Chapter 39.5
I had some extra information left over from some Epilogues, so I decided to put it into one chapter. If you are expecting to see Anos, he does not show up; these are just side stories that will tie into the next chapter.
Epilogue 1: Blockade
Gabriel had just departed for the Underworld, her presence needed to investigate the disappearance of the Boosted Gear.
In her absence, Michael stood alone in the Throne of Heaven, his features taut with the weight of responsibility.
The alarms blared ceaselessly, echoing through the hallowed halls—a warning that something far beyond their control was at play.
The sacred system, crafted by the Biblical God Himself, should have ensured the stability of the Longinus-class Sacred Gears.
When a user fell, their gear always returned to the system, ready to bond with a new host. But this time was different.
The system itself was unraveling, and for the first time in millennia, an alarm reserved for the destruction of a Longinus rang out.
Michael quadruple-checked the system, hoping against hope for an error, but the truth was undeniable: the Boosted Gear was gone.
"It can't be," he murmured, his voice heavy.
The destruction of any Sacred Gear was rare, but a Longinus? Nearly unthinkable.
Such devastation could destabilize the very balance of the supernatural world.
And the Boosted Gear—housing Ddraig, the Heavenly Dragon of Domination—was among the most dangerous.
If Ddraig's soul had truly been released into the world, the fallout would be catastrophic.
Michael stood from the Throne, the golden light of Heaven dimming slightly as his aura pulsed with stress.
He whispered a prayer for Gabriel's success in the Underworld. But before he could fully gather his thoughts, another alarm echoed through Heaven—one he recognized instantly.
This alarm signaled an invasion.
A communication circle formed by his ear, a panicked voice cutting through the divine noise. "Lord Michael, we have a situation at the gates. The entire Shinto army is here."
Michael's frustration boiled to the surface, his divine composure slipping as he teleported to the gates.
There, standing before Heaven's golden barriers, was the Shinto Trinity—Amaterasu, Susano, and Tsukuyomi.
Behind them stretched an army of monsters and divine warriors, their weapons glinting under the radiant light of the golden gates.
The gates themselves stood as impervious as ever, their divine construction untouched even by time.
Built by the Biblical God, they had repelled countless invasions. But this time felt different. Michael sensed no hesitation in the Shinto Trinity's resolve.
Amaterasu floated slightly ahead of her siblings, her serene face masking the turmoil within.
"Greetings, Michael. How are you?" she asked, her tone polite but tense.
Michael studied her, his golden aura shimmering faintly. "I've been better. How about yourself?"
"The same… the same," she replied, her voice almost wistful.
But the tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to choke even the celestial host stationed behind the gates.
The angels readied their weapons, and the Shinto warriors did the same.
A single spark could ignite a devastating war.
Michael finally broke the silence, his voice calm but firm. "Open the gates," he commanded.
The angels stationed nearby exchanged uneasy glances.
"Lord Michael, are you certain?" one of them asked hesitantly. "You can't mean to face them alone."
Michael nodded, his tone resolute. "Precisely. Open the gates."
Reluctantly, the massive golden gates creaked open, revealing Michael as he strode forward.
His 12 golden wings shimmered behind him, a beacon of light as he approached Amaterasu.
"Is this many necessary for a conversation?" Michael asked, his tone sharp.
"Pay them no mind," Amaterasu replied smoothly.
"Hard to do that when their weapons are pointed at my people," Michael countered, his eyes narrowing.
Amaterasu nodded, her expression softening. "Then let me be direct. We do not wish to fight, Michael. We are here to act as a block. Should your angels attempt to leave, we will be forced to invade."
Michael's expression darkened, his voice low and cutting. "That's a bold threat. Do you truly believe your forces can breach Heaven's gates?"
"Perhaps not," Amaterasu admitted. "But we can stop you from leaving."
Michael's hands curled into fists at his sides. He understood the unspoken implication. Should a conflict arise, the Shinto forces would not breach Heaven but would force the angels to expend resources defending their walls—a cost Heaven could scarcely afford.
"Why?" Michael asked. "Why would you stand against us now?"
Amaterasu hesitated, then spoke with quiet resolve. "Many gods fear the Shadow of the prophecy. They believe it lies within your factions—the angels, the Fallen, or the Devils. They see annihilation as the only solution."
Michael's silence spoke volumes. He had heard whispers of the prophecy—the rise of a Shadow that could bring either salvation or destruction. But the truth was elusive, even to the angels.
Amaterasu's voice softened. "Michael, we have no wish to destroy you. Many still respect Heaven.
But the other pantheons have already acted.
