/ "Dialogue." /
/ 'Internal Thoughts.' /
/ "Flashback Dialogue" /
Tony: Yeah, the reveal was a bit early, but I just didn't want it to be a secret forever. I also thought he could only use Amenotejikara three times without having issues, or it has to "recharge". Three may be the wrong number.
The floating city of Agreas stood as a magnificent anomaly within the Underworld. Suspended high in the air, the city was often concealed by thick clouds, giving it an aura of mystery. Towering waterfalls cascaded from its edges, the water crashing down into a vast lake far below. The design was both elegant and formidable, with sleek structures that reflected both the architectural creativity and technological advancement of the devil society.
To the devils, Agreas represented many things. It was a prized tourist destination, a vital hub for regulating airflow across the Underworld, and the birthplace of the Evil Piece system. Though the city was technically within House Agares' territory, it had long been designated as a federal site, symbolizing its significance to the entire political system.
At the heart of Agreas was Ajuka Beelzebub's personal headquarters. As the Chief Adviser of Technology, Ajuka had established the city as a haven for innovation. His reputation as a Maou, master magician, and superdevil preceded him, but it was his relentless curiosity that defined him. Every breakthrough, every invention, bore the mark of his quest for knowledge.
Ajuka stood before two large monitors, his expression as neutral as ever. In his mind, no question remained unasked, no detail unnoticed. He sought knowledge the way animals sought food, driven by an instinct as primal as survival. His true strength lay not just in his immense power, but in his patience—the ability to wait, observe, and act only when every possibility had been calculated.
"Ajuka Oji-sama," Came a soft, elegant voice from behind. "Your servants informed me the envoy from Mount Meru will be arriving in the capital in a few days. Shall I have them prepare your train by the night?"
Without turning from the monitors, Ajuka replied calmly, "Latia..." His tone was deliberate. "When I took the title of Beelzebub, I abandoned everything of who I once was. My name, my right to rule House Astaroth, its lands, its riches—for the sake of becoming a satan. Though I may be your uncle, I am no longer part of our family. You should address me by my title."
The woman sighed. Latia Astaroth, a strikingly beautiful devil with almond-shaped eyes, long blonde hair tipped with blue, and a voluptuous figure, was no stranger to these lectures. As a member of a branch family of House Astaroth, she had grown used to her uncle's formal nature. Still, she never missed an opportunity for mischief.
Smirking, she teased, "As well as your ability to amass concubines, Oji-sama?" Satans were not allowed to have harems. However, the devil was not even married, and would not even care for having multiple lust-filled tendencies regardless.
Ajuka remained unamused. "You should learn to conduct yourself more appropriately if you ever wish to navigate politics successfully. Don't think I have not noticed why you come visit me."
Latia frowned, her teasing giving away a touch of bitterness. "... I have no interest. Cousin Diodora will inherit our house, and I'll probably be married off to some heir who won't love me." Her eyes wandered up to the monitors. "Is that Rias-chan's rating game? Poor girl, she fought so hard. I felt terrible for her—being forced to marry that insufferable man who treats his peerage like… sex objects. I was so happy when her pawn challenged Riser for her hand."
"...For her virginity," Ajuka corrected. "That's what he fought him for."
His niece scowled. "... What's wrong with men?" She crossed her arms, her expression sour. "At least she's free now. If I ever—Lucifer forbid—end up in such a situation, I hope I have a champion as well. Still, Rias looked so beautiful in that dress." After a pause, the woman glanced at the maou. "Why are you watching this, and how many times have you?"
Beelzebub rewound the footage, his eyes still intently focused. "Everyone was cheering, everyone was clapping," He said, his tone distant. "But they failed to notice the small details. The item in his hand—it's a scroll. He infused it with his demonic aura. That's what caused the black flames to ignite. Not his Sacred Gear."
Latia raised an eyebrow. "So? What's interesting about that?"
"Look closer."
The pure-blooded devil examined the footage again, but this time she didn't focus on the flames or the fight itself. Instead, her gaze landed on the small symbol etched onto the scroll. Her eyes widened.
"House Lucifuge...?"
Ajuka almost smiled. "Perhaps you are my niece after all. Now, tell me—why would a pawn of Rias Gremory be holding a scroll bearing the mark of House Lucifuge?"
Her answer came quickly, confidently. "That's Lucifer-sama's wife's house. Lady Grayfia loves Rias-chan like a sister. She used to play with us when we were children. Sirzechs must have ordered her to help her.""
Beelzebub's fingers tapped against his chin thoughtfully. "If Grayfia was involved, it would indeed make sense. Sirzechs cares deeply for his family. It would be probable for him to offer discreet assistance." He paused, his voice growing quieter. "But Sirzechs knows politics as well as I know technology. He wouldn't interfere so directly, especially between two noble houses like Gremory and Phenex. It would no doubt tell everyone that he was giving advantages to his House while disrespecting the other. The probabilities of him doing so are slim, especially with the current state of the Underworld."
A hint of a smile tugged at Ajuka's lips, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "No... this wasn't Sirzechs' doing."
Latia tilted her head. "Then who, if not Grayfia?"
Ajuka's gaze remained fixed on the screen, the curiosity swirling in his mind. Only he would think to ask such questions.
Only he would care to notice.
There had been a brief moment of peace in the school courtyard, allowing the day to pass quietly around him. Sasuke sat still, observing the calmness, but his thoughts were elsewhere. In his hand rested a sealed book, its cover bearing the unmistakable symbol of House Lucifuge. The book had come into his possession as a "gift" from Euclid, though Sasuke knew it had been more of a calculated exchange than a true offering.
The title on the cover simply read:
Illusion Magic.
For Sasuke, learning magic had been a gradual process. He had skipped the basics, having no need for elemental spells—his jutsu already covered that. Though Ice magic intrigued him, but teleportation, defensive spells, and especially illusion magic truly captured his attention.
He could not focus, though, as a memory took his mind.
It was late at night when a sudden pounding reverberated through Sasuke's apartment, jolting him from the pages he was reading. Startled, he looked toward the door. Standing there, panting heavily with hands braced on his knees, was Hyoudou Issei. The boy struggled to catch his breath, his face flushed, and his eyes wide with urgency. His lungs burned as though he had just sprinted a marathon, and the unmistakable glow of his Boosted Gear pulsed at his side. It was clear he had either just emerged from a fierce battle or was bracing for one.
"Azazel… he was our client… he just revealed himself to me," Issei panted, trying to get the words out between gasps. "No! No! Not like that. I mean, he showed me his wings. Black crow wings!"
