Here I am with another translated chapter!
As I said, I'll try to make a couple of quick updates in these days that I have a lot of free time.
Without anything else to add, I'd like to answer a review:
Rain: This is a query that I had already answered before, but I have no problem to do it again. The power levels are quite altered in this story, and that is easily seen when it comes to Tiamat being the third most powerful entity alive (obviously not counting Trihexa because he is still locked up). The main purpose of this was to frame the power of the dragons over the other races, and that they all had to unite to stop the destructions they made by their battles. The fact that Vali can destroy a Faction by himself is not only due to his Dragon Sacred Gear, but also that the Gods and adversaries in general do not have the same power as the original story. Even so, the Gods are still very strong and quite difficult to reach. Regarding the last question, this was already implied several times that all other Factions and Races were destroyed by the Trihexa when they faced against their madness. The conditions of how the Yokais and Asgardians were left after the battle is explained later on, but let's say that the losses were really massive, even Asgard lost several Realms in the process. but as I said, these are things that will be explained more in detail in the next chapters.
With nothing more to answer, it's time to begin.
Enjoy!
"How is the Valkyrie training coming along?" Odin asked, watching out of the corner of his eye as Rossweisse sat down in front of the desk. "I didn't have much time today to see them." He spat.
"Things are going well at the moment, Lord Odin." Valkyrie replied quickly. "The exercises, training, and friendly battles are bringing a great result as usual."
Odin watched her for a short second after her answer, then looked down at his papers again.
"The strength of the Valkyries has increased a bit in recent times." He stated with satisfaction. "It is something quite necessary, due to the fact that they are all that is left of Asgard's army, besides an old God and his two foolish sons." He concluded, unable to help but frown.
"But we are the most powerful Faction..." Rossweisse commented, not understanding the concern of her referring leader.
"That's the amazing thing, child." Odin replied, causing Rossweisse to pout a little at the nickname.
"Stop calling me that!" She exclaimed rather annoyed.
"You're still a child." Odin sneered. "Back to the main topic, the case that we are currently the most powerful Faction indicates how bad the Supernatural World was left after the battle against Trihexa." The God couldn't help but clench his pen tightly after the memory of the numerous lives lost and the enormous destruction. "If it hadn't been for the other two Dragon Gods, God, and the Demon King, no one would remember what happened. After all, there would be no one to remember..."
"I was informed that the Gathering was chosen near Trihexa's prison." Commented the Valkyrie, denoting concern. "Don't you think it's a bit risky?"
"No one is stupid enough to break the seals of a beast that would simply destroy everything and everyone." God affirmed. "That place was strategically chosen, being that there was the only time where we all came together with one goal. It's a remembrance, saying, 'If we did it before, why not now'?" Odin raised both eyebrows to emphasize his words. "Back to the main topic, it's quite good to see that you're managing to carry on your work even better than your grandmother." Complimented the god with a small smile. "You'd better get used to leading them, because that's your future, which in fact, is already quite close." He concluded, returning his gaze to his papers.
Odin disguised the fact that Rossweisse lowered her gaze rather sadly.
Not that she didn't feel a great honor in being that...
The Valkyrie's great sadness was due to another factor, and it was strictly tied to it...
"What about my brother?" Rossweisse deflected the subject, with the clear intentions of not thinking about it.
"Rosswell is carrying with a small group." God quickly replied. "They're not as strong as he is, but I think they could be of great help, even your brother could become my right hand man once you turn 25 physically."
There he was at it again...
She tried to dodge it, but it always kept coming back to her...
Odin put a hand to his chin as he thought further about Ross's brother.
"In fact, I think I might assign close surveillance to my son Loki, who's been making some rather strange movements lately..."
Hearing the subject, Rossweisse couldn't help but blink with great intrigue.
"Did something happen with Loki?"
"Omitting the fact that he's been seen with Ophis a few days ago, Loki is very relaxed." Odin overly earnest in his gaze. "And you know well that he never fails to complain about his brother Thor, or my reign."
"Do you think that's a bad sign?" Ross asked with a serious look.
"Unlike Thor, Loki has always been someone who is fascinated by knowledge. Hell, he's basically a big mass of it." The God commented, making the Valkyrie sweat at the sarcastic remark. "I'm just thinking he must have discovered something he didn't like one bit." He concluded, narrowing his eyes.
