Chapter 251 - Meeting of Elders (1)

MC POV

Baator, Chthonian Empire, Imperial Capital of Anor Londo

Today was a meeting of me and the Elders of the Chthonian Empire of the Baator.

The first one to arrive was Zekram Bael, who already same as me reached the Apocalypse-Class, and he reached it in the Law of Destruction.

He often gave me notes about the comprehension of the Law of Destruction while I gave him about the comprehension of the Law of Slaughter. Due to that, my comprehension of the Law of Destruction has reached already 62%.

"Zekram, how are you these days?"

I asked as I welcomed my grandfather-in-law/friend.

"Collecting resources and treasures for the ritual... if it goes this way, I will become really broke."

He grumbled as I nodded.

The ritual he talked about was related to one of his descendants, Sairaorg Bael, who was born without the Clan Trait Power of Destruction. When he was born, Zekram invited me to inspect his condition and I found that he wasn't born without Power of Destruction, but rather it was dormant.

I had a special ritual that could awaken it, but the process would require for the person undergoing it to reach later Super-Devil Class in the physical body first to have a chance at survival.

Because Clan Traits of Devil have related to Laws themselves, it was quite hazardous tampering them in this way. With Vali, it was a different case, as Dark Light wasn't that aggressive Law in nature, but Power of Destruction was originating from the Law of Destruction which was one of the most aggressive Laws.

On the contrary, young Sairaorg Bael showed an immense talent for the martial arts, Senjutsu, mastered Touki, and became the youngest Prefect of the Adeptus Custodes from its founding. At age of 19, he was already Legendary-Class Powerhouse in physical strength, though Demonic Energy-wise he was only High-Class.

That was another reason, why later Super-Devil Class for the physical state. When the ritual is successful and the Clan Trait Awakens, it will cause Demonic Energy to overflow the body, and if the body is not strong enough, it could kill the host.

Though even with awakened Power of Destruction, Sairaord will never use it like others, I can predict that he will incorporate it into his martial arts, coupled with it, he would be probably the deadliest close-quarter combatant in the entire Empire.

"He managed to tame Regulus Nemea... I would like for you to do the same thing as you have done with Canis Lykaon."

Said Zekram proudly. Indeed this was a very good catch.

If I can resurrect it, Nemean Lion as strong as Regulus Nemea would easily reach Emperor Level Monsters and could have a solid chance for achieving Apocalypse-Class. He would be a great familiar for Sairaorg.

His other Clan Trait Lion Taming he inherited from his mother was very strong, and if I mean very strong, then probably strongest recorded in the history of the entire Vapula Clan.

Due to not inheriting Clan Trait of Power of Destruction his relationship with his father was very strained as his father outright despised him. His mother was seriously ill and several years ago she had fallen into the Devil's Sleep, which was a very rare condition for devils and was hard to cure.

Despite all of that, the only person among the Bael Clan who supported him was Zekram, as he saw potential inside him, as he gotten stronger and was hailed as strongest member of the young generation after Vali and Renxue in the Empire.

It was Zekram's idea to send him to Custodians as it was the best place to develop someone's latent talent. What was surprising, and known only by me and Zekram, was that Sairaorg was born with Level 8 Inferior Soul Aptitude, which was shocking by itself.

"Of course I will, just send him to be together and I will have it done in several days."

I stated as I nodded my head.

After we have talked for some time, another Elder arrived and this time it was Crom Cruach, though he seemed tired?... yeas probably I as looked at him.

"What happened to you? You look like shit?"

Asked Zekram with a mocking voice as he looked at grumpy-looking Crom Cruach.

"Hatchlings are happening, screaming, and screaming and screaming and screaming all the day, all the night... it is terrible."

Oh, I remember that Tiamat was laying down eggs, so they must have hatched up.

"Shut up already Crom Cruach... can we start the meeting? I have important issues to deal with... Etoulde Spirit at Mighty Stage God has shown up and I want to obtain its Divine Spark."

Stated Azrael who just now arrived.

"Now that everybody is here, the topic of this meeting is about the entrance of the Pale Blood Faction into the Empire. How is the negotiation with them going?"

I said as I aimed my question at Zekram.

"For now it is going very well. After I have passed your message to Alucard and Brunestud, they have reconsidered their movements for the future. As two of them are basically wanted criminals of the Divine Blood Plane, they cannot return there. There is also a high chance, they would be hunted down if they entered any other Plane that is either associated or under the influence of the Divine Blood Plane and its Ancestors. Worlds with other species are out of the question too, and Baator is Grade 3 Plane with enough potential to advance to a Grade 2 Plane. So they are leaning to agree to our proposal."

Summarized Zekram his progress on this matter.

I have also prepared to give them a seat of Elder, which would be probably taken up by Brunestud as Alucard isn't really someone with patience or experience with these things.

"Splendid... Azrael how are things with Grigori going on?"

I then turned my attention to another matter of this meeting.

Chapter 252 - Meeting of Elders (2)

Merging with Grigori was important for the Empire. Grigori while not as strong as a fraction of the Imperial strength, represented potential that could be greatly used by us. Especially if Fallen Angels are converted to Azrael's method of how he advanced.

Additionally, while Empire had very advanced Arcanotech, Grigori was far superior in research of Sacred Gear or rather entirely Soul-Bound Growth Equipment and Artificiery due to Azazel's passion.

Imperial technology never delved deep into the research of the Sacred Gears or Soul-Bound Growth Equipment as a whole. While I had to some extent, but my success at reviving Canis Lykaon was more dependent on Laws than on understanding it as a whole.

Additionally Fallen Angels were populous numbering around several billion altogether, maybe 7 or 8, which would be a good population boost for the Empire.

"After Kokabiel took his loyal ones, Azazel said that the Grigori is prepared for the fusion into the Empire."

Stated Azrael slowly.

