After the Qlippoth departed along with Agreas, we took a moment to catch our breath in the Fourth Heaven.
Touji-san was the only one in immediate danger due to the poison, so he was transported to a medical facility in the Fifth Heaven. Aside from the poisoning, he had no major injuries other than scrapes, so his treatment should proceed smoothly.
Yaegaki-san, having severed ties with the Qlippoth, was currently undergoing interrogation by the Heaven side as a person of significant interest. Even though we fought together at the end, the fact remained that he had operated as a terrorist, killing key Church figures and associates of the Bael family. Consequently, the Ame no Murakumo was confiscated, and he was placed under restraint... though likely temporary.
The remaining hordes of Evil Dragons disappeared along with Agreas. The damage to Heaven was substantial.
As for the most critical issue—the impact on the 『System』...
Michael-san spoke gravely.
"I checked the condition of the 『System』 just moments ago, but there appear to be no adverse effects whatsoever. ...The power of a god from another world... it is truly terrifying. Neither I, nor any of the Seraphim, could sense his intrusion. To successfully peer into the 『System』 without triggering a single alarm... I can only say he possesses power far beyond our understanding."
Every member present gasped at Michael-san's report.
Asem... he really invaded the Seventh Heaven without leaving a trace...?
There is a possibility he was lying about entering the Seventh Heaven... but given his tone, I doubt it.
Michael-san turned to me.
"What is that god's objective?"
"He seemed interested in the Sacred Gear system. And... right before he left, he mentioned the word 'create'... So most likely—"
"He intends to create something similar to a Sacred Gear, is that it?"
I nodded at Michael-san's words.
I don't know what he plans to create, or why.
He already possesses such immense power; why is he seeking even more...?
No... in his case, it might just be out of curiosity... Which actually makes it more terrifying, because that sounds exactly like something he would do.
Michael-san shifted his gaze to Cao Cao, who was leaning against a wall.
"Thank you for the assistance from Lord Indra."
Cao Cao had fought on our side this time, battling against Ladon and the new breed of Evil Dragons called Mass-Production Grendels. Thanks to him, Ladon was successfully defeated and sealed away.
"I didn't expect to be allowed into Heaven myself. I am still a sinner, after all. Besides, my assistance this time came from a tip-off by Lord Hades."
Everyone was surprised by that report.
Information from Hades? Wasn't he the one who told the Qlippoth about the backdoor into Heaven in the first place?
"...Does Hades think this makes things even? Or is he just enjoying getting in the way of both sides?"
Rias pondered aloud...
Either way, there's no doubt he's a scumbag of a god. I want to punch him at least once. I won't feel settled until I do!
Michael-san addressed Cao Cao.
"Regardless, you are the one chosen by the Holy Lance. As long as you bear no hostility, we cannot turn you away."
"Fufufu, and yet the Holy Lance is what pierced Jesus. The Chief of the Angels is truly generous."
Cao Cao turned on his heel.
"Well then."
"Yeah, good work."
When I replied, Cao Cao looked at me with a slightly puzzled expression.
"You're awfully casual about it."
"Well, yeah. Like Michael-san said. If you're not an enemy, and you're not hurting my friends, then that's fine. As long as you understand the meaning of being a 'Hero'. Right, just-plain Cao Cao?"
I grinned as I said it.
He smiled wryly in return.
"I see. You're right. Right now, I am just Cao Cao. Not a Hero, not a monstrous poison, just a single human being. And as such, I challenge you. You are my rival, and seemingly my goal. I look forward to our rematch."
"Yeah, bring it on anytime. As long as you don't pull any dirty tricks, I'll punch you fair and square from the front."
"That is scary. Getting punched by you is fatal on its own."
Well, for a human like him, my fist could easily be a one-hit kill. He'd definitely want to dodge that.
Rias asked a question.
"What about the other Longinus possessors?"
"Georg and Leonardo? They are still in the Underworld. Georg is researching the techniques used by the Grim Reapers there. Or rather, that place is filled with the souls of famous magicians sent from the past, and he is engrossed in magical debates with them. Leonardo seems to like the atmosphere there, too. Like Georg, he has no intention of returning."
Staying in the Underworld of his own volition... The Hero Faction really does have a lot of weirdos...
Wait a minute...?
Come to think of it, isn't he missing?
The former Hero Faction freeloader...?
