Heh. Now, I like many villains in anime... But, for me,
Juujinkan Xelloss Metallium (also from
The Slayers) takes the cake.
He's out to destroy the world...
... but how is he, just one Mazoku, going to do it?
...
Sore wa himitsu desu!
Always secretive and mysterious, Xelloss never lets one fold of his true master plan go until it is blatantly obvious. He is the priest general of Greater Beast Zelas-Metallium, one of Ruby-Eye's five Mazoku Lords. While the other Mazoku lords have two servants -- a priest and a general -- and Dynast has four (two of each), Zelas has only one. Xelloss is, therefore, the most powerful Mazoku that is not a Lord itself.
Itself? Why yes... Mazoku are spirit beings, so they have no gender. The stronger ones choose to take a certain form because it is easier to interact with humans this way. Xelloss chooses to take form as a male.
He accidentally helps Lina and pals save the world on more than one occasion. He only does this, though, because his master commands it. He is unyieldingly loyal.
He is more than a smartass, and he'll ruin everyone's day just to have a laugh. Subterfuge and sabotage are two of his talents, as are lying, cheating, secret-keeping, and his undeniable wit.
His continually jolly demeanor is the ultimate facade; Mazoku are beings of chaos and destruction. They feed off of the negative aspects of the human emotion. Emotions like anger, hate, fear, and sorrow are staple 'foods' for Mazoku, and each Mazoku has a certain taste. Xelloss' favorite seems to be anger, and Lina and friends are just bubbling over with wrath.
No amount of pain inflicted will make Xelloss frown. He likes pain, LURVES it! He is ultimately a masochist. Filia does well to fulfill his wishes of pain and anger. There couldn't be a happier Mazoku.
Essentially, he is unbeatable. But, like all Mazoku, he does have a weakness...
... Positive thoughts.
Sing a happy song and he will double over, covering his ears in audial pain. Tell him 'life is wonderful' and he's liable to disappear, as is the case when things start to get rough.
Friend or foe? Well, no one knows. As far as his nature goes, he's as evil as they get.
