Chapter 261 - Dealing with Liabilities

Signing a Soul-Geass was obligatory for every citizen of the Empire, so they could not under any circumstances betray the Empire, or Laws of the Universe would crush their own very soul.

This rule was obligatory for even members of Nobility and High-Ranking Officials. Contrary to commoners, these people were even under the stricter type of contract called Blood and Soul Void-Geass.

Blood and Soul Void-Geass was a new type of Geass developed through arduous research based on the knowledge obtained by Emperor from the Longinus Dreizhen Orden, creating the probably strongest type of contract across the entire Astral Boundary Universe.

It even contained a lot of from Okhwang's original Universe, Ancient Dao Universe, which has extensive knowledge of these things, and Zeoticus managed to convince Okhwang to help him in this one, in a way, entire Orden could then use them.

In the end, it became some kind of group project, where everyone in the entire Longinus Dreizhen Orden worked on this and created their masterpiece.

Blood and Soul Void-Geass could be broken by force only when someone reached a later stage of the Exarch Realm or by someone in Lord-Class unparalleled in Soul Laws and similar aspects.

It was the crystallization of knowledge of several universes.

Ddraig was given Soul-Geass only for now, as he didn't have a physical body.

"Now, we only need to wait till the Empire gathers all necessary resources for your revival."

Stated Rias after Ddraig signed the Soul-Geass.

"And that would be when? I don't want to be stuck up in this hellhole for any moment longer."

Asked Red Dragon Emperor of Domination impatiently.

"A few months maximally. You need to be aware that Empire needs to gather a few more resources, and several of them are extremely precious even across entire Astral Boundary, ann only father can procure them."

Ddraig nodded, satisfied with this answer.

In the end, were a few months compared to entire centuries.

Most of the resources were gathered by Zeoticus personally, through the help of his colleagues from the Longinus Dreizhen Orden, to achieve a perfect revival, which was not an easy feat.

After Rias finished negotiating with Ddraig, she returned to the real world from Issei's consciousness.

While she was there, her Executioner subordinates were already cleaning up the place by disposing of corpses, and soon enough, they would obliterate the entire fortress.

"Bring him to healer and heal him properly."

Ordered Rias to her Executioner subordinates.

MC POV

Some time later

After an attack on the fortress of the Fallen Angels, Empire obtained the allegiance of Heavenly Dragon, Red Dragon Emperor of Domination, Ddraig Y. Goch, and Twilight Healing which would serve the Empire as a model to develop similar artifacts for healing.

They would be specially incorporated into the runic armors of Custodians and Sardaukar. Coupled with the quality of the Runic Armors and Personal Shield Generators, they would be completely unstoppable on the battlefield.

What was disturbing news, on the contrary, was information obtained by Intelligence Department, that Kokabiel with his group has appeared, he reached the level of Twelve-Winged Archangel-Class Fallen Angel and raided the Vatican.

They killed several prominent exorcists and severely injured Vasco Strada and Ewald Cristaldi.

Their aim was to obtain fragments of the Excalibur Swords, and they obtained 6 out of 7 fragments. All Fake Excaliburs, namely Excalibur Destruction, Excalibur Mimic, Excalibur Rapidly, Excalibur Nightmare, Excalibur Blessing, and Transparency.

The last piece, Excalibur Ruler, was in the hands of the Empire, namely in the hands of the Chthonian Lord Family, the Pendragon Family that joined the Empire.

After raiding the Vatican and stealing all fragments of Excalibur, Kokabiel and his goons disappeared into thin air once more.

As I heard all of these reports, I knew what Kokabiel would do next...

He would attack Kuoh and try to kill Rias and Sona.

He knew that it wouldn't spark the war between Empire and Grigori, but it would create a great rift between our factions that are soon merging.

"Give the command, Your Imperial Majesty, and this Diablo will exterminate all of your enemies."

Diablo knelt before me while he excluded a murderous aura not weaker than mine own. He has long reached the level of the Abyssal King Fiend that was comparable to Warlock Monarch, though his combat prowess would put many Apocalypse-Class beings to shame.

"No need for that, Diablo... I will dispose of him myself... that pest was getting on my nerves for many centuries, and now, he would finally show himself up."

I said with an authoritative voice as I looked at gathered Imperial Officials.

For past centuries I rarely made a move by myself and let my subordinates deal with all things regarding attacking enemies of the Empire.

"Prepare contingent of Custodians with my son as Leader; they would depart together with me."

I said.

Diablo nodded at my order and departed to organize his Custodians for me.

"Your Imperial Majesty, we have confirmed the connection. Shinto God Susanoo is in cahoots with Kokabiel, who in turn is the servant of Melvazoa. By our information, Amaterasu knows about everything, but she let it slide; they fear our close relationship with Celestial Court. After the slaughter of all Susanoo's priests, he got into contact with Kokabiel and supplied him with weapons and Divine Crystals."

Said one of the officers of the Intelligence Department.

I just sighed at that.

Alliance with the Shinto Pantheon was signed centuries ago, mainly because they were one of the strongest Pantheons, and we needed allies with strong influence on Earth.

But... I have long ago predicted an outcome like this, and because of that, I have already prepared for it.

"Good. Active the End Protocol. Let Takamagahara burn."

I ordered with an emotionless voice, as everyone stopped in their place as blood froze in their veins.

"It shall be done, Your Imperial Majesty."

I hated traitors, and alliance with the Shinto Pantheon already lost their meaning the moment Susanoo colluded with Kokabiel.

Their time will come faster than others.

In the end...

When I tear down Dimensional Gap, I doubt that even a single God of Draconic Deus will survive the onslaught of factions of the Astral Boundary that are near.

Chapter 262 - Broken Toy

Kuoh Town, Several days later.

Several days have passed since the extermination of the Fallen Angels, Rogue Exorcists, and their fortress in the outskirts of the Kuoh Town.

