Chapter 241 - Dragon Unification

Baator, Chthonian Empire, Augustgrad

Augustgrad was a majestic city, filled with high-rise buildings and gothic architecture, creating a unique feeling of the city.

At the center of the city, there was an enormous pyramid that served as one of the Headquarters of the Imperialis Militarum.

"Elder Crom Cruach, what have I thank for your visit?"

Asked Lord General Albion Gwider as his 6th Army Draco Aetherna was stationed at the City of the Augustgrad. Albion in his human form looked like a handsome middle-aged man, with draconic features such as draconic eyes, white scales around his hands a some on his face. Over his head, he had two horns, as they stood there proudly among his shining white long hair.

"I think it may be time to unify all dragon factions that are existing at the Draconic Deus under the banner of the Chthonian Empire. Most dragons are either living as hermits or in isolated flocks and when I think about the things that are about to come, I don't want our kind to die a meaningless death."

Stated Crom Cruach.

"Many of them won't listen... unless the Empire has either Ophis or Great Red on their side."

Answered Albion.

Dragons were arrogant creatures, and even though Empire had several powerhouses on the level of Ophis and Great Red, they are not dragons, and there would be a lot of dragons, especially those at the Immemorial Level 2 or Immemorial Level 3 that won't listen.

"You should be aware that gaining Infinite Dragon God is impossible as it is destined to be devoured by his Imperial Majesty... The Law of Void is surely irresistible. And Great Red is an obstacle that needs to be overcome, the guardian of the Dimensional Gap... but in the end, we don't need them."

Said Crom Cruach with a grin as he released a bit of his aura, as Albion's eyes widened in shock.

"An Elder Dragon and I sense Laws comprehended..."

Now that Crom Cruach has reached Elder Dragon Class he was an extremely fearsome fighter. Compared to Ophis or Great Red, Crom Cruach was far superior to both of them. He had comprehended Law of Fire and Law of Darkness, and he had a very high amount of Mastery over them.

Ophis lacked any of that, and while Great Red had some control over his Law of Dreams, its combat experiences were seriously lacking compared to battle-maniac such as Crom Cruach.

"So... who will you visit at first?"

Asked Albion as he deeply looked at Crom Cruach.

"Currently largest dragon flocks outside control and allegiance of the Empire, are dragon flocks of Fafnir, Midgardsormr and former Vritra's flock. After we absorb all these three flocks are absorbed and this reached ears of all dragons across many Dimensional Worlds, countless of them would come and join."

Presented Crom Cruach his plan for the so-called draconic unification.

"Vritra's flock shouldn't be any problem, as they are hiding and licking their wounds after Yahweh raided them. Fafnir and Midgardsormr could be a problem, the location of Fafnir is kept as secret after he was revived by Asgardian Gods, and Midgardsormr's location is unknown. If possible it would be good to revive Vritra, his unique abilities would come in handy."

Said Crom Cruach.

"Any news about the latest holder of the Boosted Gear? Ddraig was Heavenly Dragon with the potential to reach Elder Dragon same as you Albion. Unfortunately, last holders were avoiding Empire or were already recruited by other factions."

Asked Crom Cruach after a while as Albion grimaced hearing the name of his rival. Though, he could at least boast that he got revived and had the proper body for almost a decade, while Ddraig was still locked in the Sacred Gear.

"I have got information from the Department of Intelligence that Boosted Gear has been reincarnated somewhere on the Earth, but it is still not awakened, what is weird, as it has reincarnated around 13 years ago, so there are two possibilities. Either someone is blocking it and hiding it, or the host is worthless and didn't manage to awaken the Sacred Gear, meaning he will never awaken it without outside help. I have proposed to the Execution Temple to search for possible candidates and use Independent Class Card to reincarnate them as devils to see if they have it, if not we can always kill them and take just their Sacred Gears if they have any."

Usually, those with high potential or rather a high Soul Aptitude will awaken their Sacred Gears within their early years, while those with very high, will awaken it the moment they are born. Those who lesser Soul Aptitude will awaken it during their childhood around years 6 to 12, while those with weak Soul Aptitude will awaken it in between years 13 to 20, but chances for that are close to zero.

Then there are people with Soul Aptitude of Level 2 or lesser, that won't awaken it in a lifetime without some outside intervention.

If Boosted Gear was with such a person, then it would be for the Execution Temple to find him by using the method of trial and error.

Recruiting Ddraig would be very beneficial for the Empire, as every individual that has the potential to become a higher form of existence, is always needed. Across the Astral Boundary, only Warlock Monarchs and those of higher ranks or their equivalents could have some stable foothold in the universe.

"That would be probably our only chance. Hopefully, it will be done before the final plan starts."

Stated Crom Cruach as Albion nodded in agreement.

Before the final plan starts.

After that, everything across the Dimensional Gap would be meaningless.

If someone survived that thing, then they would be either destroyed or enslaved by stronger factions from the Astral Boundary.

"Then I will depart to visit our dragon friends and get them to our side... it would be a shame if they all died during that..."

Chapter 242 - Kuoh Town (1)

The Year 2020, Earth, Japan, Kuoh Town

Kuoh Town was like any other ordinary town across not only Japan but the entire world. It was rather a small town, with a population numbering in several tens of thousands.

At the first glance everything seemed to be ordinary and boring... only the guise of the fact that Kuoh Town was the only city under the direct control of the Chthonian Empire in Japan, and entire Asia.

Chthonian Empire bought this town from the Shinto Pantheon at an outrageous price, but in the end, Chthonian Empire obtained a foothold in Japan, from which they could keep eye on their alliance with Shinto.

Even though they were allies, Imperial stance towards the Shinto Pantheon was still cautious, as they were not in the Eternal Alliance like the Spirit Hall, so there was still space for betrayal or some other kind of shady deal.

The current Imperial Overseer was someone of a rather prestigious identity.

Cleria Belial, Colonel-Commissar of the Commissariat, sister of one of the commanding Tribunes of the Adeptus Custodes, Diehauser Belial, and second wife of the Crown Prince of the Chthonian Empire, Sirzechs Gremory-Lucifer.

She also bore the title of the Imperial Lord and Chthonian Eques.

