Chapter 40: Norse Chief God, Odin.
"Hohoho, so I have come to visit."
Odin was laughing loudly in the VIP room on the fifth floor. Everyone in the house gathered into the room. Even Azazel and Alex showed up. My date with Akeno was cancelled. We reunited with Rias and the others and went back home with Odin. Akeno was disappointed, but was more troubled with her father being here. She doesn't even step forward and she has stopped smiling.
Akeno's father, Baraqiel, is also here but she doesn't even look at him. ….It seems the discord with her father is very deep.
About Baraqiel, I've fought him before. He is a strong and disciplined warrior who took things seriously. In terms of strength, he is definitely on par with Azazel.
"Here is your tea.", said Rias as she served Odin tea while smiling.
I got my cheek pinched by her by the time we arrived home. She said she needs to discuss something with me very seriously afterwards. How troublesome…
"You don't have to worry about me. But, it seriously is huge~. That one is also huge~.", said Odin.
This shitty-geezer….. He looked at Rias and Akeno's breasts with lecherous eyes.
"Mou! Odin-sama, you can't look at them with such a perverted gaze! She is the sister of the Maou Lucifer-sama!"
The Valkyrie hits Odin in the head with a paper fan.
Odin rubs his head from being hit.
"Geez, you are so hard headed. Sirzechs's sister is famous for being a beauty with a glamorous body, so it can't be helped if I end up wanting to stare at her breasts. Oh, this here is my escort Valkyrie. Her name is-"
"My name is Rossweisse. I will be under your care during our stay in Japan. Nice to meet you all."
With Odin's intro, Rossweisse introduced herself. She looks different from the armor she wears, beautiful even. Judging by her appearance, she must be in Rias' age range.
"She is a virgin girl where the 'Years she didn't have a boyfriend equals her age'."
Odin gave us extra information with a lecherous face. Rossweisse starts to panic a lot.
"T-T-That has nothing to do with this! I didn't choose to not to have a boyfriennnnd! I didn't choose to still be a virginnnnn! Sob!"
She's already on her knees, smacking the floor.
So she also wants love huh…
Can't say I'm not sympathise with her…
"Well, the business world of battle maidens is also having a hard time. Even if there are those with looks, they are mostly those who are not outstanding. Lately the number of heroes and yuusha have decreased, and the Valkyrie squad has been minimised because of the lack of funds, so even this one was at the corner of the room until before she became my escort.", said Odin as he nodded his head.
Well, heroes of the old aren't exactly suited for this age.
"During the time when Geezer will be staying in Japan, it's decided that we will be your guard. Baraqiel is a backup support member from the fallen-angels side. I also have been busy lately, so I only have limited times I can stay here. During then, Baraqiel would be looking after all of you in my place.", said Azazel.
"I look forward to working with you all.", said Baraqiel.
To guard a God of all places…
"Geezer, don't you think you came a bit early to visit here? The date of your arrival should have been few days ahead. The reason for your visit this time is so you can talk with the Japanese Gods right? Michael and Sirzechs would be the middleman and I would be sitting with you in the meeting…..right?"
Azazel asked while drinking green tea.
"That's about it. And in our country there is a bit of trouble…. Actually there is a troublesome lad who is against my ways. I thought I should move things faster before he does something. That's why I want to discuss several things with the Japanese Gods. Until now, we were basically unsociable to each other and we didn't have any connections."
Odin made a sigh while stroking his long white beard. So the God from the North also has problems of his own huh. Well, it would be natural for each faction to have a trouble or two.
"When you mean trouble, do you mean that you have the Vanir after your head? I beg you so don't start the 'Ragnarok' by yourselves, Geezer.", said Azazel with a sarcastic smile.
"You really need to reevaluate your sense of humor…", said Alex with his eyes half-shut.
Don't bother. Azazel's been like that since he was born. No point fixing that now.
"I don't care about the Vanir….. Well, there is no point discussing it. By the way Azazel-boy. It seems like the Khaos Brigade are increasing the number of those who can use Balance Breaker. Scary it is. But I heard that those are a rare phenomenon?", said Odin.
So it has come to this conversation huh. Balance Breakers. Khaos Brigade is experimenting with Sacred Gear possessors to increase their numbers on those who can use Balance Breaker.
"Yeah, they are rare. But there is some idiot who used the most quickest, yet the most scariest and easiest way by force to make the rare phenomenon happen. That is something that one who is knowledgeable about Sacred Gear would at least think of once, but it is something no one could do because you would be criticised by each faction. It's definite that you would be heavily criticised whether you succeed or not.", said Azazel.
"Like my training with Tannin-shishou?", I asked.
"It is. Rias' report is basically correct. The plan in which you will eventually succeed when you do it a lot. First you gather humans who possess a Sacred Gear by force. It's basically abduction. Then brainwash them. Next you send the Sacred Gear possessors to the place which has strong foes gathered… the crucial places where superior beings resides in. You continue that until you have someone who reaches Balance Breaker. When they reached it, you summon them by force through a magic circle.", said Azazel.
It sounds exactly like my training with Shishou. Azazel then continues.
"These are things no factions can do even if they thought about it. If I, who has an alliance with the angels and devils confronts them and do the same things at the crucial locations, then that will signal the start of a war. So no one wished for that. But they were able to do it because they are terrorists."
So if you were to treat Sacred Gear possessors like that, you would be prosecuted by the other factions.
"Well, it's the terrorists Khaos Brigade's way to abduct humans like that and brainwash them to make then reach Balance Breaker."
"The regular Hero-faction members are the gathering of the great legendary yuusha and heroes-sama. Their physical bodies doesn't lose out either even against angels or devils. They also possess Sacred Gears and legendary weapons. On top of that, they have reached Balance Breaker, and on top of that they have a pushy Longinus which can even slay a God. From the reports, Hero-faction has a strong will not to lay their hands on Ophis's snakes, so in terms of their power enhancement it still is unknown.", said Azazel.
So they have a Longinus that can slay a God.
"What are they going to do by increasing those who can use Balance Breaker, now that's the problem.", said Odin as he drank tea.
He is someone who can handle groups of middle and high-class devils on his own. No wonder he's easygoing.
"Well, this is something which is still being investigated, so nothing will start even if we discuss it here. Geezer, are there any places you want to go?", asked Azazel as Odin put on a lecherous face.
"I sure want to go to the Oppai-pub!"