After that operation, Rias's servant Issei has become depressed that Fallen Angels killed his nun friend Asia, but Rias was able to smooth things with a bit of flirting and seduction. Of course, it worked splendidly on the pervert, as she needed to have him in an adequate state.

Rias has him completely wrapped around her finger, as he would do everything she asks him. While compared to her siblings, she was lacking in talent and strength, she made it up in scheming and plotting, and her specialty was emotional manipulation which became her greatest strength.

Right now, Rias was sitting in her office inside the occult research club together with Vali as she leaned over his chest.

"I got the message that Kokabiel has raided the Vatican and stolen all fragments of the Excalibur. It is predicted that he will attack Kuoh Town with his remnant followers, and apparently, he has reached the level of Archangel-Class after pledging himself to service of Melvazoa."

Stated Vali seriously as he looked at Rias.

While it was true that elevated powerhouses were always weaker compared to those of the same rank that achieved it by themselves, but Vali was the only pinnacle of Satan-Class; with his combat prowess, he could fight to stand-still Super Devils, but defeating one is tricky.

Even if Kokabiel is artificially elevated to that level, Vali doubted that his combat prowess would be lacking, as Kokabiel is known for being a fierce and experienced warrior.

"So the Empire is sending someone to deal with it, right?"

Asked Rias thoughtfully.

"Not someone, but father is coming personally. He wants to kill Kokabiel and also collect fragments of the Excalibur so they could be reforged into the Excalibur as it was once in the past, before being shattered by Elder Zekram during the Great War between our factions."

Answered Vali as Rias was shocked hearing that their father was coming here personally.

Emperor rarely left the Empire or Baator altogether.

"He also sent me a message that he got most of the materials needed for the revival of Ddraig, and he would also extract his soul out of the Longinus after everything is dealt with."

Said Vali after a short time of thought, while Rias sighed in relief.

This meant that her mission was over, and she could finally return back to the Empire, and she had earned plenty of merits.

Merit Point System was established a few centuries ago to motivate all Imperial citizens to work for the Empire. These Merit Points could be used to exchange for precious resources, spells, and many, many other things.

Even social status could be bought with them, as long a person has an appropriate power level. Those two things were undividedly tied together. One cannot become noble without Proper Strength and Merit at the same time.

"Ddraig and Albion were very close to reaching Elder Dragon Class during their life, and now after long years, Lord Albion is very close to the Elder Dragon Class. Both of them are great additions to the Imperial Military Strength."

Stated Rias.

After talking for some time, both of them started making out passionately on the couch, forgetting the erect barrier around them.

Meanwhile, as Rias and Vali were lost in their passionate sex, Issei finally woke up after being resting for some time due to injuries suffered by Raynare's hand.

He laid on the bed in the Occult Research Club House as he was bandaged.

When he woke up, the first thing he remembered was that what happened and how he lost consciousness after being tortured by Fallen Angel Rayner after she extracted Sacred Gear out of Asia and killed her.

He stood from the bed to see buchou Rias as he wanted her to ask, why didn't she save Asia. During the short time he knew her, he became attached to her, and rarely not in any perverted means, but instead, he had the desire to protect her.

As he exited the room, he searched for the Rias's room as he barely could walk because his entire body hurt like hell, but yesterday, he got assured from Rias that it would heal quickly as Devils had a high healing factor.

Soon he arrived at his destination until he froze in his tracks when he heard moans of pleasure from the room, as his heart started beating extremely fast and despair overwhelmed him.

Like a fool he was, he was totally engrossed by Rias, and it took only basically nothing for Rias to make Issei fall in love with her.

She was, after all, an expert at emotional manipulation.

Even though she was greatly humbled during her training to be an executioner, she took great pride that her elders at the Execution Temple praised her for being a prodigy when it came to emotional manipulation for past centuries.

Hearing those moans intensify, he started feeling a weird feeling, like something was torn apart from him, and in his last attempt of hope or desperation, he resisted peeking inside, as he feared what he would learn or see.

Like one would say, hope dies as the last one.

He didn't dare to peek through the door, but in the end, his curiosity got ahead of him as he tried looking through the keyhole, which was possible with his heightened senses.

After he looked through the keyhole, unaware to him, tears started flowing down his face as he stumbled backward and fell onto the ground.

After he started crying, he stood up and left for his room, with a lifeless expression over his face as if something broke inside him.

Chapter 263 - End of the Cockroach (1)

Japan, Kuoh Town, Several Days later.

For the past few days, Rias, together with Vali, were preparing for the Kokabiel's attack on the Kuoh Town; meanwhile, Vali was also responsible for preparing Khaos Brigade for invasion on Takamagahara, as Empire decided to destroy their Pantheon after one of their leaders helped Kokabiel and indirectly Melvazoa.

The plan was to destroy the entire Takamagahara by some kind of arcanotech weapon developed by Lord Magister Ajuka Beelzebub; by calculations, it should severely injure even Mighty Stage Gods to the point of being on the brink of death.

This would destroy the entire Pantheon, leaving Chthonian Empire just to kill those who managed by some luck survive and they could subsequently absorb various Youkai Factions across whole world. One must know that Youkai Clans of China have a long-ago migrated to the Baator and pledged themselves to the Chthonian Empire with a bit of help from Okhwang.

"Rias, your perverted servant, is behaving weirdly... even though he is entirely weird."

Sneered Vali as he observed Issei, who was like the lifeless husk of his former self.

"I don't really care; in upcoming days, Kokabiel will attack, and after father kills him, then Ddraig will be extracted to be revived, and the pervert will be killed."

Answered Rias, though she had some ideas in her mind why he behaved like that.

'We didn't erect the barrier the last time? Maybe he heard or saw us? If that is the truth, then hopefully he will not fall... that would complicate things.'

Thought Rias in her head.

Even though his Soul Aptitude was beyond trash, there still existed a slight possibility of something happening due to him being the host of the Boosted Gear.

