This original work called 'High School DxD' was a "world" based on the "world" I'd lived in during my past life. Compared to my past life, historical parts differed slightly, but famous people's names remained the same. Major history showed little difference, not much changed from the flow I knew. At first, I'd found this mysterious.
Because this world had many different races living here, with the underworld and heavens actually existing. Even among humans existed supernatural beings like Sacred Gear possessors and magicians. Yet major history didn't differ from my past life's world. The hidden side was chaotic, but the surface truly resembled my past life.
I'd wondered if the 'world's flow' mentioned about Sacred Gear Balance Breaker meant this. That the world had a determined flow, existing to follow my known past life—I'd thought. Immediately after recalling past life memories, I'd looked at my sister's history textbook and found several parts differing from the history I knew. That might have been results of going against the world's flow.
Disasters and incidents I hadn't known about—were they events that originally couldn't occur in the world's proper flow? Maybe results caused by someone wanting to defy that world's flow connected to differences from the history I knew. Of course, no answers existed. Philosophy, historical studies—I was completely clueless about difficult things.
Yet why was I thinking about such complicated matters? Because I'd thought this world might have power trying to move tracing past life worldviews. Though methods felt different, similar results remained. From those results, this world progressed further—I'd thought.
Now, having thought about history and difficult things, I'd return from escapism. Not distant history but contemporary thinking made this quite clear. I'd thought this because I'd pondered entertainment born in Japan. Manga, anime, games I liked—many based on past life things. Games had character and concept differences, but puzzles, battles, nurturing games showed no difference from past life functions. Famous game series from past life properly existed too. Though various contents and names differed.
Even manga and anime—'Dragon Soball,' 'Mobile Knight Dangamu Series'—familiar content was released. Characters and developments similar to past life, yet something fundamentally different. While internally retorting at differences from past manga and anime, there was irresistible entertainment like "That development works?!"
Like 'Dangamu Series'—initially thinking "Knight not warrior?! Plus just reversing Da and Ga?!" but different developments from past life, changed surviving characters, devoted heroine starting Dangamu fights—I'd gotten hooked on unpredictable chaos. From Showa-era First, I'd involuntarily covered all series. My hobbies becoming manga, anime, games had such background. Currently lending to Lavinia and Azazel-sensei too.
My hobbies extended beyond boy-favored genres to girl-favored ones. The prime example: 'Magical Girl Milky Series.' The magical girl concept definitely originated in my past life too. I knew that genre had devoted fans. And that remained unchanged in this life.
As this world's flow, 'magical girls' being born as entertainment was probably decided. But how to handle existences born from that flow—how to engage was probably decided and determined by that era's people. While gazing distantly, I keenly felt the new era that 'magical girls' would likely bring.
"This 'Magical Girl Milky' was also excellent as expected. Especially when new magic born from Milky's feelings warmly embraced even enemies—tears wouldn't stop."
"Indeed, that scene was a wonderful miracle born from Milky's kindness wanting to help even as incompatible existences of magical girl and evil executive. Also, episode three where that girl Milky saved raised her voice to save her was a good scene. The bonds Milky built were well-portrayed."
"Milky's final line receiving everyone's feelings was also excellent, nyo. That line felt like properly inheriting words left by the magical girl who was Milky's enemy in the previous series, nyo."
"Oho... understanding Milky's line that deeply. Director Shoji also provides shrewd direction. Showing Milky's heart that matured by inheriting her will like that."
I sat in seiza slightly away from three adults, silently watching 'Magical Girl Milky.' Nothing to say from me. Rather, couldn't enter the conversation. Though there were moving scenes and it was interesting, my level wasn't high enough entering this atmosphere. But since Milky discussions normally started this way, my Milky knowledge deepened indirectly. Felt something hot in my eyes.
"Director Toyama's directed new magic effects were also excellent. Without destroying past images, yet skillfully expressing matured Milky's feelings. Reproducing that magic wouldn't be reached with ordinary effort. However, sublimating my feelings for Milky, I'll definitely aim for that realm. No matter what difficulties stand in the way, like Milky who never gives up!"
