"This is useless."
Issei opened his eyes and let out a tired sigh. Veles had to go on ahead of him and left him alone with homework. If that wasn't bad enough, Mitsuki and Azazel had tasked him with finding a way to evolve the Boosted Gear.
A way to control the Juggernaut Drive. That was the assignment given to him by those two. He let out a sigh.
"If it makes you feel better, I don't think that could have gone any other way," Mastema said, hovering over him.
"That… really doesn't," Issei replied.
[Well, at least you're making more progress on the Crown than you are the Boosted Gear. Either one will be a lot of help if Loki decides to assault the venue.] Ddraig said.
Issei nodded.
Their enemy was the God of Chaos, Loki.
Even with Vali's supposed help, there was one monster that Issei felt they couldn't deal with even with the two of them. Fenrir. The God Devouring Wolf. It had the power to kill Gods and according to Azazel, possessed power equivalent to the Heavenly Dragons in their primes.
[Why are you worried about him? You went toe to toe with Beelzebub and Kali. If anything, those two should have terrified you more than Fenrir.] Ddraig said.
"I know but… Beelzebub was ragdolling us that entire fight. We would have lost if Lady Gabriel didn't intervene with that Key thingy that Irina also uses," he admitted.
"Still. You should be stronger now than you were before. If push comes to shove, I can take over for you again for a little bit just to give you some breathing room," Mastema said.
"Yeah," Issei replied. "Well, let's see if I can get those hooded bastards to wake up for me one more time." He stretched his arms and the palm of his hands, ready to give it another go.
However, as he was about to enter, the door opened behind him. Issei turned around and saw Akeno coming in, dressed in a white kimono. Her black hair cascaded down her back, giving her a far more erotic look than what was most likely intended.
"Eh? Akeno-"
She closed the door and Issei stopped talking when he heard the lock clicking behind her.
Eh? Eh? What's going on? She looks out of it…
Mastema and Ddraig watched in silence as the girl approached him.
"Ise-kun…" she spoke in a low tone.
"Y- Yeah?"
Without warning, Akeno began to disrobe. Issei's mind went haywire as she slid her kimono off. The sound of fabric hitting the floor was louder than anything in the room. Issei almost passed out from blood loss. Akeno was naked. She was completely naked. He could see everything.
It wasn't just her enormous breasts and pink nipples. She wasn't covering anything.
He gulped.
"Ise-kun…"
Her hypnotic voice pinned him in place. She sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. An intense wave of pleasure flowed through Issei. He could die. He could die right now and be happy.
"A- A- Ak-," he stuttered out.
"Ise-kun…" she leaned into his ear to whisper. Her hot breath tickled his skin and caused a tingle to creep down his spine.
"Y- Y- Yeah…?" he asked.
"Make love to me."
Issei's brain began to shut down.
"Oh my~! What an interesting development! Ddraig! Ddraig! Let's leave these two alone~," Mastema said.
[Huh? Oh right. Partner. Good luck. Remember. Pay attention to how she responds so you know which areas to attack most.]
EH!? OI! DON'T LEAVE! HEY! Issei panicked when he felt their presences disappear.
Issei refocused back on Akeno, seeing her face was so close. The soft, supple body of a woman was pressed up against him. Her breasts, her nipples. He could feel it through his clothing as if it were making contact with his bare skin.
This is it… Mom, Dad, I'm not gonna die a virgin.
This was it. Issei's first experience was going to be one of the most sought-after girls in school. This bombshell of a woman was going to give him her first time.
After a few seconds, their eyes met and lucidity returned to Issei's mind. Her eyes were a bit lifeless.
Akeno…
She leaned him to kiss him and Issei wanted nothing more than to take her right there. If he went through with this, they most likely would have gone all night. However, Issei couldn't go through with it. Not when she was like this.
He gently pushed her away.
"E- Eh? I- Ise-kun?" Akeno asked, feeling a bit hurt and confused.
"I… can't…"
"Eh? But why? Is it because of President? Or Mitsuki? Or perhaps…" her voice was shaky and watery. "Is… Is my body not appealing enough for you?"
