One-Punch DxD: NEO - Chapter 75: Of Angels, Devils and Demons
The final, PUBLIC chapter of 2022! Sorry for the wait, folks! Enjoy!
In a dark decrepit crypt that was Lycaon’s old forgotten tomb, dusty mold and rats still scurrying across the bones and aged stone, the spirit of Dracula kneeled before the summoning circle.
Behind Dracula was his allies, the ones he made in Hell as they waited for his ritual to function
“Oh great Ermias, I call upon your boon to summon you once more as the promised time has come.” Dracula spoke in the ancient tongue of the first man.
The world of Kthon was not a realm that conventional magic could reach.
It was another branch of the World Tree, no, less a branch, more like a symbiotic subspecies of the World Tree made manifest, roots tied around the branch holding Midgard, a realm that conventional realm travel would not work.
Any attempt to enter Kthon would be monitored and appraised, automatically rejected.
As for those that the residents of Kthon knew, however…
The circle flared to life in crimson as Dracula looked up.
“…It is good to see you again, old friend.”
The crown-horned demon wearing the wings of an angel as his robes stood before Dracula.
“Yes… I have done all that you instructed in Malebolge. I did my best protecting the sole light of Hell.”
Dracula looked back.
There were two souls. One of them was bright, so bright that one could mistake him like a child of light itself, the sun in human form.
“…When I offered you freedom from Hell after God casted you down, you refused my offer to be the sole light in the darkness your father created.”
Ermias walked towards the bright soul.
“To bring salvation to the damned. To give hope to those that have sinned and redeem them… only a madman or a fool would try something like that. Yet, I see you here with so many. How many did you save in that mistake called Hell?” Ermias asked the bright soul.
“…To be honest…” The soul casually smiled. “I lost count. I was hoping you could count them for me.”
Ermias chuckled along with the soul.
“…I can do that. You deserve rest. And I know why you’re all here. I can see the outer GOD’s claim on your souls like a brand.” Ermias eyes glowed slightly as he waved his hand, his aura filling the tomb.
Revealing themselves, an alien mark appeared on every soul present, even on the bright one – the Mark of GOD, the entity that freed them.
“…Can you break it?” The bright soul asked.
“Even Wish Magic has limits,” Ermias shook his head. “Besides, I already tried on you secretly the moment I saw it. It rejected my power so easily.”
Every soul present looked at each other, unsure how to react to this knowledge.
“But the outer GOD cannot take your souls by force. As long as you’re not destroyed, you are fine. I do not think the entity cares about Gaia’s history this closely. His gaze did not land on us even after I tried to break your bondage… He does not seem to have the desire to manage the souls he freed as he expects them all to kill themselves in their rampage.”
His words brought a sigh of relief to every spirit here.
“Will you help us live once more?” The soul asked.
“You have all suffered long enough. However, the conditions are that you all must become demons. That is not something I will budge. But what about you? Will you not stake your claim on the Throne of Heaven, Son of God?”
The heavenly soul, the man that sacrificed himself for the sins of humanity, smiled.
“Power… It is a force that governs this world. But I did not choose this path because it gives me power over others.”
“But you’ll need it if you want to survive. What are you planning to do? Are you trying to undo the perverted legacy of your father like before?” Ermias asked
The Bright Soul just stared into Ermias’ eyes. His silence was answer enough.
“…Hah.” Ermias shook his head. “Do you plan to go to the realm of your father at least? To do what made God cast you down to perdition in the first place?”
“Perhaps… but I must see the world first. May you grant me my humanity back, friend?”
“You know my conditions.”
Jesus of Nazareth did not falter in his silence, the bright soul objecting with his pleading gaze.
“…Only this once. Done.”
Jesus Christ blinked as He looked down at Himself.
Faster than an instant, the souls slowly noticed that they were no longer spectral.
It was if their state of undeath was a lie… everyone taking notice of their new bodies.
Even clothes were on them, The Christ was still wearing the robes and mantle He had when He was still alive.
“Since when are you so good with this?” Jesus asked, admiring His new corporeal body. “The last time I saw you, you needed your mouth to speak your wish, and there are usually signs of magic being used.”
“Oh, time, effort, and study. There are ways to bypass one’s limits if you can see the way. Now, be warned. Beware not to attract the Outer GOD’s gaze. I have shielded every one of you from his attention, but I do not know how potent his perception is… Dracula.”
Ermias turned to the first vampire as Vlad rose to his feet, flesh and body once more.
“I might need your assistance in a matter… it involves old grudges.”
Jesus frowned, saddened.
“Are you still pursuing the path of vengeance, old friend?” Jesus asked. “I convinced you to forgive humanity… and my brothers in Heaven. Why won’t you let go of this grudge?”
“You were born as tools. In a way… we pity you the more we saw how your father mistreated you and men. However, the Devils…” Ermias’ fingers clenched into a trembling fist. “He has betrayed us. And the children he bore came at the burden of someone we trust. Their existence is because of the tragedy of their mother and her suffering. It is not just revenge. It is euthanasia. For what right do they have to exist if they’re born on the suffering of their parent without her consent?”
Jesus’ sadness deepened.
“…I can only pray that you see the truth and turn away from the fires of rage.”
“It is not something that can heal so easily… but I understand. Times have changed since you were gone. Take someone with you at least, though. I have undone the shackles Your Father placed on you. We don’t want you to be crucified the second time, and it will be a shame if humanity repeats their mistake.”
Jesus chuckled in return at Ermias’ attempt at humor.
“Oh, do not worry. I already have someone in mind. He has been with me after all.”
Within the parliament building’s conference room, the Demon Lords and the Satans sat around a table, both staring at each other.
Outside the mansion, the forces of the Demons were out… or most of them.
The monsters outside, like the flying kraken-like creature with dragon-heads at the end of each massive tentacle and its head being a monstrous creature with fangs while the body was in the shape of a large kraken hovered around the building.
Each warrior of the Baphomet tribe was outside, glaring at the Devils that dared to make eye contact with them.
The soldiers of Heaven were there, some shuddering when they saw the Demons, Seraphs mingling with the Fallen, Baraqiel grimacing when he saw the black-robed members of the Ordog Tribe staring at them.
All of the minor soldier Devils outside and the soldiers of Heaven, Fallen included, could feel the power of these warriors.
Though some of them… stood out in a different way.
The people of Titivullus were exploring the mansion with casual interest, seemingly no discipline as they explored Devil architecture.
The warriors Vlad brought, some not even vampires, were inside the building, on guard.
The Devils were charmed by the allure of the Naamah. One of them flustered when a short-haired succubus with large breasts winked at him.
Saitama and Genos were standing behind Azazel, curious to see how this meeting would go.
As for Saitama, his hair…
Was gone.
Because he asked the Demon Overlord to wish it away.
When asked why he would give up his cherished desire, Saitama said…
Because his wife liked him better this way.
Genos suspected that Haruka did something to him the last time he tried to get hair.
Archangel Michael sat with Azazel, the representative of Heaven joining the table – having been summoned urgently and arrived not long ago.
“How are you doing in Kthon nowadays? It is rare for me to see the younger Demons here.” Azazel started with an innocent question.
“We are well-fed on the flesh of Angels and Devils if you are wondering. There is so much meat that we can be fed for centuries.” Ersi answered.
Azazel and Michael grimaced. The latter’s eyes turned to Ermias’ clothes, the angel wings he wore.
