I don't have much to add at the moment, and I apologize if I don't do the comment responses section. I will try to reply privately throughout the week, or perhaps, I might magically forget to do so and decide to address the comments you leave on this chapter in the next one I update. I appreciate your understanding and patience.
Remember, when you see this symbol =0= * =0= it means it's the section I invented in the previous chapter called "battle of thoughts," which can also be represented as telepathic communication. For those interested in seeing what some of the DxD girls look like, I left some links in my profile that will take you to a Google Drive folder. As the story progresses, I will upload more pictures of the girls.
P.S. Don't ask me when Akeno will appear; there are too many cards.
Well, without anything more to add, I leave you with the chapter.
Chapter 12: An Unexpected Visit
Both young people walked quickly, getting further and further from the gym building. Although, in reality, it was Serafall who was almost dragging her "guest." Trunks noticed how she gripped his hand with a force that seemed like she wanted to break his bones, but he decided not to do anything about it since many students were watching them with curiosity, and others with surprise.
Serafall seemed to enjoy the confusion she caused in her surroundings, and for some reason Trunks couldn't quite understand, she looked more satisfied noticing the envious glances from the female students. Maybe female ego? He didn't know; the girl was a whirlwind of emotions, bordering on bipolarity. Before Sona arrived, her expression was hostile and challenging, and that expression had transformed into a playful smile as she dragged him through the hallways of the institute.
"Come on, come on, don't fall behind!" Serafall said enthusiastically. "I have exciting plans for both of us."
Trunks, although feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the Maō's treatment, decided to play along for now. The strange combination of Serafall's playful attitude and the turbulent feeling of her ki made him quite suspicious, though it didn't pose a threat to him. It was not convenient for things to get out of control, as he didn't want to create discord with those who had helped him so much during his violent arrival, especially because he felt great appreciation for Dr. Abbader.
Suddenly, noticing that no one was watching, Serafall turned right and, with little more than roughness, grabbed Trunks by the collar of his jacket and pushed him against the wall of a nearby building.
"Do you know something, you damn bastard? The calm way you look at me and the defiant way you respond surprises me quite a bit; it gives me the impression that you're trying to provoke me," she said harshly, veins appearing on her forehead and becoming noticeable in her gloved hands. Her playful expression vanished, abruptly changing to one of complete anger. "Are you trying to test my patience to see what you can achieve?"
Trunks watched her coldly, not intimidated by the sudden change in her behavior. Their gazes clashed again, reflecting the feelings they had for each other.
"And do you know what surprises me about you, Serafall-sama? That kind of attitude towards me," he responded firmly, not averting his gaze. "I can't understand what I did to make you have that attitude towards me. If you could explain it to me, I would have a better understanding of the situation."
Serafall gritted her teeth, clearly irritated by the calm way this guy responded.
"Save the formalities. Do you expect me to believe you're a good Samaritan? Do you think we're idiots? It's clear that you're scheming something, that you have hidden intentions, and I'm going to find out what you're planning."
And for the first time, the future warrior broke his mask of calmness, as with the same roughness with which she had slammed him against the wall of the building, he used the same force to free himself from her grip on his jacket. Once he was free, Trunks smiled at her with a cynical, almost disdainful grin.
"Do you really know what my purpose is?"
Serafall blinked, surprised by Trunks's sudden aggression. She hadn't expected him to respond that way, and for a brief moment, she hesitated. The brief display of Trunks's power crushed the sinister aura of destruction that Sirzechs had shown days earlier. For a moment, she felt fear; if Trunks decided to attack, there would be no way to defend herself… However, she wouldn't be daunted, and that feeling was quickly replaced by renewed determination.
She would confront him, even if the outcome of the conflict was evident; she would fight until the end.
"It's surprising that you know it, because I don't… Maybe you have a skill that I don't know of since I've seen many surprising abilities in this world. Though I'm really not interested in knowing it…" Trunks said with a sarcastic tone he didn't often use. "But if it comes from you."
For a moment, Serafall saw a vacant look and an expression of resignation on him, as if he didn't understand why he was still alive or what the purpose of his existence was, or maybe it was just her imagination.
The aggression in Serafall's eyes wavered briefly as she sensed that shadow of sadness in him. Though his challenging attitude was a perfect facade to others, she detected the deep pain hidden behind his expression. She was familiar with that feeling, as it was the same intense pain she felt—a pain that constantly reminded her of the suffering and losses she had experienced eons ago.
Those wounds that time had not been able to completely erase.
There's no way, no manner, the guy is a monster and deserves to die, end of story. With that resolution in mind, Serafall shook her head hard, erasing any trace of empathy she might have felt at that moment.