The boy groaned, still struggling to calm his breathing. "He said he... he wasn't looking for revenge. But he thought I killed some guy... another stupid Fallen Angel."
"Kokabiel. He said his name Kokabiel..." Issei muttered, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper. "Apparently, he died here, but this is the first time I've heard about it..."
Sasuke had noticed something from this event. Instead of rushing to Rias—his King, his master, his love—Issei had come to him first. The pawn remembered their arrangement, and that was promising. Still, things were becoming a nuisance. Fallen Angels were gathering in the part of the city where Kokabiel had died. There was no evidence left behind, no witnesses, at least as far as they knew. The only thing that remained was the scarred terrain.
His attention focused back at the school.
Today, it was an "Open-House" which meant family members, specifically parents, came to observe.
Devils mingled among the unsuspecting human parents, completely hidden in plain sight. Issei's parents followed around him like shadows, while Rias' family—especially her brother—watched her intently, observing and documenting her every move. She hated it.
Not everyone had family to appear. For some, this day was merely a continuation of the usual routine.
He sat back, a subtle sense of detachment washing over him as he watched. Parents wandered about, chatting with their children, a sight that seemed so normal to everyone around him, yet so foreign to him. His thoughts drifted uninvited to his own parents. He could still see their faces, hear the faint echoes of their voices in his mind. The memories were distant and fragmented, but they lingered nonetheless.
That was strange, though. Those memories were usually ingrained, but being here made them feel so much more... distant.
Ever since his last encounter with Itachi, a shift had taken place within him, one that Sasuke hadn't fully recognized until he decided to fight for the right side . He no longer wished to relive the past, to be consumed by the trauma and pain that had haunted him for so long.
The goal now was set on the future, one that needed to change. The past could not be allowed to repeat itself. What he envisioned was nothing short of a revolution, a new world order where the tragedies that had scarred his life would never happen again. It wasn't just about avenging the wrongs done to him—it was about building something better, something that could prevent others from experiencing the same fate.
However…
Being here, in this strange world, where no one knew him or his family, where he shared no bonds or history with anyone, made it hard not to reminisce on the past. Back home, being a shinobi connected him to others. It was a shared identity, a connection that tied him to the people of his world, for better or worse. But here, in this foreign place, there were no shinobi—only him. It was a different experience, and even the air felt different. The isolation forced him to think about home more than he ever had before.
It wasn't just the need to go back and fix things.
That place, despite everything, was home.
'I have to get back.'
"Have you seen Yuuto-kun?" Akeno's voice suddenly broke through Sasuke's thoughts, pulling him back to the present. Her expression was tinged with concern as she approached him, her usual calm demeanor replaced with a quiet worry.
Sasuke glanced up at her, momentarily shaken from his reflections. "No."
The Queen nodded, biting her lip anxiously. "He missed school. The last time we saw him, he seemed... too cheerful. Always smiling, but there was something off about him." Her voice wavered slightly as she paused, a sad smile appearing on her face. "When we found that priest's head on the ground... I had hoped Yuuto wouldn't have to go that far."
He frowned, his expression darkening as he spoke. "It was his right to do it, but... it came with a price. You might never look at him the same way again."
Akeno's eyes widened slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in them. "You say that as if you truly understand what it means."
Silence settled between them as Sasuke's eyes drifted upward, fixed on the sky. He wasn't eager to reply, and Akeno, perceptive as ever, quickly picked up on his reluctance. She sighed softly, her voice quieter now. "I wish he had seen us and reconsidered. I never thought revenge was the right way."
Sasuke smirked, a knowing edge creeping into his expression. "Now it sounds like you have some understanding of it."
Akeno returned his smile, though hers was warmer, softer. "Maybe I do."
The wind rustled gently through the trees, carrying with it the sounds of laughter and joy from nearby families. Parents, siblings, and relatives enjoyed a peaceful day at the academy.
Sensing the heaviness in the air, the Queen, always perceptive, shifted the conversation. "Issei-kun created the most marvelous figurine of Rias."
Sasuke shot her an incredulous look, raising an eyebrow. "The naked statue?" He asked, recalling the absurd and eccentric sculpture with disbelief. "With her parents and her brother present? I'd say he's lucky to be alive."
Akeno giggled behind her hand, her playful attitude returning with ease. "Fufufu, yes, it was quite amusing. He has such a fondness for her body, though I'm sure Rias would have preferred if someone else had made it for her." Her tone carried a subtle suggestion, one that he did not pretend to not notice.
Feigning ignorance, he responded dryly. "Then you should have made it."
"Ara, is that how you see us?" Akeno teased, a mischievous glint lighting up her eyes. "You certainly have a creative mind."
"That's not—"
"No, no, continue," She interrupted with a playful smirk, clearly enjoying how agitated Sasuke had become. "I'd love to hear what else you've been picturing about us. I suppose it could work, though you'd have to convince her. That shouldn't be too difficult, right?"
His face tightened. "...I'm done."
Silence followed, but it was a comfortable one. With Akeno, the quiet was easier to bear compared to others who often seemed to sense something was wrong whenever Sasuke grew quiet. She seemed to understand that he preferred these moments of reflection, even if they were weighed down by unspoken thoughts. Together, they watched as families milled about, taking pictures and savoring their time together.
The contrast with the shinobi academy was stark. He had been trained to be a killer, where classes ended at the age of twelve—sometimes sooner during times of war. His school had been a place of harsh lessons, focused on survival, on turning children into merciless shinobi. He had never questioned it, had never felt out of place. When he began, he wanted nothing more than to follow in the footsteps of his parents and brother.
In this world however, humans lived such simple, boring lives.
But was being boring really so bad? Perhaps when things were changed back home, this would be the ideal scenario for everyone.
There was much to learn in this foreign land.
"Are your parents coming?" The Queen asked, her tone unusually neutral, careful not to pry too deeply.
Sasuke paused, his expression unchanged. "...They couldn't make it."
And they never will.
"Siblings?"
"A brother... They are... together." It wasn't intended to sound mysterious, but the words hung in the air that way. He glanced at her, noticing the deep concentration in her eyes as if she were trying to piece together the fragments of his story while choosing not to dig too deep. "And what about you?"
"My mother... is gone." Akeno confessed softly. "She was human, and she died." There was a hint of sadness in her voice, but it was clear that the raw pain had dulled over time, leaving behind a scar that would never fully heal.