“Do you recognize him?” Ermias smiled as he lifted his arm, raising one half of his wing-robe.
Everyone stared at the many faces under the cloak with horror, faces of… people writhing and soundlessly groaning in agony.
“I made it from Azrael. Flesh, bone, skin, hair, all reshaped into this wonderful robe. His soul is still here. Will you say hi? Oh, he is begging for you to save him… and he still holds it against you for leading him to this fate.”
Michael glared at the demon – but the Archangel knew better than starting a war in the middle of the civilization when it was supposed to be a dialogue.
Saitama and Genos stared at the Overlord. It was rare for Saitama to be fazed, but to see something like this so personally close… it aroused rare emotions from him.
“…Is that really necessary?” Sirzechs asked, his eyes glued to the Overlord’s ‘clothes.’
“We have to recycle the pests that kept invading our home somehow. We have no luxury for war prisoners. Most of the time.”
“That’s dark, man.” Saitama retorted at Ermias.
“Our history is dark. The past is always dark.” Ermias slid his hand back, letting the wing fall back into place, hiding his body from the neck down once more.
“Yeah, but I mean this is a fucked-up kind of dark. Not the dramatic or deep kind of dark like your history.” Saitama returned.
“It is to remind Michael of how much I despise what he was back then.” Ermias answered.
“…Okay, now that’s just spiteful.” Saitama retorted yet again, which Ermias simply returned with a simple smirk.
“Moving on… is it possible we can ask you to… restore Azrael?” Azazel asked, wanting to get away from this topic.
“No. It is Michael’s punishment… And Azrael’s.” Ermias denied. “I plan to add Lucifer’s face here…. And his sycophant bastards. I hope you have nothing to object to, Sirzechs Gremory.”
Sirzechs inhaled, trying to suppress the emotions roiling under him. The first second topic already toppled his years of negotiating experience.
This was not what he expected when he prepared himself to face the Demons.
“…We are ready to hear your demands on what to rewrite on the Treaty,” Sirzechs moved on.
“I demand you to bring me the heads of those that let loose their stray filth into my land. They have consumed many innocents for years when I was not here… And my descendants allowed it to happen in their lands, the blood of the victims for them and the meat leftover for the monsters, in exchange for their service. Which is no longer permitted.” Dracula turned to Lafana and former King Tepes, both flinching under his gaze.
“Speaking of your territory, there’s something I’ve been curious about.” Azazel intervened, “Last time I heard, your territory was split into two different factions and engaged in a civil war. What happened to that?”
“I united them under my banner.” Dracula answered simply. “…They have failed me and regressed so much that conquest is a blessing for them. When I found out how my kin has fallen so far, I have decided to discipline them until they do not need my presence to learn their lessons.”
“Hmm… yes, I can see forced obedience at play. But do you really need the heads of the Kings those stray devils you staked once belonged to? We can have them prepare monetary compensation instead.” Azazel negotiated.
“Examples must be made or else it will happen again. Do you know how many rogues are still out there, because their leaders are so inept that they won’t care even if their Queen dies like cattle in their rooms? You had your chance. Bring me their heads and we will talk of peace as equals.”
The leaders of Triumvirate exchanged uneasy glances, then Dracula spoke up.
“Why do you hesitate? The answer should be obvious when dealing with failures.” Dracula demanded. “Do you not kill those that deviate so far by law in the Underworld? Those that allow it to happen must be held accountable, especially you, Ajuka. The Evil Pieces are your invention, is it not? Why do you allow this?”
Ajuka then exhaled softly, “…Allow me to ask you this, Lord Tepes. Are you aware of what every single one of your subjects is doing at this moment?”
“They are dealt with.” Vlad answered. “Those that are beyond my grasp are being hunted down as we speak. They are my responsibility so I will bear this burden, to end their miserable lives with my own hands.”
“As expected from a ruler of your caliber.” Sirzechs chipped in, “…However, forgive me for my rudeness – but how are you so sure that whoever you entrusted with this task, is doing as you instructed?”
“They have no choice.” Vlad answered. “I have read the memories of every vampire I can sink my teeth into and I have sent warriors, allies I have made in Malebolge to deal with it. Some have fled the countries, some had connections to the slave market, one conspired with this Khaos Brigade that is plaguing our world using the Grail of Christ..”
“Well, ain’t that just a carrot and stick-” Azazel then paused and blinked at the Dracula, “…Wait, what did you say just now?”
“One of the Tepes conspired with Rizevim to form supersoldiers using the Grail of Jesus Christ,” Dracula repeated without hesitation.
Azazel and Michael leaned forward, giving Dracula their undivided attention.
“…Explain what you mean by the Holy Grail. Are you saying that…”
“I caught one of the pests trying to gain favor with an old devil by selling out my people. I caught and took him into custody before he could do more damage. The wielder of the Holy Grail is a half vampire, a female of the Tepes. Her ‘Sacred Gear’ is extracted and is now in the possession of Ersi.”
Everyone stared at Dracula before Azazel and Michael turned to the three-horned demon with the crimson eyes.
Ersi smiled as he laid his hand forward… summoning the golden cup that Jesus drank from before his final moments.
Azazel then turned towards the Dracula, “Out of curiosity, what happened to the last host – the female dhampir?”
“She is alive and is recovering, if you are wondering. She deserves rest after everything she was put through.” Dracula answered. “In truth, the grail was causing her suffering. The holy grail is not an object that gives you control over souls, mastery of the Veil. It is an artificial, living thing created by God to learn and decipher the secrets of souls, tirelessly working using the host’s mind as a living processor to continue its mission.”
“…And it is now mine.” Ersi answered as he banished the golden cup.
“Like I was saying to Sirzechs, you should know when to use your power to do what must be done. So I will ask again. Will you not bring me the heads of those that let their flock run astray?”
Saitama watched the Satans and the archangels stare at the vampire demon guy speechless. He was about to say something, but the woman in a revealing outfit cleared her throat.
“Ahem. And what use do you have for severed heads, hm? Are you trying to start a morbid collection?” Eistheth asked.
“You know why.”
“Xela. Please explain Dracula’s current financial situation because it seems that his time in Hell did not improve his sense of economy.”
Dracula blinked as the largest demon smiled and chuckled.
“Well, you have nearly depleted the coffers of the Carmilla and Tepes to… critical levels. I remember that you only have nine thousand fifty one of your country’s currency left now after you spent it all hiring workers and buying the materials needed to expand your territories.” Xelar Surgat explained Dracula’s financial situation.
“…That is necessary. Their income mostly comes from serfs with little in possession and whatever they could drink from the cities they control.”
“…And we can negate the costs, little Eis.” Ersi reminded.
“Oh, but I thought Lords were meant to be self-sufficient. Since when do we allow dependents that need others to avoid societal collapse?” She smiled.
The archangels and satans stared at the only female Lord amongst them. She was smiling a playful grin while Dracula was fuming behind his stoic gaze.
They saw the vampire lord inhale slowly for a moment.
They were pleasantly surprised how Taalmara risked Dracula’s pride and integrity as a ruler for their sake.
“Fine. We will negotiate… compensation in exchange for their heads ”
“Because heads aren’t worth even a piece of copper.” Taalmara playfully added.
“Because they aren’t worth monetary value.” Dracula nearly hissed.
Some of the Demon Lords snickered and smiled, others looked annoyed but accepted the outcome.
Koveran looked like he was about to burst into laughter.