The Greeks, the Norse, and others have launched their attacks against the Fallen and the Devils. All we ask is that you stay your hand."
Michael's expression remained stoic, but his aura pulsed with restrained anger. "You ask me to stand by and do nothing while my allies are slaughtered?"
Amaterasu lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes."
Michael released a heavy sigh, his golden wings folding slightly. "I understand."
Amaterasu relaxed slightly, relief flickering across her face. But it was short-lived.
Michael's aura surged, golden light flooding the battlefield as his wings unfurled—not 12, but 14 in total.
The sight drew gasps from both angels and gods alike. Even Amaterasu's composure faltered as she stared at him in disbelief.
"I cannot call myself the leader of Heaven," Michael said, his voice echoing with divine authority, "if I abandon those who trust in us."
Behind him, the gates of Heaven swung wide open, and legions of angels marched forward, their armor gleaming under the celestial light.
At the forefront were Uriel and Raphael, each bearing 14 wings of their own, their auras radiating power.
Amaterasu sighed, a faint smile of resignation gracing her lips. "It pains me to do this, Michael," she said, raising her hand.
Her army roared to life, gods and monsters surging forward.
The angels answered in kind, their hymns of war reverberating through the heavens as they clashed with the Shinto forces.
On a cloud in the distance with an army behind him sat a man with a buzz-cut hairstyle with greenish brown hair color and lavender eyes.
He wears circular sunglasses, an aloha shirt, and has a jewel around his neck when in his leisure, he has the vermillion mark on his forehead.
Any armored man walked up behind him, "sir we are ready," "Just a moment this is getting interesting."
Epilogue 2: The Fall Of Grigori
The skies over Grigori churned with dark clouds as waves of Grim Reapers and monstrous entities poured into the city.
The remaining barriers flickered erratically, barely holding as the relentless assault pushed them closer to failure.
Screams echoed from the outer districts, punctuated by the clash of steel and the roar of monstrous beasts.
Fires raged in the farming district, black smoke twisting upward like ominous serpents.
The eastern wall had fallen, and Hades' forces streamed through the breach with relentless determination.
The city teetered on the brink of collapse.
Baraqiel stood amidst the chaos, blood dripping from a gash on his forehead as he clutched his wounded arm.
Around him lay the shattered remnants of Grigori's defenders, their valiant efforts crushed under the sheer weight of Hades' unrelenting forces.
Despite his strength, Baraqiel knew the truth: they were trapped, outnumbered like fish in a barrel.
Hovering above him was Thanatos, Hades' most loyal Grim Reaper, his scythe gleaming ominously. The grin on his face only deepened Baraqiel's frustration.
"Why do this?" Baraqiel demanded, his voice hoarse but defiant. "Why slaughter so many innocent people?"
Thanatos shrugged with a smirk, his crimson eyes gleaming. "Do we truly need a reason to slaughter you filthy Fallen? But if you must know, we're here to save the world."
Baraqiel frowned, his expression unreadable despite the fatigue weighing him down. "Save the world? That's your excuse for mass murder?"
Thanatos leaned forward, resting his scythe casually against his shoulder.
"You don't seem to believe me. I'm sure you've heard the prophecy about the Shadow—a being destined to destroy the world while leading the Fallen, Devils, and Angels. The gods are scared. Eliminating your faction is the first step in preventing that."
"Slaughter an entire faction over a prophecy? You're all insane!" Baraqiel spat, his glare unwavering.
Thanatos chuckled darkly. "Insane, perhaps. But fear makes even the gods desperate. And their fear has brought us here, to you."
With that, Thanatos raised his scythe, its blade glinting as he approached. "Enough talk. I've got other Cadre to kill. Time to die, Baraqiel."
Baraqiel closed his eyes, preparing for the inevitable. He had fought valiantly, but this was the end.
Yet, just as the scythe's blade hovered inches from his neck, the ground beneath them quaked violently, throwing Thanatos off balance.
"What the hell?" Thanatos growled, his gaze darting to the trembling ground. "An earthquake?"
The tremors intensified, cracks splitting the earth as an otherworldly energy surged upward.
Baraqiel staggered but managed to stay upright, his eyes widening as he felt it—a faint but unmistakable aura.
Hades appeared behind Thanatos, his imposing figure still and unreadable as he placed a hand over one of the cracks.
His skeletal mask betrayed nothing, but the tension in his posture spoke volumes.
"It's time to go, Thanatos," Hades said, his voice low and commanding. "Rally the forces."
"What do you mean, sir?" Thanatos asked, his brow furrowing as he leaned over one of the cracks.
