*Note: this happens between chapter 38 and 39 of Volume 7.
Extra Story 2: Death Metal Jackpot.
*Weekend, home*
Another weekend at home, it's Friday today. I've finished my assignments and are now working on our personal project.
One that would allow me to conquer [Juggernaut Drive]
This project has been my number 1 priority in these recent times, and I always spent my free time at home working on it.
The others didn't know this, of course…
They'll reject the idea immediately…
…
Anyway, Ddraig and I have been discussing continuously since my discovery.
But… we are hitting a roadblock.
[Hmm… most of the construction and principles should be applied perfectly… But the biggest problem would be…]
"It's the materials", I followed.
[Yeah, the same high-quality materials that you've been using for the gears you made for the group won't do. None of them will last even a day of usage.]
"Durability issue huh…"
[And that is just when we put aside the instability of this itself went in operation.]
"And stability issue…"
These would be solved if we just have the right material…
A metal compound with a nigh-perfect molecular structure…
KNOCK KNOCK.
Suddenly, someone is knocking the door.
"Come in", I said as I quickly closed my PC.
The door opened and I saw Rias comes in, she was holding her phone.
Then it must be…
"Sorry Vergil, but…"
"Please give me some good news, Rias. And NOT another stupid movie."
Rias makes a bitter smile as she sees my reaction.
"Oh come on Vergil, don't worry. This time, Onii-sama called, he said he wants your help on a problem…"
The problem is WHAT kind of problem?
"… that relates to Urizen."
…
Finally…
"What can I do?", I asked.
"Yes, Onii-sama will be here soon, he'll give you the briefing."
After that, all of us who lived in the mansion, alongside the other ORC members, as well as Alex gathered.
We went upstairs to the VIP room, Akeno went to prepare tea.
We waited for a while, until the crimson magic circle of Lucifer appeared on the floor.
And emerged from it… was Sirzechs Lucifer, the current "King of Devils". Next to him was Grayfia, in her maid uniform.
The former was wearing imperial clothing, but not with the golden garment of Lucifer.
"Ya, Vergil. You seem to have fully recovered. I'm glad", Sirzechs greeted with a smile. Grayfia's bow followed after.
"Yeah, not exactly a fun trip, being stuck in [Juggernaut Drive], but I'm fine now."
We then took seats around the extravant table.
With serious expressions, we started the briefing.
"I've come here today due to Urizen's recent interference to the Human World", said Sirzechs.
"Did Urizen come on his own, or one of his' lackeys was sent?", I asked.
The most probable case is the latter. Though I won't deny that I prefer the former.
"It's the latter case, Vergil. Urizen did sent his minions, but…"
"But?"
"there are three of them, all are high ranking ones."
…
High rankings ones… So early?
No…
Urizen did fought against the armies of the Three factions during the time of my absence, which is when I was still "Takeru Silver", so it must have been a long secret war. Him pulling high ranking ones at this point isn't be a surprising fact.
"So where are they now?"
"Yes, Grayfia."
"Yes, Sirzechs-sama."
Said Grayfia as she opened a holographic map of a massive island system.
Judging by its' appearance… Hawaii?
Grayfia then highlighted one specific location on Hawaii.
They are… at the south-southwest of Nāʻālehu.
"Two nights ago, the three high-ranking demons under Urizen arrived at the island of Hawaii. They caused a variety of unnatural disasters around the island."
Out of fun, that's the only reason they did it.
"All those activities stopped as they created a weather dome that covered the entire area of a 5-mile radius around the Morse Field, a former military airfield located approximately 12 miles of Nāʻālehu."
"Morse Field huh, that place has been abandoned since the 80s, a perfect place to hide, and conduct secret movements.", said Alex.
"Our efforts have temporary prevented the news from spreading, but it would only be a matter of time.", said Sirzechs.
"I wanted to resolve this, but with the chaos that can come after, you're the only one I can ask, Vergil. Besides, I know you want to personally deal with this, as well as any problems related to him."
Huh…
In all honesty, I want the head right away…
But it's a fool's errand to brainlessly charge in. Maybe I'll get some information dealing with the lackeys.
"So what do we know about them?", I asked.
Grayfia then swiped her index finger, switched the holographic projector to another set of files and images.
"We managed to confirm 2 out of 3 targets. The first one is Malphas", said Grayfia as she selected a specific 3D image.
A Demon with a large bird-like body. This body has no feathers and has large, clawed arms with a baby bird looking head. On the top of the back, there is a humanoid body of three black-eyed women melded together.
"Originally, the women on top were three daughters of the first-generation Lord Malphas. The three was seduced by Mundus with power. After which they gave in to the deal and was converted into who they are now"
Basically, a disgusting mess.
Doesn't matter who it is, I'll kill it anyway.
"The second one is… a bit intriguing."
This time, Grayfia switched to another 3D image.
A tall, winged humanoid demon with two ridged horns and purple glowing eyes. Its entire body is covered with dark grey, metallic armor. It has two wings which it usually holds circling its shoulders. It wields an enormous lance consisting of four distinct blades spiraling around each other, with thorn-like serrations. a hollow center which glows purple, purple lightning crackling over the blades. The demon is riding an Elder Geryon, unlike its' kin, this one has armored skin, as well as horns and a metal tail, though it does share the blue-flamed mane.
…
Wait…
I know that demon…
"An Angelo…", I muttered.
"Vergil?", asked Rias.
"The humanoid demon on that Geryon, that's one of Mundus' Angelo demons."
"You know them?", asked Sirzechs.
He must have realized that the others are here.
All the better.
At least… they don't have to hear about "him"…
"Back when my war with Mundus was close to the climax. In an effort to replicate father's combat abilities, as well as my own. I've beaten all that was sent to kill me, so the whole project was a spectacular failure… though it seems that Urizen managed to get his hands on the leftovers.", I replied.