Celtaka smiled, Xelar grinned.
Weikel chuckled, which the nondemons did not expect.
[And now about us…]
Philomath spoke in their heads.
Azazel rubbed his temple to calm the migraine.
“Would you stop trying to talk in our minds? I know you can use your mouth to speak, it feels like your words are scratching our brains.” Azazel requested.
“It… is more efficient if I… speak with thought.” Philomath spoke.
They could feel multiple voices coming from his mouth, various baritones and pitches of high and low forming into words.
“Thank you for trying at least. Don’t know why you decided to use telepathy. Why is it so… invasive?” Azazel asked.
“…My mind… my thoughts are now more than messages. I can…”
Eistheth nudged Philomath, “Stop boasting, you’re embarrassing us.”
Azazel smiled as Philomath paused.
“…The First Fallen and the God’s Devoted Murderer.”
Michael nearly flinched when Philomath used his old titles.
“We demand you surrender key locations of our race’s Sacred sites your God stole. And all of the… what you all call Agreas Crystals.”
The Satans exchanged glances as they protested.
“Wait, wait, wait! All of the Agreas Crystals?!” Serafall exclaimed.
“All of it.” Ermias repeated.
Ajuka narrowed his eyes, “Your demands are preposterous. The Agreas Crystals are central to our society. Without it-”
“Everything your kind has – the land, your current advance, even HALF of your DNA was stolen!” Valqar Baphomet, the fusion of a minotaur and dragon in heavy crimson armor, slammed his fist on the table.
The table shattered as the entire mansion shook from the impact, his aura flaring with explosive rage as Saitama leaned forward in reflex.
“You are a bastard race! Your race’s mother doesn’t even want you to exist! Did you know what Lucider did to Lilith?! Huh?! She’s… violated – her body and soul for every birth of you bastards! And you think you have a right to demand fairness?!”
Serafall, Falbium, Ajuka, and Sirzechs were overwhelmed as the Demon’s fury washed over them like water flooding from a broken dam.
They do not have the words to retort to such… purity of rage.
“…Hah.” Eisteth shook her head. “Father. Please let me take it from here.”
The word did not sink into everyone’s ears at first.
“…Father?” Azazel repeated as everyone turned to Eistheth and started comparing the two Demon Lords.
Saitama and Genos could not believe it either.
No one except the demons could believe that such a beautiful, amiable woman was born from the monstrous Demon minotaur.
“Hmph. To help you, your kind only needs the Gifts of Gaia to turn humans and the other races into your kind to play your… Rating Games and increase your numbers as a temporary measure to solve your declining birth rates. We can provide a substitute method for you to turn any race into a Devil. Although… they will not receive the benefits of their chess piece roles, like the strengths of a Queen or the endurance of a Rook.” Eistheth smiled at them. “But if you insist on the Chess system, we can still manufacture the transmutation items for you. And this time, to help Vlad’s case, to make sure that any Stray Devils can’t become a cannibalistic monster over time and more. However, if you want accept the method we propose… there are other benefits to this. The same goes for you angels as well.”
The Satanas and Archangels exchanged glances.
“…I don’t think the nobles will agree to allow your kind the monopoly over the Agreas Crystals. Or accept the new conditions quietly…” Sirzechs admitted.
“Eistheth is being the voice of acceptable reason, and you still object?” The eccentric Lord, Koveran quirked a brow.
His head was placed on the table all this time.
“We’re not… well… this entire ordeal is very demanding of us. Many will see it as forceful theft of our culture,” Serafall admitted.
“We are simply stating the facts that the members of 72 Pillars will not agree to this – considering their traditional way of thinking.” Falbium chipped in.
“What is this other method you speak of?” Ajuka asked, curious.
“The art of transmutation is an ancient technique we know.” Ersi Mastema explained. “We can also transmute other races via Biomancy and Blood Magic. This ancient method might not give a ‘power boost’ to the recipient like the Chess Pieces would, but they will have the magical potential of the donor. And a seed of their bloodline power.”
That information caused the gears in the minds of the leaders to turn.
“I see… That might solve the issue of preserving the clan’s signature craft and power…” Ajuka mused.
“…But I bet many other nobles will not accept the idea of sharing their clan’s signature power to reincarnated devils.” Sirzechs added.
“Well, Michael, what do you think? Got any issues with this?” Azazel asked.
“I do not see an issue. In fact, I want to see how our children will grow with a piece of our potential in them.” Michael admitted.
“Hah… you angels have it way too easy sometimes.” Serafall sighed.
“We would like to negotiate on how to handle the matter with the Agreas Crystals, if you would.” Ajuka requested.
“It should not be that difficult to accept, honestly. It is a technique we use when adopting others into our bloodlines. Like Vlad here. He is adopted into the Baphomet and Agiel Bloodlines.” Eistheth explained.
Vlad simply nodded.
“I mean, how averse and… xenophobic are they to not accept others into their family? Family isn’t tied by blood,” Eistheth asked.
Serafall scoffed, “Try telling that to the older devils. In fact, if one of them were here listening, this whole talk would end with war before you could blink.”
“Trust me. The old bogies are more than prepared for war. It is why they are this obscenely powerful in the first place right now.” Eistheth rolled her eyes.
“Oh, that reminds me… Don’t tell me that Philomath has some kind of Plague Bomb under his robes. Are those actual robes?” Azazel asked.
“It is made from the skin of Pillar Devils.”
The Satans stared at the Eldritch Demon for his morbid honesty as they looked at his attire in a new light.
“And no… I do not need plagues. When… I can destroy them… with my mind.”
“…Seems you picked up on something other than Biomancy since the last war.” Azazel muttered.
“Is there anything else you demand? We would like to ask for something in return for this alliance to appease our people. If that is within reason, of course.” Sirzechs asked.
“We will not undo my father’s curse, you will continue to suffer for Lucifer’s sins,” Ermias said.
“…We get that…” Sirzechs sighed.
“If you want something of equal value that is within our power, we can increase your fertility rate. Is it true that your kind is suffering from reproduction issues that you cannot solve biologically?” Celtaka Alastor, the golden demon of destiny, proposed.
“That’s… you can do that?” Sirzechs asked, surprised.
“It is within my power. And beyond my reluctance.” Philomath answered. “Your flaw in reproduction… is intentional. Lucifer… did not want his children… to ‘breed like wildfire.'”
“…Population control?” Azazel asked.
“Yes.” Ermias answered. “He does not want an uprising. Hence, the low birth rate. He could’ve just castrated you all, but he needs a substitute in case Lilith is no longer within his reach.”
“That… is not what I expected to hear.” Sirzechs did not know this. It made more sense if he thought about it.
“…Then we can move on to the negotiations.” Serafall sighed with relief that the negotiation was moving along smoothly now. She looked at Eistheth seeing the woman wink at her.
“This is a travesty. The problems just continue to pile on us day after day.”
Within one half of the parliament building, the nobles chattered.
Zeoticus and the group supporting the progressive party were discussing how to handle the demons in a diplomatic way while the others conversed on how to handle the demons.
“These ‘Demons’…”
One room was magically soundproofed as the old demons, Mordax Bael rubbed the migraine out of his temple.
“What should we do with them?” Mordax asked.
“What can we do? Dracula says that he is one of them now as a ‘Lord.’ And he killed Bedeze.” the other noble spoke.
Everyone turned to Bedeze Abaddon.
