Warning. This chapter contains typos and bad grammar. It'll be updated once I got the net chapter ready and my beta reader got it clean. Thank you.


Life. 6 High Priest of the Moon, Nurarihyon

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Shalba was growing impatient. For the fifth time, he stole a glance at the orange sigil vacant on the floor. The symbol of the Old Maou Faction, the largest group within Khaos Brigade.

The attack after the Vatican was supposed to be short, a brief message to the whole world that the Maou descendants wouldn't be ignored or be treated as vermin scurrying into the shadows. A reminder of their existence and goals.

Of their approaching victory.

Creuserey hadn't reported to either him or Katerea, not even a single message of Mastema.

He didn't know what to think, whether they were backstabbed by Qlippoth or killed in action, both answers would make perfect sense. He would love to take a seat and sip on a tea while engrossing himself on the thought, but they were short on time. They had to leave right now.

For a long time ago, they were being hunted.

Either someone programmed a bounty after their heads that offered a good pouch of coins or he was doing this voluntarily. It didn't matter the answer when the outcome was similar, a God-Class being was after them. Headquarter after headquarter, the entity wiped each of their ranks as well as their installations with a single swing of his powerful staff.

Possibly another reason of why the user of True Longinus suddenly cut ties with them.

Someone so short, capable of outsmarting so many Devils without breaking a sweat… it's not something Shalba would take for granted unless he had the chance to witness it on the first row, and he did. Then again, what else could he expect of the monster that challenged the whole heaven itself and almost won, until he was imprisoned in the depths of a mountain eons ago. Shalba was pretty sure he wasn't born back then.

He refused to announce it publicly, afraid that was enough to destroy the morale of their troops, even if they could be replaced. He even kept Mastema and Diodora in the dark, just to make sure they wouldn't back down and live in hiding.

Thankfully, all of their demolished settlements were unimportant, they didn't hold anything vital to grasp victory against Ars Goetia or a secret weapon to conquer many lands. Only resources to feed up the many stomachs fighting beneath the utopia of their ideals.

At first, he wasn't afraid of facing losses in their legions because they were expendable. And if it's true what Euclid and Rizevim had in mind, then lacking troops were the least of their worries.

What unsated him was time itself. How long would it take the Nebiros to jump on the next stage? The negotiation was a delicate thing you see. Shalba wanted to see first that they were capable of pulling it off, to create life through a syringe. Even if their creation proved to be pathetically weak and worthless, they knew the procedure. All they needed was the advance machinery to create something greater, said machinery is on the property of the Old Maou Faction.

If they didn't progress on their bargain, then the Old Satan Faction would eventually be disbanded by the hands of the Great Sage Equaling Heaven.

A soft light surfaced in the room. Shalba followed its origins and scoffed, his shoulders dropping slightly, "About time he answers back."

A hologram appeared from the magic circle, it was Creuserey, one of the main leaders of the Old Satan Faction.

[Shalba,] Creuserey nodded at the fellow Satan, [you're expecting a report, aren't you?]

"Sparing me from the small talk. Good," Shalba said, "Tell me, Creuserey. How everything went?"

[The attack was successful. Aside from a few Utsusemi, only one died in the attack.]

Shalba had to look up once Creuserey finished. A bad feeling looming in his head, "Who died, Creuserey?"

[… We lost Mastema in the battlefield.]

Shalba stared blankly at the hologram for a long minute. Once he composed himself, he turned around and walked unsteadily to the desk in the room. Creuserey could her the small curses as he stole feeble steps.

Finally, Shalba hammered a fist on the table, hearing the creak of wood as he did so, "Repeat it." he demanded.

Creuserey hesitated but complied once Beelzebub glared behind his shoulder, [He's dead.]

That was the last straw. He grabbed the edge of the table and flipped it over. It went sideways with an unsurprising amount of force, crashing into the wall and breaking in half.

Creuserey could only watch as Shalba continued to mercilessly slam his feet over the broken table numerous times. An ominous aura overlapping his body.

Shalba found himself stumbling backward, "… Our only coupon to Ars Goetia," he said between ragged breaths, "our only hope to locate Nereid Kyrie...!"

"What's with the commotion now?" a tan-skinned woman stepped inside the room. Katerea's eyes wandered from Creuserey to Shalba's deeds. She frowned, "… what happened?"

"Danhauser is gone now! That's what happened!" he snapped to her before facing Creuserey, "how? How Danhauser died?"

[By taking the Strongest Exorcist head-on, Dulio Gesualdo.]

Katerea scoffed, "Clearly his ambition outpaced his ability."

"Are you sure he's dead, Creuserey?" Shalba regardless saw a dim hope in the horizon, "Did you see it yourself?"

[Do not doubt my intel, Shalba,] Creuserey snarled at him, [I saw it with my own eyes. The lightning of Zenith Tempest turning Danhauser into nothing but dust."

"That's enough. Do not mourn over past events. It is done. Worry now about the present," Katerea hissed out, the venom didn't go unmissed by both males, "Sun Wukong is becoming extremely obnoxious."

"… Damn it all," Shalba's nails dug deep on his palms, "… as we speak, that monkey is tracking us down."

Creuserey stayed quiet for a long second, hiding his shock behind a stoic mask, [… What he has done this time?]

"The usual. Destroy all of our quarters within the Human World," Katerea spat out, "we tried everything to divert his trajectory and hide our footsteps… but it's nigh impossible to fool him. He always finds a way."

"As if he knew where we would pass the night," Shalba added.

[Speaking of which. What's your location right now?]

"We're hidden in one of our safest hideouts," Katerea replied, pushing her rimmed glasses up, "Aside from us and trustworthy top members of our faction, no one knows of this sanctuary."

"As safe as this place sounds, we'll have to eventually retreat," Shalba felt cold sweat in his temple, "Sun Wukong has proved many times he's capable of finding us. I refuse to risk it."

[Then we're lacking time,] Creuserey mused, [What proceeds then?]

"We lost Diodora and Danhauser. We desperately need a replacement. Someone with enough manpower should be enough. I still won't put my faith over Rizevim, we need to be prepared if they make the tiniest treason behind our backs."

[… They have Crom Cruach on their side. Even if I recruited the user of True Longinus, it would be impossible to defeat him.]

Shalba snarled once True Longinus appeared in the conversation, "do not even mention him," he growled, "another reason why we need to locate Ingvild Leviathan, then. With her Sacred Gear in our side, it would be futile for Crom Cruach to disobey us."

"Are you still interested on that girl?" she fired daggers at him, "We briefly stopped talking about him, but have you seriously forgotten about Sun Wukong wrecking our installations left and right?"

Shalba was fumbling. Creuserey almost thought steam would flee from his ears, "Then what, Katerea?" he spat through clenched teeth, forcing a smile, "Then what do you suggest?"

"I have nothing against recruiting proper replacements," Katerea shared her two cents, "I agree with it. Not only because of our heavy suspicion of Qlippoth, but Sun Wukong has become an issue as well. We can't concentrate on our search of… her with the Monkey King pursuing us."

Shalba opened his mouth to speak, but Katerea was quicker, "The attack on Ars Goetia became taxing as well. Thanks to Sun Wukong, the number in our troops sunk dramatically. We also need the Longinus Dimension Lost to even get inside."

[I agree,] much to Shalba's dismay, Creuserey sided with Katerea, [By hook or by crook, we have to defeat him first before focusing in our previous tasks.]

"… Fine. We'll put Ars Goetia and Ingvild on hold," Shalba relented, taking her gaze with a sharp one, "for now."

Katerea said nothing, never withdrawing from his warning glare.

"We'll keep the Monkey King distracted," Shalba faced the Asmodeus once more, "that leaves you the task of searching potential newcomers for our ranks. Be quick. We don't know for how long we can keep Sun Wukong occupied."

[Easier said than done,] Creuserey scoffed, [how much time do I have at my disposal?]

"Not much," Katerea trailed her gaze over the window, "We can only provide weeks before The Old Satan Faction only accepts Devils, so I propose you to start another recruitment around the Extra Demons Faction, they despise Ars Goetia after all. However, if your campaign doesn't bear any fruits, then don't hesitate to find another race or deeper within Khaos Brigade. It's better than nothing."

The room suddenly blinked in red light and an obnoxious alarm brought cold sweat to their temples. Shalba quickly rushed over the window in time to witness one of their main towers set on flames and slowly falling before the modified moon of the Underworld.

"He's here already?!" Shalba withdrew to close the curtains, calling over his shoulder as he does so, "End the transmission, Katerea!"

Before Katerea could cut down the conversation, she held up a finger, "Remember, we need a suitable replacement for Mastema."

[I'll search everywhere,] Creuserey vowed, [and once I have a decent amount of soldiers, I'll report back to you and the Monkey King will fall.]

Satisfied by his response, Katerea snapped her fingers and the magical circle stopped glowing, causing a small explosion, leaving no evidence behind.

"Hurry up!" she turned to Shalba as he blew furniture to reveal a secret passage, "the sooner we leave this soon-to-be forsaken land the better!"

"Do we really need that girl, Shalba?" her words were enough to stop him on his tracks, "You'd just said it. First Diodora and then Danhauser. We have lost our only eyes within Ars Goetia because of her existence."

"Get to the point."

"It won't end well for us if we continue figuring out about her whereabouts," Katerea bluntly said, wincing as the explosions sent a vibration to the window, "… Remember why we accepted to work with Qlippoth to begin with. Rizevim has the book of his father, with that in our grasp, not even Sirzechs and Ajuka could get in our way."

Shalba felt a twitch on his lips and his shoulders to tremble.

"Just forget the girl already, she isn't worth risking our lives for."

He couldn't contain it anymore, despite the lack of time, he finally exploded in a fit of laughter.

Of all Maou descendants, Katerea was the least fond of being humiliated by her associates, "… What's so funny, Shalba? Did I miss any punchline?"

He shakily brought a hand up, trying to compose himself, "Isn't it hilariously suspicious that Creuserey was the one who told me about the hybrid?" Shalba said between quiet snickers, "rather than yourself?"

"… What this has to do with anything I have just said?"

"You knew about the girl, didn't you?" her words flew above his head, "yet you were planning to carry that secret of yours to the grave. Alas, I wonder why?"

"…"

"What's the matter, Katerea?" Shalba sneered at the bespectacled woman, "Are you envious by the potential of a mere hybrid? That you may get overshadowed by mixed blood? Or is it because the half-blood inherited the powers of Leviathan, unlike someone?"

She didn't care why, but the thought of strangling and bending him on his knees sounded satisfying. Just think about it, "… We better get ready, Shalba," she tried to stay composed by copying his mocking tone, "Unless you wish to end the Beelzebub bloodline in the hands of an ape."

With her demonic power flaring across her curved body, Katerea stormed out of the room without another word.

Unfazed by her melodramatic show, Shalba followed afterward, all while thinking about the future of their faction. The only one to blame was Qlippoth, it was their idea to attack the Vatican just to extract a fragment of the Arthurian holy chalice from their vault. Because of them, Mastema was now sleeping with the dead, their only key to trespass Ars Goetia and locate Ingvild.

Qlippoth progressed impressively in their goals, but what about The Old Satan Faction?

They're entitled to a reward or benefit for their support during the invasion. But they left with something worse than empty hands.

Qlippoth owned The Old Satan a lot. They were indebted.

"It better be worthy, Rizevim!" Shalba snarled as he disappeared from the room.

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The door slid open and Creuserey's elegant boots left the vacant room, drumming slightly in the wooden hall as he followed the path that led to the stairs. He was inside a traditional, Japanese house, that obtained a few modernized upgrades, such as the capacity of holding a second floor.

He released a breath he didn't even recall he was holding. He knew both Shalba and Katerea would take advantage of Creuserey's situation and boss him around. What he didn't expect was the Old Satan Faction getting the attention of a Buddha.