"Haha, you sure have good taste, Chief God-dono! Hell yeah, let's go there right now then! Young girls from my organization opened up a shop in this town for the VIP's recently. I will invite you there then!"
"Uhohoho! To be expected from Azazel-boy! You sure know your things! Prepare me a big breasted one right away! I'm going to grope many of them!"
"Follow my lead shitty-geezer! Welcome to Japan! Do you want to untie their kimono obi? That is something you must do at least once when you come to Japan! I will show you the Japanese-style!"
"I can't wait for it~ I can't wait for it indeed~!
…
These two are the leaders of their respective factions?
Unbelievable.
I facepalmed.
Even Rias has her hand on her forehead while twitching her eye brows.
"Odin-sama! I...I'm also going!", said Rossweisse.
"You stay here. It won't be a problem if Azazel is with me. You can stay put in this house."
"No! I'm going!"
Rossweisse followed the two and their conversation continued. The rest of us and Baraqiel made a sigh.
"Akeno, I would like to talk to you."
I was at the kitchen located on the first floor. I then heard a conversation when I was on my way back to the top floor. When I was heading there….I witness Akeno and Baraqiel having some kind of argument.
"Don't casually call my name.", said Akeno with a sharp tone.
I wasn't within sight from the two, but I can hear them.
"...What is the meaning of this, that you are seeing the Sekiryuutei, who is the Son of Sparda?"
"This is my life. Why do I have to have you comment about this?"
"I know him. He's a powerful and dangerous being"
Huh, you got that right. I'm a curse after all…
[Partner, this is looking bad for you.]
'I can see that'
"I'm worried about you. I'm worried that you are...receiving embarrassing treatments.", said Baraqiel.
"Don't talk about him like that. Vergil-san maybe ruthless and cold-blooded on the battlefield, and he maybe a bit oblivious even at home, but he's still a reliable, kind, smart, and caring man. You judged him just with your experience on the battlefield. You are the worst. Like I thought, I can't do something like…..forgiving you…..", said Akeno.
She is defending me…
She shouldn't…
"I'm saying this as a father—", said Baraqiel, but was interrupted by Akeno.
"Don't act like a father! Then why didn't you come for me back then!? The one who left Kaa-sama to die without helping was you!"
"…."
Baraqiel became silent with that.
Then I, who was hiding behind the shadow, met Akeno-san's eyes.
"Vergil-san… Were you listening?"
"More or less, you two were rather loud", I replied.
"Ngh! Shameless! For a man to be eavesdropping!", said Baraqiel.
"You don't want to do that", I said, try to calm him down to no avail.
"I won't allow you to see e-each other!", he said as he radiated Holy-lightning.
*3rd person POV*
Akeno Himejima and her father, Baraqiel, one of the Grigori leaders, was having an argument.
Vergil, who accidentally heard of it, decided to eavesdrop, assess the situation.
It wasn't long until he was being caught. In a fit of rage, Baraqiel unleashed a torrent of Holy Lightning to intimidate him.
Suddenly, a bolt of Holy-lightning went out of Baraqiel's hand on its' own. It started bouncing on various objects and surfaces of the room, defying the laws of science.
"!"
DOON!
It came towards Vergil, because he wasn't expecting it, he got hit in the face.
"Arghh!"
Vergil grunted as he fell on one knee.
"Vergil-san!", screamed Akeno.
She tried to come to his side, but halted as he slowly stands up, he was covering the left half of his face.
As I revealed his face, they were both shocked.
The left side has been burnt so badly, leaving behind a hideous expanse of blackened muscle and scar tissue, a ragged gap in his cheek offering the glimpse of an exposed jawbone. It was like half of his face was ripped off and burned with acid.
"GRRHH"
He growled as he suddenly opened his eyes. They are emanating a demonic glow.
He was extremely angry, being hit like that. His aura, slightly unleashed from his body, shook the entire house.
The house shook for a short while, before cease completely as Vergil managed to calm himself.
As he fully stands up, his face slowly healed, with seemingly Holy light enveloped the wounds.
Taken a deep breath, he said.
"You're lucky… had it been me in the past, you would not have survived."
Baraqiel became silent.
"But now, I won't do that. Because your daughter is here. Think wisely next time. You already know what happened to "them"."
Vergil's word implied something that those who are right now living with him, have yet to know.
Akeno then stood in front of him.
"Don't touch him. Please don't take away this person from me. He is someone who is necessary for me…. That's why disappear from here! You are not my father!", said Akeno as Barakiel stopped his holy-lightning.
"...Sorry.", he said before leaving, with a saddened appearance.
"Akeno…", Vergil tried to say something.
But Akeno hugged him tightly.
"I beg you. Don't say anything. ….Let me stay like this for a short while. Please, Vergil….."
Her voice was trembling.
The only thing Vergil was able to do, was hug her back…
*Next day, Vergil's POV*
The next day, the Gremory group… as well as me, participated in an event in the Underworld sponsored by the house of Gremory.
More like I was dragged here against my will…
"Yeah, thanks.", I make a slightly dull respond.
It was a handshake and autograph event.
A huge row of people is in front of us, and I give my autograph sheet to each kid while shaking their hands. The kids take my autograph happily, then they shake my hand with a big smile….
"Oumaryuutei! Win!"
They say something like that to me.
For some incomprehensible reason… I don't dislike it…
"It's the Switch princess!"
Another kid was a fan of Rias. She gave him her autograph and smiled. A strong indication of her increased popularity.
A large line of women in front of Kiba, his role is the rival of Oumaryuutei, Noir Fang, the leading heroic figure of the opposing human forces.
Alex who is standing beside me was about to say something.
"Don't you dare say it…"
"You really live it up… Kaaaa…"
I strangled him in a headlock immediately. It only took a short while before he went to sleep. The kids laughed, but also sweatdropped by the the way, Alex is also a major figure in this show, [Oumaryuu Gakuin no Futekigousha], Blanc Zero, the leading heavenly figure of the Angel's force.
After the autograph session, we returned to the dressing room. Then a staff member approached me.
"Vergil-sama, thank you for your hard work."
It was the daughter of the Phoenix household, Ravel Phoenix. She, alongside her elder brother, the Roasted Turkey, Riser Phoenix, was informed of my identity from their parents.
"Oh, Ravel, thanks."
I took the towel, and wiped my sweat, even though there ain't much.
