Chapter 25: Pater Perdurabo


"We finished researching the rooms," Ikuse Tobio approached them, followed by Jin and Lavinia Reni. "Nothing useful to track down Satanael and his group. Just white coats, canceled Utsusemi, business suits, and Hexennacht's uniform."

"What about the computers?" Mephisto Pheles asked the ice princess. "Anything that we could use in our favor?"

Soror Demise tipped her witch hat, obscuring her uneasiness. "I'm so sorry Pops," she sucked air. "But all the files they saved on the computers were erased."

"Shit in my ass," Mephisto cursed under his breath, fists clenched. "They're playing us like fucking fiddles!"

"Are you sure there wasn't anything on the computers?" Danhauser insisted. "You guys checked each folder?"

Slash Dog's shoulders collapsed dejectedly. "We ain't found shit, boss."

The king clicked his tongue but raised no arguments.

"I'll still contact Azazel and tell him to double check on the computers, just for safe measure," Mephisto grumbled as he tried to sit comfortably on his floating throne.

The heir looked around, noticing the magicians of Grauzauberer flying near the roofs, some of them acting as bodyguards, inspecting the tanks or find any clues that the group may have missed.

"What's next?" The devil returned to the group after Tannin spoke. "What's our next move?"

"Take the families out of the tanks obviously," Mephisto replied bitterly. "We can't let them endure this torture."

"Agreed," Lavinia nodded firmly. "Then we should prepare a teleportation circle to teleport all of them back to Ryuukou Town."

Slash Dog rubbed his hands with resolve. "We should also erase the memories of them getting kidnapped by the Utsusemi." He added. "But first, let's free these poor people!"

"But do we have to?" Danhauser blurted out, getting baffled stares from everyone. He facepalmed in return. "I fucking said that aloud, didn't I...?"

"Yes, you fucking did, you donkey," Mephisto snarled, clearly triggered. "So you prefer to keep these unlucky bastards suffering in those damn tanks?"

"Yeah, what the hell, boss?!" Tobio snapped.

Danhauser winced at their tones. "Well," he scratched his neck. "...Suffering is a harsh word."

"Explain, quickly." Lavinia coldly demanded.

The Pure Devil groaned in return. "Why am I suddenly the villain here? Look, I'm suggesting this for their protection." He saw their blank stares. "... What's the purpose of the Utsusemi Agency?"

Mephisto frowned with suspicion. "Complete the Four Fiends Project and attack the Five Principal Clans," he skeptically responded. "How does that saves you from your incoming beating?"

"I'm getting to that," Danhauser cleared his throat. "They have two of them, one of them being an agent of the Grigori, Natsume."

Lavinia flinched at that, looking away ashamed.

"To find any clues of her disappearance and the agency's location we had to investigate her house," he continued. "We were lucky there weren't any traps, but what about from the two hundred and thirty-three empty houses that we never considered on searching?"

Mephisto hummed. "Now I get it." He sank deeper on his seat, shaping a pyramid with his fingers. "You think that any of those houses has a trap from either the agency or Hexennacht am I right?"

"If that so then you shouldn't worry too much, Danhauser," Soror Demise gave a sweet smile. "We, Grauzauberer can take care of that. It won't be a problem for us."

"Alright, that's one less issue," Danhauser placed a hand over his hip. "Remember, the families were captured because their uproar made the media milk the cash cow and spread the news worldwide."

"... When they wake up, they'll once again make a riot for their children?" Tobio saw his king nod. "If that happens... they're going to silence them."

"By slicing their throats," Tannin finished.

"But they're in a weakened state," countered the brunet. "We captured Hanezu and his lapdog and you killed the headmistress of Hexennacht with Vali which was their big hitter just behind Satanael."

"Augusta," Mephisto said with venom.

"How can you tell they're already vulnerable?" Danhauser shot back. "Did you just forgot what Azazel has told us about the true leader of Hexennacht and Wizards of Oz?"

"The Wonderful Wizard, Oz himself," Lavinia paled at the thought. "It's still not confirmed if the Land of Oz is working with Satanael..."

"He has a point," Tannin agreed.

"Don't get me wrong, if you want to take them out of their capsules then fine, I won't oppose. I was just giving my two cents." Danhauser remarked. "Let's just hope that they won't retaliate when they find out."

Mephisto massaged his tired, heterochromatic eyes. "Fucking hell..." He moaned out. "...I'll have to discuss this with Azazel later."

The blonde Faustus turned to Danhauser, concerned. "You think it's possible for them to infiltrate Ryuukou Town under our noses?"

"The Agency and Hexennacht? I don't think so." Danhauser folded his arms. "Actually, maybe Hexennacht can, but who worries me the most is Satanael. He's supposed to be a Cadre and Grigori is well-known for their stealthy approach."

Suddenly, a teleportation circle came into view, enough to alarm the magicians to take aim with their respective magic tricks.

"Lower your spells," Mephisto ordered with a grunt, confusing his students. "He's an ally."

"Heh!" Tannin grinned knowingly. "The Emperor's bishop is finally here."

The light unhurriedly expanded until it finally died down, a new figure calmly approached them.

What Danhauser first felt was the dense aura that expelled from their body, but his clothes alone were the interesting part. His attire exposed nothing of skin that even Seekvaira Agares would be impressed by his good taste. An ankle length overcoat, boots, thick gloves, a brimmed hat and, most importantly, a mask reminiscent of a crow's face, complete with a beak.

All in all, he dressed like a plague doctor.

"The mask of a bird, for a place where no birds sing." Lavinia murmured loud enough for Danhauser to hear it.

"Perdurabo," the dragon nodded welcomingly.

"Tannin. Chairman," he greeted, his voice distorted by the mask. "I can see you've found the abducted civilians. Congratulations."

"We couldn't make it without your assistance, Pater Perdurabo," Mephisto gave a grateful nod. "My most sincere gratitude."

"It was nothing," the man dismissed him, slowly pivoting over Danhauser whose back tensed up. "The Heir of the Rating Game himself... it's an honor."

"Uh..." the devil trailed off, awkwardly coughing behind a fist. "Likewise, Pater Perdurabo."

"Please, there's no need of addressing me by my Magical Motto, just call me by my name," Perdurabo took his hat off and bowed like a good gentleman. "Aleister Crowley. Bishop of the Rating Game Champion."

Danhauser and Tobio shared a look, gulping simultaneously. This man was powerful as Rudiger Rosenkreutz, the 7th ranker. That alone speaks how strong Diehauser Belial's Peerage is.