"You might be able to fool someone else with that facade, but not me. After all, I'm one of the Four Great Maōs who govern the Underworld," she replied with a less aggressive but still hostile voice. "Whatever you're planning or whatever your goal is, I'll find out. I won't stop watching you every damn moment. Keep that in mind, you bastard!"
Trunks sighed heavily, looking away for a moment before turning back to face her.
"If you ever find a convincing answer that helps me understand why I'm still here," he said serenely, returning to his calm expression, though Serafall noticed a hint of melancholy in his voice. "I would be infinitely grateful. In fact, you would earn my eternal admiration... until then, I really don't think I'll understand a damn thing about myself..."
Serafall stared at him, trying to read his thoughts, and internally felt a mix of frustration and curiosity. Despite her unhealthy obsession with him, this new facet intrigued her quite a bit. While her resolution to end his life remained latent, she couldn't avoid wanting to learn more about his past. Growling in frustration for not having achieved anything as she had planned the previous night, she decided to turn around and start walking away from that secluded corner out of everyone's sight.
Trunks observed every move Serafall made without taking his eyes off her, reflecting on the peculiar confrontation. He knew well that she had become a thorn in his side, but at least he hadn't had to resort to violence. If the doctor discovered that he had injured his daughter, he would probably expel both of them from the hospital, and Mai still needed medical attention.
Moreover, given her importance in the Underworld, such an incident would have caused a conflict of unimaginable proportions.
He sighed for a moment; all of this had given him an intense headache. Deciding to forget about it, he thought it best to return to the Occult Club, as he didn't want to draw more attention and cause more problems for Rias.
As Trunks headed towards the Occult Club, absorbed in his thoughts, he suddenly heard someone clear their throat as if trying to get his attention. When he looked up, he was surprised to see Sirzechs leaning against one of the garden railings, wearing a calm smile as if he had been waiting for the perfect moment to intervene.
"Sirzechs-sama?" Trunks asked, unable to hide his astonishment. "How is it that…?"
Sirzechs raised a hand in a friendly gesture, interrupting Trunks before he could finish his question.
"There's no need to ask how I knew what happened," he said in a understanding tone. "I have my ways of finding out things. Beyond that, I just wanted to see how you were doing after that little altercation."
Trunks nodded slowly, appreciating Sirzechs's genuine interest and concern.
"What can I say," Trunks admitted, processing the mixed emotions from his confrontation with Serafall, blushing slightly with embarrassment. "Let's just say she… managed to make me angry…"
To the future warrior's surprise, Sirzechs started to laugh lightly.
"You shouldn't be embarrassed by that; it's a natural emotion after all. For example, my sister gets mad at me often, especially when I call her Ria-tan. After all, she's at the rebellious age," Sirzechs said, recalling with amusement how his younger sister had blushed and demanded he stop calling her that shortly before (1) "What I'm saying is that it's okay to get angry and not suppress those feelings. Doing so will only harm yourself."
"But in the end, I disrespected one of the most important people in her faction," Trunks said, still incredulous. "Aren't you upset with me?"
"Why should I be? You handled the situation with maturity."
The Crimson Satan watched with amusement as the future warrior blushed again.
"Let's forget about that," Sirzechs said, drawing the Saiyan's attention. "I'd like to make up for the rough time you had. Come with me; I want to introduce you to some pleasant people I've just met."
Sirzechs began to walk, inviting Trunks to follow him. The Saiyan, still bewildered by the situation but grateful for Sirzechs's comforting words, decided to follow him, ready to leave behind the awkward episode and meet the people Sirzechs wanted to introduce him to.
######################################
As she walked alone through the school garden's hallways, Serafall was lost in thought. The confrontation with Trunks had been more disturbing than she had anticipated. For a moment, she began to wonder if perhaps she was the real villain in the story. She couldn't shake the image of that melancholic expression on the young man's face from her mind.
What bothered her the most was that Trunks's words had been genuinely sincere. There were no signs of a cheap act; each word seemed laden with authentic pain and raw vulnerability. His emotional state was reflected in a palpable sense of hopelessness, as if he were trapped in an endless void with no purpose for living.
The intensity with which he spoke, his dejected demeanor, and the way his voice conveyed that feeling of defeat and desolation touched a sensitive chord within her. It was as if, in that brief moment, Trunks had cast aside the calmness he usually maintained as a mask to hide his thoughts, revealing an unexpected vulnerability that completely disarmed Serafall's hostile attitude.
Trunks's words echoed in her mind, and Serafall couldn't help but question her own reaction. There was something in the way he had behaved, in the way he had shown his pain, that had profoundly impacted her. It wasn't just the sincerity of his words, but the way he had revealed a side of himself that somehow seemed to reflect her own insecurities and doubts.