Never would have thought that one of those Demons would be here…
No, I should have expected this, since even Mundus, for all that arrogance, was rather crafty.
"Hmm, this is dangerous… An artificial demon that was made to replicate Vergil-san's and Sparda-sama's fighting capabilities…", said Kiba as he puts his fingers on his chin, thinking.
"Onii-sama, what about the third one?", Rias asked before me.
Suddenly, Sirzechs scratches his head while making a disturbed expression.
"That's the problem. Although the other two was identified rather easily, only the signal of the third Demon was seen, but other than that, we are totally in the dark.", he said.
Hmm…
So what's really going on with this third servant…
Must be a powerful one for them to hide it like that…
Or…
They wanted us to think that way…
[You are rather overly cautious, partner]
Ddraig said in my head.
'It's better to be cautious in cases like this. I got beaten by Urizen not only because I was weak, but also due to negligence. I won't repeat that mistake again.'
[Even then, you were caught by surprise. I'm sure that with proper time to prepare, you would stand a much better chance.]
As I was conversing with Ddraig. Sirzechs then spoke.
"We would like you, along with two more companions, to infiltrate their current dwelling. The minimum objective is to gather intel, but if possible, eliminate them."
Hmm, simple enough.
I don't like being ordered around, but I'll tolerate this, since at least, I can trust Sirzechs and Grayfia.
"Very well, I'll go by myself", I replied.
"I'm afraid that won't do,Vergil. You need two more", said Sirzechs.
"I'm not that weak"
"But you can't do this alone, more heads are better."
Not letting me alone huh…
"Hmm… fine"
As I consented, Rias stepped forward.
"Then in that case, Onii-sama, let us go with Vergil"
As she said that, the whole gremory group, alongside Raynare, Mittelt and Alex stood up.
"I'm sorry Rias, but to do this, even though there's a need of team work, too many people would incite too much attention.", said Sirzechs.
"But!"
Rias tried to protest, but I stopped her.
"He's right, Rias, too much attention if we go out in the whole group."
"Vergil…"
"I'll take Alex and Kiba with me. That will assure both of you, right?", I asked.
Rias was hesitant for a bit, but she then nodded. Unlike his little sister, Sirzechs nodded right away.
"Then Vergil, Kiba-kun, Alex-san, the mission will start in 2 days, we'll help with the transportation.", the latter said.
I then turned to Alex and Kiba
"You two okay with that?"
"Leave it to me, Vergil-san. I won't disappoint", affirmed Kiba.
"Count me in, Vergil", affirmed Alex.
"Then let's get prepared", I said.
[Roger!]
The two men both responded in unison.
Now…
Let's see what you're scheming…
You thieving little shit.
*2 days later, afternoon 4PM*
Right now, all of those who presented at the briefing was standing on the roof of the mansion, with me, Alex and Kiba stood at the front.
We were told to wait for our transportation here.
Why aren't we using teleportation magic circle? Isn't it faster that way?
Suddenly…
RING RING
Rias' phone rang. She then answered the call.
"Onii-sama?", she said.
So Sirzechs is calling her.
"Eh? We have to do that? Why?"
What does he call her for? I then saw Rias stood still to listen for a while.
"I see… I understand."
She then hangs up the call.
"Vergil, can you cast concealment magic on a large scale?", she asked me.
"Yeah, I could do that, but what for?", I asked back.
"Help me and Akeno cast it, your transport will be here soon, and we can't let other humans in vicinity to see it."
Hmm… not sure what our ride is, but since we are at the roof… then it must be an aircraft.
"Very well", I confirmed as we began to cast a large-scale concealment magic barrier. It covered the whole mansion's outer walls, and converge into a dome that is 400 meters high to the sky.
After that, we continued to wait for a good 20 minutes.
After that, suddenly…
A large magic formation appeared in the air, lying vertical with its' front facing us.
ZUUUUN!
A flying object then emerged from the formation.
It was a high-tech stealth jet. The jet seems to be built base on the S.H.I.E.L.D Quinjet in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with overall surface plating resemble those of the F-117 Nighthawk, as well as obvious regal details indicated that it was from the Underworld.
"*Whistle*, so that's our ride", said Alex as he was impressed.
"Admire later, let's get moving"
Kiba and Alex both nodded as we all entered the jet from the backdoor, as I was about to get in.
"Vergil"
Rias called me as she held my hand.
I turn around to see not just Rias, but also Asia, Akeno, Raynare and Mittelt.
"Please return safely, along with Alex-san and Yuuto, okay?"
"Senpai, don't be reckless, okay?"
I patted their heads as I said.
"We'll be back, I'll make sure of it"
They all nodded while blushing.
"Ufufu, please return safely, Vergil-san. We have a date to fulfill", said Akeno.
GLARE.
I can feel the glare of the other girls on the roof.
Whatever, I'm not going to bother.
I then closed the backdoor. In that instant, a voice sounded.
(Ya, Vergil, Kiba-kun, Alex-san)
It was Sirzechs' voice.
"Sirzechs?", I asked.
(Yes, please get into the pilot seat, I will explain once you all are in the air)
Alex and I moved to the pilot seats.
The entire console system is filled with holographic projectors.
As Alex activates Manual pilot mode, all the projectors started displaying data. Radar, sonar, scanners, etc…
"Haha, I'm going to enjoy having one of these.", he said while laughing happily.
As we successfully take manual control of the jet.
BOOOM!
A sonic explosion occurred and we are on our way.
*An hour later*
We had a long hour, flying over the Pacific ocean.
During our flight, Sirzechs explained that this jet was created specifically for the mission.
A joint creation of both the Fallen Angel faction's R&D and the Devil faction's R&D. In comparison to most vehicles produced by them, this jet is relatively none magical. While being the most advanced aircraft up to date, using the technology of both sides, it was made this way to prevent any sort of magical detection, allowing us to have an easier time arriving to Hawaii.