They watched Aleister Crowley rigid his back and put his hat back on its place. "Chairman, I have more information of your foe that could become handy."

Mephisto narrowed his eyes. "Good or bad news?"

"Both," came the simple response.

The blue-red-haired devil inhaled deeply. "Alright, beat the crap out of me with the bad news first."

Aleister nodded. "Satanael has, at his disposal, one of the thirteen swords of the Knights of the Round Table," that alone made Mephisto's eye twitch. "The sword wielded by the strongest knight of the Round Table, Sir Lancelot du Lac. Aron—!"

"Arondight," the chairman looked ready to screech like a banshee and slam his fists on the armchairs. He quickly turned to the teenagers. "Give me a second, brats, I have to vent off."

Danhauser fought back a smirk, gesturing to the building's exit. "After you, Chairman."

"... That mother fucking dick sucker cunt fucking cuntity fuck..."

The three teenagers just watched the floating chair of Mephisto slowly building distance, sometimes brushing off his fellow students away.

Lavinia was the first to react by tilting her witch's hat. "I-I'm sorry for Pop's unique vocabulary..." The Faustus said, flustered. "He gets easily angered."

"It's fine," Danhauser chuckled. "It's funny when he gets pissed."

"Do you know how he got the sword?" Tannin asked, ignoring his master's fit of tantrums coming from the background.

Aleister briefly gazed the distanced Mephisto before shaking his head, "I'm afraid not." He adjusted his mask. "But maybe he's using it as a fail-safe method in case their opponents have holy sword wielders within their ranks."

Tobio turned to Danhauser. "Sieg is not a holy sword user, right?"

"Last time I checked, he's not."

"That's good to hear."

"... Fuckity fuck fucker fucking fuck fuckers! FUCK!" A now composed Mephisto joined back the group. "Alright! I'm fine again! We already heard the bad news, now let's hear the good news!" Mephisto turned pleadingly at the fellow headmaster. "Just shoot, Perdurabo, make my whole week."

"As you wish," Pater Perdurabo harrumphed. "Satanael also has in his grasp one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan."

Mephisto stared for a full minute. "How the fuck is that good news you cock thistle?"

"Isn't that obvious, Chairman?"

Mephisto growled. "Fucking hell! We're not here for a dick-measuring contest, Crowley! Just get to the damn point!"

Tobio stared flatly. "What."

Tannin boomed a laugh, shaking the place a little. "BWA HA HA! No reason to dishonor the classics, Mephisto!"

"At least you two are finally ready to get down to business." Danhauser chuckled wearily after regaining his balance. "Should I get a measuring tape?"

"W-what Pops is trying to say..." Lavinia stuttered aloud, hiding her pink face with her hat. "Is that we're in a bit of a hurry. Please."

"Impatient as always, chairman," The plague doctor-like stated but complied. "Fine then. Because of this, chances of building up a, somewhat, temporary truce with the High Priestess Yasaka are relatively high."

...

"You're right," Mephisto breathed out, gradually eyes widening in realization. "Holy shit, you're right, Aleister! If it wasn't for your shitty mask, I'd kiss you right now."

"Good thing I always wear it then," Diehauser Belial's bishop said with mild amusement.

Danhauser, on the other hand, clicked his tongue at the news. "Damn... I just hope I don't become a problem in this."

Lavinia fired Danhauser a curious gaze. "Why are you saying that?" She asked incredulously. "Working with you has been a great pleasure, and it is still. Thanks to your team, we made progress. Why would you turn into the issue now?"

Danhauser's mouth opened in reply but quickly looked across the room with a steady glare.

Tobio caught on. "Don't sweat it, boss," he patted his shoulder. "All the security cameras are off. Nothing's recording this conversation."

"Maybe we could take a look in the security room later on," Tannin suggested to Mephisto, eliciting a strong nod from his king.

The Heir of Belial pursed his lips. "The problem here is that my cousin is governing Kuoh Town." He paused. "... High Priestess Yasaka wants Kuoh back."

Much to Danhauser and Tobio's surprise, Mephisto hasn't exploded yet, he merely quirked an eyebrow. "So what?" He said sharply. "That's a problem between Ars Goetia and Kyoto. Not Grauzauberer and Grigori."

"Last time I checked, I'm still part of Ars Goetia," Danhauser shot back. "Wouldn't the leader of Kyoto hold any sort of grudge toward my cousin, myself and perhaps the Belial Clan?"

"My point still stands. She's going to negotiate with Grauzauberer, not the 72 Pillars." Mephisto dismissed his uneasiness with a hand's sway. "And yes, maybe she does, but I bet she'll push her bitterness aside for the sake of retrieving one of the missing treasures of Japan."

"After all," Aleister adjusted his mask. "It's property of the Shinto pantheon."

"Her superiors," Lavinia finished.

"Moving on, are there any objections?" Mephisto eyed each one of them sternly, daring them to play the fool. Satisfied, he nodded. "Perdurabo, any reason why the Utsusemi Agency would leave behind their captives?"

"The idea behind this is still a mystery," responded the masked man. "It seems that these were the orders of Satanael after Augusta and Chief-engineer Hanezu were defeated. Himejima Hanezu has nothing to do with this."

Mephisto growled, a dark glint escaping from his unique eyes. "I bet they were trying to increase their numbers. Hope he dies in a bin fire, that big fat egg of solid fuck..."

"I'm afraid you're right," Aleister agreed. "The chief-engineer saw flaws in this project of his... It seems the technique was not yet perfected."

"Technique? Not perfected?" Tobio asked, at the same time, interested.

"I find that hard to believe," said Danhauser, managing to laugh in disbelief. "They totally looked flawless during our fights and—!"

They all stopped talking, silence taking over.

"May I continue?" Aleister asked tentatively and received 'go ahead' nods. "... Anyway, for the sake of the ongoing experiment into the usage of Utsusemi, manifesting the artificial Sacred Gear can cause irregularities in the experimental body's mind and body. In order to compensate for that, someone of close genetic relation such as blood relatives were fundamental. For those that become exhausted by utilizing the Utsusemi the bodies of the parents, or possibly the siblings, are used to complement the recovery. Periodically the experimental body will have to spend a day in these capsules in order to preserve their ability..."

"Just like a rechargeable battery," Danhauser surmised. "They had something akin to a time limiter and these capsules recharged them."

"Allowing physiological activity to return to normal gradually after strenuous activities," the blonde continued quietly. "Such as fighting us."