As Serafall continued her walk through the garden, she tried to keep her emotions from interfering with her decisions, but she couldn't ignore the fact that her encounter with Trunks had left a mark on her. The interaction with him had revealed a side of herself she preferred to keep hidden, and the genuine pain he had shown had disturbed her deeply.
However, despite the unease she felt, Serafall was determined to stay focused on her objective. Her duty was to keep a close watch on Trunks and anticipate any possible plans he might have, and if fortune was on her side, take advantage of a moment of vulnerability to eliminate him. Any obsession or desire she had towards Trunks had to take a back seat; her priority was to protect her world and loved ones from any threat.
She had to do everything in her power to prevent such a bloody and indiscriminate massacre from happening again.
######################################
"Let me help you, Mrs. Hyōdō," Trunks said with a smile as he took the dishes from the table to lighten the woman's load.
"Oh, what a kind young man you are! And so charming as well," Mrs. Hyōdō responded with a warm smile, pinching his cheek in a maternal gesture. "I'm sure the woman who marries you will hit the jackpot."
Trunks nervously laughed, a bit embarrassed by the unusual compliment.
"I'm flattered," he said, blushing slightly as he tried to maintain his composure. "It's the least I can do after enjoying such a delicious meal."
Issei couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the way Trunks was being treated. However, he had to admit that Trunks had managed to win the favor of his parents in record time. While his parents were friendly and approachable with almost everyone, the situation was impressive.
In summary, Sirzechs had introduced Trunks as a distant relative from the cold lands of Iceland, someone who was eager to experience Japan. According to Sirzechs, Trunks didn't have enough money to stay in a hotel, so he had decided to offer him lodging in his home and take advantage of this special day to give him a tour of the land of the rising sun.
"A shitty cover-up," Issei thought. The story was quite mediocre and had many plot holes, but he had to admit there was something fascinating about how Sirzechs had crafted the story to sound convincing, making Trunks seem like an intriguing person rather than a simple stranger.
Although the story might seem implausible, Issei couldn't deny that Sirzechs had an exceptional ability to weave a good tale, not to mention that Trunks's natural charisma and kindness also played a crucial role in reinforcing the authenticity of what Sirzechs had said. As he watched Trunks integrate with the Hyōdō family and enjoy the hospitality offered, Issei reflected on how first impressions can be misleading. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but wonder if he should feel fortunate or uncomfortable realizing that, in his own home, there were now individuals of a fearsome level.
As Trunks and Mrs. Hyōdō were washing the dishes, Mr. Hyōdō, Lord Gremory, and Sirzechs were enjoying drinks and watching the videos they had recorded from the special class to Rias's dismay.
Meanwhile, Trunks, rinsing the dishes Mrs. Hyōdō handed him, began answering questions while she scrubbed another plate, curious to know more about the enigmatic young man.
"So, Trunks-kun, what has surprised you the most about Japan so far?" she asked, clearly interested in hearing more about the young visitor.
Trunks, drying a plate with a towel, responded with a soft laugh.
"Honestly, everything is quite different from what I'm used to. But what has impressed me the most is the size of the buildings and the incredible variety of food, plus there are many old sites."
Mrs. Hyōdō nodded enthusiastically as she started washing another plate, proud of the cultural richness her country offered.
"I'm glad to hear that! It must be a big change, you know… the cultural issues, language barrier…" Once she finished washing another plate, she looked at him curiously, as if expecting an answer. "Is it true that it's very cold in Iceland all the time?"
Trunks nodded, amused by the question.
"Well, not all the time," Trunks said, recalling what Sirzechs had told him in case the Hyōdōs wanted to know more about it. "In winter, it's quite cold, but people use the intense cold to have water and maintain a refined heating system." He explained while rinsing another plate. "And in summer, temperatures can be quite pleasant, even warm. Although there is always a lot of wind."
Mrs. Hyōdō nodded, clearly interested in the customs of another country.
"That's interesting," she said, as she rinsed a glass. "And you speak perfect Japanese."
Trunks blushed slightly, feeling flattered by the comment.
"W-well, you know… in Iceland, they value studying and learning new languages a lot." He explained while drying a plate. "I think it's important to be able to communicate in different languages, especially if one plans to travel or meet people from other cultures."
Mrs. Hyōdō smiled, clearly impressed by Trunks's dedication.
"If you say so, Trunks-kun, I'll keep that in mind for our next trip."
Trunks showed curiosity about Mrs. Hyōdō's statement.
"Are you going to travel?" he asked, raising an eyebrow suspiciously.