She was at the Satan-Class of the initial stage, and as many of the House of Belial that was Chthonian Lord House, she mastered countless martial arts and was certified weapon master, coupled with her Clan Trait Worthless made her extremely fearsome fighter in close combat.

Cleria Belial was a young-looking woman, that looked around in her early twenties, with short gray hair and gray eyes.

"My Lady, Lady Sitri and Lady Gremory are waiting for you, should I send them in?"

Asked her attendant that was dressed in standard uniform for members of the Commissariat.

"Send them in, they are probably bringing reports about the development of the territory."

Ordered Cleria, as her attendant nodded and went to call in the guests.

Soon enough both of them entered the room.

During these two years, Rias didn't change a lot in terms of appearance, but the aura around her changed, not only because she reached Ultimate-Class, but her entire demeanor has changed greatly.

After Rias entered the room, a second person that was accompanying her entered.

It was Sona Sirti, a sister of the first wife of Crown Prince of the Chthonian Empire and heir to the House of Sitri that was bore the title of Chthonian Lord. She was a young bespectacled woman with a slim figure, black hair styled in a short bob cut, and violet eyes.

As, Rias entered even though unwillingly the Execution Temple, Sona was gifted with very bright and strategical thinking, so she entered Navis Imperialis and was especially talented in Voidfleet Battles, as she was already decorated commanding officer during the war with natives of the Earthern Plane's galaxies.

"Lady Belial."

Both of them bowed slightly as they greeted Cleria, as she had much higher social standing than both of them, but most importantly her personal strength was at the Satan-Class, while Rias was only initial Ultimate-Class and Sona were at the later stages of the Grand-Class.

"Sit, what news do you have for me?"

Asked Cleria as she tipped something on the arcanotech tablet.

While Cleria was the Imperial Overseer of the Kuoh Town, real management of the town wasn't done by her, but by Rias and Sona as it was an opportunity to learn something about the management of the territory.

In the future, Navis Imperialis would task its officers with managing conquered territory until the Magisterium of Domestic Affairs and Territorial Management won't dispatch anyone, so this was a great opportunity for Sona to learn to manage the town and population.

"There are suspicious movements from the sub-faction of Fallen Angels of Grigori under command of Kokabiel, several of the Fallen Angels are currently hiding in the Kuoh Town, but we cannot locate them. From the message from Lady Kuroka, even some elements in Church are in contact with Fallens, and apparently, remains of Nilrem are heading towards Japan."

Stated Sona the information she got.

Nilrem was ruthlessly hunted down by Prince Elect Vali Lucifer, who personally killed Euclid Lucifuge by severing his head and displaying it on the spike, and slaughtered thousands of human magicians and even more those who were affiliated with Nilrem, everything in the Holy Name of Father of all Devils the Khaos Brigade marched.

"This could be problematic... I will need to contact higher-ups for decisions about what to do. This way Kuoh may become a battlefield between Empire and renegades."

Stated Cleria in a serious voice.

"That is not unfortunately all. There are at least two other factions that are moving this way, one of them is Utsusemi Agency and the other are Wizards of Oz. The element that binds them all together is Kokabiel, but there are signs that there is someone behind him, that is moving pieces."

Said Rias after a short time.

Utsusemi Agency was formed by outcast members of the Five Principal Clans and was rather a strong faction, as Five Principal Clans were groomed by Shinto Faction and had no shortage of Ultimate-Class powerhouses, probably more than twenty and several comparable to Satan-Class.

Utsusemi Agency even had access to several Sacred Gears and some strong artifacts.

While Wizards of Oz were nothing new to the Chthonian Empire.

It was an association of magicians who had split up from Grauzauberer, creating a realm in the Dimensional Gap in order to study and enhance their magic or rather hide as their leaders, successfully cheated Magister Mephisto Pheles out of some magic books and knowledge by the huge amount of luck, and since then Empire was searching for their trails, but they were really good at hiding.

"Wizards of Oz... that could be good, as the rats finally left their holes and came to the rattenfänger."

Said Cleria with a wide grin as she thought over this.

Chapter 243 - Kuoh Town (2)

"And there is one more disturbing thing."

Said Rias after a short time of consideration.

"What?"

Asked Cleria as she looked at her.

"Hero Faction is on the move once again."

Hero Faction is a group of rather strong humans, most of them were at the Ultimate-Class and had Sacred Gears and inherited souls of their ancestors, Heroes. It is a faction that solely consists of humans, and all of them had some specialists to them, like already mentioned Sacred Gears, bearers of the Holy Swords or Demonic Swords, and some of them had even Logninuses.

It was created to fight against supernatural existences and protect humanity from them, or rather is goal was to kill everything supernatural. They operated only on the Earth and fought against monsters or even other factions.

"During their last attempt to attack forces of the Empire on Earth, they came across of Imperial Prince Elect, who killed several their members and sent rest of them fleeting, but due to Longinus Dimensional Lost they were able to survive. Afterward, a sleeping agent among them Arthur Pendragon managed to obtain all crucial information about their faction, hidden members, and their exact strength before he deserted. That happened one year ago, a week ago, I have captured one human magician that was affiliated with Hero Faction and after some interrogation, he spilled everything he knew about their recent movements."

Stated Rias proud of herself that she obtained crucial information for the Empire.

"What did you find out?"

Asked Cleria seriously.

"They are preparing for some kind of large-scale ritual to obtain some higher form of power. Though this time, it is apparently well planned and everything. I have already reported this situation to the Intelligence Department and Execution Temple, so they could start searching for them. Unfortunately, the one I have interrogated was just a grunt that was supposed to bring some magic tomes, but my understanding of Magic is limited so I cannot decipher them, but I can see that they are of the Mysticism branch."

Even Cleria was surprised to hear that.

Mysticism was a very obscure branch of magic, and not many even across the entire Chthonian Empire delved deep into it.

Even the Emperor of the Chthonian Empire was only a Master of the Mysticism with all of the time he spent on researching it and his talent for magic.

Mysticism revolved around various obscure rituals and the most complicated and profound secrets of the Arcane.

Even in the Dresden Arcanum Empire, a number of Mysticism Masters could be counted on one hand. Chthonian Empire had one Master in Emperor, and several Experts and Adepts.