"While the replacements were handed an Utsusemi to hunt for the survivors of the Luxury Liner Incident," Tobio concluded. "Then that means sooner or later, they won't be able to use the Utsusemi!"

"I don't want to be that guy but..." Danhauser rubbed his neck. " It's very likely Satanael found a method to surpass this."

"Let's hope you're wrong, then."

"Of course, there are exceptions," the bishop said back, light reflecting his mask's lenses. "Those who are born with an avatar-type Sacred Gear don't suffer these consequences."

"Like us," Lavinia stole a glance at Tobio.

"Aye, aye," Tobio bobbed his head.

"This is amazing," the heir finally said. "How come you found a way to make Hanezu spit out the truth? Not even Mephisto could make that man open his mouth."

"That's because I never interrogated him," Aleister responded, surprising the teenagers. "From what the Chairman told me, the chief-engineer has a blind loyalty for Satanael... it would be a waste of time to make him talk."

"... Then what did you do?"

"I went straight to the point," he replied casually. "I forcefully extracted some of his memories."

"Of course," she finally understood, fixating Mephisto a long stare. "Now I see why you needed Pater Perdurabo of all available headmasters. It's because he's the only one proficient in the arts of Black Magic, correct?"

The heterochromatic devil tiredly exhaled. "You caught me red-handed." He slumped in his chair in defeat. "I didn't want to use harsher methods, but the shit stain left me no choice."

Aleister observed the confused expressions of Danhauser and his servant. "Black Magic is a source of dire power. Although destructive, it can also be used to curse either the spirit or soul, extract Sacred Gears or memories and even harm the mind, transmitting thoughts such as sorrow, doubt, and terror. All in all, emotions based on survival logic."

"To compensate Black Magic's raw power, it comes at a high price." Mephisto looked pointedly at Aleister. "It curses the user along the way."

The black magus shrugged nonchalantly.

"Damn," Slash Dog's eyes shifted over Diehauser's bishop. "Can't you erase that curse and be uncursed?"

Aleister snorted shamelessly. "Do I appear like a White Magic user to you?" He snarked, mildly annoyed. "Even if found a way to cleanse myself, I will immediately refuse. If I do so, all my progress and efforts will be gone forever."

"So you need to be cursed to cast Black Magic," Danhauser mumbled. "That sucks..."

"The greater the black magic gets, the stronger the curse shall get." Tannin folded his arms, looking distantly. "Vritra learned it the hard way."

"What happened to him?" Danhauser asked, thrilled. A stupid question, but his mouth acted first.

"He fought Sakra fearlessly during the Asura War, although he was outmatched immensely by the latter, and thus killed." Tannin answered. "The problem here is that because his flames adapted with the black magic he thought he had a chance against Sakra."

"But that wasn't enough," Danhauser moved a hand on his hip. "However, that doesn't answer my question."

"If you die and you're cursed you can't be resurrected with weak white magic alone." The dragon said. "Even less if the curse grew stronger over time. Unless a master of white magic or the Sephiroth Graal user is the one reviving them."

After that, Lavinia and Tobio instinctively peeked at the gray devil between them.

Danhauser ignored them.

Mephisto clapped twice. "Alright, you brats, class is over!" He strongly turned his neck over to Aleister. "You think you can give me Hanezu's memories so I can take a look?"

"..." Perdurabo, who was quiet throughout the explanation, nodded slowly and with a snap of his fingers, invoked a crystal ball atop his palm. What happened next impressed Danhauser and Tobio. The dark, purplish aura that coated Aleister's hand slowly dug inside the transparent object.

At last, his hand was freed from the curse of black magic, lending the crystal ball to Mephisto. "Just put a small quantity of demonic power and shake it."

The chairman did as he was told, watching the smoke within the crystal ball twirled like a cyclone and slowly shaped an image.

The teenagers felt their feet awkwardly shuffle behind the older devil, peering curiously behind his shoulder as a shot that showed the perspective of someone inside the crystal ball, as if they were looking through someone else's eyes.

The eyes of Hanezu himself.

"Excellent," Mephisto teleported the crystal ball away. "Anything you know about the World of Oz?"

Aleister shook his head. "Nothing," he said. "It appears Augusta and Satanael kept Hanezu in the dark... If Augusta was kept alive, I could sift for anything useful."

Danhauser winced, followed by a hiss. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," the black mage said. "But now that we're addressing the subject of the Wizards of Oz... I would like to give my two cents on the subject, Chairman."

Mephisto's eyes squinted slightly. "... Yeah?"

"I wish to address the whereabouts of the former headmistress of Wizards of Oz, Glinda." Lavinia perked up at that. "Her purpose is still a mystery, her status unknown and her untold departure makes her suspicious on this."

"W-what?" Her eyes widened and her irises shrunken. "N-no she wouldn't...!"

"I apologize, Soror Demise, I know that you hold Glinda in high regard, after all, she's a mother to you, but..." He hesitated. "I believe she's also a terrorist."

Steadily, a cold wave spread throughout the room. Beginning as only a slight chill, the temperature in the chamber was clearly decreasing little by little. There was even white breath being exhaled from everyone's mouth.

From Lavinia's body, a penetratingly cold air was being released.

She glared at him then spat venomously. "How dare you to insult her!" she clenched her fists. "You don't know anything about her! She would never betray us! Let alone hunt down the innocent!"

"After she disappeared, a week later Wizards of Oz attacked Grauzauberer," Aleister recalled. "She's the only who knows every inch of Grauzauberer."

"That's not enough to prove her 'guiltiness'!" She used the air quotes for emphasis. "Your opinions about her are useless!"

"Enough, Lavinia!" Mephisto lashed out. "Remember who you're talking to!"

Lavinia's heartbeat stopped for a second. "B-but Pops! Y-you wouldn't believe in his words... r-right?"

"..."

She shook her head in denial, lip quivering. "H-have you lost your mind?!" She cried as rage filled her belly. "Some big-shot magician just fed you a story and you believed him after all these years we'd enjoyed with Glinda?! He's just spouting oversimplified, senile bullshit!"

"Mind your fucking language, Lavinia," Mephisto warned through gritted his teeth. "You're a Faustus, fucking act like one! She was part of the Wizards of Oz, sooner or later she would stab us in the back! So you better have a hold of your emotions or else make like a tree and fuck off! Understood?!"

Her face went as blank as a chalkboard, but her watery eyes told another tale. She stiffly bobbed her head.

"Good, now apologize to Aleister."

Danhauser pulled his collar shirt. "I'm so fucking uncomfortable right now," he murmured. "I mean, that really got out of hand fast."