"Splendid. After Grigori has fused into the Empire the last step in our plan will start. Refinement of the Three Realms will cause huge waves, and when Okhwang reached the next realm in his cultivation, we can begin tearing down the Dimensional Gap."

I said as everyone turned extremely serious in a matter of several seconds.

"It is highly probable that when I start the ritual to tear down the Dimensional Gap, I would be attacked by all Pantheons on the Earth that wish to preserve it. Currently, we are aware that there are several Mighty Stage Gods in the Olympian Pantheon, Shinto Pantheon, and Hindu Pantheon, their combined effort coupled with their trump cards, especially if Shiva uses his position as God-King would be enough to propel him temporarily into the Supreme God Stage. We are at a severe disadvantage up here in such a fight. The approximate amount of high-level enemies is more than 10, while we are 5 and if we recruit Pale Blood it would make 7. Okhwang would be able to handle Shiva in his boosted state, but the real problem would be if some of the hidden Mighty Stage Gods became God-Kings of the Shinto Pantheon and Olympians. And if Evie and Etouldes are counted in too... I fear it would be a very hard fight."

I said grimly.

This was the underlying strength of the factions of Dimensional Gap and especially Draconic Deus factions.

After so many years of gathering information, spying, infiltration, and torture, we were able to get information on the hidden strengths of several factions.

As I predicted, some so-called Primordial Gods were still alive and were slumbering, and would awaken only in the direst time of need.

Olympus had only one Mighty Stage God, Shinto had three slumbering ones, Hindu Pantheon, had together four slumbering and coupled with Shiva, Indra and Brahma, there were 7 Mighty Stage Gods in the Hindu Pantheon alone, which was terrifying.

Even in the Astral Boundary, such force would be unmatched if they ruled in some random Grade 3 Plane. Even in the Canghzi Plane which was home of the Warlocks, on the surface world of the Canghzi Plane finding a living Warlock Monarch was a rare occasion, as right now the Core World was still separated from the Surface World of the Canghzi.

"Fortunately, Olympians have been basically crippled after Titans broke out of their prison, so no gods from their side aside from Ouranos will intervene. Asgard is still recuperating from the last stunt Empress Hela did by recruiting Surtr to form a Burning Legion as she fought with Odin who woke up and he needed to use a lot of his power to defeat her."

Several years ago Hela infiltrated Nine Realm and negotiated a deal with Surtr to pledge his allegiance to the Chthonian Empire.

Surtr was an Emperor Level Monster, standing at the pinnacle of the Realm. Not only that, but he was difficult to kill even for those in a realm higher than him, due to his special nature. He had absolute control over millions of the fire creatures in the realm of Muspelheim.

In the end, he agreed, and he created a Burning Legion by combining all the fire creatures, until only 100,000 of them remained, each one at the pinnacle of the Grand-Class. By the time, the Burning Legion was created, Odin woke up from his sleep and found out that Hela was in the Nine Realm doing something nefarious with Surtr.

He fought her, as Surtr rampaged and slain several Asgardian Gods before he escaped to the Baator with the entire Burning Legion intact.

Meanwhile, Hela fought with Odin, forcing him to use all reserves of the Pantheon that he recovered in centuries, to defeat Hela or rather to push her out. In truth, Hela's aim wasn't to even defeat Odin to kill him, but rather to force him to do exactly this. Killing Odin within Nine Realms was virtually impossible for even her unless she was a pinnacle Mighty Stage God, but this result was equally good.

"We need to increase the number of high-end powerhouses in the Empire. Who is currently close to breaking through?"

I asked as I wanted to produce at least 2 Powerhouses that could participate in such a fight.

"Captain-General Diablo is apparently very close, same could be said about Crown Prince Sirzechs and Imperial Prince Sigmar."

Reported Zekram.

"Redirect all crucial resources towards them, I need for them to reach that level as soon as possible."

For Diablo, he was only recovering where he once was, but it took time a long time. Meanwhile, Sirzechs and Sigmar had their own circumstances for their rather slow growth.

But one was common for them.

When they broke through, they would be fearsome existences at the same rank.

Chapter 253 - Catching the Criminals (1)

3rd POV

Earth, Japan, Kuoh Town

This morning, Rias Lucifer-Gremory has received a report that one of the criminals that were being chased down in the Empire had managed to escape to Earth, by using a magic transportation circle, after she killed the guards on the service.

This happened from time to time, when criminals were strong, they often searched for weakly guarded teleportation circles that connected Baator and Earth.

Nowadays most of such teleportation circles were heavily guarded, which meant that this convict was planning it for a long time, and was very cunning and probably even very strong to overwhelm the guards of the teleportation circle in a short time before the reinforcements appeared or other defenses were activated.

"Probably a pinnacle Ultimate-Class powerhouse."

Muttered Rias, as suddenly one of the Novice Executioners assigned under her appeared from shadows.

"Lady Rias, I bring you a report about your reincarnated servant. Yesterday he was attacked by Fallen Angel when they found out that he is alive... of course, the Fallen Angel is no longer among the living."

Reported Novice Executioner.

"Splendid, also, has the word from the Empire arrived about the things I have requested?"

She asked shortly.

"Yes, it will be teleported this evening."

Answered Novice Executioner with a bow as he melted into the shadows.

"I will need to send Shirone to search for the convict."

Muttered Rias.

Shirone despite her rather cute appearance was the pinnacle High-Class Devil/Nekoshou Hybrid in both Demonic Energy and Physique, she can even send Rias flying with one punch.

Though one of her strongest abilities was the usage of Senjutsu and Youjutsu and other similar techniques, she was the best tracker and could easily search for targets.

After some time, Shirone returned from the Baator as she was to visit her elder sister Kuroka.

"Shirone-chan, I need for you to search for a criminal that escaped here. He should be hiding somewhere in the Kuoh Town, probably at the Pinnacle of the Ultimate-Class, so be careful."