"The Reunion?" Valkyrie asked, raising an eyebrow.
"There are a lot of factions he doesn't like, but I doubt he would do anything at the time." Odin thought aloud at length. "It's probably something else, and knowing that he didn't learn his past lessons very well, I'm sure it won't mean anything good."
The talk couldn't go on any longer, due to someone knocking on the door.
"Come in!" Odin shouted, watching as Issei entered the room, bowing to the two people inside.
"I suppose you must be Lord Odin." Commented the Sekiryuutei with slight nervousness. "It is an honor to meet you."
"The Sekeryuutei..." Ross thought with slightly widened eyes.
"No need to be so formal, boy." The God stated with complete informality, something that certainly caught his guest's attention.
CHAPTER 32: DESTINED! (PART 1)
"You already know that Vali is the Yokai's escort?" Odin asked, looking at the now seated Issei.
"Yes, old man." The boy replied, causing a comical drop to roll down Ross' head at the nickname, while Odin seemed to start to regret telling him that there was no need to be so formal. "Azazel briefed me on everything before I came here." Issei couldn't help but look at the God's monocle with great intrigue, as it was completely opaque.
I mean, why was he wearing one of those, if it didn't even allow him to look through, and vice versa?
"I see..." Odin replied, resting a hand on his chin. "Do you know the reason?" Issei looked down, thinking the answer through.
"I wasn't told anything about it. But considering that this meeting was created specifically by the two of us, it makes me think that escorting two other Factions with me and Vali, is like saying, 'We share our power with you, so you can see that we really want Peace'." Issei stated, trying to explain himself as best he could.
"Amazing!" Ross exclaimed, genuinely impressed. "I had been told that you only entered the Supernatural World a few months ago, but you already seem to understand things quite well!" Said the woman with a small smile.
"Well, I suppose it's a matter of logic..." Issei commented, rubbing his hair at the praise. "Although, I should also say that I had an instructress who helped me with those specific issues."
Odin couldn't help but look between the two with a tiny smile.
"She is Rossweisse. She is currently a Valkyrie and my right hand." A rather mocking smile appeared on the God's face. " By the way, one of the most dishonorable Valkyries, due to the fact that she is the first to take so long to get a husband."
"That last was needless to say!" Ross rose from her seat, as small comical tears threatened to roll down her cheeks.
"Is she serious?" Issei wondered internally.
He was quite impressed, since, from his point of view, the Valkyrie wasn't all that bad.
Eventually, those comical tears and her bright face ended up changing to something completely depressive, something that alerted the young man. She sat up, and lowered her gaze as she trembled slightly, and said the following words.
"Besides, you know that's not my fault..."
Odin couldn't help but look at her with some empathy at her last words. But not enough to stop bothering her forever.
At least, not until she had a husband.
But for the time being, he would decide to give poor Valkyrie a break...
"I think it's about time." Odin stood up from his seat, causing Ross' completely depressed look to calm down a bit, while Issei couldn't help but look between the two of them with a raised eyebrow.
"Understood!" Sekiryuutei exclaimed, rising from his seat.
Those were pretty private things anyway, and it would be best not to disturb.
Meanwhile, in a completely isolated place...
Only the sky and the blood red color of the sand were the clues to know that the place was Hell. In the distance, one could see how a sort of Dimensional Breach seemed to be perfectly controlled, although it was surprising how gigantic it was. Only a few distortions could be seen around the huge thin line that led to another Dimension, while three large seals were in charge of keeping that door closed. The scarcity of tremors and large distortions further reinforced the fact that this dimensional prison was under complete control.
For now...
Around it, there was nothing but huge craters and mountains of sand, in addition to the sand itself. It seemed to have been a scene of war a thousand years ago, and the result of erosion and destruction had left the land completely infertile.
In all that completely desolate place, a huge construction could be seen, and there inside, is where the most important men of the Supernatural World were.
Vali leaned against a wall while he watched everyone present. He seemed to be not very interested in this whole meeting, but he had no choice. He was present on Azazel's orders.
Anyway, the albino found the sight interesting, due to the fact that Tiamat was at the other end of the room with exactly the same posture as him, apparently waiting for his destined rival.
