Chapter 33: The Powers That Be
Rias wanted many things at the moment, she was hungry and hated that she smelt horrible, and she really wanted to take a bath.
When it finally got dark and when they were about to get some rest Koneko altered them so that all her clones were suddenly defeated.
She didn't know how her clones were defeated but all the sudden memories that rushed to her brain woke her up.
Shortly after a horde of monsters of all shapes and sizes came at them from all sides.
And since then they haven't had a wink of rest in between the numerous waves, Sona surmised that this may have been an attempt by the enemy to weaken them.
After they finished off the last of the lion magic beast they finally had a moment of relaxation, from ravenous hordes.
Issei fell on his butt exhausted, "thank whatever deity was listening," Asia playfully started fanning him with her hand.
"Don't get too comfortable," said Kiba dispelling his swords that were littered throughout the battlefield.
"I feel ya man at least now I know the sacred gear doesn't run out of rope," said Saji dispelling his sacred gear.
"Saji don't let your guard down the enemy could be nearby," Saji snapped to attention while manifesting his sacred gear again after hearing Sona speak.
Koneko's senses started screaming danger as she got off the yellow rock she was using to support her exhaustion.
Noticing this Rias raises her guard since Koneko has been vital in letting the group know when an attack is imminent thanks to her superior sensing skills.
While looking up Issei saw a star growing in the sky, "that's weird," following his gaze Asia looked up too, "I didn't know the underworld had shooting starts during the day."
Everyone else started looking up one by one as the star started getting closer, "that's not a star," alerted Rias to everyone, after that everyone got out of their relaxed states and prepared themselves for a fight.
"Hey Xenovia is it me or is that star getting bigger," asked Irina as it started getting a lot larger, "now that you mention it, does that look like a meteor," Xenovia questioned back.
The star in the sky quickly started to resemble a ball of fire like a meteor, "everyone retreat," ordered Rias as the ball of fire looked like it was about to crash on top of them.
"Rias I don't think we will get out of the blast radius we should brace for the sock wave," Rias glanced up again mentally agreeing with Sona.
"Yeah, you're right, everyone stop and brace for impact by creating barriers," the group halts creating barriers to protect themselves.
The meteor slams into the ground creating an enormous shock wave of rock and dust around them.
The dust disperses revealing an enormous western dragon with purple scales, "you got to be kidding," chuckled Saji timidly.
The massive Dragon looked over the group before stopping on Asia, "I have come for you little devil, you have enemies and I have been ordered to eliminate you."
"Like hell, you are," screamed Issei as he started boosting his power, "seems the enemy has finally revealed themselves and their target. I guess the Khaos Brigade was mad she disrupted their plans," surmised Sona.
The Dragon took a deep breath as it let out a massive roar, the group split in half to dodge the massive fireball spit at them.
The ground exploded as most of it was reduced to ash or glass, "I doubt we are beating this thing," said Rias, "you may be right but I don't think he will let us escape."
From above Ravel, Anos, and Azazel watch with excitement and worry on Ravel's side, "such power, shouldn't he be holding back he might actually kill one of them," said Ravel hoping no one would suffer any serious injuries.
"Don't worry that last attack was nothing he's actually holding back a lot," said Azazel not at all concerned, "oh that's good but what's the purpose of all of this," she questioned further.
"To see how far they can push themselves from exhaustion," Ravel nodded in understanding and Anos continued, "In war, there are times when you won't have time for a break, so you will need to continue to push past your limits to survive."
"Ohh but I am impressed that Sona and Rias were able to come up with a good chain of command," Azazel nodded in agreement one of the things he figured was that they would let their pride get in the way and not decide on a proper form of leadership.
From above they watched Rias put the group into a battle formation, the rooks along with the knights who were in the front, and the bishops comprised the second line except for Asia who was at Rias and Sona's side.
Issei was with the knights and rooks, and finally, the two queens were in the sky for overwatch and cover.
"Pretty solid formation," said Ravel, "I would have focused on retreating instead of trying to fight a losing battle."
Ravel's line of thought wasn't without merit both sides had solid arguments, "I'm sure that would work but are you sure you could run away," asked Anos watching Issei boost his power as the bishops created barriers to block Tannin's fireballs while the rooks and knights attacked his body.
Unfortunately, their attacks couldn't break through his scales, "probably not but I wouldn't want to put my peerage members in a battle I know they couldn't win."
Azazel nodded not seeing any flaw in her argument, "Not a bad line of thought but you could end up putting them more in danger by having them run away. In this case, they are all exhausted from fighting all night so trying to run when you are this heavily exhausted would be more detrimental. Plus their opponent is a dragon and you should never turn your back on a predator."
After hearing that Ravel changed her previous thought process, "When you put it like that I guess fighting is the best option," Anos shook his head and then added his own thoughts to the matter.
"Not necessarily, by not running you have to fight a losing battle knowing that in the end, it doesn't matter how hard you try you won't win," "I see so there is no right answer in the end both choices have their own acceptable levels of risk," said Ravel understanding why Rias chose to fight instead of running away.
"So when do you plan to stop this fight," asked Ravel wondering what the stipulations were for ending the test.
"There are three," said Anos raising three fingers, "one is if Issei manifests his balance breaker, two if they manage to damage Tannin, and three whenever Asia runs out of magic."
Ravel looked over to the ones fighting Tannin as their spells and attacks just bounced off of him, then to Issei he was just boosting his power.
Finally, she looked at Asia who looked to be at her limit, her eyes looked heavy and she was panting, "I think she is almost at her limit she is barely able to stand," said Ravel understating that the test was almost over.
"I'd say she has about a minute before she passes out," said Azazel watching her leaning on Rias while trying to stay standing on her feet.
"I think we can call it there do you agree Anos," "Yes they have worked pretty hard no need to push them any further," Anos said standing from his chair.
"Hey Tannin we can call it there," said Azazel standing at the edge of the cliff, Anos stood next to him with Ravel next to Anos.
The group looked up at them with mixed expressions, some were relieved and their exhaustion came over them as they fell to the ground.
But two of them, Rias and Sona, were glaring directly at Anos who just had that stupid smirk on his face.
The trio extend their wings and float to the ground, "I should have known, this reeked of you," barked Rias limping toward Anos with a fist raised to punch him, "I bet you were just laughing up a storm."
Anos leaned to the right and she went stumbling forward missing him, "Actually I just got here," for some reason, this made her even angrier, "what do you mean we could have been hurt?"
"I'm sure Azazel would have stepped in if anything went wrong," "Rias please calm down," requested Sona.
Rias sent her a look that said why are you stopping me, "Move you're in the way," said Sona as she shot a spear of water at Anos and he dodged that by titling his head.
"Hey now that could have killed me," smirked Anos earning a deeper glare from Sona, "all right girls stand down I was also part of this plan," said Azazel stepping in between the two.
"Be that as it may I think this was a little too far someone could have gotten seriously hurt," Azazel crossed his arms, "I doubt it since you have the world's strongest healer plus the magic beast I was sending wouldn't have killed any of you."