Inside the jet was a container that stores specialized magic disruption charges. The higher ups, particularly Sirzechs, wanted us not to excess any strength to get inside the weather dome that Urizen's minions created. These will create a hole big enough for us to get through.
Our objectives are simple: investigate what these minions are up to; drive them away, but if possible, eliminate them.
After another hour of random chatting, we finally arrived the Hawaiian Archipelago, specifically the "big island".
"We're here. Switching to auto-pilot mode.", said Alex.
We then get off from our pilot seat.
"Alright, we only have one window, as even with these magic disruption charges, the weather dome will regenerate rather quickly. We'll jump, descend, and set these charges to detonate the moment before we came in contact with the dome. Missed that window… and we'll be human barbeques.", I said.
"Roger.", said Kiba.
"Better get going then", said Alex.
I then opened the hangar door behind. As we lined up for the jump, I saw Kiba being a bit sweaty.
"Kiba, are you nervous?", I asked.
"I'll be lying if I were to say I wasn't. for me to enter your world of battles… it's quite pressuring…", he replied.
Well, can't blame the kid, a few days ago, he was still shivering of me in [Juggernaut Drive], after all.
"… But, I trust you, Vergil-san. I believe we'll succeed", said Kiba with a smile.
Hearing that, Alex nodded.
"Yeah, we'll follow you to the end of the line, pal", he said.
…
To the end of the line huh…
…
"Let's go. On the count to 3.", I said.
"1…2…3!"
As the number 3 uttered from my lips, we all jumped from the jet, and dive down to the dome immediately.
"Now!"
On my call, each of us threw the disruptor charges as we are very close to the dome. And
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
The three charges exploded, created a huge hole for us to pass.
As we passed the dome, a strange scenery appeared in front of us.
A forest filled with strange, tall trees.
This is unusual…
Must be due to those Demons.
We opened our wings to decreased our descending speed.
As we landed, we retracted our wings, and inspect our surroundings.
"This is strange… according to the information about Morse Field, the whole landscape only has tall weeds at best, no an entire forest…"
"… of demonic trees. Look.", I said as I pointed at one of the trees.
The two then looked to the tree I pointed, and shocked as they see black, grotesque looking vines wrapping around the seemingly green tree.
I then inspected the tree.
Hmm
"This is… a Qliphoth's vine"
Yes, it's one of the vines of the Qliphoth, the Demonic Tree of Life of Inferno, and Urizen's fortress.
"Do you think that they are spreading the Qliphoth's influence into the Human world, Vergil?", asked Alex.
"That would be the obvious goal since Urizen is going after the Qliphoth's forbidden fruit, but in that case, why in such a remote area?", I wondered.
"You mean that it's more ideal to put it in a highly populated area?", asked Kiba.
I nodded as I said.
"Blood is the source of Demons' powers. The more mortal the blood source is, the better the nourishment, a large city with dense population would be perfect. But as I said: Why here?"
"Hmm… in that case, they're planning something with this specific location."
"Or they wanted us to think that way, maybe this is a diversion.", I replied to Alex assumption.
…
Silence blanketed us as we were deep in thoughts…
…
SHAKE.
I shook my head sideways then said.
"Theories won't get us anywhere at this moment. Let's go, but keep them in mind."
The two stopped thinking and nodded to my words.
With that, we embarked to our investigation.
*The demons' POV*
"So, we have some insects diving to their deaths"
The demoness with three bodies on a massive bird-like body said as she looks at the magic projection.
"Sparda…"
The bat-like demon knight next to her, say that name while also looking at the projection.
The demoness upon hearing that, looks again, she had her eyes on Vergil, who is leading the other two.
"Heh, so the spawn of Sparda lives… "He" will be pleased once I bring back his great prize. BRING HIM TO ME!"
Upon her command, a massive horde of demons with scythes began to march.
*-'s POV*
From a cliff up high, a silvery-white haired man, wearing red from head to toe, with a massive silver claymore on his back, was looking down to watch the group of three man who've just arrived.
He continued to stare at Vergil who is leading the Kiba and Alex.
"Kukukukukuku"
He then laughed a bit as he says.
"I guess I really have to look after you after all, brother."
Having said that, he then left.
*An hour later, back to Vergil's POV*
We have been walking for an hour or so in this dense forest. With my "Eidos Senses", I was able to easily see through their cloaking magic, and located their base.
"Alex, does the location still matches the signal on the scanner", I said to Alex.
Right now, Alex is carrying a specialized scanner that employed the jet's sensor system to read all the abnormalities within the weather dome. This works due to the connection between the scanner on his hand and the jet is based on quantum dimensional transmission technology.
Kiba is on guard duty as he has prepared a Holy Demonic sword on his hip.
"Yeah, no doubt, in this course of destination, we should reach the enemy's base in another hour."
"Then let's keep going, the quicker we finish this, the sooner we can go home."
Both Kiba and Alex nodded as we continued walking.
After about 15 minutes in while seeing the density of the demonic vines continued to increase…
"Hey Kiba", I called Kiba, who is on my left.
"Yes, Vergil-san?"
"The date with Akeno… how should I proceed?", I asked.
Honestly, despite having promised her a date, I really don't know how to proceed. For I have never experience things like this.
Kiba was surprised, but then he realized and said.
"I'm not sure I'm the one you should be asking for advice"
"I heard from the students around the academy that you constantly get invitations from girls, so I think that you have more experience in handling them.", I said.
Kiba then puts his hands on his chin before saying.
"First, I think that you two should go for a drink, then maybe a shopping trip…"
Alex then followed.
"Hmm… then you should take her to a place that is exciting, like an amusement park, or an aquarium."
I took notes of all their advices down.