The moment he did, his eyes widened in shock. The aura emanating from the fissure was faint but unmistakable.
"Her," Thanatos whispered, his voice trembling. "It's her."
"Yes," Hades confirmed, his tone heavy with reverence. "Ereshkigal is free."
Both men snapped their heads to the east as the aura flared, unmistakable now.
Its source was clear—the battlefield where the allied army of gods was invading the Underworld.
Hades straightened, his voice filled with an almost reverent anticipation. "After all these years, we finally meet again, my master."
Without another word, Hades vanished into the shadows, followed closely by Thanatos.
Around the same time, the Grim Reapers and monsters that had been ravaging Grigori began to retreat, their focus now shifting eastward.
Epilogue 3: The Dragon's Warning
Crom Cruach stumbled into Rizevim's hidden stronghold, the barrier concealing it flickering faintly as his body passed through.
His breaths came in ragged gasps, his hands clutching his chest where the searing pain of Anos's magic burned relentlessly.
His usually indomitable figure was hunched, his golden scales dulled and cracked, and his once-fearsome aura now trembled with desperation.
The hallway stretched before him, twisting and dimly lit, but he didn't care about the winding path—his sole focus was finding Rizevim.
He staggered forward, his claws scraping the walls for balance, leaving deep gouges in the stone. His breath hitched as he turned a corner and spotted a devil scientist exiting a laboratory, clipboard in hand.
"You!" Crom snarled, grabbing the devil by his coat and shaking him violently. "Where is Rizevim? Tell me!"
The scientist's eyes widened in terror, his clipboard clattering to the floor as he struggled to form coherent words. "H-he's—he's—"
Frustrated by the devil's stammering and consumed by the burning agony in his chest, Crom hurled him aside with a roar.
The scientist's body collided with the wall, leaving a dent as he slumped unconscious. Crom pressed on, his mind spiraling into chaos as the pain grew more intense, threatening to consume him entirely.
The castle trembled again, debris falling from the ceiling as Crom began destroying doors and walls in his frantic search.
His fear of Anos, the searing mark in his soul, and the overwhelming urge to fulfill his grim duty fueled his rampage.
Meanwhile, in a concealed room deep within the stronghold, Rizevim stood before a portal, speaking to a shadowy figure on the other side. The woman's voice was sharp, laced with impatience.
"Have you made progress?" she demanded.
"Not yet," Rizevim replied, his tone clipped. "They've launched their attack. If Anos is truly the force you claim he is, then—"
Before he could finish, a thunderous explosion echoed through the structure. Dust rained down from the ceiling, and the portal flickered briefly from the disruption. Rizevim's eyes narrowed in irritation.
"Something is happening," he said, stepping back from the portal. "I'll handle it."
"What's going on?" the woman pressed, her tone skeptical.
Rizevim smirked faintly, though his eyes betrayed concern. "Nothing to worry about. This room is sealed and hidden. Even if this location is compromised, they won't find the portal."
The woman frowned but rose from her seat on the other side of the portal.
"You're overly confident. Handle it, but know this—I don't tolerate failure." With that, the portal flickered out, leaving Rizevim alone.
A second explosion rocked the castle, this one closer.
Rizevim cursed under his breath as he exited the room. He stepped into the ruined corridor and froze at the sight before him.
His once-magnificent hidden fortress was now a shattered ruin, walls crumbled, and fires burned uncontrollably in several places.
From the distance, a voice rang out, furious and desperate: "WHERE IS RIZEVIM? BRING HIM TO ME!"
Rizevim's sharp eyes zeroed in on the figure of Crom Cruach.
The mighty dragon, once an imposing symbol of strength, now looked utterly deranged.
His eyes burned with a mix of fear and pain as he staggered through the rubble, his head snapping around wildly until he finally locked eyes with Rizevim.
Without hesitation, Crom Cruach launched himself forward, his speed unsteady but still immense, crashing to the ground at Rizevim's feet.
"There's something… I must tell you," Crom gasped, blood dribbling from his lips as his body shook violently.
"What in the nine hells have you done to my castle?" Rizevim growled, though his anger was tinged with worry.
He had never seen Crom Cruach, a being of such immense power, so broken.
Crom grabbed Rizevim's ankle with trembling claws, his golden eyes glassy. "A message… from Anos…" he rasped.
Rizevim stiffened, his smirk vanishing. "What is it?"
Crom coughed violently, blood spilling onto the stone floor as he forced the words out. "He said… 'Once I've dealt with everyone here… I'm coming for you.'"
The words hung in the air like a death knell. Rizevim's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before he regained his composure.