"Honestly I am too tired to care anymore," said Rias putting her hands on her knees to hold herself up, "I think it would be best to let them rest for a while they have been fighting for an entire day," said Ravel being the only one of the three understanding their frustration.
"I guess we can reconvene tomorrow," said Azazel finally looking over how exhausted all of them looked, "hey Tannin can you meet us at the Gremory estate tomorrow?"
Tannin took a final look at Issei and Saji before nodding and leaving.
Without another word, most of both of the peerages had fallen asleep after all the commotion died down so it was best to let them all rest so he wouldn't have to repeat himself.
A large golden transportation circle manifested below all of them transporting them to the Gremory estate.
There were maids ready for them when they teleported in, Sona's parents were both there to welcome their baby girl back.
Lord and Lady Gremory were present too since they wanted to see Rias and the rest of the peerage, they expected to see them looking worse for wear.
But when they arrived the group looked a lot worse than what they were expecting, they were soaked in dirt, and sticks and smelled awful.
Venelana sighed she knew they would be put through the wringer but they looked absolutely dreadful, "your son's form of training is as life-threatening as always," said Lord Sitri looking at Sona who was walking toward the mansion with a limp.
Anos walked to the four high-class devils, "Hello Lord and Lady Sitri I hope you're both in good health."
Lady Sitri chuckled if anyone else put her daughter through this she would have been in a much more sour mood, "My...my Anos when you said training I should have known she would come back looking like this after only two days."
"The fact most of them can still walk is a miracle of its own," laughed Lord Sitri, "I should have known you would have done something like this," said Venelana giving her son a sour look.
"Coming close to death is one of the fastest ways to attain strength," said Anos not feeling at all bad for their current state.
"Well don't train our daughter too hard I want her in her best shape for your long-awaited match," whispered Lord Sitri winking at Anos.
"Of course, I want her in her best shape as well," whispered back Anos.
It didn't take long for the maids and servants to get both peerages situated in their own rooms in the Gremory mansion.
"This sucks, how come Issei gets to sleep with hot girls in his room and I am stuck in here with two other guys," ranted Saji from his own bed.
Kiba chuckled while Gasper shivered in the box he was hiding in, "it was an order from King Lucifer that all the female members are to sleep with him to increase his strength."
Saji started punching his pillow as his jealousy boiled, "That's bull shit of the highest order," Kiba just shook his head looking over the side of the bed at the box in the corner, "you doing okay over there Gasper," "Yes," said the boy chuckling in excitement.
"Asia if that boy touches you in any way you don't like just kick him in," Anos jabbed Mittelt in the shoulder giving her a look not to finish that sentence.
"Whatever but you know what I was about to say right," Asia nodded with a smile, "thank you for the concern sis," Mittelt blushed with a smile hugging Asia, "You are just too cute."
Anos turned his attention back to Issei who was standing at attention, "Back to you," Issei flinched, "Yes sir," "I would like my sister and the rest of the girls to keep their chastity."
Issei saluted Anos, "Sir yes sir no baby-making, sir," Xenovia peeked her head out the door with five condoms, "Don't worry Lord Anos I have these. So no babies will be made for now."
Anos looked from Xenovia back to Issei who was sweating, "Those aren't mine I swear," Anos narrowed his eyes, "what are you doing get lost so we can get some sleep," said Rias swinging the door open annoyed Anos was doing this.
Rias pulled Issei's arm inside the door and Asia followed behind them then Rias locked it, "She might be pregnant the next time you see her."
Inside the room all the girls started playfully fighting for a spot to cuddle with on Issei's body, well all except Irina in her fantasies she always wanted Issei to herself but watching numerous girls snuggle up to him felt wrong.
She didn't hate them for it but she could lie she really did want him for herself and felt out of place.
"You're jokes are worse than Rin's," both of them made their way to his room to get ready for bed.
They walk inside to see clothes flying from one side of the room to the other with Rin standing in the center with clothes on her head.
"Dam you cat keep your stuff out of my drawer," screamed Ravel throwing Koneko's clothes out of one of her drawers.
"You have too many dresses in here I can't put up my stuff," said Koneko tossing dresses on the ground.
Anos just looked at his messy room and down to Mittelt who was hiding her laughter with both her hands, Anos sighed and snapped as the closet tripled in size.
The room also grew, he created two extra drawers for their clothes.
The clothes on the floor magically folded themselves and hung on hangers going into their respective closet spaces.
Both girls look around in surprise as clothes start to fly over their heads and doesn't take them long to see that Anos is the cause, "Would you be so kind as to not trash my room it causes extra work for the servants that clean my room?"
Both girls apologize for the mess they made saying they won't do it again but Anos knows this won't last long, "So why is she here," asked Koneko pointing at Mittelt.
"For reasons she will be staying in here," Anos then created another bed for her to sleep in, "What's with the extra bed," asked Ravel since she thought she would share the bed with them.
"I don't mind sharing a bed as long as he doesn't try anything funny," said Mittelt pointing an accusing finger at him, "Don't compare me to Issei," said Anos walking into the bathroom.
Koneko raised her arm to the sky, "I don't mind if you touch me, in fact, I welcome it," Ravel scoffed, "that sounded rehearsed how long have you been holding on to that one?" Koneko puffed out her empty chest, "Longer than you know," "Both of you are weird," Koneko and Ravel looked at Mittelt in disgust.
"Who are you calling weird crow," said Ravel creating a ball of fire, "Yeah seems you need to learn the pecking order," said Koneko cracking her knuckles.
Mittelt cautiously took a step back, "Wait I thought you were enemies," "That cat annoys me to no end," "Yes given the chance I would burn chicken clothes to ashes."
Mittelt was getting confused about where this rivalry was coming from but she wasn't about to be intimidated by two children, "As if I would be afraid of two children," said Mittelt creating lighting in both hands.
Anos walked out of the shower to see the trio completely destroying his once pristine room the floor was cracked, there were lighting scorch marks on the walls, and fire everywhere else.
"You didn't think to stop them from destroying my room," Rin looked at Anos with a tilt of her head, "I'm sure you knew what they were doing and chose to do nothing. I said before I am no servant."
"Well, I was in the shower," "That just sounds like more of an excuse," the duo watched Ravel team up with Koneko pining Mittelt to the ground and Koneko was spanking her on her bottom.
Anos coughed into his hand grabbing the trio's attention, "dammit I missed the shower again, this your fault Mittelt," said Koneko, "shut up and get off of me."
"I asked you to not destroy my room," Anos with a snap of his finger repaired his room for a second time realizing that this would become a naturally occurring phenomenon.
Outside the door Sona stood in her blue pajamas about to knock on Anos door, Tsubaki was with her to provide support, "You're almost there president."
Sona has been in this frozen position for a while, Sona sighs and drops her hand, "Never mind."
"Why are you just staring at the door," asked Ravel, Anos just shook his head, "It's nothing."