"You tell me," Tobio gulped, feeling how the temperature grew back to normal. "Shit just escalated quickly..."

Jin whined softly!

With sapphire orbs obscured by her warden's hat, she forcefully bowed as deep as she could. "I'm sorry, Pater Perdurabo. I acted as an imbecile. Please forgive me."

Clashing stares with the elder and the dragon, Aleister rigidly nodded down at her. "Don't worry."

She didn't even return the gesture and just looked back at Mephisto. "Chairman, can we take our leave or do you need us for anything else?"

The chairman rolled his distinct eyes at her sharp words. Nonetheless, he answered just as sharply. "Do as you think best."

Danhauser never saw when and how, but Lavinia found her way behind them and teleported them back to Ryuukou Town.


Just as they'd stepped inside Sae Toujou's former house, Danhauser Belial, Ikuse Tobio, and Jin felt half the tension leave their bodies through a sigh.

The other half was hugging Lavinia Reni herself.

They were the only ones in the house, and possibly the only ones in Ryuukou Town, not counting the citizen, of course.

Thankfully the blonde wasn't in the mood to talk, distracted by whatever her mind tossed down at her.

She bowed and went to her bedroom in silence.

Both males waited for her to disappear and did the same thing. Not before the Pure Devil lent the black recorder that Sae gave to his cousin, Cleria Belial, and then at him.

The brunet left in a flash, leaving his king with no company in the corridor and without a farewell.

Not like he minded. He needed time alone anyway.

With a shrug he walked aimlessly toward his room and dropped in the middle of the room, legs crossed.

"Guess I'll pass the night here," Danhauser closed his eyes and calmed his breathing. "Nothing wrong should happen on my brother's territory and Valerie's way safer there than here."

Speaking of the holy grail user...

He knew there are consequences for recruiting someone whose sacred gear is sought by those that forms one of the most dangerous criminal factions in Khaos Brigade.

Qlippoth.

Releasing his ki tenderly. He felt his body wrapped in Senjutsu. Unlike demonic power, the only way to enhance and have a better grasp of Senjutsu is through meditation.

Senjutsu is akin to a soft breeze.

Meanwhile, Demonic Power resembled a hurricane.

However, he wasn't here to recite information that he already knew.

"...Is Rizevim going to target me and my clan?" He squinted his already clenched eyes. "I won't be too surprised if they already know about me and from where the Sephiroth Graal has landed... but are they going to attack me? By doing so, they'll become targets for the Three Factions, and since this is Rizevim, chances of a peace treaty being built increases."

...

...

...

He opened his eyes for a second and closed them once again. "...It would be a risky move. The only reason why they were dangerous in the Light Novels was thanks to the Evil Dragons and Trihexa... but not anymore. Only Crom Cruach and maybe Níðhöggr." He paused. "How the hell did I just pronounce that?"

He slapped his own cheek. "Focus Danhauser, focus!" He scolded himself. "...Right, moving on... If Valerie is safe, then Qlippoth will be formed only by Rizevim, Euclid, Crom MAYBE Níðhöggr... and Walburga. The woman who currently is working under Satanael."

...

"They'll try and find new allies." He fought back a groan, but his Senjutsu spiked briefly in return. "Son of a bitch! Most likely they'll join forces!" He resisted the urge to smash his fist on anything nearby. "The worst part is that Satanael knows about my Peerage, Vali, and Lavinia. Fuck!"

His brain was on five percent battery. The idea of dropping dead on his bed, and soak in the calm peace of nature, was starting to sound pleasing.

But he couldn't, he needed to find a way to dodge the hook that was Rizevin Livan Lucifer. And later, find a way to protect his dear cousin, Cleria.

"They have to attack us," Finally, Danhauser thought, unsatisfied. "I don't even know where their hideout is. But they do know where we are thanks to Satanael. They have to make a move on us, and I have to be there, see it with my own eyes... survive." He shakily gulped down his saliva. "Let Aleister use his black magic on me and extract my memories. Enough proof to perhaps alarm the Three Great Factions. Don't think Valerie's brother, Marius, is with them. Probably dead for letting his half-sister escape."

They were strong, but Rizevim's small group was beyond strength. The moment they make their debut, they'll have to retreat ASAP.

"Vali would become a problem due to his immense hatred for his father and his grandfather." He rolled his tongue. "Hopefully, he'll be absent that day, if not, well, I'll make sure to drop him unconscious and run away with everyone."

...

...

...

"The plan sucks," he admitted. "But that's all I got. I can't just say out of the blue that I know about Rizevim when Diehauser doesn't even know about him... yet."

His Senjutsu warned him of a figure behind the doorway, ready to knock. "Come in." He said, freezing the visitor.

For a second, nothing happened, but the door finally cracked open, the top hat of a witch was the first thing to pop around the door, followed by the contagious smile of Lavinia herself. "Senjutsu?" she asked, regardless of knowing the answer.

"Bingo," he winked and stood up, stretching his limbs. "So, what's up? Anything I could help you with?"

She made sure to close the entrance before answering. "I... I wanted to apologize for what happened back in the Utsusemi's hideout." she bowed down. "My behavior was unprofessional, and I've made a fool of Pops and Grauzauberer itself. I'd already asked Tobi forgiveness..."

"Tobi?" The heir raised both hands, shaking them. "Hey, hey. Everything is alright. Really." He momentarily looked aside. "Besides, I would also lose it if someone dear to me was accused of something... or something..."

...

"... Something is troubling you, isn't it?" Lavinia floated a few forward. "You want to talk about it?"

The heir ceased his response, letting his gray eyes roam the room before aiming back on the Faustus. He noticed her sapphire eyes were slightly red.

With a short nod, he motioned to the bed and both devil and mage took a seat.

"My cousin is in trouble," Danhauser dropped the bomb. "I'm worried she's dating someone who she shouldn't. I tried talking with her about this, but she either swaps the subjects through teasing, doesn't answer at all, or she denies it." He constantly slid his hands through his hair. "... I don't know what to do. Maybe I should peek her cellphone or spy on her whenever she left her job or... or maybe... what's so funny?"

The giggle built up inside her like so much water behind a dam, making her shoulders shake and her belly hurt. "S-sorry!" she waved her apology, brawling down a grin. "Are you sure you're worried or just jealous~?"

He wore a puzzled expression, his brain almost roasting from all the mental struggle. "What? No!" He shook his head wildly. "I'm just sick worried!"