"It's no problem. T-This is also part of my training! And I think giving dreams to the children of the Underworld is a wonderful job, that is why I am helping! To helps them find a funnier side of you!", said Ravel.
When I first met her as Takeru Silver, she looked down on me. But when we met at the party before the match with Sona, she wasn't like that. She was more hesitant to talk to me, but eventually she became more approachable. I even feel a gaze of admiration from her.
"Giving dreams to children huh… I'm not sure I'm fitted for the job"
"That's not true! All the children have their heads full about you! You are the hero who is the Son of the Legendary Dark Knight, Sparda-sama!", she exclaimed.
"Keep your voice down now", I warned her. The staffs might accidentally hear it.
"S-sorry…", she said as she bowed continuously.
"Don't worry… Still, the kids' pure dreams are indeed precious, they must be protected."
But as I said… I'm not sure I should be the one to do that task…
"Vergil, it's about time to return to the human World.", said Rias.
"It's time huh… I'm on my way."
Yes… we have a job to guard the annoying Norse God, Odin today.
The geezer keeps asking for pervy things. Since he came, he's been going from one Oppai-pub to the next, hitting on girls on the street and doing whatever he wants.
What a bloody annoyance…
"Yes, we need to return quickly. Good work to you as well Ravel. Thank you for today. As usual, please keep Vergil's identity a secret", said Rias.
"T-That's all right, this is all for my learning. Please, leave it to me", said Ravel as her cheeks turned red.
"Then, see you next time."
"Yes, please call me for the next event. If you n-need me then I will definitely help you out."
After that conversation with Ravel, we left for the human World with Rias and the others.
*Later*
The handshake and signature event has finally ended, and after having been dragged around by Odin the perverted geezer for his tour in Japan, me, Kiba, Gasper, and Alex were sparring.
Right now, I'm wearing the Boosted Gear Scale Mail, rapidly closing in on both Kiba and Alex. With the acceleration abiity of [Knight] and Angel wings respectively, they have strong emphasis on speed and maneuverability, but…
[BOOST! X4]
With just 4 boosts, I was able to outpace them completely. As I went for the offence, I manifested both my jet-black demon sword and the Ascalon, the latter in imbued with crimson demonic Senjutsu/Youjutsu flames, like the time I unlocked my true Balance Breaker and pushed back Kuroka and Bikou. Originally, I only make use of Kuroka's attacks to make a makeshift counter armament. But after [Juggernaut Drive], as well as Koneko's Senjutsu treatment, I was able to use it as part of my Sekiryuutei arsenal.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Violent clashes between my two swords with Kiba's Holy-Demonic sword and Alex's light sword occurred. They were constantly on the defensive, and I was constantly on the offensive.
"!"
I then noticed the speed of Kiba's holy-demonic sword increase.
CLANG! CLANG!
I block the attacks that come at me and block the one from Alex as well. I then kicked Alex to the face and send him backwards. Kiba went for my head, but missed and got counter attacked. As I was moving for the end, my foot was caught by something…
Ice? My foot has been frozen.
"It's the holy-demonic sword of ice.", said Kiba.
His icy sword bound me to the ground. I then noticed his sword change from ice to lightning. Oh, so you're intend to electrocute me, clever, since right now, the Scale Mail is rather conductive.
In that case…
BAN!
A pair of red armored dragon-wings appear from my back. Each has claws on it. Unlike the ignited Ascalon, this was something from the Juggernaut Drive that was added to me. I caught Kiba's arms with my left clawed wing and left arm. Alex tried to make a blow due to the opening he found… or he thought that he found.
"What the!", exclaimed Alex in surprise.
I caught his arms as well, with my remaining arm and wing.
SPIN!
I rotated my body at high speed, sending Kiba and Alex into an intense ride.
"Scram!"
""Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!""
I tossed them up to the sky. I then prepared my "Extinction vision"
They noticed the glyphs on my eyes and tried to dodge. Too late!
PIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!
A pair of red laser beams went straight for them.
BOOM!
As it hits, a big explosion occurred.
Both Alex and Kiba fell down, face-first, they were burned, but not too badly.
Well, I didn't use "Extinction vision" to its' current fullest capabilities. If I did, both of them would disappear from existence, due to these eyes' conceptual power. Besides, "Extinction vision" consumed quite an amount of my magic energy, so using it only as laser beams would conserve energy better.
"Ugh, Vergil-san, you're brutal.", said Kiba as he stood up, groaned a bit.
"A bit more and you would've turned me into fried chicken, you know?"
"T-Time's up~! That's the end of the time! It's a s-stop!", said Gasper as he rang a bell and jumped around.
Our battle ended with me winning against the two of them.
"There are times when I can't keep up with Vergil-san's training loads.", said Kiba as he drank a sports drink.
"Yeah, even when Vergil held back with his "Extinction vision", we can't even dodge or offset the attack.", said Alex as he also drack a sports drink.
" Vergil-san, please have some restraint.", said Asia as she was healing them from the wounds.
"Bear with it, Asia. It's pointless to train if we do not go all out to an extent"
"It's okay Asia-san, this is necessary for training.", said Kiba.
Gasper was with a training robot that Azazel made. He's using it for his temporal stasis training by stopping the flying robot in the air with his eyes. I deactivated the Scale Mail and Asia left to get something to drink.
"My power has increased considerably due to [Juggernaut Drive]. But this isn't enough. I need more", I said as I clenched my fist.
"Knowing you, Vergil-san, you'll reach it. Speed aspect alone, even as you are now, you're way faster than I am, the usage of those boosters on your armor just amplifies it further", said Kiba.
Speed is my game even before I have the Boosted Gear. I guess I still got it, to this extent at least.
"Also, your power overwhelmed me completely. Having the Sekiryuutei as your opponent puts a lot of pressure on me, and I get chills every time your fists or swords come at me. Even if you use magic, it's frightening. No matter how many lives I have, it isn't enough.", Kiba continued.
Lately, we have been using this sturdy battlefield made by Azazel and Sirzechs. This training room is in a certain basement in the Gremory territory of the Underworld. Kiba, Alex and I can't train to the fullest due to our abilities. Especially if I go all out, I can destroy a whole country, due to the fact that my Balance Breaker has already reached God-class, albeit low-tier. That's why among us, I was the one to held back the most. It was troublesome to find a good place to train. That was until we got this present from those two for solving the incident with Diodora. This place can also be used as a safe house. There's a magic circle in our house that takes us here. It's specially made, so terrorists won't sense us here. Usually, high-class devils have a place like this. And those who are youth devils get this place as an exception. Those that qualify that exception are those of us in the Gremory group and Sairaorg Bael's group.
