REVIEWS
frankieu: Burn baby, burn!
uchiha-rune: No problem.
: True, but that is IF he chooses to return and claim the title.
temp paleoboy: Thank you! I will be sure to try and reveal more about the Snake as the story goes on.
nexusplayer: A lot of questions, pal, but I will try to answer them as I can. First of all, I didn't exactly forget about the Smut sections, oh no, I just do not wish to make this story be all-Smut, ya know? I am a bigger sucker for plot. Still, when I do write a Smut, you can bet I will make it good. Now, onto another critical subject, I didn't forget about the DLC's, and you will get to see them in action soon.
As always, here is the discord link, guys: /YFnEkQ8Mer
A new day was here, and everything was doing their own thing. Issei was especially training hard and grinding his quest. Just now, he had finished another session. He only had two repeatable objectives in it now, but they still gave him a very good experience. The second one especially gave him 100K EXP every time he leveled up one of his proficiencies.
A good deal. He got two such level-ups in today's session in his swordsmanship. Best yet? He had been claiming it instantly, not waiting for the entire session to end. With his current bonuses, 100K turned into 504450. TWICE.
Then, his training ended, and he received the main reward of 800K, which, after the bonuses were applied, turned into 4035600.
Congratulations! You are now level 45!
Which came with a level. That was good. He needed that, as it put him a mere five levels away from reaching level 50. But there was more to this.
ATTENTION! STAT CAP HAS BEEN REACHED!
"Looks like we must conduct the ritual again, Solomon," Issei told the wise king.
"Indeed, my student. You have been working hard to ensure your stats rise to the needed amount again. But there is still a long way to go until we reach level 50. According to my calculations, with our current EXP curb, we will require at least two weeks to reach level 50, provided we train daily. Of course, that is if something doesn't occur that grants us more EXP, and my calculations take into account only the main amount we get. Not the bonus we earn by leveling up proficiencies."
"Hmm. I wonder how much 10% dragon is going to change you, partner. That is still a percentage that can be easily overlooked, but not one that is usually without benefit." Ddraig added.
"Do you have enough dragon blood, Issei?" Solomon asked, and then Issei turned to Leonna.
"Here it is, Master." The servant brought him the vial. "The young ones have been training hard as well, and the fruits of their labor are showing. To show their gratitude, they somehow seem to understand that you require their blood on a more stable basis, and they agreed to donate a bit more."
"Thank you, Leonna. Tell Blackberry to prepare a small feast for those four as thanks." Issei told her, then made his way inside the Dragon's Fortress to his room. There, he began to draw the circle, and he slowly activated the ritual yet again.
The same process repeated itself, just as last time, as his race was altered. But this time around, he had taken note of some…Changes.
Racial Alterations Recognized! The user is now 10% dragon! Warning! Due to the user's racial change, a draconic trait has been added to their being!
The skill [Night Vision] is being re-used! Processing…Processing…Skill acquired!
[Draconic Sight] (Level MAX): You possess the eyes of a dragon, allowing you to better see over far distances and more! This skill has all [Night Vision] had to offer, in addition to the ability to see the flow of mana around you and within other beings! This skill upgrades passively as you become more dragon.
Your new Stat Limit is at 200.
Perk acquired! [Peak Human Body] has evolved into [Enhanced Condition 1]
[Enhanced Condition 1]: You have broken through the average limits of a human, but you are not quite there with the average supernatural being. From now on, instead of 1, you will regenerate 5 HP and Stamina every 30 seconds. Additionally, you take 5% less physical damage!
"Woah…I wonder how this new skill works?"
"Partner…Look in a mirror," Ddraig told Issei, and the boy did just that, looking in the mirror inside his room. And promptly widens his eyes. His NEW eyes. Gone were his brown eyes, replaced by two emerald orbs that seemed to shine in the dark, with slit pupils.
"WHAT THE FUCK?! Dude, I didn't know that- Well, I guess it should have been obvious, but the System is ACTUALLY turning me into a dragon?!"
"I guess this was unavoidable, my student. Very much so, unavoidable." Solomon stated. "This is a bit of an issue, given how you still need to mingle with the general population. Such eyes are bound to catch the attention of the normal Joe on the street, which in turn can lead to other issues! Ddraig?"
"Can't help. I never mastered any form of magic that allowed me to take human form. I just had no interest in it."