Her lips curled up. "It's cute how you 'worry' for your cousin." She playfully nudged him. "But let her enjoy her romantic life! Don't tell me you don't want to see your future—!"

"I believe she's dating an exorcist."

"... Oh." Her smile fell, swapped by a concerned expression. "That's... not good."

"No shit," Danhauser grunted, eliciting a pout from her. "Sorry... I'm just tired... I'm lost on this type of stuff."

The magician took the pregnant silence in her favor. "Whatever you do, don't fight them back."

"Not fight them back?"

"The Three Great Factions are in a pseudo-peace treaty. A frail one, too. You should be cautious about how you make your move. In times like this, it's better to play it safe rather than intimidate them."

Danhauser pursed his lips. "You've hit the nail on the head," he admitted. "Even then, there's no way I'll convince them to leave Kuoh Town."

Through the corner of his eyes, he saw her shaking her head. "Thought so." He sighed, releasing a wan smile. "Still, thank you. I owe you one."

"... I think I'll cash that now." She said to herself. "The favor I mean."

"Well, I'm all ears."

With a sweet smile, Lavinia summoned a small notebook in her hand. "Read it, please." she shook it soothingly.

Sparing her a single glance, Danhauser grabbed it. "Vali Lucifer." he read aloud the cover. He slowly looked up at her face, but Lavinia simply kept that charming smile of hers.

He finally opened it.

"'I just want to fight eternally,'" Danhauser recited, eyes glued on the pages. "'I'm a descendant of the previous generation's Satan Lucifer who died. However, I'm a child of mixed blood born from a father who was the old Satan's grandson and a human mother. —I obtained the Vanishing Dragon's sacred gear because I'm half-human. It was just by chance. However, I, who is a true blood relative of Lucifer and is also the Vanishing Dragon, was born.'"

He remembered reading this quotes from Vali's wiki and through the Light Novels, all of them conveniently aimed for his rival, the Red Dragon Emperor, Hyoudou Issei.

Danhauser stifled a laugh. "I-is... is this what I think it is...?"

A glint of proudness came from her eyes. "This is Va's quotes that he wrote for his lifelong rival who would one day appear before Va. After he wrote such cool lines the past months, Va's been regularly working out through day and night. Just like you."

Finally, the heir lost it. "This is so embarrassing! Why'd you take it?"

"Because Va always avoids me. He doesn't come to Ryuukou Town whenever I'm here." she puffed her cheeks. "Va's so mean."

"So he doesn't have other option other than coming at you?" Danhauser shook his head. "That's plain evil, Lavinia. I approve."

"Look! This is my favorite quote so far!" She snatched the notebook from his grasp, searching restlessly from the hundred of inscribed pages. Finally, she laid back the book in his hands. "Read it! Read it!"

"Alright, alright calm down." Danhauser chuckled. "... But I can't look back. Not anymore. I can only move forward and try to defeat the Sekiryuutei alone. And I have to keep getting stronger because my goal is to become the strongest White Dragon Emperor. From the day I was born, I've been fighting. Albion chose me to live as his next warrior." He finished and snickered. "This is so cringy... I love it."

"So?" She asked eagerly. "What do you think?"

He faced the ice princess with a small grin. "I think you found a gold mine. Can I make a copy of it?"

"As long as you give it back, however..." she trailed off, tapping on the same page. "Doesn't that quote sounds vaguely familiar to you...?"

Danhauser scowled and read it multiple times. "Actually... it does sound familiar..." his eyes finally widened. "What the hell?! This is the same thing I said to the Top Ten!"

"I know right?" she clapped happily. "Isn't that adorable? He found your words cool and decided to use it for his rival."

"That little shit." Danhauser angrily closed the book. "That damn Shota Dragon. Next time I see him I'll beat him up worse than a redheaded stepchild."

"No!" Lavinia's one-sans instincts triggered, frowning cutely at him. "I don't get it, why are you so furious?"

"He stole my content."

"He is only twelve years old!"

"He stole my content."

"He may have taken you as another role model!"

"He stole my content."

"He thinks you're cool!"

"He stole my content."

"He respects your strength and dreams!"

"He stole my content."

"Stop saying the same thing!" she snapped gently. "Are you seriously going to injure someone who's way younger than you because of a mere quote that you will eventually forget in weeks or months?"

"Well, yeah."

"Don't. Hurt. Va." She chided lightly while poking his chest for each, accentuated word.

He won't deny it. Lavinia looked sexy angry. Valerie Tepes' tier.

Danhauser parried her jabbings. "Fine, I'll back away." he folded his arms, grumbling. "Mine's ten-times cooler anyway..."

"Great! Now, the wish I need," she clasped both hands. "I'd already asked Tobi's help and he'd agreed. Now I need yours. From now on, can you help me keep an eye over Va, please?"

The heir raised an eyebrow. "What? I don't think he needs someone watching over him," he pointed out. "He's going to be strong in the future. That's a given."

"I know, I know, but..." she took her hat and hug it. "...He's still a troublesome boy and I can't help but worry after him... he's like a little brother to me."

"... Lavinia. Why do you look at him as your little brother?"

She giggled shyly. "Well... I always wanted a little brother or sister," she admitted, wearing her hat once again. "Maybe I have one since, you know, I never met my family... I was adopted by Glinda."

"And he perfectly fits the bill?"

"Yes!" she chirped cheerfully. "A thousand times yes! His subcultural view, his teenage rebellion, his 'cool' phase and acting superior to others is the perfect little brother material!" Her delight toned down a bit. "... Plus because of his heritage... I believe he never had the love of his family."

Danhauser's lips became a grim line.

"That's why I need you and Tobi's help on this," she looked at him right in the eyes pleadingly. "Yes, in the future he's going to become a strong, young man, but he's all alone and... and—!"

The heir raised a hand, stopping her. "I understand... I'll see what I can do."

"Oh, thank you so much!" She brought him in her arms, surprising him. "Thank you so much, Da!"

Danhauser chuckled nervously, slowly rubbing her back. "Da?"

She broke the hug, fidgeting. "No offense, but your name is a little... large and strange. I-I hope you don't mind."

"Eh, go for it." He said, murmuring. "It's way better than Dan the Man anyways..."

"Hmm? Did you say something?"

"N-Nothing."

"Okay..." she trailed off suspiciously, before gasping. "If you want, you can also give me a short and cute nickname! I wouldn't mind!"

He stared at her sapphire eyes, while her body language was calm, her orbs reflected her true emotions.

"I'm not sure," he shrugged a little, smiling playfully. "...I'll have to think deeper about this... Lavi."