"Drink, shopping, park, aquarium… okay then, then how about my… expressions?"
Both of them then puts on complicated faces.
"I don't think that…"
Before Kiba can finish…
"""!"""
All three of us sensed a wave of evil, killing intentions.
"You two also felt it, right?", I asked.
"Yes."
"Yeah, I do"
They both confirmed.
As I look behind me to the grounds a bit away…
SLURP
SLURP
SLURP
Multiple small boiling blood pools suddenly appeared on the ground.
"Demons…", said Alex.
I then manifested my jet-black sword, Alex has his swords of light in both his hands, Kiba draws his Holy Demonic sword as he held it with two hands.
From the blood pools, multiple skinny grotesque figures appeared. As the blood dissipates, the figures took proper form.
Skeletal figures with a long dark hood and a thorny crown, wielding massive scythes as weapons. They wear ragged black robes, and have reptilian clawed feet and a digitigrade posture.
Hell Cainas…
"So those minions sent their lackeys first huh… This should be easy.", I said.
We readied our stance… and charged forth!
After less than 5 minutes of fighting through 10 of these hordes. We took our rest as the sky went dark. The Hell Cainas doesn't seem to spawn anymore.
We set up a campfire as we took out a set of canned meals. As we waited for these to heat up…
"We made it through easier than I thought", said Alex as he takes a water bottle in his dimensional pocket and have a drink.
Kiba nodded.
"Indeed, even though they have the advantages of mass numbers, they are weak once we divided them."
After taking a drink of my own bottle, I said.
"Hell Cainas are foot soldiers common to all legions of hell. They have some brawn, but no brain, usually are just best serve as meat shields or annoyances that buys time."
"You seem to know about Demons a lot, Vergil-san", said Kiba.
"Of course I do... I've fought them my entire life.", I replied.
It's nothing strange for Demons to be a strange occurrence to modern Devils like Kiba. After all, father's triumph from 2000 years ago sent most Demons straight back to Inferno, with the biggest doors slammed right in their faces.
In modern eras, they can only go as far as haunting and tormenting the living's will, through the use of possession and telepathy, in order to claim souls. But their interference is so scarce, most modern Humans and Devils considers them nothing more than myths, ghost stories, etc… Eventually, activities that are considered, and actually "Demonic", were concluded to be entirely the actions of the Devils of Christianity, instead of the spawns of the Great Darkness.
Not to say that the Devils do not have anything to do with those activities, they did have their hands on half of those, also the Yondai Maou, the original ones, are as real as they could be. As far as I know, the only reason that prevented Mundus and/or Argosax, whose powers has already reached the Top 10, from destroying the Devils and the Fallen Angels, was that my grandfather, God, was alive at the time. It seems that he still had a soft spot for his eldest son, the original Lucifer. Until before the Great War that is.
"Food's ready guys, let's eat.", said Alex.
The cans have finished heating up, and we all tucked in. I have rice with American steak, Kiba and Alex each have rice with Mediterranean bean salad.
Hmm… not bad, for military canned food. Still, I'd prefer cooked food over this, like Rias' miso soup for example.
"You two have some sleep, I'll take the shift tonight", I told Alex and Kiba to go to sleep.
"You sure?", asked Kiba.
"It's fine. I already use to not having sleeps.", I said as I brushed my hand.
Besides… since when did I ever have a good sleep?
*Back at home, 3rd person POV*
"Have we heard any news from them, Akeno?", asked Rias, sitting on the table in the living room.
Akeno, who is sitting on a chair diagonally to Rias, said.
"No news yet, it seems that they had difficulties sending communications due to the interference."
"I see…", said Rias with a slightly worried expression.
Vergil… please come back safely, okay…
When there are problems related to Urizen, I can only feel worry for you…
*Next morning*
"*Yawn*… good morning, Vergil-sa… eh?"
"*Yawn*… so… how the… wow"
Both Alex and Kiba wake up with slightly sleepy expressions, but they became surprised by their surroundings.
Dozens of Hell Cainas got skewered, bisected, or pinned to the trees.
Three Demons corpses resemble fat, hunchback version of Hell Cainas, each showed signs of being ripped in two.
As well as two more Lizard-crocodile-like Demons got decapitated.
"Good morning", I plainly greeted them.
Both the men looked at me sitting on a bloodied tree branch, reading the book about robotics.
"D-Did you just fight all night?", asked Kiba as he sweatdropped.
"No, only a few waves went in ham for the first half of the night, after you two fell asleep. They ceased at dawn, so I did manage to get a rest."
I then noticed that Alex was pondering.
"Strange… why didn't they go full on when we were asleep last night? Even against just Vergil, they could have easily pushed the fight.", he said.
"They did, but it seems that they were very confident in thinking that sending some fat asses and lizards will accomplish the task.", I said as I pointed at the fat Demons.
"Them? What are they, Vergil-san?", asked Kiba as he looked at them.
"For the fat asses, they are Hell Antenoras, Hell Cainas that have been tortured to the brick of insanity, they are heavier soldiers armed with cleavers as their primary weapon."
From the Hell Antenoras, I moved to the lizards.
"These reptilians, are Riots, bestial demons born from the some of the harsher pits of Inferno. Razor sharp cursed claws that can negate one's healing and make them bleed to death. They also have strong legs that can exceed a hydraulic cylinder, allow them to jump high… That to be said, even their cursed claws lack any real power on strong beings, and put those aside, they are basically ugly-looking annoying rabbits."
"As expected from the Demon killer Vergil, your experience kicks in during these appropriate times", said Alex with a sarcastic remark.
You haven't faced the more vicious, more annoying ones yet, so don't even think of letting your guard down.
"Well, let's get going, we don't want to stay here for too long"
The two nodded as we get back to our course.
After 20 minutes of walking, we arrived at a rather open space.
