Some Time Later.
Kuoh Academy.
Currently, a pivotal event that could alter the course of the Three Factions was unfolding at Kuoh Academy.
The academy was enveloped by a protective barrier, with numerous members of the Three Factions guarding the perimeter. Inside a special room, a magnificent table was surrounded by various figures, the atmosphere thick with solemnity and serious expressions.
On the side of the Devils sat Sirzechs and Serafall, the latter having abandoned her magical girl outfit for a formal suit. Behind Sirzechs stood Grayfia in her maid attire, while Sona and her Peerage leaned against the wall.
Representing the Fallen Angels was Azazel, dressed in a long brown coat with a deep V-neck and a wide, high collar that flared at the hem. The coat featured two black belts at the waist and four black bands on each arm—two at the wrists and two near the elbows. He wore gray pants and brown shoes. Vali leaned against the wall behind Azazel, clad in a dark green V-neck shirt, a high-collared black leather jacket, burgundy jeans with a silver chain, black leather gaiters with three straps around his right calf, and black shoes with black buckles.
On the Angels' side was Michael, Heaven's Leader, adorned in golden armor, with Irina standing behind him, draped in a large white cloak.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
All eyes turned as the double doors opened.
Gilgamesh entered with a smile, wearing a black suit—the same one he wore to Rias's wedding. Behind him followed Arturia and Mordred, both in their respective armors, though Mordred was without her helmet. Valerie and Asia were also present, dressed in formal attire yet radiating beauty. Sebas, Enkidu, and Karna followed, with Sebas in his suit, Enkidu in his usual attire, and Karna in his golden armor. Tiamat was there in her typical outfit, holding Fenrir in his puppy form in Enkidu's arms. Arthur, wearing a suit with Caliburn and Excalibur at his waist, walked beside Xenovia, who was in formal attire. Le Fay and Leonardo trailed behind, also dressed formally.
Gabriel stood beside Gilgamesh and quickly moved to her brother Michael's side. Serafall narrowed her eyes at her rival, noting Gabriel's unusually cheerful demeanor, which didn't go unnoticed by the others.
"I hope we're not late," Gilgamesh said, taking a seat as his group stood behind him.
"No, you're right on time, though I'm surprised you brought your friends," Azazel replied with a grin.
"Well, they had to be here," Gilgamesh responded casually, crossing his arms.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
Attention shifted to the door as two soft knocks echoed.
"Rias Gremory and her Peerage have arrived," Rias announced from the other side.
"Enter," Sirzechs commanded.
The door opened, and Rias and her Peerage entered.
"My younger sister and her Peerage. They were heavily involved in the Kokabiel incident a few days ago," Sirzechs introduced.
"I read the report. Thank you for your hard work," Michael said with a smile, and Rias bowed in acknowledgment.
"Sorry. The idiot on my side caused you a lot of trouble," Azazel said with a shameless grin. Rias twitched in irritation but held her tongue.
"Please, take your seats," Grayfia instructed, gesturing to the remaining empty chairs not occupied by Sona's Peerage.
"Now that everyone's here, let's ensure we're all on the same page. We all acknowledge the death of the Biblical God," Sirzechs said gravely. Except for Azazel and Vali, who seemed faintly amused, everyone else maintained a serious demeanor.
"Very well, let's begin the meeting," Sirzechs declared, and all nodded.
The conference primarily consisted of Michael and Sirzechs alternating their opinions, with Azazel occasionally interjecting, prompting brief pauses and stares before the discussion resumed. Gilgamesh sensed Azazel was deliberately provoking reactions, despite appearing the least serious.
"Now, Rias, could you present your report on the Kokabiel incident?" Sirzechs turned to his sister, who stood nervously.
"Yes, Lucifer-sama."
Rias recounted the events leading to the confrontation with Kokabiel, choosing her words carefully, aware that her report could shape the future of the Three Factions.
"My report is complete. That's everything I, Rias Gremory, and my Peerage experienced during the incident," she concluded, detailing the final battle, Gilgamesh's intervention, and their victory.
"Good work. Sit down," Sirzechs nodded professionally, a demeanor Gilgamesh appreciated.
"Great job, Rias-chan!" Serafall chirped, shattering the moment's gravity. Gilgamesh briefly mourned the lost solemnity before refocusing.
"Now, Azazel, after hearing this report, I'd like to hear the response from the Vice-Governor of the Fallen Angels," Sirzechs said, turning everyone's attention to Azazel.
Unfazed by the scrutiny, Azazel spoke, "Look, I've said it before: Kokabiel acted alone. The other Grigori leaders and I had nothing to do with it. The idiot got his ass kicked by the Sekiryuutei. That's all I've got to say," he said with a hint of amusement.
"Your explanation leaves much to be desired, but I suppose it's not important now. What I want to know is if the rumors that you have no intention of starting a war among the Three Factions are true," Michael said with a sigh.
"Of course. I've got no interest in wars. Kokabiel criticized me for that, didn't he?"
Gilgamesh nodded silently, recalling Kokabiel's rant about Azazel's refusal to fight Devils and Heaven, focusing instead on Sacred Gear research.
"Azazel, then why have you been gathering Sacred Gear users over the years, especially recently, if not to wage war against us or Heaven?" Sirzechs asked.
"Yeah, you've never attacked Heaven or the Devils. When I heard you recruited the Vanishing Dragon, I grew particularly wary," Michael added.
"Oh, come on! That's just for my Sacred Gear research. If you're so skeptical, how about I send you all my research data? Research doesn't mean war. I'm happy with the world as it is. I've even ordered my subordinates not to meddle in human affairs. My God, suspecting me over this? Am I the least trustworthy here?" Azazel grumbled.
