-Makai world, Monster Lord's castle strategy room-

The Dark Goddess was currently analyzing the situation as she was reading the latest series of reports from her daughters. The apoptosis attack had recently died down ever so little, freeing some manpower for several projects. An important part of it was going to be diverted to Yamatai, as Tamamo's relative absence lead to slight unrest as well as the slow down on researches about these new enemies.

She looked at the map in front of her. Thanks to all the technological improvements brought by the kitsune races, they now had a holographic map of the other world that was updated each time a report came from out there.

Alipheese checked the status of the assets located there and scowled. The Heavenly Knights were not exactly obedient to the Fifteenth when the latter came back to claim the throne. Tamamo and Erubetie were respectively sulking in Yamatai Village and Undine's spring and Alma Elma clearly went rogue.

The Dark Goddess sighed. She thought the Lilith Sisters would have convinced their fellow succubus queen, but it was clear they had failed in this regard. Luckily, the latter had so far stayed out of their way and wasn't trying to impede their progress. Still, she would have been a much welcome asset, and knowing she was roaming around was not reassuring in the slightest.

She looked over the map, and noticed that the war between Grangold and the three other nations was currently in a stalemate. This situation was not surprising, as they were limited to the use of the monsters created in their labs down there. Humans would end up freed from Tamamo's seduction aura if they left the region, so they had to be kept in defense.

"It seems we underestimated the resilience from Grand Noah in this world."

Alipheese looked at Kanade. The slime was currently keeping her company and assisting her in assessing the situation. Several copies of her were also present through the room managing different reports and monitoring the situation at large. The Dark Goddess was more used to Tamamo's or Saja's presence, but the former needed to fully commit to her effort toward corrupting Grangold in the other world, and the latter was busy assisting Hiruko with those rebel angels.

"If only Erubetie had risen up against humans, their supply lines would have been reduced in shambles. Then with Tamamo coming from Yamatai, Grand Noah would have been crushed in a matter of days. After that, the remainder of the world would have fallen extremely easily, and within a limited deviation from true history."

"These traitors will need a fitting punishment once our plan is successful."

Alipheese was aware of what Kanade's intention for them were, the mind of the slime being focused first and foremost on gorging herself. "We will see in due time. We have other issues to deal with first. On those matters, how is project Demiurge progressing?"

"I started working on the ergonomy proper. This will take time and resources, but I didn't run into major issues so far."

"Good. I apologize for asking you this, but until we have dealt with the crisis at hand, you will have to dedicate your efforts toward this work."

Kanade solemnly nodded. "There's also the matter of plan C."

"Keep efforts toward this plan minimal for the moment. The war is still going strong, the human kingdom alliance keeps suffering important casualties, and even if it came to fail, we have several other plans in reserve before resorting to that."

A small beeping noise attracted both being's attention. A new ping appeared on the map, in the western region of Ilias continent. Alipheese tried making sense of the information connected, but could only get that Morrigan met an anomalous situation that required a lot of attention. Kanade eventually gave up.

"Should we send a message to ask Minagi further details on the poor report sent by her daughter?"

The duo suddenly heard several loud delighted moans coming from the hallway, with their magic sense picking an intensive use of pleasure magic.

"I don't think that will be necessary."

Just as she ended her sentence, the doors opened wide. In the blink of an eye Minagi was kneeling a yard away from her mother.

"Did you really need to incapacitate my guards?"

"I apologize mother, but I bring urgent news." Her voice was unusually fast and tensed, lacking her usually cool demeanor.

Alipheese was taken aback by her daughter's attitude. The ancestor of all succubi was known as "Bewitching Calm" for a reason, and seeing her concerned was more than a reason for worry.

"Speak up."

"Morrigan reported that the hero Luka got attacked by the second generation seraph Zion. He managed to push her back thanks to a party comprised of an undercover Black Alice, Mephisto, Eden, younger versions of Ilias, Lucifina and Micaela, and lastly, another version of herself." Minagi stood up. "As much as I am aware of my daughter's brash and unreliable nature even by succubi's standards, I have no reason to doubt a single word of her report."