But the dragon wasn't finished. "He… he's unstoppable… Rizevim. You've… you've doomed us all."
Crom Cruach's body shuddered violently, his strength finally giving out. As the light in his eyes faded, he let out a final, rasping breath. "I should've… questioned you more… I should've… been stronger…"
Rizevim stared down at Crom Cruach's lifeless form, his smirk twisting into something bitter.
The mighty dragon had been one of his most valuable assets, yet here he was, reduced to nothing more than a broken corpse.
Anos Voldigoad—just the mention of the name sent an unbidden shiver down his spine.
But fear wasn't something Rizevim allowed himself to feel, or at least acknowledge.
He scoffed, his lips curling into a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Unstoppable, is he? We'll see about that," he muttered, his voice laced with forced confidence.
"Every force has its limits, even the so-called Demon King of Tyranny. She may be wary of him but I am not I will find his weakness."
He glanced around the ruined chamber, noting the destruction Crom Cruach had caused in his frantic state.
His mind raced, weighing his options. He couldn't deny Anos's power—not that he was able to see what he did to Crom Cruach.
But Rizevim prided himself on his schemes, on staying ten steps ahead of his enemies.
Anos's posed a challenge, but it also offered an opportunity. If he could harness more of Anos's power… The thought sent a thrill through him, though it was quickly tempered by a flicker of anxiety.
"Everything is under control," Rizevim whispered to himself, pacing.
Yet, the memory of Crom Cruach's fear lingered, gnawing at the edges of his confidence.
He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. "Anos may think he's unstoppable, but I'll show him what true cunning looks like."
He thought of the woman he had been speaking to earlier, her demands and cryptic warnings still fresh in his mind.
Her role in his plan wasn't yet complete, but she would prove useful—if only she didn't become a liability.
Rizevim's gaze fell back to Crom Cruach's body, his smirk returning with a darker edge.
"A shame," he mused, nudging the corpse with his foot.
"You served your purpose, old friend. But don't worry. Your death will be just the beginning. I still have my…"
Yet, as he turned away, worry adored his face the location where the child was being destroyed reduced to rubble from Crom Crunch's rampage.
"Dammit," screamed Crom Cruach as he flew over he could see small footprints that led out the barrier but they disappeared outside as the sand from the desert erased them.
Epilogue 3: The Protector's Resolve
On Mount Kailash, the sacred seat of the cosmos, Shiva sat cross-legged in midair, the rhythmic hum of his breath resonating through the chamber.
The peaks around his palace glistened with a serene, otherworldly glow, a blend of golden sunlight and the soft shimmer of eternal starlight.
Yet, despite the mountain's tranquil beauty, a foreboding tension hung in the air.
A soft knock echoed against the towering door, pulling Shiva from his meditative state.
Without turning, he spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Enter."
The door creaked open, and a female servant stepped in, her head bowed low.
She clutched a scroll in trembling hands, the weight of its contents evident in her hesitant steps. "My Lord," she began, her voice quivering, "the gods… they've made their move."
Shiva's deep sigh reverberated through the chamber. "So, the vision comes to pass," he murmured.
He extended a hand, and the scroll floated into his grasp with a whisper of divine energy. His eyes scanned the contents, though his expression betrayed no surprise.
"Is Indra still prepared?" he asked, his tone steady but laced with an edge of urgency.
"Yes, my Lord. His forces stand ready to aid Heaven."
"Good," Shiva said, rolling the scroll shut and returning it to her hands.
"The angels will need his strength to endure. As long as Indra holds the line, Heaven will survive."
Rising from his seated position, he floated gently to the polished floor, his presence radiating quiet authority. "But my role now begins."
The servant bowed deeply before retreating. As the doors closed behind her, another figure entered.
Parvati, Shiva's wife, moved with quiet grace, though her furrowed brow betrayed the unease she carried.
Her flowing robes seemed to ripple with the tension in the air.
"You look troubled," Shiva greeted, his tone softening as he turned to face her.
"How can I not be?" she replied, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and love. "Your prophecies are rarely wrong. This war… can it truly be stopped?"
Shiva's gaze shifted to the window, his golden eyes reflecting the shimmering horizon.
"Seventeen years ago, the visions began to change. I saw futures splintering, and timelines unraveling. I have worked tirelessly to divert the worst outcomes. Yet now, the Shadow looms."
"The Shadow?" Parvati echoed, her voice laced with dread.
Shiva nodded, his expression grim. " Yes, moments ago I just saw a new timeline emerge. A figure cloaked in darkness.