No matter how small or trash someone's talent was, in the situation of extreme emotional stress or desperation, they could forcefully awaken their Sacred Gears and even by force activate the Juggernaut Drive.

Still, with the presence of Emperor here or when he would be here, it would be no problem, but if he went berserk now... then that would be a serious problem.

Even though Sacred Gears created from some strong creatures or beings cannot display their full strength as they were flawed fundamental, they can still display about 70% of the power of sealed being, and on rare occasions, this number could reach even 80%.

But even 70% of power belonging to Heavenly Dragon that was near to reaching Elder Dragon Class was terrible news for them. Even though she and Vali had some protection artifacts and treasures, they could not directly teleport to Baator, as the plane had already recovered enough, so direct teleportation how it was centuries ago was impossible.

They could only escape and hope he wouldn't pursue them or be slow enough for them to escape.

"I will assign an additional Executioner to observe him, and in the worst case, I can activate the self-destruction of the Independent Card to dispose of him. Then though, I would have only 30 seconds to catch his soul and extract Ddraig, or Ddraig's soul would return to Heaven's System."

Stated Rias calmy as she thought about her possible choices and their outcomes.

Soon enough, it was evening, and Rias was prepared to go sleep as she was tired from an entire day of dealing with paperwork and directing her subordinates to prepare for Kokabiel's attack.

As soon s she lay on her bed and wanted to sleep, Vali barged into her room with a frown on his face.

"Barrier around the Kuoh has been breached."

He said briefly as Rias quickly stood up.

This barrier was erected by Vali and his lieutenants from the Khaos Brigade and would be hard to breach even form boosted up Kokabiel, which meant only one thing, the enemy was far stronger they had anticipated.

"Have he showed up yet?"

Asked Rias.

"Not, probably waiting for something... but I got a message from father that he is already here and observing everything from shadows. By his words, Kokabiel won't kill us easily or fast, as he is too confident or arrogant in his new strength, and additionally, he wants spectators to watch his show so that he will be theatrical. Father wants to wait to hear what he has to say. Because Kokabiel believes we are dead meat, he would say to us many things, and father is curious who among other factions of Earth area threat to our plans... apparently, Shinto Pantheon isn't the only one that is moving against us and is a threat."

Explained Vali their current plan.

"So we are partially baits, right?"

Asked Rias shortly after.

"Indeed, if you look at it, but nothing can happen to us under the protection of father, so we would be okey."

Answered Vali.

Indeed, under the Apocalypse-Class powerhouse's protection, there was zero possibility that Kokabiel could even tough them.

"Come, we need to go and entertain our guest... Kokabiel should be already somewhere nearby."

Stated Vali as he looked at Rias and left the room.

Chapter 264 - End of the Cockroach (2)

Soon after, Rias and Vali arrived at the courtyard of the Kuoh Academy that was empty. Rias instructed her servants to hide, as they would be of no use in this situation, and told them to remain in the Occult Research Club Building because that one was warded with powerful defensive spells.

"Should we erect the barrier?"

Asked Rias to Sona, who was standing near the school's building with her servants.

"No, there is no need."

Stated Vali as he didn't really care if even the entire town was wiped out by their fight; in the end, the causalities would be still only humans and nothing more or less.

"You with your servants go and hide in case this thing becomes really messy. In the worst case, activate teleportation formation and escape back to the Empire."

Vali stated, and while Sona wanted to refute him, she knew that she was weak, with only a High-Class level of strength, she was not qualified to engage even Kokabiel's soldiers. So, in the end, she just nodded in agreement.

Vali knew that their father didn't come alone and brought with him the entire contingent of the Custodians at the Legendary-Class and Satan-Class, and even Sirzechs was somewhere present, with his strength of Pinnacle Super-Devil Class and having successfully undergone Law Baptism, he was unmatched at his level.

Truth to be told, he would be able to fight and kill weaker Warlock Monarchs and Mighty Stage Gods by himself at his level of strength.

After everything was dealt with, they waited for some time until a creeping presence descended on them.

"Ohhh... you are waiting for me to grant you your death? How pathetic."

Scowled Kokabiel as he looked at Vali and Rias, who were waiting for him in the courtyard.

Soon after Kokabiel had descended, hundreds of Fallen Angels descended after him. Vali could observe that all of them had similar conditions to Fallen Angels he had killed at the fortress outside of the Kuoh Town.

Compared to rest, Kokabiel was far worse on it, as his skin was almost black from the black veins pulsing through his body.

"So what pigeon? Did Aunt Hela beat you so much that you lost your brain and became muddled inside your head?"

Mocked him Vali, as Kokabiel was visibly greatly angered by his provocations, he took out a sword that looked like an abomination of many swords pitched together by force.

'So he attempted to re-create Excalibur? Even though that sword is blasphemy to even exist, I can feel a dangerous aura coming from it.'

Thought Vali as he observed the sword in Kokabiel's end.

"Another fucking Lucifer... you always ruin everything. The Great War was time for us, Fallen Angels, to rise to the top. Everything was perfect... God died, and Four Satans perished by his hand, devils were exhausted, and Heaven was drastically weakened only if it wasn't four your dammed father. He came with overwhelming strength and developed arcanotech that devastated our armies, and then he established his Empire and crowned himself an Emperor. But, my new ally granted me new strength will allow me to repay the humiliation that I have suffered at the hands of that bastard and his Warmaster."

Laughed Kokabiel as he flayed his energies at full, showing that he was already the pinnacle of Archangel-Class.

"So you think that by killing us here, you will achieve anything?"

Asked Rias as she looked at Kokabiel, who stopped laughing maniacally for a second before he released a bloodthirsty grin.

"Yes! If nothing else, I will at least repay that bastard by killing his adopted son and daughter. And additionally, I will still be able to rile up Empire against Grigori, which would cause more Fallen Angels to flock to my banner, and with strength from Melvazoa, we will together attack the Empire and annihilate it from existence. Not only us, but other Pantheons are also riling for war, especially Shinto and Olympians."