Apparently, little Shalba misbehaved badly enough to conjure the wrath of the Monkey King. He was glad he wasn't on his shoes.

On a bright note, it meant that the Old Satan Faction's disbandment will happen sooner than anticipated. There was also a bit of antagonism between Cao Cao and Shalba. Diodora and the Hero Faction were the whole reason The Old Satan Faction succeeded in their invasion to Ars Goetia.

However, he had to take into account the other side of the coin. It was worrisome when god-tier beings were involved. Sun Wukong fought under powerful pantheons. A Chief-God amongst the Top Ten reached his mind and paused his breathing for a second.

Rizevim and Shalba was another story for another time.

He shoved all the incessant anxiety at the corner of his mind and focused on the stairs that took him to the first floor. "Maybe Nurarihyon has a clue if not, it's better if he gets the memo."

As he descended, his body shapeshifted constantly, to the infamous Pitch Resin True Form that Malacoda mastered eons ago to the gray-haired devil with matching eyes.

Passing a hand across his flicked hair, Danhauser stopped briefly on the main room to determine the location of the old voices. It came from the kitchen and one of them was the familiar Daiyoukai. He didn't recognize the second one.

Without thinking twice, he made his way to the dining room, stopped over the paper, sliding door and open it.

He was greeted by the sight of two elder people, one of them was a man in elegant clothing, a black silk kimono, and an ancient necklace. His crooked fingers with long nails and his misshaped head gave the impression he wasn't remotely close to a human.

It was a Daiyoukai. The High Priest of the Moon, Nurarihyon.

He sat cross-legged in front of a Japanese antique table filled with food, devouring his bowl of rice and cackling like a madman.

There was even a plate for a pet nearby.

Pampering him was an old lady that had the same features as that of an old person with wrinkled skin, small eyes and bony hands. She had long gray hair tied up in a bun to keep it in place.

"It's wonderful granny!" Nurarihyon cried out while wolfing on his food. "Your cooking is delicious as always!"

"I'm so glad~!" the granny cooed him, tenderly patting his gourd-shaped head, "Now, who's my baby boy~?"

"I am! Granny! I am your baby boy!"

Danhauser died a little from the inside.

"Nyaaa~!" a meow came from behind and he instinctively tilted his head to the side, narrowly dodging the white furred projectile crashing to the floor. It was a cat with black spots. It strolled smoothly to its 'owner' and rubbed its body between her legs.

The show of comfort bore fruits, "Oh you naughty girl~!" the old lady bent down to playfully spank the kitty, "you're hungry as well, aren't you~?"

Danhauser knew this wasn't an ordinary cat. Not at all.

The feline's eyes shone like stars once the woman granted her wish, serving the kitty the food on her plate. It didn't take a genius to know what happened afterward.

Giggling the old lady instinctively perked up and froze when she finally spotted Danhauser awkwardly standing in the background.

Her welcoming nature dropped along with her brows, "Finally you're here, young man!" once she stood right in front of him, Danhauser had to recoil his head back once a finger almost jabbed one of his eyes out, "your poor little brother was waiting for his big brother this whole! He was suffering, his stomach was growling! Where have you been?!"

"Uhh…"

"None of your lies anymore!" she shook the same finger in a scolding way, "Your little brother told me everything. You cannot imagine how disappointed I am!"

Danhauser looked away from the gray-haired woman to the Daiyoukai drinking casually from his tea, hiding his obvious expression behind his drink.

"Really now?" he never looked away from the High Priest, "what did my otouto come up with this time?"

"You're dating that woman again, your English teacher!" her hands stopped over her hips. A tapping foot echoed that voiced her disappointment, "Can't you see it?! She's twice your age! She could be your mother!"

He blinked in return.

"What's on your defense?" she folded her arms and kept her eyes shut, most likely readying herself for the worst. "What's your excuse now?"

"I can't help it, granny," Danhauser had a wide smile, "wine is better when it's aged."

She gave him the strangest look, "Heavens…!" she turned up her nose and stormed her way out of the dining room, "The nerve of some people!"

The cat took a step away from its plate, "Is she gone?"

Closing his eyes and triggering Senjutsu, Danhauser replied, "Yeah. All clear, Lady Magari." He said while popping his eyes open, "You can drop the act now."

The leader of Nekomatas sighed and seven tails sprouted from her, "Finally, this is over," she smiled at him, "Welcome back. I presume everything went well?"

"Eh, you could say so," Danhauser rubbed his neck, "topics that I didn't expect pop up during the talk."

"Is that so?" Nurarihyon heaved a sigh, "Then we have a long conversation it seems. A pity. I was enjoying being a grandson for a while."

"Yeah, I can tell," Danhauser's nose wrinkled, "You were really getting into it. Creep."

"Hmm? Something disturbing you, boy?"

"Yeah. Mind controlling people is wrong, you know?" Danhauser made a sound with his mouth, "tsk, tsk. I thought you were better than this."

"Hey, I only ask them to serve me food," the Daiyoukai defended, "nothing inadequate about that."

"You literally have servants cooking for you and for free," Danhauser accused him, "cuisine of the highest quality, gourmet food. I'd die to have what you have on your breakfast. Every. Single. Day."

"Bah!" Nurarihyon puffed his cheeks, seriously, Danhauser should put charges on him for pouting at this age, "Nothing worth dying for, boy! They only serve small portions, that's not enough to grow some muscle!"

"Hey, if you want to get fit, just say the word," the devil with a dangerous glint, "my peerage and I are starting our morning routines, you could join us."

"I'll pass."

Danhauser shook his head, "You two seriously need to find new hobbies. What if the Kyoto Youkai finds outs that one of the High Priests has a fetish of sneaking into grannies houses to eat out her goodies?"

"Phrasing," Magari berated.

"Everyone already knows," Nurarihyon fearlessly shrugged, "I have nothing to lose. Anything else?"

"Nope. I'm out of threats. I'll leave it to Yasaka," Danhauser had joined them on the table, sitting leg-crossed on the floor, "I had a word with Satan Lucifer after escaping from the Vatican. He quickly got in duty. From what I've heard, he is discussing with Azazel and the Archangel about the terrorist attack."

He just had to report the fresh news that Shalba carelessly shared. Sun Wukong and Qlippoth.

"My condolences to the victims and their families," Magari's expression was nothing but sympathy, "If there's any way we can help, just ask."

Nurarihyon nodded at her words.

"I knew I could always count on you both, but I don't want to drag you into my problems," Danhauser flashed a grateful smile, "thank you for lending me a hand on tricking Shalba, though. I couldn't have made it if it wasn't for you two."

Youjutsu was famed from many things, but its illusions was that made it recognized within the Supernatural World. Most of the Youkais used it as a camouflage to mingle with humans of Japan and China while the rest stayed away from them out of Xenophobia. Nurarihyon and Magari were masters of Youjutsu, way better than Kuroka, but below Sun Wukong.

Youjutsu was a spellcraft exclusive only to the Youkais, Danhauser couldn't add it on his belt unless he, out of blue, grew cat ears and tails.

Nya.

"Think nothing of it, my boy."

"I still own you one."

"… Then this is the perfect time to cash that in."

Danhauser curved an eyebrow, and laid his food on the table, encouraging him to continue.

"Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi, one of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, was stolen from Kyoto four years ago," Nurarihyon informed him, "We estimate at the time where you had your first clash against Satanael."

He did remember Satanael had both Arondight and an unnamed katana the time when Tobio went berserk when he activated his Balance Breaker.

"That's a long-ass name," Danhauser joked, "isn't there something shorter for me?"

"If you're too lazy to memorize an easy name…" Magari teased him, "You can opt for Kusanagi as well."

"Better," Danhauser cleared his throat and focused back on the case, "Satanael was a member of Grigori, a group who are masters over special ops warfare," he bid the cadre and the organization a bit of a praise, "but I don't think he could make it out inside without getting caught on the crime. Youjutsu's traps are really difficult to spot, that's what you told me anyway."

"That's the worst part," Magari's feline whiskers fell down, "We'd found that Satanael wasn't the one that trespassed into our defenses."

Danhauser let her words sink, "A traitor. Was it the High Priest of the Storm?"

Each High Priest had three responsibilities. To protect the Kyoto Youkai, be the vanguard of the Shinto gods and keep the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan in safe hands.

Danhauser pushed the blame to the High Priest of the Storm, Kuzenbo, leader of the Kappas Youkai and the one in charge to keep an eye over the Kusanagi, no one else had access except of him, not even the other High Priests could lay a finger over the holy blade unless the Shinto Gods allowed it.

"No. The culprit's name is Inugami Gyoubu," through weaved magic, Nurarihyon summoned a picture and lent it to his guest, "the former High Priest of the Moon as well as the leader of the Inugamis. His strength equals that of the High Priestess of the Sun."

"A Daiyoukai then," Danhauser scowled and dug deeper in his head. In the Light Novels, little of the Youkai was spoken about, which was weird since the series was ubicated Japan, their territory. It was mostly the focus of Devils and Dragons. Hence he was having difficulties of figuring out whether or not the Inugami was a character created from Ishibumi to be an antagonist later on.

Maybe Inugami Gyoubu was from the Slash/Dog timeline? That would be a reasonable answer.

"And he lost many of his privileges due to siding with Satanael and his goons," Danhauser briefly look up, "where is he currently? Hired by Satanael?"

Much to his relief, Nurarihyon shook his head, one less face to worry about, "He's under arrest. Day and night, heavy surveillance is making sure he doesn't make a suspicious move to escape from prison."

"Have you heard of him?" Magari asked him, "or met him before?"

"No, not at all…" Danhauser slowly replied without averting his gaze from the picture, "but his race is really familiar."

"Ah, yes. One of your knights is the user of Canis Lykaon, isn't it?" Nurarihyon recalled, "the Inugami of the Black Blade."

"You'd said Inugami Gyoubu was the previous High Priest of the Moon," Danhauser shook the picture, "Does that make you…?"

"I'm the fifth high priest." Nurarihyon answered his doubts, "Gyoubu was the fourth one."

Danhauser bit his cheek while lending the clue back to its owner, "Something that I can't piece together is why Satanael would risk his neck over a holy sword?" he looked at Magari intently, "You're a terrorist, would you put your life in line and make the Youkai Faction put a bounty on your head just for a cool katana?"

"While I have Ars Goetia, Grigori and Grauzauberer already after me?" Magari snickered at the ridiculous thought, "Not even with nine lives."

"Given by your doubt, you think Satanael wasn't interested in the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi," Nurarihyon brought a hand under his chin, "then what he was after?"

"Maybe he was gathering information about the Dragon Veins beneath Kyoto," Magari added her two cents, "they carry immerse energy after all."

"Or he's still on the lookout of the Four Fiends that the Utsusemi Agency whined about," Danhauser theorized, "Satanael has two of them, last time I heard. Tobio told me the other two are under Azazel's wings."

Or he was after something huge? A Longinus? Danhauser didn't think he was after Sephiroth Graal or Canis Lykaon, he never expressed interest in them, or maybe he was but masked it very well?

"And he thought Gyoubu had one of them?" Nurarihyon was about to disagree until the gears in his head sparkled, "He would never permit a human entrance to his shrine or Urakyoto, but..."

"But…?" Danhauser repeated, hurrying him.

"The Utsusemi Agency was made from exiled members of the Five Principal Clans who wanted revenge, isn't it?" Nurarihyon saw the gray-haired nod slowly, "Gyoubu, like most of the Youkais, despises the Five Principal Clans, in case you didn't know."

"Now we're heading somewhere," Danhauser thrummed his fingers on the table, "Any chance I can interrogate the former high priest? I got a few questions in mind that I believe he can only answer…"

"Does that mean we can rely on your skills?"

