Chapter 301 - Attack
"Sorry, he got no manners," Azazel said, shooting Vali a look.
The White Dragon Emperor had jumped the gun, mouthing off before the faction leaders could even start.
As the Fallen Angel boss, Azazel had to smooth things over.
He leaned back, a lazy grin spreading across his face.
"Alright, everyone's here. Let's kick this meeting off."
"Sounds good," Michael said, his voice calm and warm, matching his golden halo and pristine white robes.
The Angel leader's vibe was almost too perfect.
"No issues here," Serafall said, glancing at Sirzechs.
The two Maou shared a nod, but she wasn't done.
"Hold up, though."
"Azazel, we need to talk about your mess first."
"You mean Kokabiel?" Azazel asked, scratching his head.
"Yeah, him." Serafall's eyes narrowed.
"As governor, you owe us a damn good explanation for why your cadre attacked Kuoh Town."
That fight had nearly cost her sister, Sona, her life.
Mahiro had pulled through to save her, but Serafall was still pissed.
Azazel shrugged.
"Not much to say."
"Some of our guys don't like the higher-ups' calls, so they throw tantrums."
"Kokabiel went stray."
"That's it? Kinda weak, Azazel," Sirzechs raised an eyebrow.
"Sounds like you're dodging responsibility."
"Alright, alright," Azazel groaned, slumping in his chair.
"I screwed up, didn't keep a tight leash."
"But Kokabiel's dead now, right?"
"Losing a cadre hurts us plenty."
"We're not pointing fingers, so let's call it even."
"You cool with that?" Sirzechs asked, glancing at Serafall.
She gave a curt nod, her face still tight.
"Fine. Just keep your people in line from now on."
Michael chimed in, his voice soft.
"I'm not blameless either."
"If I'd caught holy sword scheme sooner, we might've stopped Kokabiel's plot."
Azazel waved it off.
"Nah, Kokabiel would've pulled something anyway."
"Guy was dead-set against our peace talks."
"Warned him a bunch, but he picked the dumb path."
"He's been a war junkie since forever," Serafall said, crossing her arms.
Kokabiel went way back in biblical mythology, a familiar headache for everyone at the table.
"Every faction's got those types," Sirzechs said, nodding.
"We can't stop them all, but we can well try to keep this thing from happening again."
"Funny, you're acting like it's just my side with loose cannons," Azazel said, smirking at Michael and Sirzechs.
"Fallen Angels get a bad reputation 'cause we're the 'evil' ones, but let's be real—your factions aren't saintly either."
Michael didn't flinch, his smile steady.
"Fair point. But let's focus. I'm all in for signing the peace treaty today."
Azazel raised his hands.
"Same here. No objections."
"Hell, let's skip the chit-chat and put pens to paper now. Save us all some time."
Sirzechs, Serafall, and Michael blinked, caught off guard.
Azazel, the guy they thought they'd have to strong-arm, was leading the charge?
"What's with the shock?" Azazel laughed.
"You two—" he nodded at Sirzechs and Michael "—have been buddy-buddy on this for ages, right?"
"Thought you'd gang up on me. Guess I beat you to the punch."
Michael chuckled.
"We did plan to convince you, but you're making this easy."
"Look, our factions have been in the war since God and the old Maou died," Azazel said, his tone sobering.
"No point keeping up the grudges."
"Gimme peace over bloodshed any day."
Michael's face twitched, clearly remembering Azazel's fall over his… let's say "appreciation" for women.
"You haven't changed."
"If we fight again, the Devils are toast," Sirzechs said, his voice heavy.
"But with everyone on board for peace, we've got a shot."
"No kidding," Azazel said.
"Another war screws us all."
"We'd all crash and burn. Peace is the only play."
"Seems we're all on the same page," Michael said, his gentle smile back.
"Just need the Two Heavenly Dragons' take. They're big players in this mess."
Mahiro shrugged.
"I'm good with peace."
Vali, still leaning against the wall, snorted.
"Don't care about your treaty. I just want stronger guys to throw down with."
"Plenty of tough opponents in peacetime, Vali," Azazel said, rolling his eyes.
"Whatever you say, boss," Vali muttered, closing his eyes again.
"Alright, then—" Azazel started, but a deafening boom cut him off.
The barrier around Kuoh Academy shook as magic light cannons slammed into it, explosions rattling the walls.
Cracks spiderwebbed across the shield, and soon, gaping holes tore open.
From the breaches, a swarm of robed magicians poured in, their numbers dwarfing the combined forces inside the school.
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