Hey everyone and get ready for this chapter. With this chapter, we're going to start the Peace Summit. To be honest with you, I wanted this chapter to be much longer but things have been kind of difficult, for one thing, my laptop broke down a little while ago so now I'm using a different one, and even though they said it would be fixed in a week they're three weeks late. plus because of the corona-Virus, I can't go outside.

Because of all that, writing takes longer than usual, and I didn't wait to keep everyone waiting after taking so long to update, so I decided to just post what I had so far. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit fan-based parody, Highschool DxD, Highschool DxD New, Highschool DxD Born, Highschool DxD EX and Highschool DxD Hero are all owned by Funimation, Fushimi Shobo, TNK, Passione, and Ichiei Ishibumi. Please support the official release.

"Shirou" Regular speech.

"Shirou" Thoughts.

DRAGON SHOT Attack names.

(Shirou) Words said previously.

"SHIROU!" Shouting speech.

[Ddraig] Dragon talking.

Summit Begins And Enemies Arrive

If someone were the describe the current mood of the Gremory Peerage at this current moment, that word would be; Tense.

Not that anyone could blame them, given where they were currently going and what was about to begin. Right now, they had already left the Old School Building and were inside the New School Building, walking down the hallway and making their way to the staff meeting room—The location where the VIPs of the Three Great Powers were going to have their meeting.

The Seven High School Devils all walked in complete silence, no one dared to say a word. Mainly due to the fact that none of them could imagine would they could say at a time like this. Most of them had assumed they were mentally prepared for this, but it was only after they entered the building that they felt the situation finally hit them.

They were walking to a meeting room where it was no exaggeration to say that the future of the world would be decided. Knowing that fact just made it all the tenser for them. As the door to the meeting room was in sight, the only sound that could be heard was the sound of their footsteps echoing throughout the empty building.

Once they were right in front of the door they all stopped, and Rias who was leading the group turned around to give them all one last look. Rias' expression was completely serious and the looks they gave her were the same, showing they all were in the same mindset right now.

Knowing that there was only one thing left to do.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Rias knocks on the meeting room's door.

"Excuse us."

A second after knocking, Rias opens the door and enters the room. Followed by Shirou and then the rest of the Peerage.

Inside the meeting room is a gorgeous and pompous looking table. And as if surrounding it, people who they all recognize are sitting. The air is enveloped by quietness and everyone had a serious face. Asia grabbed the end of Shirou's sleeve due to feeling unease. He lightly clasped her hand to ease her.

Devil side. Two of the Four Satans; Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan. Plus the maid Grayfia. She was on standby beside the tea preparing cart. Sirzechs and Serafall dressed more formal for the occasion, right now Serafall was dressed in a formal business suit that looked like something an office lady would wear, while Sirzechs was dressed in his Devil King attire, the same one he wore at the after-party at the Underworld a little while ago, only without the cape. Also on the Devil side, standing against the wall was Sona Sitri along with her Queen; Tsubaki Shinra.

Angel side, the Golden feathered Chief of the Arch-Angels and current God; Michael and the chestnut-haired Exorcist, Irina Shidou who was standing behind the seat Micheal was sitting on.

Fallen Angel side, Azazel with his 12 wings unfurled and unlike he usually does, he isn't wearing a yukata but a black robe elaborated with ornaments atop of an expensive-looking suit. It would make sense that he won't be wearing a yukata in this place if he were a normal man. Behind him was the Vanishing Dragon, Vali who was casually leaning his back against the wall.

When Xenovia walked into the room, she gasped after she immediately noticed her former friend being present. "Irina?"

"Hmph…" Irina glared at her before looking away in disgust.

Glancing at Shirou, Azazel's lip's end rose as if happily. That got his attention and Shirou looked over to see Azazel, but a second after that, his attention shifted from Azazel to Vali.

Vali was also looking his way, except he was giving him a smirk that looked both confident and at the same time condescending, it was as if Vali was taunting him with just his expression. As if to return the favor, Shirou gave Vali the exact same look. Despite the tension in the air, the two Dragon Emperors only focused on each other, like sparks were flying just from them being in the same room.

"My younger Sister, and her household." Sirzechs introduced Rias to the VIP of the other Factions. Rias also bows to them. "In the attack of Kokabiel a few days ago, they were active during the raid."

"I have heard the report. I give my thanks once more."

Michael says his thanks to Rias. Rias conducts herself coolly, and once more bows.

"Sorry, Kokabiel of my side caused you trouble." With a brazen expression, Azazel says it. As if he's brushing the whole thing off.

Rias also twitched her mouth, feeling annoyance at his attitude.

"Stand beside the wall over there."

Taking Sirzechs' direction, Grayfia urges them to the wall on the Devil side. Sona and Tsubaki were already standing there.

Rias stands besides Sona. Rias makes Shirou stand beside her after that is Akeno, Mika, Kiba, Asia, and Xenovia lined up in turn.

After confirming that, Sirzechs says. "Now that everyone has arrived, I'll say the preconditions for the meeting. The people present here to acknowledge the most important event and forbidden subject, i.e. The Non-existence of God."

Judging from the fact that no one looked surprised or even reacted, including Grayfia, Sona, Tsubaki, and even Irina, it was clear everyone present was aware of that fact. So Sirzechs continued.

"Then, acknowledging that, let's continue the conversation."

The conference is progressing smoothly. Different topics brought up by different leaders which led to different conversations keep beginning and shifting throughout the Summit. Michael would say something. Sirzechs would say something. There were instances when the place would freeze when Azazel said a sentence occasionally as well but it always looked like the Governor of the Fallen Angels was purposely making that atmosphere and enjoying it.

Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels were all taking part in valuable conversations, with everyone around them hoping things would remain this agreeable.

The conference continues and soon it was finally Rias' turn to speak.

"Now then, Rias. Could you speak about the incident a few days before?"

"Yes, Lucifer-sama."

After being urged by Sirzechs, Rias, Sona, and Akeno stood up, they talked about a part continuously, about the recent attack by Kokabiel. And everyone belonging to the Three Great Powers continued to hear about it.

Rias talked about the summary of the incident she experienced herself plainly in a calm manner. Maybe due to maximum level nervousness, those hands were shaking after all. Due to her speech, something with the Three Factions may change. No matter how courageous Rias is, this place's atmosphere would be very painful.

Each of the Faction's VIPs who heard the report were, letting out a sigh, scowling, smiling—Each person had a different reaction.

"—That is all. The report which I, Rias Gremory and the household Devils over there experienced." Rias concluded.

"As a witness, I Sona Sitri confirm the veracity of the report given by Lady Gremory." Sona added.

"Good work, that will be all." Upon hearing Sirzechs', the three of them went back to the wall

"Good job, ladies. You make me so proud Sona-chan." Serafall whispered to her. Though Sona tried her best to ignore it.

"Now then, Azazel. After hearing this report, I want to hear the opinion of the Governor of the fallen angels."

Upon Sirzechs' questioning, everyone's gaze concentrates on Azazel.

Azazel started talking after letting out an intrepid smile.

"Regarding the incident a few days back, Kokabiel, a leader of our Central Organization, Grigori, kept quiet to the other leaders, as well as to me, the Governor, and acted independently. I sent Vali in an attempt to dispose of him. After that, the organization's court-martial was supposed to decide his punishment and enforced it. However, the Red Dragon Emperor over there already killed him before Kokabiel could be taken into custody. But considering everything was written in the material that was forwarded to you, you all should already know all this, right? That is all."

Michael then says while sighing. "As the explanation, it is the worst category but, I know about the story of you personally not wanting to make anything big occur against us. Is that true?"

"Aah, I don't have any interest in wars. When Kokabiel also disparaged me, don't you have the report for that as well." Azazel told him, nonchalant.