"You got that right," Danhauser said, "Azazel and Mephisto would love to hear this as well."

"I'm on your debt, then," Nurarihyon bowed his head, quickly followed by his feline retainer.

Danhauser brought a hand up, signaling him to stop, "No need to bow. Just for you, it's always on the house," he couldn't contain the smirk growing on his face, "In fact, I still own you for the many times you've saved my neck from Yasaka hands."

Nurarihyon deadpanned, "Drama queen."

Danhauser laughed at his disapproving look, "Maybe," he nervously passed a hand across his grey, swept-back hair, "Before I forget, Shalba is being chased by Sun Wukong."

Nurarihyon almost dropped his tea, "S-Shodai Sun Wukong?!"

"Apparently, the Monkey King has been breathing on their necks for a while. He's been wrecking a lot of their bases within the Human World with the exception of the main one, which is sheltered somewhere in the Underworld… I believed you had to know."

Nurarihyon stared, agape, "I…I have not…"

"For how long do you think Shodai Sun Wukong has been persecuting them?" Magari urged him to answer.

Danhauser, feeling the tension rise up from the table, decided to share his harvest, "somewhere prior to the large-scale invasion over the Vatican? Before Kokabiel attacking Kuoh?" he averted his gaze, "I don't know, really."

Magari and Nurarihyon exchanged looks. If Sun Wukong wanted, he could've disbanded their faction years ago. To suddenly act and shower the Old Satan Faction with pain and suffering was an unexpected move for the Buddha who preferred to stay in Mount Huaguo.

Aside from rebelling against heaven and attaining Buddhahood, Sun Wukong was famous for lacking initiative unless it affected him in any way. He was an old man sitting atop his mountain and watching life pass through his eyes. He wasn't someone who would carry the orders of someone so freely either, first, they had to obtain his respect. He had a list of the few people he respected. And a smaller list of the fewer he would obey their words. One of them was the founder of Buddhism.

And the other was a single omnipotent man that came to his mind. And the likely cause of Sun Wukong's active role.

"The Emperor of Svargaloka is already on the move?" the fingers around his teacup tightened, "So soon. Too soon."

The thought alone covered his form in cold sweat. Why a Deva with eons of existence would actually care about anything below Heaven? If the Old Satan Faction were foolish enough to threaten him, at most, he expected him to curve an eyebrow and laugh before focusing at important matters. Not wiping them out of the map.

Unless they were a world threat.

"You're thinking about him, don't you?" Nurarihyon and Magari faced their gray-haired guest, "your faces says it all."

"… He isn't much of a warmonger as many pantheons interpret him to be," the High Priest placed his half-finished drink on the small desk, "he only targets those who could intervene in his goals."

"And the Old Satan Faction stood in his way somehow?" Danhauser wouldn't be shocked if that would be the case. Maybe he knew about Ingvild and how they wanted to brainwash Ophis and Great Red? Or maybe he figured out their discreet affiliation with Qlippoth?

"… Truly, he's an ambiguous g… Deva," Magari pushed her plate with a sigh, the growling in her stomach replaced by anxiety, "I never had the opportunity to meet him in person, and I never will, but I've heard from Shodai Sun Wukong that it's impossible to get in his head, but he isn't malevolent."

"Whatever the case is, you didn't heard this from me," Danhauser told them, "last thing I need is Yasaka storming into my house with an army behind her."

The cold silence in the atmosphere persisted as they continued eating without starting another conversation, it brought a chill to his spine, a sentiment that both Daiyoukais likely agreed.

Somehow he regretted opening his mouth.

Finally, Danhauser had the courage to swallow the lump in his throat and speak up, "Say, back when I was in the Vatican, I had a clash with Eminence Cristaldi," he started with a less serious subject, "famous for wielding three holy swords simultaneously. He nailed more than one hits across my body, but I only felt the slashes, not the holiness. I thought it was the adrenaline keeping me alive but…"

All signs of nervousness or fear were snuffed out by Nuararihyon's knowing grin, "So, it's happening. I was wondering when Senjutsu would affect your body. I don't think that was the adrenaline, your life-force is developing an immunity."

"Developing an immunity?" Danhauser's eyes widened slightly.

In the Light Novels, Sairaorg had a fight against his cousin, a Rating Game that brought up the attention of many powerful figures from different pantheons, to the point that even few gods of the Top Ten assisted to witness the clash of the Lion King and the Dragon Emperor. He remembered a brief match where the Strongest Youth fought against Xenovia, Yuuto and Rossweise at the same time. The outcome was obvious, he crushed them with his rough fists, but the two knights went down by chopping down his arm with the Holy Sword Durandal, their last words.

Here was the fun fact, his limb didn't turn to ashes after being exposed to light, a likely fate to any common Devil. He nonchalantly picked it up and placed it back with a Phoenix Tear. Later on in the Light Novels, he even got stuck with the Purple Flames of Walburga and he still survived while keeping his ground even with the Evil Dragon Grendel.

"… Could it be that Sairaorg's body developed resistance against light thanks to his life-force?" He pondered, staring into nothing, "because he got a great control of his life through training intensively?" he halted his train of thoughts, "Sounds way too great to be real. Are you sure about this?"

"There's only one way to find it out," Nurarihyon cleared his throat and said, "God of the Bible."

Danhauser blinked owlishly, "What?"

"God of the Bible." The daiyoukai repeated.

"What about Him?"

"God of the Bible."

Danhauser squinted his eyes, "Okay, what are you…" he stopped once realization glimmered in his eyes, "… no way."

Nurarihyon flashed him a smirk, "Meditation clears and focuses the mind from illusions, heals the body and strengthen the spirit from limitations. It is meditation that allow us to control Senjutsu, our life-force, enhance it and amplify it."

"Way before the Vatican Invasion, it still harmed me to get near an abandoned Church in Kuoh Town."

The damage still lingered when he'd helped Asia making the place beautiful once again. At first, nothing, much to his surprise. But the more furniture he added around the small church, the more his instincts slowly begged him to leave. The headache slowly grew as he decorated holy artifacts around the reformed cathedral.

He could also grab anything imbued with holiness. For the first minutes, nothing was wrong to him, almost as if he was a human once again, but the damage slowly escalated as he kept holding the item, like grabbing a hot plate.

"A church? My boy, I didn't know you were fond of religion."

"Just doing my charity work by helping a cute nun remodeling an old church," Danhauser gave the short part of the tale, "I'm still indebted."

Nurarihyon nodded without raising questions, "It all depends on how many intact relics are inside a church," he explained, "You should've fallen unconscious by being near the Vatican, there's not a single hall without holiness embed to it after all. Unless the Vatican lost all of their religious icons amidst the attack."

"Let's not forget that you are a training maniac," Magari playfully added, "and a hard worker and talented young man as well! The fact that you've achieved Touki is evidence of that. Intensive physical training and meditation helped you out these years. It paid up from what I'm seeing."

It was like modifying your body with Sephiroth Graal from what Danhauser assumed. But with the Longinus, it would only take seconds to erase a weakness while with Senjutsu it would take years to do so, maybe it depended how talented you were with Senjutsu as well.

For the commoner Devil, it would be a nightmare to face off against an Excalibur Fragment for example. But for Danhauser and Sairaorg, it was just another tough blade.

He only needed to keep strengthening his life-force, to the point that not even Incinerate Anthem and True Longinus could evaporate him.

"Sage Arts is a wonderful tool!" Magari gushed, "it can expand your life span, erase all the wrinkles from your face and ... and fertilize you~!"

Magari wiggled her tails and eyebrows seductively.

Danhauser snorted in return, "Not into cats, sorry. But I agree with you, it's such a world changer," he nonchalantly engulfed his hand in Senjutsu, watching it dance around the tips of his fingers, "our chances to repopulate could increase greatly if each of us had a basic understanding of Senjutsu."

Only if Devils were willing to give it a try. However, it would come up with a price, the purpose of the Evil Pieces would disappear, and an excuse by the higher-ups would be implemented.

Or maybe not, Elders had lost their political power after the scandal that had happened four years ago. A few survived, though.

"Overall, your body is capable of withstanding light attacks and a few holy swords without consequences," Nurarihyon paused to think, "Maybe only a Seraph or the Archangel can still inflict you some damage, do look out for them."

"As well as Incinerate Anthem and True Longinus," Danhauser didn't have to be a genius to know this. Maybe the swords of Ewald weren't effective because they were a replica of the originals.

"Your spirit, however, not so much," Magari's voice brought him back to the conversation, "While your spirit is the strongest part of yourself, it's also the frailest. Be careful exposing it to any light-attribute attacks."

He turned off his Senjutsu, "I'm always careful."

Magari just smiled sweetly.

"Why so suddenly interested?" Nurarihyon asked.

"To cut a long story short. One of my ancestors was famous for being born with her Clan Trait mutated, Nothingness."

"… Ah, I think I finally caught on. You're worried that you may not have Nothingness coursing through you, is that it?" Nurarihyon shook his head with a chuckle, "if that's the case, then don't worry about it, because you do."

"I know I have Nothingness in me," Danhauser finished his tea in one go, "I have something else in mind, actually."

Diehauser and Matanbuchus also had it on their system. They'd inherited from their ancestor, Barossa Bavin Belial, daughter of the Original Belial. Nothingness were on their genes and their purpose was obvious, they were carriers of Nothingness. So that their child could get a Mutated Clan Trait, even if they were born with the common version of their House Trait, Worthlessness. Cleria didn't, because she came from a branch family of the Clan Belial.

Matanbuchus, his father, failed. Two times. The Belial brothers were born with Worthlessness. It was now their turn to see whether their child won the gene lottery.

Maybe any descendants of Ruval could inherit his blue flames.

Same tale for Roygun.

"Oh? And what would that be?" Nurarihyon's curiosity piqued.

"Is there any way for me to unlock it?" Danhauser saw the Daiyoukai do a spit-take, thankfully nowhere near his clothes or face, "… to awaken it and have it as a Pseudo-Clan Trait or evolve my Worthlessness into Nothingness through Senjutsu?"

Or maybe make it a specialized move like Ajuka's Kankara Formula?

"… I don't know," Nurarihyon cleared his mouth with a napkin, "… this is a first to me. I can safely bet you're the first Devil to be engrossed over Senjutsu."

"If you think about it, it can be dangerous," Magari drew the attention to herself, "Your body and spirit are meant to manipulate Worthlessness and Pitch Resin, not Nothingness."

Danhauser stared deep into the soul of the seven-tailed Nekomata, "but it's possible to prevent that."

Magari cursed inwardly, "I-I never say that it's possible…"

"If I slowly modify my body as I did with to become immune to light attacks," Danhauser leaned on the polished surface of the table between them, "…If I go full mithridatism, but with light rather than venom, then I'll slowly be immune to it?"

"… Danhauser, you're walking on thin ice," Magari tried to reason with him. "There… has to be a less harmful way to do it."

And she was right, through Sephiroth Graal.

But history would repeat itself. All fingers would point at his direction once again. He could imagine the elite sneering and spatting the word 'cheater' a 'handout' because he couldn't catch up to his generation.

If there's one thing Diehauser despised it was the word cheater, a sentiment the little brother wholeheartedly shared. Especially when the population of Ars Goetia accused his Housecarl as such, all thanks to the King Piece.

He wasn't. And he will prove it in the Youth Devil Gathering once he and his peerage rolled the competence.

The Lesser King of Belial will win the crown.

"If Sairaorg could, so can I." Danhauser then flashed the Nekomata leader a reassuring smile, "Lady Magari, I'd run around mountains until weakness could not keep up with me. Trust me when I say this, even quote me if you want, this is on the bag already."

Everything from the way he held himself, to the way he spoke, to that look of unassailable confidence in his eyes said he could do it.