Laughed Kokabiel as he explained his master plan.

"Now, you two devils would be the first ones to be killed by this newly reforged Excalibur."

Said Kokabiel as he readied his sword, while Vali frowned.

"With that? It looks like some kind of aberration..."

Commented Vali as Kokabiel's expression darkened slightly.

"It doesn't matter as you will still be killed by it fucking devil mongrel."

Shouted Kokabiel as he slashed at Vali, who stood fearlessly with a smirk over his face as suddenly humongous presence descended onto everyone as Kokabiel stopped in his track, not even able to move an inch.

"Or maybe I will kill this bitch at first."

He stopped in his tracks as he looked at Rias. As he said that, suddenly everyone heard someone shouting.

"Leave Buchou be you bastard!"

Meanwhile, Rias cursed in her mind, at her stupid servant that was causing troubles. This was probably the worst situation that could happen, because if Kokabiel killed Issei then their plans for extraction of Boosted Gear are null.

"Insect?"

Kokabiel just titled his head, seeing some devil running towards him, but he sensed that this devil was so weak, even a newborn could outclass him in everything. He just shot one Light Spear, that instantly severed his legs, as he fell down in a puddle of his own blood while he screamed in pain.

"Now, where were we? Yes, killing you of course."

Laughed Kokabiel as he turned back his attention to Vali and Rias.

"Really?"

Asked Majestic voice out of nowhere, as it send Kokabiel flying, crashing into the barrier that was erected at the same time as the presence descended onto them.

When Kokabiel saw the figure to whom the voice belonged, he was instantly overwhelmed by the endless rage and despair that his plan failed, and he was just a pawn on the greater board of endless game of schemes.

Now he understood why both Vali and Rias stood there without fearing anything, as they were already aware that their father was here and observing everything long ago.

Chapter 265 - End of the Cockroach (3)

MC POV

"Really?"

I asked in a majestic voice while I released my aura, causing Kokabiel to crash into the barrier that I had erected before I descended down here.

"Don't worry pidgeon, everything here is just a game, and you have played your part excellently. In regard to Shinto and Olympus, you don't need to worry, as they would be destroyed very soon; as we have reached an agreement with Shiva and together with Okhwang, we have decided to tear down the Dimensional Gap."

I stated as I enjoyed Kokabiel's rage, while Vali and Rias, who stood behind me, were deeply shocked by this revelation. Not only by the fact that two of the oldest pantheons on the Draconic Deus would be soon destroyed but also by the fact that Shiva has joined in tearing down the Dimensional Gap.

In the end, dealing with Shiva was easier than expected.

Hindu Pantheon had several Mighty Stage Gods, so they would be a huge problem if they attacked us during the ritual, but apparently, Shiva, too, wanted to tear down the Dimensional Gap so he could get stronger. I negotiated with him and provided him with the location of the Grade 3 Plane that lacked any strong gods, so he and his faction could safely develop there.

That plane was young and had a great chance to evolve into a Secondary Grade 2 Plane in a few hundred thousand years or million years if it evolved slowly. Civilization was there on the same level as in any other world controlled by gods, as there were some gods, but they were weak.

The entire plane had only one Mighty Stage God.

"Sirzechs deal with other pests and kill them all... they have inside them residual Divine Power, extract it and condense crystals, it would be then just a waste of resources."

I ordered my eldest son, and he immediately went into action.

As my orders were to extract the residual Divine Power, he couldn't use Power of Destruction as that would disintegrate their bodies. I did it because I hated wasting resources; no matter how rich I was, it remained with me since I was weak and had almost nothing.

As expected from my eldest son, he skilfully used Dark Light to send a wave of Dark Light Spears, instantly annihilated large amount of Kokabiel's subordinates that he brought with him, while Custodians started killing those who were lucky to survive or the weaker ones whom Sirzechs didn't even attack.

"What a symphony of carnage and death."

I grinned as I watched my Custodians butchering remaining Fallen Angels.

"So, you see, Kokabiel, you were not worth even of being a stepping stone in my path."

I said lightly as I put my hand on his head, as he knelt before me.

"You have confirmed my suspicion about our enemies, sou you can die that your death benefited the Empire greatly, and for that, I hereby thank you deeply."

I said as I could see his rage, as released Holy Flame from my hand, and burned entire Kokabiel to dust, not even his soul was spared of being burned to nothingness, denying it an opportunity for reincarnation.

"Clear this place and repair everything. Erase memories of mortals here and prepare for the meeting. Kuoh will serve as a place of change."

I said to Sirzechs, who appeared behind me soon after I had killed Kokabiel.

"Also, inform Azazel and Michael, and Magisterium of Foreign Affairs, I want this be prepared within next week."

I said as I turned my attention to Rias's servant and holder of the Boosted Gear, who was still alive after my Custodians stabilized his injuries, and he was still conscious.

"Pathethic."

I sneered just by thinking such a piece of trash wanted something with my daughter as I walked to him.

"You did a good job Rias in securing Ddraig, and during the past two years, you have matured a lot; as a Father, I can say that I am proud of you, my daughter."

I said as I suddenly hugged my daughter because I was really proud of her achievements.

After that, I have turned my attention to Rias's servant Issei who was still listening to us, not properly understanding what was going on.

"Even stupid."

I said as I kicked him in the stomach, causing his body to turn backward, laying on his back, as I chanted a spell.

In an instant, invisible chains appeared around his entire body that pierced through his body like a hot knife through a piece of butter.

"R-as buc-ou he-pl."

He attempted to say with blood coming from his mouth.

"Don't dare to say my name, you piece of degenerated pervert, if not for orders, I would have castrated and tortured you for your lecherous gaze over my body every time you saw me."

Scoffed Rias as she went closer to Vali, who hugged her.

For Rias, Issei Hyoudou was the most hated person on the planet because every time he saw her, she could feel his gaze at her like she was a piece of meat.