"It should be for Georg Faust, from information available on him, he was a pupil of Lord Magister Mephisto Pheels before he went rogue, by Imperial Decree he is targeted as only for capture alive. Even as a human, his mastery over magic eclipses out many young geniuses of the Chthonian Empire, not to mention he also possesses a Longinus Dimensional Lost. Imperial Father wants to personally recruit him if possible..."

Cleria nodded in agreement with Rias's statement.

"I will send this tome to Magisterium of Arcane and Magic Research so they could figure out what ritual are they preparing for. I will also notify HQ of the Imperialis Militarum to send some support to guard the Kuoh Town, if it is attacked by forces we cannot handle."

Stated Cleria.

"Whom do you think Empire would send?"

Asked Sona this time, as it was crucial information, as based on the person they would send their lives here could drastically change.

"Probably Khaos Brigade or Sardaukar forces."

Stated Cleria plainly as both of them shuddered a bit.

Both of them were so-called non-standard forces of the Imperialis Militarum, the Elites of the Elites. They didn't fall under the standard chain of command but answered only to the Emperor.

Khaos Brigade was infamous across entire Draconic Deus, while Sardaukar Force was a newly established military force, in nature similar to the Khaos Brigade, its commander was Arthur Pendragon, who along with the entire Pendragon Family pledged their allegiance to the Chthonian Empire for returned sword Excalibur to them and also awakening their draconic lineage.

Sardaukar Force were similar zealots like Khaos Brigade, and all of them were swordsmen, the best one recruited across the entire Chthonian Empire from all branches of the Empire.

"What about Boosted Gear, did you find anything?"

Asked Cleria shortly after.

"Across Japan, there are tens of candidates with an aura that is similar to Sacred Gear. Lady Kuroka has assigned to my Class Servant Peerage her younger sister, so she could cleanly search through the Kuoh Town, as several of such aura are noted to be here. Up until now, we have found around 3 possible targets in Kuoh Town. Unfortunately, we are searching for someone who is not capable of awakening the Sacred Gear by himself, meaning it makes our job very hard."

Asnwered Rias her findings.

"After you find the host, it will be up to you to negotiate with Ddraig... hopefully, the possible host would be someone that dragon would despise... it would make your job easier."

Indeed it would.

"One of the people is such person, if he is the holder of the Boosted Gear, then I believe I should be able to persuade Ddraig within few months, without the assistance of the Elder Crom Cruach."

Dragons were prideful creatures.

Even Elder Dragon Crom Cruach had a lot of trouble negotiating with dragons to join the Empire without beating them black and blue.

"Excellent, then report me after you have finished the task."

Stated Cleria as both Sona and Rias stood up and after a small bow, they left the room, Cleria tipped something on the arcanotech tablet she was playing with.

"Connect me to the Lord General Matrix. I have a message for his Imperial Holiness, about his daughter, I think he will be satisfied with her growth."

Chapter 244 - Sardaukar Forces

MC POV

Baator, Chthonian Empire, Salusa City

Salusa City was one of the Major Cities in the Chthonian Empire and one of the last that would be built before the last plan happens.

It was also a city, where elite forces of the Imperialis Militarum, Sardaukar Forces were trained and stationed.

I currently went here to have an inspection of the Salusa City and to take a look at the Sardaukar Forces. Like the Khaos Brigade, Sardaukar Forces were all of the Grand-Class, and their specialization was the swordfight.

Each Sardaukar soldier had mastery over standard Sardaukar Sword style at Master Rank, and additionally, all of them were required to learn at least two additional sword styles and master them to Expert rank, and have dual-wield at least Adept rank.

"Your Imperial Majesty."

Greeted me commander of the Sardaukar Forces, Arthur Pendragon. He was a handsome young man with blond hair with a strand of hair across his face, clothed in standard white runic armor of the Sardaukar Forces.

"Your Imperial Majesty."

Shouted all 30,000 members of the Sardauker Forces as they knelt before me. All of them wore the same white runic armor, similar to that of Arthur, just a less declared.

Runic Armors of the Sardaukar Forces were but special compared to standard armor of the soldiers of Imperialis Militarum. These runic armors were downgraded versions of the Runic Battle Armor of the Custodians, meaning all of them had an in-built personal shield generator inside them.

PSG, or the personal shield generator, was an arcanotech device, that was capable of absorbing incoming energy attacks, and storing them inside special containers. Subsequently, this energy stored, is used by PSG to power itself up practically indefinitely and also, could be used by the user to power up his attacks or enhance his physical capabilities.

Each of these Runic Armors was Mid-Grade Artifacts, so they were incredibly precious in such large numbers even in the Astral Boundary. Usually, not even large factions in the Astral Boundary cannot afford to arm all of their soldiers with such armor and weaponry.

I could as I didn't really create any resource reserves, everything that was obtained was instantly used, so the Empire could grow stronger. We could store treasures and resources after the Chthonian Empire has established itself in the Astral Boundary.

"I am especially pleased with the current state of the Sarduakar Forces, they would become the pride of the Chthonian Empire."

I said to Arthur, who bowed in gratitude.

"I have a mission for you Arthur. I the next few days, Sarduakar Forces will ambush the supply line of the Evies in the Ratan Plane in the Dimensional Gap. The number of Evies soldiers that are coming there is around 250,000 and most of them are of the High-Class. Your mission is to leave none alive, of course, you will get the support of the Navy and I will dispatch some powerhouses under the leadership of Elder Zekram Bael in case powerhouses of Evies appeared."

I stated as Arthur's expression remained unchanged.

"I will complete the mission."

Even though Sardaukar have a numerical disadvantage, Evies in nature fought more with energy-based weaponry, which was mostly ineffective against Sardauakar Forces due to the special nature of their Runic Armors.

During the past years, skirmishes with Evies and Etouldes have become more brutal and common, now even on the larger scale as armies were commonly used.

I had a good idea about the strength of the two races that were waging war against each other for a very long time.

Suddenly as I was talking with Arthur, my Holo-Brain lit up with an incoming call request.

Holo-Brains were special Arcanotech devices, invited based on the technology of the Solar Federation. They had the shape of the bracelet and could be sued for a variety of functions such as light source, communications, making calls, transmit messages, writing notes, wallet directly connected to bank account, timer, watch private communication mode, recording voice message and many others, and that was just civilian Holo-Brain.