It was somewhat curious, due to the fact that it was his understanding that she had not been invited.
But, the truth is...
Who would dare tell her to leave?
The Faction Leaders looked at each other as sweat ran down their faces. They all had a few smiles on their faces, but it was obvious that the situation was a bit tense. Especially since one of the leaders had not yet arrived.
Penemue positioned herself next to Tiamat, and they began to chat in a low voice, while observing those present.
There was Rías and most of her servants, Gabriel and Ajuka Beelzebub. Neither Gasper nor Koneko were in the meeting room, but neither was something that bothered him.
"Strange that you didn't bring any squires, Yasaka." Azazel broke the silence, turning his gaze to the Yokai woman.
"You know well that our species no longer has any particularly strong warriors, so it would be foolish to bring anyone here." Commented the blonde woman with a small smile. "But, it's also not necessary. After all, if things get out of hand, everyone knows what the outcome will be like..." She concluded, handing Tiamat a small glance. Obviously, everyone took the hint.
Simply put, if anyone tried anything, probably no one would make it out alive, except for her. And perhaps, also the Cadre, who seemed to get along quite well with the Dragon Queen.
Everyone was distracted from their thoughts when a small snow-white magic circle appeared in the small room, seeing Odin finally making an appearance, along with his two other companions.
"You're late." Sirzechs commented, resting his hand against his chin.
"Sorry, we got lost on the road of life." Commented the God without giving much thought to the Demon King's comment, taking a seat.
Issei couldn't help but fix his gaze on Vali for a short second, which, he returned it with a half smile. Though clearly, it didn't seem to be very friendly.
"What are some Lower and Upper Class Demons doing in this place?" Odin asked unable to help but raise an eyebrow, fixing his gaze on Rias, Asia, Xenovia, Kiba and Akeno.
"As you may know, Issei belongs to my sister's servitude." Sirzechs replied quickly. "They have the right to be here." He concluded, then handed a glance to Michael. "But let's not digress. After all, you haven't exactly told us the reason for this meeting. That is, omitting the fact of the clear intention in signing the Peace, you know..." Sirzechs looked at Odin and Yasaka, intending to make his words even clearer.
"You must know perfectly well why." Gabriel tried to speak, but Michael stopped her with his hand. She had forgotten that only leaders could speak, unless it was necessary to interrupt.
"Excuse my sister." The Seraph commented with a smile, causing Sirzechs to wave his hand, indicating that he didn't mind. "But, she has a point there. You all know that we called this meeting with two foreign Factions to add extra pressure to the treaty. After all, you have two incredibly large forces on your side. Therefore, if only we requested that meeting, you could have ignored it without a problem." The sky leader explained. "Because in the event that we give you some trouble, you could quickly take care of us. The only thing that assures me of the intervention of two foreign Factions, is the fact that both Demons and Fallen Angels don't do as they please with their might, because everyone is watching them. So, having so many important people here and now, the idea of refusing the treaty is not so easy to take." Michael's eyes got a somewhat dangerous gleam in them. "After all, refusing it, is the equivalent of declaring war on us."
At this, Sirzechs and Azazel couldn't help but laugh fiercely, something that took those on the sidelines by surprise, with the exception of Tiamat, who really wasn't giving the subject much thought.
"Have you already forgotten that we overthrew the followers of the previous Demon King, because we didn't seek war?" Demon asked graciously. "There was no need to go to such an extreme. We would have agreed one way or the other."
"I agree with the cison." Azazel stated, leaning back in his seat. "For the most part, wars are the product of people's greed and worldly desires, it can even be a desire as simple as the need to destroy everything. They may try to hide the motive through their faith, or anything else, but the truth will always be the same: Pursuit of wealth, power and authority... Well, almost always." Cadre commented at last, raising both his hands. "It is known that Angels do fight for their faith. But, it's just a rather large exception to the theme." He concluded, leaning back further in the chair.
"I know you both agree with eliminating every tension or conflict. They've demonstrated it before, and that's why I know they'll sign the treaty, along with our gracious guests." Michael stated with a huge smile.
Yasaka couldn't help but look at Michael with a smile.
"This man is much more than just a pretty face..." She thought, watching as he pushed the Demons and Fallen Angels to their limit.