That lecherous and perverted gaze that was stripping her down always felt her with a feeling of humiliation.

In her anger, she threw two mini-throwing knives at him, piercing his eyes, but not killing him, just causing him to go blind and in enormous pain.

"Rias, control yourself. Vali, take your her away, or she will kill him."

I said though I wanted to kill him too, extraction of Sacred Gear by the crudest way I have found was better than killing him instantly. This would at least torture him with immense pain.

And to be not left behind Hela, and because of my pettiness, I have increased his pain receptors to their maximum and cast several spells on him that won't allow him to pass out.

"Pathetic waste... you think you can lust after my daughter and think of her through your degenerate waste? Don't worry; your death will be as painful as possible, and I have already sent my soldiers to torture and kill every one of your blood."

I said with a mischievous grin as I could see and feel the despair, anger, and rage.

Chapter 266 - Son of Destiny?

Bloodline Extermination.

Something I got from Okhwang as he was talking about his own Universe, Ancient Dao Universe, and various Universes where cultivation existed, that of the Okhwang's and similar.

Cultivator Clans and Sects would often annihilate everyone for even the slightest amount of offense. People there really had a very high amount of pride, arrogance, and pettiness, and god knows nothing else.

In the end, even though I usually kept it very well hidden, I also had a fair amount of arrogance and pettiness inside me, but I knew how to control and mask it perfectly.

Soon after, I have returned from my thoughts to the realspace and activated the extraction ritual.

Magic Circles behind Issei's tortured and beaten body activated as he started shrieking in pain because it was tearing his soul apart. After several minutes he shrieks of pain quieted down, as blood flooded his mouth and he could even scream properly, and his eyes exploded from the enormous amount of pain.

If not for several spells I have cast before on him, he would die, but alas, in my sadistic nature, I wanted to torture him even more.

Afterward, I cathed a ball of light that flew out of his body when the ritual was done.

"Finally."

As I looked at Issei's body that was changed to beyond anything before, I have muttered... probably even Hela would be proud of me to torture someone to such an extent.

I stretched my hand and cast a particular spell that trapped escaping soul of Issei Hyoudou.

"Even if the chances for your reincarnation are almost zero, but alas, as Son of Destiny of Draconic Deus, it still exists, and I prefer to cut down all loose ends."

I released Energy of the Fateless One that invaded the soul of Issei Hyoudou and started devouring it like a mad until the entire soul was devoured by the Energy of the Fateless One, which then subsequently returned back to my body.

When it returned, I found out that my Demonic Energy Reserves had increased tremendously, reaching almost 700 Units, and even my physique was strengthened by a significant amount.

"Who would have thought that from absorbing the soul of Son of Destiny, I would benefit greatly."

Son of Destiny could be called a protagonist of the word.

The World itself would bend World Laws to help him get stronger, give him fortuitous encounters and basically give him the easy road to power. Usually, people like this would get stronger at an unprecedented rate that opposed all common sense; they are almost impossible to kill once they fully awaken to Son of Destiny.

But in the end, there exists no free lunch.

Son of Destiny was created only for one purpose.

When the World itself felt immense danger from something that could lead to the destruction of the World, it would create a Son of Destiny.

In this case, the danger should be Evies that wanted to invade Draconic Deus, but it then probably shifted to Chthonian Empire that wanted to tear down Dimensional Gap.

Fortunately, Issei Hyoudou didn't ever fully awaken as Son of Destiny, only half-awakened, because the majority of the Son of Destiny Power was dormant and waiting to be awakened. If my guess was to be correct, he would fully awaken as one only when he managed to awoke Boosted Gear.

Then he would truly become Son of Destiny of DxD or aka Protagonist of the Word.

Fortunately, he was dead; not even his soul remained.

I conjured a massive amount of Holy Flame as I burned down his abomination of the body till not even dust remained.

I then only stared at the environment of Kuoh Town as I was thinking about something.

"Are you okey, father?"

Asked Sirzechs, who returned to my side.

"Yes... did you know that that guy was Son of Destiny of Draconic Deus?"

I asked as I pointed at the place where the body of Issei Hyoudou was before I destroyed it.

"Really?"

This revelation shocked Sirzechs because he knew what that title represented and the power that came from it.

"Indeed... Rias earned great merit with this, as I think this Son of Destiny was created to destroy Chthonian Empire because of our plans."

I said to Sirzechs as he nodded in agreement.

"I never thought that Rias would mature so quickly."

Muttered Sirzechs.

Because he was the eldest of all siblings, he wanted for all of them to get along well, but in the end, he had his duties, and he wasn't extra close to younger ones as much as he was to Sigmar or Hildegarde.

While Sigurn and Renxue were more close to him than Rias, even though they shared the same mother, but alas, Sirzechs spent most of his time training and fighting or ruling, and Sigurn and Renxue were eager to learn from their eldest brother while Rias was more interested in lazying around than training.

"Dire circumstances are the best teacher under all of the Heavens."

I answered him with one sentence.

"Come, I need to talk with Rias and Vali."

I said shortly after, as we have left Custodians to do their job.

Chapter 267 - Fulfilling Promise

"You have earned really grand merit yourself this time, my daughter."

I said to Rias as we sat inside her office in the Occult Research Club Building.

"According to the Imperial Law, you can exchange the merit, so what do you wish for?"

I asked as I studied her expression and wondered what she would ask for.

"I want part of my merit to be exchanged to raise my title to Imperial Lord, and rest I want to exchange for resources for training."

I was rather surprised by her request.

'It seems she really matured... if it was still old Rias, she would turn everything to restore her title and return to the Imperial Capital.'

"It seems that you have finally become an adult... good, very good. Everything shall be done by tomorrow, and your resources will arrive this evening."

I praised her after hearing her decision.

"Thank you, father."

She said in a quiet voice.

"Also, I have an additional mission for you."

I said as I conjured something to drink as I was thirsty.

"What mission?"

Asked Rias.