Alipheese remained impassible. She proceeded to close her eyes and loudly exhale as she was thinking over each and every word of the succubus's announcement. She opened her eyes to see Minagi's troubled expression. There was no doubt her daughter was serious and that the information communicated was right. The Dark Goddess remained silent for several seconds while thinking a plan of action. At the time, she also regretted the absence of Tamamo. The kitsune would have the one most likely to be able to make head and tail of this mess. Eventually, she wallowed back on a comfortable chair and crossed her hands under her chin while looking at her creations.

"I am open to any suggestion on how any of this is possible."

"If I may." Minagi stepped forward. "The simplest explanations would be that Luka's party got the ability to travel through time." She gestured a sphere with her hands. "In that case, he would have been able to recruit those party members before going back to a point in time. Slowing and stopping times are possibility, and both require energy, the latter more than the former. So if more energy was put into this, actually going back would be possible."

Alipheese shook her head. "Considering his sheer power and party members, he would likely either have done that over a huge period of time or several times. There's no way Morrigan would have joined someone if he was weak, would she?"

Minagi nodded.

"The biggest issue then is how did they get it?"

"The being called the White Rabbit? It proved evasive, powerful, and it is not merely breaking the laws of reality, it is the laws of reality made flesh."

"Do we know its end goals?"

"Not at all."

Alipheese absorbed the information. She had to take measures now to deal with the situation at hand.

"In that case, our best move is to stick to our current plan, and keep it as close as possible to the true history. Morrigan is to maintain the storm and to fight the group as they make their way to Sentora. The Lilith Sisters are still ordered to look for a new target that could be destroyed for a new soul transfer that would not deviate the history course by a great deal, and find a fitting way to guarantee Luka's loyalty to our side."

Minagi nodded and resumed her femme fatale attitude. "As you wish, mother. I have already something fitting in mind. Mmmhmmh."

"You may rest at the castle."

"Actually" Her tone became a sultry whisper. "May I invite you to take a short vacation in San Ilia? You look like you could use some stress relief." She looked at Kanade. "Of course, the invitation is also open for you."

Alice looked at the map. Her daughter now had the hand over the matter. There was nothing she could do for now, and could use some time off. She looked at Kanade who shrugged indifferently.

She smiled at the succubus. "Very well, we accept your invitation."

-Angel World, Heaven's temple of war-

Micaela, the leader of the Seven Archangels, was training in a courtyard. She was practicing hitting illusory dummies in the sky with her sword, destroying several that were located tens of meters apart in the blink of an eye. To the eye of the unwary, it was an impressive show of power, but her close circle would have been able to tell that her heart was currently in turmoil.

She was starting to grow frustrated with the situation at hand. Upon learning that the damned Dark Goddess and her hellspawns started interfering with their own demented goals, she wanted to personally rule the matter and murder them all with the intent to free mankind from their temptation, and then eventually place the latter under the benevolent tutelage of Ilias. However excessive interventions would risk damaging the world further and lead to its destruction before they could rescue everyone deserving. And the Goddess was clear: Such a resolution would be out of question.

One of the valkyrie guard came to Micaela and kneeled in front of her.

"Zion requests an audience with your magnificience."

The leader of the Seven Archangels scowled. That report was out of the prepared planning. The second generation seraphim were only supposed to report in case of emergency or if the Lilith Sisters were taken out of the picture, and the latter was unlikely if only one of them was reporting.

"She may enter."

The angel got up, bowed, and went to open the door. The second generation seraph stepped in and bowed in front of Micaela. The latter's nose twitched in displeasure.

"You reek of succubus magic."

"I apologize, I had a run in with that whore Morrigan."

"Report."

"I attacked that damned succubus as she was active in the western region of Ilias continent. As I engaged her close to Mithra castle, she was supported by a disguised Black Alice, the hero Luka, and… a small version of Ilias." She took a break, trying to gauge the reaction of her superior. "I managed to hold them back, but I had to retreat when I got attacked by a trio of angels led by a naked Eden. As I escaped, I noticed there was another Morrigan, alone."