"Fine by me." Azazel commented quickly, settling himself nicely in his seat. "All I'm interested in is my Sacred Gears research, and having a good time every now and then. I don't feel like wasting my time with another stupid war." He concluded, wiping his ear with his pinky finger at his last words.
He really wasn't interested in being here at all right now.
"It would be rather stupid to have the intentions of starting another war, knowing the results the last one brought." Sirzechs joined in shortly after, giving his point of view. "I don't want to lose any more of my people, and I know this is the most successful way to accomplish that task." He concluded, sketching a big smile.
"I agree." Odin quickly joined in, giving Yasaka a quick glance. "And I'm sure the lady feels the same way." The woman nodded, handing him a small smile.
Issei could only smile as did almost everyone present at the thought that it was all settled.
"Very well, we already have all the approvals from the leaders." Michael stated with his typical smile. "Now, all that remains is to hear the response from the Ddraig and Albion bearers." Hearing this, Issei and Vali couldn't help but look at him with a raised eyebrow. "After all, it is because of you two that this meeting came about." He concluded, causing the two of them to look at each other for a short period of time.
For some reason, Issei felt that Vali would not accept the condition. After all, it prevented him from having a confrontation against him.
And in a way, he also wanted to have a battle against the albino...
"Vali?" Azazel sent a glance at the albino, who closed his eyes with a smile.
"As long as that doesn't stop me from fighting strong people, I don't see a problem with it."
For some reason, Vali's words had caused Issei to clench his fists tightly.
Did Vali consider him to be worthless?
"Issei?" The aforementioned snapped out of his thoughts after hearing Michael's question, causing everyone to look at him expectantly.
Issei fixed his gaze on Vali with great seriousness, who only gave him a smile like the one from that time. It was not one of arrogance, or anything of the sort.
Rather, it seemed to be challenging him...
But, Issei was not a person who only thought about the fights and his pride...
When he glanced sideways at Tiamat and Penemue, it was the answer. After all, if he could avoid a battle that would hurt his comrades and best friends, he was always going to take that path.
Even, if it got to the point of being something dishonorable.
"I accept." Issei replied, then looked at Vali, who only deigned to close his eyes, not giving the answer much thought.
"Great!" Gabriel clapped her hands with joy. "That means we're already only one step away from forming the alliance for the...!"
Vali's eyes snapped open, and from one second to the next, the albino found himself covering the woman's mouth so she wouldn't continue speaking.
Everyone was impressed by his action, though much more so by his sheer speed.
Gabriel looked at him with a mixture of confusion and surprise, to which the albino responded with a quick tilt of his head to where Rias and his entourage were, as well as Beelzebub and Rossweisse.
At that moment, she understood that she almost committed a great stupidity.
Those who did not understand the albino's action were completely disengaged. Well, only Rossweisse did, due to the fact that everyone else pretended to know nothing about the Prophecy.
"I'm sorry..." Gabriel commented with a big blush full of embarrassment on her face.
"Don't worry about it." Replied the albino, resting again on the corner of the wall. "We all slip up from time to time." He relieved her.
Michael cleared his throat, causing everyone to look at him.
"Besides, we're still missing one person's approval." Now yes, everyone was intrigued by his comment, with the exception of Vali, who already knew more or less where he was going with it. "Considering that Tiamat is with Issei, she also belongs to the Demon Faction."
Hearing that, Tiamat glared at him, and everyone started sweating when they realized that Michael had said something he shouldn't have.
"Just because I'm with Issei, doesn't mean I'm part of the Demons." The Dragon Queen replied with an icy look on her face, which only intensified when she spat out that last word with great venom.
"Sorry for the misunderstanding..." Michael replied quickly with a rather shaky smile on his face.
"Yes, of course you're sorry..." Commented the dragoness in a whisper that everyone could hear. "I don't care what they do. As long as they don't bother me, Penemue, or Issei, I'll have no reason to tear their skin off inch by inch." Those last words made everyone tense up at the thought of that scene.
Being emotionally bonded with other people, and becoming best friends with her greatest enemy, everyone thought Tiamat had changed, even if just a little.
It was more than obvious that they were all flatly wrong. She still had that aura of death that could be felt from miles away, in addition to the enormous resentment and repulsive disgust towards the Three Biblical Factions, which only seemed to increase even more in the last millennium instead of decreasing.