This time Sirzechs asked Azazel. "Azazel, I want to ask one thing but, why have you been gathering owners of Sacred Gears for the past decades? At first, I thought you were gathering Humans and attempting to augment your battle potential. I even anticipated you to wage war against Heaven or us but….…."

"Yes, no matter how much time passed, you didn't wage a war against us. When I heard you got hold of the Vanishing Dragon, I was enveloped by a strong wariness."

Michael's opinion was the same as Sirzechs'

Hearing the two's opinion, Azazel smiles bitterly. "It's for the sake of Sacred Gear research. If that's the case, should I send a part of the research materials to you as well? Even if I did research, I wouldn't wage a war against you or anything. I don't have any interest in a war at this late of an hour. I am perfectly satisfied with the world right now. I have strongly ordered my subordinates, 'Don't interfere with the Human world's politics', you know? I have no intention of intervening in religion either, nor to influence the business of the Devils. Damn, is my trust in the Three Factions the least?"

"That's true."

"That's right."

"That's exactly it "

Sirzechs', Michael's, and Serafall's opinion coincided.

Upon hearing that, Azazel uninterestedly pecked at his ears. "Che. I thought you were better than God or the last generation's Lucifer but, you guys are troublesome guys yourselves. Sneakily researching doesn't get along well with you, huh. Ah, I got it. Then, let's make peace. Originally, wasn't that the intention as well? Angels and Devils as well?"

On Azazel's sentence, each Faction was surprised for a small interval. Rias and even Sona beside her are considerably surprised. It seems like Azazel's peace speech was quite a thing to be surprised at. The only one who didn't seem surprised was Mika, rather she raised a brow.

"Is it really that surprising?" She thought confused.

Michael who was surprised by Azazel's proposal smiled. "Yes, I also planned to propose peace to the Devil side and Grigori. Even if we continue the relationship of the Trinity Factions like before, then it will become damaging to the world right now. I, the leader of the Angels say it since—The original cause of the war, God and The Maou have been annihilated."

Azazel burst out laughing on Michael's words. "Ha! That stubborn Michael has started to speak. Even though he was about God, God, God before."

"….…I have lost a lot of things. However, there's no helping seeking for things that aren't present. It is our duty to guide Humans. We members of the Seraph have the same opinion that the most important thing is to watch over the children of God from now on as well and to guide them."

"Hey hey, with your speech just now, you'll 'fall' you know? I thought that but you took over the system, right? It's become a good world. It's completely different from the time when we 'fell'."

Sirzechs also says the same opinion. "We are the same. Even if the Maou isn't here, in order to continue the species, Devils to have moved forward as well. Even we wouldn't want war. If we do another war, the Devils will be destroyed."

On Sirzechs' words, Azazel nodded as well.

"Yes. If we do another war, the Three Factions will definitely be mutually destroyed. And then, it will affect the Human world as well and the world will end. We can't do wars now."

Sometime ago, Azazel had a joking mood, but it's done a complete change and he has a serious expression.

"Do you think a world without God is wrong? Do you think a world without God would decay? I am sorry to say but that isn't the case. You and I as well are both healthily living like this." Azazel said that while opening his arms. "The world moves even without God."

Meanwhile, back at the Old School Building, as the sky turned blood-red, Gasper and Koneko were sitting together on the couch. Though Gasper was still in his cardboard box and playing with a handheld video-game, while Koneko was quietly eating snacks.

Gasper sighed and looked anxious. "I'm worried." He promptly said. "I hope their okay, what if the Summit turns chaotic and war breaks out? And—And then, everyone dies! I can't take it!" Gasper started cowering and quickly put on his mask.

Koneko didn't respond to his outburst and just kept eating, then after a few seconds, she turned her head towards the door, as if she noticed something was wrong. Appearing outside the building was an orange magic circle and what came out of it was a small group of people.

These people were surrounded by an ominous aura and were all dressed in the same outfit; a black robe that covered their entire body, expect it exposed some of their fronts, which showed of their chests—showing that everyone member of this group were women. These cloaks came along with strange hoodies that covered the top halves of their faces and had a strange three eyeball pattern on them.

These cloaked individual all had magic circles beneath their feet which they used to float towards the Old School Building.

Back in the clubroom, Koneko stepped off the couch and stood facing the door. Gasper saw this and looked at her.

"Koneko-chan?"

"…Don't move a muscle, Gya-Kun."

BOOOM!

Shortly after her warning, there was an explosion that destroyed the doors to the clubroom and the group of cloaked magic-user came in through the door, still floating on their magic circles.

"…Humans?" Koneko noticed, surprised.

"Yes, that's right. We are indeed Human but we are somewhat different, in that we utilize magic by rebuilding the structure of Devil magic." The woman in front explained, before smiling. "We're known as Magicians."

"If it helps you understand a bit better, we're on the same level as what you Devils call Middle-Class Devils." Another Magician brought up. "It would be best if you did what you were told."

"Hand the half-Vampire over to us." A third Magician demanded. "We've already confirmed he's here."

Koneko didn't respond but instead stood firm, ready to fight if need be. While Gasper hid inside his box while cowering in fear. Seeing that Koneko wasn't going to cooperate, the Magicians fired magic blasts at her which caused another explosion that consumed the whole room and made a fight break out.

BOOOOOM!

"Hmm?"

Back at the Summit, right after Azazel said his thoughts on the matter, Shirou suddenly let out a confused murmur and walked away from the line the others were standing in to walk past the table and stand in front of the window.

"What is this?" Shirou thought to himself. "This strange feeling?"

Though by doing that, he quickly got the attention of everyone in the room.

"Shirou-san?" Asia voiced her concern.

"What wrong, Shirou-kun?" Sirzechs asked, looking over to him curiously. "Is something the matter?"

"I'm not sure, but out of nowhere, I felt something." Shirou responded quickly like his attention was elsewhere. "I don't exactly know what, but it doesn't feel right."

"Is it an enemy?" Rias asked, now concerned.

"I can't say, it's just, whenever I get this feeling in my instincts it always means there's trouble that's about to happen." Shirou told them, now facing them. "Either it means there's hostile intent nearby or it's warning me of danger."

"If you want my opinion, you should probably listen to him." Mika spoke up. "Brohan's hunches are almost always right in situations like these."

"Ha, in that case, you must have some pretty sharp instincts." Vali commented, still laid back.

"In that case, Vali. Would it be correct in assuming your instincts sent you the same warning signals?" Azazel questioned, still smiling though having a serious tone.

"I wouldn't go so far as to call it dangerous, but I will admit I've noticed something for a while." Vali answered, with little concern. "And at the very least, I can sense hostility as well."

Upon hearing that confirmation, everyone in that room became more alert, especially the leaders sitting at the table. The fact that both Dragon Emperors claimed to be able to feel a negative intent filling the air was enough for them to feel more on guard. It was almost as if they were guaranteeing the possibility of the Summit not ending peacefully.

"This is concerning." Michael brought up. "If what they are saying is true, then either an individual or a group with hostile intent is nearby."

"Which means it's either a traitor or a power outside our Factions has started to move or an enemy of a specific individual in this room." Serafall deduced with more seriousness then she has shown as of yet. "Now the question is; what should we do in response?"

The leaders pondered that thought in silence, trying to think of an answer. It's not like they didn't consider the possibility of something along these lines happening, but right now the problem in question was still unseen and therefore they couldn't fully grasp what they were dealing with. That made the question on how they should respond much more difficult to answer.

Though, there was one person who didn't seem concerned and already looked as though he had an answer.

"Excuse me, but if you ask me; I say we proceed with the Summit as we have been doing." Azazel suggested.