Said Rias as she watched Shirone laying on the couch and munching on some sweets that she brought from her trip.

"When I was returning I saw that pervert talking to some nun, and she had a Twilight Healing to the top of it."

Said Shirone, as she was eating her sweets as Rias froze in her spot.

"Nun? Here in Japan? How? Something is not right here..."

Japan was a place where wasn't even a single Chuch devoted to the Yahweh, so hearing that a nun was here, didn't sound right.

Rias knew that the nun should be Asia Argento, a former Holy Maiden that healed a devil, Diodora Astaroth, that was executed several days ago, for being connected to Rizevim Livan Lucifer and for kidnapping female members of the Church, raping them and torturing them to death.

It was found out by his own mistake by letting himself be healed by Holy Maiden thus ending in her excommunication. Intelligence Department investigated that matter and quickly found out that a Devil who was involved was Diodora Astaroth.

Then it was passed to a Commissariat, where they arrested Diodora and quickly found out about his deals with Rizevim, information leaks, and even some suspicious connection to the Fallen Angels, which has not been clarified, but all evidence was pointing to a Kokabiel's rogue faction.

Diodora was sentenced to death and his executioner was none other than his family, Ajuka Beelzebub who also came from the Astaroth Clan.

"Hmm..."

Rias hummed about what to do with this situation. On the one side, it was true that the Holy Maiden was already no longer a member of the Church, what still made things problematic was fact, when the higher-ups of Heaven learn the real reason, she would be immediately put under their protection.

While Heaven was weak, another conflict with them was totally unnecessary, especially over one insignificant human with Sacred Gear.

'Those Fallen are probably trying to extract her Sacred Gear. WIth their abilities they could use only some crude ritual to do so, so she will die in the process. This is perfect, I don't really need to deal with this situation and could also obtain a Sacred Gear for the Magisterium of Arcannotechnology to research upon.'

Though Rias, as this would be nice merit for her.

Currently, all operatives on Earth were under strict order, to not evoke any kind of conflict with any faction due to preparation for something big, though Rias new that they didn't want any war till the Empire was ready to tear down the Dimensional Gap.

"You can go and search for the target... I will deal with the matter with devil and nun."

Stated Rias, as Shirone got up from the couch and went to search for the hiding criminal from the Empire.

"Twilight Healing should be useful in research to create a portable healing device, don't you think Vali?"

Asked Rias to Vali, who teleported her after some time after Shirone left.

"It should. From what I heard, Magisterium of Arcanotech has several prototypes of such devices, but they lack efficiency compared to Twilight Healing. After Michael started tweaking Holy System to increase the probability of Sacred Gears landing to already pre-destined members of Church, it became significantly harder to get our hands on Sacred Gears."

Stated Vali as he sat on the couch.

Before Yahweh succumbed to his injuries, he made many additions to a Heaven's System, the most important ones being that Pure Angels could reproduce without becoming a Fallen Angels, or giving full control over Heaven's System to Michael.

This made Archangel Michael a controller of Heaven's System on the same level as Yahweh. All of that was achieved only thanks to the agreement that the Emperor of the Chthonian Empire had with Yahweh or rather it was due to fact that he didn't kill him.

In the end, Heaven was still no match for Empire, even if some changes were made to Heaven's System, but it wasn't that weak as everyone would expect from their losses during the war.

Chapter 254 - Catching the Criminals (2)

"Won't you be joining me in search for it? With your abilities, it could be done in several minutes."

Asked Rias, as indeed with Vali's abilities, finding someone on the Ultimate-Class that was hiding in a small town was nothing, but he just shook his head in denial.

"Nople... deal with it. I am going to take a look at our crow friends hiding at their base. Even if I heard it from you and Sona, I still have an uneasy feeling about all of this. Think about it, why would anyone clear in their mind let them attack you and Sona, if their strength is just a bunch of Mid-Class and Low-Class with one High-Class, against Ultimate-Class even if they were hundreds of like those it is useless. Most likely it is a trap within a trap."

Deduced Vali.

As someone who spent the majority of his life in the Amry and leaning from the best among the Imperial House, Custodes, and Imperialis Militarum who was skilled as in military strategy as he was in scheming.

"I think that the real aim of the Shinto Pantheon was to indeed kill you, and Fallen Angels up there probably tricked the Shinto saying that they would kill you, but they want to capture you most likely. Before you make any moves, I need to take a look at the situation myself, and due to the fact, that I cannot transport the entire Khaos Brigade here, I will go alone or probably take only some of my subordinates."

As Vali thought, there were several factions and people scheming here against the Chthonian Empire of the Baator, as this was a priceless opportunity.

Rarely members of prestigious bloodlines of the Chthonian Empire left the domain of the Empire or Baator. Usually, no direct members of the Chthonian Empire left Baator and set foot on the Earth, and if they did, they would be accompanied by many powerhouses depending on the Noble House.

For example, the House of Sitri was Chthonian Lord House, directly related to the High Lord House Leviathan and Imperial House. Under normal circumstances, it was unthinkable that Heiress of the House would leave for Earth basically with no protection.

"I have already reincarnated Ddraig... and from what I have seen that my job would be probably easy one..."

Said Rias with a grin as Vali raised his eyebrow, as the former host of Albion he was a bit curious, and even now he was still technically Albion's kin, as he was transformed to a part dragon by him, making him a Devil Dragonoid.

"So?"

Vali asked while he looked at Rias.

"Depraved pervert with zero talent... not able to awaken Sacred Gear even after he was reincarnated... that would for sure hit dragon's pride too much. Magisterium of Arcane and Magic Research already sent me a spell with which I would be able to communicate with him."

Rias had a rather happy expression saying that as circumstances were doing her job easier.

"Still, be careful till you have not succeeded. If he leaves, then all is in the vain."

Vali lectured her.

Rias nodded and started unbuttoning her shirt.