A fleeting thought crossed Sasuke's mind. No one here truly knew who he was or where he came from. His clan, his family, the bloody history, and betrayals—all of it didn't exist in their reality. Even if he shared the truth with Akeno, she would probably dismiss it as just another tale. But lying seemed unnecessary. There was no reason for deception, especially with someone like her, who seemed to have some understanding in those deep violet eyes of hers.
However, even in this world, the idea of keeping Itachi's sacrifice and hiding the truth was the way Sasuke found himself leaning toward.
Perhaps it would be best to not even mention it at all.
Wait… a human mother?
"She wasn't a Fallen Angel?" He asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"No, my father is." Akeno replied.
'Is? He's alive?' But he did not ask that aloud.
That clarified her hybrid identity. Her powers, her wings—half bat, half crow—everything fell into place. Her father must have been someone significant, but Sasuke held back the urge to ask more. He understood better than most the importance of respecting someone else's pain, especially when he wouldn't want anyone probing into his own wounds.
"I didn't die," Akeno said suddenly, her voice cutting through the silence and catching Sasuke off guard.
"Huh?" He turned to her, his confusion evident. "What do you mean?"
"I never died," she repeated, her tone steady but reflective. "When I became Rias' Queen, I wasn't dead. I was weak, yes, but I could've lived without becoming hers. But I wanted to live for her. To be her Queen." Her eyes drifted to the ground, her voice soft but unwavering. "She did save me. I had no one, and I was going nowhere. Had she not been there… I might've died eventually. Maybe killed, or starved... I'm glad I never found out."
He listened carefully, recalling a conversation they'd had once before, one that echoed the feelings she was expressing now. He gave a small, thoughtful "Hm." It wasn't much, but it conveyed that he understood, at least in part.
He glanced down at his hand, where his ring rested. A symbol of many things, past and present.
"Whenever I use my power," He said cautiously, choosing his words, "My eyes change. It's genetic." Not quite a lie, but not the whole truth either. "My ancestors, My parents, my family, our clan… we all have it."
But they were all gone now.
"Can I see it?" Akeno asked, her voice bold and laced with curiosity.
He looked at her, puzzled by the strange question. "My eyes?"
Akeno's lips curled into that familiar playful smile. "Or something else, if you wish to do that outside," she teased, her tone carrying the usual playful undertone that always left Sasuke on edge. He could sense the curiosity in her words, but there was also an unmistakable layer of mischief. Whenever she spoke like that, he knew better than to take her words at face value.
He couldn't keep the truth hidden forever. Sooner or later, people would see his eyes. Better to control the narrative now, on his terms.
Sasuke pressed his palms together, centering himself for a moment as he gathered his chakra. His right eye shifted first, the Sharingan revealing itself in a sharp, crimson glow. Akeno's interest deepened, her violet eyes fixed intently on him, fully intrigued. After a brief pause, he allowed the Rinnegan to surface in his left eye, the complex patterns and vibrant colors emerging—a striking contrast to his other eye.
The Queen's stare lingered, fascinated. "They look so nice, like a painting. It makes you look more… colorful..." There was no denying that Sasuke was handsome. His features were sharp, and the dark aura surrounding him added a layer of mystique that many found intriguing. The vibrant shades of his eyes, enhanced his uniqueness even further. Yet, despite the beauty of the colors, those eyes held a darkness within them,
"I suppose so,. He replied.
It was obvious she wanted to know more, she always did. But before the conversation could continue, a commotion from outside caught their attention. They both looked up to see a large crowd gathering near the entrance, lights flashing as a high-pitched voice echoed through the air, accompanied by what some might call acrobatics—though Sasuke would describe it more as chaotic jumping.
"It's open house... and this school hired a clown?"
"Fufufu," Akeno chuckled knowingly, "No, she's here for the open house... for one of our fellow students."
"What poor soul is related to her?" Sasuke asked, almost dreading the answer.
Seconds later, his question was answered. Standing by this... performer... was none other than the Student Council President, Sona Sitri, who appeared visibly stressed and upset while her Queen, Tsubaki, tried to console her. Sasuke's eyes widened with a mix of disbelief and amusement.
"Her mother?" He guessed, struggling to connect the dots.
"Her sister," Akeno corrected with a smirk. "Her name is Serafall."
"Her sister...?" Sasuke looked back at the scene, bewildered. "... Her?"
The Queen's expression shifted, her tone dropping to a whisper. "And... Satan Pink."
Sasuke instinctively reactivated his Sharingan, focusing on the woman. Immediately, he could seee it—dark red, swirling demonic energy radiating from her, massive and potent. This woman was powerful, far more powerful than her appearance suggested.
"…Leviathan..." He said quietly, realizing the full extent of who this woman was.
"Correct." Akeno nodded, her voice carrying a hint of concern. "But don't stare too long, or she might—"
Before she could finish her warning, Sasuke noticed Sona's eyes flick toward him, her face panicked. But worse still, her sister, Serafall, had also spotted him, her energetic gaze locking onto the distant observers. He quickly lowered his gaze, pondering how in the world Sona's sister had become aware of him.
Had the Student Council President mentioned his name to her?
It was too late to wonder. The damage was already done. He has been seen.
It was all over now...
Serafall Leviathan's energy was impossible to ignore as she appeared before Sasuke, her eyes wide with excitement. She practically bounced on her toes, her pink and frilly outfit a reflection of her personality.
"You! You, you, you!" Serafall pointed directly at the human, her voice high-pitched and bubbly. "Sona-chan told me about you! You're the one who helped Rias-chan in her Rating Game against Riser! Oh, and the Red Dragon Emperor! You were there too! At the wedding, right? The one where Issei-kun challenged Riser? And you've been helping all these devils ever since! Why do you help devils? Huh? Do you have some kind of devil fetish? Oooh, maybe you're secretly into us, huh? Or, wait, are you scared? You don't need to be scared! Sona-chan is a good Devil King, just like Tsubaki-chan—oh, wait, I wasn't supposed to say that! Tsubaki-chan would kill me if she knew I mentioned it! But anyway, forget that, just focus! Sona-chan said she sees potential in you! You're strong and cool and loyal, and I bet you'd be a perfect pawn for her! Or a knight! Or whatever! You're not a devil, but you could totally become one! And I just want what's best for my little Sona-chan, so—"
He couldn't take it anymore. Her barrage of words, her constant energy, and the invasion of personal space. He calmly raised a hand, putting his finger directly in front of her face, stopping her in her tracks.