"LEONNA!" Issei shouted for his servant, who opened the door at once, sensing her master's distress.
"Master!"
"Leonna, I need aid! Look at my eyes! I have no form of illusionary magic to hide them nor shapeshifting spells to change them! I need aid right away! Is there anyone within the dungeon capable of providing me with answers?"
"Master, there is. Morul is not the only Lich skilled in magic within this dungeon. There is another, serving as a boss to slay anyone who dares trespass onto your land. I wished to present you with the finished dungeon, but if you need the aid of the Lich Sorcerer, then please, My Lord, do not hesitate to demand it." Leonna replied, bringing relief to Issei that he might have another servant able to aid him. But something else caught his attention.
"Leonna, you said you wished to present me the dungeon when it was complete. How complete is it?"
"Based on the source you have given us to create the floors after, I can confirm that only one section is unfinished. We were close, Master. Forgive us for failing to finish."
"No, Leonna. It is alright. If anything, I should apologize for ruining the surprise. If I remember correctly, the Lich Sorcerer is located on the second floor, and his guardian is the Naga, correct?"
"Correct, Master. The Naga holds the only key to open the Lich's tower."
"Then to the Naga, I must go first." Issei declared, and then Leonna stepped away from the door.
"Follow me, Master. I shall show you to the teleporter." Leonna led Issei to another room within the Fortress. Even after so long, he has yet to fully explore this place, leaving much of it in the dark. Yet, upon going down a flight of stairs, Leonna pushed open a door that saw him enter a large, circular room with several mirrors standing tall against the walls. "Each mirror leads to a different floor. From left to right, they lead to the first and last floor."
"Thank you, Leonna," Issei told her as he walked to the very first mirror. The Naga…He couldn't wait to see how it was changed. It was the first boss he had made for the dungeon, so he was excited to see it again. And so, he stepped through the mirror.
Coming out of the mirror, Issei found himself on the very first floor of his dungeon, specifically within the forest. Indeed, he had based this place on the Twilight Forest. The sky was eternally in a state between night and day, with stars shyly shining in the sky. The trees were tall, old-looking, and standing proud. Some younger, some older.
Yet, they all seemed to go silent when he appeared. Even the trees knew who their master was. Issei walked down the path for a bit, trying to reach Naga's Garden, where this floor's boss resides. However, on his way there, he was greeted by the mobs on this floor.
"Hail our master…" A whispering voice caught his attention, and Issei turned his head to see countless skeletons, wielding crude swords and bows, bowing to him, along with multiple large wolves. Indeed, those were the enemies of the first floor, which he commanded.
Issei nodded as he walked past them, eventually arriving at the Naga's Garden; before him stood a large stone gate—the only entrance into the garden, which is surrounded by solid stone walls with carvings of the Naga on them. Issei simply pushed the gate open and entered, marveling at the lush greenery and large stone columns. Truly, the System has done a good job.
But the hissing caught his attention at once. He looked before him, and uncoiling and raising its head, the Naga showed itself. Its emerald-like scales glowed in the dim light of the eternal twilight, and its yellow eyes fixed right on Issei, its pupils slit and focused. Its mouth was open lightly, allowing its fang to drip one drop of venom onto the ground, melting the pebble that was unfortunate enough to be there.
The Naga expanded its hood, and then…Lowered its head to him. It was bowing down, and Issei nodded his head before he went closer and rubbed its head. "It's Good to see you are in good health. However, I am here for something else. I need the key to the Lich Sorcerer's tower. Do you think you can give it to me?"
The Naga obeyed at once and opened its mouth more, revealing where the key was. It was tied by a chain, which in turn was tied to a piercing on the roof of the Naga's mouth. Issei unhooked the key easily, and the Naga closed its mouth. "I will return this to you shortly. Now, show me the way to the second floor."
The Naga uncoiled further and revealed a platform in the heart of its garden. Issei got the message. "Thank you." And stepped upon the platform. Light overtook him as the world around him shifted.
When Issei opened his eyes again, he was before a great tower of impossible architecture. The main tower stood tall in the heart of it, with multiple smaller towers extending from it, the brick twisting at impossible angles. And in front of him stood a large wooden door. Behind him, however, stood naught but a deep forest with seemingly no end.