"Dou you want to fuck before you leave?"

Asked she with a sultry voice.

Several hours later after the pleasure time was over, Rias got a message from Shirone that she had found spaced convict that was hiding in the Kuoh Town.

In the evening, Rias took her servants to an abandoned factory where a criminal named Viser was hiding. She was a dangerous devil at the pinnacle of the Ultimate-Class, that was charged with casting a forbidden ritual that shot her to Ultimate-Class at the prize of tens of citizens of Empire that were used as a sacrifice.

Rias stood there with her three servants, technically two as Shirone wasn't really her servant, but she was in her care, as Kuroka dropped her younger sister on Rias, as Shirone didn't want to stay alone in their home, as Kuroka and their mother Fujimai were often not at home, and their father has long perished during the tide of magical beasts when he led Imperialis Militarum to fight it.

Unfortunately, even though he was the pinnacle Legendary-Class Devil, a Monarch Level monster showed up and killed him, fortunately, he managed to stall for enough time, until reinforcements arrived and civilians evacuated and were awarded the post-humanly title of the Hero of Baator.

"Today, we are going to fight a criminal that escaped to Earth. Issei, you will do nothing and just wait here with Akeno, as this criminal called Viser is at the pinnacle of the Ultimate-Class."

Said Rias as Issei looked at her, or her boobs, or her, but it was clear he was clueless about what she was saying.

"You didn't read the introduction guide or remember anything I have said before?"

Asked she, annoyed that she had a useless servant.

"I am going to repeat it only once more. There exist a Power Hierarchy that measures how strong a person is, think about it like a level system or cultivation system. From weakest to strongest, there are Low-Class, Middle-Class, High-Class, Grand-Class, Ultimate-Class, Legendary-Class, Satan-Class, and Super-Devil Class, though some classes exist above that, currently, it is irrelevant, as it is almost night impossible that such lofty individuals would spare us some time."

Explained Rias slowly.

"So how strong I am buchou?"

He asked excitedly.

"Low-Class."

Answered Rias plainly as Issei looked heartbroken that he was on the bottom of the ladder.

"How strong are those classes?"

He asked shortly after.

"Usually it depends on the individual, on specific abilities and other aspects. Generally, average Low-Class can destroy an entire building with his strongest attack, Middle-Class can do the same to a small Town, High-Class to small City, Grand-Class to a large city, Ultimate-Class can wipe entire mountain, Legendary-Class can destroy smaller sub-continent, Satan-Class can destroy entire Continent at their full force and Super-Devil Class can destroy small celestial bodies or asteroids."

Explained Rias, of course, this was only orientational because as she said, it depended on the person. Those with high mastery over magic, destructive Clan Traits, or those who learned forbidden magic can possess even higher destructive power.

Chapter 255 - Catching the Criminals (3)

Issei gulped hearing all of that, as he now realized that Supernatural World as it was called was filled with existences that could wipe out entire countries in a matter of seconds if they wished to do so.

Indeed the Supernatural World of the Draconic Deus was the ruthless place, where those with strength reigned supreme and did what they wished.

The only reason they rarely fought on Earth or acted there was a silent agreement between all factions that they wouldn't destroy Earth as it was the source of Faith for many Pantheons; it was the source of Souls and other resources.

"Right now, I will show you how the fights in the Supernatural World are fought."

Stated Rias as she signaled for Shirone to follow after her into the building.

They entered together into the abandoned factory, where the criminal devil named Viser was obviously hiding. It was dark here; Rias and Shirone took the lead, while Akeno stayed with Issei in the backlines, as they wouldn't be fighting.

This was a relatively high-level fight, and Issei could quickly perish here, considering that he was only a Low-Class individual.

As they were searching through the abandoned factory, suddenly, several thunderbolts were shot at them, to which Rias cast a defense barrier that protected them all from incoming magical attacks.

Akeno subsequently cast an illumination spell, illuminated the entire abandoned factory, and showed the culprit they were searching for.

It was Ultimate-Class criminal Viser, and she looked like a hybrid between men and centaur. She had a voluptuous upper body with long, black hair, and her lower body was gigantic and beastly with four legs, each having sharp claws and a snake as a tail.

"Criminal Stray Viser, by orders of the Commissariat, you are hereby sentenced to death for murdering 17 guards, escaping the prison transport, and for original charge, casting forbidden ritual that sacrificed a life of tens of Imperial Citizens in order to reach Ultimate-Class. I Rias Lucifer-Gremory, Novice Executioner of the Execution Temple, will carry our the Judgement."

Stated Rias in a formal voice as she observed Viser carefully.

Stray Devil was a term used for devils that cast a forbidden ritual to increase their strength by sacrificing others quickly. Though not the valid reason for that name, but rather each of these rituals had a terrible side effect of transforming the recipient into hideous monsters with grotesque shapes and looks.

The moment Rias finished the sentence, she instantly created several orbs with her Power of Destruction and shot them towards the Viser. Despite her enormous size, she was relatively agile and managed to dodge most of the spheres, as only the last one touched her right hand, as it turned it to dust.

Realizing that she was no opponent for Rias, she decided to escape; in truth, she settled for escape moment Rias introduced herself, as fighting member of the Imperial House was plain suicide due to their Clan Traits and overwhelming power.

As she was running away, suddenly a white blur appeared before her, and with full strength, she punched her to her stomach, sending her flying, several tens of meters, and crashing into the wall.

As the dust settled, it revealed Shirone armed with special gauntlets who ended the escape of the criminal Viser. Shiro now looked different from her usual self, as she had more cat-like eyes, pair of cat ears, and two tails were waggling behind her.

Despite being only at the High-Class, her physical strength was at the pinnacle of the High-Class, and Viser was Ultimate-Class only in terms of Demonic Energy. Additionally, she was armed with a pair of gauntlets comparable to any legendary artifact in Earth myths.