"Well, then..." Odin spoke up, breaking the tension that had built up. "Since we're all in agreement, I guess we're done."
All the leaders nodded in agreement.
"In that case, I'd like to thank you for your time, and..." Michael was unable to continue speaking, as a resounding tremor that lasted a single second came over the entire room.
They all looked at each other with wide eyes, except for Issei and Vali who had the closest window, and stuck their faces out the window to see if anything had happened.
As soon as they did so, their eyes grew quite wide as they saw how a part of the lower area of the building was emanating a large amount of smoke, while huge golden magic circles were appearing everywhere.
Another tremor appeared, but much stronger and more forceful, which ended with the explosion of the roof where they were gathered.
A huge curtain of dust appeared in the place, where it could be seen that everyone was fine.
"Everyone's okay?!" Ross asked, her eyes widening as she saw that Rias and her servants had completely frozen. "This atmosphere..." She thought, seeing that the whole place was looking grayer.
"I can't teleport back to the city." Beelzebub declared with great surprise.
"That's why." Vali pointed to the sky, and when the dust cleared, everyone could see how they were completely surrounded by magic circles that prevented movement.
"Lord Odin!" Valkyrie exclaimed, quickly moving to his side to protect him.
"Yes, there is someone who is controlling the weather..." Commented the God with great seriousness. "Luckily, we are strong enough to be affected."
"Those magic circles..." Azazel thought aloud in great surprise.
"Yes, they are made with Infinity power..." Sirzechs commented, frowning. "I doubt it's Ophis, since they're still very weak, plus there's no reason for her to fight us."
"Bottom line, someone borrowed some of her power..." Michael completed the Demon King's sentence.
"Luckily, it's only an insignificant fragment of their power. I can break them if Odin helps me to do so." Yasaka explained, receiving a quick nod from the God.
"Aren't you planning to do anything?!" Sirzechs asked in complete disbelief, as he watched Tiamat remain leaning against the wall as if nothing had happened.
"Of course not." Her lips twisted into a rather macabre smile. "I told you I wasn't part of your disgusting species, you idiot." She replied. "Unless Issei or Penemue are in danger, I will not intervene in the slightest."
Hearing her explanation, Sirzechs felt like a fool to think he could manipulate her just like Issei.
"We can do it ourselves. We just need your support." Commented the God with great seriousness, starting to create a magic circle, along with Yasaka.
They all surrounded Yasaka and Odin creating different barriers to protect them from any enemy attack.
It didn't take long for those enemies to appear, where almost all of them were humans in disguise, except for some that seemed to be Demons.
The first one, yes it was to be expected, but the second one?
"Demons?" Azazel asked in complete surprise.
"They are the remnants left over from the previous dynasty." Sirzechs explained quickly, recognizing a few. "They are nothing. The problem, is if someone prominent from the Pillars arrives, or worse, the Demon King's predecessor..."
"If they are here, take it for granted that one will show up." Odin replied quickly, glancing at the large number of enemies out of the corner of his eye.
"Issei, Vali!" Penemue called from inside the barrier, causing them both to look up. "You guys take care of the enemies! We'll take care of this!" Right after saying that, numerous magical attacks from all directions began to hit the barrier.
Vali and Issei quickly nodded, where they both turned to their Balance Breaker instantly.
"They're probably attacking your other friends." Vali commented, as he took it upon himself to beat up a few of them along with his rival.
"I know." Issei replied, unable to help but crack a smile on the inside of his helmet. "But, I'm sure Gasper will be able to take them on." He concluded, breaking away from Vali as a large combined magical attack was heading their way.
Meanwhile, with Gasper and Koneko...
"It was much easier than we expected." Commented one of the many women in the room.
They were all hooded and wore some sort of metallic mask, probably to hide their identities.
"It was only because our leader devised a tool so that the time control would not affect us." Added another of the many women as she emphasized some sort of necklace, and smirked at the boy and girl hanging on the wall. "That's what you get for believing that species like you are superior to humans."
Meanwhile, Gasper remained with his gaze downcast, sweating slightly. Next to him, Koneko was completely rigid, probably from the fact that she had also been affected by the time control.
Gasper gave a small silent sigh, causing one of the nearest women to look at him with slight curiosity.