No trees, no vines, just bare land.
…
This is unusual…
…
"""!"""
We all went into battle stance.
"Did you two feel that?", said Alex.
"It's like… it's running, but what is this speed?", said Kiba.
"No… it's leaping, through time and space, limitedly that is.", I said.
""Eh?""
As the two let their guard down, a red grotesque blade was near their neck.
I flicked my finger backwards to the blur behind it, and…
FLING!
The sneaking demon was blown back.
Still pointing behind my back, I turned around.
"Finally, it would be so wrong if there isn't something like this one came out."
As Kiba and Alex also turned around, what we all witness, is a red reptilian Demon that resembles a Riot, but has red blades sprouting out of its' arm.
"Step back, I deal with this.", I said.
The demon the crouch, it then leaps!
In the open space, it then continuously appeared in multiple spots.
I prepared a sphere of explosive Demonic Power.
Come on…
…
"!"
"Here!"
As I say it, I projected the demonic sphere, completely vaporized the Demon.
"Speed isn't everything.", I concluded the encounter.
"What is that thing? It's faster than anything I've seen so far", said Alex.
"A Fury, subspecies peak evolution of Riots, mutated over time to achieve greater speed to hunt down preys."
"Did you come up with these names, Vergil-san? Because the first ones, like Hell Caina and Hell Antenora, actually make sense, but these latter ones…", asked Kiba.
"Originally, their names were written in, well, Demons' Gibberish, I translated it, for ease of mind. Trust me, you don't want to read the original version."
Because it fittingly reflects the true ugliness of most Demons.
"I see… but that Fury demon… I had a hard time reading it's movement, such speed…"
"That would have been true, had it remained on the stage before its' final mutation to become a Fury"
"What do you mean?"
"Didn't I say that Furies can make space-time leaps? They can only make short ones, so every time they went out of the jumps, they use their natural speed to create and illusion of blinding speed. The reality is, they were just warping."
So they're not actually that fast.
"Now come on, let's not waste any more time"
We all agreed as we speed through the forest.
After 10 minutes of fighting the grunts and scaling the grounds, we finally reached the point of target.
What appeared in front of us… is a massive metallic structure resembles a dome. It seems to have covered the whole area that was once Morse field.
"Finally, come on."
We proceeded to the structure with stealth.
As we were reaching the rather mildly-defended entrance…
"What is this metal? It's like… it's alive", said Kiba.
Hmm? Living metal?
I then touch the surface of one of the pillars of the structure.
…
This is…
"…Gilgamesh…", I muttered.
"Vergil?", asked Alex.
"The strongest metal in Inferno, as well as the second strongest material in existence. Only surpassed by the full might of the conceptual Divine Ore used to forge Divine armors and weaponry of the Gods. This, my friend… is the closest you can get to real-life Marvel Comic's Adamantium."
There's actually an interesting story behind this Infernal material.
In ancient Mesopotamian mythology and the protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic poem written in Akkadian during the late 2nd millennium BC. The ancient Demi-god King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, was a major hero. He was known as a brave and powerful, but brash and tyrannical king who abuses his people. The gods send him a companion, an equally powerful warrior named Enkidu, and their friendship teaches Gilgamesh to be a more responsible leader. He ended up seeking a method of immortality to prevent his own death, having witnessed the death of Enkidu at the decree of the Sumerian gods. Although Gilgamesh managed to obtain the plant that would give him what he desires, he lost it all when a snake consumed the plant during his sleep, which it gains the ability to renew itself by shedding its skin. Heartbroken, the chastened king returns home to his city, sadder and resigned to mortality yet proud of his achievements as a ruler and a man.
After his death, for all the irony, Gilgamesh's strength of his prime, is also accompanied by the tyrannical side of his soul. That half ended up in Inferno, and became a powerful Demon with overwhelming Godlike strength, shared by his original self. That Demon eventually bested by Argosax, who was at war with Mundus at the time, and was completely reincarnated in the form of an immensely powerful demonic weapon. As the side-effect, the weapon converts organic material into special metal ore that we would eventually call, "Gilgamesh". Due to being manufactured like that, Gilgamesh is ironically, the rarest metal in existence, even more so than the very Divine ore that surpassed it.
Still…
All this one-of-a-kind metal…
And this whole base of theirs is still so ugly…
Some lousy architect work right here…
Hmph, what am I saying? Since when did Demons have the sense of artistic? Never.
Well, no time to play around.
We quickly make our way to the entrance, killing every single Demon in our way.
As we were about to walk through the other side of the gate…
"!"
"What is tha…"
Alex was about to say something, but I interrupted him by pushing him and Kiba to lean flat to the shadow side of the gate.
"Shhhhhhhhhh.", I said in a small voice while putting my index finger on my lips.
We hid behind the side of the gate. As I take a peep…
"Search for the Spawn of Sparda. You know where he is…"
An abomination with 3 pale-skinned female bodies conjoined together and fused with a demonic chick-like body.
So that's Malphas huh…
"Malphas…", said Kiba smally.
"He told me to leave the spawn be for now. But even though our task here is done, it still concerns me…", said Malphas.
The Demoness is talking to a large demonic knight, who is riding a large, armored, blue-flamed horse.
So that's the Angelo that serves Urizen…
And that's the Geryon who is the latter's steed.
"As long as the blood of Sparda still runs free… I can't take any chances…"
Malphas then continued.
"Do you understand!?... Find the spawn… and bring him to me! Only then… will the lord's reign be truly realized!"
ZUUUN!
Having said that, Malphas then conjured a portal, and leaves.
…
Left already?
But that one stays behind… to try and capture me…
An Angelo…
…
"Let's take care of that one."
"You sure?", asked Alex.
"It's certainly a new one, but I can also see that it's not a particularly strong one."
This one, certainly possesses strength to match those of Ultimate-class Devils.