"Stop. Talking." It was bold to talk to a Maou like that. Very bold, in fact. No one ever had. The devils, besides the Queen assumed he had no idea who she was, but he knew, and was willing to risk it all just to leave this scene as soon as possible.
Serafall blinked, her big eyes widening even more, as if trying to comprehend what had just happened. She pouted but didn't speak, at least for a second.
"Onee-sama!" Sona interjected, stepping forward in an attempt to defuse the situation. "Please, he's not a devil, he's a student, and you cannot just barrage him like that…"
"But Sona-chan!" Serafall whined, twirling her finger in her hair, "You told me he'd make a great pawn! Or knight! Whatever! He's so strong, and I just thought he'd be perfect for your set—"
"He doesn't like to talk about that," Sona said firmly, her voice tinged with quiet frustration. She took a step closer to her sister, lowering her voice to something more serious. "Please, onee-sama, let's go back inside. You're overwhelming him."
Serafall pouted again, her energy still bouncing even as she quieted down. "But I was just trying to help..."
They looked over to him, but to there surprise, he had vanished without them even noticing.
Akeno laughed, having witnessed him accelerate at near inhuman speeds, "Ara, Lady Serafall-sama, just when I thought we had him."
Later on, within the Occult Research Club, the atmosphere felt tense as they stared down a secluded hallway. At the end of which lay a sealed-off door.
Rias was in a terrible mood after what she had endured from her family. There was a very unique relationship she held with her brother, one that he was not afraid to show affection for. Her aura became even more hostile when Issei informed the peerage of what had happened to him the previous night. "That Azazel," She spat, "Accusing my pawn of murdering one of his crows. Who does he think he is?"
Caution tape crisscrossed the area, locks hung from the door, and an overwhelming sense of unease was in the air as they all stood.
Sirzechs had given her permission to come here and remove the seal, but Sasuke and Issei had no idea what lurked behind that door.
Kiba had rejoined them, which struck everyone as strange since he had been absent from school for most of the day.
'It's not a standard barrier,' Sasuke observed, 'But it would keep a regular human from getting too close.'
"This barrier was placed by Grayfia," Rias informed them, "To keep my other bishop from wandering off, which he would never do."
"A bishop?" Sasuke asked, turning to face Rias, his red eyes gleaming with curiosity. "You had another bishop this entire time?" A body is a body, if she had another piece why didn't she use him in her rating game?
Rias nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "Yes."
"And they were here… alone?" Sasuke pressed, skepticism edging his voice.
"He prefers being alone," She admitted, "You'll meet him soon. He enjoys the dark and sleeps a lot."
With a gesture from the King, the seal was broken, the locks falling away. As expected, the room beyond was dark, with only a faint, flickering light from the hallway casting eerie shadows inside. Rias motioned for Sasuke to go ahead. He stepped forward, the dim light glinting off his Sharingan as he scanned the surroundings.
In the center of the room, he saw it.
"A casket..." Sasuke's voice was quiet, yet tinged with recognition. It wasn't the first time he had encountered something like this, and that fact alone put him on guard.
The rest of the group gathered around the casket. Akeno, with a mischievous grin, grabbed hold of the lid and—rather unnecessarily—ripped it open with an excessive show of strength. The sound was deafening, the ear-piercing screech reverberating through the small room.
"Go away!"
A shrill, high-pitched feminine voice cut through the air. Issei and Asia gasped, their eyes wide with surprise. They hadn't expected this.
Issei blinked, then squinted at the figure inside. "Wait... I know her! She's—"
Sasuke cut him off, his voice sharp. "This one's a boy... you idiot." He looked down at the figure in the casket, unimpressed. "... In name alone." Though, Gasper did wear the girl student uniform attire, for whatever reason.
Rias grinned, clearly proud. "This is Gasper." With one swift motion, she pulled the blanket off the cowering figure's head and lifted him out of the casket. "Gasper, say hello to the fellow members of the Occult Research Club. This is Issei, this is Asia, and this is Sasuke."
Gasper trembled in Rias' arms, peeking out from under his bangs. For a moment, the fear seemed to subside as he looked at the friendly, smiling faces of Issei and Asia. There was warmth there, an attempt to connect.
"Boo," Sasuke said suddenly, his voice barely above a whisper.
The reaction was immediate. Gasper let out another ear-splitting shriek, struggling out of Rias' arms and scurrying across the floor, diving back into the comforting shadows.
"Go away! Go away! Go away!" Gasper yelled, his voice echoing through the dark room.
Sasuke sighed, taking deliberate, slow steps forward, each one echoing ominously. The sound of his footsteps seemed to grow louder with every step, sending the bishop into a frenzy as he squirmed around the room, desperately trying to stay out of reach.
"Enough," Sasuke said, his voice cold and firm. He stopped moving, staring at the frightened froze, eyes wide, finally looking up at him. As he observed, things in his mind began to click, 'A vampire?' No, he was too different than a pure-blood, another word came to his mind, 'A Dhampir?'
"He's half-vampire half human." Rias said, "And please, don't terrify him. I wish to bring him out more… and I was hoping you would help in this… difficult endeavor." The King walked up to him and lowered herself, her eyes sympathetic, "We just need to be patient. Gasper, would you be willing to go outside?"
'...And half-devil.' The Uchiha mused.
"No!" He said in protest, "I don't want to."
Sasuke glared at him once more, a flash of irritation coursing through him. For a moment, his thoughts drifted to Valerie and how it had been some time since he last saw her. Perhaps it was that fleeting memory that prompted him to extend his hand as a peace offering, hoping it would convince the devil before him.
Gasper hesitated, and the Uchiha quickly grew annoyed once more.
Finally, he reached out and grabbed his hand, and then, everything froze. The world flashed in that moment. Sasuke released his grip and looked over his shoulder, seeing the devils motionless. Then, as if on cue, they all widened their eyes in confusion.
Whatever had happened did not affect the Uchiha, but it felt strange—very strange.
Asia whispered, "What… did something just happen?"
Issei nodded, "What the hell was that?"
The Queen stepped forward, explaining, "It's his sacred gear—Forbidden Balor View. It is capable of stopping even time itself." She elaborated, "Whatever his eyes can see, he can freeze that moment. However, Lucifer-sama ordered him here because he cannot control it."
Sasuke realized that it must have been his enormous chakra reserves that allowed him to resist the attack. He could now see the flame in Gasper's eyes. 'A dojutsu?' he thought, though it wasn't a dojutsu. It was still intriguing to witness. 'This excuse for a vampire, devil, and human has something like that?' The sacred gear system was truly a lottery for the ages.