Then there existed Military Grade and even special models for high-ranking personnel of the Chthonian Empire.

The caller was Imperial Overseer of the Kuoh Town, Cleria Belial, who was also a second wife of my firstborn son Sirzechs.

"Father-in-Law, I bring urgent news, obtained by Rias. Apparently, suspicious movements from Kokabiel's faction are happening, together with remnants of Nilrem and other two hostile factions, Utsusemi Agency and Wizards of OZ, I would like to request support in case Kuoh is attacked."

I grimaced hearing that.

Now that Underworld has become Baator, it meant that I severed the connection between it and Earth, and teleportation was a very hard thing to do, and it was possible only through large-scale teleportation circles, that were not many of those.

"I have just now assigned a mission for the Sardaukar Forces, but Khaos Brigade is currently without any assignment, so I will order Vali to depart to Earth and let Khaos Brigade be on the stand by in case anything happens."

I said to Cleria as she ended the call after everything was resolved.

"One more thing, I have noticed that Sigurn is among your officers what is that about?"

I said as I looked behind Arthur at one person, who tried to hide from my gaze.

"I am not aware of circumstances but apparently Princess wanted to be part of the Sardaukar Forces and fulfilled every requirements so I allowed it."

Answered Arthur indifferently, as I shook my head.

'In hiding your intentions in some aspects, you are very similar to your mother dear daughter.'

I thought as I shook my head in defeat.

Chapter 245 - Progress of Familiars

After I returned from the inspection of the Sardaukar Forces, I went to check up on my Familiars as some of them were already close to evolution.

All of my familiars lived in the Sanctus Imperialis, and the first one to check on I went to take a look at Dou Dou.

Some time ago, I gave her several corpses of Etoulde Spirits that were on the same level as Super-Devils, and even before that, I gave her corpses of some Titled Douluos. Evolution for Thorny Flower species was very hard in the latter stages as they required a lot of nutrients to push themselves even further.

When Dou Dou will reach Apocalypse-Class, she would be one of the greatest guardians of the Imperial Palace, making it even more dangerous than it is right now.

As I looked at my familiar, she looked happy, knowing that another source of fertilizer would be now delivered, which is partially true, as I had several corpses for her of high-ranking individuals that I have killed.

When I studied her closely, I noticed that Dou Dou has already reached Emperor Level, and has evolved into Thorny Flower Demoness.

[Race: Thorny Flower Demoness

Level: Emperor (Pinnacle)

Magical Power: 2,549 (Mortal Stats)

Strength: 3,798 (Mortal Stats)

Agility: 2,654 (Mortal Stats)

Vitality: 4,987 (Mortal Stats)

Abilities: Take Root, Corpse Feeding, Poison Spit, Advanced Elemental Magic, Thorny Flower Vines, Spore, Thorny Flower Army, Plant Magic, Great Thorny Flower Treant, Thorny Flower Protector

Thorny Flower Army - 50,000 Grand Commander Level

Great Thorny Flower Treant - 500 General Level

Thorny Flower Protector - 25 Marshall Level]

Such abilities and stats would be a problem to deal with even for many stronger Super Devils, especially its vitality was really terrifying with taking into account the fact that Dou Dou became Thorny Flower Demoness and reached Emperor Level only not long time ago.

Additionally, she had an entire army of Grand Commander Level Thorny Flowers as her command, which was enough to draw even Super Devil, coupled with 500 General Level Great Thorny Flower Treant and 25 Marshall Level Thorny Flower Protectors she was an army on her own.

This army was the result of cultivation through centuries as she ate and digested every death row criminal in the Chthonian Empire, and managed to create such a trump card for me. For that reason, I have let Dou Dou stay in the Imperial Palace, so she can protect my family.

Dou Dou didn't do anything through centuries just digested fertilizer everyone brought to her. Be it me, my family, Custodians that killed strong foes, Commissariat who sent her hundreds of death row criminals every year, or scavenged corpses from battlefields, that ranged from Low-Class to even Satan-Class sometimes.

All of that was used to cultivate Dou Dou and her Flower Army.

As I was observing Dou Dou and thinking about how to help her evolve, even more, I heard Isla meowing at me, as I lowered down as I scratched her behind her ears, as she purred at me.

Little Isla was no longer a little kitten as it was during the Great War, but now she was a full-fledged Wampus Cat that was just a bit smaller than Dark Devilgod Tiger Heishen.

Isla was now Monarch Level Magical Beast, after so many years of training. Among my Familiar, one could say, she was the most normal one, as she didn't have the soul-devouring ability of Heishen or the ability to digest corpses as Dou Dou.

[Name: Isla

Race: Wampus Cat

Gender: Female

Level: Monarch

Magical Power: 720 (Mortal Stats)

Strength: 525 (Mortal Stats)

Agility: 654 (Mortal Stats)

Vitality: 454 (Mortal Stats)

Abilities: Illusion Magic, Mental Magic, Elemental Magic - Fire, Wind]

I was happy that Isla reached Monarch Level, even though the environment for Monsters, Magical Beasts, and other similar creatures wasn't that good for them, as Baator only recently recovered and was recovering to a Grade 3 Plane and magic density was slowly rising, and to increase it, even more, would require more drastic measure, that is not planned to be carried out now.

Only after my familiars reached Apocalypse-Class they would be truly useful in the great scheme of things, unfortunately.

Not that Isla complied as she liked to eat, sleep and cuddle. Every time my daughters or I came she would always ask for pats, scratching, and cuddling.

Meanwhile, my newest familiar Heishen and my other familiar Jin were more bloodthirsty in nature and they itched for a fight, thus I often released them to dangerous areas of the Baator where they could fight.

After the Baator started recovering, a lot of monsters and magical beasts and creatures started appearing in the Baator, creating literally forbidden zones. For example, Sunset Monster Mountain Range now was a true forbidden area, as it was swarming there with Monarch Level monsters and even more Emperor Level ones. Meanwhile, General Level monsters could be seen practically everywhere there together with Marshall Level.

Heishen the Dark Devilgod Tiger was already at the General Level and was growing steadily, while my last familiar, Jin has reached Emperor Level a long time ago.