She squealed in return.


Danhauser watched hungrily as Jeanne shoved a handful of fries into her mouth, making a contented noise at the back of her throat. "Delicious!" She washed it down with a large gulp of soda and took a large chunk of her burger. He wasn't hungry, because he had his breakfast with Ikuse Tobio and Lavinia Reni, truly, the former was a god in the kitchen.

After that, he went to Kuoh Town thanks to Lavinia's teleportation technique and decided to use her advise. Solve it through, diplomacy. Something that he should do often as the next Head of the Belial Clan.

At first, he'd demanded a private meeting with Shidou Irina's father, Shidou Touji, but the latter didn't want anything that involved the devils, so he opted to the kindhearted girl. Jeanne herself.

She'd accepted right away, but It'd taken her a while to convince the exorcists to not act as her bodyguards, she could handle herself.

They'd hesitantly let her go.

His cousin doesn't even know that Danhauser Belial is eating with a saint. Cleria Belial isn't even aware that he's in Kuoh Town right now.

Just by looking at the junk food being devoured by the girl made his appetite growl and grumble in the depths of his stomach, thankfully, no one heard its complaints.

"Why in every anime the food must look amazing?" Danhauser inattentively licked his lips as the blonde took another bite of her burger, a trail of hot cheese connecting them. "Fuck. Me. I should've asked for a burger, too."

"Here! You should eat, too!" he heard her clearly, thrusting her plate forward. "I had no idea that french fries were so delicious!"

Danhauser eyed the dish wide-eyed and began eating, moaning softly. "I now understand why they call you a saint."

"I should be the one thanking you!" She said in return. "Because of you, I had learned that there are different variations of french fries! So many variations even though it's already so good! ...How intriguing." She pouted. "Why would they never let me eat something so tasty? Were they just mean?"

"Maybe something to do about the calories," he chewed the already bitten hamburger. "You know, take care of your figure and all."

She tilted her head. "Really? I can't really eat that much anyway, so I think it's alright for me..."

"Well, maybe it's an image issue," Danhauser looked away from the food. "A saint eating a fiery, juicy, greasy fries don't really... you know..."

"Hmm. Maybe you're right," Jeanne bobbed her head, tapping her lips in thought. "Or... perhaps they didn't know what fries taste like!"

Danhauser's eyebrow arose.

"Tee hee. I bet they hate getting their hands all greasy. They'd be like," she put an image of seriousness which was kind of ruined by the sauces that had settled on her cheeks. "hurr durr we can't eat that because it interferes with our work hurr durr." She stopped imitating them. "Or something like that."

The heir chuckled faintly, for her to be a saint and act in such way is honestly... weird. For him at least. He'd expected her to be serious, calm, composed, diligent and a strict follower of Christianity.

Maybe she's all of those when the situation calls it.

"I need your group to stay away from my cousin," Danhauser tackled the conversation. "For the sake of us."

...

The girls' mind was still assembling things up. "What's happening? May I know at least why?" her expression became more troubled. "W-we didn't' hurt her, right?"

"I can't talk so seriously with someone who has ketchup all over her face." Danhauser yanked a napkin from the table. "Nothing happened, not yet."

Jeanne blew a sigh of relief. "Thank the Lord... if they made something bad. I'd smash them into the freaking sky!" She slammed her fists on the table, shaking it. Her words, gaze, and facial expressions suddenly turn sharp as daggers.

He just frowned, unfazed. "What?"

The saint blushed and took the offered napkin, cleaning herself. "... U-uh, I mean... yeah." She harrumphed awkwardly. "Thankfully, my people have resisted their act of violence against your kind. Those induced by sin will face divine punishment."

"...Right." Danhauser eyed her oddly. "Look, I'll explain everything. I don't want her involved in politics, even less in life and death situations." He brought a hand to his pocket. "You want peace for the Three Factions? Fine, I'll help you out, but my cousin, by any means, won't participate in this."

She noticed a motion coming on the table, his hand on the middle, he rose it and underneath it was a small piece of paper.

It was a flyer with the Belial crest.

"Just put a small drop of blood and It'll be enough," Danhauser explained, finishing the hamburger. "For now I'm only carrying one. Once you summon me, I'll give you another one."

She nodded eagerly and pocketed the flyer. "You can't imagine how glad I am for you lending me a hand on this. Thank you very much." the blonde's lips went up genuinely. "However, you said it with such confidence... you have something planned? I would love to help in any way possible."

"No," he turned her down immediately. "It's dangerous."

This time, her smile dropped and her eyes narrowed. "I appreciate your concern, but you don't have to. I may not look like it, but I know how to handle myself."

"And I believe you," Danhauser said, ignoring her glare. "It's just that I need someone here in Kuoh Town while I'm away for reasons. If something supernatural happens, you know who to call and remember do NOT involve my cousin in this. I do not want ANYONE from your group to get close to her."

Her gaze softened but nodded. "Understood. However, don't hesitate to call for my support, okay?" she advised. "You don't have to do this alone."

"We'll see," Danhauser gestured at the empty plate. "You have to go now? If you want, you can ask for more food. It's on the house."

Danhauser watched the girl fidget and nod. He laughed a little. "Well then, call a waiter and fill your belly up."

As the girl rose an arm up, Danhauser's expression hardened a little. "... Times like this I wish I was Danhauser Keikaku and not Belial." His jaw clenched. "The plan is risky, that's for sure, but that's all I have."


"The plan is risky, but that's all we have," Euclid Lucifuge massaged his eyes for the fifth time. "Losing the Sephiroth Graal struck us hard. What we should focus on now is recruiting trustworthy allies, he fills the role wonderfully."

"And recruiting the Emperor of the Rating Game was your greatest idea?" Lord Nebiros snorted, lying a leg atop the other.

"But of course!" Euclid dramatically declared. "They are the ones that are guarding the Holy Chalice, Diehauser Belial has the potential to become a strong Devil, and if it's possible his mother and uncle could lend us a hand, Calcabrina Belial, and Malacoda Malebranche respectively."

"B-but we have the two Evil Dragons!" Marius Tepes almost jumped from his seat. "One of them is the Ultimate Evil Dragon! It should be enough, right?"

"It isn't, with Sephiroth Graal your Majesty and I were planning to revive the Evil Dragons," the silver-haired stated. "Specifically, Apophis and Aži Dahāka."

The black-white-haired devil suddenly snorted. "Please tell me you're joking!" Lord Nebiros's snickers died down. "I highly doubt you can keep tamed two Evil Dragons, with more of them you'll eventually lose authority over them! Only the Evil Gods could keep them under control!"