Gasper did it again.
The human watched him move so fast that he cowered away into a box, peeking through the open slit. "Don't talk about me!" he pleaded, his voice frantic and full of anxiety.
He stood up and eyed Rias. "I'll throw that box out the window. How's that for getting him outside?"
The King shook her head and frowned at the suggestion, "No… we just need to give him time."
Akeno suddenly spoke up, her voice filled with sudden urgency. "Unfortunately, we don't have time. We have to…"
Rias snapped, "Right, right. Well, everyone, We have to get ready for the upcoming meeting. "Koneko, would you mind watching Gasper tomorrow?"
It was here. Sasuke knew. The meeting—he had known of it before even they did. And now, it had come. Time had frozen for him as he contemplated what to do. This was not just a meeting of the Three Factions. It was going to be a meeting for history. Something was going to happen, something bad. He did not know the levels of devastation that would occur. He did not know who will live and who will die. He did not know the future.
But the question hit him hard, and he found himself staring at the two beauties of the school.
Was this the last time he was going to see Rias Gremory or Akeno Himejima alive?
There was a chance, high or low—it did not matter—that they would not survive what was going to come.
He saw them close their eyes and wave, and now, that choice had to be made.
"... Don't go." Sasuke suddenly spoke, his voice firm and urgemt, "... You will be out of place... and… embarrass your faction... and the school..."
The group stared at him, perplexed. It wasn't like him to intervene in such matters, even when he believed it was a bad idea. Yet, the genuine concern woven into his words was there, a warning they failed to hear.
"Ara, Sasuke-kun sure has a way with words…" Akeno mused, her playful tone not realizing that he was giving a true genuine warning.
Rias sighed, her expression softening as she looked at him. "I appreciate your… counsel… but my Onii-sama requested us to be there. You too, Asia, and Issei… and even you, Sasuke-kun. He's been wanting to meet you for quite some time, but you always seem to be absent when he shows up."
They stepped through the teleportation circle. His black eyes were lowered. They hadn't heeded his call. It wasn't often he warned them about the future, and he'd hoped—just a little—that they'd listen to him. After all this time helping them, he thought they might think he knows what he is talking about. It was ultimately Rias' decision, and she had declined.
It could not be avoided.
Just beyond the edge of Kuoh Town, a lonely road wound its way into a shadowed forest. The trees loomed tall and close, their rugged trunks wrapped in dark bark, with thick branches hanging above to shut out the evening light. It was a secluded place, untouched by hiking trails or parks—those lay in other parts of the city. No one really had a reason to come here.
Learning and utilizing magic had been a slow, methodical process for Sasuke, especially given that he was bypassing the fundamentals. He already had mastery over elemental jutsu, so he saw no need for magic of that kind.
There was a small sense of satisfaction as he stood there. Accomplishment was rare for him in this world, something fleeting and elusive. The few moments that came close were when Riser had been defeated and when Kokabiel had died. But now, as he inspected what seemed like empty space around him, a grin tugged at the corner of his lips. His Sharingan flared to life, and suddenly, he could see it.
A barrier.
Though still a novice in this realm of magic, Sasuke knew this was a significant step forward. The barrier wasn't perfect—not yet—but it was effective. The complexity of illusion magic fascinated him, especially how it could blend with the strengths of his dōjutsu. His Sharingan could track the efficiency of spells in real-time, giving him an edge in learning that others do not posses.
'Next, my Mangekyō.'
His ultimate goal with this form of magic was concealment, to hide in plain sight. The barrier before him was solid for now, but if a higher-class being were to approach, they'd eventually sense through it. That was the challenge—perfecting it until only the most powerful could discern it. If even his Mangekyō Sharingan could spot the barrier, it meant he had more work to do. But once it reached the point where only his Rinnegan could detect it, he'd know it was nearly flawless. Until then, Sasuke would push himself further.
For now, the book with the House Lucifuge symbol on it closed.
What lay beyond was... a church. Freshly built but desecrated, as though it had been intentionally defiled.
The interior completely contradicted the exterior. There were no pews, no holy symbols. This place had become a base.
Four fallen angels occupied it—Raynare, Mittelt, Kalawarner, and Dohnaseek. They seemed to be working, somewhat. Though only Dohnaseek and Kalawarner showed any real work ethic. The other two lazed around, doing nothing of consequence.
But the moment Sasuke entered, they flew into action, quite literally.
He always spoke first.
"The three great factions will have a meeting tomorrow," Sasuke began, his voice low but commanding. "In this city." He paused deliberately, letting the weight of his next words settle in. "And if we're all unlucky... then we will all die."
The silence that followed was sharp, the atmosphere thick. He had chosen his words carefully, knowing the dramatic effect they would have. In truth, when he said we, he secretly meant everyone else but him. The Shinobi had no intention of dying—not here, not tomorrow, not in this foreign world, so far from the home where his true work awaited. Death was simply not an option.
They gasped, their reactions predictable. Panic flickered in their eyes, each one processing the possibility of impending doom.
Like Ophis, he hated unnecessary chatter, hated when words spiraled out of control and stoked fear. So he tempered the moment. "Don't worry," He said, his voice a calm contrast to their shock. "The barrier here will remain clear of any conflict. Most of the fighting will likely take place at the school."
Mittelt, the blonde one, cautiously raised her hand, as that was a way she had learned to request to speak. She was still fearful of him, after all, Sasuke had killed Kokabiel.
He looked over, as if knowing her unspoken question. "If you're asking me what I'm doing, how I'm doing it, why I'm doing it, or what my next plan is—just don't." Her hand retreated slightly. "If I have something important to tell you all, I will."
This was a business relationship and it had been difficult for them to understand them.
"You're not part of the Grigori anymore," Sasuke reminded them, his voice edged with irritation. "You've been banished. You have nowhere to go, no place to hide. You're outcasts. Even among fallen angels, you're at the bottom."
His words landed like heavy stones, striking deep into their pride. A grim silence followed, the reality of their situation hanging in the air. None of them dared meet his gaze. They knew he was right. It was the truth they hated most—the one they couldn't escape, no matter how much they tried to cling to their former status.
Dohnaseek, ever the stoic, finally spoke, breaking the suffocating quiet. His voice was sharp, carrying a bite of bitterness. "So what do you want from us? Don't act like we're naive children. You're human—you've lived a fraction of our lives."
Sasuke appreciated the directness. Wasting time was not something he was interested in. So, the choice had to be made, either give them an opportunity or... do what someone like Danzo would need to do.
"Work for me."