"I know this is rude to say, but you and I, especially you, have surpassed Buchou and Akeno-san. We probably can easily overwhelm average high-class devils now. But we can't let our guard down."
"Well, our abilities are known by many, so it seems to be easier to deal with us."
"Putting Vergil aside, you are crazily strong for the standards of your age, Kiba-kun. Only idiots would face against you head on if they are weak", said Alex.
In the current stream of the rating games, the other teams seem to be desperate to find countermeasures to beat me.
They seem to not expected someone with God-class strength to join the games.
"For example, there is apparently a Sacred Gear which slows down the opponents' legs, so I would also be in danger if I were to encounter such a foe. It will be alright if I don't get hit by it, but we won't know what will happen in the actual thing."
Kiba says that while drinking the sports drink.
The speed trait of the [Knight] lies on the legs, so disabling them would cripple even an exceptional [Knight] like Kiba immediately.
"I would want to say that one of Vergil's major weakness are Dragon-slayers, but it seems that your abnormality has once again allows you to be more resistance to that", said Alex with a bitter smile.
He's right, when I gained Ascalon, I also somehow managed to gain a decent degree of resistance against Dragon-Slayers. It seems that this has also been upgraded due to [Juggernaut Drive]'s influence. I only discovered this recently, since this upgrade came even later than "Eidos Senses".
"Even though Vergil-san can handle himself, we would prefer that you are untouched as much as possible. There is also compatibility during a match, so if someone with a dragon-slayer were to show up then we will take them on. Though we would have to depend on Vergil-san for other opponents, especially powerful one."
I would be more obliged if it were on the actual battlefield, instead of being a game.
"W-W-W-Will I be of any use….?", asked Gasper, timidly raising his hand.
"In your case, it's better if you stayed in a group. If you're blinded, you'll be vulnerable to attack.", I said as Kiba and Alex nodded.
"That's right. Gasper-kun's power is adapted for supporting, so its real potential will be unleashed only when pairing with someone from the group. As long as we continue to live as devils, it is necessary to get adapted to team battles, so covering each other's weak points would be an obvious thing to do."
"Well, becoming strong by yourself is good, but we won't know how effective that will be against strong teams."
"I forgot to ask, but will you be a [King] in the future, Vergil-san?", asked Kiba.
"I actually… have yet to plan anything that far."
"I see… but when you do, you'll especially need to be careful"
"When" huh…
You said it as if you firmly believe I will make that decision in the future…
"It would be nice to just plow through sometimes, like how Sairaorg did with Zephyrdol.", said Alex.
"But if a strategy was made to counter that….. We are also thinking of tactics to take on Sairaorg-san individually, but if we were to fight like how he does then we would be…"
"I can if I want to. The rest of you as you are now, however, will be thoroughly screwed.", I said.
"Yes, once you find out a weakness in Sairaorg's peerage, the others will try to exploit that.", said Alex.
Like that, we went to the pep talk about the Rating games.
I have greater concerns than games…
But it might be good… to relax at times…
"Looks like your knowledge about tactics has become even sharper."
Then a new voice is heard. When I turned around, it was Azazel.
"Here, I have some food. It's onigiri hand made by the girls."
Hmm… as usual, the cooking of these kids touched me.
"Looks like you're getting even stronger, Vergil. I can tell that it's the training you've been doing."
"Hmph, this is nothing compare to what Urizen has in store."
"Don't worry, all of us have faith that you will beat the bastard"
Don't plant the flag early.
"Oh yeah, I heard. When the time comes for you to become independent from Rias, you are taking Asia and Xenovia with you right?"
He must have heard that from Asia or Xenovia.
And "When" again…
"Depends, whether I'll come back alive or not"
"You will"
…
"One thing, Vergil. If you are going to become a King in the future, then you know there is one thing you should remember.", said Azazel.
Why are all of you talking as if I'm going to be a [King] in the future.
…
You know what, let's go with the flow, I have no need for unnecessary arguments right now.
"*Sigh*… It's Sacrifice, isn't it?"
"Yes. During the game, there will definitely be a time when you have to abandon your pieces. How will you cope with it when that time comes? Your value as a King will be tested then."
"I don't know what it's like to be a King… but if I were to lead, then no one gets left behind. Unless that's their stubborn will", I replied.
"You are really hard to read at times, but your caringness, despite your constant refusal, is undoubted.", said Azazel with a bitter smile.
"Kiba", he then called Kiba.
"Yes."
"During the game, in the worst case, who would you choose between Rias and Vergil?"
"I will choose Buchou.", answered Kiba.
Good, if he dares choose me, I'll beat him up. Let alone a game, in war strategy, always protect the brain of the operation.
"Other members also need to hold that determination as well. Maybe it's because you guys are the Gremory group, but your love towards your comrades is strong. Your affections towards your comrades are amongst the top-class within the devils as well. That will be your weapons, but also your weak points. If other devils learn that "These guys won't abandon their comrades", then they will build their tactics aiming for that point. Continuing to lose the matches due to saving your comrades will lower your ratings. What you guys need in the future games is the resolve to abandon your comrades who go down in front of your eyes. Sona Sitri has shown you that during the game in the summer holiday. I'm not telling you to abandon your comrades during the real battle. But keep that in your heads during the games."
Huh…
No one knows about sacrifice better than I do…
"*Sigh*… guess once again, another resolve needs to be made."
"You mean the resolve to abandon our comrades who fall in front of us during the game right?"
"More or less, Rias' dream is to be at the top of the Rating Game after all."
"Y-Yes! That's exactly right~!", said Gasper as he still had rice in his mouth.
"I know that it's unlikely for me to be beaten in a game, unless I made stupid mistakes… Still, let's be defeated after giving it our all, while taking on the enemy head-to-head. It won't be right if none of us being defeated without standing tall and firm won't we? We already had this discussion, but I'll say it again, I want all of you to remain tall and firm for Rias… after I'm gone."
"I really hate it when you say that… but I get you, Vergil-san", Kiba makes a bitter smile.
"Yes!"