As I looked around restlessly, Miu spoke up.
"Are you looking for Diarmuid-san?"
"Ah, yeah. Did he come? It sounded like he was heading this way."
"Nope. He didn't make it. Actually, I got worried and contacted him earlier. Apparently, he got lost on the way."
"Haa!?"
~ A Short While Ago: Diarmuid-chan ~
"...Where is this?"
He was supposed to pass through the Underworld and head to Purgatory to reach Heaven.
However, the place he was standing in... was completely different.
"...I seem to be lost."
A crow cawed overhead.
~ End of Diarmuid-chan ~
"What the hell is he doiiiiiiiing!?"
My full-force tsukkomi echoed through the heavens!
Lost!? Wasn't he coming to help!? Didn't he act all cool saying he knew the way to Heaven!?
Get a grip, man!
Miu gave a strained laugh.
"He says he's at home now. Apparently, a kind old lady taught him the way."
"And she guided him home instead!? Who is this kind old lady!?"
"Nishimura-san from the neighborhood association."
"Ah, that person... Wait, you idiot! Where did he get lost!? Don't tell me he was wandering around Kuoh Town the whole time!?"
"It wasn't that bad. He apparently made it to the next town over."
"That's practically no difference!"
What, he got lost in the neighboring town!? Is he an idiot child!?
Your ancestors are weeping!
A hand was placed gently on my shoulder.
I turned to find Cao Cao smiling with a distant look in his eyes.
"Don't mind..."
"You think this is someone else's problem, don't you!?"
"Well, we were in the same Hero Faction once... Do you understand my hardships now?"
"I understand! When it comes to him, I can totally empathize!"
The leader of the Hero Faction had it rough, too! Of course he struggled! He doesn't work, he gets lost, and he eats like a horse!
A magic circle expanded near Miu's hand. As the communication circle lit up, a small holographic image projected onto her palm.
It showed a somewhat dejected Diarmuid.
Miu spoke to him gently.
"Diarmuid-san, you don't have to be so depressed..."
『No... I was of no use to Master... Kuh! I am a failure as a servant!』
"I don't recall making you my servant!?"
How many times have I seen this routine...?
Cao Cao addressed Diarmuid.
"It has been a while, Diarmuid. You seem... unchanged."
Diarmuid narrowed his eyes slightly upon seeing Cao Cao's face. As a former member, perhaps he had mixed feelings about meeting his old leader after so long.
Diarmuid stared at Cao Cao intently, then said one word.
『Ah, it's you. Su... Liu Bei.』
"Close! Wrong country! Or rather, you just started saying 'Su', didn't you!? Was that on purpose!?"
『I mistook you for Sun Quan.』
"That's wrong too! Why did you leave the first syllable!?"
『Then, Xiahou Dun.』
"Same country! But still wrong! It's Cao Cao!"
『Stop barking. Chinese names are difficult and hard to remember. Zhang Fei.』
"You actually know Romance of the Three Kingdoms pretty well, don't you...!?"
Wow, Cao Cao's tsukkomi game is on point today! Accurate retorts to every boke thrown at him!
Does he have a talent for comedy?!
"Diarmuid, you dislike me, don't you?"
『Naturally. My grudge for you not giving me Karaage-kun is deep.』
"From how long ago!?"
...Cao Cao eats Karaage-kun?
That's kinda unexpected.
The holographic Diarmuid waved his hand.
『I shall take my leave now. Farewell, Cao Ren.』
"No, it's Cao Caoooooooo!"
Ignoring Cao Cao's futile retort, Diarmuid cut the connection.
By the way, I looked it up when I got home—Cao Ren was apparently Cao Cao's cousin.
The storm of boke and tsukkomi ended, leaving silence in its wake.
Myself, Rias, and even Michael-san... everyone's gaze focused on Cao Cao. Of course, our eyes were filled with pity and sympathy.
...You poor thing.
Resurrected only to deal with this immediately.
Well, setting that aside—
""Congratulations on becoming the Tsukkomi Character.""
Kiba and I gently placed our hands on Cao Cao's shoulders.
After Cao Cao left in tears, a shadow approached us, pushing past the angelic soldiers.
The Evil Dragon, Crom Cruach, stood before me.
"...Are you a dragon? Or are you a Devil?"
"Huh?"
...He asked a confusing question out of nowhere.