"You will go to Kyoto and bring a message for leaders of Youkai Factions at a later date."

I said lightly.

After Takamagahara was destroyed, I planned to coerce both Youkai Factions to migrate to the Empire. Many Youkai have strong, miraculous, and potent abilities and have the potential to reach high levels of power that I planned to use.

"Yes, father."

Answered Rias.

During this mission, she would learn to negotiate and diplomacy, which were essential skills for anyone of the Imperial House.

"Also, there is very special mission for you to complete additionally."

I said in a serious tone as Rias perked up, hearing my words.

"What special mission?"

She seemed curious.

"As you know, the leader of the Western Youkai Faction Yasaka has a daughter named Kunou, around 12 or 13 years old. What I want is to take this jade with you and see if there is bloodline resonance between it and Yasaka's daughter. She was born a short time after your elder brother Simgar disappeared for a while, and after she was born, I felt something stir in my bloodline, but it was suppressed soon."

I stated as Rias's eyes widened in shock hearing my suggestion.

It was highly possible that my idiotic son didn't even know that he had a daughter with Yasaka. Or rather, due to his battle maniac tendencies and brash personality, after Yasaka found that she was pregnant, she severed ties with him and didn't even tell him that she was pregnant with his child.

Truth to be told, I would probably do the same thing in her place.

It would explain that stir I have felt in my bloodline, though her if Kunou was really my granddaughter, then her bloodline from Sigmar's side didn't awaken completely, or else I would have clearly felt it, not in just in the form of the stir of bloodline.

"After you confirm it, do nothing and just inform me directly."

I stated as I needed to handle this carefully.

If Hela found about it... then she would break Sigmar into two.

"Of course, father."

Answered Rias swiftly as this was really a precarious situation.

"And before that all, I have decided to hold a conference between Empire, Grigori, and Heaven. It is time for Grigori to merge into the Empire as it was planned and make some things clear with the Heaven."

I stated with a serious voice.

"I will prepare everything with Sona."

Said Rias as I smiled with satisfaction.

Afterward, I have talked with Rias about more things and asked some things that Vena told me to do; most of them were about when she would have grandchildren from Rias, because Abrasax was entering his more rebellious phase and didn't want to cuddle with his grandmother to which Vena was sad, and she wanted another grandchild.

As I left the Occult Research Club building, I opened my Holo-Brain and contacted Patriarch of the Pendragon Family, who became one of the major Noble Houses of the Empire and held the title of the Chthonian Lord. And with Arthur, I had a hunch, it won't be long before they are promoted to the High Lord, as Arthur has the potential to reach Apocalypse-Class in the Law of Sword.

"Your Imperial Majesty."

Said the voice of Uther Pendragon, who was basically an older version of Arthur, just with a beard.

"I have obtained the remaining six fragments of the Excalibur. You can bring them to Grandmaster Durin to reforge them."

I said to Uther Pendragon as I could see tears escaping his eyes.

It was understandable, after the death of King Arthur, Heaven stole the Excalibur from the Pendragon Family, and they barely survived the attack of Heaven at them during that time.

They were gathering the fragments through the centuries, but to vain, as their power was not enough to even confront the Church who held the fragments.

So he was beyond happy to live to see the Excalibur in his former glory after Grandmaster Durin will regorge it.

"I will depart to Ironforge and notify Arthur."

Ironforge was home to all dwarves through the Empire and was the blacksmithing, runesmithing, and alchemy capital of the Empire.

Grandmaster During was the most skilled blacksmith and runesmith of the Empire that was also extremely well versed in Alchemy and Magic.

Excalibur was a Monarch Grade Artifact of the Growth Type that had the potential to grow stronger. If Arthur reached Apocalypse-Class, he would be able to bring out the full power of Excalibur.

Currently, I have dispatched Sardaukar to pacify a particular civilization in a nearby galaxy. It was a civilization of humans that had developed in a hostile world, were innately physically very strong, and developed a martial society.

Sardaukar Force didn't have a long list of battles as they were only recently established, only a few years back, so they needed something to temper them through fire and blood.

Chapter 268 - The End of Three Biblical Faction (1)

Earth, Kuoh Town, Several days later.

I sat down at my temporal residence on Earth together with Zekram and Azrael as we were waiting for the summit to begin.

During that, we spent our time drinking some fine alcohol that was brewed by the best of the Empire.

"So what do you think, will Michael, in the end, agree to it?"

I asked two Elders/friends as we were sitting around the small round table.

"Hard to say, it will depend on various factors, but it is indeed the truth that they are done in the Draconic Deus, and if your wife takes them in, they would be practically starting over, but as Asura has said, they could thrive there."

Answered Zekram my question.

Some time ago, I gave a proposition to Michael.

To migrate all Angels into the Douluo Universe, where they would be remade into Angels of Douluo Gods, or rather gods that were on the side of Spirit Hall.

I have conversed this with Asura, and he stated there was no problem with this; on the contrary, it would greatly benefit the Spirit Hall and its future Gods, as Angels were powerful, and after conversion, they would grow even more powerful, as Douluo Universe was far more suitable for them, due to greater abundance of Divine Power.

While they would be abandoning Heaven, they would have the path to survival.

Nowadays, Heaven was one of the weakest factions across the Draconic Deus. They lacked powerhouses and even ordinary soldiers. Additionally, because their religion was limited only to a small part of the world, the amount of Faith Energy they got was small, barely enough to sustain Heaven functioning.

Due to my interference, Christianity as a whole was practiced only in some countries of Europe, mainly Italy, France, Spain, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Russia. After the Great War, their influence dropped greatly, and I had done everything to prevent their faith from spreading.

That was all.

Romania and surrounding countries were under the control of Bloodkins, Greece and surrounding countries worshipped Olympians, which could go so on.

During the years, my relationship with Bibin Dong calmed down, and I started courting her after some time, and a year ago, we officially had our wedding. Maximally, she would be strong enough to ascend as a new Asura God in a few years.