"Yes, we are!" she responded as she finished washing one last plate. "In a few weeks, Golden Week (2) will come, and Lord Gremory offered to give us a luxury resort. I still can't believe it!" The woman said excitedly about the news.
He should have guessed. Trunks knew beforehand that the Gremorys, being one of the main clans along with the Sitri clan, had great purchasing power, as he saw from the opulent occult club that the future heiress had. Although he couldn't help but think there was something behind it; the mere fact of wanting to invite Issei's parents on a cruise just like that made him suspect there was a deeper reason.
"It's very generous of him; it shows that Lord Gremory values you a lot," Trunks commented, trying to hide his curiosity about knowing more about it. "I hope you enjoy your trip."
Mrs. Hyōdō nodded with a radiant smile.
"Thank you, Trunks-kun. I'm sure we will." She said as she started drying her hands. "According to what I read, it will be through the waters of the Nordic countries, and now that I see you, I can't help but want to know more about Iceland. Maybe we'll pass by there."
Trunks took the opportunity to steer the conversation away from his growing suspicion and shared some anecdotes (provided by Sirzechs and from what he learned in the hospital books) about Icelandic culture, its music, and traditions, while Mrs. Hyōdō listened with genuine interest. Meanwhile, in the back of his mind, Trunks couldn't help but keep thinking about the hidden motives behind the Gremorys' generosity.
He would ask Sirzechs later, and if it turned out to be something serious, he would offer his help without a second thought.
"I can't stand this! Onii-san, Otou-san are fools!..."
That shout caught the future warrior's attention. Rias Gremory ran out like a bat out of hell (never better said), leaving Issei and Asia alone with the proud parents, who continued to play the videos they had taken from the special class to Rias's dismay.
He didn't understand what was happening but somehow felt he should do something or rather remind someone they needed to do something.
"Hey," Trunks said, drawing Issei's attention, who was still absorbed in his master's childish tantrum. "Shouldn't you go up to cheer up Rias-san?"
"Eh? Me?" Issei asked, pointing to himself.
"Yes, you," Trunks replied with a slight smile. "It seems she's upset about something, and from what I've seen, you're very close to her. Shouldn't you go up and cheer her up?"
Issei looked at Asia, who gave him a shy smile. He quickly shook his head, realizing that Trunks was right.
"You're right," he said finally. "I'll go see what's wrong."
######################################
Without thinking twice, Issei quickly ran up the stairs to find out what was happening with his dear Buchō.
Issei found Rias sitting in front of her room, puffing her cheeks in disgust at the embarrassing scene. He sighed a little; in a way, he understood how she felt.
"B-Buchō, do you want to come into my room?"
Rias nodded without saying a word. Her expression still showed some annoyance, but somehow her mood seemed to have improved slightly. Once inside, Buchō collapsed onto Issei's bed, lying face down and remaining silent.
Issei sat on the floor, watching her. It was a situation where any comment seemed inappropriate, but he decided to try to break the silence.
"My parents and their family get along well."
Rias didn't respond, but her breathing became more even, as if she was reflecting. The silence in the room was palpable, but Issei felt the tension starting to dissipate slowly.
"This meeting is good… don't you think?" he asked, trying to break the ice and the monotonous atmosphere. "My parents also seem to enjoy it. Your father and the others too… I think they get along well..."
Rias turned her head slightly; her eyes still reflected a mix of emotions.
"I know. I'm also happy that my father and yours are talking happily, Ise."
Issei noticed a subtle change in her voice; she seemed to be showing vulnerability. He didn't know why. Yes, having your parents filming you while you take classes is very embarrassing, but not to the point of making you so depressed. He decided to move a little closer, sitting on the edge of the bed, hoping that his presence would offer some comfort.
"Ne, Isse…"
The one addressed blinked upon hearing his master's voice.
"Yes?" he asked. "What's wrong, Buchō?"
Rias looked at the ceiling before focusing her gaze on Issei again.
Do you regret meeting me?
######################################
As he watched the recordings, the laughter of the men faded into the background as he became absorbed in watching how the kids lived a normal life. Little by little, Trunks began to feel a bit of envy. If the androids had never appeared, would his life have taken a different path? He observed in the recordings that both Rias and Asia and Issei had friends their age... a luxury he had never had and was now inevitably beginning to think about; even trivial things started to take on great significance for him, like going to karaoke, talking about silly things related to your favorite series with friends, or even doing the occasional idiocy that required adult intervention.
If the androids had never appeared and he hadn't been forced to train as a warrior to be humanity's hope, what would his life have been like? Would he have attended a regular school? And if so, would he have made friends? What kind of hobbies would he have enjoyed instead of the grueling training to increase his fighting power? What would he have become if he hadn't had to bear the weight of saving the future?