At the exact moment, Rias cast a binding spell that bound Viser in her place where she crashed, not allowing her to move an inch.

"Any last words, traitor?"

Asked Rias rhetorically as she prepared Destruction Orb in her hand before shooting it at Viser, obliterating her from existence.

"Now we are done; the only thing remaining is to file a report for the Commissariat."

Said Rias as she looked around her.

MC POV

At the same time, on the roof of the opposite building.

I stood on the roof while watching the fight below me.

Even though it was between Ultimate-Class powerhouses, it was still entertaining. It appears that Rias had inherited from me, ending her opponents fastest as possible.

That was a good thing to have.

"Father."

Said a voice behind me as Vali landed down.

"So, what have you found out?"

I asked my adopted son/future son-in-law. I was happy that my daughter ended with someone reliable and of noble blood, especially if that person was Vali.

"There are several Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels and one Ten-Winged Cadre-Class Fallen Angel. The number of Low-Class to Middle-Class rogue exorcists is more than two hundred; other Fallen are numbering in tens. This is a clear trap for them and..."

He stopped in the middle of a sentence.

"Pinnacle Intermediate God was hiding near the base of Fallen."

He finished with a stern voice as I just nodded my head in understanding.

"Kokabiel, Melvazoa, Amaterasu... all of you are nothing more than just stepping stones in the path of mine and that of the Empire."

I said in a low voice.

"It appears that Susanoo cannot wait, and Kokabiel has joined hands with Melvazoa... losses that Evies have suffered in our hands forced them to search for allies here to at least hinder our progress. Fortunately, those Spirit Gods are too arrogant to do something like this. Still, it doesn't matter... Vali, go and capture that Intermediate God alive, and give him to an Execution Temple for interrogation; I want to know what they are planning against us; if they realized our true goal, we need to move faster."

I ordered as Vali nodded and teleported away.

I looked at people there.

"Ddraig, I hope we will meet soon."

I said as I teleported back to the Baator.

Chapter 256 - Before the Attack

MC POV

Several Days Later, Baator, Imperial Capital Anor Londo

"So, what are the results of the interrogation?"

I asked as I was visited by Hilda, who was in charge of interrogating captured Intermediate Stage God by Vali several days earlier.

"As predicted, some kind of three-way alliance has been created between Susanoo, Melvazoa, and Kokabiel, hard to stay what exactly it is, but it is clear that they are working together. Especially Melvazoa and Kokabiel, as Melvazoa elevated Kokabiel to an Archangel-Class and invested a lot of resources into his Legion of Fallen Angels so he could cause problems for us."

An outcome that I have long ago predicted.

"Continue."

I said.

"Certainly. From what we have found out, Susanoo allowed Kokabiel to create a foothold in Japan in hopes that he would target Rias and Sona. Kokabiel wants to kill them, while Susanoo wants to capture them as a form of insurance against our Empire. Meanwhile, Kokabiel was able to convince Suanoo with the backing of Melvazoa, as it seems that other Pantheons are very well aware of two factions of Evie and Etoulde. The task of this Intermediate God was to capture Sona and Rias moment they were about to be killed by Fallen Angels; then, they would negotiate their return to the Empire in exchange for resources they planned to use to resurrect another; of their Primordial Gods."

Summarized Hilda everything she has learned.

"While Kokabiel just wants to avenge himself for the humiliation he suffered in the war in your hands, father."

She finished after a short pause.

"This is troublesome, with Kokabiel getting support from Melvazoa is the problem itself, while impossible to solve, it could hinder our progress if mismanaged."

I muttered to myself.

"Immediately contact Grigori and report this situation, push for the meeting between Grigori and Heaven as soon as possible. Send a message to Celestial Court that we can start, announce a state of emergency, active Judas Protocol."

I said after a short time as Hilda bowed and left to carry out my orders.

Judas Protocol was a plan to cut all loose ends; when activated, Empire will send its best trackers and strongest powerhouses to deal with Rizevim, his pawns, and other organizations that threaten the final act.

Empire had many hidden enemies in the Draconic Deus waiting for their time to strike, and that time was coming very soon.

"My Emperor."

Said a voice out of shadows.

"Lead a group of your best men and assassinate all Susanoo's subordinates in mortal Japan, leave none alive, blame Celestial Court. Okhwang is okey with such development."

I ordered.

Okhwang didn't really care about Shinto Pantheon, even if the primordial gods were counted in; for him, they were just minor nuisances, so he won't care if I blame Celestial Court for this series of assassinations.

In the end, soon, it would cease to exist.

"It shall be done, My Emperor."

Replied Grandmaster of the Execution Temple Cain Valefor.

3rd POV

Around the same time, Earth, Japan, Kuoh Town

"Absolutely not; you will right now cease all contact with that nun! Where do you think you have seen that? A nun fraternizing with Devi? Especially one that is the servant of a member of the Imperial House!"

Shouted Rias at Issei, as she once again heard that he was hanging out with the nun, and this time it nearly got him killed as one rogue exorcist prepared a trap for him in an attempt to kill him. He was pretty lucky that Rias ordered one of her subordinates to monitor him, who saved his life and teleported them away.

"But buchou she is..."

He attempted to say something only to step in mid of his sentence as he was silenced by Rias's angry glare.

"No buts! You will immediately stop contact with that nun, am I clear?"

She asked threateningly.

"Yes."

Issei answered dully as he left the room, leaving there Rias alone.

Soon after he left, Akeno entered the room.

"You sure? He will go there and search for her. If he dies, it will destroy all plans."

Stated Akeno.

"He will not as we will attack their fortress too. Vali already knows their exact strength and will take several of his lieutenants from the Khaos Brigade to attack the fortress. Issei's attack will be nothing more than just distraction."

Answered Rias, as already was finished, preparations were complete, and they would attack the fortress of the Fallen Angels.