“Isn’t it obvious?! We should show them their place! We shouldn’t allow them to just… just…!” Bedeze looked manic, eyes bloodshot with frustration.
“Dracula killed you with a snap of his finger, we do not know what the others can do.” Another noble reminded.
“Don’t remind me! I…” Bedeze seethed in his rage, helpless in boiling silence.
“We know nothing about the demons other than that they despise us.”
“We should look into their governing system. Maybe we can see if we can persuade one of them to side with our cause.”
“But what can we offer? Indra left with half of our resources.”
“The only ones who might know are the clan founders. We can talk to Zekram about this.”
“But we cannot rely on him to help us. He might not approve of what we do.”
Everyone remained silent in thought. An unapproachable obstacle arrived in their territory, and they do not have the tools or means of handling this.
From the ceiling, one of the bat familiars landed on the center of the table.
The bat familiar’s eyes glowed as it spoke.
“What troubles you this day, my friends?”
Everyone perked when they heard a voice.
“Euclid Lucifuge! Yes, have you received my notice?!” Mordax shouted, relieved.
“I do not need to know about the commotion. An army of monsters following Dracula and the return of an ancient race? How could I not?” Euclid chuckled through the familiar.
“We need your help. Can you do something about them for us?” Mordax pleaded.
“I am here to see how much trouble they will pose for master Rizevim. He is very busy with his own endeavors.” Euclid answered.
“And… What about our requests?” Mordax returned.
“Master Rizevim has agreed to entertain your request. But you must do something for me in return. There is a way for me to deteriorate any potential alliances between the Demons and the Devils, but it might draw attention. Rizevim did tell me that the Demons have excellent noses and alien magic that we are not used to.”
“Like the magic Dracula used to destroy Bedeze?” Mordax asked.
“Rizevim barely took part in that war as it was mostly ‘his father’s crusade’ than anything else. As for my conditions…”
XoX
Zekram Bael stood with his back against the door, having bypassed the soundproof barrier. His old-aged mind was running miles per second upon hearing the latest revelation.
He knew about his descendant’s inferiority complex when it came to the other Devils, and the reincarnated Devils included. He hoped that Mordax would not cross this line in his envy…
But somehow he knew better.
Too much has changed.
Too fast for his faction to adapt.
“If it only were to come slower…’
Now he must come to a choice.
To choose the past or the future…
His next decision might affect the fate of all devill-kind.
However, before he could have moved, a black hole suddenly appeared beneath his feet. Zekram was one step short too late to react as he descended into darkness…. Only to find himself in the room where the rest of the traditionalists were gathering. He turned and saw Bedeze, who just brought him to this location using his Hole power.
“Honored ancestor.” Mordax greeted with a somewhat cordial tone, “…We heard you standing outside, so we thought to welcome you to our conversation. How are you faring?”
“Mordax….” Zekram replied with a calm tone, “What are you planning to do?”
“What we must as the members of 72 Pillars.” Mordax replied. “Our people are heading towards untold chaos, o’ honored ancestor. Let us put a stop to this together and ensure the order and peace across the Underworld.”
“Order? Peace? Are you telling me that you are using those words as the goals for this lunacy?” Zekram replied, his eyes glancing at the familiar Euclid used as a medium, before returning to glare at Mordax, “You should have known better than relying on the mad men like Rizevim!”
Mordax scoffed, “Perhaps, but this so-called ‘lunacy’ of yours is nothing compared to what those Demons and vampires are planning for our society! Our centuries of reign and hardwork are on the verge of being undone! The traditions and values that we – including you, uphold will be no more if this goes on!”
“And what have we built so far? What did we accomplish after Lucifer’s passing?” Zekram asked back.
“Everything! Look at all we have built and tell me!” Mordax shouted, spreading his arms around.
“No, most of what was built was because of Sirzechs and the others gathering the people under our banner. This… What the original descendants want is nothing more than ensured domination. Should I choose the old descendants, it will give the demons, angels, and even humans even more of a reason to destroy us. I do not want to live in a future where our kind is shackled under the will of mad men. Where I have to watch my descendants be sent to war for worthless pride!”
His words gave Mordax pause.
Zekram replied to Mordax. “You chose against the Old Satans because you too wanted to be free! We all do! Remember that feeling of oppression, Mordax! You are choosing the same path as the Old Satans! You are betraying what we stood for by siding with Rizevim!”
“…Enough of this.”
Zekram flinched when the room gasped. The old devil looked down to see a bloodied hand protruding out of his chest. He slowly turned his head and saw Bedeze’s cold expression.
“…My son… it is… not… too late…” Zekram croaked as blood trickled out of his mouth.
Before long, he collapsed on the floor.
Mordax stared at his ancestor’s body in horror before he turned towards Bedeze, “…What have you done?”
“What should have been done, Lord Bael.” Bedeze merely replied, “I believe that your family’s honored Founder has made his stand quite clear.”
Mordax wanted to argue – Zekram in the end, was his ancestor, de facto leader of all devils since immemorial. There was a reason why Mordax considered inviting Zekram to his cause in the first place.
“He will not side with us, Lord Bael.” Bedeze pressed on, “With him out of the picture, you shall be the next in line for his position.”
“But… there will be questions. How can we explain how he died?! There is no one here but us! Everyone will know, you fool! No one can enter this side but nobles!” Mordax shouted at Bedeze.
“Allow me to assist for this part.” Euclid intervened, “I must say I didn’t really expect this outcome. Hand his body over to me. I can at least create a diversion and take the blame.”
Everyone turned to the familiar.
“…And why would you go to this extent?” Mordax asked skeptically.
“Consider this my gratitude for getting rid of one of the thorns off my master’s side. Also… I want to experiment on the body of a Clan founder. I consider myself a scientist, after all.”
“I-Issei-sempai. A-Are you sure we should be doing this?”
“This is the founder of the Vampires, Gasper. Ersi goddam planned this… and yeah, it’s not something we want to miss.” Issei stared at the parliament building, zooming in with his Stjarna eyes.
“They look so cool…” Millicas was a little starry eyed at the variety of Demons there.
“Don’t ogle the women too long though. Reya, status report.” Issei chuckled.
Reya’s Scouting Persona, the smiling floating masks tried to look for a way to sneak into the parliament building, but it was surrounded by alien creatures and horned demons of such variety one could not tell they were from the same race at first glance.
Vali and his gang, Rias, Sona, and their respective Peerages were in a tall building, all of them were on the roof trying to sneak eyes and ears into the building without triggering an international incident.
Latia was there out of curiosity, flying beside Saji.
Millicas was with Rias, ogling the demons with childish curiosity.
“It’s hard to get a good angle from this distance, not to mention the security provided by those….. Creatures are quite tight.”
Each mask was hidden with invisibility magic provided by Asia.
Kiyome was flying with them via large bat wings. She tried to see through the walls, zooming in with X-ray vision, but even the walls were repelling X-ray vision.
Why would they want to sneak a peek into the meeting of Demons and Devils?
Because it concerned the fate of the Underworld. Because it concerned Gasper’s people.
And they have nothing better to do, currently. This was not something any sane Devil wanted to dismiss.
There were other Devils trying to get in, reporters clustered in swarms outside the gate being pushed away by the guards of the Satans in Devil bat themed armor.
The strange mechanical jigsaw constructs joined the Devils as they, with their singular glowing eye, projected a barrier between the border and snooping Devils and pushed them back step by step.