"Sephiroth Graal can do many wonders that you can't fathom, Lord Nebiros," Euclid countered. "Once we recruit Diehauser Belial, then we'll have the Longinus back in our hands."

"What about the boy, Danhauser?" The fellow devil asked. "After all, he technically reincarnated the holy chalice in his nobility."

Euclid snorted. "What about him?" He asked with a cold laugh. "I couldn't care for that brat. He just lives in the shadow of his brother. Every single fight he had won was pure luck, every Peerage that has had joined are nothing but served in a silver platter. He doesn't deserve any of them. All that matters is that Diehauser, Calcabrina, and Malacoda join our cause."

"... Back to the subject." Lord Nebiros passed a hand across his mixed hair. "So you won't be killing them, that's a surprise coming from the likes of you." he mocked. "Tell me, how are you planning on doing that?"

"Were you sleeping this whole time, Lord Nebiros?" Euclid taunted. "In fact, with the information, you lend us! You were the one who told us the corruption behind the Rating Games! Truly, the Elder of the Naberius Clan exceeded himself for sharing this information with you!"

"Long ago, when he'd found out about my research of becoming a Super Devil he'd decided to, secretly, lend me a hand," Lord Nebiros explained. "Him and his descendant, Lord Zagan, the progress is going great so far, perhaps even better when I was working with the father of Kuroka and Shirone."

"The king piece," the vampire muttered. "A piece that was feared from the higher ups, yet some of them have a few hidden. For such thing to exist..."

"And because of this, multiple doors have opened for us." Euclid wrapped his finger around his long braid. "... Just imagine what we could cause with such information."

"You're going to spread it across the Underworld, aren't you?" Lord Nebiros carefully said. "You're going to cause a chaos. With just a single ranker from the Top Ten being stripped of their ranks and all their titles for cheating in the Rating Game could cause an immense havoc in the Ars Goetia..."

"Now imagine what would happen if five of the Top Ten were charged for winning through illegal means!" Euclid laughed with excitement. "However, while the idea does sound intriguing, that is the backup plan in case if everything fails."

"Then what's the initial plan?"

Before Euclid replied, the pure devil looked behind his shoulder, smiling 'warmly'. "Ah! What are you two doing in the back there? Please, come in!" He smirked a little. "Don't tell you're afraid of the light?"

Slowly, two figures approached from the dark, a girl with short hair and multiple ribbons and a purple, gothic lolita outfit stood beside a man, her new boss whose back is carrying a demonic western sword and a holy eastern sword.

...

...

...

Any signs of hostility vanished away by Satanael's laugh. "Sorry, sorry!" He waved down his apology. "You guys were too serious that we didn't want to disrupt your evil schemes, can you forgive this old geezer and the young lady?"

Walburga grunted, looking away.

Euclid just kept his forced expression. "Nonsense! There's nothing you have to worry! We accept anyone with arms wide open!" he gestured at the empty seats. "Especially when you're the one with the plan."

"Wait," Lord Nebiros narrowed his heterochromatic eyes. "He has one?"

"Yes, indeed!" Euclid responded. "Hence this meeting. If I'm not mistaken it has to do with this troublesome brat we'd talked about earlier... Danhauser Belial, correct?"

Walburga's gaze darkened. "That fucker and that blonde bitch... they're going to pay for what happened to Augusta!"

"Isn't it weird?" Satanael folded his arms, smirking. "Why a brat of Ars Goetia stuck his nose in trouble? Don't tell me he'd lend a hand to Grauzauberer, Grigori and protect the Five Principal Clans because his noble heart whispered him to do so! Doesn't this raise a few questions?"

"Wasn't all of this for reincarnating Canis Lykaon on his peerage?" Marius frowned. "You told us that anyway..."

"Bleh!" the fallen angel waved off his response, finally dropping to his chair. "He could just extract his Sacred Gear and be done with it! But nope! He just turned him into his servant just to increase his numbers!" He mockingly rubbed his chin. "Hmmm. I wonder why...?"

"Just get on with it, crow," Lord Nebiros snapped.

"Ack!" the former cadre winced. "Alright, alright! Look, it could be two things. One: For the sake of dominating the Rating Game just like his brother." He made a peace sign. "Or two: Get strong teammates to protect something or someone."

"Something?" The vampire repeated, disoriented. "Is there anything useful in Ryuku Town?"

"Ryuukou Town," Satanel corrected, barely looking at Marius's way. "And the only interesting thing in that crappy town was Canis Lykaon and the Evil Fiends."

"Which you already have, two of them to be precise," Euclid played with his long braid in thought. "And he has Canis Lykaon... so why guard that useless town?"

The brunet fallen angel grinned. "Welp, because he isn't protecting 'something', rather, he's protecting 'someone'."

Euclid's red eyes widened in realization. "There's someone important to him in that town, isn't it?"

"Eh, close enough," Satanael shrugged. "Maybe that person was living in Ryuukou Town back then, but because of the Utsusemi and Stray Magicians invading constantly, this figure left to a safer town."

"Danhauser Belial is acting as a decoy," Lord Nebiros caught on. "To keep this person's existence away from Satanael's radar."

"But..." Marius trailed off. "Who is this person? Someone from the Belial Clan?"

"Most likely," Satanael winked and gave a thumbs up. "Those are my two cents anyways! Hope you like 'em!"

Grayfia Lucifuge's brother finally stood up. "Excellent, then we can proceed." He looked at the fallen angel. "Grigori expertise in stealth and espionage, I want you two to search from all the towns for this figure. They must have gray hair with matching eyes. Once you found them, report back immediately."

"What makes you think they're from the Belial Clan?" Lord Nebiros promptly asked.

The silver-haired scoffed. "Because it's highly unlikely the brat would risk his neck by fighting terrorists for a mere human, it has to be someone he has a bond with."

"... What are you planning?" Lord Nebiros muttered with a judging look. "I thought you were not going to kill any of them."

Euclid threw another of his distorted smiles. "My, why would you consider such thing? Don't you trust me, Lord Nebiros? I'm hurt." he feigned grief. "... Of course not, we're not going to smear our hands with blood, their government will do us the honors."

"Keep dreaming, brat." the Head of Nebiros firmly said. "While Zekram Bael takes everything as a mere joke, the case of the devils is a different case, especially the 72 Pillars. He's doing anything to keep his kin away from reaching extinction. He won't sacrifice anyone from Ars Goetia."

