Chapter 37: Aftermath & Sports Festival.
*Gremory Castle*
"H-Hmm….."
When I opened my eyes, I was in my room in the Gremory Castle.
….Huh? I defeated Diodora, I then met Vali, and then what happened?
It feels like I have been losing my consciousness a couple of times…
"Are you awake?"
When I looked in the direction from where the voice came from… A silver haired maid, Grayfia was there. Wait…. The crimson haired boy… Milicas is with her. He's looking at me.
"Vergil-niisama has finally woken up, Okaa-sama!"
"Milicas-sama, I have asked you not to call me that in front of people."
"Boo… Yes."
When I got my upper body up, Grayfia gave me a cup of water.
"Thanks."
While I was drinking it, Grayfia put up a holographic device. The device starts up and the vision of a man appears in 3D. – It's Sirzechs. He's wearing rough clothing, he must be somewhere in a place that remains secret.
[Hey, Vergil. Looks like you are awake.]
"Yeah, I can figure"
[Thank you very much about the incident earlier. Thanks to you and Rias' effort, we were able to settle things with the Old-Maou factions now.]
I was then told that I lost consciousness at the end and slept for a few days. Apparently turning into [Juggernaut Drive] put a lot of burden on my body. I can choose to enter the form by saying the chant that has been recorded in the Boosted Gear, but I was told not to.
[While you were sleeping, Azazel talked about a couple of things with Ddraig. When you thought that you lost Asia Argento-san, your unrivaled rage was unleashed at the highest degree, which released the sealed power.]
What a blunder… to let my anger get the best of me…
Still, that tremendous power…
[That form allows you to attain the power which surpasses God and Maou temporally. – But it also reduces the life of the possessor considerably. It's better you don't turn into that form anymore. If you die, lots of people will be sad. Even my sister….]
"I understand. I'll think thoroughly about it"
I have no fear towards death. But before I depart to eternal damnation, I will not let the answers to my questions remain buried, and that "thing" will die, by my hands.
I was also told that the Old-Maou faction of Khaos Brigade has collapsed because they lost their core members. And Vali, who is the descendant of Lucifer, has no interest in their matters so he declined their offer to become their leader. With this, the Old-Maou faction is basically finished.
The remnant devils either surrendered or hid themselves in the darkness. Because of the incident involving Diodora, the house of Astaroth lost all their trust. The crime of their next heir having aligned with Khaos Brigade was serious, and so the current head of the house of Astaroth was dismissed. The house of Astaroth lost the privilege for having a Maou come from their family for a while. The current Beelzebub was asked to take responsibility for this incident. But it seemed like the current-Beelzebub was also receiving an assault from the Khaos Brigade during the incident as well.
Also because the other three Maou defended him, the voices of those blaming the current Beelzebub have settled down.
[Right now, losing Ajuka Beelzebub who is the current Beelzebub will be fatal for the devils. He is a man talented in technological programmes. He is also the one who created the basic theory of the Rating Games. Most of all, you can't find someone of his caliber.]
Indeed, the lack of manpower in any world is a serious issue.
Hmmm, since Sirzechs is here, maybe he can answer this.
"I have a doubt"
[What is it?]
"Ophis, the Uroboros Dragon. I wonder if she really is the leader of Khaos Brigade. If what the descendant of Leviathan back at the VIP conference said was true, then Ophis might just be the figure head. Is there anything that can be accomplish from our side?"
[Unfortunately, that will be very hard. If they are just using her, it's all just to get to the Gigastorm Dragon, Veldora and she's just joining them for promising her to get her to return to the Dimensional Gap. Right now, it is thought that all the dimensional gaps located in every part of the world are balanced because Veldora resides in it. If Veldora was to be killed by Ophis or Vali, or if Ophis was to rule the dimensional gap we won't know what will happen to this World. Nothing would have happened if it was Ophis in the past, but the current Ophis stayed in this world too long so she has changed a lot from the first time she appeared.]
Of course, now it involves dimensional crisis… Vali and Ophis' aims are indeed too dangerous, especially Ophis'.
[We need to reconsider about the Rating Games for young devils in the future as well. It will be too dangerous if they are all being interfered with by the terrorists.]
"Then it will be cancelled?"
[We probably have to restart it. But there is a match which we want to see no matter what. The people who live in the Underworld and those from other factions are saying strongly that they want to see this certain match definitely.]
"A game between who and who?"
[-The match between Rias and Sairaorg.]
…
-I desire to fight you with only pure power-
That match huh. Maybe I'm a bit interested in that game. Not that I don't care of the previous game against Sona's peerage, but this intrigues me more.
[At the same time the match between Sitri vs Archduke Agares is also desired strongly…. If we were to have the match played then it will be the matches of Power vs Power and Tactics vs Tactics.]
Sirzechs looks like he enjoying it. He must be looking forward to it.
[Anyway, until the match makeup is decided, all the young devils are asked to be on standby.]