They got into the bed with Ravel taking his left arm, Koneko laid on his chest like a cat and Mittelt reluctantly took his right saying she needed to hold onto it so he wouldn't touch her in her sleep.
The next day Anos was ready and changed downstairs followed by his group, they went to the dining hall and ate breakfast.
Anos ate his food without a worry in the world although Sona and Rias were glaring at him.
After breakfast, everyone made their way outside to see Tannin sitting cross-legged on the ground talking to Azazel and Baraqiel Akeno looked away with a glare after he looked at walk out the door.
Venelana was there with battle armor and Rias knew who she was there for, Sairaorg was there leaning on a nearby tree eating an apple.
Last were both of Sona's parents she didn't know why they were here exactly but she figured they wanted to see her.
Noticing the group walk out Azazel made his way toward them with a wave, "Took you long enough," "Well they need their rest," said Anos nodding at him.
"Now that we are all here anyone wants to explain about the last two days," Rias said to the general audience but she was glaring at Anos who was no doubt the ring leader about all of this.
"The test had two parts and all of you failed the first part," said Anos turning his attention toward Rias, "I'd say surviving a train crash was a success," said Issei not understanding how training them to survive a train crash would be helpful.
Anos just shook his at Issei's comment, "No Issei I think he's talking about how long we were on the train," said Saji nudging Issei in the side with his elbow.
"Correct the first part was to test your situational awareness and you all failed," "I was under an illusion so did I actually fail," said Koneko, compared to everyone else she was placed under an illusion so she wouldn't reveal that everything was an illusion.
Anos shook his head at her and she looked down in defeat, "If you hadn't let your guard down you could have easily noticed you were under an illusion."
"Honestly it took way too long for you guys to figure it out," said Azazel walking up, "A whole hour passed before you noticed something was off and even then if we gave you water you probably would have stayed up there the whole time."
Rias scoffed, "I feel offended by that statement but, I guess that makes sense," their reasoning behind the first part made sense but, "So you two cleared that up but why were we dropped in the middle of the desert," asked Sona.
Like Rias, she was annoyed by everything that had happened, "To test your trial by combat, I needed to witness all of your capabilities first hand and the best way to do that is trial by combat."
"And by all means what did you learn about us," said Sona wanting to know if this was a gigantic waste of time or did he actually learned anything.
Azazel pulled out a notepad with everything he noticed due the two days, "How about we start with you Sona, out of everything I noticed, you're magical abilities are much to be desired, I can tell you are very intelligent but when in some cases thinking your way out of a fight won't work and you are the complete opposite Rias," Azazel didn't bother reading what he had on every one since that would eat up more of their time.
"Anos would you like to explain what they will be doing," Anos then addressed both peerages to explain what exactly they would be doing.
He started off with Saji and Issei saying Tannin would be helping them strengthen their dragon sacred gears, the best way to train a dragon is with a dragon.
He then moved on to the knights of both groups telling them they would be fighting separate wooden clones, at first they were a little let down that they were fighting dolls but after Kiba assured them to go along with it they decided to wait and see.
Next was the rooks plus Sona's last pawn, he told them Sairaorg would be in charge of them, Koneko had no reservations about this plus she had questions about Touki.
Next were the four bishops he told them Azazel would be taking on their training so he would explain what they would be doing when they separated.
Next was Rias but it didn't take an explanation for her to know who would be training her.
Lastly was Tsubaki and Akeno, he told them Baraqiel would be training them both but Akeno had a request.
"Anos may I make a selfish request," Anos had a feeling it had something to do with her father, "Sure but if it's about your father training you," Akeno flinched under his gaze.
He didn't look angry but disappointed, Anos knew Akeno's story and he understood her frustration but at the end of the day, it wasn't her father's fault. Akeno then bowed, "I promise not to fuss I just want to learn the spell you taught Mittelt," Anos looked at Mittelt who looked away with a whistle.
"Which spell," "Jirasd the devil form of holy lighting," Baraqiel's interest was piqued too, did Anos actually create a devil form of holy lighting he wondered, "I don't think," "Please I promise not to argue with anything he says, all I want to do is learn."
If it was possible for her to learn it Anos wouldn't mind teaching it to her but that wasn't the issue, Jirasd needed demon magic to work and that was something she didn't possess and that was just one of the reasons.
Akeno was still hunched over and Rias tried to get her to stand up straight, "Akeno why do you want to learn that spell," "Because I feel I am lacking in the strength to protect my juniors."
During the rating game, Akeno didn't manage to retire a single person and had to watch as her friends fought tooth and nail, ever since then she's noticed how all of them have gotten stronger and she is happy for them but she is supposed to be the queen the second strongest.
But at the moment she feels she is falling behind and if things continue to progress as they are she feels will become useless.
During the rating game, she tried to copy the move Anos did at their training but failed thinking it was beyond her strength although when Mittelt showed her Jirasd her perspective changed.
If someone like Mittelt could use a spell like that then surely she could if given the proper training, "I want to be more useful for Rias and everyone else," she declared.
"Akeno where is this coming from," Rias was confused she never thought of her queen as useless no one did.
"Issei, Kiba, Koneko, and even Asia have gotten so strong, I know it won't be long until they get even stronger after this. And now that Xenovia is here plus with Irina along with everyone else I know you will make them stronger but I want even more strength so please."
Akeno then locked eyes with Anos, "I just want more power to protect my friends," Anos's expression didn't change, "More power you say," a smile then formed on his face.
"With conviction like that, how could I say no," a triumphant smile formed on her face, "With that being said it won't be easy I even have doubts you can use it."
"I don't care I'll learn it by the end of the week I promise," "We shall see," Anos had doubts that she could use Jirasd but this did present the opportunity for him to see someone could replicate a spell from his world so he was optimistic.
After that died down Sona raised her hand, "I think you forgot about me," "Not exactly I saved you for last because it would have been best to announce yours at the end."
Sona raised an eyebrow and noticed her parents had cameras in their hands, she thought it was very weird and they had the same look when she went on the outing with Anos.
"Originally the plan was to have Serafall train you but things have changed," Sona let out a sigh of relief she didn't want to be training with her sister but that didn't answer her question.
"But first let me say this, at the end of this training all of you will be showing Azazel what you have learned in a one-on-one spar. And if you beat Azazel you will be given a reward."
Sona was getting more confused Anos was talking about sparing but he hadn't even told her what she would be doing, "But not you Sona, your test will be simple defeat me at chess and if you do so I will accept that as a proposal. Although if you want me to still beat you I can do that after you beat me."
The area was silent except for the sound of cameras snapping pictures of Sona's expression, she for the first time in a long time was blushing with a shocked expression.
Everyone let out a scream of surprise but Sona all she could do was just stare dumbly at Anos, she couldn't believe it, although it wasn't how she planned but it was happening.
She then took a deep breath, "tsk," was the first sound she made, she then turned on her heel, "I can't believe you."