It was planned to happen today, but since they could create a better situation, then why not? They would use a pawn to create and chaos absolute and attack Fallen and their servants in distraction.

Chapter 257 - Purge of the Pests (1)

The same day, evening.

It was a silent night at the Kuoh Town in Japan.

Under the shadows of the night, countless figures were moving to the outskirts of the Kuoh Town area, to the nearby mountains that were base for the Fallen Angels.

"Your servant has departed to rescue that nun about an hour ago. With this temp, he should have arrived at the location of the Fallen Angels."

Reported one of the subordinate Executioners to Rias.

"Excellent, inform Vali about this development; we are making haste to reach that place as soon as possible."

Ordered Rias, as Executioner bowed slightly as he melted in shadows.

Outside of the Kuoh Town, Fortress of the Fallen Angels

"So, what is the plan?"

Asked Rias to Vali, they were all standing on the top of some random mountain with a good view of the fortress belonging to the Fallen Angels.

Rias was here together with Shirone and Akeno; all three of them were wearing a battle uniform, while Rias was wearing a Runic Armor, in a similar design to the one Vali was wearing, only distributed for the member of the Imperial House.

It also had its own PSG or the Personal Shield Generator.

"You and your servants deal with rogue exorcists in the outer area of the fortress; I with my men will dispose of all Fallen Angels at that are hiding in the inner area. Currently, your servant is in the inner church where that Fallen Angel Raynare is performing an extraction ritual on that nun. 234 rogue exorcists ranging from Low-Class to Middle-Class, you should be able to kill them all within a short time, then there are around 15 Fallen Angels at Middle-Class, and one at the High-Class here is the map of the fortress."

Summarized Vali the plan that was to be carried out.

"Now that the plan is clear, everybody start."

Ordered Vali as everyone dispersed.

After dispersing, Rias took Akeno, Shirone, and her subordinate Executioners to fight at the fortress's outer area to annihilate all rogue exorcist up here. All of them were dressed in white clerical clothing and armed with light swords and exorcist guns.

"This will be, though."

While they were stronger, they had a numerical disadvantage, especially after the Fallen Angels sensed that Rias was here. Hence, two Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels appeared to comfort her, leaving Shirone, Akeno, and two Disciple Executioners to deal with rogue exorcists.

Fortunately, those rogue exorcists were only of Low-Class, and only a few of them were Mid-Class. Unfortunately, several Mid-Class Fallen Angels mingled between them, which was complicating things, but alas... it was time for the fight.

Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels instantly rushed at Rias, knowing her specialty being long-ranged to mid-ranged combat, as they attempted to kill her in the close-quarters, to the great shock of Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels, she took out pair of the extinguishly crafted daggers and attacked two Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels, that were charging at her.

She coated her two daggers in Power of Destruction to increase their attacking power, while at the same time, she skillfully dodged every attack that the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels threw at her.

While they were at the Ultimate-Class, Rias noticed that they had a problem controlling their own strength, as if they were artificially elevated to the Class. She knew that during the war between what was known at that time as Devil Faction, with Heaven and Grigori, Yahweh was mass-elevating Pure Angels forcefully by using an enormous amount of Divine Crystals to build a strong army.

Two Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels were shocked that she was rushing at them while dodging their attacks, as they panicked monetary, before they started shooting a large amount of Light Spear at her, to which Rias just active her in-built Personal Shield Generator, that defended her against all attacks, as they were absolutely futile.

She appeared before one of the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels, slashing at him with her daggers, slitting his throat in a split of a second. As the head sprung into the air, blood-spattered all around, and the headless corpse fell onto the ground, second Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels panicked and decided to escape.

Most Fallen Angels were cowards to heart that only fought against someone weaker or someone as strong as them. When faced with a stronger opponent, the majority would choose to escape. Of course, this rule applied only to that of Fallen not belonging to the Empire.

As the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angel was escaping, Rias flew instantly in pursuit and quickly attacked him with a Power of Destruction wave, aimed at his wings, turning them to dust as the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels let out a horrendous shriek of pain, as he fell from the sky, crashing onto the ground in an instant.

After the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels crashed down, it was a piece of cake to kill him, as she just threw at him several orbs from the Power of Destruction that obliterated his body to oblivion.

"These two were to that strong... fortunately, Vali mentioned that there are even Legendary-Class Fallen Angels up here waiting in the trap."

Muttered Rias as she looked around the fortress and killed all enemies that came at her. All rogue exorcists or Fallen Angels of Mid-CLass to High-Class were turned to dust under the might of her Power of Destruction.

As she was strolling the outer area, apparently all stronger Fallen Angels were pre-occupied with Vali and his forces.

Chapter 258 - Purge of the Pests (2)

Meanwhile, as Rias was dealing with the Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels, Akeno and Shirone, together with two Disciple Executioners, were slaughtered their way through the hordes of rogue exorcists and weak trash Fallen Angels that were here and there.

Most eye-catching in this fight was Akeno, with her Holy Thunder she inherited from her father, Baraqiel. While she had not a good opinion about her father, bordering on the level of hatred, her mother convinced her to learn how to use her greatest strength.

If not, she would not be graduating from the Imperial Magic Junior Academy as best of her class.

Every time she cast a spell, a group of the Fallen Angels and rogue exorcists were blasted to death. None of them could stand against the destructive power of the Holy Thunder.

Meanwhile, as Akeno was doing large-scale damage to everything around with her destructive spell, Shirone was disposing of Fallen Angels one by one in close-quarter combat. Due to her enormous physical strength, every punch took a life of one rogue exorcist or Low to Mid Class Fallen Angel.

These rogue exorcists were only humans; their bodies were just only three or four times stronger than that of an average human due to strengthening from the Holy Power; usually, humans in terms of physique were always weaker than supernatural beings if they were both at the same Class.

Shirone fought in her true form, which was her neko-mode, meaning it increased her physical strength even more, as she was in the so-called sage mode, by tuning herself with the energy of the world, gaining a significant boost to her power.