But against the current me, it won't be a problem.
"Besides… we'll fight together, that thing will fall."
The two was slightly surprised.
Yes… I openly telling us to fight as a team.
Something that I would detest doing…
For I have never relied on anyone before…
It's not that I detest their help, as they did march into the battle on their own account, the same also applied for this mission. Still…
However, instead of questioning me, they both understand.
…
I guess I need to thank them later then.
We all took a deep breath, before nodding as we came out of the hiding spot.
I then tapped my sword onto the ground.
The sound successfully gathered the Demonic Knight's attention as he steers his Geryon towards us.
We prepared our stance as I stared at the Angelo.
"…"
"To think that one of you abominations would show up here…", I said as I held my head.
"Vergil?"
"Oh don't worry… I'll be gentle… NOT."
As I glared, the Angelo brandished his lightning lance, and charged at us. The battle begins!
DOOOOOON!
We swiftly avoided the thunder-charged blow of the lance, which gouges the ground along the Geryon's trajectory.
The knight then changes his target… he went for Kiba!
SWING!
A very broad swing with the massive demonic lance.
"Kuuh!"
Kiba blocked the swing, but got sent flying, he quickly steadied himself using his devil wings.
"Weak, powerless creatures", said the Angelo.
"Wohoho… So, do you have a comeback for that?", said Alex as he fired spheres of light. The knight took them head on, using his shoulder bat wings as shields.
It's not like Alex was going full power, but to stop the Holy attacks of such intensity with just its' shields… as expected, this Angelo… it has indeed reached Ultimate-class Devils.
"One thought fills immensity…", I said.
"William Blake!? Now!? Wait…what does that even supposed to mean?", said Alex as both of us dodged the incoming lightning projectiles.
"Where's there's a will, there's a way… now let's go!"
We then went for the full offensive.
The Angelo then raised the spear to the sky, and…
DOOON!
DOOON!
DOOON!
DOOON!
A shower of lightning bolts was created and targeted us!
We make various evasive maneuvers as we came in closer.
Suddenly…
The Geryon steed started to burst in blue and purple flames.
This is…
"!"
"IT'S GOING TO SLOW DOWN TIME!", I shouted.
"HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"
The horse cried out, and a temporal wave burst out, with the Geryon at the center!
Shit! We all got caught!
I… my body… heavy!
"Grhh…grhh! Ddraig!"
[Got it!]
[WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!]
Red godly dragon aura burst out from the Boosted Gear, tearing the field of temporal slow down with ease.
In that moment, my body became overflowing with power, regulated by the Boosted Gear Scale Mail.
This has never troubled me in the past…
Having to rely on the Scale Mail to overcome this…
The fact that I'm still weaker than myself in the past… once again hits me hard…
Being freed, Alex said.
"To be able to slow down time… this thing got some horse power!"
Kiba then says with confidence.
"Still, compare to Gasper-kun's ability, this is nothing! Let's take that momentum of his… and send it right back!"
"Yeah!"
Armed with swords, the two did a series of combination attacks. The Geryon constantly tried to activate its' ability, but gets interrupted every time.
And in a moment of a rare opportunity…
STAB!
STAB!
Kiba's Holy-Demonic sword and Alex's light sword pieced the ribs of the demonic horse!
"Vergil!"
"Vergil-san! Now!"
I already know.
[Blade!]
The blade of Ascalon extended from my left gauntlet, coaxed itself on crimson Senjutsu Demonic flames. On my right hand, I primed my jet-black sword.
[JET!]
I ignited my boosters and unfurled my wings, and make my charge!
In less than a second.
PIECE!
Both swords of mine pieced the neck of the Armored Geryon!
""The hours of folly are measured by the clock, but of wisdom: no clock can measure.". Die!"
I said as I violently moved the sword, ripping the head of the horse off.
"Hah!"
I then delivered a kick to the Angelo on the headless Geryon's back, flinging the Demon all the way back to the gate.
The Angelo stood up, its' lance changed shape, became a smaller, sword-like weapon.
But instead of continuing fighting… it ran away.
"Stay still!", I said as I charged at it again, this time with my fist.
But before my fist can reach the Angelo… he got teleported away!
DOOOON!
My fist collided with the ground, created a huge crater.
"So he got away huh…", said Alex.
…
That portal… it was Malphas'.
"A tactical retreat?", said Kiba.
No…
These Demons are too prideful to do so.
Hmm…
GIGIGIGI
In that moment, the heavy sound of a gate of this Gilgamesh-made metallic fort echoed. We all looked to the sound's direction to see an inner gate opened.
I wonder what's in there…
But I can't let this sudden retreat unsolved.
"You two go in there and check"
Nodded, the two make their way into the gate.
Now, back to this…
Both Malphas and that Angelo already escaped, but all the resources are left behind…
There's no way to call it a tactical retreat when they leave behind this much.
…
Wait… could it be…
"Hold on…there were three of these high-ranking demons said in the report… Putting Malphas and the Angelo aside, what about the third one?", I muttered.
Suddenly, I got a call from Kiba.
"Did you two find anything?", I asked.
(Yes, the entrance leads to a deeper chamber underground, there's a sort of a Monolith structure that is placed at the center.)
Said Kiba on the other end.
A Monolith?
"What does it look like?"
(Umm… it's a large black, rectangular Monolith, scribed with ancient Demons' language, and… it's glowing?)
Large… black… filled with Demons' ancient letters… and it's glowing?
…
"!"
"GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE!"
As I shouted in the coms…
A massive horde of demons flew out from the inner gate!
Skeletons, giant insects, golems… the list goes on, and all shows obvious demonic features.
"Vergil-san!"
"Vergil!"
I then saw Alex and Kiba flew out last. Oh good, they are alright.