But what could she do to believe him?

But before Magari could try her persuasive paw, the weak chuckle of her lord forced her to step back, "Save your breath, Lady Magari," Nurarihyon ordered, "the boy already made his choice. We can only pray that nothing goes wrong."

"… You would make an interesting dragon, you know?" Magari shook her head. She was smiling, but it didn't symbolize any joy, "just be careful."

"Of course I will!" Danhauser reached over and planted a hand right between Magari's big, perky ears, "the last thing I want is make my favorite Nekomata sad."

Magari huffed to voice her annoyance, but her faint purrs told a different tale, "C-charmer."

"You are walking a long road that demands a lot of patience, boy," an idea then dawned upon Nurarihyon's head, "Well then! You have to start from somewhere, agreed?"

Giving her a final scratch behind her ears, Danhauser watched curiously as the High Priest pulled out something from a Youjutsu spell and placed it on the small table.

He carefully grabbed it once the Daiyoukai encouraged him to take it, "a book?" Danhauser voiced his thoughts aloud and read randomly a few pages, after grasping the content he looked at him quizzically, "Hinduism?"

"And Buddhism. Most of Senjutsu's techniques has roots from Hinduist and Buddhist abilities," Nurarihyon had a mischievous glint in his eyes and a smirk, "Maybe you could catch anything useful in one of those paragraphs?"

"And what? Attain Buddhahood?" The rapid beating in his heart expressed the excitement surging in his chest. Danhauser knew somewhere Ishibumi had stated that the Hindu Gods were above in the ranking of the Top Ten Strongest Beings in the World because of their cheat-like abilities. Obviously, this specific book would not carry the complex spells that gods such as the Hindu Trimurti used as a last resort, but maybe he could fetch something out like Nurarihyon said. Baby steps.

Plus, in times like this, he needed as many tools in his toolbox as possible. Tools that came from within.

Danhauser warped the book out of the way, "Jokes aside, thank you. I'll see what this book has in store."

"It's not as effective as being taught directly," Nurarihyon admitted, "but it serves to build up a good base."

A muffled sound reached their ears and they became silent. Steps that echoed in unison of armored boots, like the warning thunder of a coming storm neared after them.

Magari hopped on a piece of furniture close to the window and stole a peek, given how her tail stirred, the sight wasn't pleasant, "… It's the army of the High Priestess of the Sun. We're surrounded."

"Those are not great news…" while Nurarihyon appeared calm in the exterior, deep inside he was shaking like a leaf, "The High Priest knows of your True Form."

Danhauser clicked his tongue in return but wisely chose to stay silent. He couldn't blame him. Yasaka was Nurarihyon and Kunzenbo's superior. Plus, it was a matter of time before word of Danhauser and his illegal use of his True Form slipped out.

Man, but a part of him wished Nurarihyon didn't open his mouth, just for the sake of dodging drama.

"Come on. An army was due at any moment," Danhauser tried to lighten the mood, "It is how I know Yasaka still cares for me."

They turned to the shoji door in time as it slid open, and the woman behind the invasion took a step forward.

"High Priestess of the Sun," Nurarihyon immediately stood up and bowed in respect. Magari and Danhauser followed suit, "It's an honor to have your presence here."

Her beautifully effeminate and sophisticated human appearance was accentuated by her elegant vulpine features. Her blonde hair was tied into a ponytail that reached down to her legs. A sacred mirror floated beside her, like a personal familiar. It was one of the Three Treasures of Japan.

She was breathtaking. Truly, the embodiment of a Yamato Nadeshiko, but given the pleasant experiences he had to interact with her from time to time, she's a hard nut to crack.

A pair of humanoids in full samurai armor and shaded helmets stood behind her, couching a naginata on one hand and braced beside them. They carried on their backs a banner with the symbol of the sun. Given by the single horn sprouting from the temple of their helmets, they were Onis, a type of Youkai. Huge Youkai.

"The honor is mine, High Priest of the Moon, Lady Magari," the blonde Daiyoukai returned the elegant bow before straightening herself, a hard look present on her face, "High Priest, please be prudent. This isn't the first time I caught you sneaking into the house of a human and forcing them to cook for you. You are Lord Tsukuyomi's vanguard, act as such."

Grinning, Danhauser made sure Nurarihyon was watching and slowly drew one finger along his neck from ear to ear.

Nurarihyon felt a lump on his throat and awkwardly pulling the jewel around his neck, "Y-yes! My apologies, milady!"

"High Priestess, I don't intend to sound rude, but is there a purpose for you to come all the way here?" Magari had to ask, even if she knew her answer was on the same room, "I doubt you're here to join us in the table."

"A patrol reported to me a dense wave of demonic power from this location, so I decided to personally investigate its origins," as Yasaka explained she finally spared the gray-haired an unimpressed stare, "and look what I found."

As the blonde kitsune tried to erase him with her golden eyes, Danhauser was hypnotized by her twelve, supremely fluffy tails of the same golden-blonde color, swishing to and fro with a life of their own. Much like her ears, their rich, fragrantly groomed fur was gold at the base but gradually brightens to a snowy white at the tips.

That's right. Not nine, but twelve golden tails.

"Prince Belial," Yasaka spoke as pleasantly as an otherwise emotionless robot could, "It's been a while, hasn't it? You'd promised you'd write."

"Well, High Priestess," Danhauser wasn't discouraged by her cold tone as he bowed his head with a smile, "I've been… kind of busy."

"Really busy," Magari agreed.

Yasaka didn't smile back, "Brave of you to show your face around here, especially without notice being given beforehand."

"Well, I wanted to pay my number one twelve-tailed fox a surprise visit," he winked, "Word on Kyoto is that you have a picture of me somewhere in your shrine."

"On the dartboard…" One of the guards behind her chuckled and got a swift tail-smack in the thigh for it.

"I bet you look at it every day. Flattering, really."

"What's your business in Youkai lands?" Yasaka stopped beating around the bush, but Danhauser didn't miss the twitch of her ears, "From what I've heard, the Peace Treaty between the Biblical Faction is being signed as we talk. Why are you not present? Or is it sealed already?"

Danhauser's grin dropped on a whim, "it ended, but on a bad note," he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, "Something horrible happened a few hours ago."

"Terrorists, milady," Nurarihyon said before Yasaka could further press for answers, "A terrorist attack just happened in the Vatican City, many innocent were killed today."

Her brain stuttered for a moment and almost lost her balance, "that's… no," the shock and disbelief was evident on Yasaka's wide eyes, "but how…?"

"Around the time when the main heads were negotiating, High Priestess," Magari saw her own face on the mystical mirror, "… they took the advantage that most of the troops were in Kuoh by invading the Vatican."

"T-there must be a hint," Yasaka breathed out, trying to scavenge anything useful from this, "… there's no way they escaped without leaving a trace or something!"

"You're right on that, they didn't even try to hide behind a mask. The Old Satan Faction was the attacker," Danhauser butt in, "the invasion was led by one of their leaders, Creuserey."

"And the Fallen Angel who contacted Gyoubu," Nurarihyon felt a shiver across his core once Yasaka glowered, "… Satanael."

"The same Fallen Angel that stole the Ame no… Kusanagi, isn't it?" Yasaka stiffened, gritted her teeth, and looked at Danhauser dead in the eye, "Do I have to tell the adventure of your little friend here in Kyoto Youkai? It is because of your reckless actions that he decided to intrude into our sacred grounds. Even Lady Amaterasu expressed her disappointment after finding out about the thievery. Do you have any idea how humiliating it was to have the kami look down on you?"

After the sudden razor-sharp verbal slap she dropped across his face, a tense silence fell before them until Danhauser broke it with a long sigh, "Save the scolding. The High Priest of the Moon already summed it up while you were on your way here. I'll retrieve the sword back."

Her anger did a one-eighty, "… Excuse me?"

"I'll get your weapon back," he wished he had a camera for the occasion, today Yasaka was very expressive, "I mean, I can't promise I'll bring it unscathed, but rest assured it'll be back to your hands."

"… Color me impressed, you're willing to cooperate," there was an obvious mixture of surprise and wariness in her icy tone that she wasn't willing to hide, "why this time? I hope you're not expecting something out of this."

"I do actually, your collaboration," Danhauser started, "They're going to come back, stronger than before. Satanael back then only had a group of stray magicians and Utsusemi, yet he managed to steal the Kusanagi with the help of the former High Priest of the Moon. Now he has Devils and the Strongest Evil Dragon on his backpack. He went to Kyoto back then with nothing but skills and charisma, what if he comes back for a second round?"

Their relationship was strained and full of mistrust thanks to previous dilemmas. It was obvious Yasaka pushed the blame on him for provoking the Utsusemi Agency, which forced Satanael to mingle around Japan, to the point that even the Kyoto Youkai was not scraped on his schemes, the crimes of Inugami Gyoubu was proves of that.

But if they combined efforts to protect Japan, and watched each other's back, then maybe they stood a chance.

And hopefully, give Cao Cao and his lackeys the middle finger before they could kidnap Yasaka.

"We are always at each other's throat, but we live in the same place," he continued once he saw the kitsune not raising any arguments, "You may not like it, but you need my help and I'll need yours. We can't let personal feelings interfere in times like these."

"… I'm aware of your prohibited use of True Form in Kuoh Town," If he had any high hopes of Yasaka forgetting about his True Form, they were instantly wiped out, "… but I'm having a hard time digesting all the information I've just received, it's making my head spin. So, I'll let you off the hook this time."

It would be a fool's gambit to ignore his words. Between the two of them, the boy had a better grasp of the enemy than she did. And even if she disliked him, she couldn't deny he was a strong Devil for his age. All the experience he'd accumulated was all because of the restless battles he'd participated and triumphed.

Needless to say, the only disadvantage she saw was having him around. He was a trouble magnet after all. But hey, those who take risks reap the reward.

Danhauser's mouth opened slightly, "Really?"

"Really," the blonde vulpine flatly parroted, "You broke a rule that deserves a proper punishment than a mild reprimand, but if you hadn't stopped Kokabiel with your peerage from his schemes… I'm afraid the worst could've happened," she brought a finger up, "Take this as a warning. Next time you use it without our approvals, you will not get out with a slap on the wrist."

"Sounds good," Danhauser inwardly fist-pumped the air, "when can I get my blessing?"

"That would require a meeting for another occasion."

"Great!" Danhauser grinned, "It's a date then. Meet you at the south docks after dark?"

Yasaka stared, flatly, "No."

However, Yasaka's rejection hadn't reached the Nekomata as Magari's large ears perked up, "Oooh! You should take her to this new restaurant which has a variety of ramen and udon! She adores ramen~!"

"Really? I'm in love with the Kitsune udon myself!"

"Another word and I'll change my mind!" the high priestess threatened.

"… If you speak the truth, then the procedure of your True Form… 'license' shouldn't last too long," her suspicious frown was copied by her floating mirror, "you are speaking the truth? Right?"

Danhauser scoffed, somewhat offended by her remark, even if he was expecting it from miles away, "If you're not convinced, then stay in touch with the news. Very likely the media is going to milk this one dry."

Yasaka hummed, "I'll hold you into that," her attention was on her fellow Daiyoukais now, "contact the High Priest of the Storm. In a few days, we'll talk about the security around Kyoto and Urakyoto."

"An upgrade?" Nurarihyon tried to guess.

"I'm afraid so. It will make the citizen feel uncomfortable and the feeling of freedom may dull by having the militia marching the same streets as them, but their safety is important to us."

Even if they had a Dharmapāla assigned to watch over Japan, she rarely intervened, not even when the Cadre Kokabiel had the malicious idea of waging a second great war, starting it on Japan to make things worse.

Not even when Satanael and the Utsusemi Agency had occasioned trouble.