It stands beside a maid, silent yet ever-present. Whether it brings salvation or destruction remains hidden from me."
Shiva's face darkened at the name. "And then there's Ereshkigal."
Parvati's hands clenched, her knuckles turning white. "Ereshkigal?"
"Her power has reemerged, sudden and unaccounted for. She now fights to protect the devils, an alliance no prophecy foretold. This divergence has created ripples I cannot ignore."
The weight of his words lingered heavily in the room. Parvati stepped closer, her eyes searching his face. "Then why did leave the god alliance? Wouldn't your presence deter them from aggression?"
"I considered it," Shiva admitted.
"But my joining the alliance would have only emboldened their assault on the devils.
By stepping away, I hoped to temper their ambitions. Yet it seems I underestimated their resolve."
He paused, his jaw tightening. "Now, I must act not against Ereshkigal, but to ensure the gods do not tip the scales into ruin."
Parvati's breath hitched as she watched her husband summon his divine gear.
The Rudraksha beads around his neck glowed faintly, their ancient power pulsing in rhythm with his aura.
On his finger, the Pashupatastra shifted into the form of an elegant energy sword, its edges flickering with potential destruction.
"You're taking this seriously," Parvati said softly, her voice trembling.
"I must," Shiva replied, his tone resolute. He stepped toward her, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "Do not fear. I will return."
She rested her head against his chest, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just come back to me, Shiva. I… I don't want to lose you."
"I won't be gone long," he promised, though the weight of uncertainty lingered in his eyes.
Stepping back, he raised the energy sword, its blade humming as he swung it through the air.
A rift tore open, the edges crackling with divine light. Through the shimmering portal lay a path of destiny Shiva knew he could no longer avoid.
Before stepping through, he glanced back one last time. "For the world's sake, I must stop this fight."
With that, he vanished into the light, leaving Parvati alone in the chamber. She stood there, hands clasped tightly, whispering a prayer to the heavens. "Please… keep him safe."
Epilogue 4: The Hidden Snake
Ajuka's head was a little foggy, but overall, he felt surprisingly fine.
Considering he had drained a significant amount of his magic using Kankara Formula and had been trapped inside the World Isolation Barrier created by Euclid, he expected to feel worse.
A headache? Yes. Exhaustion? Of course. But other than that, he was more or less intact.
For a fleeting moment, a paranoid thought crept into his mind—had he been captured?
But as he took in his surroundings, he quickly dismissed the idea.
No, he was still in the colosseum, the same place where the Rating Game Tournament had been taking place.
What he saw, however, was a mess.
Around him, various devils were gathered, most of them looking worse for wear.
Next to him was a unconscious girl with Blonde hair and what made her stand out to him was the fact she was human, "whats a human girl doing here," Ajuka thought as he took in more of his surroundings.
The most battered of them all was Parisa, the sole survivor of the protection detail assigned to Athena and Artemis before they left to assist Sirzechs in fighting Apophis.
Sirzechs' peerage was also present, but the one who caught Ajuka's attention the most was Souji.
Souji looked terrible. In fact, he and Parisa shared similar wounds, which could only mean one thing—they had fought Euclid.
And judging by the fact they were still standing, albeit barely, Euclid had let them live. But why?
Ajuka's sharp eyes scanned further.
He spotted Seekvaira and Sairaorg speaking with their respective peerages.
They looked fine, except for Sairaorg—he was bruised, missing his usual intensity, and worst of all, missing an army.
That raised another set of questions, but since Sairaorg was conscious and not particularly panicked, Ajuka assumed things had turned out somewhat okay.
The moment Ajuka stood up, all eyes turned toward him.
"Lord Ajuka," Souji called out, limping toward him.
Ajuka held up a hand. "No need to rush, Souji. I'll come to you."
Souji gave a tired nod, and as Ajuka approached, so did the others.
They all seemed eager to explain what had happened while he was incapacitated.
Parisa and Souji spoke first.
They explained how they engaged Euclid while he stood in front of the triangular barrier that had imprisoned Ajuka.
According to MacGregor, the barrier was weak and would collapse on its own, but the issue was whether Ajuka would have survived by then.
They had been outnumbered and outmatched.
With Euclid summoning Nilrem forces, they had to divide their troops.
The entirety of Sirzechs' peerage—minus MacGregor—Seekvaira's peerage—minus Seekvaira—and Sairaorg's peerage—minus Sairaorg—had been sent to hold off the Nilrem while Ajuka had already eliminated the Old Satan faction members.
Ajuka rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"That was a logical approach given the circumstances. But it still doesn't explain how all of you are alive. From what I gather, things should not have ended well."