Of course, his suggestion was met with surprise by all the others. Sirzechs voiced his concern. "Azazel, you're suggesting we ignore what could be a serious problem to ourselves and this Summit?"

"Think about it like this; so what if an enemy is lurking around? Since we don't have any way to know where they are exactly or what their motive is, we can't do much about it." He reasoned logically. "Besides, since they haven't acted yet, that probably means they aren't planning to for the timing being. And honestly, are you all telling me your afraid of a hostile force whose very existence is based only on a hunch?" He finished almost mockingly.

Naturally, the other three leaders took offense to that and they all narrowed their eyes at him. Though that seemed to amuse Azazel all the more.

"Azazel, are you saying that our concerns are unwarranted?" Michael asked, being serious. "I would have thought you, more than anyone would trust the instincts of the White Dragon Emperor, or in this case both Dragons."

"Don't put words in my mouth, I trust their instincts just fine. I'm just saying we need to look at the bigger picture and finished the Summit because we haven't gotten to the most important part in my opinion." Azazel clarified, still being brazen. "In fact, I'd say this complication is important because rather than our Three Powers, it involves forces that are equal to, if not more destructive. They are the Red and White Dragon Emperors."

Everyone's gaze now concentrated on Shirou and Vali. The two of them still keep their gaze on each other.

"You want to fight right now?" Shirou questioned, slightly confused.

"No, no, I simply want your thoughts on this matter." Azazel clarified. "What is it that the two of you desire?" He turns to Vali. "Firstly, Vali. What do you want to do to the world?"

On Azazel's question, the White Dragon Emperor, Vali smiles.

"If I can fight strong guys, then it's fine."

"Heh. Yes, but you can still find a lot of powerful opponents without having a war." Azazel pointed out.

Vali's expression didn't change in the slightest. "I suppose."

Azazel's gaze this time turns to Shirou.

"Then, Red Dragon Emperor, what about you?"

"Hmm, wait, why did the Summit suddenly into this topic?" Shirou asked, slightly thrown off.

"Shirou-kun, you have been paying attention until now, right?" Kiba asked with a well-meaning smile.

"For the most part." Shirou shrugged.

"Really? Because from where I'm standing, you've just been staring at Vali the moment we arrived." Mika pointed out, before making a mischievous grin. "Do you get lost in his eyes~?"

"Shut it!" Shirou snapped at her.

"Ahem." Sona coughed to get their attention. "Shirou, please, I think you should answer the questioned." She reminded him, a little tense.

"Yeah, I know." Shirou turned to face the leaders. "If I'm being perfectly honest, I with Vali, in that I want to fight the strong."

"Is that all?" Azazel asked, mildly surprised. "I was expecting something else, not to mention, I never thought you two would have the same motivate."

"Don't get the wrong idea, my reason is different than his." Shirou told him. "For me, fighting stronger opponents is a means to an end. The stronger my opponents are the stronger I become after I beat them. And to fulfill my ambition, I need to become as strong as possible."

"That's quite interesting, and exactly is your ambition?" Sirzechs asked curiously. "Won't you tell us, Shirou-kun?"

"It's actually something I decided on recently, but I have every intention of making it happen." Shirou said with his eyes closed, before opening his eyes and wearing his trademark fearless smirk. "My goal is to become nothing less than the Strongest Devil in existence and then, I will become the Devil King Lucifer!"

.

.

.

After his declaration, the whole room went silent. No one had expected him to say that and after he said it, no one knew how to react. It was an outrageous, audacious, unbelievable proclamation and yet, Shirou said it with so much confidence, pride, and looked so sure of himself that it was obvious to everyone present that he was being completely sure. And that was the most shocking thing.

The one who broke the silence was the one who seemed the least surprised.

"You wish to become a Satan?" Vali asked for confirmation.

Shirou's expression didn't change. "That's right. I want to transcend everyone in both the Human World and the Underworld, then I'll be one the who rules Hell."

"Shirou, how long have you wanted this?" Rias asked, taken aback by how sudden this all was.

"I started to think about it ever since I first met Sirzechs, but I became sure about it a few days after I killed Kokabiel." Shirou admitted. "I realized just being the Strongest wasn't enough to satisfy me." He looked up at the ceiling and reached out his hand. "What I truly wanted was to be the Devil King, to reach out and become an existence that stands at the pinnacle of all races."

"But why Lucifer specifically?" Xenovia asked.

"Because among the Devil Kings, Lucifer reigns over all of them." Shirou's hand became a fist. "An Absolute and Supreme King whose power has no equal, that is who Lucifer is. And that is what I will become." He declared still proud.

"Heh. You say all that even though the current Lucifer is sitting in the same room." Azazel reminded him, amused. "I can't tell if you're just that brave or just foolhardy."

Shirou lowered his hand and looked directly at him. "Once the Underworld has no choice but to acknowledge I'm the best choice to rule, Lucifer's throne will be mine." He proclaimed.

"Hahahahahaha!" Azazel couldn't contain his laughter. "You really are unbelievable, just how proud can someone be?! But I can't say I hate it!"

"Just for the record, I don't have any issues about this," Sirzechs admitted with a pleasant and reassuring smile. "To be honest, I'm actually impressed, it's the first time I've seen a Young-Devil speak his true thought so sure of themselves the way you have. Though, I've always known Shirou-kun was someone who possessed the singular-confidence to do, I never could have imagined you had such aspirations."

"Well, you're the reason I have this goal," Shirou told him. "From the moment I saw how strong you were, you became a goal I wanted to reach." Shirou narrowed his eyes. "And now I promise you, I am going to surpass you in every single way."

"Hearing you say that makes me look forward to seeing what the future holds for you." Sirzechs responded, more interested than offended.

"Shirou, I think that's enough." Rias advised, put her hand over his. "I'm sure you've made your point."

"Hey, they're the ones who asked what I wanted in the world, all I did was answer the question," Shirou said to her.

"You shouldn't be surprised Rias." Mika spoke out. "Once you stop and think about it, that answer was clearly something he'd come up with." She said with a smile. "Bronta is a man whose pride knows no limits after all."

"She has a point." Akeno agreed, smiling as well. "It was a very Shirou-like answer."

"True, I can't picture anyone besides Shirou-kun saying they would 'stand at the pinnacle of all races'." Kiba added, also smiling.

Shirou shrugged his shoulders. "You all say that like it's a bad thing."

"I don't see what's so strange about it." Vali chimed in, still sounding laid-back. "It's only natural to want to soar to greater heights and stand on a higher echelon than others. We're the hosts of Heavenly Dragons, after all, we do have our pride."

"My thoughts exactly." Shirou responded in agreement.

"You two really are alike." Azazel noticed. "And yet, I still can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

Michael turned his gaze towards Shirou.

"Now then, the discussion has considerably been solved in a good direction, is it all right if we hear about the matter of Sekiryuutei-dono soon."

"Now that you mention it. I remember you said you wanted to ask me about something."

Azazel remembered as he also turned his gaze to Shirou.

"The truth is I wanted to talk to you both." Shirou confessed, taking a deep breath. "This is gonna uncomfortable for everyone."

"Just ask and get it over with." Azazel urged him. "We can't answer if you don't say it."

Mika walked up to Shirou and held his hand. "Go ahead, it'll be better to get this off your chest."

"Yeah, I know." Shirou responded before looking straight at the Gold and Black-winged Angels. "Tell me everything you can about my parents."

Upon his statement to the two leaders, almost everyone in that room was astonished as they turned their heads towards Shirou. All thinking why he would ask this of the Chief of the Angels and the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels. The leaders from the Devil side just stared and looked interested. While Michael and Azazel frowned, looking as though they expected something like this.