Also, I wanted for her to take over Angels of Heaven because as the Void Insect Swarm was around the Douluo Universe, she could cultivate another strong force of fighters to combat them if they invaded their Universe.

"It would be a win to win situation for everyone. Spirit Hall could absorb Angels, Angels could survive, and we could let Baator devour Heaven. As the strongest Divine Kingdom of the Draconic Deus, it would be good if Baator devoured it and got stronger, it could greatly increase the Energy Density and even expand, especially for the later plans, we need as many of things like this possible."

I stated in all seriousness.

As Baator has recovered to a Grade 3 Plane, it recovered all of the Laws same as those in the Astral Boundary, and some restrictions started appearing. For example, it was becoming harder and harder to speed run the training and cultivation, so bey bey becoming Ultimate-Class after a few years of training.

But that was not necessarily a bad thing. People would get much stronger, more resistant to magical attacks, and their combat prowess would be increased by tremendous margin and other benefits.

I have also noticed that the Baator was slowly advancing, and I intended to help it reach Secondary Grade 2 Plane by tearing down the Dimensional Gap. At the same time, as Dimensional Gap would be torn down, all of the Draconic Deus and all of its planes would be sacrificed to advance Baator and relocate its position within the Astral Boundary.

This was the deepest secret that was known only to Elders of the Chthonian Empire, me, my wives, Okhwang and Shiva.

"Have we already located Rizevim and his goons?"

Asked me Zekram as I nodded in agreement, as several days ago, the Department of Intelligence located the precise position of Rizevim and several organizations that he was secretly controlling or working with against the interests of the Chthonian Empire.

"I will send Crom to clean it... he has been upset past years, and after Tiamat had hatchlings, he cannot fight or go away for a prolonged time, so he would appreciate this mission. Additionally, we need someone of our Class to deal with this to prevent any kind of missteps."

Dragons were extremely protective of their young ones, and Tiamat was especially so. She basically forced her husband to protect them every minute because she was only satisfied when he protected their offspring when she was attending her duties.

But in the end, hatchlings were like babies; they cried a lot and demanded a lot of attention, and as most of the men, Crom cannot deal with it as well as Tiamat.

As we discussed various things, I have felt that Azazel has already arrived with an entourage from the Grigori.

Chapter 269 - The End of Three Biblical Faction (2)

I have arrived to welcome Azazel, as he had grown to become my friend during past centuries as we conducted many experiments together, as he was a fellow researcher and scientist like me.

Contrary to me, who experienced significant appearance changes due to several evolutions and advancements, Azazel still remained the same as I had first seen him.

Today he wore a V-neck maroon long-coat with a wide, open high-collar that opens up at the hem. The long-coat also featured two black belts around the waist and four black bands on each arm, two of the bands at the wrist and the other two near the elbow. He wore grey slacks and brown shoes.

"Azazel, my friend, welcome."

I welcomed him happily; fortunately, my wives were not present as they collectively "disliked" the man. Fia had a general disdain for perverts, Bibi Dong tried to kill him once due to his staring at her with a perverted gaze, and Hela thought that he should be castrated and it would solve all problems. While Vena was more subtle and didn't openly threaten the man, she didn't like him around as he would always stare at her bust.

I knew that Azazel probably hardly could control his Vice, which was similar to the Sin of Devil, and his Vice was lust; in the end, it was the reason why he fell from Heaven and became one of the first Fallen Angels after Azrael.

Behind Azazel were two of his trusted aides, namely Penemue and Shemhazai.

"Lady Penemue, Cadre Shemhazai."

I greeted both of them as they bowed in return.

"Your Imperial Majesty."

Both of them greeted me politely.

Shemhazai has the appearance of a handsome man in his twenties, with silver-white hair and purple eyes. His outfit consists of a purple beret hat, a purple trench coat over a black vest, white pants, and black boots.

Meanwhile, Penemue had long purple hair and a rather larger breast with the figure of a seductress. She wore similar clothes to Shemhazai.

"Come; others will arrive soon."

I signaled them to follow after me.

After that, we arrived at the meeting room, where Zekram and Azrael were already waiting, and I started talking with Azazel about new topics of research on the field of Arcanotech and Sacred Gears.

During the centuries, Azazel made astounding progress in his research of Sacred Gears, and one could say he laid down a path for Alchemists and Artificers of the Empire to start refining Soul-Bound Growth Type Artifacts on their own.

This time, I have brought together with me my familiar Heishen the Dark Devilgod Tiger. He has reached already the Emperor Level and was a terrifyingly strong magical beast, though I still viewed him instead as a cuddly furball.

I loved cats and cat-related species; they were my first choices for Familiar, and after them were a wolves and other unique creatures.

After some more time, the final participants of this meeting arrived, representatives of Heaven, Michael, and Gabriel.

Ironically, this is the first time I am meeting Gabriel or seeing her, as I have never seen her during the Great War, and she rarely left Heaven.

I must admit that she was indeed beautiful.

Gabriel has the appearance of a gorgeous woman with curly blonde hair and a voluptuous figure, truly deserving her title as the most beautiful woman in Heaven.

"Welcome, Lord of the Heaven Seraph Michael and Lady Gabriel."

I greeted them politely, as both of them bowed to me slightly.

"We greet his Imperial Majesty of the Chthonian Empire."

They said.

"Now that everyone is gathered here, we can start out a discussion."

I said as we all sat down around the round table. I sat together at one side with Zekram and Azrael, Michael and Gabriel sat behind the other part of the table, and finally, Azazel with Penemue and Shemhazai sat behind another.

"We have gathered here to discuss the future of our factions. Now, Azazel will start."

I said as I wasn't really a fan of useless talks, and I liked saving time.

"From onwards, the Grigori disbands and will be merged into the Chthonian Empire of the Baator."