A communication circle then formed next to Sona's ear, "Hey I need your help," a scream exploded from the communication circle and Sona hung up.
Seconds later a teleportation formed by the gate as Serafall appeared with stars in her eyes, "Mother and father I need your help too," both nodded willing to give their daughter all the help she needed, Sona then wiped her face.
Then turned back around walking toward Anos staring him in the eye, "Get ready I am going to destroy you and you better not hold back this time."
Sona then walked to the gate almost at the speed of a run, "I seriously can't believe you just said that but it took you long enough," said Sona rubbing the back of her head with a happy smile on her face.
"Sona I can't believe you called me asking for help," said Serafall jumping up and down.
Not everyone had a happy look on their faces those who didn't know what Anos just did were very much confused. "Hey Saji do you know what's going on," asked Issei since he was her pawn, "not a clue I'm as much in the dark as you."
Hearing them talking Kiba walked over to Issei and Saji, "Over the years many people have tried to propose to Sona and mysteriously they would disappear," Kiba said this while looking at Serafall hinting that she might have had something to with this.
"So instead Sona created a stipulation if the person her parents chose for her to marry could beat her at chess she would marry them."
"So wait Anos just proposed to the president," said Saji snapping his head to Anos, Issei scoffed, "dammit another girl that I can't put in my harem."
Asia started clapping mentally congratulating them, along with the other new members of the peerage who didn't know what this meant until now.
"Enough with the mushy mushy can I take them now," said Tannin lumbering over, "yea their all yours," said Azazel agreeing that it was time to get started.
The dragon scooped both boys in both claws and flew away to their surprise and disappointment thinking they would be staying here.
They were only able to scream in protest saying that they didn't want to leave, Issei screamed something about missing out on precious boobs.
"Anos," hearing his name he turned to Sairaorg, "I'm hearing you're an ultimate class," Sairaorg considered himself Anos's rival in strength for years and when he heard about it, it just made him want to catch up.
"You don't seem disheartened about it," Sairaorg shrugged with a smirk walking past him, "nahh I like the motivation to get stronger, one day I get so stronger I'll shatter any spell you have with this fist," to emphasize this he raised his right fist.
"Then I'll create an attack that not even you can destroy," responded Anos accepting his challenge, Sairaorg just continued his approach toward his group.
"Hey there Koneko I heard you have gotten stronger," Sairaorg then raised an open palm, "Let's see how strong," without wasting time she threw a punch in his palm.
There was a small gust of wind upon impact, Sairaorg nodded in satisfaction he then looked at Sona's peerage members, "I've seen you two before but I don't know your names, so introduce yourselves."
While Sairaorg got to know those two, Baraqiel nervously walked toward Akeno and Tsubaki, "Akeno…I," Baraqiel just looked away as the words got stuck in the back of his throat.
Tsubaki sensing that she would have to be the mediator between the two, attempted to break the tension, "It is a pleasure to meet you Lord Baraqiel, I am Tsubaki Shinra."
Akeno smiled thanking her mentally for what she did, "Yes I will be your instructor for the next few days but this is my first time teaching so I will be learning just as much as you two."
"I am sure you will do just fine sir, I am sure Akeno is just as eager to learn as I am," "Uhh yeah same here…uhh fath…I mean sir," Baraqiel noticed what Akeno was about to say but felt the need not to say anything.
"Well if you guys are ready I have an area picked out where we can start," both girls nodded and they flew off following Baraqiel. "Rias dear are you ready," Rias jumped forgetting that her mother was training her but after noticing she wasn't in her battle attire anymore she calmed down but her demeanor didn't inspire her that everything was fine.
"Yes but will you be training in that," her mother was now in a flimsy dress, "Of course not that comes later but, I will tutor you on how to properly lead a peerage and then we will put it into application."
Rias likes not having her mother sling spells at her but she doesn't want to spend time reading books but compared to the latter she wouldn't complain about it for now.
"Now onto you four," Azazel addressed the four bishops, "I won't be with you for the whole time but we will be able to work something out."
Azazel slung his finger at Gasper who screamed, "First we gotta do something about that nervous nature of yours," with a snap he teleported the boy into a busy mall.
"Next you two, compared to our little Asia here both of your abilities are lacking. So let's with some start basic magic control," Azazel tossed them two orbs, "when you shatter these orbs with magic come find me."
The girls took the two orbs, shaking it although it just appeared to be a regular glass orb.
They infused magic into and nothing happened, "oh yea you need the magic of a low-high-class devil," they looked perplexed since they were low-class and he expected them to shatter something only high-class devils could break.
They looked at him expecting him to say more but he didn't and spoke to Asia, "Good job back at the battle you saved a lot of lives," "Thank you, sir," Asia blushed in apparition at the comment.
"But there is much to improve on, what's best is to work on the speed of your healing and healing multiple targets at once," Asia nodded eager to start.
"Sona what do you wanna learn first I have so much to teach you," but she couldn't spurt out any more lines as Sona cut her off, "I need to beat Anos at chess so please take this seriously I want to win."
Serafall paused sighing, "You know what, you're right," Serafall switched up so fast Sona could barely recognize her, "I guess for once I can take this a little more seriously for your sake. So do you have any ideas?"
"I was pretty eager to get started but any trick I try to come up with he will see right through it and he is much smarter than me."
"Don't underestimate yourself dear I am sure Anos wouldn't have proposed it if he didn't believe in you," said her father offering her some support.
"Don't worry father I have an idea, on how to throw Anos off his game," Serafall then whispered in his ear, Sona turned red, "Out of the question," "How come I have seen," "Out of the question plus you broke into my room."
As the Sitri family attempted to come up with a way to help Sona win, the man himself just watched from the sidelines passively observing, "So what's next," Anos looked down at Mittelt who was watching Azazel speak to the knights plus Irina explaining how the wooden puppets worked.
"I'm actually waiting on Azazel he said he wanted to experiment on you," "Oh I see," it took only a second for her to process what he said, "Wait what," "Me and Ajuka couldn't spot a difference in your physiology but he might able to find something we missed. But don't worry he said he wouldn't use any big needles."
"Da-fuck do you mean," barked Mittelt kicking his leg, "Anos are you not worried about Death swapping places," asked Rin, "It should be fine with all of us there," Rin nodded then closed her eyes to observe more of his memories, Azazel wrapped up his conversation and made his way toward Anos.
"I won't let you poke me with any needles no matter the size," Azazel tilted his head in confusion, "That's too bad I only brought the large ones," "Huh, what, why, for what reason," said Mittelt stepping back in caution.
She looked at Anos for help but he just shrugged, "What are you just standing there for, help me," Anos just shrugged again, "I haven't decided if I should, to be honest," Mittelt started to pale at his unwillingness to help her.
"Learn to relax a little, I was just joking. The only thing I need a needle for is to draw some blood," Mittelt relaxed but she still didn't like how cryptic they were being.
