I didn't expect this meeting to go so smoothly.
Everything I had anticipated seems to be pointless now.
But that doesn't mean this is a sign of safety, on the contrary, this could be the beginning of something dangerous. It might become fatal if even one of the three faction leaders leaves.
Luckily, for now, the leaders seem to be discussing what to do next... That means their target should be...
I closed my eyes and expanded my magic to locate Nox-san and my parents.
I found them instantly. My parents are sitting in the living room watching TV. And... Nox-san is... exercising?
Oh... wait a minute... is she wearing my workout clothes?
"One... two... three... four... hmm?"
Ah... she noticed me. I should just greet her.
I created a magic clone of myself and waved at her. Nox-san waved back and continued her workout.
I feel more at ease knowing she's ready now.
The Loki followers haven't made a move yet, which means...
Zzzpp
...Connection lost?
My magic was suddenly cut off?
"Um... Hajime-kun..."
"...Ah, Suzu? What is it?"
"It's just that..."
Suzu glanced to the side, signaling something.
"Hmm?"
It seems like someone wants to talk to me privately.
.
.
.
.
"Are you really going to reveal it here?"
"...."
Sona pulled me out of the room to talk in private. I knew the time to reveal my secret was coming, but I didn't expect it to be this soon. I still wasn't sure if I should admit that I'm not really part of the Sitri family.
"I... I honestly wanted to keep this secret longer. But something's about to happen, and I won't be able to hide it much longer."
"But you can still rely on my family, right? The contract you made with my grandfather and grandmother still—"
"I've already ended it."
"....."
"Sona, I don't want your family's name to be tarnished because of someone like me, some human from a lowly background."
"..."
Sona looked like she wanted to say something but just closed her mouth and shook her head.
"I don't know what kind of promise you made... but I can help if it's something I can handle."
Sona seemed to have a slight desire to help me. And for someone like me, who's often left behind by my peers, that means a lot.
"...What you said really makes me happy."
This should have been the moment our feelings connected, but since this is the world of DxD... I think I'll hold off on showing any romantic affection for now... maybe.
"But Sona, I need you to do something for me right now."
"Right now?"
"Yes, this is important."
I'm deeply worried about this upcoming attack—extremely worried.
It feels like I'm about to face something I never expected.
.
.
.
.
"Do you understand? Bring Saji, Tsubaki, and all your familiars to the meeting room and tell them no one is allowed to leave until after 6 PM."
Even though he says that...
With hesitation, Sona gathered her familiars and walked to the meeting room, where they found everyone still resting.
"President, why did we change the plan and come to the meeting room?"
"Saji, don't ask too many questions. Just follow me."
Tsubaki didn't question Sona's decision and simply followed behind. Saji stayed silent after that.
When they opened the door to the meeting room...
They saw the three faction leaders sitting and discussing future plans, their guards chatting with familiars or teammates. But one person stood out, not participating in the conversations.
Who else but Vali?
Seeing this, Sona adjusted her glasses and sighed as she remembered Kamiya's strange request.
I can't believe I'm actually doing this after saying I'd help... but asking the faction leaders not to leave? That's a bit much...
"Sona-chan, what's this? You brought all your familiars? Don't tell me... you want them to become magical girls too??"
".....Sirzechs-sama...."
"Yes? Do you need something?"
"That's so mean! How could you ignore your own little brother like that?"
While Michael and Azazel laughed at their banter, Sienna, Stella, and Leon were talking about something odd regarding the security.
"Our communication is cut off?"
"Yes. The forces stationed outside Kuoh Academy have completely lost contact."
"What's going on..." Leon was confused, but Rexa had already left without being part of Kamiya's plan.
While Stella was quietly thinking about the situation, she heard Sona speak up:
"I request that no one in this room, including myself leave the area."
"What do you mean by that, Serafall's little sister?"
"I've noticed something strange is happening."
"Strange? Can you explain what that is?"
"Unfortunately, not yet. But right now, my cousin Hajime Sitri is investigating."
Off in the distance, Stella seemed to spot a clue that could give this situation some direction.
"Leon, prepare and alert all outside troops to stay on guard. Sienna, take Rexa with you and check outside."
"Understood."
"Wait—"
"They're trained for this. You don't need to worry about anything going wrong," Stella said firmly to Sona.
"...."
Sona simply sighed and said nothing more.
"Oy, Stella, read the room. They've already planned for this. I'm sure it's for our own good too."
"...I'll remember that, Azazel-sensei."
"Oh boy... forgive my student's bluntness—she tends to get a bit intense when things get serious."
While waiting, everyone remained on alert, continuing what they were doing or planning to do.
.
.
.
.
Time was running out.
I could feel the flow of magic in this place becoming strange. It's getting harder to find the mages who placed runes around here—and I can't understand how they managed to do this so quickly.
I can't push my magic beyond the academy anymore. This place has turned into a magical isolation zone.
With things like this, I kept running around the academy, searching for hidden runes.
I've found four so far, under a student's desk, in the teacher's office, even in the garden.
These magical runes were placed so cleverly that even angels and demons couldn't detect them. This must be the work of someone from the Khaos Brigade.
I really hate looking for runes with no clear trace...
The best thing to do now is eliminate as many as possible. Hopefully, with fewer runes, Lady Grayfia can analyze the barrier more easily.
"May I have a moment of your time, young master of the Sitri clan?"
"?"
This person... wasn't he the one hiding when I met Azazel?
"Tell me, are you investigating something? You've been running pretty fast."
"...."
I wasn't sure whether to tell him, but I had no reason to hide it either.
"I'm currently removing hidden runes. There are tons of them all over this place, with no visible trace. Most likely, the person placing them is either a brainwashed human or disguised as an animal."
"Oh~ sounds interesting."
He suddenly sped up and ran into the extracurricular building.
If I'm not mistaken... that's the girls' kendo club building... Never mind. Let him handle it.
I left him to it and continued running through the academy halls.
In one of the darkening classrooms and hallways, I felt a rune activate.
Is it starting?!
The sky began turning red, and a massive magic circle started to rise from beneath the ground.
It looked like the barrier was activating—and thankfully (?), I had already removed about half the runes meant to support it.
Hopefully, that guy can take care of the rest.
"Enough hiding. Come out."
"..."
"....."
Five students and one teacher... they must be...
"Tell me... is Loki coming?"
"....."
"...I figured that was the answer."
With this light spear, I could see their faces. And with this demonic spear...
Whether it's Loki or his followers...
They're all the same.
"You guys are no different."
And this battle—
has just begun.
_______________________________________________________________________
Lets go guys, just a few more chapter and the volume 3 will done!
(ToT)/~~~
P.S; Good Night.