Shirou continued. "Despite everything I've learned about them, there are still plenty of things that are unknown, I want to know the full story. And you two know more about them than anyone in this room, so tell me what you know." He tightened his grip on Mika's hand. "We have a right to know the truth."

There was a preset silence in the room for a brief moment. The silence was broken when Azazel sighed and scratched his head.

"I figured this was coming."

"Still, he is correct. They do deserve the truth."

Michael acknowledged before he began to explain.

"To fully understand, I will start from the beginning. As you've heard, in the past after the Church's main headquarters discovered Shirōu Amakusa Tokisada's descendant, they took them in and groomed them to become a powerful and devoted member of the Church. However, what most people don't know is that we of the Arch-Angels—Including myself, were actually the ones they served."

Everyone besides those sitting at the table became surprised by this new revelation.

"But how can that be?" Xenovia asked surprised. "I never heard of warriors or Exorcists that report directly to the Arch-Angels."

"Try to understand this was a special case." Michael explained. "After being brought into the Church, the Head-Cardinals planned to use him as a weapon against their enemies and to that end, they intended to mold his mind to be completely devoted to the Church or specifically, the orders of the Church."

Xenovia processed his words and looked down. "Like how I was."

"Too bad for them though, they failed." Azazel added.

"They failed?" Sirzechs repeated questionably. "What do you mean?"

"The top brass at the Church wanted Shirōu Amakusa's descendant to do whatever they wanted. But they didn't just inherit talent, they were also born with charisma." Azazel informed them. "It's in the nature of those from that bloodline to want to live and act in whatever manner they feel is right, as such they wouldn't just follow someone else's tune and blindly accept someone else's authority."

"That makes sense." Rias noticed in her thoughts. "Both Shirou and Mika are like that as well."

"Not only that, but I already intended to meet him back then." Michael admitted. "Shirōu Amakusa Tokisada was the Human who was chosen by God. After God's death, the ones who led the Church started to stray from God's teachings and only cared about gaining more power to destroy Devil and Fallen Angels, many incidents like for example the Holy-Sword project were the results of that."

Kiba stiffened at that statement, still feeling resentment from the Holy-Sword project. Michael continued.

"Shirōu Amakusa Tokisada was the Human who was chosen by God. Because of that, I knew they would attempt to exploit their descendants for their own purposes. I wanted to prevent that. After I first met him, he told me; 'They swore to follow God, not the Church'." Michael quoted. "From then on, on the surface, it appeared that they were warriors that served the Church for generations. But, in reality, they acted under the orders of Heaven."

"But what about when Kokabiel told us they could only bear their children with whoever the Church picked out?" Shirou asked. "He even called them breeding stock to make strong children?"

"Only a few people knew about this arrangement and Kokabiel wasn't one of them. He may have thought that was true when he said it, but trust me that wasn't the case." Azazel revealed to them. "The Church didn't have the authority to make that decision."

"That's correct. While it is true that your Mother married and had children with one of the Strongest followers of the Church. Him being strong was never a factor, the two of them genuinely loved each other and wanted to share their lives together, I promise you that no one could influence that decision." Michael reassured them with a smile.

Hearing those words briefly put the Tsukiharu siblings at ease and made them a little relieved. But then, Shirou frown and wasn't done.

"That's not all I wanted to know." Shirou turned to Azazel. "Azazel, before you said that the Old Satan Faction targetted us because they wanted to destroy the Amakusa bloodline. So tell me; why did they wait until that point in time to do so?"

"The reason is actually pretty simple. It's because up until that point, they never had the opportunity to." Azazel answered him.

"Opportunity?" Shirou repeated confused.

"Let me explain this one." Sirzechs requested, joining the conversation. "Shirou-kun, do you remember when I told you about the Old Satan Faction and how they were defeated during the Civil War?"

Shirou nodded so Sirzechs began.

"The truth is, after the Civil War, they still remained active, it's just that they mainly acted in the shadows and made sure they kept the involvements hidden in incidents they were involved in. But while they are against the current society of the Underworld, they are also enemies of Heaven and Grigory as well."

"That's true, it's not often but I've had the displeasure of having to deal with them before.

"The same is true for me."

Azazel added, followed by Michael. With that, Sirzechs continued.

"Because of that, even if they wanted to destroy the Amakusa bloodline, such a thing would be impossible without starting a full-scale battle against the Church. Which is obviously something they couldn't do. However, the situation changed years ago, because the current Amakusa along with her and her family left the Church and severed ties with them. That gave them the opportunity they needed."

"So if they hadn't left the Church, they wouldn't have been killed?" Asia wondered feeling upset by this topic

"Hold on, that doesn't add up." Mika brought up. "Our parents left the Church and moved to Japan more than 10 years before either of us were born. If they had such a long-awaited opportunity why would wait for over a decade to take it?"

"Because even though they left the Church, they technically weren't free from its watch." Michael answered her question.

"What are you talking about?" Shirou asked.

"Despite leaving the Church and being branded as heretics, the heads of the Church believed it wasn't a good idea to let them completely out of sight. And so they decided to keep them under surveillance." Michael revealed.

"You can think of it like being on parole." Azazel summarized. "Until they decided it was safe to leave them alone, they kept your family under watch and made the watchdogs report regularly to the Church."

"The method of surveillance was sending a family of devoted followers to Japan and having them become acquainted with your family." Michael looked back at Irina. "The family in question was the Shidou family."

Shirou and Mika's eyes widened when they heard that along with Asia, Xenovia, and even Irina herself.

"Irina?" Xenovia muttered surprised.

"I didn't know that." Irina quietly said to herself.

"The surveillance lasted for years until it was decided it was no longer necessary." Michael said before looking regretful. "And you know the rest, three years later that tragic incident happened." Michael then turned to Azazel. "Though I only recently became aware of this, I'd like to know the reason you involved yourself with that incident."

"There wasn't any special reason if that's what you're asking." Azazel leaned back into his chair. "Before these two left the Church, by chance we happened to run into each other. At some point, they did me a favor, and so I owed them one. On the day their children were captured, they called me to collect on that favor."

Michael looked upset by that statement. "But if they had truly needed help they could have contacted me. I would have gladly sent however much reinforcements was necessary."

"You know why they couldn't do that. Asking for help from the Angels even after being branded as heretics? There's no way those guys at the Church would just let that slide without dragging you and them into more problems." Azazel reminded him. "More importantly, the thing they wanted more than anything was to make sure their children didn't get involved in the supernatural world, that's why they asked me to rewrite their memories." He then rested a hand on his cheek. "But despite that, in the end, they still ended up getting involved, and all because one of my subordinates went rogue. And who could have guessed their son would turn out to be the Red Dragon Emperor."

"But why did you restore their memories after revealing yourself?" Serafall questioned him.

"It was per their request. Despite their hopes, if their children did end up becoming involved with the supernatural, I was to unscramble their memories." Azazel answered her. "And the rest we all know." He then let out a sigh. "It's kind of ironic though, all they wanted was a peaceful life but despite that, they lost their lives in battle, and their kids became Devils."

"It's like a cruel twist of fate. Those two did so much for God and the Church and I could never express how grateful I was." Michael said upset and looking regretful. "And yet, I couldn't do anything for them, even when they were unjustly branded as heretics or when they were fighting for their lives." He then looks towards the others standing by the wall. "And now, all I can do is apologize. You as well, Asia Argento and Xenovia Quarta."

The two of them were surprised when Michael brought them up.

"If there is a person who can heal Devils and Fallen Angels present within the followers, it will influence the faith of the ones around her. The source of us living in Heaven is the faith of believers. Because of that, Twilight healing is a forbidden Sacred Gear which can cause an influence on the system. And also, as an example of the influence on the System—"

Xenovia interrupts Michael and continues.