Micaela groaned. "Two Morrigans." She spat the name like an insult. "And one of them is supported by the hero, as well as by an alternate version of Eden. Who in the world would wish for such an abomination..."

"There also was a younger version of you and Lucifina." Her tone became full of anger. "If they weren't so many to support her, I would have…"

Micaela glared at the second generation seraph. The power was enough to make the two angels guarding the entrance pass out.

"Do not utter this name again. And do not let your impulsiveness and your wrath toward this shameless, murderous whore of a succubus get in the way of your duty to Ilias."

Zion kneeled again while looking down at the ground. "I sincerely apologize, I will do as the Goddess dictates."

"Good. This is by acting according to the plan of the Supreme one that we will be victorious. Never forget it, you will get your vengeance in due time."

"I am at her command and waiting for her word."

"In that case, you are to keep on your role of guardian of the rift with your fellow sraphim. Apoptosis activity stirred after we brought in the population of Esta, and the local human kingdom also sent investigators to find out what happened there. They can inspect the town, but none must examine the Tartarus. Should the opportunity arise, you are free to kill any of the infamous Lilith Sisters. But do not forget to bring reinforcements, their underhanded tricks are troublesome, and we have no reason to let them fight on an equal footing. Is that clear?"

"As clear as her vision." Zion finally got up and left the temple.

Micaela cleared her mind and resumed her activity. More and more illusions appeared, and they were shattered faster and faster by the Sword of Heaven. Eventually, she slowed down, bored with the exercice. She could hear someone slowly clapping. As soon as she identified the source, she rushed in front of it and kneeled.

"I apologize, my lord. If I knew you would come, I would have made fitting preparation."

Ilias chuckled. "I authorize you to get up."

Micaela got up, still looking downward in front of her goddess.

"I heard your conversation with Zion. I couldn't help but notice that your heart was troubled. Is there a matter I should be aware of?"

"No, my liege. I only wish to crush those insolent pests that are impeding our progress and defiling your creations in the other world. I regret that I can not intervene to show them the superiority of Heaven, and teach them a lesson like we already did in this very world."

"You wish to intervene? Are you doubting my plan?" her tone was severe.

"No! Of course I would never doubt your infallible plans!" Micaela started to panic as she thought she accidentally attracted the wrath of her lord. "I only regret that these fools are allowed to live and even moreso to do as they please in this world! Their very existence is an affront to the purity of Heaven!"

Ilias laughed good heartedly. "Oh, Micaela, don't you worry, you will deal with these damnable spawns in due time. However, we cannot afford to fight them as it is, as simply attacking them would destabilize this other world further, and I will not allow for it until the last loyal soul there have been saved. As for the hero… I have no doubt that he will eventually see the errors of his way and react accordingly by ditching any unsavory element he currently has in his company." She looked at her first lieutenant, the latter being eager for a new order. "In the meantime, I heard that Gabriela had issues with citizens not giving the appropriate respect to the work they do for the sake of everyone. May I suggest seeing it eye to eye with her?"

Micaela bowed and left the temple in the blink of an eye. Ilias teleported back to her throne room. The gallery surrounding it was immense, filled with majestic statues representing the goddess of light, each more detailed and more grand than the last ones. The walls were covered with paintings of her and her victories over the abominable Dark Goddess and her hellspawns, freeing humanity of the temptation of monster girls once and for all. Having to see Alipheese's ugly mug each time she looked at this painting was a small price to pay in front of seeing her suffer. However, she frowned briefly when she noticed that one of the spaces was still empty. Even after so much time, she still was angered by Lucifina's betrayal. She nearly damaged her great plans, and it took years to properly fix the troubles. Even now, rumors passed between humans about the existence of the fallen angel. Her angels usually dealt with those troublemakers in the swiftest way possible, but the rumors still reached her too many times. And now, in a different dimension, her son was threatening her plan, like a spiteful insult from beyond her hideout.