"You ready Azazel," before answering he turned around to check, Sairaorg was walking to the forest with his group, Rias was heading inside, Kiba and the knights were heading to another part of the mansion to train with their puppets, and the bishops were messing with the orbs while Asia practiced healing two things at once and Sona was still talking to her family.
"Yeah we should be good to leave if they need me they can contact me via a communication circle but what about Ravel," "I don't want her around Mittelt when we are carrying on these tests."
Azazel understood that sentiment and teleported them all to Ajuka's private laboratory, Ajuka himself wasn't there but would be arriving after he wrapped up what he was doing.
They had Mittelt sit on an operating table and took some of her blood to analyze it, Mittelt's soul was altered so he wanted to see for himself if he could see what was in her DNA that changed too.
But after a few tests, he could tell she wasn't a Fallen anymore, she had devil blood but there was something else mixed in, "What do mean there is something else in my blood," "Don't worry it's not anything bad I think, you just not completely a devil that's all," "could it be a result of the evil piece," asked Anos curious as to what he found.
"No your results on that matter were conclusive, the piece did change half her DNA to a devil or Demon in this case. This is just a hypothesis but maybe it's part of the fragment that merged with her soul."
"So I'm part god," said Mittelt surprised at that revelation, "Like I said it's only a hypothesis, but it's easy to test," Azazel spun around in his rolling chair toward Mittelt.
"Manifest raw magic like this," Azazel opened his palm creating raw magic without any attitudes attached, just like he demonstrated Mittelt did the same.
A red orb spread over her hand, Azazel analyzed the orb, "Sense anything off about it Anos, seems normal to me," "No just regular magic in my eyes."
Azazel sighed he doubted that would give them any answers, "Well there isn't much else we can do," "Why not just talk to her I am sure she listening," said Rin.
Anos and Azazel looked at each other and both shrugged, Azazel turned back to Mittelt staring into her eyes, "How about it Death want to talk," after saying that magic pulsed from his body.
Everyone just looked at Mittelt silently waiting to see if Death would reveal herself, "It's weird having all of you stare at me," Azazel smirked noticing to subtle change in her demeanor after she said that.
Although he couldn't sense the change with magic he could see it in her eyes and her mannerisms, "What do you want former governor."
"There are just a few things I want to confirm," "I'm no ginny pig," she said narrowing her eyes unamused by Azazel.
"Why can't I say," "Silence or I'll cut out your tongue," Azazel jumped in his chair acting like he was scared.
"Ohh scary but that just about proves what I was testing," Azazel crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair, Anos was curious about what Azazel was getting at.
"Hey Anos during the time of the old gods words or phrases carried power, and that was even more true when you said the name of gods."
Anos was starting to piece together what Azazel was getting at but decided to let him continue, "For instance, if you were to say the name of a Primordial God you might just grab their attention and summon them if they wanted to appear. Of course, some hated having their true name called but others like my Father wanted you to call upon him for his help."
Death was getting more annoyed by the second hearing him, understanding completely what he was getting at, "did you call me for a history lesson," "Ereshkigal," faster than he could say she jammed her fingers in her ears destroying her ears and she also closed her eyes.
Azazel snapped in satisfaction his hunch was spot on, "that proves it," "So Death and Ereshkigal are two different people," Azazel shook his head.
"I wouldn't say that much, remember Ereshkigal had the rare ability of soul manipulation but what if one of her fragments went rogue."
Anos looked back to Death she was just sitting there eyes closed fingers in both ears as they dripped with blood, "like how Mittelt and Death are connected Death still shares a connection with the original Ereshkigal."
Death yanked her thumbs out of her ears and opened her eyes as she glared at Azazel in ferocity, "die," Azazel's body started to glow.
The glow around Azazel's body shattered like glass, confusion washed over Death that her spell failed to activate, "the hell," she said.
She then looked at Anos and his eyes were glowing with his Eyes of Destruction but she didn't it was Anos's doing. "You," she growled Death attempted to try again but her spell wouldn't activate and after further examination, nothing would activate.
Death was flung across the room as she slammed into the wall, "curse you," she screamed at Anos as he stepped in between Azazel and her. "Silence," with one word Death's body tensed up as an invisible force restricted her movements, "the hell are you? How are you doing this?"
The invisible force around her body tightened up, "I said, silence," Death's throat tightened up as she was now unable to speak.
Death started at Anos bewildered about how he was doing this but her attention was drawn away as she registered three powerful auras and one of them was a monster among monsters.
"what the hell are they doing in the underworld," she didn't have time to examine further as Anos created the same barrier around his house in the room they were in, "you shouldn't get distracted," Death started stomping her foot on the ground, "who the hell are you."
"I should be the one saying that," Anos said sizing her up.
The ground around them started to shake and then suddenly stopped, "I won't forget what you just did Azazel your days are numbered."
With that she fell over, "Did she fall unconscious," asked Azazel peeking from behind Anos, "Seems she didn't want to risk hearing her name again, although it's strange she is this defensive about it?"
"I agree how peculiar but all the same I agree," he then looked down at Mittelt who was still bleeding from the ear unconscious, "We should heal her."
Azazel walked over to heal her, Anos was curious about something and turned to Ophis, "As a primordial god can you hear when someone says your name," "Yes but with time you don't even notice."
The door flings open as Ajuka barges in, "are you guys good," he looks down at Mittelt unconscious with Azazel healing her, "Is she okay."
"Yes just peachy you," said Azazel picking up Mittelt, "I guess you guys haven't been outside," they looked at him equally confused, and they followed Ajuka outside to see the area completely leveled like an earthquake rolled through the area.
Azazel and Anos remembered the small shaking they felt from inside and then realized that the barrier probably protected them from the majority of the shaking.
"The hell did you two do," after explaining what was undoubtedly the cause of the destruction here, "so you surmised that Ereshkigal and Death were not one and the same like we thought but possibly two separate individuals."
Ajuka looked at the unconscious, "Any reason why she is unconscious when normally she would be awake," Anos poked Mittelt's cheek, "Maybe Death put her to sleep so Azazel couldn't say it in front of her again."
"I think that's enough for today," said Azazel handing Mittelt back to Anos, "and I'll inform Sirzechs of what we learned," "Yeah that works for me."
Both teleport away before Ajuka can protest about the state they left his laboratory, "Umm do they expect me to fix this mess?"
Anos appeared in his room with Mittelt in his arms with Rin taking a seat in a chair, "Will she be okay," asked Rin out of curiosity more than concern.
"She's breathing so that's good," Anos then encased Mittelt in a barrier just in case she woke up and Death took control.
The barrier wasn't to stop her movements but to alert him the second she awoke, "Are you sure it's fine leaving her here?"
Rin followed him out the door, "Yeah it should be fine," "Where are you headed," "I am going to check up on everyone."
Anos makes his way to where the Knights are sparing against the wooden puppets.
Anos observed them fighting the puppets, Kiba was also giving himself an extra challenge by having one of his mist clones fighting him as well.