"The people who know about the non-existence of God, right?"

"Yes, that's right, Xenovia. To lose you is a serious wound even for us but if apart from us, Seraph and a part of the Higher-Rank Angels, if a fair amount of people who know about the non-existence of God approach the place with a direct connection then there's a huge effect on the System. I apologize. There was no other way but to make you and Asia Argento heretics."

Irina looked in shock and wonder. Wonder because she was seeing the Arch-Angel Michael apologizing and shock because if what she was hearing was true then it meant Xenovia was innocent. "Then she didn't betray us?"

Mika then stepped forward and asked a question.

"This "System" you mentioned. What exactly is it?"

"This System was, if I explain it simply, the System to perform the miracles, etc. God did. God made the System, used it to bring about miracles above ground. To bring about the effect of Holy things like exorcism, crosses, etc. These are also the System's powers. After God had been annihilated, only the system to govern Divine protection, mercy, and miracles remained."

"And let me guess, without the 'Limitless power' God possessed, the current System is barely working at an output compared to before?" Shirou speculated.

On his question, Michael nods.

"I'm afraid so. To be honest, it takes a big toll on anyone who uses it with the exception of God. With me as the center, every one of the Seraphs was able to somehow start up the system but….. Compared to the time God existed, the Divine protection and mercy to those who believe in God is not complete. It's an unfortunate thing but, those who can be granted salvation are limited. For that, there was a need to keep away those people related to the Church who could possibly cause an influence on the system. As an example of those who can cause influence on the system, a part of the Sacred Gear—Asia Argento's Twilight Healing is included as well. Your Boosted Gear and also Divine Dividing as well."

"And so for the sake of the Church, you had to sacrifice one believer." Shirou summarized. "That's the choice you made."

"Forgive me, but it was the only choice." Michael said apologetically. "Still, I understand it wasn't fair to either of them." He then looked down. "It strange, it seems like all I can do is let the tragedies happen under my rule and then apologize only after it's too late. The fact that you reincarnated as a Devil, that is our crime."

"I'm having trouble understanding something. Why are you apologizing for something that wasn't your fault?"

Shirou's question not only surprised Michael, but also the majority of everyone in the room. The Golden-feathered Angel in question looked up at him perplexed. Shirou continued.

"Don't get me wrong, I am upset about all that stuff happening, but it's not like passing all the blame on you will make anyone feel better. You're not God, Michael. That's already been established and so nobody is expecting you to do everything or fix everyone's problems, no one except you yourself. The bottom line is, despite everything that happened, you were only trying to do whatever you could for the sake of your Faction. And prioritizing your entire race over one or two people, regardless of who they are, is something any good leader would do."

Hearing his words and seeing Shirou expression—One that had no ill intent, only understanding—Truly shocked Michael. While the other three leaders sitting at that table all smiled at him.

"Well said, kid." Azazel thought approvingly.

"You really do have an eloquent way of seeing things, Shirou-kun." Sirzechs thought, feeling a small sense of Pride.

"But still, because of unjust decisions made by the Church, others were made to suffer." Michael reminded him. "I'm the one that rules over them so I must also bear responsibility."

"Are they suffering right now?"

Shirou's question silenced Michael. He then gestured to Asia and Xenovia.

"Neither I nor any of the rest of us are as worse off as you seem to think. At the very least, I don't have any regrets about being a Devil. To tell the truth, I'm happier now. I'm stronger, I finally know the truth about myself and past, and most of all; For the first time, I felt like I was living in a world where even someone like me had a place to belong."

As he said those words, those in the Gremory Peerage smiled as well. The ones who were the most touched by his sentiments were Kiba and Akeno. They both felt that they only truly had a place to belong after joining Rias' Peerage and were happier than when they weren't Devils, so they could understand where he was coming from.

Xenovia then stepped forward, looking a bit nervous but smiled as well. "….….I regretted it a bit but the things that I couldn't do when I was serving the Church, the things that were sealed from me are now brilliantly coloring my everyday life. If I say these words, I may anger the other believers but.….… Even then, I am satisfied by my current life."

Asia also says it with her hands together.

"Michael-sama, I also feel I am happy. Since I now have a lot of important people. And also I have met and talked with the Michael-sama who I admired, it's an honor!"

Mika stood beside her Brother again and faced Michael.

"I'm happy too. Regardless of whether I'm a Devil or anything else, as long as I'm with my Brother, and I can live the way I want, I can't complain."

Upon hearing all their words, Michael showed an expression of relief. "I am truly grateful to all of you for having such forgiving hearts. I leave Durandal to you, Xenovia. Since it's the family of the Sirzechs' Sister then I am at ease that it won't be used by those who do as they please."

"Good grief, you're too forgiving you know that?" Azazel commented, lazily leaning his head to the side while looking slightly amused. "The way you keep shifting from one personality-trait to the next makes it hard to tell if you're a Devil or an Angel."

Shirou shrugged and nonchalantly responded. "The two are essentially the same when you get right down to it. The only real difference is who they follow."

"Heh. First time I've heard someone say that." Azazel said with a chuckle.

"Anyway, now that we've finished discussing all the important stuff, let's get back to what we were talking about before. The danger I was sensing a little while ago." Shirou brought up, reminding them. "We never actually got around to addressing it."

"Even if you say that, what do you expect us to do?" Azazel asked. "It's not like we can confirm or location any hostile presence."

"Even so you—!"

DOOOOOOOONN!

Shirou was interrupted when a sudden repulsing force fluctuated throughout the entire room. It was like feeling the shockwave born from an implosion before the detonation of a great explosion. Everyone was able to feel it if only for a second, yet it was enough to grab the attention of everyone currently in the room.

"….Uh, did anyone else just feel tha—"

FLAAAAAAASSSSSHHH!

A few seconds after the Magicians entered the Old School building and before the sudden repulsing force fluctuated throughout the meeting room, the entire campus of Kuoh Academy was covered in a barrier space that was made the whole scenery red. Everything from the Old School building to the New School building was covered by this aura.

In the forest that was a few meters away from the Old School building, yet close enough to see the outside of the building, a lone figure hidden in the shadow of a tree was looking out at the building and could see a small band of Magicians outside, as well as sense another group of Magicians inside.

"Tch… Looks like their hunch was right, someone did attack. Good thing I came."

After saying that, the one hiding came out from behind the tree and started making his way to the Old School building.

"Guess I'll have to take care of this."

FLAME!

He held his hand and created a fireball while he grinned.

"…Gasp!"

Shirou suddenly opened his eyes and gasped for air as he looked around. That's when he noticed it, the interior of the staff meeting room had changed just a little. Everything was now covered by a strange purple aura, similar to how things are whenever a barrier that covers a large area is put up. Michael was looking outside from a window, and Sirzechs and Azazel were deep in talk looking serious for some reason.

"Oh, the Red Dragon Emperor has come back."

Azazel saw me and said this.

"What the Hell just happened?" Shirou questioned.

"They're frozen." Kiba said, stating the obvious.

Looking around, people were divided between those that could move and those that were stopped. All the big-shots were moving. Sirzechs, Serafall, Grayfia, Michael, and Azazel, as well as Vali, seemed to be able to move.

The club members were—

"It seems only me, Shirou, Mika, Yuuto, and Xenovia are able to move from my family."

Rias noticed. Conversely, Asia, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki were all stopped. Though, Shirou noticed the Gem on his Boosted Gear was glowing, while Kiba and Xenovia both had their Swords in hand, both of which were also glowing.

"Is everyone frozen in time?" Shirou wondered.

"It appears so." Sirzechs said as he and the other leaders looked grim at the situation. "Fortunately, those of us with superior powers weren't affected."