Terrorism did just occur after all. There is a possibility that the game itself would be cancelled due to the public opinion of the Underworld.
[There is something else.]
"What is it?"
[Azazel said that during the inspection of your first mental attack by Urizen, there was a second Eidos wavelength that came from a second person. Do you know who was it?]
…
The second Eidos wave… that means…
"So you both detected him huh…"
[What do you mean?]
"Remember Sangue Angelo, Mundus' right-hand demonic knight?"
The figure of the obsidian black armored demonic knight with a fluttering blood cape appeared in my mind.
[…!... That's…!]
"Yeah, he was the second one."
[How is that possible!? You killed him!]
"Don't you think that if I already have the answer, I'd have told you?"
[…I'm sorry…]
"… Just… let it go… it's already in the past."
…
A moment of silence broke out…
…
[You are amazing.]
Sirzechs said, broke the silence.
"No, I'm not"
[Yes, you are. The audience group with the least number for the Rating Game is… No, you can say that it is basically zero and that audience group is the children. For the children watching Rating Games among adult devils, it would be far from entertainment for them. The truth is, the only game which is popular among children are the ones with reincarnated devils like Tannin, dragons, Monsters, Youkai and the match with those without human form. For the children, it would be like monster films with lots of impact.]
Indeed, it's the basic nature of common children to chase something colorful and filled with excitement.
I was once the same… if I remembered it correctly…
[In the future I don't mind if it is just during the game. –If possible, I would like children who will carry the future of the next generation to see your fights.]
"Are you saying that you want me to assume the "hero" role in the future, especially for those kids?"
[Yes. The real you is indeed the hero who saved us all, after all. But I won't force you. It is just my hope.]
…
[You don't have to decide now. Take your time. Ah, that's right. Today, it is the Kuou Academy's school festival. I also came to see my little sister shine.]
Hmmm?
"Vergil-sama, today is the Sport Festival. Asia Argento-san will be participating for the Three-legged race, as planned.", said Grayfia.
…
I facepalm immediately after hearing that.
What a blunder… Why did I forget that?
[Grayfia, send Vergil-san to the academy using the transport magic circle right away.]
"Yes, I understand."
How thorough, as expected from one of father's brightest apprentice. I immediately change my clothes and went to the magic circle Grayfia casted.
*Kuoh Academy*
Having used Grayfia's teleportation magic circle, I've arrived at the sports ground of Kuoh Academy.
BANG! BANG!
The sound of blank gun shots echoes in the sky. Then the announcements for the programme could be heard.
[It is the three-legged race. People participating, please line up at the starting point.]
So it's just about to start. How lucky, I made it in time.
"Senpai! You're late!"
"Takeru!"
said two familiar voice. It was Saji and Alex. they called me.
"Alex, Saji you're here", I said.
"Yeah, we've been looking for you, Asia is at the starting line now."
"Let's go to her", I replied.
We nodded as we got to the tracks. I see Asia and Kiryu lined up together. Asia looks around a few times until her eyes caught my figure.
With a bright expression, she waved at and called me.
"Takeru-san!"
I waved back lightly as I shouted.
"Asia, go for it! Win!"
"Yes!", she replied.
[Get ready!]
Said the referee.
3…
2…
1…
BANG!
The empty gunshot echoes through the sky. It started.
Asia and Kiryu showed a great combination from the start and ran fast.
"Kiryu-kun! Asia! Get first place!"
"You can do it!"
Rias and Akeno gave both Kiryu and Asia a cheer.
"Kiryu-san! Asia-san! You can aim for first place!"
"Kiryu! Asia! Goooooo!"
"Do your best both of you!"
Kiba, Xenovia and Irina also gave them a cheer.
"Kiryu-senpai! Asia-senpai!"
"Please do your best!"
Gasper also shouted loudly. Even the usually quiet Koneko has high spirits.
"I won't let you off the hook if you lose!", Azazel shouted.
After a while, finally…
BANG!
Gunshot!
They passed through the goal tape!
"Yeah! We did it Asia!"
"Yes! We did it, Kiryu-san!"
The two girls hugged each other happily.
It's their win.
After a while, the crowd became thinner.
We who were standing at the sidelines, all went to Asia together.
"Asia, I'll be going now", said Kiryu as she waved and leave.
As we arrived at where Asia is standing. She then jumped and hugs me.
"Vergil-san! I did it!"
"Yes, yes you did.", I said as I patted her head.
"Well done, Asia. Now then, let's go and celebrate, shall we?", said Rias.
[Yes!]
The kids said in unison. As I was about to follow them…
KNEEL.
Suddenly, my legs shook and I fell, kneeling with one knee.
"Vergil-san! Are you alright?"
Asia supports my body.
"Huh… it seems that the after effects is still with me."
"Hmmm… Then Vergil, Asia"
Said Rias as she points at the gymnasium with a smile.
"Asia. No one is behind the gymnasium, so heal him with the Sacred Gear."