Sairaorg let out a low chuckle before shaking his head. "Yeah… we would have been dead if not for who showed up."
Ajuka arched an eyebrow. "Who?"
Sairaorg smirked. "Ophis."
A brief silence fell over the group as Ajuka processed the name.
He had, of course, known that Ophis had been following Anos around disguised as a maid. But hearing that she had actively intervened in a fight was something else entirely.
"Ophis… dressed as a maid… along with Koneko and Mittelt," Seekvaira added, her expression somewhere between amusement and disbelief.
Ajuka remained composed, but inwardly, he was surprised—not that Ophis had been in the area, but that she had actually gotten involved.
The others quickly began recounting their experiences, explaining that Mittelt had been the one to hold back the Nilrem while Koneko had somehow managed to defeat Shalba on her own.
Ajuka exhaled through his nose. "Where are they now?"
The group collectively glanced around, only to realize that the three were missing.
"That's strange," Seekvaira murmured. "They were here just a moment ago."
Parisa frowned. "The last time I saw them was right before that large explosion of power."
Ajuka turned toward her sharply. "Explosion of power?"
Parisa nodded. "Yes. It came from the direction of the prison.
Ophis and Mittelt seemed concerned, but Koneko had already lost consciousness after fighting Shalba."
Ajuka absorbed the information. It all made sense now.
If Ophis had truly left due to that surge in power, then something significant had occurred at the prison.
He would need to look into that later.
For now, however, his focus was on something else.
Ajuka nodded at the information then remembered the random human girl and pointed to her, "And whats a human doing here," the group look in the direction Ajuka was looking, "Actually we don't know, when Ophis arrived she was carrying her but besides that we don't know."
As the conversation began to die down, Ajuka caught sight of Souji fidgeting slightly, his expression uncertain.
"Is something wrong, Souji?" Ajuka asked, narrowing his gaze.
Souji hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "No, sir, but… do you feel strange at all?"
Ajuka blinked. "Strange? No. Why?"
Souji looked to the others, as if seeking confirmation.
When no one else spoke up, he continued cautiously. "Ophis put a snake inside you."
Wait… What?
Ajuka stared at Souji, his mind coming to a complete halt. "…What?"
"A snake," Souji repeated, clearly uncomfortable.
Ajuka's eyes slowly narrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line. "And when, exactly, did this happen?"
"Right after the barrier collapsed," Seekvaira chimed in. "Thats when she put it inside you."
"Apparently," Sairaorg added, crossing his arms. "She said it would keep you from dying."
Ajuka pinched the bridge of his nose. "As far as I know her snakes are said yo boost power."
Ajuka exhaled sharply. "Well this isn't to bad I guess."
Seekvaira tilted her hand examining Ajuka. "So… how does it feel to be blessed by the Infinite Dragon God?"
Ajuka shot her a look. "besides a slight head ache fine I guess."
Souji coughed into his fist. "Should we… uh… try to remove it?"
Ajuka shook his head. "No. If Ophis placed it there, then no telling what could happen if we forcibly removed it. I doubt it's causing any harm, and attempting to remove it could be dangerous."
Sairaorg clapped a hand on Ajuka's shoulder. "Well, congratulations, sir."
Ajuka gave him a deadpan look. "Yes..thanks."
Parisa sent Ajuka a blank stare. "Lord Ajuka are their any other side effects like breathing fire."
Ajuka sighed. "Doubtful."
Though the situation was bizarre, Ajuka pushed the thoughts of Ophis's snake aside for the moment. There were still too many unanswered questions about what had happened while he was unconscious.
One thing, however, was clear—whatever occurred at the prison was something worth investigating.
And if Ophis had left to go there, then Anos was likely at the center of it all.
Ajuka exhaled. "Alright. We have much to discuss. But first, let's deal with the aftermath of this battle. We can worry about divine reptiles inside me later."
Epilogue 5: A Devil Beyond Understanding
Ravel sat awkwardly, fidgeting slightly as she found herself in an unexpected and uncomfortable situation.
Off to the side, she watched as Grayfia and Sirzechs embraced, their reunion filled with warmth and emotion.
She felt like an intruder, a third wheel in a moment she had no part in.
However, that wasn't even the most awkward part of the situation.
Her eyes nervously drifted left, where Athena and Artemis stood, conversing in hushed yet urgent tones.
It wasn't surprising—they had just witnessed Anos, a devil, effortlessly defeat Apophis, a dragon even they, goddesses, couldn't hope to match.
That kind of power naturally raised questions.
Ravel turned her gaze back to Sirzechs, studying him.