Looking at Xenovia he could tell she lacked control with Durandel her swordsmanship was all and well but she was far from mastering the power held within it.
Irina had Excalibur mimic in the form of a katana her skills were sharp and smooth but it seemed like her thoughts were elsewhere.
The knight from Sona's peerage was doing better than he first thought although her skills weren't on the levels of Kiba but she had potential in their own way.
Anos walks over to the four of them, "Hey there how is it going," the four of them stop their separate spars curious as to what he wanted.
"Hello Lord Anos are you done running your test," asked Kiba putting his sword away, "yea just taking a little break. How about you guys how is it going?"
Kiba explained that if he had the puppet from back in Kuoh he wouldn't have to start from zero but he's compensating with the puppet.
To help Anos created another wooden puppet that was started off stronger.
Seeing Kiba get another puppet Tomoe requested another one to get accustomed to fighting more than one individual, Anos saw nothing wrong with her request and granted it.
Xenovia said she was fine with the one puppet she said that Kiba told her he knew how to wield a sword and asked for some advice on how to wield Durandel.
"Well show me how you normally wield it," Xenovia nodded and turned around to give an example, she did some basic stances and swings.
Next, she started channeling the power into her body, she raised her sword high before slamming it into the ground.
A destructive wave of holy power obliterated a large part chunk of the forest, Xenovia let out a tired sigh, and she turned back around.
To see Anos just staring back at her as if waiting for her to do something, "Was that it," Xenovia nervously scratched the side of her cheek, "Uhh yeah that bad huh?"
"Well besides the fact you destroyed part of my family trees, I wouldn't say it was that bad," Xenovia twirled her head to see the destruction she caused and started apologizing.
Anos started waving her off, "It's fine I've destroyed a few doors in the mansion but if my mother asks I'll say it was my fault."
The worried look on Xenovia's face troubled look slowly vanished as she started thanking him.
"It's fine but can you stand," "I just need a second," Anos didn't rush her and let her catch her breath but he thought she had more control over it after her fight with Arthur.
Xenovia finally stood, "Better," asked Anos, "yes it's just when I try to use the full destructive power I get drained like that. After fighting that guy I wanted to know how much of its full power I can use."
"Why attempt to use it all at once instead of in small increments," "I tried against the guy we fought but it wasn't enough," she said shaking her head.
Acting like he didn't know who they were talking about Anos inquired about who she was talking about, "an exorcist named Arthur Pendragon a direct descendant of his namesake and he wielded Caliburn, The Sword from the Stone."
Kiba then chimed in, "he had some weird ability to teleport his sword across space."
Anos knew he wielded Caliburn but the ability he didn't know although this type of ability is something he is familiar with from his world.
"Do you know the best way to get better at wielding magic," asked Anos and she just nodded, "Of course if you keep practicing your cast time will get faster and the spell will get more powerful."
"Good I am about to teach you the same thing I taught Asia, Aura manipulation."
Kiba, Irina, and Tomoe watched in curiosity as Anos began to instruct Xenovia, "Aura? I mean I already know how to use it," Xenovia demonstrated by creating a faint golden glow.
"Nice but besides boosting your physical abilities what else does aura manipulation do," Xenovia opened her mouth and was about to say physical but closed it not having any other ideas on how to use it.
Anos then glanced at the three standing off to the side and none of them could think of anything else, "proper manipulation of one's aura can provide many baseline abilities."
Anos then raised a finger, "One is like a barrier around yourself, two provide some sort of healing, three exert pressure on someone that can even kill them, and another is unworldly sensing abilities."
Anos put down his four fingers, "simple mastery over aura can do things like that," asked Tomoe from the side a lot more invested in what Anos was teaching since simply exerting aura could kill.
"Correct, here watch," responded Anos manifesting his own crimson aura, "now strike me with your sword Xenovia," Xenovia looked down at Durandel uncertain if she should because she might hurt Anos.
Anos sees the uneasiness on her face deciding to help her resolve to strike him, "come on try it," he says winking at her.
"Fine but if you get hurt don't blame me," Xenovia raised her sword still unsure about striking him but figured if he got hurt she had witnesses here to prove Anos wanted this to happen.
Before swinging she looked at the three onlookers, Irina gave her two thumbs up, Kiba nodded at her with a smirk, and Tomoe just shrugged.
"I mean Lord Anos fought against Parisa and Kokabiel so he should be fine," thought Tomoe, "Oh yeah go ahead and power up as much as you can."
Xenovia gave him a look like he was crazy but she just shook her head deciding that trying to understand wouldn't help her case.
Durandel starts to glow and Xenovia takes a deep breath she brings the sword down but it stops halfway, she looks at the tip of the blade dumbfounded.
Anos stopped the blade with his pointer finder and didn't appear as if he was struggling, "with mastery over aura you can do something like this but it's not a perfect defense if you were better with your sword you could break through my aura."
Xenovia put down the blade astonished but she was hopeful that she could learn aura manipulation, "Lord Anos," hearing Kiba call for him Anos turned to him, "Is aura manipulation something I could learn too," one of the main requirements for using aura manipulation was having a large mana pool to maintain it and Kiba unfortunately didn't have one as a knight.
"Unfortunately not Kiba like Xenovia you both don't have a lot of magic but she has a powerful sword to compensate but you don't. Of course, you can build magic through practice but having a sword like Xenovia's can help."
Kiba created his sword of Betrayer, "is this not powerful enough," Anos shook his head, "Unlike her blade, the magic will recharge on its own if overused but yours will not. Although if the blade absorbed enough magic long enough you could maintain an aura."
Kiba looked over his sword tightening his grip, "So still not strong enough," after hearing that Anos then told them the downside of aura manipulation.
"Aura manipulation is useful but not perfect. When it comes to physical attacks it's good but not perfect, if poisoned you can strengthen your body with aura but it won't stop the poison. Plus not all attacks are physical and simply encasing your body in aura won't protect you."
Kiba smirked after hearing poison would be useful since he had a blade that was perfect for using poison. Anos continued giving them some critiques on their skills for a little while longer before he felt Mittelt's body move from inside the barrier.
"Wait Lord Anos there is something I would like to discuss with you in private," asked Irina hoping to get the chance to talk to him.
"I must go and do something but once I am done we can talk after how does that sound," "uhhh…yes that should be fine," Irina bowed but Anos waved her off, "No need to do that for me," in a flash of red Anos left with Rin to confront Mittelt.
Earlier, in Anos's bed, Mittelt lay motionless as if she was fast asleep but in her mind, things were very lively in the barren black area. Death was sent skidding on the ground before rolling onto her back, "you almost ruined everything with that stunt you pulled,"
Death rolled over standing to one knee, "it wasn't my intention. I was going to kill them he was just too strong," Death floated in the air before being slammed into the ground repeatedly, she floated limply in the air before again being dropped, "Reckless stupid child I wouldn't have done something like that."
Another Death made herself visible through the darkness.