Well, I'm a Devil, but since I'm the Red Dragon Emperor, I'm also a dragon...
As I struggled with how to answer, Crom Cruach continued.
"My long-cherished ambition is to witness the ultimate fate of dragons. Are you my answer?"
"I don't know. It's troubling if you ask me for an answer like that."
"Is that so."
Crom Cruach nodded as if convinced.
But in the next instant.
"Fight me."
"...Ha? Right now...?"
The strongest Evil Dragon nodded silently at my question!
Eh, ehhh... Fight right now...? He's making another unreasonable demand.
I don't have the stamina to move like that!?
"Impossible! I'm too tired!"
I decided to be honest!
Unlike other Evil Dragons, this guy should listen to reason! Please, just listen!
A brawl right now is absolutely impossible!
Then, Crom Cruach turned on his heel without a word.
"...Then, I will leave."
Ohh, he listened! He's surprisingly obedient!
"Are you going back to the Qlippoth?"
"No, I have no interest in that place anymore. I will lay low as I please. I am accustomed to the human world."
Leaving only those words, he quietly departed the scene.
Man, dragons really are full of weirdos...
Are the only normal dragons around me Tannin-ossan and Tiamat?
『Oi, why am I not included?』
...Ddraig is... umm...
『Don't hesitate there!! I'll cry, you know!?』
『Now, now. Calm down, Ddraig. You are the Breast Dragon, so it can't be helped♪』
『Wooooohn! Wooooohn!』
Ah, Ddraig-san is crying. Cheer up, Ddraig.
As I was consoling Ddraig, Michael-san smiled at Irina.
"Irina, you fought well. Truly, you are my Ace of Spades."
Irina blushed at the praise from the Chief of Angels she respected so much.
Suddenly curious, Irina asked Michael-san.
"Michael-sama, it may be presumptuous to ask at a time like this, but..."
"What is it?"
"Why did you choose me as the Ace?"
The reason Michael-san appointed Irina as the Ace. That is interesting.
The other members seemed curious too, turning their gaze to Michael-san and Irina.
Michael-san smiled warmly and held up one finger.
"When you open a box of playing cards in the human world, what is the first card you see?"
"...The Ace of Spades."
"Correct. I thought that card should be represented by someone who embodies the Reincarnated Angels—the 『Brave Saints』—better than anyone else. You are innocent, honest, and a devout believer with a spirit of reverence. And you can get along with anyone. You were the most suitable person to represent the Angels from now on."
I see...
Put that way, Irina's selection makes a lot of sense.
Even before the peace treaty between the Three Factions, she was friendly to us once the treaty was signed.
It's the same at school. She tries to spread her faith and is often thought of as a strange girl, but she still gets along with every student.
Choosing Irina as the Ace was Michael-san's wish for the future.
Michael-san spoke to Irina once more.
"I hope you will continue to be the face of the 『Brave Saints』."
"Yes! I will serve with all my might! Amen!"
Irina shed tears of emotion upon knowing the truth.
With this, everything is resolved... well, maybe it's too early to say that.
One of the angels reported something to Michael-san.
"Hyoudou Issei-kun, Angel Irina. His interrogation seems to have finished."
Led by Michael-san, Irina and I headed to the facility where Yaegaki-san was being held.
Even though it was a detention center, like other facilities here, it was a pure white building with a very clean interior.
"This way."
After walking down a hallway for a while, we were guided to a certain room.
Inside were a long table and several chairs. Yaegaki-san was sitting in one of them.
He likely had no will to resist anymore, but just in case, his hands were bound by handcuffs made of light energy.
We sat down facing Yaegaki-san.
Michael-san spoke.
"Yaegaki-dono. You became a pawn of the Qlippoth and murdered members of the Church. This is unforgivable."
However, Michael-san continued.
"Even considering the era, what the Church did to you and yours was also unforgivable. I am truly sorry."
Michael-san bowed his head deeply.
A believer of the Church and a Devil having a relationship. Given the situation back then, it was outrageous. If mishandled, it could have been the spark that reignited the war.
Even so... I can't help but think there must have been another way.
I asked Michael-san.
"Michael-san. What will happen to Yaegaki-san?"
"Even if he had his reasons, the fact remains that he acted as a terrorist. He must receive punishment. However, it will likely end with a period of confinement. His assistance was one of the factors that forced Rizevim to retreat. That counts for a lot."