"No!" Issei said a bit more forcefully than he intended. However, he needed to get this across before any misunderstandings occurred. "Your body is the best! I want to smother my face in your tits! I want to grab and squeeze your ass with my hands and stroke your hips. I want you to squeeze my face between your thighs!"
"W- We can do that now, you know! Everything. I'll let you do anything to me. You can use my body however you want! Even if you break me, then if it's Ise-kun, I'll be fine with it! So please…," she said, gripping his shirt tightly. Even if that last part quieted down to a whisper, Issei could hear the raw despair in her voice.
"I… can't. I don't want to do it… when you have such a look on your face," Issei said.
His words seemed to have an effect on her. Akeno's clouded eyes cleared up.
"If… if we're going to do this, I want to do it with you when we're smiling. You look like you just want to do it because you want to forget something," Issei said.
"Nothing… ever gets past you, does it, Ise-kun," Akeno said, getting off his lap.
Issei grabbed the robe and wrapped it around her shoulder.
"I… You're right. I want to forget everything right now. Everything," she said.
"I… Is this about your Dad?" Issei asked. He had seen the tension between the two, even during their training in the Underworld. Even if he didn't know of their past, he had an idea that Baraqiel was a big contributor as to why Akeno was acting the way she was. After all, he was part of this meeting.
"Dad… haha… that man has not been my father for a long time. You… probably think I'm filthy right? Because I'm half Fallen Angel."
"No!"
Akeno's head snapped up when she heard Issei's voice.
"Don't say something like that. I could never hate you because of something stupid like that…"
"Ise-kun…"
"Akeno is Akeno. No matter what happens! I'll always be by your side. If you ever feel side, I'll always be there no matter what so please… don't just throw yourself away just because you want to forget the pain," Issei said.
Akeno wanted to say something. After a few seconds, her lips curved into a small smile.
"You're an idiot… and I guess that makes me an idiot," she said.
"Even if I'm an idiot, I'll protect you, Akeno," he replied.
"Ise… I… I love you…"
Issei's eyes widened at her confession.
"And… I'm sorry."
"Sorry? If this is about what just happened-"
"I remember."
"Huh?" Issei looked down at her.
"I remember everything I did when that thing used my body… and after it left, that monster left a few things behind," she said.
"Well, whatever it is! Whatever you're going through, I'll be by your side no matter what," he said.
"Please… don't say that…"
"Huh?"
Issei looked at her confused.
"Ise-kun… I know…"
"Aniki."
Issei turned around and saw Mitsuki walking toward him. She was dressed in an oversized jacket, going all the way down to her mid-thigh. Her hair was tied in a ponytail.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Akeno knows…"
"Eh? She what? Did you tell her?" Mitsuki asked.
"No… she said it was something left over from when Beelzebub was possessing her. She said she can't tell how long but she knows something's wrong with my soul," Issei said.
"I see…"
The two stood, leaning on the balcony railing as the night breeze brushed against their cheeks. After a few seconds, Mitsuki sighed. "Let's not think about it too much for now. We have to be on our A-game tomorrow," she said.
"Right," Issei replied.
"I'll find a way."
"Huh?"
"No matter what, I'll get you out of this. So for once… please…" Mitsuki turned to him with a reassuring smile on her face. Though, Issei wasn't sure who that smile was for. Her or him.
"Please rely on me, Aniki."
Issei nodded. "Yeah, I'll be in your care, Mii-chan."
Saturday had come faster than any of them expected. It had only been a few days since Loki attacked. A day since Issei had begun training to access his Crown. And merely a few hours since that incident with Akeno. Rias had apparently found out about their attempted tryst. Preparations had been made for Loki's anticipated attack. Odin had pulled Vali aside before they could properly coordinate a strategy with him about the battle, leaving Issei to play everything by ear. Then again, he was never one to strategize anyhow. All manner of tactics and strategic maneuvering were left to Rias or Mitsuki.
"Remember, I'm chaperoning all of you so you be on your best behavior. Our venue has become… more grand than we last anticipated," Sae said, standing in front of the two groups. "The diplomats have gone ahead of us to prepare for the meeting, which takes place in half an hour."