So, using the key, he opened the tower and in he went. However, instead of just having to climb up, Issei found himself instantly teleported to the top, where a glass ceiling and floor housed the boss of his floor. Currently bowing to him, the Lich Sorcerer wore a regal crown with a long, tattered purple robe. The being before him was all bones, with one red glowing eye and one green glowing eye. In his hand, he held a scepter made of gold with a black pearl atop it.
"My Master, your presence here is most humbling." The Lich spoke. "Please, what demands does thou have of this lowly servant?"
"Tell me, do you know something about magic that can hide your race? Transformation? Or even illusion?" Issei asked, and the Lich Sorcerer nodded his head.
"Yes, Master, I know the magic you seek! Transformation magic, which can allow one to take the form of another race, is mostly used by beings who wish to blend in. It is easy to learn and use. It is what dragons use, Master."
"And how do you know such magic, undead? Even Morul, whom I can tell is leagues above you in power, admitted to knowing only what Issei knows."
"Red Dragon, your doubt is unfounded. Morul is the wielder of more raw power than I, it was true. But I wield a greater arsenal, and where he has might, I have skill. He is the guardian of the Hidden Library, Master. He is not meant to fight unless he has to, to protect the knowledge, or at your direct orders." The Lich explained. "Now, Master, would you like for me to teach you the basics of the magic you seek?"
"Yes," Issei replied simply, and the Lich wasted no time in doing his work.
"I told you, Ajuka, I, along with Lords Balam and Asmoday, had no idea of the conspiracy the others were a part of." The one who spoke was nothing short of a beast of man, sporting rich hair that resembled a lion's mane, along with a beard and mustache combo on his face. His hair was of a light-brown hue, and his size was nothing short of matching, as he stood no less than twice Ajuka's physical size. "The House of Purson was wholly unaware of this entire deal with the King Pieces."
Standing in a standard interrogation room with a table and two chairs, plenty illuminated by a light on the ceiling, Ajuka was facing one of the heads of the Great King Faction. Zanga Purson.
"That may be true, Zanga, but it doesn't excuse your House or that of the others. Although unaware, you were still allies of the Bael, Beleth, and Paimon Houses, which brings with it a lot of negative attention given what our raids had found." Ajuka replied. It has been some time since they have gone on a crusade to arrest the members of the Great King Faction, which proved successful. However, there were still those who escaped them, like Lords Beleth and Paimon. The only one caught among the heads of the three houses who seemed to have a direct hand was Sailamon Bael, and he was not available to question at this time.
Zanga growled. "Illegal searches, Ajuka."
"We have solid evidence of conspiracy, rigging the Rating Games, and even several accounts of covered-up murders! Even if we didn't go through the proper legal channels, only a fool would deny such strong evidence, which not only we but the entire Underworld were made aware of!" Ajuka pointed out. "Selene Bael, nee Leraje, has at least taken a deal to ease her sentence. She has admitted to being aware of the conspiracy and was even willing to give names of individuals who used King Pieces in Rating Games. You didn't use such a piece, Zanga. But the same cannot be said about your son."
Zanga's face grew more and more into a frown. "I didn't know."
"Again, I am aware. During interrogation, your son revealed to us that much. Since they had been caught, most individuals knew it was the end of the road and chose to talk in exchange for less harsh punishment. They are the smart ones. Now, Zanga, we can be here all day, beating around the bush, or you can tell me something I can use."
"And what do you expect me to say, Ajuka?!" Zanga snapped. "That I know where the cowards that fled are? That I know more about this conspiracy? I told you I was not part of this. I was only made aware of this after I was brought in, taken from my own home as I was fucking my wife!"
"An imagine my pawns are sure to remember, Zanga, I assure you," Ajuka said dryly. Zanga was from the house of Purson, one of the King-ranked houses among the 72 pillars. Not only were they blessed with great physical strength and size, but they also had shapeshifting abilities that allowed them to turn into any known animal and even chimera-like beings. Granted, Zanga's wife had a taste for more exotic…phallus'.
The sight of a tiger going down on a woman was going to take time to be removed. "Tell me, Ajuka, what do you even have to continue to detain me?"
"Aside from discovering a few fraudulent documents in your private study?" Zanga flinched. "We found the secret compartment, Zanga. You cannot hide things from me that easily. Forgery is still a serious crime, and those documents concerned several territories on the border, where you seem to be embezzling funds to line your own pockets."