"Ah, I bet he looked conflicted by sending the heir of Belial to fight against Satanael's army?" Euclid countered. "I bet after that he was weeping on his seat after making such a heartbreaking decision."

Lord Nebiros folded his arms. "Maybe he sees potential in the brat, unlike you." He shot back. "As much as I hate to admit it, that fossil has a good eye... he knew Diehauser Belial would become the monster he is right now. You better have something else in mind aside from revealing the king piece to the whole Underworld."

"We'll see about that," Euclid inspected his nails. "For the meantime, I need you to talk with Elder Naberius."

"The Upsetting Sorcerer, Rudiger Rosenkreutz, acts as his bodyguard."

"Ah, right..." the silver-haired clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Those coming from the Extra Demon Faction or servants of one has to work as a bodyguard for an Elder to live in Ars Goetia. Wonderful..."

"He's not an exception," Satanael chimed in. "Bedeze Abaddon and Roygun Belphegor have their wills bent by an elder too."

"Those two are the ones behind the corruption of the Rating Game, right?" Marius just received an irritated hum from Euclid.

Euclid faced the white-black haired devil. "Well, if the first Naberius is supporting your project then I'm pretty sure he would kindly ask the Magus of Roses some private time with you, hmm?"

When Lord Nebiros' mouth stretched open, his phone rang in his pants. "Great. Now what?" he grumbled, fishing the device and answering. "You speak with Lord Nebiros, how can I help you?"

The traitor of Lucifuge waited with a mix of patience and impatience, tapping his foot on the floor constantly. Curiously enough, the person behind the phone was screaming his guts out to Lord Nebiros.

"... What?" For perhaps a split second Nebiros' surprise was suspended, the confusion protecting him until it shattered like glass. "I-I see... what?"

Euclid scowled with suspicion. "What is it?" No response. "Lord Nebiros, who you're talking with?"

He ended the call, looking down at his phone with a blank expression.

"Lord Nebiros," Euclid called out firmly, hand coated with demonic energy. "This better not be a treason..."

Marius backed away as Satanael quietly made a light spear, eyes locked on the back of the quiet Devil.

Walburga conjured her purple flames and took aim.

The heterochromatic devil met Euclid's red orbs. Finally, he answered. "She... she killed him."


"How are your children, Lord Bael?" Zekram Bael started a conversation, watching one of the guards pouring his glass with red wine. "And your wives, how are they?"

Lord Bael, looking at his direction, scowled. "What a sudden question. May I know why?"

Giving a thankful nod, the first Great King took a sip. "Never heard you bragging about them like a proud father should. Am I missing something?"

His descendant snorted, gulping half of the strong beverage. "Trust me, Great King, you're not missing anything." He glared down at the drink. "They're not worthy of your attention."

"Is that so...?" Zekram trailed off with an amused smile, swirling his wine glass. "Your youngest child, Magdaran Bael, apparently has revived an extinct purple flower from the Bael territory, for someone of his age, it is an admirable feat. That alone piqued my interest."

"With all due respect, Great King, but being an outstanding botanist isn't going to take him anywhere," Lord Bael retorted. "Now that he lost his privileges as the next heir of the Bael Clan, Magdaran's future has become disappointing."

The Elder Bael inwardly snickered. "Then how about Sairaorg?" He saw the twitch coming from the father. "... Just by your reaction, I'll take it that you rank him at the very bottom. Shocking."

"... How come someone from the Vapula Clan became the next head of the highest-ranking clan amongst the 72 Pillars!" He abruptly stood up, angrily massaging his face. "A joke! This must be a horrible joke!"

Zekram looked at the now stained carpet. "... If it makes you feel any better, I'm also against the idea of Sairaorg becoming the next leader of Ars Goetia," he assuringly said. "... Just how the Phenex Clan give their very first Phoenix Tear to a person they're fond of. It's a tradition, for us, to choose the next Head who carries in their veins our trademark ability."

He stood up and joined Lord Bael in the window, taking another sip. "... Yet, the boy found another route to compensate for his lack of talent. The fact that he has one of the thirteen Longinus in his Peerage is also baffling." He paused. "... Rather than taking your role. He should enroll for the title of Satan."

Right off the bat, the twin doors swung open.

"What the hell!" Lord Bael snapped, jumping in front of his ancestor, power of destruction in his hands. "Invaders! What's the meaning of this?!"

The guards raised their spears and shields, surrounding the two figures and a lady and a butler with a box, precisely.

"Lady Zagan?" Zekram, unalarmed, raised an elegant eyebrow. "If you're here then that means our guards allowed you entrance to our castle... and by the looks of it, it's urgent. What's wrong?"

The woman herself looked as pale as a ghost, she stuttered, but no one understood a word.

"Well, what is it!? Speak!" Lord Bael, however, never faltered just as the guards. "Or the cat got your tongue now?!"

Her legs suddenly lose the willpower, dropping on her knees. "C-c-c-cat?!" She whispered, suddenly screaming. "C-CAAAT! CAAAAT! CAAAAAAT!"

Zekram snorted at the sight, holding back a laugh.

Thankfully, no one noticed.

The butler, took a bold step, alarming the guards. "Y-Your Majesty!" He called out, lifting the cage. "Lord Zagan has been murdered in cold blood!"

"What?!" To the butler's surprise, the first Bael slammed him to a wall in just seconds. "Who?! Who killed him?!"

Sweat pouring in his temple, the butler shakily pointed behind his strangler. "A-ask her! Ask her!"

Lord Bael followed his finger, picking up the cage and looking inside.

A petite girl with white hair and hazel eyes.

"A nekomata..." he noticed her trembling ears and tail, staring back with fear.

Leaving the butler room to breathe, Zekram stormed at his descendant with a glare. "You are the Great King of Ars Goetia. Give your orders. Now."

Sairaorg Bael's father snarled at the girl. "We're not done here." He tossed with disgust the cage to one of the guards. "She can't be the only one behind this. There are murderers walking our streets. Restrict the use of any means of public transport. I want the servants of Asmodeus to survey Zagan's territory and restrict the entrance and exit of Agreas and Lilith. No one enters, no one leaves!"

The guards saluted in sync. [By your leave, Lord Bael!]

"Dismissed!"

Just as the guards left the room, Lord Bael spun and rushed at his desk. He glared down at the red button and smashed it.

Bright red lights flashed while normal lighting dimmed in his office.

And the sirens shrilled, urging the Ars Goetia to panic.


3 chapters remaining.


Next Chapter: The Forbidden Piece.