Vali continued to lean against the wall with a look of confidence. Not appearing to be bothered by what was going on. "You can thank our Dragons. They protected us." He said to Shirou before looking at the two Gremory Knights. "The Heavenly Bunch over there were shielded by their Holy-Swords."

"What? I don't understand." Irina said, unable to comprehend all that was happening.

Shirou looked at the two girls standing next to him and found something strange. "But why can Mika and Rias move?"

Rias placed her hand on his gauntlet. "It must be because we were holding on to you before time froze." She said softly to him. "If it wasn't for you, I would have been frozen as well. You saved me again."

Shirou nodded, looking serious before turning to Mika. "Rias was holding my hand so I get her, but why were you holding on to me?"

"Whenever anything happens that I don't know about but seems dangerous, my default response is to cling to you for safety." She answered, with little expression.

"Well, we're lucky that it helped in this situation." Shirou muttered before looking around. "But why and how did time get frozen in the first place?"

KABOOOOOOOOM!

Suddenly there was a loud explosion from outside. Everyone who could move ran to the window to see what was going on.

"We're under fire. In any Era where a power tried to form peace with other powers, there will also be a gathering of those who dislike it and try to disturb it."

Azazel pointed outside. When they all look in the direction he pointed, there were human-like silhouettes that had arrived in the Schoolyard and in the air. Exiting from a giant orange magic circle were mage-like people dressed in black robes with three eyes on their hoods, all who seemed to be firing attacks at the School that were similar to magic bullets.

Luckily, these attacks didn't look to be doing any damage to the New School Building. But, there also wasn't any sign of the attack relenting.

"Who are those people?" Mika asked worriedly.

Azazel, who was standing in front of them, gave a fearless smile as he answered.

"Those guys are so-called Magicians. It's a kind of magic that was originally interpreted from the magic system of Devils by the legendary Magician "Merlin Ambrosius" and reconstructed as Sorcery… From the power of the magic they're emitting, I'd guess that they each possess the magic power of a Mid-Class Devil."

"So they're still weaker than any moving person in this room." Shirou summarized.

"But right now that doesn't matter." Azazel argued. "Now that time is frozen, they're taking out our forces by the second."

And like he said, as the magic bullets flew outside, they were hitting the armies of all three sides. Each time a frozen soldier was hit by a magic bullet, they disappeared into a cloud of sparkles.

"In short, it means that Humans can use powers like those of Devils. Though, of course, it also seems to be possible that they can't become Devils themselves. It's especially troublesome when a Sacred Gear possessor learns magic. Well, their attacks aren't capable of damaging this School building. Because the Strongest protective barrier by me, Sirzechs, and Michael is enveloping this place. Though, thanks to that, we can't leave here."

"But, what is this power?" Michael asked.

"Most likely, they used a Sacred Gear or magic that transfers power on the Half-Vampire kid's Sacred Gear and forcefully made it go into Balance Breaker state. It's only a temporary Balance Breaker state, even then, to think that it even affects people present in the interior of objects outside the field of vision… So that Half-Vampire's potential ability was this high. Well, it seems that he lacks the output to stop us, top-position guys, though."

"This is Gasper's Balance Breaker?" Shirou exclaimed, completely shocked.

(Balance Breaker? He can already stop time, what would a Balance Breaker be like?)

After thinking back on those words he said. Shirou is now able to comprehend just how powerful Gasper's Sacred Gear and potential is. But also he realized the only way this situation could be happening at all meant the Magicians must have already captured Gasper while the Summit was taking place.

"So that's the danger I was feeling." Shirou realized, clenching his fist.

"You said they transferred power?" Rias took notice of his words. "Are you saying there are Sacred Gears other than Shirou's that can strengthen others to this extent?"

"Boosted Gear combines together both the nearly endless Doubling ability and the Transfer-ability. There exist independent Sacred Gears with either of these respective powers. The Doubling Sacred Gear and Transfer Sacred Gear. All the Longinus are just a combination of one ability with another. Essentially, they combine powerful abilities that aren't supposed to be combined. "Maybe the Longinus are born because of a kind of bug, errors in the Sacred Gear program constructed by God", that's one of the opinions of us 'Grigori'. If I had to say it in an easy-to-understand way to you, it's a fact that there are other powers that can transfer."

Rias nodded, accepting his explanation as she turned to look out the window while glaring. "Gasper has been made into a terrorist weapon at the Old School Building…" Red aura gushed out from her body. "Just where did they get information on my servant… Moreover, for them to use his power to go after this important meeting…! Never have I been so insulted like this!"

"This School is enveloped in a barrier. But, despite this, they appeared within the barrier. There must be a transfer-use magic circle or a person connecting with a gate to the inside of the premises. By stopping us here with their fierce attack, they intend to annihilate each School building the instant our time is stopped. They seem to be using considerable military power."

Preceding Azazel's gaze, magic circles appeared at various places in the school grounds and started shining ominously. From the magic-circles appeared forms that were the same as the Magician group that already appeared. Or rather, they were Magicians just like before. There were a lot of them still appearing.

"They just keep appearing." Mika exclaimed seeing more Magicians appear. "One after another, there's no end to them."

"It's a repeat from just now." Azazel added. "They'll keep appearing even if we knock and knock them down."

Grayfia then spoke out. "And unfortunately, our magical transport troops are completely sealed off from us."

"So we've been concerned." Sirzechs realized.

"Yes. And their timing along with their use of Lady Gremory's Bishop could not have been more perfect." Michael pointed out.

"We've been betrayed?" Irina said in disbelief. She then noticed Xenovia staring at her. Remember how she accused her of being a traitor, she looked away in guilt.

"A traitor?" Shirou whispered.

After thinking about it for a second, a thought came to him. Shirou then looked over to Mika, after she saw the look he was making, she had the same expression and nodded. Showing she knew what he was thinking and that they were on the same page.

"Can't we go and save Gasper?" Rias suggested, wanting to do so.

"We can't escape. As long as the barrier enclosing the entire School isn't dissolved, we can't go outside. But, if the barrier is dissolved, damage may be taken in the Human world. We have to wait for the enemy boss to appear. If we shut ourselves in here for a while, they'll get tired of waiting and show their face. I'd like to know who the mastermind is quickly. Besides, if we go out and rampage imprudently, we may just do exactly what the enemy wishes."

Azazel explained to her in a composed manner. Sirzechs then joined the conversation.

"That said, we leaders can't move while making preparations. However, our first goal is to take back Gasper from the old school building which has become the terrorists' base."

"Onii-sama, I'll go. Gasper is my servant. It's my responsibility to take him back."

Rias sent out a strong will in her eyes as she proposed this. But Sirzechs shook his head.

"I thought I said it before. I understand my younger Sister's personality. However, how will you go to the Old School building? It's filled with Magicians outside this New School building. The usual transfer is also blocked by magic."

Rias bit her bottom lip in frustration, she wanted to argue but she couldn't think of anything she could do in this situation. That's when Shirou stepped forward and gave them a solution.

"Relax. I have an idea on how to get Gasper back."

"You do?" Rias asked surprised. "What's the plan?"

Shirou smirked before he answered. "It's already in motion."

Walking through the hallway of the first floor of the Old School building, one person made his way to a large door that led to the room that Gasper was formerly sealed in and was currently the room where Koneko and Gasper were inside of after being captured by the Magicians.

BANG!

Just by smashing his open-palm into the door, he broke it down and walk into the room. This got the attention of all the Magicians in the room. They were the same group that appeared before Koneko and Gasper in the club room.

"Impossible! An intruder?!"

"But how did he get in?!"