I sighed in relief at those words.
...That's good. He'll get off with a light punishment.
Hearing that reassured me.
As I relaxed, Yaegaki-san spoke up.
"...Whatever the reason, a sin is a sin. I fulfilled my revenge... but to the loved ones of those I killed, I am just a murderer. I have gained a new life after losing one. From now on, I will live to atone."
"Yes. I want you to live, too, Yaegaki-san. For Cleria-san's share as well."
"She was a Devil, so living long enough to cover her share might be difficult for me," Yaegaki-san said with a wry smile.
...I'm glad. We can smile at each other like this.
I can't feel the madness from before in the current Yaegaki-san. The man possessed by revenge seems to be gone.
Then, Yaegaki-san bowed his head to us.
"I want to thank you."
"Thank us?"
Irina tilted her head.
Did we do something to be thanked for...?
"Today, I was able to meet her twice. The first time was when I was swallowed by the holy power released by the Director's daughter. The second time was in that space where the rainbow particles drifted. The second time... we were able to talk, if only for a moment."
"—!"
So Yaegaki-san really was able to talk to Cleria-san's soul.
It's hard to imagine the soul of a Devil like Cleria-san being in Heaven... specifically the Fourth Heaven.
Does that mean her soul was with him the whole time...? And he didn't notice it after death because he was consumed by revenge...?
If so, does that mean the power of Irina's Hauteclere helped bring them together?
And that space with the rainbow particles.
What... was that?
Everyone's voices echoed directly in my head. It was a strange sensation, but I felt incredibly safe...
Not just me, but Irina, Xenovia, Asia, Yaegaki-san... even Rizevim seemed to hear it...?
Ignis seemed to know something, so I asked her about it...
『Ufufu♪ It seems it's still incomplete. But don't worry. If you used it once, you can use it again♪ I thought Issei would unlock it eventually, and my judgment wasn't wrong. —Innovate. Take your time. To connect everyone's feelings.』
That's what she said.
...In the end, she didn't tell me specifically what it was, but apparently, it's some kind of black box power hidden in the Sky Wings. Which means that was a glimpse of Ignis's true power she mentioned before...
I switched gears and looked at Yaegaki-san's face.
He was looking at me with a gentle expression.
"Red Dragon Emperor. Protect her. Do what I could not—. No need to worry; you can do it. After all, you live in an era where you are forgiven."
After the meeting with Yaegaki-san.
We were on our way back to where everyone was resting.
Irina looked up at the sky through the facility window and muttered.
"Those two were able to understand each other."
"Yeah."
I nodded back.
Suddenly, Irina blushed and asked.
"What about... us? Do we understand each other, I wonder?"
Irina and me.
She's probably overlapping us with those two again...
I grinned and told her.
"Of course!"
Race doesn't matter when it comes to understanding each other.
As long as the hearts, the feelings connect, it's fine.
Of course, there are problems too difficult to solve with just that. But if we can understand each other, I think we can manage somehow.
—Because by connecting, the world keeps turning.
Thinking about that, I tripped over something!
Crap...! I pushed myself way too hard in this battle, so my body is...!
This sequence of events is—
Squish.
A soft sensation transmitted to both my hands.
In the momentum of tripping, I had pushed Irina down onto the hallway floor—and grabbed her boobs!
Both of them!
Irina, this feeling... you're going commando again! They are incredibly soft!
Wait, this isn't the time to be impressed!
Because right here is—
"My, my, youth is wonderful, isn't it?"
Michael-san is watching us with a heartwarming smileeeeeee!
No! It's not what you think! This was an accident from tripping! Pure chance!
『As expected of the Lucky Pervert! It always ends with boobs! You know what you're doing!』
Shut up, useless goddessssss! Don't say that loud enough for Michael-san to hear! Please!
"I-Ise-kun... I see, so you intend to work up another sweat after the battle...? I-If it's what you desire, Ise-kun..."
Aaaaaaaaaah!
Irina has opened her arms in total acceptance mooooode!
I'm happy! I'm happy, okay!? But pick a place!
Michael-san is watching! He's looking right at us with a big smile!
"It is only a matter of time before a bridge between Angels and Devils is born. The Lord must be watching over this as well."
"Michael-saaaaaaaan! Please don't emit holy light! Don't watch over usssssss!"
Next time will likely be the last of this arc.
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