His complexion had returned to normal, and his hair, which had turned pale from from having using his soul to boost his power, was now back to its usual deep crimson.
He seemed to be recovering well, but his strength had yet to fully return.
"Young devil," a calm yet commanding voice called out.
Ravel let out a small squeak and spun around, coming face to face with Athena.
"Apologies, I did not mean to startle you," Athena said, her voice softer now as she crouched to meet Ravel at eye level.
"But I have some questions, and Grayfia seems preoccupied."
Ravel froze slightly, unsure how to respond. This was her first time speaking directly to a god.
The presence of the goddess of wisdom herself made her feel incredibly small.
Athena must have noticed her hesitation because she attempted to appear less intimidating. "I understand this may be overwhelming. Please, don't be afraid."
Ravel swallowed hard and nodded.
"You arrived with the devil Anos, correct?"
Another nod, "What can you tell me about him?"
Ravel hesitated. She was one of the few who knew Anos's true identity. Should she tell them?
If it had been before the battle, she would have kept it a secret, but they had seen his strength firsthand.
Hiding the truth now seemed pointless. Besides, if Athena was wise as they claimed, she would figure it out eventually.
Before Ravel could answer, Artemis suddenly jumped in.
"Who is he? I have never seen a devil with so much power!" she blurted out, stepping closer and causing Ravel to flinch.
Athena frowned, clearly annoyed by her sister's impatience. "Sister, would you please let me handle this? You're scaring the girl."
"It's fine," Ravel said quickly, though she wasn't entirely sure if she believed it.
Taking a deep breath, she gathered her thoughts. "If I tell you, you must promise to keep this secret."
Athena considered this for a moment, while Artemis once again spoke too soon.
"Of course! You have my word as a goddess—I'll take it to my grave!" she declared with dramatic enthusiasm.
Athena shot her a glare. "Sister, don't go making promises so carelessly. Especially when we were sent here to gather information."
Artemis shrugged. "Oh, come on. We'll just tell Father we didn't find anything interesting."
Athena sighed, clearly exasperated. She had no real proof of what had happened in the Underworld, but it was likely that word had already begun spreading.
"Fine. I, too, give my word as a goddess to keep this information confidential."
Ravel eyed them both cautiously before nodding.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. Then, with a quiet reverence in her tone, she began to speak—not of Anos Gremory, but of Anos Voldigoad, the Demon King of Tyranny.
"Anos is not like any devil you've ever seen. That much, I think, is obvious. But his story... his story is something out of legend."
Ravel's voice softened as she spoke, her words laced with admiration and something deeper—love.
"He was once the Demon King of Tyranny, a being so powerful that even the gods of his world could not stop him. But he was not just a conqueror or a destroyer. He was a ruler who carried the burden of his people, a man who fought not for chaos, but for order."
Athena and Artemis listened closely, their expressions unreadable.
"Even at the height of his power, he cared for those under his rule. He tried to create an era of peace through sheer force of will. And yet, despite all of that, he realized that he was the greatest obstacle to true harmony."
Ravel's eyes glimmered with emotion as she continued.
"So, he did what no tyrant would ever do—he gave up his throne. He willingly sacrificed his own life so that his people, and his enemies alike, could live without war."
She clenched her hands into fists.
"He was supposed to reincarnate in his world after two thousand years. But something went wrong, and instead, he was born here. For the past seventeen years, he has been searching for a way back home."
A deep silence followed.
Athena's expression was conflicted, a mixture of fear and awe. "To think a devil could do such a thing…"
Artemis, however, had picked up on something else entirely. She grinned. "The way you talk about him… are you in love with him?"
Ravel's face turned beet red. "H-He's my fiancé!" she stammered.
Artemis smirked. "fiancé...you don't say?"
Ravel covered her face, flustered beyond words.
Before the teasing could continue, a familiar voice cut through the moment.
"What do you intend to gain by learning this information?"
All eyes turned toward Sirzechs, who, with Grayfia's help, was struggling to his feet.
His voice was steady, but there was a clear edge to it—concern, perhaps even suspicion.
Athena turned to him, offering a slight nod. "Your Highness, you seem better."
Sirzechs exhaled, regaining his composure. "I can feel my strength returning, but I'm still not at full power. Still, I would appreciate an answer to my question."
Athena hesitated before speaking. "Well… you may have already guessed, but we came here to spy on you. Specifically, on Anos."
Grayfia's sharp gaze locked onto her. "You suspected him of something?"
Athena nodded. "Given his power, he seemed… suspicious. I was conducting research to determine the identity of the Shadow and that research led me to him but before I past that information to my father I came here with Artemis to see if he was a threat or not."