Lunar Raven Squad had stood with the Gremory Peerage. And so, the second group chosen for this was the Sitri Peerage. Issei glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw his fellow pawn, Genshirou Saji, sending him a nervous smile.
"In a few minutes, we'll enter the Bifrost and head to Asgard for the meeting," Sae said. "Are there any questions?"
If there were any questions, they were quashed by the oppressive stare she had. She nodded her head and turned around.
"Aunt Sae… is as intense as always," Issei said.
"Yeah, it's kind of making me stressed," Mitsuki commented.
"How do you deal with this, Mitsuki? I feel like I worked 12 hours just by being around her," Rias said, shivering as she remembered the gaze.
"Well… I just do."
"Guys, it's here," Ingvild said.
The air before them rippled. Waves spread across the open space like water as the world parted and unraveled. The phenomenon resembled that of the water's surface being broken when a stone was thrown in. The rift expanded quickly, becoming large enough to fit a truck through it.
"Were… they expecting a bus or something?" Ingvild wondered.
"At least we'll all be able to go in at the same time," Mitsuki replied.
Upon entering the rift, the two groups led by Sae found themselves walking across the famed burning Rainbow Road of the Nords. The bridge stretched over the skies, amidst a starry expanse. Below them, they saw the famed eternal realm sung of by the ancient Nordic people. To call the Norse Faction the most technologically advanced faction would be a complete understatement. The entire realm was surrounded by a massive wall that made the mountains on Earth look like mounds of dirt. The walls towered into the sky, scraping whatever heavens were left for it to scrape.
The city was an endless expanse before them. Harbors larger than entire lakes to the point where calling them an ocean would be appropriate. Houses and buildings made of pure gold with roofs of silver. Issei could spot them, even from where they were. The amount of people and vehicles that made their way around the city.
"Woah… this is Asgard? This place is amazing," he said, in complete awe of the place.
"You can say that again. I think… whatever place we visit next, it'll never compare to this place. Just look at it. Just one of the districts looks like it's as big as all of Tokyo," Mitsuki said.
"Stay with the group, Ise, Mii. Heimdall will be there to meet us once we get to the entrance at the wall," Sae said, walking ahead.
The walk took them approximately 10 minutes. It appeared that, even if the sky looked infinite, the place they entered was close to that of Asgard's famed silver walls. Upon arrival, Issei half-expected to meet a God there, only to be pleasantly surprised by Rossweisse's appearance.
Rossweisse was accompanied by one other person.
"S- Sensei?" Issei said, seeing Azazel waving at them.
"Yo! You guys are here!" Azazel said.
Rossweisse performed a slight curtsy, fully dressed in her Valkyrie battle attire. "It is a pleasure to have you all here again. You especially, Red Dragon Emperor."
Issei blushed at the praise, rubbing the back of his head.
"Looks like they're all here in one piece. Given your reputation, Sae, I half-expected some of them to run off," Azazel said.
"I assure you that anything you might have heard about me is nothing but a rumor," Sae said.
She looked out of the corner of her eye, staring directly at Issei, Mitsuki, Ingvild, and Irina. The four immediately closed their mouths before they could say anything. "That being said, Azazel, I thought Heimdall was going to be the one to greet us."
"Lord Heimdall is busy taking care of other matters. Thus, Lady Brynhildr sent me in his place," Rossweisse said.
Brynhildr? Issei wondered.
"The Valkyrie Queen. Or… well current. The original Brynhildr committed suicide after Sigurd was killed. The current Brynhildr is Edelweiss," Mastema said.
[I'm surprised you know the Valkyrie Queen's name.] Ddraig said.
"It was… a long time ago. Shortly before…," she stopped herself.
Eh? Before what? Issei asked.
"Oii! Aniki! Wake up!" Mitsuki snapped her fingers, bringing him out of his reverie.
"Huh?" he blinked several times before seeing the worried look on Mitsuki's face.
"Let's go. Did you not hear Rossweisse saying it's time to go?" she asked.
"Yeah, my bad." Issei laughed off her concern and walked to catch up with the rest of the group.