"You fucking piece of steaming-" Zanga stopped himself in time. "Fine. I admit that it is my doing. The forgery and embezzlement, that is. But I re-affirm that I had no standing in the conspiracy conducted by the other three houses of the Great King Faction!"
"Former Great King Faction, Zanga." Ajuka corrected.
"What?!"
"This scandal is too much, Zanga. There is already more than one singular voice demanding that the Great King Faction be removed and an almost equal number demanding executions of all of its leaders. But as you said, only half of its leadership was involved in the entire conspiracy around the King Pieces. We can prevent any death sentences, but as a direct result of the pressure being made by the general population, not to mention other Houses whose children your former colleagues saw murdered to hide their dirty dealings, the Great King Faction is being abolished under the order of all four Satans."
"You cannot do that, Ajuka!" Zanga raged, standing up from his seat. "Even with this scandal, our houses still hold power! You cannot decide to abolish our Faction just like that!"
"The decision is not yours to make, Zanga. I apologize if this news upsets you, but you need to understand that the deeds committed by others have consequences that affect you. Additionally, you will be asked to pay a hefty fine for the crimes of forgery and embezzlement. Feel lucky I am being this lenient with those crimes."
Zanga tightened his fists. "Ajuka…You know full well that the others are not going to take this as it is."
"I know. I also know that you are the most understanding of everyone, Zanga. The fact that you are clearly showing anger and stress over this tells me a lot about how much you believed in the Great King's Faction's goal."
Zanga rubbed his face. "So now what? My Faction was responsible for curbing those youths and their ideas, preventing them from mocking our history!"
"Zanga, what the Great King Faction stood for was nothing less than a fading pillar. Times change. The younger generation of devils is stepping up, each trying to come up with ideas and goals to improve Hell." Ajuka reasoned. "Surely, you understand. After all, isn't your daughter-in-law pregnant, and she is a reincarnated human?"
Zanga's expression softened further. "I stood to believe that what we were doing was preventing change from taking root too suddenly. We were preserving the old ways that our ancestors used to follow. Our history, Ajuka, is important."
"But the Great King did stand for the removal of all rights Reincarnated Devils have within Hell. Not only that, but our raids revealed documents, prototype drafts of a law that'd see hybrids being taken away at birth." Zanga's eyes widened.
"Truly?!"
"As I said, Zanga, I know you are one of the former faction's more understanding leaders. You know I am not doing this to lie to you."
"That is…That is not something I would have agreed with! It's too much! Our numbers are but a shadow of their former mass, and you are plenty aware that fertility levels among devils are the lowest of all beings! Hybrids, despite the impurity of their blood, helped recover such numbers! My…My grandchild could have been taken away from his parents before even getting to meet them. My word…"
"Who was the one proposing such draconian law?" Zanga demanded.
"Lord Paimon."
"Su…That bastard, once I get my hands on him, I will-"
"Zanga!" Ajuka called out to him to get his attention. "Calm yourself. Please."
"Right…Right. If you really are saying the truth, Ajuka, then dissolving the Great Kings might have been wise in the end. I still do not fully agree with it, but I admit it is a good decision. Knowing what I know now, that is. I will pay for the crimes I committed, no questions asked, and accept any additional punishment. I will also make sure that my son understands the gravity of his actions. He might be my only son, heir to our House, but he must learn honor."
"His standing in the Rating Games has been erased. However, I am willing to extend an olive branch. Certain individuals will be allowed to return to the Rating Games after a suspension period and graduating from a few tests to ensure no other methods of cheating are being used." Ajuka added.
"I will decide when he can return to competing. If after the period you speak expires, if I say he cannot compete, then by Lucifer's Grave, he CANNOT compete." Ajuka nodded at that. "Now, in regard to something else…" He sighed. "I wasn't fully honest with you, Ajuka. The Great Kings did foresee a possible time when you and the other Satans might attempt something along those lines; granted, they didn't predict the mass exposure, and…This, in general, was never a scenario. But in case we had to run and hide, we have set up several hideouts outside the borders of Hell."
"Outside the border? Where exactly?"
"Most of them are on the border areas with the Norse Underworld: Helheim."
Ajuka flinched hearing that. "The Norse…Cunning of them to take refuge outside our borders. You are free to go, Zanga. I will send someone to you with a pen and paper so you can write down anything you can about the locations of the other hideouts."