"These demons, they came in a swarm right as a purple rift opened on that Monolith", said Kiba.
"If they came here like that, then that Monolith was a…"
I followed immediately.
"… Hell Gate. So this is their plan: Planting a Gate of Hell in the middle of this barren land. A perfect place to hide it from unwanted eyes."
And now the summoned horde is surrounding us.
"Well this escalated fast, and bad", said Alex.
"We can't let even a single one leaves this area.", I said.
"Already have that in mind, let's be quick and clean these up now, shall we?"
"Hmph, your funeral."
"Already have one"
As we all prepared to charge right at the horde of Demons…
RUMBLE RUMBLE
The ground shakes violently.
"Okay, what now!?", complained Alex.
"An earthquake!?", said Kiba.
As if it was ever that simple.
I then noticed the entire structure of this metal fort started to change. In amidst of the chaos, the three of us managed to fly out of the base through a hole opened on the fort's dome.
As we turned around, we were astounded by the sight in front of us: The entire fort raised itself off the ground. From 4 diagonal directions of the fort, taking the main gate as the front, 4 massive legs sprout out, slowly lifts the fort up. The main fort somewhat shrinks in size, but remained massive. I then noticed a scene in the hole we escaped from: The horde of Demons, they are… being crushed? Massive streams of blood were overflowing from not only that hole, but also cracks around the structure.
"What is this thing? Did it just sacrifice its' own army?", said Kiba as he also looks at the scene.
As the changes completed in a few minutes, an outrageous thing was standing tall before us: a titanic demonic creature made of Gilgamesh, similar to an insect, with four disproportionately long legs and an elongated body similar to a cockroach. Each of its' legs has two clawed tendrils, putting a total of 8 tendrils, seemingly built with cannons between the claws. The head is bull-like, with multiple metal tubes connected from the main body to the "lower jaw". Its' entire body had several demonic "tatoos" glowing red.
This thing's presence is even greater than Malphas and that Angelo.
…
Could it be…
…
So that's what this thing is…
"Huh, no wonder why the Devil government's intelligence unit was unable to identify the third one. It was concealed as a base and as resources."
"Hmm… this appearance… it kinda resembles the former Bull of Heaven of the ancient Mesopotamian mythology, isn't it?", said Alex.
The Bull of Heaven. When the Demi-god King of Uruk, Gilgamesh, rejected the sexual advances of the Goddess Ishtar, the latter enraged and asked her father, the god Anu, for the Bull of Heaven, so that she may send it to attack Gilgamesh in Uruk. Gilgamesh, alongside Enkiku, slayed the Bull. Some scholars consider Gugalanna, the husband of Ereshskigal, the Sumerian Goddess of the Underworld, to be the same figure as the Bull of Heaven.
Indeed, this thing does resemble the Bull.
Is this one of Urizen's work?
As we were immersed in thoughts, a split moment of our instincts kicked in, and we avoided a mass barrage of attacks!
I then saw the tentacles were glittering with light and lightning. Did it just shoot out lightning blasts?
"Okay, we don't have to worry about the Demon legion anymore, but does anyone have a plan to deal with that!?", said Alex.
"Just continue to distract it, I'll try to find its' weakness!", I gave out the order.
Kiba and Alex both let out their attacks, with Kiba moving into melee combat and Alex went with ranged support. Their assault was conducted in high speed while avoiding the constant bombardment of the Gilgamesh-armored demon.
"Look at this mad bull, prancing around!", said Alex.
"You think that we're turning back now? After all of this? Fat chance!", said Kiba.
I immediately tuned "Eidos Senses" and scanned the demon.
…
Huh… weather interference…
Someone's been taking notes of the Bull of Heaven's ability…
This thing is certainly the cause behind this weather dome that covered this area.
If we don't defeat it, no one is going home.
Come on…
There has to be a weakness to this thing…
"Hmm?"
In that moment, I particularly focused on the scans of the demon's blood veins, which gathered on… the blood clot on its' back?
That's the weak spot!
"Kiba, Alex, we need to attack the clot on its' back!", I said as I flew high up.
Heeding my words, the two of them went for the clot, as the tip of their blades was about to touch the blood clot…
CLANG!
CLANG!
Two of the eight Tendrils that sprouted out from the bull's legs blocked their strikes!
So it has a self-defensive mechanism against melee strikes huh…
In that case.
[JET!]
I activated my boosters and charge at the clot while the tendrils are busy parrying Kiba and Alex.
As I maneuver through the web of tendrils and about to approach the clot.
BLOP BLOP BLOP.
The back of the demon filled with smoke and small exploding bubbles…
SHING!
Hundreds… no, thousands of metal stakes sprouted out of the surface of its' back!
I narrowly managed to avoided the stakes, but one managed to graze through the helm and give me a cut to the cheek.
As expected from the closest thing to adamantium of real life. Such metal that is the result of the power of the Wedge of Heaven, Gilgamesh, altering living materials, can easily cut through the Scale Mail.
In that case…
"Kiba, Alex, with me! It's time for hit-and-run!", I said.
"Yes!"
"We got your back!"
All of us charged forward, with each maneuver, we evaded the Demon's countermeasures, and deal damage to the blood clot. The cycles of hit-and-run continued for a good while. And then…
BURST!
The blood clot, accumulated too much damage and pressure, exploded!
Flesh demon blood flowed out of the spot, like a huge fountain.
The Demon screamed in agony, before fell down as it has lost its' blood sources
As we landed, both Kiba and Alex breathed hard.
"Fuu… fuu… we did it…", said Kiba.
"Haa… haa… finally…", said Alex.
Yeah, we did.
RUMBLE RUMBLE.
What the…!?
DOOON!
"Arghhhh!"
"Vergil-san!"
Kiba screamed as I got hit by the metal tendril. But I managed to caught it and use the ground as my brake. I wrestled with the tendril, with it mostly pushed me back due to the earlier momentum.