“Man, they’re doing their work.” Saji commented as the cyclop-lamia hybrid thing shot down a few Devils that tried to fly over the barrier.
The devils were now stone statues, clattering to the floor, petrified in a frozen picture of their desperation for a glimpse inside.
There were also demons lounging around, playing in a sense, wandering while others levitated aimlessly, looking bored.
One of the Demons in casual clothes lounging around the front yard started to sniff the air and looked around.
“Oh, crap. We forgot to cloak the scent of your masks.” Issei remembered the Demons’ powerful noses.
Reya immediately pulled the flying masks away as she could see the giant mutant kraken with hydra heads for tentacles bellowed through the skies as its eyes were tracking Reya’s masks.
Each pair of eyes was gazing at each mask.
“Oh no, they’re suspicious!” Reya gasped as she immediately dismissed her Scouting Persona.
“So? Did you manage to see anything?”
“Uh… no. I can’t even get a glimpse into the windows… The strange fantasy-like golem mech things that can fly are guarding the windows well.”
“That’s because we are thorough, children.”
“…Huh?”
Reya thought she was talking to Rias.
Reya turned to Rias, who was frozen while looking at something behind her. She turned around.
Instead, she saw one of the scantily armored bikini armor succubi smiling at her, her hair was short, light blue, and she was leaning forward with two arms behind her back, her face was so close to Reya’s that she could kiss her with the slightest motion.
“Hi~” She waved at her. Her voice sounded completely like Rias’. Everyone stared at the demoness, all stiffened by the sight of her appearing amongst them so suddenly and without warning.
“…Oh, shit.” Kiyome was the one that cursed. She could not even smell her scent.
The angel girls stammered, looking like deers caught in headlights.
Gasper stuttered and stammered, trying to talk his way out, but could not. And he was blushing hard by the sight of the woman’s beauty and revealing outfit.
Vali and his group exchanged glances, unsure whether to talk their way out or just abandon the others to their fate.
Sona and her Peerage slowly gathered around Reya, hoping to defend her in case the Demoness decided to turn violent. Latia herself also stationed herself at the rear.
“…Hi?” Reya responded as she sucked in her lips as if she chewed on a lemon, sweating profusely, looking like a child that got caught trying to steal away the jar of cookies.
“Boop.” The demoness booped Reya’s nose.
Reya whimpered as she staggered back – causing the demoness to laugh as she floated to the air.
“Come on, children. There are other buildings you can go snoop in and play.” The demoness sounded sweet and harmless.
“Uhhh… But…” Issei wanted to protest, but in the end, they were trying to sneak a peek in a highly secure building.
“Come on. There is nothing interesting there except people talking.” She kindly suggested as she slowly levitated towards Issei and leaned forward until she was close to his face.
She was very beautiful, eyes that reflected light like starry gems, two small ram horns cutely adorning her head.
Her bikini armor was quite seductive, more daring than Akeno’s bikini armor.
“…I… My dad is working there. I’m kind of… well, curious to see how he’s doing?” Issei smiled weakly at her.
“Your dad?” She blinked as she sniffed Issei’s scent, “…Wait…” Her playful smile disappeared as she continued sniffing his scent.
“What is this scent… wait, wait… No… You’re the bald one’s child.” The succubus deduced with astounding accuracy.
“Um… Yeah, I am.” Issei caught on to the demoness referring to Saitama.
“Son of the Awakened One… oh, you’re quite unruly, wanting to sneak a peek at your father working. Hmmm. Interesting. And your friends?” She asked as she turned to the girls.
“…My sister is working there.” Sona admitted.
“And my brother.” Rias added.
“Her brother is my daddy!” Millicas chimed.
“My uncle as well.” Latia added.
“Ohhhh. You have a cutie amongst you.” The succubus cooed at the sight of Millicas as she floated away from Issei and pinched Millicas’ cheeks a little. “What are your names, children?”
“…Rias Gremory.”
“Millicas Gremory!”
“Sona Sitri.”
“Latia Astaroth.”
“Hmm~ the girls and boy of Sirzechs, Ajuka and Serafall… Well, you share some of their features and blood now that I think about it. And the son of the man in a silly costume, all wanting to sneak a peek at us. Are we really that interesting?” The light-blue haired succubus asked.
Everyone nodded in response unanimously.
“Oh, posh. You’re making me blush.” She held her cheeks as her face turned red.
Everyone smiled at her.
“…But I can’t simply let anyone inside. Nepotism doesn’t count, you know?” She denied.
“Even if we say pretty please?” Irina asked sweetly.
“NnnNnn…. Nope.” She shook her head.
“Why haven’t you chased them away?” One of the white-robed demons levitated towards them.
“Oh. Hey Tharsis. Say hello to the Son of the Awakened One!” She waved while gesturing to Issei.
The angel girls and Devils stared at the spectral forms of eight-winged angels and Devils following the Demon.
They saw the ghosts looking at them. They could see their lips move but they could not hear their words. They know an enslaved spirit when they see it.
“Son of the Awakened One? I see…” the newly introduced Tharsis appraised Issei up and down.
“Err, yeah, can you stop with this whole ‘son of the awakened one’? Not only that’s mouthful, I have a name too, you know.”
Tharsis blinked and nodded slightly, “…Of course. It is by tradition that we refer to those with esteem by titles. Issei Hyoudou, what are you and your comrades doing here?”
“…Just snooping.” Issei answered.
“…Snooping?” The Demon quirked a brow.
“Yeah… we wanna see the Demon Lords. I mean. Wow. You guys look so… diverse. Can’t tell that all of you are the same race. I mean, you guys are more colorful than the Devils here.”
Sona and Rias pouted.
Much to everyone’s small surprise, the one called Tharsis chuckled in amusement, “…Of course, of course. But you shouldn’t be here.”
“Um…” Millicas raised his hand. “Why do you have ghost slaves? Isn’t that bad?”
Tharsis turned to Millicas with a cold gaze.
“This is their punishment. They did bad things to good people.”
“But… they look so sad.” Millicas frowned.
“They deserve it. They still haven’t paid for their sins. You will understand when you’re older, boy.”
Millicas looked sad when he saw their sad eyes.
“Now, begone. You’re disrupting our duties. We do not subscribe to the flaw of nepotism.”
Tharsis waved at them as if shooing them away.
“…Just one look? Please?” Issei pleaded.
“Hah. You remind me of the children we have to look after during the war for our survival. I will say this again no matter how many times you ask.”
“Please…?” Asia pleaded.
Tharsis looked at Asia as Rassei poked out of her hair and commenced their ‘attack’, both firing their adorableness.
“Cute. But futile. That will not work on me.” He shook his head, unfazed.
“Please?” Irina joined Asia as she attempted the cute look attack.
Koneko and Rias joined in, giving the Demon the pleading gazes.
Even some of Sona’s Peerage joined in.
Millicas compounded the assault.
Even Latia attempted it.
“…I suggest you cease this futility; you are embarrassing yourselves.” Tharsis was not fazed or amused.
“Oh, Tharthar. But they’re just so cute! Let’s just ask Lord Philomath.” ‘Qua’ on the contrary – giggled in amusement, falling for their attack.
Tharsis turned to his companion, his red eyes blinking at her.
“You… You already did, didn’t you, Qua?” Tharsis sighed.
“Mhm! And… oh, he approved.”
“Really?” Issei asked…
He was now facing the leaders at the table.
Everyone was suddenly within the meeting of the Lords.