[Name: Jin

Race: Wolf God

Level: Emperor

Divine Power: 4,895 (Mortal Stats)

Magical Power: 7,982 (Mortal Stats)

Strength: 9,787 (Mortal Stats)

Agility: 12,154 (Mortal Stats)

Vitality: 8,142 (Mortal Stats)

Abilities: Darkness Control, Shadow Manipulation, Anti-Divine, Devour]

Jin had the appearance of an enormous pitch-black wolf, with shining red eyes.

I have created him from the Sacred Grear, the Longinus Canis Lykaon, through manipulation of Laws, advanced magic, some mysticism rituals, and arcanotech.

I managed to create a geniue living creature, by extraction of the Soul inside Canis Lykaon, giving birth to the Wolf God. Not only did he retain his abilities to Control Darkness and Manipulate Shadows, but he also gained Anti-Divine ability, which made his attacks especially effective against anything Divine, and also had the ability of Devour, which allowed him to Devour energy to strengthen himself.

Chapter 246 - Schemes for the Gear

3rd POV

Earth, Japan, Kuoh Town, Kuoh Academy - Occult Research Club Building

"Are you sure it is him, Shirone?"

Asked Rias a petite girl with white hair and gold eyes. The front of her hair has two long bangs going past her shoulders and several loose bangs hanging over her forehead, while the back has a short bob cut. She also wears a black cat-shaped hair clip on both sides of her hair. She had a pair of white cat ears and a pair of matching white tails, and her golden eyes were more cat-like.

"Hmm... smells like Vali-niisama before they got Albion out... though the smell is very, very weak."

Answered Shirone.

She was a rare variant of Nekomata a Nekoshou.

Nekomatas was one of the Youkai species, that bore a striking physical resemblance to humans, albeit with a set of cat ears and generally have two tails. They also have eyes with cat-like pupils. They have great reflexes and heightened senses, with a stunning talent for Senjutsu and Youjutsu.

Most of Nekomatas and Nekoshou lived in the Underworld, and after the formation of the Chthonian Empire, they were absorbed into the growing Imperium.

Their species quickly proved itself to be crucial for information gathering and producing strong hand-to-hand combatants.

Shirone belonged to the Tojou Clan, which was the leading clan among their species and bore the title of the Chthonian Lord, as Shirone's elder sister was Satan-Class Nekoshou, and additionally, she was also a fianceé of the Prince Elect Vali Lucifer.

"Then I think convincing Ddraig should be easier than one could think, have you tried to sense his Soul Aptitude with your abilities?"

Those with high-ranking mastery over Senjutsu could learn a Secret Method to check up on someone's Soul Aptitude based on their Chi.

Shirone was able to learn that method from her sister.

"Hn... Inferior Level 1 or Superior Level 0."

Stated Shirone plainly as she continued munching on her sweets, meanwhile Rias's expression froze on the spot.

"With such Soul Aptitude, then even after reincarnating as Devil there is a very low possibility of awakening the Sacred Gear, and if even, it should be only Twice Critical."

Said a beautiful young woman with a voluptuous figure, very long black hair, and violet eyes. Her hair was tied in a long ponytail, reaching all the way down to her legs with two strands sticking out from the top and sloping backward, with an orange ribbon keeping it in place.

"I am aware of that fact Akeno, but right now the only option. What else could we do... I just need to keep him around as long as Ddraig won't agree to the proposal of my father. If not, then I can only call Elder Crom Cruach to make a short process with him."

Answered Rias to her best friend and also a Caster of the Servant Class Card Peerage, Akeno Himejima.

Akeno was the daughter of Shuri Himejima of the Himejima Clan of Five Principal Clans and Baraqiel show as one of the newly promoted Twelve-Winged Archangel-Class Fallen Angels of the Grigori, who benefited from Underworld becoming Baator.

When she was young her mother and she were attacked by assassins of the Himejima Clan and Fallen Angels that were acting under orders of the Kokabiel who also promoted to a Twelve-Winged Archangel-Class Fallen Angel.

As movements of the Kokabiel were closely monitored by the Empire, one of the commanding officers decided to intervene, killing the assassins and which resulted in Shuri asking for protection from the Empire, which they were granted.

"Empire has means to communicate with Ddraig even when Boosted Gear is not awakened, awakening Twice Critical is enough."

Answered Rias.

"I have seen him talking with Fallen Angel this morning, they probably detected the same thing as us, and want to extract his Sacred Gear... though I don't really know how did they do it."

Stated Shirone as right now some Fallen Angels have infiltrated the Kuoh Town, and they didn't really kill them to see what they were after.

"That's okey... it would be a good opportunity for reincarnating him, they probably want to kill him or force him to show his Sacred Gear so they could extract it."

Answered Rias as she had a reason why she left the small group of Middle-Class Fallen Angels alive.

"I will send one of my familiar to deliver him the Magic Circle, afterward observe movements of the Fallen. They should be related to Kokabiel, Governor-General wouldn't send any Fallen into the territory of the Empire without noticing us in advance."

Ordered Rias as both Akeno and Shirone nodded.

"Also, Empire would send someone as reinforcement due to suspicious movement of several hostile factions, so prepare accommodation for them."

"Who shall be coming here?"

Asked Akeno as she prepared to leave the room to carry out orders from Rias.

"Lady Cleria said that Father has assigned a mission to Sardaukar Forces, so it would be Prince Elect Vali, with Khaos Brigade on the stand by."

Answered Rias, as Akeno nodded a bit in anticipation.

Chapter 247 - Reincarnation (1)

Later of that day

"Those Fallen Angels are really planning to kill him, I have talied one of them to their nest. They are hiding in the self-made base in the mountains nearby Kuoh Town. There are roughly fifteen Fallen Angels there, with probably a hundred rogue exorcists. They have built there rather nice magical defenses around the base."

Summarized Shirone her findings, as deeply frowned hearing that.

As the fortress of the Fallen Angels was outside their territory, they cannot attack them openly, as they would be trespassing the territory of Shinto, and fighting on their territory was a breach of the treaty between the Chthonian Empire and Shinto Pantheon.

"Go and watch that human low-life, hopefully, he will use the summon I have given him, or my efforts here are useless."

Said Rias, as she was a bit nervous.