The room itself looked the way it did before, except at the end of the room by the wall and behind all the Magicians were the two First-Years; Gasper and Koneko. Both of them were locked on to two orange magic circles that were as big as their bodies and had the same mark as the ones the Magicians were using. Though for some reason, Koneko was upside-down which made her skirt fall, while Gasper was right-side-up but looked in pain. And judging from his eyes, it appeared that his Sacred Gear was being forcibly activated.

They noticed him as well and Koneko called out to him.

"…Ren-Senpai?"

"That's right." Ren said with confidence.

It was true, the person standing before them was none other than the Half-Youkai Wolf; Ren Todo. Right now, Ren was standing at the doorway to the room while both his Wolf ears and tail were out, plus his eyes were already slit and his body was covered in an aura of Touki. Upon seeing him, Gasper cried out.

"But how, how did you get here?"

"I was always near the building." Ren began to explain. "Shirou and Mika didn't tell you guys, but they had a hunch things would go south during the Summit. Even if war didn't break out, it was possible a different group might try something and if that did happen, we needed to be prepared to defend ourselves and strike back. So he called me and asked me to stay on standby. If I saw someone enter the building, I was to take care of them and back up you two." He then looked at the Magicians. "And by the looks of things, I got here just in time."

Koneko looked surprised but then smiled. "…They had a plan in case something happened, as expected of those two."

"That still doesn't make sense!" One of the Magicians argued angrily. "We had an entire group guarding the outside of this building, how did you get inside?!"

"I burned all their flesh to cinders, wasn't that was obvious?" Ren answered jokingly.

"Grr… You damn beast!" The Magician cursed at him.

"Now then ladies here's a question." Ren, still smiling held up both his hands, appearing on each hand was a fireball. However, inside the fireballs were two orbs of Senjutsu. "What happens when you mix fire and Senjutsu? The answer; a flame that reduces everything to ash."

FLAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMEEEEEEE!

"You had Ren on stand by?" Rias repeated surprised.

Back in the meeting room, Shirou had just finished explaining to everyone what he had planned. He began with how he and Mika had anticipated the possibility of an attack happening and how they asked Ren to watch the Old School building while being ready to move at any moment.

"Wow, to think you two actually expected something like this." Azazel said brazenly. "I can't tell if you're smart or pessimistic."

"Yeah well, be grateful that we are, considering that's what's going to save Gasper." Shirou reminded him. "It's also a good thing we came in our combat gear, now we're prepared for a fight."

"Still though, I never imagined someone would use Gasper or use his power like this." Mika put a hand on her chin and started to think about it. "I can only assume their plan was to draw out even more power until the time of everyone in this room was frozen, including the leaders." She theorized. "After that, the boss villain would reveal themselves and make the kill."

"Then that makes it all the more important we get Gasper back."

Sirzechs said with urgency, Kiba then followed up.

"But right now, we can't do anything but count on Ren-kun."

"What are the chances that Ren Todo will be able to succeed in retrieving Gasper?" Grayfia asked.

"High enough for me not to worry." Shirou said, confident in his friend's abilities. "Ren trains with me almost every day, so I know better than anyone how strong he is."

"There's a reason we asked him to do this, it's because we know he can handle it." Mika added, with the same confidence. "You can't stop him with just Mid-Class strength, even if they're a group."

"In that case, once he arrives we'll use this."

The Governor of the Fallen Angels reached into his pocket and took something out. It seemed to be wide a ring to put around the hand. Multiple layers of strange characters were carved into it. Azazel spoke to them.

"This is a bracelet with the power to control a Sacred Gear to some degree. After your friend gets here with the aforementioned Half-Vampire, put it on him. It'll help him control his power somewhat."

"Azazel, just how far did you research Sacred Gears?"

Michael asked Azazel while sighing, but the Fallen Angel Governor just smiled fearlessly.

"It's fine, isn't it? God, the one who made the Sacred Gears, isn't here, right? Isn't it better if there's someone who can explain about Sacred Gears at least a little? I heard there are all kinds of things that even you don't know, right?"

"I think the problem is that you're the one who's researching it…"

"If you don't mind, I could go out there and take out the Magicians outside." Vali suggested, still looking relaxed. "Better yet, I could just take out the Half-Vampire along with the terrorists."

"Don't even think about it." Shirou warned him, though his expression was blank, let he knew neither of them was being serious about this. "Not only is that not necessary right now but you'll get Ren and Koneko caught up in it."

Vali looked amused. "So you suggest we do nothing?"

Then Azazel stepped forward.

"Quit that, at a time where we've united in peace. In the worst-case scenario, we'll do that, but if we can save a member of the Devil King's family, saving him will be of benefit for us in the future."

"Understood."

Vali agreed to Azazel's suggestion while letting out an unsatisfied breath.

"Azazel, continuing the talk from before." Sirzechs queried Azazel.

"Yeah, what about it?"

"What are you trying to do by collecting Sacred Gears? You've been collecting Longinus owners too, right? Do you intend to kill God even though God no longer exists?"

Azazel shook his head at that question.

"It's to prepare."

"Prepare? That's some uneasiness-inciting talk, even though you reject war." Michael said this in amazement.

"I said so, right? I won't go to war against you people. I also won't make war here. However, a means of self-defense is necessary. Rather, should I say we're not just preparing for an attack from you?"

"Then?"

"The Khaos Brigade."

"…Khaos, Brigade?"

It was a name none of the Gremory Peerage had heard before, but it seemed Sirzechs didn't know either from his furrowed eyebrows. Azazel elaborated.

"I only confirmed the organization's name and background recently, but my Vice Governor Shemhaza has also had his eye on this suspiciously acting group from before that. It's said that they're gathering dangerous members from all Three Great Powers. Some Sacred Gear-possessing Humans who have attained Balance Breaker also seem to be included. I've also confirmed a number of Longinus possessors among them."

"Their goal is?" Michael asked that.

"Destruction and mayhem. It's that simple, you know? They don't like this world's peace. They're terrorists. Moreover, they're ill-natured to the extreme."

"Then, could it be that this terrorist attack is…?"

Azazel put on a grim expression. "The organization's leader is the powerful fiendish Dragon that shores beyond the Welsh Dragon and Vanishing Dragon."

[—!]

All of the leaders along with Rias and Grayfia became speechless at Azazel's confession.

"…I see so that person has moved. The Uroboros Dragon Ophis. The Dragon feared by God…The one who kept reigning over with the position of the Strongest since the world began." Sirzechs now also had a grim expression.

"…Ophis?" Shirou repeated, not being familiar with the name. Then he remembered something important. "Wait? The Strongest since the world began?!"

("But you should be aware that there are a lot of strong people in this world. Even the Crimson Satan, Sirzechs Lucifer won't fit in the top ten." Vali informed him, before holding up one finger. "However, the first place is decided—It's a fixed existence.")

"So that's who Vali meant, the first place fixed existence is Ophis." Shirou realized in his head.

As Shirou was having these by thoughts, a voice that no one in the room was used to hearing leaped into his ear.

{Yes, Ophis is the leader of the "Khaos Brigade".}

BA-DUMP!

The moment that voice was heard, both the Tsukiharu siblings felt their hearts beat faster. It felt like two-tons of weight weighed down on their chests and they couldn't stop their emotions from surging. All this was happening because of one, single reason. They recognized that voice.

[…T-This voice?]

They both thought simultaneously.

A magic circle emerged on the floor from an empty part of the meeting room at the same time as the voice. It was a magic circle that they've never seen before, but it was filled with Demonic power. As they saw it, all the leaders of the three great powers were shocked. No, Azazel laughed, and Sirzechs made a sour expression.

"I see. So you've come! The mastermind this time." Sirzechs clicked his tongue. "The magic circle of Leviathan."

Even though he said that; this wasn't the pattern of Serafall Leviathan's magic circle. But Irina answered why that was the case with a troubled expression.