XoX
“I will not return the souls of the angels that died, they do not deserve it.” Ersi refused to return Michael the spirits of his brothers that fell in battle.
Xelar, Celtaka, Weikel, and Eistheth sighed as Koveran rolled his eyes while his face was still on the table.
The two white and red dots that represent his eyes in the chaotic mess of color that was his face rolled at least.
“They have suffered long enough, how much longer must they endure their penance for Father’s sins?!” Michael shouted at Ersi with a rare face of emotion.
“Did you forget how many your accursed Father sent into our realm?” Ersi shouted back at him. “Two hundred and ninety two billion six hundred eighty seven million two hundred thousand four hundred and eleven angels were sent to Kthon! More than fifty times the current human population!”
The Satans widened their eyes at that number, Saitama and Genos giving Michael their attention.
“…Is that true?” Saitama asked as Michael clicked his tongue.
“…We didn’t take the number of angels that fell into account. Father didn’t want my brothers to know of the casualties to maintain morale.” Michael admitted. “But I swear I didn’t know… Please. Release them from this torment.”
“…Most of the souls you want returned are already gone.” Celtaka interjected.
Michael and Azazel turned to Alastor, the golden demon.
“We used the excess number of souls to empower the spirit of Gaia, the soul of this planet. Well, most of them. The Mastema and the Ordog clan members used the Angels and the Devils to forge weapons of war first, Primal Taboos as we call them, then used the rest to feed the soul of our planet that we took with us so that God cannot hold our world hostage.” Celtaka explained.
“The ones left over…” Xelar continued. “There are only thousands left. Including the souls within Ermias’ attire.”
“We do not want them to linger after the war has ended…” Eistheth followed. “They are nothing more than sore reminders, and we do not want the citizens to… be drunk off the victory over such numbers. So Ersi came up with the solution.”
“There you have it.” Ersi answered. “Too long has passed, Michael. If you truly cared, you would’ve come to the place where we broke you and risked your life for them. No, you were a coward. You don’t want to face your greatest failure… and the consequences from it.”
Michael’s face trembled with rare emotions as his fingers clenched into fists.
“We will not give you the items we made from the flesh and souls of your brothers and sisters. If you want those that we do have still… The Sacred Gear System,” Ersi demanded.
“…What did you say?” Michael asked with a dreadful quiet.
“We want the Sacred Gear system. Your Father started this mess, abusing the souls of others, and bribed the human race with power to ignore His atrocities. Hand it to us, and we will return the ones that we kept alive,” Ersi demanded.
Other leaders looked anxious, exchanging glances as they knew the significance of Sacred Gear system.
“That’s… why do you want the Sacred Gear system? Do you even need it?” Azazel asked.
“We don’t need it,” Ermias answered.
“Have you ever wondered what other secrets God held when he was still alive?” Ersi then asked. “You should know by now, Michael. What crimes did God commit to create something like the Sacred Gear System? Something like that cannot be made so easily without a price.”
“Then what does that have to do with everything? This is… Humanity cannot survive without it! It is Father’s gift-”
“It is His shackle for humanity.” Ermias corrected.
“That’s…”
“Most of the power was stolen. Strengths of others compressed into tools. You speak of freedom yet you refuse to free those trapped by your Father. Your hypocrisy is disgusting,” Ersi reminded.
Michael remained silent as the Demon dissected his arguments.
“…But the system itself is sacred. There are angels in heaven who will object to this. Some violently.” Azazel warned.
“Let them come so-”
Eistheth elbowed Ersi, stopping him from his tirade of a speech.
The demoness continued where he left off, “…We just want to check on some things. In technicality, moving that thing from Heaven… actually, Ermias might be able to move it with his overpowered Wish Magic.”
Ermias smiled almost mischievously as Eistheth frowned.
“But we don’t need to take it when we can make something like it ourselves. Besides, arming humanity to protect themselves should be your responsibility, something made by your own hands, Michael, not made from others. There is more importance in that.”
Michael paused in thought, his face mired in conflict as the demons shed light on his position, a man relying on his father’s tools to support humanity… while doing almost nothing to do the same for them with purer intentions.
“…Well… Then I think we can let you Lords into Father’s Throne Room. In secret hopefully… a lot of the angels are extremely sensitive to anyone who are not God’s children just stepping in the Seventh Heaven.”
Philomath’s three eyes opened as he spoke in many whispers and tones.
“We have a request… for an audience.” His words were repeated in fading echoes.
“Request? Who would dare?” Valqar asked.
“Children. Relatives.” Philomath answered. “Quaesa speaks… for… he who bears the blood of two worlds. Saitama… is it normal for children to want to watch their relatives work?”
Saitama quirked a brow.
“…No?”
“The children… want to see us. Should we let them?”
The Demon Lords exchanged glances.
“Oh oh oh! Let them! I want to see their faces light up in colors!” Koveran’s rorschach face was excited with bright colors.
“…Oh, of course they want to. I vote yes.” Eistheth raised her hand.
“Let me see this Son of The Awakened One.” Valqar raised his hand while snorting fire.
“All in favor?” Ermias asked.
Every demon lord raised their hands.
The Satans and Archangels were confused by their actions.
“What are you people doing?” Falbium asked.
Ermias smiled as he pointed to the left.
“Welcome. I hope we meet your expectations, Issei Hyoudou.” Ermias greeted as he turned to the left.
Everyone turned to the left to see…
“…Issei?” Saitama blinked four times when he saw his son and his friends in the room.
They look like they were always there, yet the way they looked around their surroundings in confusion suggested otherwise.
“…Dad?” Issei called back as they all looked around, up and down.
“…What just happened?” Saji asked as he patted his body, confused as to why there was solid ground beneath his feet when he was flying in the air seconds ago.
“…Were we teleported?” Akeno conjectured as she looked down at herself with curiosity.
“If so… it is an extraordinary technique. There is no sign of transition and… the speed…” Sona praised the sudden transition.
The other leaders – Sirzechs, Ajuka, Serafall, Michael and Griselda looked rather pensive at their relatives and wards suddenly arriving in the room.
“It is my invention.” Ersi answered as everyone turned to the voice.
“…Holy shit balls… Ersi?” Issei asked as he looked at the Demon Lord sitting with his fellows, recognizing his voice.
The demon lord looked much different than Issei imagined.
“Ohhhhhhhhhh! So this is him?!” Koveran stood up before he suddenly appeared before Issei’s face, making Issei jump in shock when a faceless demon lord with a face that looked like a canvas stained with many colors.
“Hello, hello! Ohhhhh! You have Ersi’s echoes within you. Naughty, naughty, you tried to steal Saitama’s son away~” Koveran cackled before he appeared before Vali Lucifer, making Vali jump by the sudden teleportation.
“And you…. are a half breed! With a dragon companion to boot!”
Then the strange demon warped to Irina and danced around her – the poor girl could barely follow his movement.
“…Is that teleportation or some kind of movement technique?” Le Fay asked with professional curiosity burning within when he saw the demon blinking in and out of existence at such rapid intervals.
Latia yelped when the color-splotched face demon poked her cheek.
“Ersi calls it Phantom Step, dear.”
The Demon spoke from behind Le Fay as the young witch found her hat removed.
She looked behind, seeing the Demon wearing her witch hat before he disappeared.
She looked around, seeing the same demon sitting with his legs on his table, witch hat on his head.
“Hey! Give it back!” Le Fay demanded before she felt something land on her head.