Trunks' life could be summarized as war and death, always preparing for the next threat. The friendships he formed were on the battlefield and were slowly lost until nothing remained except Mai.
Trunks began to feel a deep sadness growing within him. He thought about what he had lost and what he had never had the chance to experience. The sight of those moments of normalcy reminded him of everything he had sacrificed in his fight for a better future.
He imagined what it would have been like to attend a regular school, making friends with normal people. Perhaps he would have had a group of friends to hang out with after school, go to the movies, or simply spend time talking about trivial things. He might have participated in extracurricular activities, maybe joining a sports club or even a science club, considering his affinity for technology inherited from his mother.
He thought about the hobbies he would have liked to pursue. Maybe he would have enjoyed drawing or painting, expressing his creativity in ways not tied to battle. He could have learned to play a musical instrument, spending peaceful afternoons practicing instead of training relentlessly. Even without a hobby or extracurricular activity, he might have enjoyed simple things like walking in the park or reading books for pure pleasure instead of studying and perfecting tactics under time pressure.
He wondered what his relationship with his parents would have been like in a normal world. He could imagine family dinners filled with laughter, his mother boasting about being the most beautiful, intelligent, talented, and exceptional human in all the universes, instead of discussions about survival strategies and last-minute repairs for time travel.
Trunks began to feel his composure cracking; thinking about having that kind of life was starting to affect him. Suddenly, he decided to get up and head to the kitchen to get some water. He needed a moment alone to calm his thoughts and regain his composure.
As he walked to the kitchen, he could hear the laughter and animated conversations coming from the living room. Those cheerful laughs contrasted with his tumultuous emotional state.
When he arrived in the kitchen, he leaned against one of the walls for a moment, taking deep breaths to calm himself. It didn't matter that the kitchen was dark; he just wanted to get away from the crowd for a moment.
Suddenly, the lights turned on, and his eyes fell on Sirzechs, who was holding a glass with an unusual-looking drink. Judging by the flush on his cheeks, it was clear that the Crimson Satan was already a bit tipsy.
"Hello, Trunks," said Rias's brother, taking a sip of his drink. "Looking for something specific?"
"Well," Trunks said with a bit of nervousness, "I-I just needed a bit of water."
Sirzechs shook his head, as if he knew what Trunks was thinking at that moment.
"Don't you think this is relaxing?" asked the Crimson Satan unexpectedly, raising his glass as if toasting to the situation.
"Excuse me?" Trunks replied, somewhat confused by the change of topic.
Sirzechs laughed lightly, setting the glass on the table and crossing his arms.
"I mean all of this," he said, making a sweeping gesture that encompassed the living room, the company, and the relaxed atmosphere. "Not every time do we get the luxury of taking a little break."
Trunks looked at him with curiosity, trying to understand Sirzechs's state of mind. Although it was clear that he had drunk more than necessary, his words had some truth to them.
"I suppose so," Trunks admitted to keep up appearances. "Relaxing every now and then has its benefits."
Sirzechs nodded, smiling with satisfaction.
"Exactly. Sometimes we forget how important it is to disconnect from the routine, even if only for a moment."
Before Trunks could respond, Sirzechs abruptly changed the subject.
"And speaking of disconnecting, I think it's time to go. My father and I have some things to attend to, and you should head back to the hospital. Your friend must be waiting for you."
Trunks's eyes widened suddenly as he remembered that he had been absent for two days since deciding to leave to help Dr. Abbader's daughter. He wondered if Mai was okay. Although he trusted Dr. Abbader's professionalism, he was sure Mai was receiving excellent care. Even though he didn't admit it fully, he was eager to see her right away to tell her everything that had happened since he left, without omitting even the smallest detail.
"Yes, you're right," the future warrior responded with understanding. "I don't want her to be worried about my absence."
Sirzechs approached the spot where the Hyōdō family left their dirty glasses, giving Trunks a look that indicated he should follow him to say goodbye properly to Issei's family.
Before Trunks, Sirzechs, and Issei's father could leave, an unexpected sound caught the attention of everyone present, as someone knocked insistently at the door. Trunks felt somewhat overwhelmed as he suddenly sensed an extremely powerful presence, even daring to say it surpassed Sirzechs's ki by several levels. Trunks looked at Sirzechs, demanding an explanation.
The latter frowned slightly, indicating he hadn't expected anyone else and was somehow also aware of the new presence. Seeing him a bit on alert made Trunks realize it might be a serious situation.
"Wow, a visitor at this time of night," Mrs. Hyōdō said as she headed to the door. "I wonder who it could be."
Before Trunks and Sirzechs could say anything, Mrs. Hyōdō had already reached the door and turned the doorknob to open it. The Crimson Satan couldn't hide his surprise when he saw who the mysterious visitor was.