Black mist surrounded Death's lesser half as her body started glowing, "I see," "Stop analyzing my soul pervert," "Pervert, such crude language I wouldn't use but it is something the Fallen would use."
The lesser half body stopped glowing as she turned her attention to Mittelt for the first time, "That can't be true I am still you," "Wrong your soul has intertwined with that thing so much ever your personalities are starting to merge into one."
It was true Death wouldn't have handled the situation in the way her counterpart did but if Mittelt had been put into the same situation she would done something similar.
"You are starting to become more of a liability to my plans if you didn't still have value I would have eradicated your soul already."
Death dropped her body as her lesser half started to crawl away in fear and started to cry, black lighting shot out of Death's finger causing her lesser half to scream in suffering.
"Please I beg of you mercy," but the onslaught didn't stop, "don't worry I'm not going to kill you," Death increased the power of her attack causing her lesser half to scream even louder.
Death stopped her torture and lifted her counterpart off the ground, her lesser half coughed and said something that sealed her fate.
"You are just like her and you will never surpass her for you are nothing more than a clone such as me," Death clenched her fist as a new wave of anger came over her.
Her lesser half's earlier blunder was forgivable but that comment sealed her fate, "how dare you," Death summoned chains that attached to her lesser half arms, legs, and around her neck.
"Wait you can't do this to me, not again," she started to shake around in the chains but couldn't break free.
She then started to cry as flashbacks of her childhood started to come back, "Please I'll be good I promise, I won't act up again. Just don't lock me away like," but Death interrupted her, "As Father did? I don't want to but unlike her, I can understand why Father did what he did, you are a danger to my plans but I still have use of you," she then manifested a gate and locked her lessor half behind it.
"Pleassseeee nooooo," she screamed, "I thought you were better than her but I can see that you are the monster," "You just love making your situation worse," if there was one thing she hated it was being called a monster.
Her lesser half eyes rolled to the back of her head as a small ball of cyan blue magic flew dripped out her ear and levitated to Death.
She came to and once she saw the orb in front of her original she knew the worse had happened, "no give it back dammit what did you take," Death had robbed her counterpart of her memories especially the ones of the outside world since she knew it was something she enjoyed looking at the memories of the outside to a certain extent.
"You won't be needing memories of the outside world anymore all I need you to do is channel me power from the outside."
Once Death absorbed the org information flowed into her along with the plan of a certain devil involving three evil creatures.
The clone looked around at her situation and something about this felt familiar but she didn't know why hearing that made her severely depressed, was the fact she didn't like being chained up, or was it something else she wished she knew?
All she knew was that she was a clone, of the clone, of the original person that was in front of her.
She knew her name was Death and she was chained up because of reasons unknown but one could tell it was because she had failed her mission.
She felt severely defeated for some reason like her soul knew the truth of her situation even though she did not.
This entire situation felt familiar and made her feel more miserable in a long time, "I don't remember what I could've done but it couldn't have been enough to warrant this."
"I didn't want to do this but I can't allow you to make any more mistakes," said Death looking at her lesser half who looked unemotionally back at her.
Mittelt watched this entire altercation in silence but as she watched the Death that was in chains hang there with a hopeless look about her she couldn't help but feel sorry for her even though.
"Oh yes, I forgot you were here," Death said turning her attention toward Mittelt, "what did you do to her," she asked more out of curiosity than out of concern.
Death started laughing softly, "Do you actually care about this clone now," "No but," before Mittelt could finish black mist shot toward her but failed to connect as an invisible force protected her.
"Seems even now that trinket protects your soul how disappointing," Death then started to descend into the darkness, "we will be seeing each other real soon little miss thing I can guarantee it."
Death then snapped her fingers and Mittelt awoke she slowly wiped her face feeling a tear running down her cheek, "are these my emotions or hers I can't even tell."
Mittelt vision started to refocus as she took in her surroundings, "seems you're awake," she looked to the right finally realizing Anos and Rin were there, "have you been crying."
Mittelt shook her head, "No they aren't my tears I think, but there is something you should know," Mittelt told Anos everything she heard them both discuss and how she felt emotions that were more than likely Death's clone.
Everything Mittelt told him basically confirmed his running theory but what he was more interested in was what Death was planning and unfortunately, it seemed she cleared her tracks.
"There still may be something we can learn," said Anos as Mittelt finished going through everything, "let go back and talk to her."
Rin placed her hand on his shoulder, "I would like to come and observe as well," "Sure," Anos grabbed Rin by the hand and placed his hand on Mattel's shoulder.
The three closed their eyes as they were drawn into Mattel's mind, "So this is the Fallen's mind empty as I believed," Mittelt just rolled her head at Rin's comment.
"Over there," said Anos as he approached the clone stung up and locked behind the massive gate, her head hung limply, and not until the trio was an arm's length away did she slowly look up.
Her gaze fell on Mittelt first then to Rin and finally to Anos as she narrowed her eyes, "you recognize me," said Anos feeling animosity in her gaze, "No all my memories have been removed except for a select few, but my soul remembers who is responsible for putting me here."
"I didn't put you here," responded Anos, "my original put me here for reasons unknown but with one look at you I can tell you are the reason."
"Oh so your anger is towards me," the clone just shook her head and hung her head, "I have neither the power nor motivation to fight you," "You seem defeated," said Anos.
Tears started to fall down her face, "who would want to be locked up like you are some kind of monster," they listened to her rant and let her feelings out, "I've had my memories stripped from me, I've been caged up like a rat with a disease or a plague to be kept isolated from the world."
Anos was now even more intrigued to get to the bottom of what was going on, whatever trauma she went through was so traumatic it engraved itself on her soul on her clones.
"Why couldn't they have just killed me I would have been better off," "Why couldn't who," "I don't know," this was a stark contrast to how she used to act, it seemed being locked up must have reawakened some old wounds.
She didn't say this directly to Anos but just stared ahead of her into the darkness with a dead-eye expression.
Mittelt tugged Anos sleeve because there were some things about this whole situation that confused her.
How could she be suffering trauma if her memories were erased, what trauma is she talking about?
"What the heck is she talking about," "Souls can carry desires and emotions and in this instance trauma so intense it has been engrained on her very soul even after her memories had been wiped. The deeper those emotions the stronger they will be engraved on the soul. Without her memories, I surmise she has been suppressing her trauma which has come to light."
"So what is it that you want from me is it knowledge, power, or riches beyond your wildest dreams, all I can manage is absorb…erase…alter…absorb…erase…alter…absorb…erase…alter…absorb…erase…alter…"
Now she started repeating herself, "Anos explain," asked Rin confused at what the clone was doing, "seems trying to communicate with her now will get us nowhere."
Anos eyed the clone as she hung from her chains crying and repeating the same phrase over and over again, absorb…erase…alter.
The trio departed Mittelt's mind and reopened their eyes, "what the heck was that about," said Mittelt, it appeared the clone got lost in her own emotions, "seems some sort of trauma from mental manipulation also you're crying again."