Only when God-Class beings endangered Japan she would barge in. That's what she promised to Yasaka anyway.

The Kitsune shook her head and stopped over the devil, "Before it slips my mind, the High Priest of the Moon notified me about the school trip to Kyoto long ago. Was he correct?"

The gray-haired Devil blinked at her, measuring her every word with those grey eyes of his. After a moment, he glanced back at the High Priest and the retainer beside him.

Nurarihyon gave him a tiny nod of encouragement. Magari somehow managed to flash a thumbs up with her paw.

How did they know?

"Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming," Danhauser gulped, then turned back to the blonde Daiyoukai, "I… Ah. Yes."

Yasaka maintained her judgmental posture before breaking into a sigh, "given the intel you've shared, allowing access to outsiders even if they have a free pass to Kyoto will become extremely difficult until the issue of the terrorists has been solved or subdued."

"Buuut?"

"But. This isn't the first time you've made a school trip for the students of Kuoh Academy, plus we need an appointment to speak about your True Form," Yasaka tucked her hair behind an ear, "and, for Kami's knows why Nurarihyon keeps speaking a good word of you. Even if I warned him many times that you are nothing but a walking pandora box ready to be blown open any second now."

"… Words hurt, you know," Danhauser exhaled irritably though his nose, "Can we just head back to business, please?"

"Hmph. I'm willing to let them in, but…"

"Here we go..."

"I'll need in advance the identifications of each second-year student that will be participating on the excursion. For those who are reincarnated Devils, I'll require info of the Housecarl they serve and if they have a Sacred Gear or any special equipment," she instructed, "I'll need the information of the teachers that will tag along as well, including yours."

Danhauser nodded, "I can do that. Anything else?"

"Lady Magari is going to keep track of you," Yasaka added.

"As you command," the seven-tailed Nekomata bowed.

Danhauser jerked an eyebrow up, "Okay… I don't mind her tagging with me. But why I'm suddenly written in your suspicious list? You said it yourself, this isn't the first time I traveled to Kyoto."

"I still don't like you," her expression narrowed toward him, "nor I fully trust you, at all. Besides that, letting you now roam freely in Kyoto will put the citizens and security on guard once they find out that Devils were behind the crusade over the Vatican City."

Danhauser squared his jaw. He may have played a role in the Invasion of the Vatican, but he didn't shed innocent blood nor pressed any red button to invoke any nuclear bomb, and, if he had but it slipped his mind, it was to save his own neck. He promised his mother he would not die. The only immoral sin he had committed was knocking Dulio's lights out and use him as bait, but for a good reason. He's on the good side.

He chuckled before losing himself on those hypnotic, golden eyes, "I'm shocked. You didn't ask me to bring up Kuoh and Ryoukuu Town to the negotiating table."

"Will you?"

"We both know the answer," she wasn't subtle with her huff, "that's something you have to speak with the Great King Bael personally."

"Ah, the Great King. I heard of his petty manipulations," Yasaka leveled him with a demanding gaze, "it makes me wonder why Clan Belial is still bending the knee to the Great King Faction. They were the ones that marooned your Housecarl."

"We are aware, it's not as simple as it sounds," he grumpily rolled his wrist, "Diehauser wanted to pack up and leave Ars Goetia behind, but the consequences made him pull back and rethink about his actions."

"Consequences?" Yasaka queried, "No offense to your family, but your Housecarl lost everything after the Diehauser Belial Broadcast Intrusion."

"Can we just move on this?" he urged her with a growl, growing annoyed by the curiosity of the kitsune, "I don't want any thoughts of Clan Bael swarming my head. At all."

"Fair enough. The sooner we settled this the better, hmm?" Yasaka folded her arms beneath her ample bust and continued, "That's the price for the entrance to Kyoto. If you do not agree with these terms, then you can forget traveling to Kyoto ever again. Still interested?"

It took all Danhauser's willpower to not stare at her cleavage and made a fool of himself. He offered a hand, ready to seal the deal, "Uh, a pleasure doing business."

Yasaka stared at his hand and slowly reached for it, shaking it firmly, "I expect you to recover the Kusanagi with no strings attached."

"Scout's promise."

Nothing else to add, she pulled back to give a cordial bow to Nurarihyon and Magari, "This is where I take my leave. A pleasure meeting you both."

"The pleasure is ours, High Priestess," Nurarihyon and Magari returned the gesture in kind.

Yasaka and her magical mirror spun around and her two guards moved to the side, giving them the time and space to retreat.

However, her hand stopped over the frame of the door when the devil spoke out. "How's your daughter, by the way?"

"… She's just fine," she murmured after a long moment, wrapping one of her tails around her leg, "Thank you for your concern."

While she left, they waited until Yasaka and her small patrol were distanced from the house. Once the powerful footsteps became nothing but a distant echo, Danhauser shrugged all signs of nervousness in his system with a whistle. "What a woman! I almost thought things would go south with that cold attitude of hers."

"She's not a bad person," Magari replied, curtly, "Yasaka always has her people in mind before taking a decision."

"Never said otherwise. Still, that went better than I expected," he felt great at the outcome, "Way better than previous meetups I had with her I must say. She even pardoned me! Kind of."

"She masked it very well, but she's overwhelmed," Nurarihyon averted his gaze over the window, watching as the small patrol disappear on the distance, "… it is true that Lady Amaterasu reprimanded her for the theft of the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi."

"I believe she even called her incompetent," Magari recalled.

"Wait, back up a little bit. Why is Yasaka getting tongue-lashed again?" Danhauser donned his white, shining armor, "It wasn't even her fault. It was Inugami Gyoubou who backstabbed all of you."

"Yasaka is the actual representative and leader of the High Priests, Danhauser," Magari muttered solemnly, "it's clear she will be the one getting blamed for the unwise actions of the high priests."

"Actual?" he repeated, "there was another leader before her?"

"Yes."

Danhauser waited for her to further elaborate her answer, but, apparently, that was the end of it, "Alright, I won't pry."

"She's desperate." Nurarihyon absentmindedly passed a finger over his necklace, and clutched firmly, "The Shinto Gods are constantly pressuring her for any positive progress. They are growing impatient by each day. They've been waiting for years and still nothing."

"And the only way to stop their wailing is by returning Kusanagi," Danhauser winced a little, "Damn… by the time I'm done, Yasaka will grow white hair by the stress she got from them. Must be a pain to have the higher-ups snatch you up by the ear each morning."

"It's cute that you're defending her," Magari flashed a cat-like smile, "all this headbutting you usually two have made me think you wouldn't care."

"I know how it feels to be bossed around, I've got my share." he clenched his hand inside his pocket, hard, "Plus… I hate when everyone blames someone from someone else's mistakes… it's so fucking unfair…"

Suddenly, a phone echoed in the room, causing Danhauser to jump back to his feet. After fishing out his mobile and taking note of who the caller was, he bid the Daiyoukais a sheepish look. "You two don't mind, do you?"

"It must be important," the Nekomata understood, "go on."

He nodded in gratitude and answered, "What's up?"

As the conversation flowed, both Daiyoukais could barely hear what the other end had to share to the gray-haired youth, it was a male voice, that's for sure. But given by Danhauser's replies, his time in Kyoto was about to end.

They saw as he hanged the call and faced them with an awkward grin, "Listen, I'd love to stay and chat on how to win Yasaka's affection, but…" he shook his phone, "I've got to go. My peerage is nibbling their nails at this point."

Magari deadpanned, "You seriously hadn't told them you were here? Not even your cousin?"

"I did!" Danhauser exclaimed while pocketing his device back, "Cleria too! Tobio says that Valerie and Jeanne are growing impatient and that they want to see me ASAP." He met Nurarihyon's gaze, putting on a haughty expression. "Women. Am I right?"

"Women," Nurarihyon returned the nod, supporting him.

Magari rolled her eyes at their mutual exchange, "Ha."

Hearing her flat reaction just made Danhauser laugh, "I'm just pulling your leg, Lady Magari," he tried to apologize by patting her head, but the cat just whacked his hand away, luckily without the sharp claws, "bad joke, I'm sorry."

"… I'll let it slide. Just this once," she warned him playfully, "shoo then. You shouldn't worry about your friends more."

He stretched a bit before reaching for the door, "I'll go upstairs and pick up Creuserey. Thanks for everything, by the way."

Once he left the room and the sound of someone climbing the wooden stairs reached their ears, the Nekomata spoke, "It's impressive how he's self-taught over Sage Arts," Magari said once his demonic energy was gone from the second floor, "you rarely see practitioners awakening Senjutsu let alone Touki by themselves."

"Even if he didn't have any formal training over the arts of Senjutsu, he was destinated to have Touki," Nurarihyon slowly poured himself more tea, "… he is, after all, a training maniac."

"Maybe…" she pulled back to burst in a fit of giggles at the ridiculous thought, "No... I change my mind."

"Hmm? Do tell."

"It's a silly thought, high priest. Forget about it."

"I insist."

"… Do you think he will one day attain it? Transcendence?"

"Hmph… Supernatural creatures possess unlimited potential. If he keeps training on the same rhythm and doesn't cast mediation and Senjutsu aside, he will have room to grow," Nurarihyon stated sagely, "but such feat cannot be achieved alone unless you were born with the perfect and monstrous genes. It's just too much for the boy to handle by himself."

"A Longinus? … A Divya Astra?"

"That's the fastest way. But he's way too prideful to accept a… 'handout' as he loves to call it. In a way, he shares the same ideology as the pure-blooded Devils." Nurarihyon sighed and shuddered afterward, "while the other option… it's better if he keeps a distance from that pantheon."

"… Then he needs a mentor," she muttered quietly to herself, then looked up for a confirmation, "He needs a mentor, doesn't he?"

"He needs a spiritual guide," Nurarihyon corrected his retainer, "a guru who helps him to discover the same potentialities that the guru has already realized."

"You could be that guru," Magari half-suggested half-encouraged, "You're knowledgeable and proficient."

Nurarihyon snorted, "That's sweet of you, Lady Magari, but I already have a huge responsibility resting on my shoulders, which is watch over the Kyoto Youkai as the respective High Priest of the Moon, as you would understand," he accused with a goof-humored tone, "Hmph…. besides that, it won't work. He needs someone who has exceeded their own limits already. I still have so much to learn in the field of Sage Arts. My profession lies over Youjutsu."

"… I see."

After calmly finishing his tea, Nurarihyon stood up, "Speaking of responsibilities, It is time for us to depart as well, Lady Magari," she could see the longing look sparkling in his eyes as he stared at the empty plates, "A shame really, I was looking forward what else was on the menu."

Magari rolled her eyes, "How you hadn't gained any weight with all the dishes you eat?" she teased, "maybe one day you can return and indulge yourself in food, but for now, we must notify the High Priest of the Storm about Yasaka's request."

As much as it pained him to leave, Magari had a good point. A meeting between them was to be expected in a few days, they had to be ready for the future. He prayed to the kami that Satanael would not come back to Urakyoto.

.


.

As Sae double-checked that the bar was closed to avoid potential clients, the whole group immediately swarmed their King while bombarding him with questions, all while Valerie and Jeanne made sure Danhauser was unscathed. Azazel just stood in the background, his back leaned on a wall as he watched the scene unfolding.

With the exception of the Governor-General, everyone was around the gray-haired Devil as he gave his report, each pair of ears listening intently to his words. It was like telling spooky campfire stories in the middle of a dark forest. Of all the peerage, Tobio seemed to be discontented the more he listened.

Obviously, like any sane girl would Sae had kept a safe distance away from the corpse lying on the ground, all while oddly eyeing the whole cast, questioning whether she had missed their shocked gasps or simply they didn't care, hopefully, the former.