Ilias smiled devilishly. A plan started to form in her head. Yes, maybe the son of Lucifina would be a good pawn to deal with the thorn in her side that was his mother in this world. The irony of this situation only made it more delicious. Of course, he would first have to accept his place and make penance. Maybe a small stay at Sariela's prison would make him perfect… Or maybe she would herself step up to dominate him and insult his heritage.

As her smile became more natural again, she stepped on the throne's room balcony to bask in the adulation of the followers of Heaven once more.

She was the One True Goddess after all. What had happened was only a minor setback. Nothing she planned could go wrong ever again.

-Paradox World, Puppeteer's tower-

"It seems this hero is more likely to be a shark than a minnow."

"Ufufufu…"Black Alice was laughing good heartedly, as if Kagetsumugi just told a good joke. The small, brown clad puppeteer was busy drinking tea with the Eighth Monster Lord and her teddy bear at a small table. She just had finished wiring properly her latest puppets and was forced to wait before doing any more work on her creation. Hurrying would only result in a shoddy work. Black Alice invited her to see the spectacle of the hero and his cohort fighting the second generation seraph near Mithra Castle. The orb had just gone dark as the hero disappeared into the Pocket Castle.

Black Alice sipped her tea. "He reminds me so much of Heinrich. He has the same passion. His presence will make this party so much more enjoyable."

"But isn't her majesty concerned by the possibility that this hero decides to rise against us?"

"Ah, but when a guest doesn't respect proper etiquette and gets too rowdy during a tea party, this is the host's duty to teach him proper manner. However, he has a lot of potential, and proved an accommodate guest so far. It would be rude to badmouth him right now, and unfitting to kick him out."

"As you wish." She took a small gulp of her tea. The liquid could best be described as surreal. The taste was something anybody could identify as tea, but the flavor was impossible to recognize. Kagetsumugi put back her cup delicately, as she made her best to not offend her new patron.

After all, she had been sidelined for a long time for the sake of the Artist family. And when the latter was banned for practicing necromancy, the Fifteenth Monster Lord didn't consider calling back her and her abilities. Fortunately, another Monster Lord came to her: Black Alice, the one who bestowed her the title herself, came back and gave her an endless amount of resources for her craft "to organize the perfect tea party." Of course, most resources were used for the sake of her project, but even then, she enjoyed crating new puppets to serve her new master. However, the latter made it clear that should she be disappointed in Kagetsumugi's work, she would not hesitate to dispose of her.

As time passed, the puppeteer got up and politely bowed. "If her majesty allows for it, I will take a break from exquisite moment. My work is calling to me, and timing is key."

Black Alice made a dismissive gesture. "Of course, it is all natural. After all, it would be a shame if your work was low quality and below my expectations of you, wouldn't it? Ufufufu…"

Kagetsumugi chuckled and went back to her workshop. As long as she was able to work her craft, she was fine with the current arrangement. Of course, if someone had the same resources available and did not pressure her, she would not hesitate to change of patron. After all, Black Alice didn't care how demanding her work was. She only wanted those dolls ready to fight as soon as possible. After manipulating several set of strings, the puppeteer stepped back and gauged her work. She smiled, satisfied with her craft.

"Yes, you will do nicely."

She got back to Black Alice's table and sat down. The Monster Lord was still drinking her tea, smiling.

"You know, I was thinking…"

"Yes?" Kagetsumugi steadied herself. This definitively didn't bode well.

"Your latest puppet should greet the hero when he arrives on this continent. After all, she will be ready in due time, no?"

The puppeteer almost choked on her tea in shock. Her hands were those of a master artist, and it is only thanks to her long standing skills and innate talents that she didn't spill anything. She was screaming inwardly that her puppets were not mere toys to be used and broken at one's convenience. She however managed to force a smile.

"If I may, I do not want to upset her majesty in any way, but an early reveal would risk spoiling the surprise."

"Ah! Of course! You are right! How silly of me! What a bad host I would make if I did spoil this?"

Kagetsumugi chuckled. She definitively had to remain wary of Black Alice, and keep her puppets locked. After all, her lord might end up playing with one and "misplace" it.