"That's definitely a cool thing to say. Ah that's right Vergil, Alex, come here for a bit, Kiba and Gasper can continue with your personal training."
""Yes!"", both the boys affirmed in unison.
Suddenly, Azazel has a serious face.
After we went away from the training spot, Azazel took out his holographic projector.
As he turned it on…
!
That's…
"I heard that you've been working on a project that involves harnessing Neuro particles from emotions as energy"
…
I then look to Alex, who responded immediately.
"I know what you were going to say, Vergil, and you have every right to be angry. But whether you like it or not, Azazel is currently the most knowledgeable person about Sacred Gear."
…
I then move to look at Azazel.
…
It was a staring contest.
We did it for a good hour…
*An hour later*
"Arghh! Every time…", said Azazel, frowned as he lost the game.
"You know, I was expecting a big argument and you completely rejecting the idea."
I was completely gobsmacked. He was supposed to protest against my will a full throttle, yet here how things turned out, ended after an hour of staring each other dead in the eyes.
"Heh, we already have one, alongside the current Yondai Maou, years ago. When you about to reach your end goal to destroy both of those tyrants."
"Yeah, I certainly remembered that, you came right after Sirzechs and the other three have lost, what was an already ruined scenery got destroyed even more as our argument intensifies."
"Yeah, it's not exactly a pleasant memory, but I guess that's what made it memorable. It also reminded me how stubborn of a little bastard you are."
As he took a deep breath, he looks at me dead in the eyes, again.
"You won't quit even if I told you to?"
"Is that even a question at this point?"
I gave a direct respond without a second thought.
"*Sigh*… Like father like son, both of you are stubborn. Fine, at least let me join you."
I scratched the back of my head and sighed upon that.
"First Alex and then you…"
"I'm not going to let you die because of the [Juggernaut Drive]'s stupid curse. If you're going to die, then you'll die smiling and happy. That's my promise to your father"
…
You brought him into this huh…
Then I guess I lost.
"Fine fine, do as you wish."
"Well, put that aside for now, I have another request."
"What is it?"
"Vergil, can I leave Akeno in your care?"
…
Didn't we already have this talk before, during my time training at the mountain?
"We already have this conversation and I already gave my word. Why ask now?"
"You probably know, but Akeno hates Barakiel and the fallen-angels. Since Barakiel came this time, she won't listen to me as well. And her relationship with Raynare and Mittelt staying with you is becoming strained. The only man who can talk to her properly is you. –If something happens, please support her. I can feel safe if it is you."
…
You shouldn't…
"Hmm… Alright, but I'm going to need more information about her circumstance"
"Want to hear all of it? –Though if you hear it from me, I would talk as if I'm supporting the fallen-angels side since I'm the governor of the fallen-angels. At the same time if you hear it from Akeno it will be full of hatred. If you want to hear it, then hear it from Sirzechs or Grayfia. Those two will tell you from the proper perspective."
Hmm… they indeed have a closer relationship with her, since she was taken in by Rias after all.
"I'm sure you realized it after living with her, but there is a part in Akeno where she is emotionally weak. Usually, she acts as the admiration of the school students, one of the two great onee-sama who is covered with elegance. But when that is removed, the one there would be a girl similar in her age. The most obvious time was when you were defeated in the match against Sitri. The Queen who has to be the most calm and acted differently to that of the King's tactics."
Huh, she indeed showed this both at home, and recently during the date.
"There will be times when she shows those sides of her to you, so try to do something about it when that happens."
"You don't have to tell me twice.", I replied.
"I know, but this will test your ability as a man, Vergil. It's nothing much, girls will feel safe when you embrace them and kiss them once or twice."
Embrace… and kiss…
"Also, about the [Juggernaut-Drive]."
So now we are going to that topic huh.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to use it until this project is completed."
"Well, that's obvious but it has awakened once, so I'm thinking of looking into the power of the Sekiryuutei from a different perspective."
So he wants to talk about a different path to unleash Ddraig's power.
How coincidence, I was going to find a different approach as well, but after this project, instead of another one.
"It seems you pioneered before me. So what do you have in mind?"
"You also look into that? Heh, as expected from the Misfit labeled by the Gods. Even this project of yours just demonstrated that common norms don't applied to you. Back to the topic, Because of the influence of [Juggernaut Drive], it should be in the state where the thoughts of the past Boosted-Gear possessors are released. I asked Ddraig, and found out that the negative feelings of them are trapped within the Sacred Gear, it seems like they are trying to use the power of darkness to control you and rampage so they can drain your life to the Sacred Gear. But you already know that.", said Azazel.
"Yeah, that's why this project is even here in the first place."
"Since the past possessors' negative feelings bursted out during [Juggernaut Drive], they also gave out a massive amount of negative Neuro particles. By intergrating the Quantum Neuro harvester into the magic circuit of the Boosted Gear, you can redirect and harness that massive surge of quantum energy to convert it into magical energy needed to power the form, without using your own magical storage or your lifeforce. I have to admit, that's a brilliant idea", said Alex as he nodded.
It took me a while in the campus yard to explain to him after all.
"It would have been brilliant, if the past possessor's entire minds and souls are still in there", said Azazel.
"What do you mean?", asked Alex.
"You should know, Vergil, negative feelings are only one aspect of a mind and soul. Since it's incomplete, any excessive harness of power would slowly diminish them away, and there's no way for them to come back. The pass possessors' thoughts are the same."
"I already solve that."
""Eh?""
Azazel and Alex both have their eyes widened.
"The first rule of an engineer by basics, when designing, is to look at every possible consequences of the slightest miscalculations."
I then showed them another schematic from my iPad.
Both Alex and Azazel looked at the screen for a good while before being completely captured by astonishment.
"This is…", said Azazel.
"Wow…", said Alex.
It was then I gave my response.
"A branched feeding loop that employs the same energy to replenish the remnant consciousness of the past possessors."
"But there won't be enough…", said Azazel
"…energy to power [Juggernaut Drive]? Also solved it."
I then swiped my finger on the screen for another schematic
""!""
They are so surprised that their jaws are about to fall off. I fixed the jaws as I said.
"When did you even come up with these things?"
"Yesterday, hours in the workshop, and on the computer."
…
They stared at me for a while before making expressions to give up.
"You know what, I'm not going to ask anymore, you've proven your point", said a tired Azazel.
"Me too", said Alex.
"That means we're all agreed?", I asked.