If her target died, then her efforts would be turned null, as Sacred Gear would return to Heaven's System, and they would need to wait until a new host of it has been born. She already developed a strategy, to keep him by her side as long as she needed and that was until she reached an agreement with Ddraig.

Class Cards cannot control someone mind to follow someone orders without a question, they just reincarnated someone into the pre-designed race and tied him to the Ruler Card, but the Ruler cannot control his Servants through the Card, as they were not mind-controlling artifacts nor they contained compel spells or similar.

She was very well aware that her target was a depraved pervert that could be fooled easily. It could be seen in the actual case with the Fallen Angel. A beautiful woman that he doesn't know walks up to a famous prevent and confesses to him? Even an idiot could sense something fishy going on here.

Rias only needed to act a bit pitiful, and control him through his carnal lust, nothing serious, just a bit teasing and empty promises. Then they could extract Ddraig willingly with Ddraing's consent or by force.

Suddenly as she leaned over her chair, her Holo-Brained lit up with incoming call request, when she saw it she instantly picked it up.

"Hello, my darling."

Said Rias with a soft voice as she picked up the call.

"Guhhh... it still sounds weird when you greet me like that..."

The caller was Rias's childhood crush Prince Elect Vali Lucifer.

Initially, Vali didn't really like Rias as she was more spoiled, but after her father sent her to the Execution Temple, there were many things she needed to learn, such as advanced magic that wasn't taught at the Execution Temple, she really didn't know whom to ask to teach her.

Her siblings didn't have time or like her sisters they outright refused her, and the only person to teach her was Vali.

Even though he was a seemingly arrogant and cold person, deep inside he was compassionate due to his childhood experience when he lived with his grandfather and father.

Vali was rather famous in the Empire for being a ruthless, cold, and arrogant person, who looked down on the weak, and especially those who remained weak by their choice, even though they had an opportunity to get stronger.

In his own words, he helped her only because her mother Venelana was kind to him when he was a child and he considered her as her own mother together with Grayfia.

Even though Vali was a close combatant, his magical knowledge was something to behold, as he was personally taught by her Father, every piece of magic. Her father even went as long as to use countless precious treasures, to awaken Dark Light Clan Trait in his bloodline and used blood adoption ritual so he could gain one of her father Clan Traits, and he gained Holy Flame.

Altogether Vali had two Clan Traits and four innate powers that were given to him by Albion, when Albion transferred part of his bloodline origin, to save his life. It was powers of Division and Absorption, Reflect, Reduce.

"Your father has decided to deploy me to the Kuoh with Khaos Brigade on the stand-by."

He said as Rias was feeling complicated emotions inside.

From the day when she was stripped of her title as Imperial Princess, she didn't spoke with her father even once. After two years she had learned that life wasn't just having fun, and lazying around in the Imperial Palace.

"Do you know that that father was actively keeping eye on your progress? He even watched you sometimes training, he was happy that you have reached Ultimate-Class and started to be more responsible."

Stated Vali as Rias was frozen in shock.

She never thought that her father would be keeping an eye for her after he banished her in reality. Even though she still retained the title of the Imperial Noble, her status in truth meant nothing.

"Probably if you obtain Ddraig for the Chthonian Empire, he would name you Imperial Princess."

Vali said after some time of silence.

"Have you already found the host?"

Aksed Vali as Rias nodded.

"Yes, I will reincarnate him as my servant and try to convince Ddraig. I already have a few advantages, as probable host of Ddraig, won't be awakening Boosted Gear even after reincarnation due to low Soul Aptitude, and fact that Albion is alive and kicking should also help a lot."

Answered Rias slowly as Vali agreed partially with her statement.

"Be careful, dragons are very prideful, even to father it took a lot of effort to convince Albion. For them outside help is a disgrace, especially to strong dragons that were at the Heavenly Dragon Class when they were alive, and both of them had very noble bloodline, so their pride and arrogance know no boundary, so you need to be patient. If I should give you a piece of advice, you need to convince Ddraig that his host is pathetic, or rather you need to force Ddraig to admit it himself."

Chapter 248 - Reincarnation (2)

Rias nodded at his words, as it was certainly true that dragons were especially arrogant creatures. Even though Devils were arrogant, not of them could reach the level of dragons.

After some time later... at the evening of the same day

At the Park of the Kuoh Town, which was filled with trees, ponds, and grass fields. In the middle of it lies a water fountain.

Two people were walking side by side.

One of them was a woman and another was a man.

The woman was an attractive young woman with violet eyes having a slender body with a large bust. She had long silky black hair down to her hips. She wore a black skirt with a purple shirt.

The man or rather a boy was of average height with short spiky brown hair, with two short locks of hair behind his head, and light brown eyes. He wore Kuoh Academy boys' school uniform, which consists of a blazer over a white, long-sleeved dress shirt with black highlights with a black ribbon on the collar, matching black pants, and brown dress shoes.

Rias watched everything that was happening concealed under stealth spells, as she slowly watched the show before her eyes.

Suddenly the woman, that they identified as the Fallen Angel, walked in front of the fountain and started revealing her true form as she shredded her clothing and changed to her true appearance. In the process of transforming, she grew taller, taking on a more mature appearance, and her eyes changed, taking on a darker, more evil look. Her clothing also changed dramatically, now consisting of black, strap-like objects (resembling leather) around and under her breasts, a thong-like piece held around her hips by three thin straps, gloves that ran right up her arms with small lengths of chains hanging from them, shoulder guard-like objects on her shoulders with three large spikes sprouting from her right shoulder, and black thigh-high heel boots.

'She looked like whore... and her power is only around initial High-Class... so by this logic, if she is the leader of the Fallen operating here, other Fallen Angels should be only of the Middle-Class.'

Though Rias as she watched as Fallen Whore as Rias nicknamed her in her mind, shot a light spear towards a human named Issei Hyoudou, instantly piercing him. After that Raynare the Fallen Whore, flapped her wings and left the place of the crime, as Rias appeared next to dying Issei, as he activated the flyer she gave him through one of her familiars.

She took out the Independent Class Card that was used to reincarnate beings into Devils that were not tied to any Ruler. This one was a bit special as it was the so-called Expandable Independent Class Card, meaning it could self-destruct and kill its host when needed.