Kalawarner, a tall and buxom woman with long, navy blue hair and brown eyes, spoke, "What's the concern? Who's attacking the conference? It sounds like suicide."
Sasuke met her gaze, noting the acute observation. Kalawarner, like the others, had been skeptical of him at first, but he hadn't relied on fear or intimidation to earn their loyalty. Fear could only go so far. He wanted them to work with him, not under him like some lord. Over the short time, he had convinced her, not through force, but with a promise—one that was a longshot, but still a chance. A chance they could not afford to ignore. As they had no other alternatives.
"I'm not a devil nor do I serve them." Sasuke corrected, his voice firm, as he addressed the unspoken doubts still lingering. "I don't want to be one, and I never will be. I'm not like them, or you. You've worked with humans before. Swallow your pride for once, and maybe you'll survive this. Maybe even find redemption."
Kalawarner scoffed, crossing her arms with visible disdain. "You think you can redeem us? Back into the Grigori? How the hell do you plan that when you killed Kokabiel!?"
Her challenge hung in the air, but he remained calm, "There's a chance. But if I have no desire to help you, that chance becomes zero."
She crossed her eyes, her expression still filled with suspicion, "So what do you want, exactly?"
Sasuke lowered his eyes, "Everything. I need information, connections, and your silence. Tell me everything about Azazel, the Underworld, and the Grigori. I want details—who's pulling strings, who's watching, who's vulnerable. And above all, do not mention Kokabiel to anyone. No matter what you hear, no matter what is asked." He leaned forward slightly, his voice above a whisper, "I had nothing to do with it, and neither did any of you."
"Enemies from lost causes," Sasuke replied simply, his tone flat. He knew exactly who was behind the impending chaos, but revealing that information now wouldn't serve his purpose. Instead, he shifted focus, eyes scanning the group before him. "What have you four uncovered?"
Dohnaseek, ever the pragmatist, had willingly joined the conversation, convinced of the potential path ahead. "I reestablished some contacts with old friends," he answered. "They still serve, though they aren't exactly thrilled about working for Azazel anymore. You'd be amazed at how many are rumored to be working against him now." He paused, a flicker of quiet satisfaction in his gaze. "But you were right. A large portion of the Grigori's forces have gathered here. Shemhazai's in charge while we're... out of the picture."
"Shemhazai?" Sasuke asked, his curiosity piqued. "Tell me about him."
"Loyal," Raynare suddenly spoke, her voice more cutting than the others. She glanced at her former underlings with barely concealed contempt, her words clearly meant as a jab. Though the others had fallen in line under Sasuke's command, she remained the most hesitant to accept his offer, "Something some of us had forgotten."
Kalawarner lowered her eyes, "You almost got us killed, twice, bitch."
"You promised us devils on crosses and failed to deliver," Dohnaseek said, his tone more measured, "Now we're at their mercy."
"Don't concern yourselves with the devils," The Uchiha stated. His words were absolute, and they knew he had the power to back it up, "They won't be a problem for you. Is there anything else?"
Silence enveloped the room for a moment until Mittelt finally spoke up, "Thanks for building us this place," she grumbled, her voice low but genuine. "We had nothing after you and Kokabiel destroyed all we had."
"All we had?" Kalawarner replied, her expression turning bitter. "All we had was that pathetic excuse for a church. This place is a castle in comparison."
They often bickered, constantly blaming one another for their downfall, like convicts in a prison cell arguing over who was truly responsible.
But Sasuke had no interest in hearing their endless arguments.
The next day, the shinobi stood just outside the school grounds, stress evident in his eyes. The silence giving an ominous warning for what was to come. He watched as the devils approached—Rias and Akeno, Sona and Tsubaki—with the two exorcists, Xenovia and Irina, trailing behind. Their usual confidence seemed dulled. Something in their expressions appeared to distress them, despite the success of their mission.
Issei and Asia were there too, chatting softly, their presence adding to the uneasy mix of powers gathering at the school. Sasuke narrowed his eyes as he watched them pass. He couldn't afford any distractions, not with what was coming. Stepping forward, he made his footsteps deliberate and loud enough to announce his approach.
"Where have you been?" Issei asked, turning to face his classmate. "C'mon, Buchou is waiting for us."
Sasuke barely acknowledged him, his eyes cutting past to land on Asia. His voice was cold as he said, "You. Go home."
"Eh!?" Asia blinked in surprise, confusion written across her face. She glanced at Issei, who frowned but nodded in reluctant approval. With a quiet murmur, the bishop turned and ventured into the school, leaving the two alone. Even when she agreed to take the order, the point of his words was ignored.
Issei scowled, "No need to be an asshole!" He snapped. "She's been through a lot..."
The Uchiha had ignored the comment, "You need to stop this." He replied, his tone grave, darker than usual.
"Stop what?" The pawn pondered, confusion creeping into his voice. "The meeting? What the hell are you talking about?"
"Go to your King... and your Queen." The human urged, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with an intensity that had sent a chill down his classmates spine. "Tell them anything. Tell them someone is dying. That... I'm dying. But get them out of that room. You need to just tell them. They will listen to you."
"I don't know..." The dragon-emperor replied, "Buchou was looking forward to to this. You know she can be, her reputation and something, something... politics... whatever..." He sighed and looked down, "I also want to ask the leader of the Angels about something."
Footsteps echoed from behind, interrupting the tense silence between them. Both Sasuke and Issei paused, glancing over their shoulders.
Issei stuttered, "Kiba?" His voice wavered with a mix of surprise and concern. "Oi, Kiba, where were you all day?"
The two watched as the Knight walked closer, his eyes locked straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to their presence. His thoughts were clearly elsewhere. Sasuke observed him brush by—no smile, no frown, just a blank, emotionless expression.
"Don't go inside." Sasuke said, his tone sharp, almost commanding.
But Kiba didn't even bother to acknowledge them. Without a word, he continued forward, heading into the school, disappearing toward the meeting.
Before Issei could press the concern further, a voice called out from behind them, "Are you two coming?" Akeno's sweet, teasing tone broke the moment. She smiled at them from a short distance away, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "Ara, did I stumble upon another little plot being hatched? You two are as thick as thieves."
Sasuke's face darkened. This was inevitable now. No matter what he said or did, the wheels were already in motion. The Queen's arrival was just a sign of that. He cast a final, frustrated look at Issei, knowing that despite his warning, the pawn wasn't going to act.
Not a single word had been spoken since they had entered, and yet the weight of what was about to unfold hung heavily in the air. The shinobi stood to the side against the wall, his eyes flickering across the faces of those gathered.