DOON!
I kicked the tendril away! As I moved to look at the fallen Demon… it slowly standing up!
"You have got to be kidding me! This thing can still move!?", complained Alex.
As we were about to attack it again.
SWIFT.
"What!?"
A red streak suddenly passed us. In that split of a second, I managed to get a glimpse of the figure, moving at such speed.
A young man wearing red from head to toe, like me, he has Silvery-white hair, and in his hand is… a massive claymore with two skulls at the crossguard?
Hold on…
That one is familiar…
…
!
Don't tell me…
The figure then leaped up high.
As he descended down at high speed, he brandished his sword… and cleaved the demon in two!
What is that sword?
It can cut through Gilgamesh so easily…
Is it also made of Gilgamesh? Or…
No.
No matter how much you look at it, that is clearly a pure demonic sword.
"Who is he? I've never seen him before", said a confused Kiba.
"Did he just cleave that monster made of pure Gilgamesh metal?", asked Alex.
…
The man then inspected the corpse of the demon.
"What the hell is this!? A Qliphoth root? Must be the joke of the year to cover a house plant in metal.", he said with a cocky tone.
"You. You were there that night", I said as I looked at the man.
He then turns around to look at us… no, at me.
We stared at each other dead in the eye.
…
…
After a good while, he smiles satisfyingly.
"Yo, it seems that you have become even stronger than last time, Son of Sparda.", he said.
Yeah…
That's him…
The man who saved me back then from the Shadow, and the one who motivated me to return and kill Kokabiel.
…
That feeling again…
Why does he feel so… familiar?
Like… father…
"I really want to stay and chat. But sorry, this is going to have to wait."
As he said that, he turns around to leave.
"Wait!"
I shouted, but before I can reach him…
DOON!
He unleashed a burst of crimson and black smokey aura.
That burst of aura pushed all of us back significantly.
As I was able to steady myself again, I look at the place he stood. Using my "Eidos Senses", I tried to look through the thick wall of demonic aura.
…
So he's gone huh…
…
"Vergil-san, you know who he is?"
Kiba, who came next to me with Alex, asked as he also look at the place the man once standing.
"Just… an ambiguous acquaintance in the past.", I replied.
…
…
SHAKE.
I can't stay here, dumbfounded forever.
"The weather dome is gone. Let's go home."
The two nodded as we called the jet.
*An hour later, on the jet*
We are now returning home from the Big Island of Hawaii, after a more-than-a-day-long mission.
"Do we really have to carry all this Gilgamesh back, Vergil?", asked Alex as he checked his dimensional storage to see a massive pile of Gilgamesh metal chunks inside.
Yes, before we leave, I managed to collect around half of the amount of Gilgamesh leftovers from the corpse of the titanic Gilgamesh demon. The other half was left behind so that the Yondai Maou's investigation team can look into. Also, even though Alex says that, my dimensional storage is the one that has the most amount of those metal chunks.
Fortunately, this is the perfect material I need to complete "that project". Thank you, Urizen, for providing me with such opportunity.
Back to the present, right now, we are having a conversation with Sirzechs through the communication system.
(So let me sum up, basically you three managed to infiltrate the enemy's stronghold, defeat one of the three high-ranking minions of Urizen. Almost defeated the third one until the mysterious figure came in and finished the job with one blow?)
Sirzechs, whose face was projected on the 3D projector, sums up the whole journey.
"Yeah, and the enemy's plan somehow related to the monolith-like Hell Gate that is still at the crater of Morse Field. Although we did successfully infiltrate the place, we weren't able to discover their plan…", I said, frowned a bit.
(Now don't be like that, Vergil. You along with Kiba-kun and Alex-san did well in this mission. We'll take care of the rest, now set course for home, you've earned your break.)
Sirzechs says it with a smile.
"Thank you very much, Sirzechs-sama", said Kiba as he bowed his head.
"Yes, thank you", Alex also bowed.
Having finished, we ended the call.
I then told the two.
"Thank you… for cooperating with someone stubborn as I am.", I said.
But they brushed their hands to the sides and say things like "It's fine" or "You don't have to do that".
"Well, that was a lifetime experience", said Alex.
"Yeah, even though it wasn't gods we faced, those enemies weren't a joke to took lightly. Vergil-san's life of danger is certainly not something anyone can take on", said Kiba with a bitter smile.
Yeah yeah, I live a dangerous live, like you said.
…
Which is one that I wish none of you will have to have….
*The Underworld, 3rd person POV*
"So they accomplished the mission", said Azazel as he drinks some red wine.
"I have faith in them after all. Not only did they accomplished the mission, but they also made it back without being gravely harmed. I'm more than glad for them", said Sirzechs.
"Well, Vergil is with them after all, had it been just a regular team we sent, it might have turned into a disaster"
"Indeed… by the way, Azazel"
"What is it?"
"Don't you think that the mysterious man Vergil described sounds… familiar?"
"…"
After a slight moment of silence, Azazel pulls out his 3D tablet computer, and started swiping the screen multiple times.
All before stopping at a specific image.
The image depicts a carving picture of ancient time, with the image of a ravaged earth, and on it… a man and a giant Satan-like figure was confronting each other.
"I don't know about the man yet. But if we followed the description of the sword that he carried… then I can't help but seeing the striking resemblance the description of the sword… matches the sword, that "The Devil", who Kanon faced 2000 years ago, wielded."
Azazel says it as he pointed at the sword that the Satan-like figure on the carving picture is holding.
Author's note: Aaaaaand done! Finally, the end of Volume 8. I had to dig through the "Epic of Gilgamesh" again and again just to make the lore explanations more reasonable. You already know the characters in this, so I don't have to explain it. Next is Volume 9: Pandemonium trip to Kyoto. See you all soon.