Usually, it was sued by Devils when reincarnating expandable individuals, that are useful only for some specific mission or limited time.

And such as the value he without his Sacred Gear was zero coupled with his Soul Aptitude, and additionally, Rias hated perverts so she thought she would do a world a service by disposing of him.

She used the Expandable Independent Class Card, as suddenly magic circle lit up under the dying Issei and everything went black for him.

"Now what... this is the first time I am reincarnating someone like this... troublesome... I will drop him by his home and solve it tomorrow."

Said Rias to herself as she lifted up Issei with one hand and dragged him like a sack of potatoes behind her all the way to his home, where she dropped him onto the bed while casting a few spells on him.

After dealing with this matter she returned to her base at the Kuoh Academy which was an old school building. It was a three-story building, with the third story serving as a clock tower. It has been painted white with a black roof with vines creeping up to the second story.

After she returned back, she opened her Holo-Brain and proceeded to write a report about everything to send it to her superior at the Execution Temple, to let them know that the plan has started.

Empire put a lot of importance on the recruitment of the Ddraig, as every being with the potential to reach transcendence as they called it was crucial for the future.

While Rias was only Novice Executioner, as a member of the Imperial House she was aware of what was waiting for them... the wider world is known as the Astral Boundary, where even Super-Devils were only stronger people, and true powerhouses were only those a the Apocalypse-Class, Elder Dragons, Warlock Monarchs or Mighty Stage Gods.

And there were even stronger existences such as fearsome Holy Spirit Warlocks, Warlock Emperors, mighty Arcanists, even stronger Gods, and many, many others.

While Chthonian Empire might seem an unchallengeable faction in the Draconic Deus, they would be just a slightly stronger faction in the Astral Boundary. For example, they wouldn't be qualified to become a proper faction in Canghzi Plane's Core World as they had only four powerhouses comparable to a Warlock Monarch.

When she learned that she was scared.

Only then did she truly realize that her parents cannot oversee and guard them all the time, and she needed to depend on her own strength.

She knew that her two brothers Sirzechs and Sigmar were very close to reaching that level soon, and her mother and Aunt Grayfia were also not far.

Vali also told her, that their father was close to reaching Dimensional-Class.

When someone like them who followed the path of Laws, reached Dimensional-Class, they would be comparable in strength to the average Holy Spirit Warlocks moment when they broke through. After some time of accumulating more energy, they would be quickly comparable to Advanced Holy Spirit Warlocks, and talented ones could reach the level of the Great Holy fast.

Chapter 249 - Nefarious Plot

The next day, Rias went to meet Sona to discuss the problems with the Fallen Angels.

In contrary to Rias, who was more combat-oriented and was serving as the Executioner of the Execution Temple, Sona was more like an administration officer, and she took the role of the Student Council of the Kuoh Academy.

Very similar to Rias, she had only filled three places among her Class Card Servant Peerage, as there were strict requirements for someone to be reincarnated. It was absolutely forbidden to reincarnate common humans, even if they are magicians and only special ones were allowed, as it was a wasting of the precious Class Cards.

Sona had filled three Classes, namely Caster, Berserker, and Saber.

Caster of her Class Card Servant Peerage was a young bespectacled woman with long straight black hair that extends all the way down to her knees, with split bangs and heterochromatic eyes, with a violet left eye and a light brown right eye. In addition to wearing the Kuoh Academy girls' school uniform, she also wears blue, semi-rimmed glasses with square lenses.

Tsubaki Shinra, a former member of the Shinra Clan and host of the Sacred Gear, Mirror Alice, was able to reflect attacks that were weaker or at the same level as the host.

Her Berserker was a young foreign man with a large physique, looking in his late teens. He has gray hair with long bangs which cover his eyes. He has the handsome face and an extremely well-built body of warrior.

Loup Garou, former Werewolf/Human Magician hybrid that traded his human part for the Devil Part. He was the son of one of the Werewolf Chieftains that migrated to the Chthonian Empire and became citizens of the Empire. Loup Garou became a Berserker of Sona's peerage to repay gratitude for the Sitri Family, as they cured his father of illness.

And the final member of the peerage was Saber which was a young girl of pale skin. She was rather a cute girl with long, dark purple hair and sleepy golden eyes. Her hair is tied in a long braid by a bow with a purple skull, reaching all the way down to her hips.

Grim Reaper, Bennia Orcus.

Grim Reapers while were citizens of the Empire, not many could get to high positions within the Empire, as they were looked at with cautiousness as they were once enemies of the Empire that fought them to death and were fanatical followers of their God, Hades. This caused a great deal of distrust to form against the Grim Reapers in the Empire.

"Sona, how are you this beautiful day?"

Asked Rias as she sat down across her friend/rival.

"Probably not as good as you... I take it that your yesterday's mission has been successful?"

Asked Sona as Rias nodded.

"Indeed, and I got even awarded with Mid-Grade Demonic Energy Crystals."

Demonic Energy Crystals became more common as the Baator, formerly known as the Underworld started recovering to what it was once in the past.

Demonic Energy Crystals were very beneficial for the Devils, as they could absorb the Demonic Energy Crystals to increase their Demonic Energy Reserves and reach higher class.

Rias was already Ultimate-Class, but only at the initial stage so several Demonic Energy Crystals would be able to bring her power a significant increase.

"I have come here to notify you that Shirone found a base of Fallen Angels, that is trespassing on our territory. Unfortunately, their base is constructed outside of our territory and even has some basic magical defensive circles and formations. From what we know, that there are several tens of Fallen Angels, with an unknown number of Rogue Exorcists, that could number in hundreds."

Summarized Rias, as Sona was mildly surprised.

"Someone from the Shinto must let them enter... currently, without either huge effort or brute force, it is impossible to enter Japan without the interference of the Shinto Gods. These Fallen don't have anyone strong or skilled enough to enter, and in such large numbers it would require at least a Legendary-Class individual very skilled in Spatial Magic, meaning someone from the Shinto Pantheon deliberately let them enter and cause troubles for us."

Analyzed Sona situation quickly.

Japan doesn't have any Churches or influence of the Catholic Church or its branches, so there was no possibility of their personnel coming to Japan.