######################################
The night had draped its cloak over the city, enveloping all living beings in its dark serenity. While some rested comfortably in their homes, others ventured into the vibrant streets of the Land of the Rising Sun, seeking an escape from the exhausting daily routine in the mundane vices of the great metropolis.
For others, the night served as a respite from their exhausting duties, such as many students and some professionals, including a certain white-haired individual.
Though rest might not be the appropriate term.
Crash!
Watching the debris from the wall of one of the rooms in his enormous mansion, a man in an elegant suit with black and blonde hair shook his head at the young man's display. Instead of being irritated by the damage to his property, he seemed more amused by the situation.
"Two days have passed, and you're still not over it, huh?"
The young man glared at the owner of that voice as if he wanted to dismember him.
"I'm not in the mood for your fucking jokes, Azazel," Vali Lucifer responded sternly. "Did you find out more about it? If not, I have no reason to talk to you."
Azazel, with his characteristic carefree smile, crossed his arms and leaned against the nearest wall.
"I've found out some things, though not as much as I'd like," Azazel said with a casual tone, as if the presence of the Hakuryuukō was a minor inconvenience to him. "Lucifer is roaming around, and the god they call Nefasto, the one who fights cheerfully, Grim, the thief, the Jockey, and the Third has just joined him," he added, as if mentioning that god was like referring to a bad joke. "The last thing I need right now is to attract more attention."
The white-haired man frowned, processing the information before clicking his tongue in annoyance.
"And did you find out anything about those maladjusted pseudo-revolutionaries?" Vali asked with irritation. The fallen angel leader smiled at this reaction.
A few seconds of expectation passed.
"Uroboros is inactive for some unknown reason," Vali responded, clearly disinterested in the situation. "Until it decides to show up, I'll resume my investigation, if I feel like it."
The fallen angel leader let out a slight sigh of frustration.
"You know that's not enough."
"Do you think I care?"
The cadre looked at the white-haired man without changing his expression, as if he had known him for years. As for Vali, he seemed more interested in his own matters (like his wounded pride) than in providing useful answers.
"If it helps," Azazel spoke to break the monotony and abruptly change the subject, "the presence of that guy has the Maōs and gods from various pantheons on edge… and it won't be long before more factions learn about him," he said for the first time since his appearance, furrowing his brow. "Don't do something stupid…"
"What do you mean by that?" Vali asked harshly, as if the mention of the warning was the worst insult.
Azazel simply shrugged in response.
"Ever heard the phrase, 'no matter how hard you try, there will always be someone who does it better'?"
Vali grunted in frustration at the question, his irritation palpable.
"Think about it… if the Maōs are tense and have decided to ignore those idiots who only seek to fight for a 'just' cause to claim what they believe belongs to them, it means that Trunks Brief is a being of formidable power and someone not to be taken lightly," Azazel explained with a mix of disdain and recognition. "You're not dealing with some poor fool you're going to beat up. This guy is causing waves of massive reactions and could pose a threat not just to the supernatural world but to the entire world."
Vali remained silent, processing the information as his expression grew more serious. He knew that Trunks Brief was not an ordinary person, but the magnitude of the situation was escalating to levels he hadn't anticipated. The only beings that usually caused such a wave of disturbance were Dragon Gods. He pondered for a moment until his fury relaxed into a smile filled with disdain.
"Then, it means things could get interesting," he concluded with amusement, recalling the events of the past few days and the fallen angel leader's words.
Azazel sighed in frustration, looking at Vali with a mixture of resignation and weariness. He knew this type was beyond help and that his attitude wouldn't change no matter how many warnings he received.
"I knew you'd say that," Azazel said, returning to his carefree demeanor. "Maybe this time, your recklessness could cost you dearly."
Vali, still smiling, shrugged as if he didn't care at all about the danger he faced.
"Are you worried about me, Azazel?" the Hakuryuukō asked mockingly. "You know that I always find a way out of the messes I get into."
Azazel stared at him, knowing that every word from Vali was filled with pure arrogance. However, he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern over the possible consequences of Vali's impulsive actions. As the fallen angel leader prepared to leave, he couldn't help but wonder how far Vali's reckless decisions might trigger a chain of events that could have devastating consequences not only for him but for everyone around him.
######################################
Neither Sirzechs nor Trunks had anticipated finding themselves in such a situation. At the door stood an old man with a massive beard and a poorly done Albus Dumbledore cosplay, who was grinning mischievously, clearly enjoying the reaction of the two young men.
"Dear grandson!" the old man exclaimed with enthusiasm. "It's been a long time since I last saw you..."