Behind Sirzechs Lucifer stood Grayfia, ever the loyal and steadfast presence. The dynamic between them was unique, unlike anything Sasuke had seen. He'd heard the story twice—once from Euclid, once from Akeno—each with its own version, yet in both, the love was undeniable. 'Loving your enemy...' he thought. How difficult that must have been. One moment, you're on the brink of killing or being killed, and the next... Well, the shinobi wasn't sure he understood much about love.
Another satan caught his attention. Serafall Leviathan. She looked almost unrecognizable, her cheerful and eccentric personality replaced by a somber, dare he say, serious expression. It was as if the gravity of the situation had transformed her into someone entirely different. He liked it, her new look, her new presence and the character she gave off.
Sitting next to Lucifer was the leader of another faction, his presence equally commanding. There was no mistaking him—Michael, the leader of the Angels. A seraph created by God almighty. A faint halo hovered above his head, and his expression carried a melancholic frown. Despite his somber demeanor, there was an undeniable warmth emanating from him. Even at this distance, Sasuke could feel it. Maybe it was because he was human, but there was a strange sense of comfort in his presence, as if the light of Heaven itself softened the atmosphere.
Behind him stood two exorcists—Xenovia and Irina. Though they maintained their formal posture, something was clearly off. They kept a noticeable distance from each other, a silent tension simmering between them.
And then there was him.
Azazel.
The first Fallen Angel, the leader of the Grigori. His dirty blond hair and black hair matched his rogue attire and the sharpness of his violet eyes, a mix of casual arrogance and hidden menace that contrasted with everyone else in the room. Despite the common feeling in the room, he sat relaxed, as if he were simply observing, taking in the atmosphere with a certain amusement. But what intrigued the Uchiha most was who stood behind him.
Vali Lucifer.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he studied the boy. The grandson of Rizevim, a human, a dragon, and a devil, yet now standing quietly behind the leader of the Fallen Angels.
'I'm not the only one playing this game.' The Uchiha thought to himself.
He didn't understand why Vali was so closely affiliated with the Grigori, nor did he care to. However, it did explain how Vali was aware of the happenings within the Fallen Angel Government.
The devil also led his own faction within the Khaos Brigade, a detail that resonated with the Uchiha. Though, the name could definitely use some improvement.
Heibi - Taka
Those were names. Not Team Vali.
The devil, however, wasn't paying attention to his own leader. His icy blue gaze was locked onto someone else in the room—Issei.
"What's with the human?" Azazel's voice suddenly cut through the silence like a knife, his casual tone doing nothing to mask the pointed question. All eyes shifted to Sasuke, but he remained still, unfazed, his expression calm.
Sirzechs, ever composed, was the one to respond. "I wanted a non-affiliated human present as a representative," He explained smoothly. "He's proven himself in defending this school—from Fallen Angels, mind you—and its students."
The subtle jab wasn't lost on anyone, least of all Azazel, who simply smirked, brushing off the remark with a wave of his hand. "Non-affiliated?" He repeated, feigning surprise. "The way he's been staring at Baraqiel's daughter would make anyone think he's quite affiliated."
Baraqiel?
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly. The Fallen Angel leader had misread him. the human was not staring at Akeno. Though it appeared so, since he was staring passed her to the people in the room. The Queen did not react to that, but had flinched at the mention of the name. Rias gave a concerned look to her beloved friend, and to the Uchiha, though neither returned one back.
Michael intervened, "Let us move on passed this subject. A human, affiliated or not, has a right to be here. As we have all come to rely on them."'
Azazel leaned back in his chair, sipping his tea before setting it down. He spoke seriously, "Very well. For years, we have lived in an uneasy peace—frozen, yes, but far better than war. Unfortunately, that changed. Something… dramatic has happened." He paused, letting the room simmer. "In our government, we had an Executive General, our head of the armies. He had been with me since the beginning. His name was Kokabiel. He was one of us, regardless of everything."
The Cadre frowned as he continued, "However, Kokabiel had schemed behind my back. He was trying to stir things up between the factions, dealing with exiled members of the Church, and poking around the Holy Sword project. All for the goal of starting a war." He glanced briefly at Xenovia and Irina. "I knew these beauties here had something to do with stopping that. Just as your devils had." Both exorcists shifted uncomfortably at the sudden attention, but Azazel wasn't finished. His voice dropped a little lower, more serious. "But regardless of what Kokabiel was up to, he was still a Cadre of the Grigori. I owe to him, for his years of loyalty, to seek justice. If he did something stupid or treasonous, it was our job to handle him. Just as I expected you all to handle your people..."
"Someone killed him." Azazel concluded, a dreaded tone in his voice, "... I want to know who."
Serafall interrupted, her voice low, and stern, much like her younger sisters. "And how do you know he's dead? Surely someone rogue like that could have vanished into any realm that would host him."
The Fallen Angel replied smoothly, "Believe me, he is dead." No doubt about it. Kokabiel is most definitely gone.
He paused, taking another sip of tea, offering a small nod to Akeno, who did not return the gesture.
"Vengeance is a cycle of bloodshed," Azazel said after a moment, his tone suddenly thoughtful. "I don't want it to continue. Let's put an end to this deadlock that has poisoned us for generations. I just want to know, and I promise you—there will be no counterattack. I only want to know..."
"…Who killed him?"
The room fell into silence. No one moved, no one spoke.
The Fallen Angel chuckled softly, the sound almost mocking. "What am I saying?" His eyes darkened as he scanned the room, and for a moment, Sasuke felt as though he was being accused. But Azazel's gaze settled on the person next to the Uchiha, "The killer could be right in this room..."
Issei, clearly rattled, exploded, "It wasn't me! I didn't kill your stupid crow! But if he was responsible for attacking us, then I wish I had!"
The Cadre crossed his arms, amusement still lingering in his demeanor. "Come on, Sekiryuutei. You've got the power to kill Gods, and you're telling me you didn't do it?"
The pawn's expression grew fierce, his fists clenching tightly. "That's right!"
Sirzechs Lucifer remained composed, his aura steady despite the accusations being hurled around. "That's quite the claim," he said calmly, locking his eyes onto his counterpart. His tone darkened, revealing a rare glimpse of the ferocity the Maou could summon. "But I swear on my honor, Hyoudou Issei and all the devils present were attending an engagement party the night Kokabiel reportedly died. Your timeline doesn't add up. To blindly accuse a pawn of my sister's peerage without evidence is disappointing. You have always seemed to be a pragmatic man. I hope you are now."