I need to be sure.
""Yes, we're in""
Great, more brains, all the better.
"Anyway, Azazel you did say something about a different perspective about the power of the Sekiryuutei, right?". Asked Alex.
"Oh yeah, that's right"
Azazel then affirmed himself again.
"They say that the families and people close to the past possessors have become unfortunate due to the curse. That's why if you eliminate the curse…the negative feelings, then instead of the [Juggernaut-Drive], I made the logic that you might be able to attain a power that rivals [Juggernaut-Drive] without trimming your life. For that, you have to go deep into the consciousness of the Sacred Gear and release the thoughts of past Sekiryuutei's from their negative feelings."
Hmm. So it's opposite to my project that makes use of those negative feelings.
"Basically, it's the opposite to this project. I think it's also a good path to take after the project is completed, since the results of the latter would at least give you a better time dealing with the negative thoughts of the past possessors. Ddraig, help him out with it."
[Yeah, that's okay, but the thoughts of the past Sekiryuutei are so covered in deep darkness that even I won't be able to approach them. Also, I'm more into this project of partner for now.]
"The Oumaryuutei, Vergil Sparda, will do something about it"
"Vergil, I believe in your chances. Each one of the past Sekiryuutei was devoured by the power. Your talent is ridiculously high with the facts of you constantly polished them, learn what you lack, and this project you started. I believe that you are the embodiment of possibility that will shape a better future that worth fighting for. You know, it's been a while since a dragon got a unique name, right? Dragon Lord, Oumaryuutei. Become even stronger, Vergil, and surpass this cruel world"
"I'll do it even if you don't tell me"
Yeah…
I have to…
Or none of them… will be safe…
*Few Nights Later*
On a certain night, after several days since Odin the perverted geezer's arrival.
Those of us from the house, Azazel, Alex, Odin, and Rossweiss were inside the wagon of the eight-legged warhorse called Sleipnir. That horse is really big and strong, to be able to pull a wagon of this size.
The ones outside on guard are Kiba, Xenovia, Irina and Baraqiel.
"The Japanese 'Yamato Nadeshiko' sure is good~. Geisha girls are the best~."
The geezer, Odin said while laughing satisfyingly.
Lately, we have been dragged to various places in Japan with this giant warhorse. We went to the Kyabakura located in the metropolitan area, we went to the amusement park, and also went to a few sushi restaurants. We were sightseeing Japan as the geezer wanted to.
Because most of the kids are under age and high school students, there were places they couldn't enter, so they had to be on standby near the entrances.
What a stupid trip. When I looked, all the group members had an exhausted expression. Beside me, Asia is leaning her head on my shoulder and is sleeping.
Akeno, on the other hand, is completely absent-minded, she was emitting an aura from her body which said not to talk to her.
"Odin-sama! It's almost time for the meeting with the Gods of Japan, so please lose that mindset of being on vacation. At this rate you will be yelled at by other people when we return to our homeland.", said Rossweisse calmly.
She definitely looks to be at her limit.
"Geez, you are a woman who doesn't know how to lighten up. How about you relax a little? That's why you can't even get a single man."
"This has nothing to do with me not having a b-b-boyfriend! I'm not s-single because I want to be!"
There she goes, crying again.
KAKUN!
HIHEEEEEEEEEEN!
Suddenly the wagon stopped, and the impact of it stopping hits us!
Everyone lost their balance at this unexpected event.
"What happened!? Don't tell me it's a terrorist!?"
"I don't know! Though when things like this happen it's never anything good!"
Rossweisse and Azazel were on alert.
I heard the cry of the horse. So it means something happened to Sleipnir.
When I looked out from the window of the wagon…Kiba, Xenovia and Irina were in battle positions while having Baraqiel positioned at the center.
I got outside to see what's going on while I started the countdown for Balance Breaker.
A young man was floating in the air, he wore robes that were similar to Odin's, but in black.
"Nice to meet you everyone! I am the Evil-God of Northern Europe! Loki!", he said with a smirk while lifting his robe.
Great… the Norse Evil God of Mischief…
All apart from me has serious eyes.
It seems like they are very shocked. It's as if their faces are saying "No, it can't be."
Azazel flaps his black wings and exits the wagon.
"If it isn't Loki-dono. To meet you in a place like this. Do you have some business with us? On this wagon is the chief-God of Northern Europe Odin-dono. Your action is something done while knowing that, no?", asked Azazel calmly.
"Nothing much. Our chief-God left our organization to get in touch with other factions, and that is very painful to endure.", said Loki while crossing his arms.
As expected from one of the Evil gods… a whiny idiot…
"You are quite arrogant to say that up front, Loki.", said Azazel as his words were filled with anger.
"Fuhahahaha, if this isn't the Governor-dono of the fallen-angels! Normally I wouldn't want to meet you or the devils, but it can't be helped. –Along with Odin and the others, you shall receive my punishment."
"So it's okay for you to get in touch with other factions? That's contradictory."
"It's okay if it is to destroy other factions. I don't agree about having peace. It is your religion which stepped foot on our soil and spread the bible after all."
"…..There's no point saying that to me. Say that to Michael or the deceased God from the Bible.", said Azazel while scratching his head.
"Either way, it is a problem for the chief-God Odin to negotiate with the Gods of the Far East. Then we won't be able to have the day of "Ragnarok". –What is it you wish to obtain by trading for the information regarding Yggdrasil?"
"Forget it Azazel, he's another idiot who can only bitching for centuries to come", said Alex.
Now that I can't deny.
Azazel then points his finger and then asked.
"I will ask you one thing! Are your actions connected with the Khaos Brigade? Wait, if I remember, you weren't an Evil God-sama who would answer honestly."
"I feel sickened that you would mix my opinions with those foolish terrorists. –I came here of my own will. And Ophis has nothing to do with this.", said Loki without care.
Hearing that, Azazel loosened up.
"…So you are not from the Khaos Brigade. But this is also a problem in its own way. I understand, geezer. So this is the problem that the North faction carries, huh."
When Azazel looked towards the wagon, Odin and Rossweisse got out. Odin activated a magic circle under his feet and moves in the air along with the magic circle.
"Hmm. There are still hard-headed people and that's the current situation we are facing. There are fools like this one who come out like this.", said Odin as he stroked his beard.