"Y-Yes!"
As Asia and I went past Rias…
"…Asia, do your best."
"!"
?
Rias' words made Asia turn red….. What does that mean?
Like that we moved behind to the gymnasium and I had Asia heal me. As I returned to normal, I got up.
"Thanks Asia, I should be fine now"
"Umm… Vergil-san?"
"What is it?"
"Can you kneel down a bit?"
?
I don't get it. As I kneeled down, Asia tip toes. Then…
Her lips overlap with mine.
…
A sudden kiss.
…..
"Vergil-san, I love you. I will always stay beside you."
That day, Asia displays a radiant smile that somehow… warms my hardened heart…
*Extra Chapter: Solution*
After the Gremory Group's celebration. Rias, Akeno, Asia, Xenovia, Irina, Koneko, as well as me. We all went home.
Asia made a daring act today and made her confession to me. Somehow, I managed not to deny it…
Although in some miraculous ways… my hardened heart was lightened… the uneasiness still hasn't weakened a bit… as if the confession made it even more tense.
Right now, the others are having their own "me time", so am I.
But…
There's something I need to do. As for the moment, I was alone, this was the opportunity I did not miss.
I was watching the recording of my time in [Juggernaut Drive], both in and outside of the Boosted Gear.
The entire video displays my mind's entire process of succumbing to the negative influence inside of the Longinus, apparently from the memories of the past possessors as I saw multiple individuals in white hooded robes surrounded me. while in the real world, I was rampaging, destroying all my surrounding, as well as obliterated the descendant of Beelzebub.
[You know, partner, watching that video over and over again won't help you find anything.]
Like Ddraig said, this isn't the first time I watched this, I've actually replayed it several hundred times for the past few hours.
[Remember what Azazel said? [Juggernaut Drive] is an uncontrollable force of destruction, even with its' immense power, you'll only lose your future eventually if you use it.]
Ddraig said, but I notice a hint of sorrow in his tone.
Maybe he still has attachments with some of his partners in the past.
…
[Juggernaut Drive]
Out of all the cards I possess right now, it's definitely the strongest one.
The power that can even fight gods at higher realm.
With this power, if I can utilize it, I could even oppose Urizen.
…
And it seems that luck… have finally smiled to me.
"Don't you think that you're too quick to jump into conclusion, Ddraig?"
[Huh?]
"I already found something in the video, but I needed a few, well, hundred times, to confirm it."
[What?]
I then moved to my PC on my desk. I started it up and begin sketching a 3d blueprint on AutoCAD 2021.
After roughly 20 minutes, I've finished every detail up to the most delicate ones, finalized the complete blueprint.
"Here, look"
[Hmm…]
Ddraig looked at the blueprint through my eyes for a good while.
[…!... This is…]
He was bewildered.
"Yes, Ddraig… This is how we'll solve the problem… This, is how we will conquer [Juggernaut Drive]."
I said with a resolute voice.
…
A silence covered us for a while.
…
But then…
[Haha…hahahaha!]
"Ddraig?"
For some reason, Ddraig laughed happily.
[You really are crazy, partner! Maybe this is among the reasons why my hunch of you being the strongest Sekiryuutei will be true.]
Ddraig said with a satisfied tone.
"Huh… And I thought that you would protest violently.", I replied in genuine surprise.
To be honest, I was ready to be the only one to be in this project.
[Had it been an idiotic way to do this, I might… but then, your stubbornness has always been the major factor that rocketed us this far, remember? Besides, this is an excellent, well-thought-out plan. I'm in]
"Hmmm… I'm glad then. Guess we should get started as soon as possible. I'll discuss with you soon"
I then cut my channel with Ddraig.
…
So I'm taking in another cursed power…
…
I then opened my dimension storage, and pull out an amulet from it.
It was a simple necklace, with silver chain and a small, crude-shaped crimson crystal held onto the chain by a Demon-themed bone ornament.
As the necklace was fully pulled out, another appeared on my neck.
My own necklace, but with golden chain, dark blue refined crystal held on to the chain by an Angel-themed Platinum ornament.
"I guess it's been proven again… that the bloodline of Sparda is a cursed one, isn't it… Dante?"
I said as I held my amulet tightly with my other hand, while staring at the red one…
Author's note: And that's the end of Volume 6, quite a twist in the end, was it? After this, will be a small short original story before the beginning of Volume 7. If you have questions for the amulet, it's the combination between the Perfect Amulet from the main DMC series, as well as the pedants of the 2013 reboot, DmC Devil may Cry. Now for the knight, he is officially known as Sangue Angel, "Sangue" means "Blood" in Italian, so the full translation is "Blood Angel". That's right, he's this story's counterpart of Nelo Angelo, the Black Angel. For specific physical appearance, please use my descriptions in Chapter 33 with the Nelo Dante mod, made by some of the best video game modders, Evilmaginakuma. His mod inspired the creation of this character. Now, enjoy.