As thrilling as Danhauser's adventure was, sooner or later it had to reach to the end, while it didn't end on a bright note and leaned closer to a bad ending, it could've been worse.

That didn't mean she was satisfied with the conclusion, though. It did leave a sour taste in her mouth, but she wasn't a pro of special ops like her childhood friend. So, she wisely kept her mouth shut.

A familiar brunet shared her sentiment, and sure as hell, he made sure to express his thoughts. Thus, starting the bickering between Danhauser and Tobio.

"But attacking the Strongest Exorcist from behind?"

"He left me with no other choice, Tobio."

"Really?"

"He wanted to jail me and make me participate in a tribunal that would just go downhill. Don't worry, I got a plan. Trust me on this."

They were like this for five minutes. Between the two, Tobio seemed to be the one getting irritated as they further pressed on.

The dragon grunted in agreement, "Right. That was weak, Bosshauser," Bova commented thoughtfully, "Next time don't beat around the bush. Just be blunt and punch him. Makes everything quicker."

"That's not what I meant," Tobio flatly said. "He wanted to save you, boss. If he came up with that idea, then maybe it guaranteed a free ticket to escape and clean your name."

"He wanted to help me, I get that," Danhauser remarked, "and I'm grateful for it, but that wasn't going to work. No way it would."

"Oh yeah? And how can you know?" Tobio asked, "Are you a psychic now?"

Valerie scowled.

Jeanne's heartbeat skipped once the gray-haired gestured at her, "After Touji and the Church did dirty to Jeanne, my cousin and even Masaomi long time ago, you expect me to count on the Vatican for the third time? You think the Vatican would spare me?"

The blonde had to involuntarily take a step backward from the sheer force of their gazes.

"… I think you're prejudicing the wrong people," Tobio pointed out, "Touji was only following orders from his higher-ups, you get that right? He wasn't doing it by his own will."

"I don't hate them. But I'd be a fool to trust an exorcist," Danhauser kept his feet firm on the ground, "exactly what you'd said, their orders come from their higher-ups, Heaven, that's enough for me to stay alarmed."

Danhauser wished he could further justify his view, but that would risk unclothing his greatest secret that was under the wraps. Reincarnation. Why Angels contrasted from their original source was the same reason why most of his peerage members were with him rather than playing their respective roles in the Light Novels. This was an AU. Simple as that, nothing surprising about that.

"I should build a harem," Danhauser massaged his face, "All this crap is making me tired. I need a bunch of waifus comforting me. It went well with Issei."

Sae's emerald eyes gleamed in realization, "that's why you didn't let that blue-haired girl and her partner handle Kokabiel alone?"

"I won't be placing my faith in two rookies. Especially when a whole town was in risk of getting annihilated." He then eyed his mutated knight oddly, "What's with the sudden accusations by the way? I didn't kill him, I just knocked him out. I even treated some of his wounds to stop him from dying."

"What worries me is that this may bite you in the ass later on." The brunet's expression softened, "I know you're supposed to be my boss, but you're technically my friend too, you know? And I like your family, they're a nice bunch. It's just… I don't see how becoming a public enemy is going to help you out."

"I had a talk with Satan Lucifer. He assured me he will explain the quarrel to the Archangel," Danhauser bit his lip, "And, as much as I don't want to, he'll tell him about me, especially the Mastema persona."

"You said it as if that was a bad thing."

"It makes me uncomfortable," Danhauser pocketed his hands, "That the angels are getting information about me, about my personal life. I feel like I'm being exposed, I fucking hate that."

Azazel curved an eyebrow at that but remained silent.

"But… if its to avoid further drama then I'll suck it up."

"I guess Maou Lucifer got this," Tobio rubbed his nose, "I just hoped you wouldn't make Dulio your enemy in the process. That you would plan it better."

Valerie balled her fists and was ready to argue. However, before she could even get the chance to intervene, a familiar hand on her shoulder stopped her from further actions. She didn't have to look up to figure the owner behind that warmth. Feeling his stare made her heart race a little.

In the end, she pulled back.

"They have his background and climb of fame archived in Grigori, even yours boss," Slash Dog continued, unaware of their interaction, "I've taken the time to read it during my break. From what I've seen, Dulio seems nice."

Then again, what would Tobio do if he was experiencing Danhauser's situation? If he had the chance to be in Danhauser's position?

Put his hands around Satanael's neck and squeeze, hard. The son of a bitch behind the disappearance of many, innocent students and teachers. He even kidnapped their parents.

It would cost him his life in return and expose his identity to many eyes, but it sounded so exquisite. It was SO worthy. A part of him was thankful to his master that he spared the Fallen Angel. He had a bone to pick with him.

How funny. Baraqiel taught him close-quarters combat and how to keep a mind clean during life-threatening scenarios. And here he was, fumbling on methods on how to put an old crow down.

[Revenge is a dish best served cold.] the familiar voice of Lycaon echoed in his head. [Delay it. Execute it well after the heat of anger had dissipated and you'll triumph.]

"… For the first time, I wholeheartedly agree with you," Tobio cut the mental link with a quiet grunt.

"I vouch for that. Dulio is, in fact, one of the nicest persons I've ever met," Siegfried butt in, "I never had the honor to team up with him, but the exorcists always spoke highly about him."

"Thank you!" Tobio exclaimed.

"However, Master took a decision and we have to respect it as his servants," the silver-haired butler continued, "if he believes this is the only way then so be it."

All the hope residing in Tobio's chest dropped in a hat, "huh… I guess I celebrated a bit too early. So you agree with him?"

"I am not here to agree or disagree," Siegfried retorted, "I am here to obey orders."

"You've been quiet this whole time, Jeanne," Valerie called out, startling the troubled rook, "What's on your mind?"

A chill ran on her spine when all the attention locked on her frame. She felt so small and defenseless. On one hand, she understood what Tobio was arguing about, he was just worried about his friend's future. But on the other, she comprehended why her master took the amoral option.

If she wore Danhauser's shoes she wouldn't imagine what her decision would be, rescue all the people evidently, but seeing this on a realistically perspective, her brain would've paralyzed in fear.

"While… while I might question his willingness to use whatever methods necessary," she gazed at her feet to avoid the diverse expressions of the bar, a hand to her chest in attempts to shield herself, "I believe he intends to do the right thing..."

"… then I guess its settled," Tobio mumbled.

"I second what Siegfried had said. He's the most famous exorcist in the Church, he deserves all his fame," Danhauser put the blond on a pedestal, "but being the 'exorcist of the month' isn't enough to win hearts and minds. Dulio would get in trouble for defending a Devil. For defending me. Jeanne tried her hand, and you saw the outcome. Eminence Cristaldi and Legrenzi want me executed, Tepes-style. Those two alone are perfect to gain the support of the other exorcists and the Pope."

"Numbers always speak louder," Siegfried muttered.

Sae uncertainly looked over the quiet Dhampir, "Tepes-style?"

"Impalement, of course," Valerie answered nonchalantly, unaware of Sae's chalk complexion, "… an infamous punishment for traitors implemented in the Tepes Faction and authorized by my father, the fourth King. It's the act of inserting a sharp spike in someone's—!"

"Okay. New rule on the bar," Tobio interrupted her, "None of your morbid shit around Sae. She never asked for a dictionary. She and Jeanne are the only purest people here in the room. Unlike you, who is in the bottom of the barrel."

"Ehehehe…"

"The hell you're talking about, you illiterate piece of clown?" Danhauser jumped to her rescue, "Little Missus has her share of innocence, too."

"… Someone lasted eight days," she giggled when Tobio glared at her way, "food for thought~!"

Slash Dog slowly shifted his gaze over Danhauser, a pitiful look in his face, "Of all fishes in the pound, you choose the one with missing screws. You got weird tastes, boss."

"No kink-shaming."

Azazel chuckled once he saw her faint blush and puzzled expression.

"My bad, boss. All I'm saying is that there is a line. And you have to draw it somewhere. But if you want to spend your whole life sleeping with one eye open, be my guest. It's your funeral," the smirk in Tobio's face slowly swapped into pursed lips, "Listen… I know you have good intentions, but remember the hole you're trying to crawl from. The Church already wants you on a cross, just don't give them more reasons to nail you."

"Especially when we are thirsty for peace," Sae agreed.

"Let's clear things out, I'm all up for a peace treaty," Danhauser genuinely said, "but If you think making the Most Beautiful Woman in Heaven lure me with puppy eyes and sweet words will make me accept their 'apology', then think again. Their 'sincerity' is nothing but suspicious."

"Woah, slow down." A familiar voice mingled in the conversation, it was Azazel who finally pushed himself off the wall and made himself known, "you have it backward. They aren't as bad as you interpret them to be," he explained while making his way over them, "They got the bad end of the stick as well, you know?"

"So what? They along with Zekram were the first ones to pull the trigger, not my fault they shot themselves in the foot. They deserve something worse than losing some devotees," Danhauser scoffed, "rather than finding peaceful methods, they'd thought killing my cousin and Masaomi was the move. Great IQ right there."

"He was left with no other choice. Michael even saw his mistakes and apologized to you."

"… Four years." Danhauser brought four fingers up for emphasis, "It took them four years to grow a spine and face me, and the best excuse they could come up with was an 'I'm sorry, it won't happen again'? What a load of bullshit."

"They mean it, from the bottom of their hearts." The Governor-General rebutted, placing a firm hand on his shoulder, "Offering an apology is the first step to make progress, I bet they have more in store. They want to repair the burnt bridges, but you keep on throwing matches."

"… I don't think you're here to give me an earful," despite the smile on his face, he was serious, "Please tell me you're not here to give me an earful."

The Governor-General side-glanced over Tobio, who just shrugged a single shoulder in defeat. "Not at all," he retrieved his arm back with a sigh, "I brought news of the meeting. Take a seat, it's quite the talk."

"Well, this is where I take my leave," Slash Dog announced as he picked himself off his seat, "I'll… head down and clean some mugs if you need me."

Danhauser curved an eyebrow, "This is important. Are you not going to stay?"

"The Governor-General told us everything while you were gone," Siegfried replied, "that toxin that the Strongest Exorcist captured with his bubbles are… you should listen to what he has to say."

Danhauser felt his eyes widening a bit, "Grigori already sticking their nose in?" he half-smiled at the only Fallen Angel on the room, "Always five steps ahead of the competition, am I right?"

"Competition? Please," Azazel cockily polished his fingernails across his jacket front, "this 'competition' doesn't hold a candle to us."

"I can tell," Danhauser then nodded at both of his Knights, "Alright then, you're free to go."

"We'll be downstairs too," Jeanne smiled weakly, "catch you later?"

"Yeah. Catch you later," once his mind evoked a certain and unpleasant new, his expression soured. He reached out to softly rub her back, confusing her, "Jeanne… He's dead."

Jeanne just gazed, soaking in the warmth of his eyes. Once she finally understood, her faint smile bloomed once more, "Yeah… I-I know."

Danhauser stared at her incredulously, "How did you…?"

"I told them," Azazel stated, "had to do it. You saw in the first row how the exorcists reacted in the middle of the battlefield when they were verbally slapped. Let's make sure that doesn't happen here."

"They handled it very well," Sae added, fidgeting, "I hope they did…"

Without retracting his hand from Jeanne's back, Danhauser nodded over the silver-haired, "Is that true?"

"I never prayed nor read the Bible, so I didn't have any special connection with Him," Siegfried shrugged a little, "It did catch me off-guard, but not enough to make me reflex."

"Then why join the Church?" Tobio asked.

Once Siegfried opened his mouth, his answer drowned in his throat. He unintentionally brought a hand to the side of his head, "I… I don't remember."

Slash Dog nodded, uncertain, but leave it there.

"Am I the only one who really doesn't care?" Bova suddenly asked aloud, "What if He's dead anyway? Why we should care?"