That same woman lowered her gaze, noting a magic circle of red covering the entire room.
"Come to think of it, Cao Cao had never mentioned to us that he used his powers through a magic circle..." She thought, beginning to doubt.
Unfortunately for her, the doubt came quite late, due to the fact that the magic circle shone with great force, causing the women to crash to the floor, at the same time that their bones creaked as if they were glass due to the enormous pressure on their bodies. Obviously, the screams were not long in coming, but as quickly as they came, just as quickly they disappeared, due to the fact that they were all unconscious after the immense pain.
Gasper quickly cut off the continuity of their power, causing everything around them to return to normal.
"Koneko, wake up!" the vampire shouted, whereupon the little girl blinked with difficulty.
She couldn't seem to wake up because of all her damage. Plus her arms seemed to have been broken because of Gasper's earlier attack.
"Damn, I can't use any more power, or I might hurt her more than I should..." He thought, opting for a very worried look.
The vampire merely looked outwards thanks to the shattered wall, watching as Rias and the others began to move inside the huge barrier, at the same time that Azazel had started fighting with a strange brunette woman. Though, the strangest thing was seeing how the Fallen possessed a golden armor.
"I must say I'm impressed..." Tiamat said to herself, sitting on one of the many debris in the room. "I never thought Azazel would keep a fragment of Fafnir's soul to turn into a Sacred Gear." Tiamat's pretty eyebrows furrowed. "Although, I don't know whether to just be impressed, or also feel angry." She concluded, at the same time extending her fist to the side as someone tried to attack her from behind, causing her head to explode into a thousand pieces.
"The Great War ended a thousand years ago!" Issei exclaimed, fighting alongside Vali. "Does that mean Azazel kept that shard all this time!" He finished, bumping backs with Vali.
"You should know by now, he's crazy!" The albino exclaimed, then continuing the attack alongside Issei. "But that doesn't make him much stronger!" he added. "Besides being an artificial Sacred Gear, a small fragment of the weaker Dragon King doesn't make much of a difference!" After eliminating many enemies, he turned to give his opponent a quick glance. "But that doesn't mean he's not stronger than Sirzechs now! And obviously, that means he'll humiliate Katerea!" He concluded, disappearing in a blur that left Issei shocked.
Had he been using only a portion of his maximum speed for the entire fight?
Seeing that they were being decimated with great ease, and that Katerea was having quite a bit of trouble with Azazel, all the enemies began to scatter in fear, making the battle much easier.
When Issei finished cleaning up his entire area, he couldn't help but smile when he saw that Gasper was okay, plus that Rias and the others had jumped into the fight to support. And finally, his gaze parked on Azazel, and how the madman had cut off his own arm to kill his opponent.
"Looks like there's still a lot of details to improve on, eh?" the Cadre wondered with a smile, as he took the purple sphere that symbolized the Sacred Gear, then gave it a kiss.
"You'll have to tolerate me a while longer, Fafnir."
"Did he sacrifice his arm?" Issei wondered with a nervous bead of sweat. "What on earth is wrong with him?"
Their internal chatter didn't last much longer, as Azazel was blasted to the ground by a strong silver light, causing everyone to look up in great surprise.
"What the...?!" Issei wondered with wide eyes.
Azazel sat down in the small crater his own body had generated, then rested his hand on his cheek.
"You seem to be confusing your aim, aren't you, Vali?" he asked, looking up.
"I'm sorry, Azazel." The albino commented. "I find this side much more fun."
"As you wish." The Cadre replied as if nothing had happened, standing up as he dusted himself off. "I just want you to answer two questions for me, Vali." He concluded, his typical smile not wiped off his face.
"Hm?" The albino folded his arms, denoting his interest.
Azazel spread his wings, until he reached Vali's height.
"First question, Penemue has been investigating different rumors of a group that was gathering all people who may be a danger to all Factions." Azazel sketched a big smile. "I think it was called the Khaos Brigade, or something like that." Azazel tilted his one arm up high, to emphasize the magic circles that wouldn't allow him to escape. "And it just so happens, that the supposed leader of that organization is the same woman who is capable of creating these magic circles, Ouroboros Ophis."
"Are you implying that I am part of that group?" Vali asked, still folding his arms.
At this moment, Azazel's gaze became exceedingly serious.