These days, after Shinto Gods have started meddling into the affairs of mortals, it was almost impossible to enter the territory of Japan without catching the attention of their Guardians. If someone wanted to enter, he needed to bypass the barrier or force their way.

Bypassing would require a skilled and strong magician with specialization in Spatial Magic and those were rare even in the Chthonian Empire. Forcing their way, was impossible, as the barrier would withstand even attacks from Super Devils for some time.

That left only one option... it was a trap for them.

"Even though Empire has a treaty with the Shinto Pantheon, either side never treated each other as an ally. Especially among Shinto Gods it caused a lot of dissatisfaction, as they are viewing us as the ultimate enemies, and actions of His Holy Imperial Majesty are proving their doubts, so they want to kill us, but not openly, as that would cause instant war. They want to blame Grigori, which was cause war between us and Grigori, with us annihilating them. In the end, we would be weakened from the war with Grigori to some extent and most importantly, we would be weakened from the fact that Grigori won't be absorbed into the Empire."

Rias nodded at her friend's analysis.

Among high-ranking personnel of the Empire it was no secret that sooner or later, Grigori would be merged into the Empire.

With Kokabiel basically deserted the Grigori and now was who knows where there was nothing that was blocking the merger.

Unless some Fallen Angels killed the daughter of the Emperor, sister-in-law of Crown Prince who was also the daughter of the prominent Chthonian Lord.

Chapter 250 - Introduction

"So what shall we do?"

Asked Rias as she was not as good when it came to formulating complex strategies as Sona.

"Play along... what else is we can do? After Prince Elect arrived, annihilating those Fallen would be secured even if some stronger Fallen Angels appears, though we should capture some of them for interrogation. We need to create a pretext for attacking them on at their base so the Shinto Gods won't accuse us of breaching the treaty between them and the Empire."

Answered Sona mildly.

"I believe such reason will come sooner or later as the Fallen won't be silent. I think after they learn that I have reincarnated the person that they have killed, they will try once again and I think I already have some way to find a perfect reason to leave our territory to attack them."

Smiled Rias with a mischievous smile.

"What reason?"

Asked Sona curiously.

"Did you know that injuries by Dark Light are extremely hard to distinguish from those caused by Fallen Angels?"

Said Rias as Sona squinted her eyes.

"You don't mean..."

Rias nodded.

"Yes, after Vali arrives and when Fallen make their move, I will have Vali injure me with Dark Light causing me severe injuries with Dark Light, that would be proof that we need to leave our territory and attack Fallen without breaching the treaty with the Shinto."

The treaty between Shinto Pantheon and Empire clearly stated that Empire cannot provoke any kind of fight in the territory of Shinto that would affect the citizens of Japan.

"That could work, Empire doesn't want any kind of war conflicts right now."

Currently, the Chthonian Empire while was the strongest faction in the Draconic Deus, it didn't want to fight meaningless wars, as it would weaken them and hinder their growth for the Astral Boundary.

While other factions were in dark about the real strength of the Chthonian Empire, as due to the fact that Empire had immense defenses and didn't allow anyone to enter Baator, and also as the Baator started recovering and was severed from its connections with other planes in the Dimensional Gap, it was almost impossible to enter the Baator undetected.

The Empire was aware that each Pantheon had at least one Mighty Stage God that didn't participate in the creation of the Dimensional Gap, the Primordial God was the title for any God that lived for a very, very long time.

Such Gods could cause a lot of trouble to the Empire and gains in these causes were far less than losses.

"I will not take my leave, I have a pervert to introduce to his new life and then try to establish communication with Ddraig."

Stated Rias as she stood up and left shortly after.

After that, she returned to the Occult Research Club Building and send one of her underlings to fetch Issei Hyoudou.

As Novice Executioner, she had under her several Disciples and Initiates to follow her orders, all of them were ar the Grand-Class and High-Class.

Soon enough, after several minutes Disciuple Executioner returned with Issei Hyoudou, who instantly started staring at her chest without even hiding his perverted gaze.

'If not for the fact I need him alive, I would have already killed that perverted trash.'

Thought Rias in her head, as his behavior disgusted her to no limits. As someone who was brought up with a strict code of behavior befitting that of the member of Imperial House, behavior like this was unacceptable for her.

Currently, in the room, there were only Rias and two Disciple Executioners of the Grand-Class, as Akeno was doing something else, and Shirone was having a call with her sister.

"Please sit down."

Rias said to an absent-minded young man as he dumbly nodded his head and sat down at the chair opposite to her, as she stared at her breasts.

'Vali will beat him to death if they meet...'

Thought Rias in her head in the meantime.

She quickly explained to him what has happened and that he has been reincarnated as Devil due to being killed by Fallen Angel called Raynare due to having a Sacred Gear.

Fortunately, in the Execution Temple, they were taught how to handle situations like this with the highest efficiency.

After that, she proceeded to tell him some basic information, to which he didn't really listen, but that was also good, and in the end, she told him that there was a high possibility of him having a harem if he was strong enough and attained noble rank in the Empire.

Throughout the all-time, Rias kept on a seductive smile as she attempted to flirt with him, to create emotional attachment from his side for her as it would be much easier for her to control him in the time he had remaining.

"I will do it buchou! I will be the strongest servant and become Harem King!"

After some time Issei shouted enthusiastically as Rias winked at him seductively as he left the room soon afterward.

"Monitor him all the time, in case he is ambushed by Fallen Angels once again. And observe his every movement, and everything about him, I wonder what he will be doing... If he starts training in an attempt to get stronger it could be problematic, but also good, as he still didn't awaken even Twice Critical, this was he would be killed even by some random Low-Class thug."

Ordered Rias to one of the Disciple Executioners who bowed slightly and merged with the shadows.

In the Empire, even commoners were at least pinnacle of the Low-Class.

"Just like Shirone said, his Soul Aptitude is trash, not even reincarnating managed to awaken even the Twice Critical... this is problematic the spell I know was meant to communicate with already awakened Boosted Gear."

Muttered Rias to herself as she opened her Holo-Brain and wrote a message to the Magister of the Arcane and Magic Research, Lord Mephisto Pheles as he should be able to provide her with a new spell that would be able to communicate with soul inside the Sacred Gear even if it is not awakened at all.