"That's true."
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Correct."
"Got it in one~!"
Sirzechs, Serafall, Gabriel, and Michael agreed simultaneously, echoed by others in the room. Azazel clicked his tongue, scratching his ear.
"Tch, I thought you three would be nicer than God or the original Maous. You're troublesome in your own way. Fine, let's make peace then. That was the Angels' and Devils' intention, right?" Azazel said with a huff.
Everyone stared at Azazel. Gilgamesh had anticipated this as the meeting's crux, but hearing it from Azazel was surreal.
Michael smiled. "Yes, that's what I wanted to propose to the Devils and Grigori. Let's end this senseless conflict. Continuing as we are only harms the human world. The original cause of our conflict—God and the original Maous—are gone. There's no reason to fight. We need to unite to prevent a collapse in the balance of power."
"Ha! So the stubborn Michael's finally thinking for himself! Back then, it was always 'God this' and 'God that,'" Azazel teased.
"…I lost much in the Great War. But dwelling on what's gone is pointless. Guiding humans is the Angels' duty. We Seraphs believe the priority is to care for and guide God's children," Michael replied.
"Oi, that talk might make you fall… or it would've back then. The world's better since you took over the system. It's different from when the original Fallen Angels fell," Azazel said with a sly grin.
"We're the same. Though the original Maous fell, the Devils must move forward to survive. We don't want war. Another war would only bring devastation to our kind," Sirzechs said.
"Exactly. The Three Factions can't afford this pointless cold war. Another major conflict would lead to mutual destruction and ruin the world," Azazel said, his face serious.
"A world without God is wrong? Would it fall to ruin? Look around. The world keeps going. Not just humans—you and I are alive and well."
Azazel's words resonated with Gilgamesh: "…The world continues even without God."
**Scene Change.**
The conference proceeded smoothly after that, with the Three Factions united in their goal to end internal conflict. They discussed battle potential and other matters before taking a break, during which Michael apologized to Asia and Xenovia for their exile from the Church.
He explained that while the Biblical God had died, His System for blessings, holy artifacts, exorcisms, and miracles remained operational. However, no being in Heaven, not even the Four Seraphs combined, could sustain it fully. They relied on Michael as the core and the faith of followers unaware of God's death. This faith was unstable, and heretical Sacred Gears like Asia's Twilight Healing or the 13 Longinus, capable of killing gods, had to be removed to protect the System.
Michael apologized again, and Asia and Xenovia reaffirmed their faith in the late Biblical God, earning a smile from him.
The conference resumed, now involving Gilgamesh's group. Though united, the Three Factions lacked the power of other factions, even with Super Devils like Sirzechs and Ajuka, and Vali, the Hakuryuukou. They sought Gilgamesh's cooperation for the alliance.
"So, that's it, right?" Sirzechs sighed.
"Now, let's hear from those who can influence the world. The invincible Dragon-sama. First, Vali, what do you want for the world?" Azazel asked with a smile.
The strongest Hakuryuukou grinned. "As long as I can fight strong people," Vali replied, glancing at Gilgamesh.
"Typical. Now, the most important one—what do you think, Sekiryuutei?" Azazel asked, all eyes turning to Gilgamesh.
His decision could shift the meeting's outcome. Everyone felt the immense power of Gilgamesh and his group, rivaling entire divine factions.
"What do you feel about this situation with the Three Factions? Do you desire peace too?" Sirzechs asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Honestly, I'm fine as long as the secrets of the Moonlit World are kept from normal people. But while I want peace, it comes at a high price," Gilgamesh said.
"So, you think peace is impossible?" Sirzechs tilted his head.
"What I feel is that the peace you all desire is likely very different from mine," Gilgamesh said, drawing everyone's attention.
"Oh? What do you mean?" Azazel asked, his smile unwavering.
"You want peace, but does that extend to humans?" Gilgamesh met Azazel's gaze. "Can you honestly say no innocent humans will be dragged into this transition? Normal humans who can't defend themselves?"
"Well…" Azazel shrugged with his irritating smile, acknowledging the difficulty of ensuring peace without collateral damage.
"Why bother with those weak humans?" Vali interjected, staring sharply at Gilgamesh. "They'll only hold you back."
"You realize I'm one of those 'weak' humans?" Gilgamesh said, narrowing his eyes as his power began to leak.
"You're different," Vali gestured dismissively. "You have the strength to prove yourself. No offense, but 'normal' or 'weak' doesn't apply to you. Nor does 'human,' I'd wager."
"Vali," Azazel cut in sharply, a frown on his face. Vali shrugged, leaning back but keeping his eyes on Gilgamesh.
"Sorry about that," Azazel offered an apologetic smile. "What do you think of our proposal?"
"As I said, I'm convinced peace isn't easily agreed upon. Your factions have been at it for years, on and off the battlefield. You can't just tell them to drop their weapons," Gilgamesh said, eyeing Vali. "Kokabiel's a prime example."
"True," Azazel nodded with a wry smile.
"That said, my words may not mean much to your kind," Gilgamesh continued. "But my stance remains. I'll give peace a chance, as long as normal people aren't dragged into our world."
"So…" Serafall tapped her chin, looking at everyone. "You're okay with our idea, or not?"
"…I'll go along for now," Gilgamesh paused, eyeing them closely. "But make no mistake. If any of your kind harm humans, I'll take them down. That's my role, and I'll enforce it."
"Oh?" Azazel's smile grew. "And how will you enforce that?"
Gilgamesh's malicious grin sent a chill through the room. "I was hoping you'd ask."
He closed his eyes briefly. When they opened, the world trembled.