Mitsuki frowned slightly before running off after him.
The way over to the venue was by ship. It was a ship in the most literal term. It was apparently called a Skidbladnir. The boat had flown them from Asgard's titanic walls all the way across the city skyline. Upon arriving at the destination, Issei began to marvel once more at the structure before them.
It was an extremely beautiful, ornately designed castle. While it was not as massive as the Wall, its towers still raced high into the skies above. The walls were glistening due to the light reflecting off its golden walls, giving it a mystical appearance as if it were made of pure light. There were several guards standing outside a massive set of oak double doors.
"Woah, Einherjar," Ingvild whispered, seeing the two spectral guards that bowed to Rossweisse.
"If Odin has the Einherjar deployed, is he expecting…?" Rias asked.
Azazel glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah. Can't be too careful. That's why Rossy and I were there instead of Heimdall. They're putting his eyes to good use out there, keeping an eye out for any intruders."
Issei kept quiet as they walked down the hallway. They passed by several beautiful women. He couldn't help but be drawn to their immaculate figures. It was like looking at a drawing come to life. Were all celestial realms like this?
As they arrived at their venue, the doors opened to reveal a large room. There was a long table with several people seated. Odin sat at the head of the table, smirking as he spotted them entering the room.
Issei spotted Veles, sitting on the left side of the table, nodding his head at their arrival. There were two other figures he spotted that he didn't recognize. One was an extremely beautiful woman with long green hair, dressed in a white and navy blue dress seated next to Veles. Her golden eyes caught sight of him and she smiled in a friendly manner.
Of course, this friendliness became overshadowed by the monster of a redhead seated next to her. He was an imposing man solely due to his stature alone. He was tall and muscular, bearing long red hair and golden eyes. He glared fiercely at Issei, causing him to look away to the other side of the table.
A woman with long, flowing white hair with violet streaks sat in the chair. She had her arms crossed, emphasizing her rather large chest. She wore a snow-white robe that parted halfway to the waist, revealing bronze spats and thigh-high stockings underneath silver greaves. At the center of her robe was a violet floral crest. All-in-all, Issei noticed something. She looked very similar to Mastema and nearly identical to Gabriel.
The only difference between them was that this woman exuded a cool mature beauty rather than Gabriel's playful, seductive beauty.
"Psst, that's Lady Raphael. She's Gabriel's twin sister," Irina whispered.
Issei's eyes moved away when the Archangel's light blue eyes met his.
Sae left the group and took her seat at the opposite end of the table, across from Odin's.
"You kids sit tight here. This meeting shouldn't last that long," Azazel said.
Azazel had lied.
The meeting lasted longer than any of them could have ever anticipated. Many things were discussed. Treaties. Trade agreements. Policies. It was like watching a live showing of the government. It was absolutely boring and sleep-inducing. And Issei was falling asleep. All of them were. Even Ingvild, Mitsuki, and Sona, the most academically inclined members of the plus-one that Odin had invited were beginning to fall asleep.
"If we're going to go on the topic of Ascendants…"
Issei's ears perked up when he heard the words come from the table.
"I'd say we Northerners are a bit behind in regards to that," Odin said.
"Hmph, I see that regret always comes last, doesn't it, Odin?" the redhead said.
Issei had heard his name being mentioned through the meeting. Perun.
"We've survived this long without an Ascendant but as of recent events, I'd say that we're due for an upgrade," Odin said.
"And?" Azazel asked. "It's not like we can do much. In terms of strength, I'd say the Slavs are disproportionately the strongest in this meeting. Both Lord Perun and Lord Veles are Ascendants, on top of Lord Veles being one of the Great Evils to boot."
"I'm just saying that if I am to agree to an alliance with all two of you, then I'd like insurance for my own Pantheon's survival. I've discussed this with Izanami before starting this meeting," ODin said, stroking his beard.
Veles raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What did Izanami say exactly?"
"She said to ask you," the Old God replied with a cheeky smile on his face.
Veles sighed in annoyance. "This is the kind of thing I'd expect from Ereshkigal but Izanami? I don't know what you want me to do here, Odin. It's not like I asked to become an Ascendant."