"Ajuka…Tell me…I heard a rumor…" Zanga asked before leaving. "Did a demon really attack Sailamon?"
Ajuka remained silent for a bit before replying. "No one must know for sure, Zanga."
"Very well, then." And so, the devil left, leaving Ajuka alone in the room. The Super Devil leaned back on his chair, rubbing his tired eyes.
"You should take a rest." The female voice that followed spooked him a bit, but Ajuka knew who it was. She was no enemy of his but a friend—a close ally, if one would. "This entire deal has taken a toll on you, and there is still that project of yours and Sirzechs you need to take care of."
"Talks with Heaven and the Grigori have been productive, Tiamat," Ajuka replied, finally giving the voice a name. Tiamat, the Dragon Queen. The woman stepped out of the shadows, revealing herself in the light. Tiamat was a beautiful woman with sun-kissed skin, straight and long beautiful pale blue hair, dark blue eyes, and, currently, she wore a black dress with straps over her shoulders, with a bold, low V-cut down her cleavage, giving a generous peek at her side-breast. The dress she wore seemed to glimmer in the light, like stars in the night sky.
Lastly, she didn't wear anything on her feet, but she didn't have to. Nothing as ordinary as a pebble could pierce her skin. The Dragon Queen walked around, standing before Ajuka and leaning forth, her double D breasts jiggling in front of the Super Devil. "Productive they may have been, but you are not right now. Go rest."
"Tiamat…"
"You know I am right, Ajuka." Tiamat added strongly. "I might have refused to become your Queen long ago, but that is not to say I am not a friend. So, as a friend, I ask you to rest."
Ajuka sighed. "This…It is still a mess, Tiamat. I cannot rest until we've sorted everything out. Heaven and the Grigori won't sign the treaty if they think there are risks they might be exposing themselves to. The Great King Faction was opposed to this treaty, but their voices were drowned by those who supported us in doing this. The recent incident with the Cadre Kokabiel had Michael reach out to us, asking if it was possible to accelerate the signing of the treaty."
"I take it Heaven is not too keen on the happenings either?" Tiamat asked.
"Heaven is contempt that it is over; it's the Church. After the incident, the higher-ups had informed Michael of some…Most troubling news regarding a leak of serious information. They claim to have dealt with it, removing the agent that did learn of it, but in the process, they have confirmed to have left them alone due to the presence of the Red-" Ajuka stopped himself, but he did so one second too late. Tiamat's eyes were fixed on him like a lion staring down a wounded prey.
"You KNOW where he is," Tiamat claimed. "The Familiar Master refused to reveal the exact location. I only know that Ddraig is in Japan. Tell me everything, Ajuka."
"Tiamat…Please, we need his aid." Ajuka begged. "We cannot risk you seriously wounding him or, worse, killing him!"
"He owes me a debt, Ajuka!" Tiamat stated strongly, causing the room to shake. "Ddraig has been running for long enough. His current host will pay the price I ask or suffer the compensation."
"Tiamat…" The woman placed her hand in front of Ajuka, slamming it down on the table before him, then slowly raised it, bringing it to Ajuka's china and lifting his face to look her in the eyes. Almost instantly, he felt how dread gripped his heart, and he swatted her hand away. "Please, don't- Don't do that. I just…The Red Dragon of this generation is an anomaly, Tiamat, through and through. I must…I need more time to-"
"No!" Tiamat cut him off. "Ajuka, this is not about your research and satisfying your curiosity. Tell me where he is."
"I…Very well. But I will do so only after the Peace Conference. You have my word." Suddenly, a burning sensation erupted on Ajuka's backhand, making the Super Devil look down to see a symbol being burned into his flesh.
"The promise is made, Ajuka. Best keep to it, or the resulting karma can be unforgiving."
"Acknowledged. What of your hunts?" He asked, changing the subject.
"I have caught everyone I could, but some managed to elude me still. I have also been looking for your whistleblower, but I found nothing. I found the one who helped them post the evidence on Hell-wide television, but they were not very helpful. They erased his memories, somehow." Tiamat explained. "That guy is a dud. He's a dead end. And I've nothing else to show but more dead ends."
"They covered their tracks well…I've also found nothing about Ignium and this Snake of Adam. Apart from what we already knew, we have nothing new. We know they are more than just a little advanced in terms of military technology, and I daresay their technological advantage could be overwhelmingly crushing."