"I don't know man, maybe because he was the former leader of Angels, and the creator of the Sacred Gear System?" there was an evident drip of sarcasm in Tobio's words, "and an influential figure in both, the human and supernatural world?"

"Weaklings die. Big deal." Bova grunted with a small shrug, "We're alive, that's what counts."

Azazel couldn't help but laugh at his perspective, "A harsh and simplistic opinion, but a good one nonetheless!" he grinned goofily at the dragon, "Your pops were like that when he had your age, you know? Now, look at the old bastard! He's now a warrior and dragon king through and through! Maybe you'll eventually be like him."

The eyes of the dragon honed like a blade, "Do not compare me to the old man, crow."

Azazel winced and brought his hands up, "Oof! Guess I went a bit too far with my speech? My bad," once the dragon looked away with a huff, he turned back to the others with a smile, "My point still stands. This should prove as evidence that even without God, the world will keep marching forward. Humanity obtained its full potential even without God. And you know what's impressive? That they somehow manage to break through their limits and achieve greatness by themselves. We'll be fine without God."

"I… I agree," Jeanne nodded fiercely with a fist clenched, "The world moves while the heavens lie still…"

Valerie eyed her with great interest, "Alright, I'll bite. Jeanne, I know what Siegfried would respond, but I have a vague idea about your answer. So, amuse me for a bit. Do you miss your home?"

"When your home tried to kill you, is it still home?"

"Then you see yourself as an exile?" it was more of a statement that a question.

"Exile?" Jeanne repeated, "That would imply I wish to return."

"You do not?"

"No," she barely recognized her own voice, "The Church is not what I thought it was."

Each second filled the air with the scent of alcohol. Over a couple of minutes, dormant and fleeting memories roused to the stage. A new emotion caught in her throat.

Jeanne looked at her hands, the ones she used to pray and express gratitude to the One above before her exile. The past she carried did not melt away with the pronouncement. But it didn't scar her heart either. She felt lighter. It surprised her. A part of her welcomed the sensation.

Her other half mourned, for the many people that were caught amid the battlefield, fighting for the robes of their priests.

Jeanne bit her lip, shaking off the thoughts, continuing with the conversation at hand. "I'm fine, really," she insisted while flashing her master a wide smile, "I know it should haunt me, but it just furtherly opened my eyes. Now that I know the Church was built on lies, I…"

"Hey now," the gray-haired swept forward at this, pulling her into a side hug, "Just… try not to think too much what we talked here, okay? I'd be sad if my little ball of happiness is stressed out."

She giggled despite her glassy eyes, and relaxed into his embrace, "I-I'll do my best..."

"We have a television downstairs," Sae offered once they separated, "if you wanna get distracted, you can watch those wrestling matches that you and Bova love… just avoid the news for the next two weeks."

Jeanne rubbed her eyes but nodded nonetheless.

The dragon perked up, "Damn, you're right! I can't miss today's show!" he grabbed the deceased Asmodeus by the hair and shook him, "Someone has to take out the trash first. I'll do it."

"You sure? How are you going hide him without pulling attention?" Tobio then snapped his fingers, "the forest isn't far away from the bar. You'll reach it in three or five minutes if you fly. Or we can go to the graveyard in nighttime and shovel him down, but that would be disrespectful for the nearby graves…"

"I'll eat him."

The brunet gaped, "Bullshit."

"I'm not," Bova growled out at his skepticism, "… I hadn't eaten Devil meat for ages. I could make it a habit again."

"You need to have some veggies too…" Sae mumbled.

Bova turned to her, making her hide behind Tobio, "The hell you are talking about? Protein's the best!"

"What does Devil flesh taste like?" Valerie wondered idly.

"Like beef, except a little sweeter in taste and a little softer in texture," the dragon answered, "a part of me sorta wished it tasted like pork or chicken, but meat is meat, can't say no to that."

"And do you eat everything? Including the bones and organs?"

"Yeah. The Old Man always got pissed if we left some leftovers. Food shouldn't be wasted and all that crap," he suddenly flashed his set of sharp teeth at the blonde, "Heh! If you ever get the chance to eat a Devil or a human, always leave the liver for last, it's the juiciest part."

"W-what's wrong with this peerage?" Sae whispered to anyone sane, "S-seriously?!"

Jeanne offered a nervous laugh in return.

"Your guess is as good as mine. Sometimes, I wonder what shithole I just dived into," he glared at them for a moment, trying to hide a smile, "Suit yourself, but like hell you'll eat here. Go somewhere else. I don't want my bar smelling like roadkill once we reopen."

"Whatever." The dragon rolled his eyes and was the first one to leave, followed by the rest of the peerage.

Danhauser almost started a conversation with Azazel but stopped once he saw the last member of his peerage stay, his only pawn, "What's wrong, Little Missus?"

Valerie opened her mouth to speak, but words were not drawn. She stood there, looking at him with a shy look on her doll-like face.

He never had the chance to do study her, but she had changed a lot in these four years. The beauty of humans and vampires flooded in her veins. It was to be expected, really.

Jeanne and Lavinia were not an exception. He still had to see an ugly-looking female in this world. The odds were looking rather slim right now.

"… Whether the country and people lived or died, I don't really care," Valerie admitted, making Danhauser and Azazel almost lose their balance by her bluntness, "What matters to me is that you made it out alive. I'm… I'm just glad you're back here with us. With me."

Danhauser's eyes become much more calculating as he gives her pawn a concerning look, and she shivered as she almost felt like he's looking right into her being. Her hands are delicately clasped behind her back.

"Well… here I am!" he smiled reassuringly, placing his hands on her pale shoulders, "you'll see me with a few scratches here and there, but I don't plan on leaving any of you."

Valerie smiled genuinely, different from her usual satirical smiles, and averted her gaze, awkwardly playing with one of her pigtails, "So… you're going to join us downstairs, right?"

"Only if you save me a spot," he winked at the Dhampir, patting her hip, "see you soon."

A final appraising squeeze on her shoulders and Danhauser let her go, watching as the blonde headed downstairs casually.

"That girl has some… interesting thoughts," he heard Azazel's less than subtle words coming from his right.

"She won't hurt anybody if that's what worries you unless they're a threat," he looked to the side and groaned once he spotted Azazel's wiggling eyebrows, "… Here we go."

"Because of her Sacred Gear and her past, I get why the girl can be naïve with her feelings. But you? You can't fool me. You don't have any excuse."

"I know how she feels about me, Azazel."

"Then what are you waiting for? An invitation party?" Azazel playfully nudged him, "there's a saying that goes 'never leave a girl hanging' it often holds a grain of truth."

"As much as I'd love to make it even, my family will always come first, Azazel. I don't want to get distracted with lovey-dovey stuff while my Clan is the laughing stock of the Underworld," even so, a goofy smile adorned his face, "I do plan to take her somewhere nice, though."

"A date, eh?" Azazel grinned like a hyena, "testing the waters, I get it. Make sure the other blonde girls aren't pushed aside!"

"Blonde joke. Good one. Never heard that one before," Danhauser deadpanned, but his smile never faltered, "So, what the council has for me?"

"Right. As I said, it's gonna be a long one. So, you better buckle up and listen up."

"Once you gave your part, I'll give mine." The confirmation of Rizevim, as well as Sun Wukong, flooded his mind for a few seconds, "It almost feels like it's a joke."

"We'll get into that later," Azazel coughed behind a fist and proceeded "Thanks to the quick wit of the Strongest Exorcist, we took to Grigori's headquarters one of the many bubbles holding the lethal miasma to study its origins. Our researchers were impressed by the properties of the clouds, they theorized that a single sniff could put a Dragon King down in a matter of minutes."

"Any clue who produced that lethal gas?" Danhauser asked despite knowing the answer.

"We got lucky there. It would have taken us weeks to discover the owner, but we got an extra pair of hands to help us out. The results were downright frightening," Azazel clicked his tongue, "Crom Cruach is the least of our worries. What brought us on the edge is the thing behind the death of many civilians. Abyssal Rage Dragon Niðhöggr, the owner of those toxic clouds."

"Someone outside of Grigori helped you out?"

"Yeah. The assistant of Beelzebub," Azazel then glared at the clock on the wall, "which she should technically be here right now…!"

The gray-haired couldn't help but arch an amused eyebrow, "What? Got ditched?"

"Ditched? Me? Pfff!" Azazel snorted a laugh, "No way! Kid, you have any idea how many harems I had built before you and your brother were born? To give you an idea, I lost count," the leader of Grigori gloated, "I'd love to pass you down my lessons to build the perfect and healthy harem, but we're sidetracking here."

"For the next class, I suppose."

"… We still haven't figure out whether Niðhöggr is cooperating with them voluntarily or the Old Satan Faction and Satanael imprisoned him to milk out his infamous miasma for them to exploit," he said, his expression turning dark, "Whatever the answer is, it still the same result, just unpleasant news."

Danhauser bit his cheek in thought, "You think this… Miasma is connected to the one of four years ago?" he asked regardless of knowing the facts, "the one that was found in the Phenex State as well?"

"It's self-evident," Azazel folded his arms, "the Crimson Satan brought that same incident on the table and Michael agreed as well. Hah! The younger brother of the Blue Phoenix Ruval was lucky to make it out alive from there."

The second son of Lord Lady Phenex was the owner of a media company, which was attacked and hijacked by terrorists to deliver a shocking message. The event was known as the Diehauser Belial Broadcast Intrusion because the unknown person was wearing a mask of his brother and paired with sunglasses. It was a creepy sight by most of the viewers. Malacoda found it hilarious until everything went south.

The purpose was simple, brew chaos in Ars Goetia by revealing the King Piece. He succeeded.

Up today, the parties responsible remain unidentified and the case unresolved.

But from the back of his mind, Danhauser knew it was Rizevim and Satanael all along.

He could get carried away by his thoughts, but there was a task at hand. One where peace was slowly getting out of reach. He had to focus on the present.

"… The Gods of the North are involved in some way, aren't they?"

"You almost solved the puzzle," Azazel wryly said, "the issue originated from their lands, sure, but, we don't think the Allfather and his followers are the ones supporting The Old Satan Faction's cause from the shadows. Blaming them without hearing the part of their story and with lack of evidence would cause political havoc between the Biblical Faction and the Norse Faction. No one likes those."

Danhauser just grunted in agreement.

"… You see, each pantheon has a black sheep within the herd, often more than one," Azazel drawled, "The Norse Faction is not an exception. We suspect the Troublesome Four are linked with the Old Maou."

Danhauser knitted his brows, "Troublesome Four…?" he searched in his mind for anyone within Yggdrasil worth of being mocked as such. His eyes widened upon realization, "You mean Loki and his children?"

But what this had to do with Niðhöggr? Even if in mythology Loki had a fucked up family tree, Niðhöggr wasn't a child of his.

"Bingo," Azazel shot him with a finger gun and continued, "of all Evil Dragons, Niðhöggr is the most savage of them, he lives up by his titles. He can be killed, but he can self-resurrect at will, something that even gods failed to replicate," he paused, "Allfather Odin had no choice but cast Niðhöggr on a place where he couldn't disturb the balance of Yggdrasill. Náströnd was his prison, a place that is located in Niflheim."

"… Which is ruled by Hel," Danhauser caught on, "Goddess of Death and Loki's only daughter."

"Good, you're seeing the big picture now," Azazel chuckled half-heartedly, "a big, nasty picture I dare to say."

Danhauser kneaded his eyes, slowly digesting all the bad news, "You believe that Hel intentionally released Niðhöggr from Náströnd?"

"That's the gist of it," the Governor-General nodded, "her father must be pulling strings somewhere in between."