Odin leaned back in his chair and nodded. "I'm not saying to hand yourself over. We of the Nords have scouted a potential Ascendant within our Pantheon but we're not too sure. I've heard that Ascendants can sense other Ascendants. Does it work with potential ones?"
"I don't know. All Ascendants possess a specific wavelength based on the weight of their souls," Veles said. "Those who are close to [ascending]... might be sensed but we've never tested this because we were at war when all Seven of us ascended. Of course, if you can point me in the right direction, I can help… mitigate the damage it'll do."
Odin nodded his head. "I guess that's the best I can do for now."
"Mmm. Though, I didn't think you'd be concerned with something like this, Odin. You and your brothers killed Ymir and he was an Ascendant," Azazel said.
"Kill Ymir? We didn't kill Ymir. We assassinated Ymir. My brothers and I would have perished if we took Ymir head-on, Azazel. I'm sure you understand what it's like to fight an Ascendant. Lilith and Lucifer during the Great War should be plenty of a reminder. After all, how do you fight an entire walking cosmos yourself?" Odin said.
"I guess that's a good point, you got there. Is this everything?" Azazel asked.
"This is the last term I needed to add. An even ground for all of us to exist within this alliance," Odin said.
"Big Sis, you got anything you want to add?" Azazel asked.
Raphael opened her eyes and drummed her fingers against the table. "I look forward to working with you on this alliance, Odin. Perhaps with assistance from your brightest minds, we can move forward with a few projects of our own."
Azazel raised an eyebrow at her words. His eyes widened when he saw the smile on her face. He threw his head back and laughed uproariously.
"Ahahaha! It's about that, isn't it?" Azazel cackled madly.
"What? Irina? Do you know what they're talking about?" Issei asked.
"No, I don't…" Irina narrowed her eyes suspiciously at their words.
Raphael had a slight blush on her face. She grabbed Azazel's ear and pulled it, eliciting a howl of pain from the man. "I guess… I need to discipline you, Baby Brother…" Her eyes were glowing ominously as her grip around Azazel's earlobe grew tighter with each passing second.
"Okay! Okay! I get it! I'm sorry!" he yelped.
"If I may…," Mokosh asked. "Which project is Azazel referring to?"
"Ah, you don't want to hear. Just one of Raphael's pet projects alongside the Brave Saint system," he said.
"How about it, Sword Saint? As our neutral arbiter, what do you think of this three-way deal?" Odin asked.
Sae closed her eyes for a few seconds. "I believe it will be a good way to quell ongoing international conflict. Especially with the incidents happening across the world. A show of unity might be what we need to deter the enemy… for the time being," she said.
"Wow, you're a downer. Then… let's sign this treaty, shall we?" Odin asked.
"Yes-"
The building suddenly trembled violently. Dust and small pieces of rubble fell from the ceiling. In that instant, everyone was on high alert. Issei got up from his seat, summoning the Boosted Gear and the Opposition to his arms.
"Ise-chan, it's… him"
Issei gulped.
Odin slowly stood from his chair and raised a finger to his ear. "Brynhildr. Report."
"It's Loki… sir. And he's not alone. Fenrir has been spotted with him. My forces are prepared to intercept. We will also contact Lord Thor-"
"No need, Brynhildr. The White Dragon is already stationed inside the building and we have the Red Dragon here with us," Odin said.
What? Vali was here? Since when!? Issei thought. He looked over to Azazel, who gave him a nod and a thumbs-up.
"This is our cue," Rias said. "Let's go."
Everyone nodded and began to run toward the door. However, before they could reach it, the door burst open. Loki floated into the room. The immensity of his aura compared to the Sitri Group, Gremory Group, and Lunar Raven Squad caused them all to subconsciously take a step back. He hovered in the air, staring at the assembled Gods below him. Fenrir walked in, shaking the ground with each step. The fearsome god-eater had his infamous fangs bared and gave Odin a murderous stare.
"Odin, it looks like… you couldn't even wait for me to get here. To think you'd hold it in Asgard of all places," Loki said. His hazel eyes flitted to Issei, who returned his arrogant stare with a fierce glare.