"Not confident you could recreate their toys?" Tiamat asked.
"I am not confident I will be able to do so in time to fight them back," Ajuka clarified. "Regardless, we must prepare for the upcoming Peace Conference. Please, Tiamat, be patient, and I will tell you where the Red Dragon lives after the Peace Conference. Agreed?"
"Very well, Ajuka. I will wait a bit more. I've waited many years already. What are a few more days?"
Within the old walls of Rome, standing in a large room, a large gathering was taking place. The Cardinals were seated in their seats, all of them there for one reason. There had been major developments lately, and they had to meet. The Pope himself was even there, standing on his chair with a grave expression on his face. More individuals stood in the shadows of the hallways leading out of the room, waiting to be called out possibly.
One of the Cardinals stood up. "Brothers! We are to discuss a matter of urgency! The secret of the Lord's passing, which we were all told upon joining the order of cardinals, has leaked to outside forces! The Red Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou, is aware of it, and most likely, the devils are too! Our enemies know that the leader of our faith is no more!"
Chatter erupted in the room, followed by another voice speaking up. "What is being proposed? Do we take action and silence those heretics?"
"Are you out of your mind?! This is the Red Dragon of Domination we are speaking of! A being we cannot threaten or fight against without the risk of utter annihilation!"
"He is but one man! And he is not the only one wielding a Longinus! I propose to send Dulio to deal with the Red Dragon Emperor post-haste!"
"But he is allied with the devils! If we take offensive action, we risk sparking another Great War!"
"Then war we shall have!"
The room was split. Many of them wished to deal with the information that Kokabiel revealed by effectively silencing the ones knowing about it: Issei and his group, not to mention Rias and her peerage. However, many also realized that such actions would directly cause the spark of war to re-ignite, something that a good part of the Cardinals didn't wish to see during their lifetime.
"Silence!" The Pope himself raised his voice, bringing the chatter and shouting to an end. "The situation is as delicate as a strand of silk! We cannot risk war- No! We will not seek to start any war without the direct blessing of Michael! And such a blessing will never be given! I am privy to the knowledge that Lord Michael has been in talks with the devil and fallen angels. Peace is on the horizon, brothers!"
"PEACE?!" One of the cardinals raged. "Peace?! With the unholy? What is this madness?"
"Your holiness, are you certain Lord Michael made such a call in a moment of stability?"
"Do not stain those walls with the sound of heresy!" The pope strongly shouted. "The judgment of Lord Michael is without flaw! If, in his wisdom, far above ours, he had decided that peace between the Three Factions is the way to the future, then so it will be! Remember! We are not the masters of Heaven! We are but its humble servants! We must guide the flocks of believers on the right path- A path of love, acceptance, and kindness."
"That path was never meant for the enemy!" Another cardinal stated. "How can we love the unclean? Accept them? Show them kindness?! They are the very beings we shun and fight against with our faith! If we fall to peace, then what purpose does our faith even have?!"
Many nodded in agreement. "There is also the issue of the excommunicated." A cardinal stated. "Xenovia Quarta and, most importantly, Asia Argento, whom we've confirmed is under the care of the Red Dragon."
"Ah, yes. Under the new order this treaty would enforce, Asia Argento's crime would-"
"Become null and voided. As such, her excommunication would be revoked and her status as a Saint restored." The Pope explained, drawing yet another round of chatter. "Why are you against peace? Why are so many of you against this and seek further conflict?"
"Our exorcists would have no more work to earn their bread." A cardinal stated. "How are we to continue recruiting when the need is bound to plummet?"
"We will adapt!" The Pope stated. "We must!"
"What a waste of time…" A tired voice said as he walked away from the meeting. The man whose voice was not even heard over the shouting cardinals was one of the aces of the Church, a cardinal himself, but one who decided to sit this talk out. He walked to the outside garden, taking a seat. His massive frame casts a large shadow over the ground. "Peace, huh? Asia Argento…Xenovia Quarta…You didn't deserve this."
"Padre Strada?" One of the priests came up to him. "What are you doing here? Isn't the meeting in progress?"
Strada smiled gently. "There will be a day when you will learn that sometimes it is best to find answers on your own, young one. The shouting of multiple old men is not the way of Heaven."
"Oh! I-I see…Thank you for your words, Padre." And so, the priest left, allowing Strada to lean back and rest his weary body.
"Peace…Is good."