She touched it, seeing her hat back on her hair, Koveran waving at her.
Without her hat on his head.
“It is one of our kind’s signature techniques. It requires great skill and a level of awareness of the self to bring them to another location, a movement so swift that it was like you moved in stopped time…” The demon with glowing eyes and a crown of horns answered as he turned to the children.
“I heard that you wish to meet us. We will grant you this honor to meet the Demon Lords of Kthon. Even if some of you are the Children of the Betrayer… one of you especially.” Ermias stared at Vali with a growing intensity.
“I am Ermias Verickar Ordog. I am the Lord of the Ordog Tribe, Overlord of the Demons, King of Curses. Master of Wish Magic… and the creator of the Monkey’s Paw.” Ermias’ gaze turned to Issei Hyoudou.
Everyone gave that demon their undivided attention as he and Issei Hyoudou faced each other, everyone knowing the history between Issei and the Monkey’s Paw.
Vali gulped when he realized that this was the man that could undo the shackles placed on him.
“…You made the Monkey’s Paw?” Tsubasa asked in a horrified whisper when she remembered the problems that thing caused.
The Demon Lord slowly nodded.
Irina shivered when she recalled the item, the thing killing Bernael so brutally… and so easily.
Issei stared at the demon lord for a second before a wry smirk crept up his lips, one that could barely contain the excitement and seed of terror inside him, “…Yeah, that thing of yours… It is intense in its own way. Why’d you make that shit in the first place?”
“Even I have humble beginnings. I made it to let others take the journey for me. Wish Magic… is not a perfect thing. It does not obey the intent behind the words. And I made it so only the most cunning can use it… before it kills them for abusing its power. One, however, can use it perfectly.”
“…Binbougami.” Issei knew.
“Yes. He is one of my rare friends outside of Kthon.” Ermias nodded as everyone grew extremely wary of Ermias. “…And I brought you all here. Please, Sirzechs, Serafall, Ajuka, would you like some time with your families? I believe everyone here can use a reprieve.”
The Satans looked stunned. Azazel and Michael looked at Ermias as if they were looking at an alien life form.
“…Huh?” Azazel looked flabbergasted while Michael was not sure how to react as the old veterans could be a little two-faced in certain situations.
The Demons always had a stronger temperamental grip on their emotions despite their emotions being more intense than that of any race.
“Yes, I believe we can use some free time…” Sirzechs said as he stared pointedly at his sister, who looked away in guilt.
Millicas smiled impishly at Grayfia who was looking disaprovingly at him.
Serafall herself was pouting at Sona, who also looked away awkwardly.
Ajuka was looking at Latia with a gaze asking what was happening, which the young woman was unable to meet.
Michael sighed while Griselda was staring with no amusement at Irina, Xenovia and Asia – the former two young angels were looking terrified under Griselda’s gaze.
“Um… Hope you don’t mind us here, dad.” Issei smiled weakly.
“What are you doing here? You do realize that you could’ve sparked an incident?” Genos harshly scolded Issei.
“You couldn’t wait until we’re done? And what did that guy mean when he said someone tried to steal you away?” Saitama pointed at Koveran, the Demon was eating a drumstick… no one knew where he got the meat.
“A Demon can adopt others into their bloodline when they turn someone into a Demon.” Genos answered. “Ersi Yiel Mastema once tried to turn Issei into a Demon while helping him resolve his final battle against Diodora.”
“…Is that a bad thing?” Saitama asked as he turned to Ersi.
“Dad, he is a bit of an asshole with a strange grudge, but he did help me.” Issei assuaged Saitama.
“…And you haven’t mastered your Demonic Form despite my hopes.” Ersi scoffed at Issei.
“Still trying to master the other powers. Unless you’re offering some free training courses on self-control,” Issei scoffed.
“It will not be free this time.” Ersi playfully answered while Saitama looked left out.
“Do you even accept money? You don’t look like you need it.” Issei pointed out.
“We are wealthy beyond imagination if you can believe that. The only thing I want is if I can study your father. He is not from Gaia, after all.” Ersi turned to Saitama.
“…Not into that kind of thing,” Saitama rejected.
“Then your only other path is to consign to full demonhood,” Ersi jokingly offered.
“Not into that kind of thing.” Issei repeated Saitama’s statement to Ersi’s ultimatum.
Vlad Tepes of Wallachia turned to Gasper, eyeing him.
“…You bear my bloodline, boy,” Vlad Tepes of Wallachia rose from his seat.
His human form dispersed, now a swarm of bats flying, many wings fluttering, and reforming before Gasper, his human form now kneeling until he was eye level with the dhampir.
“What is your name?”
Gasper looked like a deer caught in a head-lights. He wanted to ask for help, but he could not look away from Dracula’s gaze. Considering Dracula is the vampire, talking to an impure hybrid like him, his gaze was surprisingly soft – almost fatherly, even.
“…G-Gasper Vladi, sir.” the young dhampir replied anxiously.
“Vladi….. I see.” Dracula nodded slightly, “I believe your father is among the guards outside. Would you like to speak to him?”
“M-my father is here?” Gasper asked, earning another nod from the Vampire King.
“I…” Gasper then found himself hesitating. He looked around to his friends – Rias and the others gave him a nod, reassuring him that they would have his back, whatever his decision would be.
“…I would like that.”
Dracula nodded again at Gasper’s answer, “Hm. I have questions… Though I admit, I am slightly disappointed you chose the betrayer’s bloodline, but I do not blame you considering that you are half-blood. If you wish, I can ask that your devil blood be purged and replaced.”
Everyone’s eyes widened – but Gasper frantically shook his head, “N-no, I don’t want to go that far!”
Dracula quirked a brow.
“I-I understand that Lucifer is a bad person! B-But President Rias is not!” Gasper defended Rias.
“…I see.” Dracula said in understanding before he stood up.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Gasper Vladi. Do not hesitate to visit Romania sometimes. Notify me and I will ensure a hospitable welcome awaits you.”
When Dracula turned to return to his station, however, Gasper called, “Um, p-please wait, sir!”
Dracula glanced back with a quirk brow in curiosity, promptly Gasper to continue after fidgeting for a second, “I… I’d like to ask you something… I… I have this friend – her name is Valerie…” Gasper paused to see Dracula had turned to regard him – the latter nodded to prompt him to carry on, “She’s a childhood friend of mine from the House of Tepes. Do you…. Do you recognize her?”
Dracula’s gaze softened slightly, “Yes, another hybrid like you. I do recall that young Valerie once had someone she grew up with.”
“Y-you know Valerie? How is she? Is she safe?” Gasper asked with a hopeful tone.
“Yes. She is healthy and well. Do you wish to see her?”
“C-can I?” Gasper asked again.
The corners of Dracula’s lips twitched up in a small amusement, “Of course. Reincarnated devil you might be, you are still a child of the night first and foremost. I want to see how a child of Wallachia reacts to how his home has changed under my guidance.”
Rias and Sirzechs were face to face, though the former was trying her best not to make eye contact with her brother.
“…Father, father! How is work?!” Millicas called out while running towards him.
Sirzechs stared at her sister for seconds before he ended it with a sigh.
“Troublesome. Dracula… Well, I am not sure if they can hear me or not from this distance, but… they are very forceful. Pressuring, really. Too much pressure. Honestly, we only made it because of her.” Sirzechs turned to Eistheth who was pulling the cheek of a crimson-eyed three-horned demon lord with robes of ethereal spectral matter.