The moment he saw that I could feel the Will of the Baator stirring in excitement, as now, all living creatures of the Baator were under my control. Meanwhile, Michael and Gabriel, while they were surprised at this development, it wasn't that shocking.

In regards to Grigori, it was only a matter of time until they would be either destroyed by a stronger faction, internal conflict or absorbed into the Empire.

"Now this is solved, Michael; what do you say about our proposition?"

I asked as this was the last thing to be discussed.

Aside from bolstering the power of my wife's faction in the Douluo Universe, there was another reason why I was giving Angels of Heaven a way out.

After I had ascended to the Being of Law, I could see lines of Karma and I could sense that If I slaughtered Angels, I would get something bad from the Universal Will or like cultivators would say, the Heaven.

This was the problem.

The Universal Will recognized us, Devils, Fallen, and Angels, as part of the same source, which made it impossible for one of the three to slaughter or annihilate the other two without any side effects. Meaning, the Universe will punish the one who did it.

While I could suffer more minor punishment thanks to my Fateless One physique, which could affect even Karma to a certain degree, the same cannot be said about my Empire. Probably great misfortune would befall onto the Chthonian Empire.

Okhwang taught me method how to read Luck of my Empire.

While an abstract term, Luck was something that every faction had, but only a few knew how to properly utilize it.

The higher the Luck of faction was, the more the faction would be favored by the Heavens themselves, or that Okhwang said to me. It meant that factions with a really high amount of Luck could survive any tribulation, and they would find a way to survive in almost every situation.

Chapter 270 - The End of Three Biblical Faction (3)

As the Astral Boundary wasn't a cultivation universe, only a minimal amount of people knew how to use it, as the Concept of Luck wasn't really known, similar to how Astral Boundary lacked in terms of unique Physiques and their usage overall.

I learned Okhwang how to manipulate the Luck of my faction to my benefit, and even though it was arduous, it was totally worth it.

Sometimes, I have wondered that how narrow-minded most civilizations were, they stuck to their own power system or the cultivation system, not bothering to take the better things from other civilizations or universes.

Even in the same Universes, higher-ranking civilizations that occupied stronger planes looked down at the weaker ones, even if they had something useful.

After I realized this fact, this weakness only solidified in my aim to create an ultimate civilization. Even here, in the Galaxies belonging to the Draconic Deus, Empire obtained some useful things from the lesser civilizations.

"So, Michael, have you come to a decision?"

I again asked the Leader of Heaven, as I have started growing impatient.

"Yes, we have. Angels of Heaven will migrate to the new place, but only under the condition that you can lift the reproduction restriction and advancement restriction from Heaven's System."

Said Michael.

"There is no need, and it won't work that way. When Yahweh created you, Heaven's System didn't have anything with the restriction placed on you, it only controlled them, but those restrictions are placed in you genetically, so even if Heaven's System is destroyed, it will change nothing. After you migrate to the Douluo Universe and receive the baptism of the Universe, everything would be solved instantly, as you would convert to a new power system, and your reproduction problem would also be solved."

I explained to him.

Yahweh's restriction on the Pure Angels was really something to marvel at.

I managed to create something that would destroy them only after I reached Apocalypse-Class. Only then could I create genetic serum coupled with a special ritual that lifted the restrictions from the Fallen Angels under my command.

On the contrary, Pure Angels that would be migrating to the Douluo Universe had it more manageable.

The moment they entered the Douluo Universe, they would receive something like an invitation from Asura, which in turn would create baptism for all of them granted directly by the Universe itself, which would cause their rebirth.

Their Class would be transformed into the Spirit Cultivation, their restrictions would be lifted, and all of their defects like fertility problems would be solved.

"Then we agree. Though, what will happen with Heaven itself?"

He said.

"Heaven would be devoured by Baator. It is the magnificent Divine Kingdom, stronger than any Pantheon Dimensional World any other; it would speed up the development of the Baator."

I stated my plans for Heaven, and while Michael didn't look really surprised, Gabriel looked sad that their home would be absorbed into the Baator. Alas, there is nothing they could do about it.

"When can you start moving out of Heaven?"

I asked Michael.

"Give us a few months."

He answered as I nodded in agreement.

Everything at the side of Bibi Dong was ready, as they had completely taken control over a fifth of the Douluo Continent and the entire Sun-Moon Continent was long agon under their control. Angels could settle down a the Sun-Moon Continent and regain their strength there; it was a good place for development.

Contrary to the Douluo Continent, the Sun-Moon Continent was less populated and had many places where Angels could settle down before Bibi Dong ascended as a new Asura God and took all Angels into the Divine Realm.

"Excellent. Now that everything is solved, everyone could go their way."

I said, as everyone nodded, some happily, some more reluctantly.

Soon after everyone went their way and I was left in the room alone as I was pondering about some things.

"Soon, we would be entering the great game. I wonder, will we survive. Indeed we are strong, but the factions of the Astral Boundary are much time stronger, with many more powerhouses, deeper foundation, and countless artifacts at their disposal."

I said to myself silently.

"Hmm... I need to reach Dimensional-Class as soon as possible. Refining Three Realms for Okhwang would be the perfect opportunity for me to increase my comprehension of the Laws of Slaughter and Destruction; I could greatly benefit from it. If I devour residual energy, then even my Demonic Energy Reserves would be increased exponentially."

My comprehension of the Law of Darklight was increasing day by day and soon would hit 100%. Then I only needed to finish comprehension of one or two other Laws and raise their mastery over them to Adept Rank, so I could safely advance into the Dimensional-Class.

I have also needed to make myself a new weapon, as my Scythe was not that suitable for me. Okhwang told me that Cultivators in some cultivation systems could create Natal Weapons, and to my surprise, Weissman had done the same thing and created a similar method for Arcanists.

Unfortunately for me, I didn't have the proper materials for it, but I have already decided to make myself a Bladestaff, as I was more of long range combatant, but also needed something that would help me in a close-combat, while not sacrificing ability to boost up magic and energy manipulation altogether.