"Bwaha! As expected of the Great Red Dragon Emperor, to think that you survived Fenrir's fangs. You're lucky Fenrir held back when he did. Otherwise, you would have died instantly," Loki laughed.
"Loki, so you really are here to finish this," Odin said.
"Of course I am. To think you would allow the Factions from the Bible to poison your mind. To consort with them and with the Slavs? I knew you were senile, Old Man, but did you really think any of us would support this?" Loki said.
His usually mocking face twisted into one of pure fury.
"No… I, Loki, will correct this travesty. So, Odin, let's have it. Let's have our prophesied doomsday. This Ragnarok will usher in a new era of paradise for us Norse, without the interference or existence of other Gods," Loki said.
Several magic circles appeared behind him, condensing a tremendous amount of energy within the center of each circle.
The circles flashed and a swarm of energy blasts flew toward the Alliance like a swarm of hornets.
[Divide Divide Divide Divide Divide Divide]
The energy beams all began to shrink in size before disappearing entirely.
"Looks like we got here in time."
"V- Vali!" Issei yelled in shock.
Vali hovered in front of them, clad in the same pure-white armor he had worn in their initial encounter. He glanced over his shoulder and nodded in Issei's direction.
"The White Dragon… and the Red Dragon? How grand! To think that you, Odin, would have prepared such a wondrous welcoming present for Ragnarok!" Loki said.
[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker]
A flash of red light surrounded Issei, encasing him in his signature red armor.
"Oh?"
"Sensei! Get everyone out of here! We'll hold Loki off while you finish the agreements!" Issie yelled.
"You…? Hold me off?" Loki asked. He had a baffled expression on his face.
"Vali," Issei said.
"Got it."
The two took off, racing towards Loki at high speed. Loki let loose several smaller blasts that homed in on them.
Issei watched as Vali spread his wings, zigzagging across the air, causing the blasts to collide with each other.
Issei increased the power of the boosters on his back, prepared to plow through the blasts only for, the blasts to miss him by a narrow margin. A gust of wind flew past him and a series of light trails appeared in the air, causing all the energy blasts to detonate.
"M- Mii!" Issei yelled.
"Don't be stupid, Aniki!" Mitsuki appeared next to him. She was clad in her Balance Breaker.
"Hah? A wielder of Telos Karma… here as well? Three Longinus users? You must really be desperate, Odin!" Loki said.
He leaned back, narrowly dodging a high-speed punch from Vali. Loki raised a hand, creating a small magic formula in the palm of his hand. He pressed it against Vali's armor. It was soon followed by a flash of blue light along with an explosion.
Vali flew from Loki toward Issei and Mitsuki.
The two jumped forward and caught Vali before he could hit the ground.
"It looks like this battle might turn if you don't get involved. Fenrir." Loki snapped his fingers.
Fenrir, who had been idle until now, finally began to move. His movements and growls caused them all to take a step back. The infamous God-eating Wolf. If he was going to get involved, then it was clear that Loki wanted to finish this battle quickly.
Fenrir crouched, putting Odin within his sight. Saliva dripped from his mouth and he lunged towards the Ancient God.
"Kuroka! Now!"
"Gotcha, nyan~!" she slammed her hands into the ground. A massive violet magic circle with several arrays appeared underneath Fenrir. A massive dark chain erupted from the circle, ensnaring the wolf.
Fenrir fell to the ground, thrashing around violently.
"W- What the hell is that!?" Issei yelled.
"Is that… Gleipnir?" Mitsuki asked.
"Yeah. Odin had it prepared in advance. He knew Loki was going to attack so… he pulled a few favors. What you're looking at is an enhanced version upgraded by the Dark Elves," Vali said, standing up.
Elves huh? Well then… I guess anything is real, Issei thought.
"To think that… Odin, you really did think ahead," Loki said, hovering in the air.
"This is it. All that's left is to defeat Loki! After that, we can call it a day," Issei said, cracking his knuckles.
"Hmph, fighting a God. I can't wait," Vali said. There was a clear look of enjoyment and anticipation in his eyes.