“They look endearing when they’re not dealing with us, though. Which is painfully unfair.” Sirzechs sighed. “They are offering us another way to convert other races into becoming Devils in exchange for all of the Agreas Crystals we have.”
Rias blinked at that, “…What do they mean by that?”
“A way to reincarnate a devil who can inherit our clan’s trademark power as well. The only consequence is that those reincarnated this way will not receive the same power boost when gaining an evil piece.”
“What? That’s… They are offering that?”
“You brought this topic to me earlier, Rias. We know that there are many that do not want to have outsiders in their bloodlines but… I think it would be best if we can slowly introduce this idea. Now I wonder… Excuse me. Lady Eistheth?”
Eistheth stopped pulling Ersi’s cheek.
“Yes?” She turned to Sirzechs.
“Is it possible to reincarnate others with Blood magic and the Evil Pieces simultaneously?” Sirzechs asked.
“Of course. You have a living example amongst you.” Eistheth gestured to Issei Hyoudou who was being scolded by Genos, many many words being drilled into his ear.
He looked like he was in pain from the droning monologue.
Sirzechs blinked at the boy in question, before he turned back to the demoness, “…What do you mean by that?”
“…Oh.” Rias blinked. “I… Kind of forgot to tell you.”
“Tell me what?” Sirzechs turned to her sister.
However, before anyone else could have spoken, an explosion was heard – the building was shaking briefly, then a loud alarm was heard from the outside.
“…You lot are more… more inept than I estimated.” Philomath condescendingly insulted Sirzechs. “Your… home is invaded. Monsters of primordial flesh tied… to the will of one.”
The angels and Devils turned to him.
“Talk normally for once. What is happening?” Saitama demanded.
“Invasion. Monsters… Khaos Brigade, I sense. Old flesh brought to life.”
To be Continued….
Omake: The awkward Age Difference
“Mind if I ask you something…. Rather sensitive?”
Sona blinked at Issei during the break time of the conference. They just finished making rounds chatting with the others and they were now standing side by side.
“…What is it?” Sona asked with a mild curiosity.
“Well, remember during that demonstration earlier? There were… some devils who looked a lot younger than their actual age, so…” Issei tried to come up with a good way to phrase his question, but to no avail.
In the end, he decided to rip it off altogether.
“How old are you exactly?”
Saji – who happened to walk by with Ruruko and Momo, paused to gawk at Issei.
“Dude! You can’t ask her that kind of question!” Saji chastised, with Ruruko and Momo nodding in agreement while mildly glaring at Issei.
“Look, I just want to make sure okay? You guys should’ve known that – let’s take Lord Sirzechs for example; he’s like what, 20s? Yet I heard he’s at least 100 years old. Then there’s Rias’ mother. She’s a mother, yet she looks young enough to be Rias’ sister. So yes, I’m starting to question the pure-blood devils I’ve run into.” Issei defended himself before he turned to Sona, who merely raising her eyebrows at Issei.
Then, Issei did not expect Sona to snort in amusement.
“It’s alright, Saji. I’m not offended. I think Ise was asking a fair question.” Sona waved off, “If you must know, Ise. I am exactly 17 years old, going 18, like Rias. Though, I expect my aging will grow slower as I grow stronger myself, to the point that I will stop aging once I reach…. Let’s say when I’m in my mid 20s, 30s if my growth is slower.”
Sona then took a glass of champagne from a nearby table, downed it and continued, “…In fact, this topic about our age has some relation to my reason for building a public Rating Game school.” She gazed towards the window connecting to the outside, “…High-class devils like me will be allowed to train and participate in Rating Games once we are young adults. Yet, those who have more experience and much older than me, are not allowed to form their own peerages because they are not a noble birth; doesn’t sound really fair, does it?”
Issei slowly nodded.
“Yeah, I know about unfairness… I feel like asking about your Sister’s age now. I mean, how long has she been into that magical girl stuff?”
Sona rolled her eyes around in thought, “Hm… My sister’s been like that ever since I can remember her…. But from what my parents told me, it’s not long after the Civil War.”
“Which was hundreds of years ago, right?”
Sona nodded.
“…Are you telling me that Serafall was always that childish and invented the magical girl nonsense before it became a trend? Wait, wait, wait. Did she start the trend?” Issei asked.
“I’m afraid so.” Sona nodded again.
“What the hell? All she’s doing is installing strange fetishes with that kind of fashion.” Issei gave his opinion.
“You’re just saying that because you suffered the consequences of going against her.” Sona giggled.
“Screw her, next time I see her, I’m going to make her pay tenfold. Hell, I’ll even crush her instantly like Garou did to her!”
On cue, the door was slammed open, revealing Serafall who exhaled while buttoning her dress-shirt.
Issei froze, stiffer than a petrified statue of metal as he slowly creaked his head back towards her.
“Welcome back, sis- Um, you are still wearing your magical girl hat.” Sona pointed at her sister’s head.
Serafall blinked before she reached to her crown and noticed her pink decorated hat, “Oh, silly me. Thanks, Sona-chan!” she smiled while tossed her hat behind.
“Err, where have you been?” Issei asked, hoping that she did not hear that… actually, he might be able to beat her if he went all out but… just to be safe.
“Oh, from a quick shoot for the promotional trailer of my next show.” Serafall replied.
Issei blinked, “…Don’t you have a conference up ahead?”
Serafall waved her finger, “Correction – I was attending a conference and now I just finished a shoot. You have no idea how busy my work is sometimes.”
“Eh?” Issei and Sona shared a brief glance.
“Okay… Actually, what do you usually do nowadays other than magical girl stuff? And I’ve heard that you were training your ass off.”
“Yep! I’ve been training ever since that disaster, speaking of which…” Serafall then eyed Issei with interest, “I heard you learned under that Garou fellow, didn’t you?”
“He’s more awesome than I’ve heard, so yeah, though I did not learn under him that long,” Issei scoffed with a cocky smirk.
“Good enough! You’ll be my sparring partner!” Serafall beamed.
“Come again?” Issei blinked, but Serafall had already grasped his arm.
“I mean, what better partner than the student of the master?!” She smiled.
“Eh? What the hell kind of butchered logic is that?”
“Well, we all gotta start somewhere! And besides, yoire the best one I know! Saitama-chan is… too much for me currently.”
“You… I’m not even that good yet! Hell, I can’t even pull off one percent of what Garou could! And he stood toe to toe with my dad!” Issei argued as he looked back and forth between Serafall and Sona.
“Then you might learn one or two more things from this Great Magical Girl Levia-tan~! Now, chop, chop! Time’s wasting!” Serafall then dragged Issei with a surprising display of strength.
“What the hell?! No, no! Stop!” Issei shouted as Serafall spread her wings and dragged Issei out towards the room window and opened it while Issei struggled.
Sona, Saji, Reya, and Momo watched as Serafall abducted Issei and flew off, disappearing into the distance.
“…Want to go watch their ‘spar’?” Saji asked.
The girls stared at the open window before they made their decision.
“…Why not? Should be interesting.” Momo shrugged as they walked towards the window, ready to follow them.
Yeah, yeah, some of you might question why I decide to scrap Saitama’s hair away. Why? Simply put, Saitama is just not Saitama anymore if he’s not bald.
Early viewing for chapter 76 can be seen in my P a treon. Look up for my name Ahsoei or One-Punch DxD: NEO there.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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