Trunks was frozen, unsure of what to say or do. Nervously, he turned his gaze toward Sirzechs, hoping he would help him out of this predicament.
"Play along," was all the Crimson Satan whispered so that only he and the god could hear.
So, trying to maintain his composure despite the unpleasant urge to disappear from the scene, Trunks swallowed hard to avoid raising suspicions and, with considerable effort, attempted to continue the act.
"Gr-grandpa, w-what a miracle," Trunks said with a stammer, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "W-why did you a-appear so s-suddenly?"
The old man approached him and gave a small tug on his hair as if scolding him. Trunks wasn't sure if this was to make the act more convincing or if the old man was just doing it to annoy and entertain himself. The fact was, Trunks didn't like the display at all.
By this point, both Issei and Rias, along with Asia, had come downstairs after hearing the commotion in the living room. When Sirzechs's sister saw who it was, she couldn't help but be quite surprised; she had never imagined that one of the primordial gods of Norse mythology would be in their territory.
"Unthoughtful grandson," the old man said with a false gesture of anger. "After your old grandfather took the trouble to visit you, how dare you receive him like this?!"
Trunks rubbed his temples, unsure of how to handle the situation or continue with the pretense. Then, fortunately, Mrs. Hyōdō appeared quickly, making Trunks silently thank fate.
"What a most unexpected surprise!" Mrs. Hyōdō said with a warm smile. "Trunks-kun didn't mention he had family. Even so, we're glad you're here," she said, approaching Trunks and pinching his cheek in a maternal gesture. "I must say, your grandson is a charm."
"Ohohohoho," laughed the old man as if the compliment had been directed at him. "The boy is very shy, but I can't doubt his words." Suddenly, the old man pinched him in the same manner Mrs. Hyōdō had. "His grandmother and I raised him very well; I'm very proud."
For the first time in his life, Trunks's face turned a new shade of red. He had never felt so embarrassed, not even when Vegeta had told him his duty was to protect Mai, who clearly made him understand the attraction he felt for her.
"I never imagined seeing Trunks being treated like this," Rias whispered awkwardly at the picturesque scene.
Issei was in the same state of shock as Rias.
"Yeah… I think I feel sorry for him."
At that moment, Lord Gremory recognized the true identity of the old man and approached his daughter and Issei, subtly signaling them to remain silent. It was crucial to maintain composure and proper respect for a being of such magnitude.
"I'm delighted to put our family name on the map," the future warrior responded with evident sarcasm. "Still, I don't understand how you knew… that I would travel to Japan."
Trunks had a point, but no matter how much logic was in that sentence, the old man preferred to do things in very unorthodox and unpredictable ways. All for his personal enjoyment.
"Ohohoho," the old man laughed again. "You should have known, unthoughtful grandson, your grandfather has many years of experience and knows you quite well. It's as if I can… see everything."
"Óðinn," Trunks thought quickly, recalling the conversation he had with Dr. Abbader when he mentioned gods from different pantheons. "Good to know, though you could have at least taken the trouble to let me know you were coming… dear g-grandfather."
"You're right," Mrs. Hyōdō agreed. "That way, I could have prepared an unforgettable feast."
The old man took a chair from the dining room to sit down. He might be an all-knowing, all-seeing god, but he still couldn't escape the relentless blows of Father Time.
"I know, I know… my fault. But you see, when I learned that you were traveling to Japan and were in this lovely abode, I didn't think twice and decided to travel here to give you a surprise visit," the old man said, stroking his long beard from side to side with an intellectual gesture before looking at his "dear grandson." "Og að hitta í eigin persónu veruna sem hefur yfirnáttúrulega heiminn á hvolfi." (And to meet in person the being that has the supernatural world turned upside down.)
The old man uttered the phrase in a strange language that Trunks could not understand. Sirzechs, on the other hand, showed a subtle reaction, as if he perfectly understood the language and the implicit message. Noticing the confusion on Trunks's face, the old man grinned mischievously. The boy seemed quite naïve, and he couldn't let this opportunity pass, so he decided to tease him a bit more.
"Did you like breathing foreign air so much that you forgot your roots, you sellout (3) grandson?" the old man said with a touch of mockery. "I didn't know you no longer liked speaking your native tongue."
=0= * =0=
What are you up to? Are you trying to annoy me?
*Silence, no response*
I know you can hear me; you won't get anywhere by pretending to be ignorant.
*A few more seconds pass until*
How impatient you are, young man… I didn't imagine you could communicate telepathically, which tells me you're someone not to be taken lightly… ohohohoho.
*Silence once more*
You're avoiding the question.
.
.