"Idiots." Mitsuki unsheathed her replacement katana and held it in front of her.
Without wasting another moment, the three shot off from their spots, all intent on dealing the first blow to Loki.
"If I knew you were going to be pushed back this much, I would have done it all myself."
Issei's eyes widened when he heard the words from next to him. He turned and saw a white blur coming toward him. A dull impact, followed by intense agony flooded his body. He flew with a resounding boom, slamming violently into Gladsheimr's walls. The walls shattered and Issei hit the floor violently.
As rubble was about to fall on top of him, a blast of black energy erased the rubble.
"Ise!" Rias ran toward the downed Issei with the others.
"A- Aniki! Rias-" Mitsuki's danger senses went haywire as she teleported away from the attack. She landed on the ground, watching the air for any sign of the new foe.
"Oi! Adashino!" Vali yelled.
Mitsuki turned to see a white blur flying toward her. Her eyes glowed and the hammer glitched before curving around her. A warm sensation trickled down her cheek. A sigh of relief escaped her mouth. She had managed to alter the probability of it striking her at the last second. But still… to be able to resist the effects of Telos Karma. Their new opponent was…
"You waited this long, Perun! He told you to help me!" Loki yelled.
Perun appeared in the air, holding his hammer in his right hand. He glanced over his shoulder. "I expected you to be able to contribute at least something to this plan. But in the end, you can't even kill a bunch of kids without Fenrir."
Perun held his hand out. A bolt of golden lightning slammed into the chain, shattering it easily. The impact forced the Gods to erect a barrier, protecting everyone from the shockwave.
"P- Perun! What are you-!?" Mokosh yelled in shock.
"Quiet, woman."
Mokosh stepped back as if she had been slapped in the face. Veles stepped forward, giving his brother a cold glare.
"Perun, you-"
"I don't need to justify myself to the rest of you. I'm merely here to right a wrong," Perun said, landing on the ground.
"R- Right a wrong?" Issei gasped, slowly getting up with Rias's help.
"Oh? You survived, Red Dragon Emperor? As expected from the one who defeated Beelzebub." The God clapped mockingly upon seeing his injured state. "But yes, Loki and I are of the same mind, surprisingly. So… I decided to lend him my aid, like the gracious deity I am. I just didn't think he'd struggle so much trying to kill mere children. I guess it was my blunder for relying on such a weak deity. But I digress.
"The deaths of the Dragon Emperors will just be the beginning. I will then wipe out every deity, angel, and devil inside this room. Then, once they're all gone, I can finally get my chance. My chance to kill you, brother. With your death and that of Odin's, things will go back to how they once were and I will reclaim what you have stolen from me," Perun said.
Veles narrowed his eyes.
"So…" Perun held his hands out. He began to emit a bright golden aura from his body. "Let's have Ragnarok."
In the distance, a man sat on the edge of a building. His legs dangled over the edge. He watched smoke billow from Gladsheimr as he ate a bag full of chips.
"It seems that the fireworks have started," he commented as a bolt of golden lightning burst through the roof of Gladsheimr, followed by a streak of red and orange light.
Another blue streak flew from the hole, followed by a bolt of violet lightning and a white and blue streak of light.
"Now then…" he got up and dusted his white pants off. His poisonous yellow eyes shimmered with a malicious gleam. "Perun can only buy me so much time after all."
And so, the man disappeared, dispersing into a funnel of black smoke. And in his wake, where he casually ate his snack was a pile of dismembered corpses and a blood-stained roof.
Perun
The Chief God of the Slavic Pantheon and the longtime rival as well as brother to the Great Evil of Reverie, Veles.
A man who is the epitome of pride and one who cannot tolerate the concept of people being better than himself. His self-love and vanity surpasses even the Great Evil of Rebellion's supposed Sin of Pride.
As a God who relentlessly pursues to prove his strength and superiority over others, his humiliation at the hands of the Great Evil of Reverie and the Great Evil of Rebellion on separate occasions has driven him to this moment.
For, in the end, his desire to side with Loki is merely a front. An offer he took from the Serpent in order to quell his petty pride.