"It's something seen in the books of the Vatican. That's the magic circle of the original Maou Leviathan."

A single woman appeared from the magic circle. She was a tall bespectacled woman with a voluptuous figure. She had tan skin with long brown hair tied into a bun with a headset and she had purple eyes. She wore an extremely low-cut dress and it had a high slit which exposed a large portion of her breasts.

Play OST - My Hero Academia - All For One Vs One For All!

"How do you do, current Devil King Sirzechs-dono?"

The woman greeted Sirzechs-sama with a fearless tone.

"The one descended from the blood of the previous Leviathan. Cattleya Leviathan. What is the meaning of this?"

Sirzechs questioned her. While Shirou and Mika reminded silent and completely still, it was like they were in shock. So much so that they were hardly paying attention to the conversation that was currently taking place. "…Cattleya….…Leviathan."

Though to quiet for anyone to hear, Mika muttered her name while having a tone that sounded like she was in a trance.

The woman—Cattleya Leviathan, who was descended from the original Leviathan, gave a defiant smile and spoke.

"The members of the Old Satan Faction have nearly all decided to cooperate with the Khaos Brigade."

"So it's a feud between the new and old Satans sides that have become full-scale. Devils are also difficult." Azazel just smiled like it was someone else's problem.

"Cattleya, is it okay to interpret those words literally?"

"Sirzechs, it's exactly as I said. We are also taking charge of this attack right now."

"So it's a coup d'état, huh?"

"…Cattleya, why?"

"Sirzechs, we've only arrived at the exact opposite idea of this meeting today. We've concluded that, since God and the original Maou are gone, this world should be reformed."

"Has that Ophis seen that far ahead into the future? Though that doesn't seem likely."

Cattleya just let out a breath in response to Azazel's question.

"Aside from being a symbol of power, he just bears the position for the sake of gathering power. We've asked for his help to destroy the world and rebuild it again. We will be the ones to manage the new world."

Sirzechs smiled very sarcastically.

"…So you're a gathering of Angel, Fallen Angel, and Devil rebels who want their own world and a new Earth that they rule over. The mediator of that is the Uroboros Ophis."

"Cattleya-chan! Why are you doing such a thing!?" Serafall shouted out.

Upon hearing her voice, Cattleya's demeanor changed into a hateful expression fill with scorn and loathing at Serafall.

"Serafall, how dare you, to act so shamelessly, as the one who stole the position of Leviathan from me! I'm descended from the original Leviathan! I was the one suited to be Maou!"

"Cattleya-chan…I-I!" Serafall looked troubled after hearing her hate-filled words.

"Don't worry, Serafall. Today, I'll kill you at this place and take the title of Maou Leviathan for myself. Then, Ophis will become the God of the new world. It's fine if he's just a symbol. The System and laws, the doctrine will be constructed by us. Michael, Azazel, and Lucifer—Sirzechs, your Era is over."

The expressions of Sirzechs, Serafall, and Michael all darkened at Cattleya's words.

RUUUUUMMMMMBBBBLLLLLLEEEEE!

All of a sudden, everyone was silenced by the appearance of a new aura that filled the room. It felt as if gravity was suddenly increased, Rias, Kiba, Xenovia, and Irina felt their knees buckle under the weight of this force. It wasn't simply magic power or Demonic power, those were only part of it, the main force that made this aura so disgustingly high was one major source.

Killing Intent.

A tsunami-like wave of Killing Intent blanketed the entire room and it was all aimed at one person; Cattleya Leviathan.

The others turned to see that the source of this oppressive aura was behind them. It was Shirou and Mika, both of whom were staring at Cattleya with a look in their eyes that said they wanted to kill her. No, kill wasn't strong enough, they wanted nothing more than to murder her in the most painful way they could think off. If looks could kill, Cattleya would have been dead a million times over.

"Shirou? Mika?" Rias breathed out, surprised by what she was feeling from them.

"I'm an idiot." Azazel inwardly cursed himself. "What other reaction could I have expected them to have after seeing her, one of the ones responsible for destroying their lives."

After a few seconds, the Brother and Sister duo began walking forward, slowly approaching the objected of their hatred.

Azazel attempted to reach out and stop them. "Wait! Don't—"

"SILENCE!"

Shirou roared, not even looking at him and silencing everyone, demonstrating that the two of them won't allow anyone to block their way or prevent them from doing the deed. As they walked, Mika addressed her Brother.

"Brother, let me do it." Mika requested in a serious manner.

"Of course, Sister." Shirou accepted with the tone. "Do your thing."

With that, Shirou halted his advance, while Mika continued until she was right in front of Cattleya. At that point she addressed her.

"Tell me, Cattleya Leviathan, do you know who I am?" She questioned with a dark tone.

Cattleya no longer had her previous expression filled with arrogance and superiority. Instead, she now looked surprised and slightly unnerved. Though as Mika spoke to her, she narrowed her eyes.

"I have no reason to know the name of a vulgar, reincarnated-Devil." She said with contempt. "If you get in my way I'll kill—"

FLASH!

Before she could finish speaking, with a wave of her hand, Mika created a transparent orb of magic that was several meters wide and encompassed Cattleya, thus sealing her inside.

EXPLOSION ORB!

"What?!" Cattleya was dumbstruck by the fact that she was suddenly trapped.

"You let your guard down." Mika mercilessly informed her. "Don't bother trying to escape, the orb is impenetrable from the inside.

Rias looked surprised at what just happened. "So fast, I didn't even see her activate that spell."

Vali smirked at her. "Impressive."

"Damn you…" Cattleya cursed at her.

"I'll tell you my name, make sure you remember it for the rest of your short life." Mika's tone was silent, but her wrath was building up and her body was trembling with hatred. "I'm am the daughter of two people you murdered seven years ago, one of the children you captured and tortured. And someone who will bring death to the Old Satan Faction."

Once Cattleya took a good look at her face and heard her words, realization hit her immediately. "Wait, you're—"

"That's right, I am an emissary of revenge!" Mika declared loudly before holding up her hand to detonate her spell. "I AM MIKA TSUKIHARU!"

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!

"AND I AM THE ONE WHO WILL KILL YOU!"

Music Off!

And that's the chapter. First off, I didn't want the chapter to end here. Originally it would have covered the entire fight between Mika and Cattleya and the next chapter would have been the last one for this Arc, but circumstances made me change that idea and so now there are two more chapters left in this Arc.

During the meeting, I changed things so instead of asking Michael why Asia was exiled from the Church, Shirou asked Michael and Azazel to tell him all the details about his parents, I wanted to clear things up so you all would have the answers to any remaining questions you had about them. And to give Shirou and Mika some peace of mind.

And now, Shirou's goal. I told you before that Shirou's goal was going to be a huge one and it was, Shirou wants to become Lucifer. That was always something I had planned and have big plans for this route. Right now Shirou wants to be Lucifer just because he believes that'll make him the Strongest Devil, like Sirzechs, but as the story progresses and he matures he'll start to truly become someone who wants to be a King and leader of the Underworld, but that'll come later.

And finally the fight, I know some of you will be upset by the fact that Azazel won't be fighting Cattleya because it's his debut fight and he reveals his artificial Sacred Gear in said fight, but just think about it. Killing the leaders of the Old Satan Faction is a life-long dream of Shirou's and Mika and now one of them is right in front of them, does it really sound believable that they would just let someone else take the fight while they both stand on the side-lines and watch, I wouldn't think so.

The next chapter will cover this entire fight and wrap up everything else, thus leading up to this Arc's main event fight. And I'll do whatever I can to make this fight thrilling and exciting. I'll post it when I post.

Anyways thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, if you want more leave a review, if you like the story then click the follow/favorite, and as always have an awesome day.