"Here's the second question. When I was fighting Katerea, she told me that you were a traitor for collaborating with the usurpers, due to the fact that you are the rightful heir to the Demon King's title."
Hearing this, everyone was completely shocked, unable to believe what they had heard.
At Azazel's words, Vali began to laugh slowly, then let out a huge laugh.
"For starters, I'm part of the Khaos Brigade. But, it has nothing to do with the Factions. Everyone does what they think best, due to the fact that Ophis has no interest in our movements, as long as at some point we help her get her home back." Vali raised a second finger. "As you may know, interests are varied, so there are different groups within the organization. For the most part, the groups are made up of people who are hungry for power and supremacy." Vali raised a third finger.
"And finally..."
If they were impressed by what they heard, they were even more so now, due to the fact that a few dozen bat wings appeared on Vali's back, at the same time as an immense power surrounded him completely, forcing Azazel to back away where everyone else was.
"I am Vali Lucifer, the son of the former Demon King!" He exclaimed. Unfortunately, no one could be impressed anymore than they were at this point.
Ah except for Tiamat, who seemed to be quite curious at this.
"Wait a minute, if it isn't the Demon King's son..." The dragoness thought aloud.
"Did you notice?" Penemue asked, approaching her. "Being that Vali is only 18, and the physical appearance of supernatural beings slows down after 21, it means that the Demon King didn't die during the fight against Trihexa."
"There are only three seals." The dragoness commented, remembering that Dimensional Prison.
"No matter what happened before, the important thing now is to know..." Penemue couldn't finish speaking, as Sirzechs undid the barrier and took several steps forward.
"Where is the Demon King?!" Sirzechs demanded to know, causing Vali to remove his helmet to show him his smile.
"I killed him." He stated, as if it was the most normal thing in the world, causing everyone to look at him with great consternation.
"Why did you do it?" Beelzebub asked, making Vali's smile disappear immediately.
"That's none of your business." The albino glared at him.
Beelzebub could do nothing but take a step backwards awkwardly behind the grim look.
"I'll just say that I don't completely care about the reign, so there's no need for you to bother me about it." He concluded.
Finally, Vali descended a few meters away from Issei, who, to his surprise, he didn't seem to be as impressed as the others.
"Did you seriously think I could join a treaty, being that it would prevent me from fighting you? What impresses me, is that you didn't want to avoid that?" He asked in a rather mocking manner.
"Are you afraid of me?"
Issei dematerialized his helmet and glared at him.
"No." Was Issei's immediate response, something that surprised the albino, as he raised an eyebrow in concecuence.
"Don't you have it?" he asked again, raising both his hands as well as his dragon and demon wings. "I am the heir of the rightful Demon King, a half-blood because of my human mother. It is because of this that I was able to become the bearer of Albion." A large amount of slightly bluish silver energy shot out in various directions, causing everyone's hair to shake violently from the bursts of power. "Not to sound conceited, but I am the meaning of the word 'miracle'. Being a half-breed, I gained awesome power by fate." Finally, the demon wings disappeared, causing him to cross his arms. "Now do you understand? I am the most powerful Hakuryuukou of the past, the present, and probably, the future." Vali pointed out. "In contrast, you are known as the weakest Sekeryuutei ever. There is simply no point of comparison between us."
A somewhat awkward silence arose between the two. Everyone else also seemed expectant of Issei's response.
Against all odds, Vali could see a smile appear on his rival's face.
"That only makes it more interesting to me." He replied, causing the albino to widen his eyes greatly. "And I'll just tell you one thing..." He continued, materializing his helmet and opting for a battle pose. "You better not underestimate me!" He exclaimed, causing Tiamat and Penemue to have a rather unique shiver run through their entire bodies.
Finally, Vali was able to react.
Usually, he would laugh out loud every time someone surprised him immensely. But, without a doubt, his level of surprise had never reached this high.
Therefore, he just materialized his helmet and said a few last words.
"Let's see how much your words are worth..."
END OF CHAPTER!
I'll see you soon with the continuation, as I want to keep doing a couple of chapters a day before I get back to focusing on updating the main story. Mainly because I want to catch up with the translated chapters, and I have to say that it's still a long way off.
I hope you liked it, and thank you very much for reading!