Don't be a party pooper, kid… even though it seems like I'm doing this just to annoy you, there's an explanation… continue with our little game, it doesn't cost you anything…
*An exasperated sigh is Heard*
Come on, kid, give me that pleasure! You'll get the answers you want, but for now, if you don't want the humans present to think we've lost our minds, I suggest you follow brat Lucifer's advice. Over and out.
=0= * =0=
That old man was a truly powerful god. He demonstrated this by abruptly cutting off the mental connection Trunks had established to communicate with him. It was no wonder that this unkempt old man was the pillar of his respective faction. Ignorant of everything happening around him, the lady approached the old man with a kind smile.
"Would you like me to serve you something etto…"
"Björn," the old man interrupted suddenly. "Call me Björn, that is my first name."
Mrs. Hyōdō cleared her throat for a moment.
"Björn-san," she said, flustered, "I don't have much since we've already cleaned up the kitchen, but I can offer you some sake if you'd like."
The old man laughed again.
"Ohoho, that's not necessary, dear," he said, waving his hand as if to stop any additional effort. "What kind of guest would I be if I didn't bring something to offer our charming hosts?"
The old man's tone didn't lose its characteristic kindness, and his words, although they seemed to be in a mocking tone, reflected an implicit respect towards his hosts.
"Though I would appreciate it if you brought some glasses," said the old man with a smile.
Mrs. Hyōdō nodded energetically and as quickly as she could, she fetched some glasses from her storage. Once she returned with what she had been asked for, "Björn" pulled out a horn of gigantic proportions from his robe. The horn was carved with intricate runes that seemed to glow with their own light, and had golden details that stood out in the dim lighting of the room. Its surface was adorned with ancient symbols and patterns reflecting a design of great sophistication.
Mrs. Hyōdō and Trunks looked at the object in amazement. They had never seen an artifact of such magnitude and elegance. The horn looked majestic, appearing to be handcrafted and hundreds of years old. The golden details caught the light in such a way that the horn almost seemed to glow, and the runes carved with dedication and precision added a feeling as if it contained an enormous amount of magic.
"Björn," with a satisfied smile and a slight air of superiority, lifted the horn and showed it to the guests as if it were a sacred object in a ceremonial rite. The dim and warm light of the room highlighted the intricate golden details and the runes carved on the horn, creating a play of reflections that seemed to hypnotize the guests.
"Behold," said the old man resonantly, "a drink made since the beginning of the Viking era, cultivated with fruits from my land and crafted artisanally."
Trunks, who remained captivated, could not take his eyes off the piece. His gaze followed every movement of the horn, trying to decipher the meaning of the runes engraved on its surface. The majesty of the horn and the seriousness with which "Björn" presented it transformed the scene into a kind of ancestral ritual.
The old man seemed to revel in the admiration that the horn inspired in his hosts. His words, almost poetic, reflected the deep pride he felt for the tradition his faction represented and the rich heritage of the Nordic lands. Every term he used was imbued with reverence, highlighting the importance of the legacy he was about to share.
"It is said that this drink," Björn said, with a note of solemnity in his voice, "was capable of captivating and intoxicating even the gods themselves."
The anticipation grew as they watched the old man open the horn and the pleasant aroma filled the room.
"This drink is called… mead."
Clarifications
1.- This scene is directly canon from the light novel. The studio that animated the first three seasons omitted several details, so it's no surprise they changed studios for the fourth season.
2.- Golden Week is a series of national holidays in Japan that occurs at the end of April and beginning of May. It is one of the most important times for the Japanese, consisting of several consecutive holidays. These days include:
Shōwa no Hi (昭和の日) - April 29, which celebrates the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito).
Kenpō Kinenbi (憲法記念日) - May 3, which commemorates the promulgation of the Constitution of Japan in 1947.
Midori no Hi (みどりの日) - May 4, dedicated to nature and the outdoors.
Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日) - May 5, which celebrates the well-being and happiness of children, especially boys.
3.- The term malinchismo is Mexican slang referring to the preference for foreign things over one's own, often with connotations of cultural betrayal. This term has its origins in an indigenous woman known as "La Malinche" or Malintzin, who played a fundamental role in the communication between the Spaniards and various indigenous groups, helping Cortés form alliances and advance in his conquest of the Aztec empire. In some contexts, she is seen as a traitor who helped the Spaniards in the conquest of the Aztec empire, while in others, she is considered a victim of circumstances who was forced to use her intelligence and skills to survive.
The most accurate translation I could find for this slang is sellout. Please correct me if this is wrong, native speakers.
I would say much ado about nothing. I apologize that this chapter feels shorter, but work is overwhelming, and I can't neglect it despite my love for writing. However, I still uphold my promise to update as quickly as I can.