Michael, the leader of Heaven, nodded in agreement. "I have to concur. You've been collecting Sacred Gear users for decades, Azazel. And now, when the Hakuryuukou is standing right behind you, one has to wonder—do you really have peaceful intentions? Do we accuse him, or you, if we lose someone in our respective realms?"
Azazel shrugged, unbothered by their suspicions. "I'm interested in many things, Sacred Gears among them. But I have no desire to restart a war." He tilted his head slightly, a grin forming. "Since we're all so fascinated by these two dragons, why don't we ask them directly?" He looked over his shoulder. "What do you want in life, Vali?"
Vali's eyes gleamed with fierce intensity as he responded, his voice sharp and ambitious, "To fight the strongest. To be the strongest. And to die as the strongest."
The Fallen Angel laughed, turning back to the group. "See? He has no need for war, only fighting. I've got some ideas for how to channel these urges without tearing the world apart, but it's a long road."
As Sasuke observed Vali, he felt a familiar sensation wash over him. The devil gave an aura of arrogance and calmness that completely overshadowed the true fury in his eyes. Though he probably loved to fight, there was a deep-seated hatred driving him—something the Uchiha understood all too well. Vali's words about fighting merely masked his true feelings, which were personal and, to the shinobi, all too relatable.
A memory resurfaced. It was almost jarring, like a fragment of his past colliding with the present. His own voice echoed in his mind, distant but clear.
"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. I hate a lot of things, and I don't particularly like anything. What I have is not a dream, because I will make it a reality. I'm going to restore my clan, and kill a certain someone."
That old declaration—spoken with the same intensity, the same determination. The memory felt oddly nostalgic, as if it belonged to a different life, yet it lingered here.
And he knew exactly who Vali wished to seek vengeance on.
Azazel's voice pulled Sasuke back to the present. "And what about you, Sekiryuutei?" he asked, turning his gaze to Issei with a mischievous grin. "Besides killing Fallen Angels in your spare time, what else do you aspire to do?" He leaned forward, a gleam of humor in his eyes. "From what I've heard, you have quite the affinity for your King. So tell me, would you rather spend your life hunting us down or having children with Rias Gremory?"
Issei turned beet red at the implication. "W-What!? That's not—" he stammered, caught off guard. They could practically see his mind racing, his eyes rolling back in imagination. Then, his next outburst echoed through the room, filled with unrestrained enthusiasm. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" he shouted internally, his voice loud and proud. "Every day! I want to have sex with her every day! It is my dream to make that a reality!"
Rias's face turned bright red, a mix of shock and embarrassment overwhelming her. She couldn't hide. There was no place to escape, no corner to retreat to as all eyes turned to her. She shifted uncomfortably, mortified by the sheer bluntness of Issei's proclamation.
"How horrible…" She whimpered.
Sasuke stood to the side, blinking, momentarily at a loss. He could hardly believe what he had just heard, but what struck him more was Sirzechs—Rias's brother, the Lucifer of the Underworld—laughing. Not just a chuckle, but a full, hearty laugh. How could he find this amusing? This was supposed to be a serious, pivotal meeting between three of the most powerful factions in existence.
"Good." Azazel's eyes softened as he continued, "There was once a time when war was all I knew. Long ago, when it first began, I sought it. I was driven by pride and ambition. But I've grown. I've seen too much, lost too much. God, the original Four Satans, and billions of lives… they are all dead now. There's no need to finish what they, or even I, started. My hope is that we can conclude this meeting with peace."
The mention of God's death made the two exorcists flinch. Xenovia looked deeply distraught, as if the news had stripped away all hope.
For the next few minutes, conversations continued, with Issei inquiring about Asia's excommunication. It seemed self-explanatory. She could heal the heretics, the fallen, the devils. And the system deemed that treasonous, so she was exiled.
Michael then explained, "Even those who were convinced God was dead had to go. It's still the weakness of our system, which hangs by a mere thread, and I fear…" He looked over his shoulder toward Xenovia, "…That even more of our own will likely be banished."
There was a quiet moment of silence as the supernatural beings reflected on the deceased. Most affected were Azazel and Michael, who had been present since the beginning. Sirzechs and Serafall had not witnessed the Great War, having been born after it began, but they both refused to fight a new one that others wished to reignite.
Azazel then broke the silence. "You all say you had nothing to do with what happened to Kokabiel. And... I hope so. I truly do. But, for the sake of peace, I am willing to offer more than the armistice we have endured for many, many years."
Serafall nodded. "We swear we did not do this."
"We sent two exorcists to deal with the Excalibur fragments, not to start a war." Michael replied.
Sirzechs concluded, "However he died, whoever killed him, we offer our assistance in the investigation."
The lone human stared, his expression still the same. Another foresight which he had not seen.
Azazel nodded. "That's what I wanted to hear. But we already conducted our own investigation and found limited evidence. However, your words mean a lot, and I am glad we are here. If that is the case, then perhaps the perpetrator is not affiliated with us, and we will try to find the culprit. For now, let us use this moment to bring peace, to build bridges, to form alliances. Let us hope this lasts and that no army is ever used to bring chaos and destruction—"
FLASH
Azazel's smirk faded as a sudden flash of power rippled through the room, sending an eerie silence in its wake.
Sasuke immediately recognized the familiar sensation, his body tensing. Time itself had slowed, freezing those around them—Asia, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki stood motionless, their expressions fixed as if trapped in a painting.
Only Gasper could utilize this type of power, he knew, though he was not in present in the room. Somehow, it had reached them, even though it was supposed to be limited to only what he could see.
There was no time to dwell on it. His senses pulled him toward the window, where an ominous sight unfolded.
The crimson sky outside swirled with dark energy, rippling like a living entity. A massive magic circle formed, its design intricate and ancient, glowing with an ominous red light. From within its depths, thousands of figures began to emerge—devils. They poured into the realm, their dark wings spreading wide, blotting out the blood-stained sky above.
Opposite them, another group of entities emerged. These were human—magicians in fact. Magic circles propelled their descent, guiding their arrival as they descended down, leading the vanguard into the battle.
A huge barrier, shimmering with malevolent energy, sealed off the area.
They've come.
Things are moving... still slowly. It's smooth riding, just following the anime storyline events, with of course twists, and turns, some sub arcs going on and plans being brewed.
This is definitely supposed to be a harem, but I am still not decided on how many people involved. I think some will just be friends, and others more.
Let me know what you think!