In the Light Novels, everyone suspected that Loki was affiliated with Khaos Brigade after he began taking an antagonistic role. But because of hubris, Loki announced to his opponents that he wasn't, that he wouldn't fall so low to shake hands with a bunch of lowly creatures. He was only following his own agenda to provoke Ragnarök.

Overall, Loki was the doomsday villain of the Light Novels.

But that could change. Of course, it would change.

"Okay, let's play a scenario in our heads," the gray-haired donned an imaginary tinfoil hat, "Let's imagine that Loki is, in fact, cooperating with the Old Maou with his three children. What does he get in exchange for helping them?"

Unless they had promised the Trickster God the freedom of his offspring, Danhauser failed to see what else Shalba had in his pocket to convince Loki.

"Your guess is as good as mine," Azazel replied after a short silence, "that's what I'm about to check thoroughly. Once we're done chatting, I'll pay the world-tree Yggdrasil a visit and meet up with the Allfather to see if he know what's what. We have Hel and Loki in our sights now, we got to make sure the other two stay out of this."

[I wouldn't worry too much about Midgardsormr, Governor-General of Grigori,] a deep voice joined the conversation, [there isn't a bad bone in his gigantic body.]

Just a moment later, a flash of blue light filled the room, and there before them stood a beautiful woman with blue hair and matching eyes. A cold aura radiated from her body, surpassing that of Valerie. He had seen her before, her biker attire and beauty were impossible to forget. It was Tiamat, one of the Dragon Kings.

"May I enter?" Tiamat asked and smiled a little, "Just joking – dragon kings don't need permission."

"See the clock on the wall? It says that you're late," Azazel ignored her joke, somewhat irked by her attitude, "had to do all the talking!"

"A delayed concert is eventually good," she retorted dismissively, "but a rushed concert is forever bad."

Azazel fought the urge to facepalm, "You know what? Forget it. We'll just walk in circles if we keep arguing," he worthlessly waved over the shocked devil, most likely not expecting a dragon king stand before him, "go on. Wrap it up so the kid gets a better idea."

"That won't be necessary. You already addressed all the main points," Tiamat swept her firm gaze over the young devil, her vertical pupils sending a shudder to his back, "And I suppose he grasps the situation well enough."

"Uuuh…"Danhauser's eyes trailed over the exit expectantly, counting the seconds before Bova broke into the door to greet the draconic woman that he referred to as 'granny'. But apparently, his rook was already gone from the bar, enjoying his bloody picnic.

"… Right," he finally replied, turning back to the two grown-up people, "No questions from my part."

"Governor-General, you should put a bit more of trust on the Dragon Kings," the blue-haired advised, her voice cold and monotone, "Especially when you have a duet with one to aide you on your research."

Azazel rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh, "Maybe I worded it somewhere wrong, but my intention is not making your race look bad," he explained, "Dragons already have a bad reputation with all the pantheons after all. Unfortunately, with the activity of Niðhöggr and Crom Cruach, I think that resentment furtherly grew from other mythologies."

Once she became aware of the situation her kin was situated, a grim look bloomed on her beautiful features, "I'm afraid you're right."

"If I'm not wrong, Midgardsormr is somewhere deep in the ocean, right?" Danhauser tried to focus on the previous conversation, his surprise completely gone, "having his beauty sleep?"

"Last time I checked, which was a thousand years, yeah," Azazel placed a hand on his hip, "That's what I want to check out, make sure that lazy dragon hasn't left his pillow since then. And that the Big Bad Wolf is still on the leash."

"I'd focus on Fenrir first," Danhauser felt a knob in his throat, "those fangs… they can one-shot gods."

He remembered how Loki and Fenrir dominated the fight against Issei and co. Even Tannin, Azazel and Baraqiel were involved to lend a hand and nothing changed in their favor, Fenrir alone overpowered them. Honestly, Danhauser wasn't looking forward to that fight, even if he had more numbers on their side. Fighting someone who was on the Top Ten was frightening enough.

"For something he's nicknamed as the God-Devouring Wolf," the Fallen Angel agreed, "he even has a claimed spot in the Top Ten Strongest Beings."

"A muzzle would become handy if the situation calls for it." he then wiggled twice his eyebrows at the silent dragon king, "So, what brings you here? I doubt you stopped by to say hi."

Tiamat nodded, "Satan Beelzebub sent me. It's about the Young Devil Gathering."

Of course, the Great Six Pillars would have a word after being acquainted with the heist in the Vatican. Danhauser theorized they would put it on hold for the safety of the Underworld.

He didn't like the idea, but he understood why they voted to keep their people safe than progressing at the ceremony.

Hopefully, once the Old Satan Faction was nothing but a distant whisper, the Young Devil Gathering would open their gates once more.

"Well then, what has been voted by the Great Six Houses?" Danhauser mentally prepared himself, "Let me guess. They opted to postpone the Youth Gathering until the case of Khaos Brigade has been toned down for a bit? Or they still will continue regardless of what happened out there, which I doubt it."

"It's canceled."

"WHAT?!"

"It's cance–!"

"I heard you!" Danhauser nearly snapped at the blue dragon, stopping himself at the last moment. He ran a hand across his hair, the anger still lingering at the back of his skull, "… just tell me why."

"For the safety of the Devil race, of course," Tiamat answered with a matter-of-fact tone, "The Young Devil Gathering is a ceremony well-known for inviting the youngest generation to interact, build alliances and find a partner to mate and reproduce."

Azazel's lips curved upwards, amused, "Funny how you talk about 'mating' and 'reproducing' with a straight face."

"… You have a shady look in your eyes, Governor-General," Tiamat released a sigh, "but I'll let it go."

His wide eyes couldn't shift away from her. He could only stare as if a second head grew on her, "I get putting the Youth Gathering on hold until the coast is clear, but canceling it? Really?" It took him a few minutes to get a grip of his emotions, he swallowed hard and said, "… Whatever. There are more important things than the ceremony. Tell Satan Beelzebub that–!"

"You wish to speak with the Great King?" Tiamat took a wild guess and saw Danhauser stiffening, right on the mark, "Satan Beelzebub predicted this. Are you adamant about it?"

"Sooner or later, the Great King will also demand my presence in his territory. Let's just settle the score. I need a word with him as well."

He knew there was so much on what Ajuka could intervene and whatnot. When the Six Great Houses were adamant about something, it would stay that way, and the Four Great Satans could only nod their heads and go with the flow, whether they liked it or not.

However, there was only one figure in mind that could make things happen with his voice alone. Zekram Bael.

Danhauser's jaw clenched.

Even then, he needed their help, as much as he hated to admit it. They were the only ones who could make sure his plan bore fruits.

"You are nervous," noted the Strongest Dragon King, "you are nervous and the performance has yet to begin... keep it that way, you need that feeling," she said, "The least Satan Beelzebub can do is program a meeting to the Great King for you, and wait if he accepts to participate. From there, you're on your own."

"That's… what I'm looking for, a chance to talk with him," he nodded at her, "can you–!"

"This is Satan Beelzebub we are talking about," she interrupted him, "feared by many gods because of his great intellect and intuition that many referred it to as foreknowledge. As we speak, he's most likely setting up the stage."

A surprised eyebrow quirked from Azazel, "You're about to exchange glares with the Great King. You have a trump card under one of your sleeves?" he asked, curious, "This is not just some mere elite in fancy shoes Bael, this is the First-Generation Bael. The Devil who has the Four Great Satans tied up around his finger. It'd be a fool's errand to go unharmed against him."

"I got info, remember?"

Azazel frowned but quickly blinked in realization, "Oh, yeah. You got fresh intel, isn't it? What is it about?"

Danhauser stared deep into the patience, violet eyes of Azazel, gathering enough courage to give a response, "A man by the name of 'Rizevim' is working with the Old Satan Faction. Sun Wukong is rolling the latter."

For the first time, Danhauser had the chance to witness a wide-eyed Governor-General, "Are you… are you sure about this?"

"Cross my heart and hope to die."

...

...

...

"... If it's true Rizevim is here as well… then I guess we got everything wrong," the gears inside Azazel's head began to rotate, "I think Satanael and the two Evil Dragons are with Rizevim. The Old Satan Faction is nothing but the distraction."

"Shalba seems to distrust Rizevim from what I've heard."

"Huh… if you put it that way, then they're not working for similar goals," Azazel rubbed his goatee, "Rather, they are covering each other's flaws. Rizevim and his group have the brutal power… but what The Old Satan Faction has to earn Rizevim's temporal truce? Numbers maybe? And then there's the Monkey King and Loki…"

"This sounds important," Tiamat observed, brushing a few strands of blue hair out of her view, "Is it something that the Four Satans should be aware of?"

"You do that," Azazel replied, "… tell them to keep it for themselves as well… the fewer know about this the merrier. I'll keep Michael on touch."

"I told the High Priest of the Moon about Sun Wukong," Danhauser told them, "I hope you don't mind."

"Hey, as long as they keep it to themselves then I don't mind," Azazel shrugged, "Most likely the other two High Priests will be informed as well. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they'll keep it between them."

Tiamat said nothing, merely invoking a magic circle beside her ear, ready to deliver the message.

Danhauser gave her a thankful nod, "… you're going to stay here with us?"

"Satan Beelzebub told me to stay here, with you, for now," by her tone and posture, she wasn't going to take a no for an answer, "to make sure they didn't follow you. If you disagree with these terms, then try your hand and argue with him. But it's unlikely he will change his mind."

Danhauser brought a hand up, "It's cool. Bova will love having you around."

"… Two Evil Dragons, one Super Devil, and one Fallen Angel," Azazel couldn't help but exhale through his nose, "Sounds like the start of a lame bar joke. Anyways! I have to go. I'll head back to Grigori and see if any eggs hatched already, then I'll go straight to Yggdrasil."

Danhauser gave him a two-finger salute, "Good luck out there."

"Do me a favor, you or Slash Dog keep an eye out over Vali while I'm on the job," Azazel requested, surprising him, "that brat had done nothing but whine and yawn throughout the meeting. It worries me he will make a stop to his rival's birthplace just to satisfy his boredom."

"Vali didn't join Khaos Brigade then, that's great, actually," he surmised before calling out at the retreating Fallen Angel, "Azazel. Is peace still on the table?"

The leader of Grigori merely glanced behind his shoulder, "On the behalf of the meeting all our options for peace are still at this stage," at least they ended with bright news and similar goals, "but given previous misfortunes, that became complicated to accomplish. That won't slow us down, though. We know the purpose behind the attack was to make us hold a knife to each other's throats, embracing that temptation will give them the last laugh. We won't."

"Overall, the leaders want it, but people don't."

"Right between the eyes. We'll secretly spread the word to all Pantheons leaders about a meeting and hope we convince a few to join us," Azazel asserted, "Satanael has been dodging too many bullets for Grigori's tastes. It's about time he finally faces his contrecoup."

Danhauser clicked his tongue on realization, "Speaking of which. Satanael has been expanding his friend list under our noses. Want to hear it?"

"Sneaky bastard," Azazel grunted, firing the clock on the wall a sharp look, "Fine. I got a few minutes to spare, what that snake is up to this time?"

.


.

First of all, apologies for the horrendously-long delay by this update. I really struggled to keep a format and an entertaining dialogue that I'm happy with, and so progress ended up being stalled a lot by that, as you can see. If this is what writer's block feels like, then I fucking hate it. A lot.

Anyway, the first part of the next chapter will be a brief look at the Vatican. I wanted to write it here but... word count, yeah.

We're slowly approaching the Devil Gathering, where I want to write about the POV of different characters, mainly from Diehauser to Valerie then to Ravel. Just to give you some ideas about future content.

After that, the Rating Games begins where either Danhauser and his family will rise up, or fall deeper.

In any case, I'll be damn late updating, as usual, let me wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2020. Time sure flies.


Life.7: First Great King, Zekram Bael.