Mittelt touched her cheek and again she was indeed crying but much more than last time, "but it makes me wonder what is going on."
Epilogue 1: Athena's Intuition and Resolve
"Ouch are you out of your mind," Athena was rubbing the back of her head glaring at Artemis who just struck her, "Well you weren't listening to me, you seemed stuck in that scroll you nerd."
"Eww such a vulgar word and I believe I have uncovered a clue but I need more proof," Artemis just gave her a look that said what the heck are you talking about.
Athena picked herself up from the floor and grabbed the scrolls she was looking at, "what am I looking at," Athena gave her a look that said are you stupid, "what are you looking at me like that for?"
"You are supposed to be one of the greatest hunters in the world and you can't even pick up the tracks I am literally pointing at," Artemis snatched the scrolls out of her hand, "not supposed to be, I am the best hunter in the world."
Artemis slowly scanned the documents and after a few minutes put them down, "This is a bit of a stretch, I'm pretty sure Sirzechs became a Super Devil faster than this guy became an Ultimate Class."
"I know but isn't it odd how the timeline of events lines up too perfectly," Artemis cocked her head to the side trying to wrap her head around her logic, "twin devils can't be something out of the ordinary, and a random rating game can't have anything to do with this."
Athena sighed she still wasn't getting it, "with that being said his involvement with Kokabiel and the battle at Kuoh is a different story. Besides those two, there isn't much to go on plus if it's true he has something to do with the Shadow war means the destruction of Olympus."
"I know and war is the last thing I want," "Not a lot of gods share the same sentiment, Ares is itching for a fight and is preparing his armies on Father's orders. And not just him other pantheons are looking for a reason to go to war with The Three Factions. I am sure when the date for the Divine Counsel Meeting comes the decision will be made whether or not we should strike at them first."
Athena was also the goddess of warfare but if there was a way to avoid war then she wasn't opposed to going down the route, "that's why I want to meet this Anos and discern his worth for myself. If he isn't this shadow then back to the drawing board," "And what if he is," Athena's eyes filled with resolve, "Then I shall put him down before he becomes a threat."
Epilogue 2: Falbium Putting in Overtime
Falbium yawned while sitting in a chair leaning in a corner and watching as Katerea was chained up gasping for air.
She had bruises all over her body, was dressed in rags, and looked like she was starving even though she had only been in this cell for a couple of days.
There was an invisible for pushing on both sides of her neck, the same force on her neck was pressing down on different parts of her body.
Katerea's face was full of pain begging for this agonizing pain to stop, on the contrary Falbium was completely composed her groans and coughs weren't doing anything to stop him from getting his much-loved rest.
Another thirty minutes passed as he fell asleep nearly falling out of his chair, "oh crap it's been thirty minutes," Falbium looked at her without a shred of remorse, "I should probably thank Anos next time I see him. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't be able to sleep on the job," he thought to himself.
"Well I guess I should start the interrogation now I bet Sirzechs is waiting for whatever I find," Falbium canceled the spell allowing her to breathe for the first time in days.
"Yo..you…dam… bastard," it was painful for her to speak, "who tortures someone without asking questions?"
Falbium gave her a Are you some kind of idiot look, "waste of time to ask questions at the start they obviously aren't going to answer them but I do have some. Where is your main home base?"
Katerea snapped at him, "Like I would tell you," Falbium sighed with a smirk, "Good I can go back to sleep," Falbium sat back down and snapped surrounding her body in small barriers.
"I need some brown noise do you mind screaming for me," "you bastard," she was cut off as the barriers pushed down all over her body with tremendous force causing her to scream in agony.
Falbium adjusted himself in his chair and, "They all start off strong but they all break in the end," though Ajuka as he went back to sleep.
Epilogue 3: Rizevim's plot
Shalba and Creuserey lay prostrated on the floor in front of a hologram of Rizevim, they had informed him of their failure and how Katerea had been most likely killed.
"What a waste of perfect soldiers, I could have saved them for something else," both devils couldn't discern what his mood was because of how neutral he sounded but they didn't dare look up.
"Well I can tell you for a fact she isn't dead," "Really Lord," "Do you think I would lie Shalba," Shalba flinched under the sound of his voice.
"I have eyes everywhere, she is currently being interrogated personally by Falbium. The guy is as lazy as they come but he has a way of breaking people. But it will be a problem if she does break," Rizevim then turned to three people who were standing out of sight.
"Would you mind bringing her back dead or alive doesn't matter," a tall muscular man about seven feet with tanned skin, silver eyes, and two large black horns that grew from the side of his head.
He slammed his fist into the wall shattering, "Do I look like an errand boy to you, kid," the large man with one massive step that shook the castle as he moved toward Rizevim but another hand stopped him, "Cool It," said a man wearing a black coat with a long mixture of black and blond hairs as well as heterochromatic eyes where his right eye is gold and his left eye is black and he has pointed ears.
They locked eyes for only a few seconds with the former standing up looking directly up into his eyes, "Oh would you like to dance."
The tall man out reflex took half a step back, "that's what I thought," the tanned turned to lean back on the wall he was on mumbling in annoyance.
The black and blonde-haired man sat back on the couch slouching and leaning his head back to relax, he reopened one eye and looked at the other man who was a brown-skinned young man in black vestments he had his hands clasped together with prayer beads, "mind your manners brute we are in the presence of the Prince but with that being said why should all of us go and rescue such a wicked woman?"
"The girl has valuable information that I can't let get, plus there is this devil and I want more of his DNA and if you happen to destroy some cities in search I don't mind."
The tall tanned man started laughing manically, "Is that right one girl and the blood of a devil for some carnage and destruction, I like it and it doesn't matter if he is dead or alive right."
He then slammed his fist into his open plan creating an enormous shockwave, "There is a good tea shop in the city of Lucifer that I have been dying to try. I can start searching there," said the black and blonde-haired man.
"Being able to rid those demonic creatures of their miserable lives would be the best thing I can bestow upon their less than meaningful lives," said the brown-skinned young man starting to cry in pity for them.
Rizevim then turned back to the hologram of the two devils, "Have your forces ready by the end of this week and if possible we will bring her back and if not she will be eliminated."
"Understood Lord," both said in unison, "is there anything else," "Yes," said Creuserey, "we believe your grandson has betrayed us?"
With being asked to explain Creuserey explained everything he thought starting with when Ophis started disappearing and when confronted they were awfully tight-lipped on the matter.
Then he finished off with how they helped with the attack on the three factions but the fact they were ready for the attack raised alarms.
"All circumstantial but I can see the logic," "Lord permission to speak freely," asked Creuserey cautiously since this next remark could land him dead.
"Sure," Rizevim was curious as to what he was going to say and granted his request, "permission to deal with him and his group.
The plan we both came up with is to test if he and his group are traitors."
Shalba then added to the discussion and explained their plot, "and what if they aren't," asked Rizevim hiding his thoughts on their plot, "we will give up our lives," Rizevim nodded, "Fine do as you wish."
End Chapter