed to the man. 

"Greeting, Father."

The man smiled. He was Varian Beleth- the Lord of the Beleth Clan.

"Greetings, Vael. I see that you are studying well. What have you learned today?"

A chair materialized in front of Vael, it was the same kind of chair he was sitting on. 

Varian came and sat there. 

"I was studying about Senjutsu."

Varian nodded. "Good."

The father and son started talking for some time and Varian prepared to leave. 

"Vael, Take rest for tomorrow. The day following tomorrow I will teach you about the power of our clan." 

Just like that Varian disappeared from the garden leaving Vael behind. 

A grin appeared on Vael's face. He would finally learn how to use his clan's power. The power to-

After some time.

SWISH

A bird suddenly flew past Vael. It was a raven, but it was way bigger than what was normal in the human world. Vael recognized the bird. 

"Is mother calling me?"

Vael said and the raven replied "Yes"

WHOSH

With a short chat, the Raven disappeared in a flash of dim light. 

Vael closed the book in his hands, a magic circle appeared on top of his palms and the book disappeared. 

[Storage Magic]

He stood up from the chair and walked a few meters before another magic circle appeared below him.

[Teleportation Magic]

Just like that Vael disappeared from where he stood, leaving the empty garden behind. 

---

Vael appeared in his mother's office. The beautiful sofa in the office hosting two guests with Brisha and Varian also present. 

Seeing the two devils shocked Vael who had appeared casually. He never expected he would meet them like this, so casually and so suddenly. 

The leader of number two ranked house of 72 pillars; [Agares]-Lord Agares and his daughter Seekvaira Agares. He was a man with medium height but fairly good looks although most devils had good looks. It was part of their charm. He had light blonde hair and pink slit eyes.

'So, this was the famous eyes of the Agares.' Vael thought.

Vael, with a graceful motion lowered himself into a noble bow. 

"Greetings Lord Agares"

Vael's eyes lingered on the Agares leader.

"Greetings, Lady Seekvaira Agares. It is an honor to finally meet you."

Seekvaira stood up from the sofa, also attempting the noble bow but her young age made her look cute and clumsy.

"G-greetings, Lord Vael Beleth. The pleasure is mine." 

Their eyes met and both stood up. This was the first meeting between Vael Beleth and Seekvaira Agares. 

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Author's Note: Is Seekvaira Agares a good choice for female lead?