Not only her strength got to increase, but she also was healing faster from injuries, and her stamina regeneration was several times more quickly, meaning she could fight for a prolonged amount of time. Additionally, it could even speed up the regeneration of the Demonic Energy.

In the Empire, there were only a few Senjutsu Masters, as it required specific aptitude to learn, mostly found only in Youkai, monsters, or magical beasts. Though, it didn't mean that Devils or other species cannot learn it or its advanced form of Touki.

After several minutes both of them managed to eradicate more than a hundred rogue exorcists and Fallen Angels that were protecting the area.

"Akeno-senpai, a large group of more than fifty rogue exorcists and ten Fallen Angels, is approaching from the fortress."

Stated Shirone as she sent the last rogue exorcist flying with her punch.

At the same time with Vali and his officers.

Vali took his officers to the place where the several Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels were waiting in ambush under the leadership of a Lengednary-Class Fallen Angel.

"Be careful; there may be some traps already prepared for us, though I doubt it as Fallen Angels are not smart enough, especially those under the leadership of Kokabiel."

He reminded his people as they nodded in agreement, though it never hurts to be careful.

Soon enough, they quickly found several Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels, numbering more than 10, and among them were two Legendary-Class Fallen Angels, though all of these Fallen seemed to be a bit different in appearance.

They were all pale like a sheet of paper with black lines through their entire face, probably a whole body.

'Artificial Elevation of Mighty Stage God, pretty crude, apparently the god who did it, regarded them as pawns to be disposed of so he didn't bother to do a proper job.'

Thought Vali the moment he saw the Fallen Angels. He instantly realized that Kokabiel either must have struck some deal with Melvazoa or became his subordinate, and either of them was bad news and a reason to kill him the moment he left his hole.

Both Pantheons of Evie and Etoulde have the means to mass-produce strong powerhouses through artificial elevating as they have enormous amounts of Divine Crystals. While those powerhouses have an expiration date, as the rituals are not perfect to not waste additional Divine Power on them, they will die within several years since the ritual. Still, till then, they could cause enormous damage to the Empire.

'Wait for my command and ambush them.'

Vali sent a telepathic message to his lieutenants.

They were under concealment spells, so they could silently ambush those Fallen Angels and kill them as soon as possible because Vali was cautious. Now that he had confirmed the connection between Kokabiel's forces and Melvazoa and his Evies, who knows if there weren't even some powerhouse from the Evies.

It could easily be some Greater God or even Mighty Stage God of early-stage somewhere here, and even though Vali was strong, he was not an opponent for someone like that.

Evies and Etoulde were dangerous foes that Empire was facing, and they were maximally cautious when dealing with either of them. Each one of those factions was strong with deep roots, and god knows what they were hiding.

Chapter 259 - Purge of the Pests (3)

As soon as Vali gave out the command, he and his officers all attacked Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels and two Legendary-Class Fallen Angels. As someone of the Pinnacle of the Satan-Class, Vali used his Clan Trait Holy Flame, which was genetically transplanted into him, through mystic and arcane procedures of his adoptive father.

He created a massive wave of the Holy Flame, which devastated all of the Fallen Angels that came into contact with it. Even two Legendary-Class Fallen Angels were turned to dust as they were devoured by the Holy Flames' wave, which purged their existence.

After Vali's attack killed two Legendary-Class Fallen Angels and several Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels, his officers finished the job by killing injured Fallen Angels or those Eight-Winged Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels who survived and attempted to escape.

"Secure the area, leave none alive."

Ordered Vali as he looked around, and then at the place where two Legendary-Class Fallen Angels were turned to dust by his Holy Flame.

'Our presence on Earth is not that strong, and given enough time, Kokabiel, with his boosted Fallen, could cause us great damages.'

Thought Vali in his head about this mission.

'They need to be dealt with as soon as possible.'

He then started typing something on his Holo-Brain, sending a report to the HQ of the Imperialis Militarum about this new development, as the rise of the high amount of Ultimate-Class Fallen Angels under the leadership of Kokabiel could make problems for their operation on Earth.

That was because most agents and other military personnel of the Empire that were operating on the Earth were mainly under the Ultimate-Class.

Meanwhile, in the inner area of the fortress, in a church, there was a fight between one reincarnated devil and one Fallen Angel.

After Issei arrived at the place, he didn't encounter even a single Fallen Angel or rogue exorcists, but he didn't really think too much about that, and he just continued to search for the nun named Asia Argento.

In the end, he found her in the innermost area of the fortress, in a church that was built there, as she was bound to a cross, while Fallen Angel, he remembered to be named Raynare, was performing some kind of ritual.

"Asia!"

He screamed, but it was too late, and the ritual was complete as a sphere of a green light landed in Raynare's hands.

"Too late human lowlife."

Scowled Raynare at him as she kicked down the cross with Asia's corpse on it, while Issei started crying seeing his friend die like that.

Without thinking too much, Issei charged at Raynare, only to be kicked into his stomach and sent flying, crashing through several lines of wooden benches as he coughed blood.

"Pathetic."

Frowned Raynare as she saw that the reincarnated devil couldn't handle a single hit from her. She slowly walked up to him with a cruel smile over his face as she created a light spear in her hands.

"I am going to enjoy killing you... very, very slowly."

Laughed Raynare.

Unaware to her, she was quietly being observed by Rias and Vali, who were hiding on the high floor of the church, silently watching the show.

"She is going to kill him."

Said Vali to his girlfriend, who just shook her head, uninterested in what was happening beneath them.

"She won't... she is playing with him. I want to watch if he awakens the Boosted Gear; if he doesn't, it would be for best."

Answered Rias, as she knew that Ddraig was probably observing what was happening, he for sure realized that his host was worthless, and if he didn't awaken the Boosted Gear in a life and death situation, she was aware that her negotiation would be much easier.