"Loki-sama! Your actions exceed your authority! Doing something like pointing your fangs towards the Chief-God! This is unforgivable! You should make an argument at the official meeting!", said Rossweisse who already changed into her armor.
Loki didn't even listen to her.
"A mere battle-maiden shouldn't get in my way. I'm asking Odin. Are you still planning to continue doing something which is outside our Norse world?"
"Yup. Talking to Sirzechs and Azazel is ten thousand times more interesting than talking to you. I want to know about Japanese Shinto. They also have an interest in our Yggdrasil. After we make peace, I'm thinking of exchanging our cultures by sending out each of our messengers.", said Odin, replying normally.
Hearing that, Loki smirks.
"…I have confirmed your plans. Such a foolish act. –Let's have a display of powers here then."
Loki's hostility blanketed the whole area.
"So, I can take that as a declaration of battle, right?"
Loki also smirks at Azazel's last warning.
"Take it as however you want it to be."
DOGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!
Then, a Holy wave hits Loki
When I looked around to see what happened…..it seemed like Xenovia swung her Durandal. There is a massive amount of aura rising from the holy-sword.
"Victory goes to one who makes the first move."
If only that were true Xenovia. Loki is a god, someone who's far above your power alone.
"It seems like it didn't work. To be expected from a Norse God."
I look back to see Loki standing there like nothing happened. This was the obvious outcome.
"Holy-sword huh. It has impressive power, but it isn't enough to take on a God yet. It's no different than a gentle breeze."
Kiba creates a holy-demonic sword in his hand, Alex and Irina also create swords of light in their hands.
Loki laughs seeing that.
"Fuhaha! Futile! Even if I look like this, I'm a God. A mere attack from a devil and angel is nothing."
Loki points his hand forward slowly.
Oh no you don't.
[WELSH DRAGON…]
Countdown's over. My Scale Mail comes out.
[…SUPER BALANCE BREAKER!]
-!
Super?
That's new…
I looked at the Scale Mail, only to see that it has become somewhat bulkier, but also sleeker. It has an overall more regal appearance.
"Did the gauntlet just say "Super Balance Breaker"?", asked Rossweiss.
Don't ask me, even I don't know why.
"Rias, I'm using [promotion].", I said as she confirmed.
I promoted to [Queen] on the spot. Right now, Loki isn't someone I can held back.
"-Oh. That's right. I forgot that the Sekiryuutei was also here. You have quite some power on you. –But."
I can see light particles glowing in Loki's hand. A compressed shot.
"It's still too early for you to take on a God!"
I immediately prepared my "Extinction Vision"…
PIIIIIIIIII!
A pair of red lasers came out of my optics through the lenses of the helm. At the same time Loki unleashed his shot.
DOBAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!
The two forces collide violently… but my rays overwhelmed Loki's attack completely!
"!"
Loki was completely surprised.
DOOOOON!
"Guha!"
Loki got hit and was blown back a considerable distance. His robes are decently torn and smoke coming out of Loki's chest.
Loki saw that, and he makes a smile.
"So the rumors of the current Sekiryuutei has reached God-class is true…That one hurt. It's not like I held back completely. This is truly amusing. It certainly makes me happy. So I will have a laugh then. Fuhahahaha!"
So it's not enough huh…
"Takeru, be careful, Loki's power is at the upper echelon of Mid-tier God-class, you right now are also in the upper echelon, but of Low-tier. Defeating him alone would be difficult, even for you"
So I have reached the upper echelon of Low-tier God-class huh. To think that the first time I unlocked my complete Balance Breaker, it was only on the lowest echelon…
Rias and Akeno then came out of the wagon, spreading their wings. Rias is in battle mode with her crimson aura radiating from her body.
"Crimson hair. House of Gremory… was it? You must be the blood relative of current Maou. Two leaders of the fallen-angels, one angel, many devils, and on top of that the God-class Sekiryuutei is with you. Odin, for a mere guard, this is a bit overboard don't you think?"
"A fool like yourself ended up coming here. It turned out to be the right decision after all."
Loki nods at Odin's words and made a stronger smirk.
"Very well. Then I will call it.", said Loki as he spread his robe.
"Come out! My adorable son!"
Son?
I then think for a bit…
…
!
Can it be…!
After a moment of silence… a rift is created in space.
Nuuuuu….
The thing which appeared from the distorted space is…an ash-grey dog! No, a wolf!
A giant wolf which looks like it is 10 meters tall appears in front of us.
CHILLS…..
Such pressure…
So this is the "God-devouring Wolf" of the Norse Mythology…
[No shit. He's dangerous, Partner. Avoid him if you can.]
'Thanks for the warning.'
"This is bad….. You guys, don't lay your fingers on that giant wolf! Takeru, keep your distance from it!", said Azazel.
"I know. It's Fenrir.", I said in a low voice.
[-!?]
Everyone was shocked from what I said, but I understood the reason behind their trembles.
"Fenrir! Impossible, in a place like this!"
"…This is certainly bad."
"That wolf will tear us apart if we're careless."
Kiba, Rias, and Alex understood the enemy and were on high alert. Loki was patting Fenrir.
"That's right. You should be careful. This one is among the top-class of the worst monsters that I have created. After all, this one's fangs are something which can kill any God. I haven't tried it, but it should be effective against Gods from other religions. It can give mortal wounds whether you are a high-class devil or a legendary dragon.", said Loki as he pointed at Rias.
"I actually didn't want to use the fangs of my Fenrir on those not from the Norse… Well, having this child learn the taste of the blood of those outside the Norse world might be a good experience for him."
-!
Don't tell me…that he's….!
My bad premonition then became true by Loki's mouth.
"-The blood relative of Maou. Tasting that blood will also become useful for Fenrir. –Kill her."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
Under the abyss night, the ash-grey wolf made a howl.
SWIFT
A single flow of wind. The wolf in front of me disappeared from my sight…..
[JET!]
The boosters on my back ignited violently!
I won't let you! You fifthy dog!
"Don't you dare touch her!"
DOOOOOOOON!
I swiftly moved to protect Rias and hit Fenrir right in the face.
The clash of my fist created a shockwave that knocked the wolf back.
"Takeru...", said a shocked Rias.
"You okay, Rias?"
"N-No, I'm okay. Thanks to you for protecting me.", she said
The wolf which I had hit looks at me with a slightly distorted face that is barely noticeable.
So it didn't work huh…
"Gough."