Sirzechs' expression darkened. "My brother is not evil. Nor is he this 'Shadow' you all seem to believe will bring ruin. Yes, he has done things in his world, but since coming here, he has done nothing but act with restraint. His only goal is to return home."
Athena narrowed her eyes. "And what if his way home destroys our world in the process?"
Ravel's voice was firm. "Then he'll find a way that doesn't."
Athena turned to the young devil, surprised by the sheer certainty in her voice.
Ravel held her ground. "Anos doesn't take shortcuts. He doesn't just destroy everything in his path. He finds solutions, no matter how impossible they seem. If you had met him sooner, you'd know that."
Athena studied her for a long moment before finally exhaling. "I see."
Sirzechs gave her a wary look before glancing at Grayfia. "Why would Athena and Artemis seek this information? What do they truly want?"
Grayfia, ever composed, folded her arms. "Because they fear what they do not understand. And right now, there is nothing in this world they understand less than Anos Voldigoad."
Sirzechs sighed. "Then I suppose it's time they learn."
Epilogue 6: Chains of Betrayal
Vali groaned as he slowly regained consciousness, his head throbbing with pain.
The cold bite of metal dug into his wrists and ankles, and as he tried to move, the rattling of chains reminded him of his captivity.
His power was completely sealed. He clenched his fists, frustration burning within him.
He attempted to call out to Albion, but there was only silence—another effect of the damn chains.
Looking around, he saw the other members of his team—Kuroka, Arthur, and Bikou—all restrained in a similar fashion.
They looked just as battered as he felt. Dried blood and bruises marred their bodies, clear evidence of the brutal battle they had endured before being captured.
A groan came from beside him as Kuroka stirred awake, shifting uncomfortably as she tried to move.
She struggled against her bindings, only to realize, just as he had, that her powers were completely suppressed. With a frustrated sigh, she slumped against the cold wall.
Vali turned his head toward her. "Hey, how are you holding up?"
Kuroka let out a pained chuckle. "Besides my ribs feeling like they've been stomped on, I'm doing fine… I think. Where the hell are we?"
"Probably the Hero Faction's hideout," Vali muttered bitterly.
Kuroka's eyes narrowed. "Oh yeah… we were ambushed." She shook her head, trying to clear the haze clouding her memory. "Damn it, everything's still fuzzy."
Vali exhaled sharply. "Yeah. We had just gotten back from our mission and were heading home when they struck. I don't know how they found our location, but I swear I'll make Cao Cao pay for this."
A slow, mocking clap echoed through the dimly lit chamber, sending a chill down Vali's spine.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Such harsh words," came a voice from the shadows. A moment later, a candle ignited, casting flickering light over the room.
Sitting leisurely on a wooden chair, one leg crossed over the other, was none other than Cao Cao, his Longinus—the True Longinus—resting casually against his shoulder. A smug smirk played on his lips as he gazed at the captured group.
"You're the traitors here, not me," he said smoothly.
Vali's body tensed with fury, and despite knowing the chains would hold him back, he instinctively lunged forward—only for the restraints to yank him back mercilessly.
Cao Cao chuckled at the display. "No need to get so worked up. We're not going to kill you… yet. Well, I'm not." His smirk widened as he leaned forward slightly. "Shalba is."
Kuroka's cat-like eyes narrowed. "Since when did you start taking orders from devils? Isn't that against your so-called 'Hero' ideals?" she sneered.
Cao Cao simply shrugged.
"Under normal circumstances, yeah, I wouldn't entertain the idea. But when I heard that the Old Satan Faction wanted your heads on a silver platter, well…" He grinned maliciously.
"I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. Taking you down was something I was looking forward to."
Vali's lips curled in a snarl. "One-on-one, huh? Would've been a better fight if you hadn't ambushed me like a coward."
Cao Cao chuckled, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "Oh, Vali, you misunderstand. I didn't hide my presence—you just let your guard down. Your defeat is entirely your own fault."
"Release these chains," Vali growled, his silver eyes burning with fury. "I'll show you just how strong I really am."
Cao Cao simply laughed, standing up from his chair and adjusting his grip on his Longinus.
"No need. I already won. You can seethe and struggle all you want, but it won't change the fact that I proved myself superior."
He turned toward the door, his smirk never faltering. "Now, all that's left is to turn you over to Shalba."
With those final words, Cao Cao exited the room, leaving behind a seething Vali, whose frustration only deepened with each passing second.
One thing was certain—when he got out of here, he was going to kill him.
End Chapter