And thus they watched as Raynare was toying with Issei, by beating him brutally, after which, she started stabbing him with her light spear.

"Okey... I don't want him to die... at least yet."

Muttered Rias as she teleported behind Raynare after Issei lost his consciousness, and with one orb of Power of Destruction, she insta-killed her.

After killing her, she picked up the Twilight Healing from her corpse, or from what remained from her, as the upper part of her body was obliterated by her Power of Destruction.

"Vali, could you bring this back to the Empire? Magister Beelzebub is already awaiting it at Magisterium of Arcanotech."

Stated Rias as she passed him the Twilight Healing, after turning her attention to a bleeding Issei.

"What to do with you...?"

She muttered as she looked at him.

"Maybe it would be best to negotiate with Ddraig right now, isn't that correct Red Dragon Emperor?"

She asked as she started chanting a particular spell that was meant for this specific purpose.

Chapter 260 - Negotiation with Red Dragon Emperor

Sacred Gears created from the strong beings were fundamentally flawed. The first problem with them was that the host could not grow stronger than the being sealed in his Sacred Gear in most cases. The second was that, even when mastered, due to the nature of Sacred Gear, one cannot show the full power of the being sealed inside the Sacred Gear.

As soon as Rias finished the chant, she entered through her consciousness to the Issei's mindscape, where the soul of the Red Dragon Emperor Ddraig Y. Goch.

Rias looked at Ddraig nervously as she didn't know how the Red Dragon Emperor would react.

"What do you want here, young devil princess?"

Asked Ddraig in a majestic voice while he scrutinized Rias from head to toe. Even though the Longinus Boosted Gear was dormant inside its host, and Ddraig spent most of his time sleeping, he was very well aware of everything that took place in the life of his host.

He observed everything, so he knew what was going on and about everything about his host.

"I have come to negotiate with you."

Answered Rias as she looked at Red Dragon Emperor of Domination Ddraig Y Goch.

"Negotiate what daughter of Crimson Emperor?"

Asked Ddraig in a deep majestic voice, as he stood up and looked at Rias with his draconic eyes shining. During past centuries, he was very well aware of the strength of the Chthonian Empire, as several of his hosts were killed by the Empire after either offending Nobles or creating conflicts.

His strongest host Belzard even met with the Crimson Emperor of the Chthonian Empire and was killed in a split of a second, even though he fought in Juggernaut Drive.

Only then did Ddraig realize that the Emperor of the Chthonian Empire had reached the level of Beings of Law.

"I came here representing my father to negotiate with you about the offer he made to you a century ago."

Answered Rias as Ddraig roared in rage as he took it as an insult.

She expected such a reaction, as Dragon Pride didn't know an end, but she had something prepared in her arsenal that would probably convince him in one go.

"Albion was revived long ago, and with help from the Empire, he will soon reach Elder Dragon Class."

She stated calmly, as Ddraig stopped in his tracks, frozen in a one place, as he started at Rias with rage, thinking about that his rival already got back his body, could freely fly through the sky and enjoy pleasures of the physical body.

Not only that, but evidently, Albion was already nearing the Elder Dragon Class, which would mean that his rival would overcome him and leave him in the dust.

Just thinking about it made Ddraig grimace and frown in annoyance that his long-time rival would leave him behind.

Seeing that he was still not decided, Rias decided to push forward.

"Since Albion became a member of the Empire and was appointed as the Lord General of Imperialis Militarum, 6th Army Draco Aetherna, he had earned enormous amount of riches, gold, artifacts, treasures, and countless pretty dragonesses are lining up to him every day, and not only dragonesses but also beauties of other races. Additionally, he is already stronger than you thanks to assistance from Beings of Law of the Chthonian Empire."

After hearing that, Ddraig took an enormous hit, and it wasn't everything, as Rias continued shortly.

"You see that your host is a worthless pervert with zero amount of talent, who cannot awaken Boosted Gear even when he was reincarnated as Devil. And even if he did, what level would he reach with his personality? Probably Ultimate-Class could be considered an impossible achievement for someone like him. And then, with his personality and behavior, it is highly possible that mighty Red Dragon Emperor of Domination would become something along the lines of Breast Dragon Emperor or Oppai Dragon, such humiliation for mighty being as yourself is waiting behind the door."

Everything that Rias said continuously attacked all of the weakest points of Dragons. She instantly attacked his Dragon Pride, which took an enormous hit hearing that his rival was already more powerful and had everything that dragons were actively seeking: treasures, women, and gold.

And then, finally, she squashed the last amount of resistance he had by stating apparent facts about his current host and that he could be highly possibly renamed from Red Dragon Emperor of Domination to something humiliating as Oppai Dragon.

Ddraig was very well aware of what his host was like.

Dragons were naturally prideful, and the stronger they were, the more prideful they were, especially if they were titled dragons bearing some kind of title; they were incredibly proud of that fact, as not many dragons had a title.

After some time of silence, Rias could see that Ddraig's arrogance was broken down.

"So what do you propose, devil princess?"

Asked Ddraig.

"I am not princess, I was stripped of that title years ago for my own arrogance and weakness, but one day, I will get it back for my merits and power that I have achieved."

She corrected the Red Dragon Emperor as he looked at her curiously.

"Now, the Empire is proposing you the same thing as for Albion. You will get your physical body back and will be given an official position within the Empire, preferably in one of the Military Branches of the Chthonian Empire. Additionally, our Beings of Law will help you achieve the Elder Dragon Class. As Elder Crom Cruach has reached that level, he would be surely able to help you in that regard."

Presented Rias proposition of the Chthonian Empire for the Ddraig Y. Goch.

"I accept your offer."

In the end, Ddraig decided to accept the offer from the Empire, as it was beneficial for him.

"Excellent, now you only need to sign this."

Rias clapped her hands in happiness as she took out Soul-Geass and presented it to Ddraig.