H… Huh? I had just vomited out a blood?
when I looked at the area around my stomach… there was a hole in the armor.
The moment I saw that I vomited out more blood from my mouth. Then intense pain comes to me.
"Takeru!"
"Takeru-san!"
Buchou and Akeno-san made a scream like cry.
My stomach is hot… Arghhh….. W-When was I wounded…?
When I looked at Fenrir, the claws on its front left leg were covered in blood.
…..Did he also pierce through my armour just before I hit him…?
DAZZLE….
My body wavers while in air.
GRAB.
My body was about to collapse down but Kiba supports my body.
"Takeru-senpai. Let's heal it immediately with Asia-san's power!"
"Takeru-san! Please come here quickly!"
Asia who is our healer says it while crying from the wagon. She's creating a healing aura in her hands. She must be trying to send the power of healing to me.
"No, I won't let you. Sekiryuutei, even if it was just for a moment you were able to follow Fenrir's movement. This is truly terrifying. I will get rid of you before you become an even greater threat."
Loki tries to give an order to Fenrir again.
"Lokiiiiiiiiii!"
Azazel and Barakiel each released a spear of light and holy-lightning at Loki with max output.
"Even without using Fenrir, just two mere fallen-angels won't be able to stand a chance against me.", said Loki as he made a magic circle.
Judging from the equations, a shield using Norse calculations. The attack was blocked. I could see on the equation a few multipliers to block the attack.
"-! Norse magic! If I remember, their magic is more advanced than the magic of our religion! Just to be expected from the World that has greater magic and sorcery than our World!", said Azazel with disgust.
"How about this!", said Alex.
PIIIIIIIIIII!
he fired a dense beam of light!
Loki used another defensive spell.
DEFLECT!
"Ha! That attack isn't enough to beat me.", said Loki as he deflected the beam with ease.
"Then I will use the same magic!", said Rossweisse as she made a lot of magic circles with the same equations, but for offense.
BIIIIIIIIN!
It was a full-burst attack!
This level of power could probably match that of middle or high-class devils.
BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BAAAAN!
Loki's defence magic-circles are activated around his whole body to defend him, and it easily blocks Rossweisse's attack.
So it's even useless with the same magic…
"Now, it is my turn."
Loki tries to swing his hand to the side…..
Fenrir's murderous intents increased along with it. Its emotionless and cold eyes are directed at us….
Koneko and Xenovia moved to protect me and Rias and act as a shield. They know they can't beat that. Do they plan on giving their own lives to save us?
No…
This isn't…
What I wanted…
Suddenly…
SWIFT
A single light passes through my sight.
It went past the wolf at the speed of light….
{Half Dimension!}
The space distorts while Fenrir was in the center of it. His movement was sealed by the distortion.
-But soon it bites and tears apart the distortion made in the space with its fangs.
A white armored figure descends down between us and the wolf.
"Takeru Silver, are you okay?"
"Vali….."
The one that appeared in front of us is the Hakuryuukou Vali
So he's here huh…
"Oy oy, was the Dragon Lord wounded?", said Bikou, riding his golden cloud.
"-! Oh my, so it's the Hakuryuukou huh!", said Loki as he smiled happily.
"How do you do, God of Evil Loki-dono. I am the Hakuryuukou Vali. –I came here to eliminate you.", said Vali.
After hearing Vali's declaration of war, Loki made a stronger smile...
"I am satisfied after seeing the Two-Heavenly dragons. –I will retreat for today!", said Loki as he brought Fenrir back to him.
He then turned his robe and made a big distortion, enveloping himself and Fenrir.
"But, on the day of meeting the Gods of this country! I will come here once again! Odin! Next time, Fenrir and I will definitely tear the chief-God's throat!", said Loki as he vanished.
My mind then went off…
*Later*
…When I woke up, I was being healed by Asia.
A warm green light envelops me, and it took away the pain in my stomach completely.
"…Asia, thank you."
I thanked Asia while looking in her eyes. Because I woke, Asia sheds a tear.
"Vergil-san! I'm so glad!"
I then patted her head.
"You really are helpless without me…", I said.
"…..Senpai, I'm glad you are safe."
So Koneko also stayed with me. Since her hands are covered with ki, she must have been further strengthening the supernatural healing factor within me.
"Thank you, Koneko."
I pat Koneko-chan on her head.
"…..Nyaa. Senpai…"
"Yeah. I'm okay now. –And where are the others?"
Only me, Asia, and Koneko are inside the wagon.
"Rias-oneesama is talking outside with everyone. ….Also Hakuryuukou-san as well."
-!
That's right. Vali appeared at the end of the battle against Loki.
I got up immediately and left the wagon. It had already descended to the ground, and it was in the park near the Kuou Academy. Since it's still night, there is no presence of people.
I walked towards the location of the others.
I then heard Vali's voice.
"To make Odin's meeting successful, you will need to take down Loki correct?"
Vali says it without hesitation after looking around.
"You won't be able to fend off Loki and Fenrir with just these members. And also because of the Hero-faction's attacks, the Underworld, Heaven, and Valhalla are in a ruckus. So they won't be able to send more people to your aid."
No one can argue back against his claim.
My eyes and Vali's eyes met. Vali makes a bitter smile, and everyone looks at me after seeing where Vali was looking.
"Takeru! Are your wounds okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay now. More than that…."
I looked at Vali. When I looked, Bikou and Arthur, the Holy-King sword wielder, were behind him. And also Kuroka as well. It seemed like they were looking at our response.
Good, then I'll give them a straight one.
"You can't beat Loki, Vali. Not with your current degree."
"I know. It's unfortunate but even the current me won't be able to take on Loki and Fenrir at the same time."
I knew it.
"But..."
He then looks at me.
"It's a different story if the Two-Heavenly dragons were to join forces."
[-!]
Everyone became shocked at Vali's suggestion. Though, Vali's group aren't even shocked.
Vali continued.
"For this battle, I'm saying I don't mind fighting alongside Takeru Silver."
Author's note: An invention that will harness the negative energy of the past possessors to empower Vergil's vision of [Juggernaut Drive]! Also, if you're curious about the Super Balance Breaker, it's basically an enhanced Boosted Gear Scale Mail, with the appearance of a decently more regal version of Issei's Cardinal Crimson Promotion, the true [Queen] form that is. I have a different design for Vergil's True [Queen], so stay tune. Next chapter: The mutual front.