"Miltan will also aim, nyo. To become... a magical girl, Miltan will, nyo."
"Become... a magical girl. What an... no, but you might manage it. To the divine realm of Milky. Walking that path, endless difficulties will assault you, yet you'll still aim?"
"Nyo."
"Heh, I see... Your will seems firm. Very well, my comrade. Four people loving Milky gathering this way is surely thanks to Milky's guidance. Make that recklessness of becoming a magical girl into a miracle."
"Interesting. Not ending with mere magical girl admiration, but spirit wanting to make those feelings reality—I like it. Then just advance. Let's aim together, all four of us—toward the magical girl path!"
"Magician-san, Devil-san... Miltan is now very moved, nyo. There were miracles and magic, nyo."
Grip! Three men with shoulders linked while crying—probably a moving scene. I got sympathetic tears from being naturally counted in the number. Miracles and magic exist, but no salvation for me. Plus, the Milky army was beckoning me. Enter—enter that circle too. Don't turn those sparkling pure eyes this way, damn it.
"Um, Miltan. Is this okay for our contract?"
"Of course, nyo. Looking forward to making magical girl costumes with Magician-san, nyo. Devil-san will also teach Miltan Milky magic, nyo. Most of all, gaining comrades with such strong Milky Power is thanks to Kana-tan, nyo. Thank you, nyo."
"N-no, I'm glad you're very satisfied."
Already totally into it, these people. Also, was the Kana-tan address decided? Though belatedly, maybe I'd rushed introducing these people. Such feelings swelled up, but already too late.
As Miltan's contractor, I had responsibility. Definitely not bad people, and their sincere attitude pursuing their dreams was honestly amazing—I thought. So I felt like properly helping where I could cooperate. So if problems existed, just my mental state. Hang in there me, really hang in there.
"Next time Devil-san will apparently teach Miltan 'Milky Thunder Crasher,' nyo. Let's work hard together, nyo."
"Huh... y-yes, I'll do my best. By the way, I'd like to discuss work—is that okay?"
While cold sweat flowed, I decided to change conversation direction with a smile. At this rate, I'd be physically transformed into Milky-like existence. Miltan apparently had no objections, nodding at my words. Relieved by that, I briefly reviewed events so far.
Several days had passed since contacting Lady Mephisto and Miltan. Lady Mephisto contacted Tannin-san for me, and I'd also personally contacted Azazel-sensei. About my Sacred Gear and normally playing games, I'd personally interacted with sensei several times. How many times had I thought "is that okay, Fallen Angel Governor-sama?" Recently I'd stopped worrying.
When explaining circumstances to Azazel-sensei, even he got serious-faced. Though I could only desperately bow my head, sensei said "I'll talk with Mephisto a bit" and seemed thoughtful. Thinking refusal was natural for such content, I was grateful he'd even consider it.
I'd also explained this matter to Lavinia. Though she offered help, I couldn't have even her do dangerous things. For her, truly a completely unrelated incident. Plus honestly, Lavinia's power couldn't be used in this incident. With the magicians association unable to appear publicly, having her—widely known as Mephisto Pheles's protégé—appear would be bad. So I'd requested advice if she had good methods. Though seeming to want to say something, she'd nodded "Leave it to me." I really kept getting helped by her.
"As I mentioned before, this world has magicians like Milky, and devils, angels, fallen angels actually exist. Youkai too, gods too. I think I briefly explained this world's situation and what I want to do before. What I want to request from Miltan this time is observing the 'Church,' the angel-side faction."
"Observing the pastor at the church on town outskirts, as you mentioned before, nyo."
"Yes. That place is partially open so civilians can go pray or consult troubles. I want to know about Pastor Touji Shidou's condition there. Miltan is a Kuoh Town resident, so giving reasons like having troubles, entering inside should be possible."
I'd first brought Miltan to the Milky magicians' place to fulfill my promise. Though receiving various mental damage, I was glad he was satisfied. Then next, work talk. Though I knew Miltan's potential, I still didn't want endangering him. I was the one who'd called into this world the civilian I'd decided to protect. Absolutely couldn't make unreasonable requests.
So what I'd request from him this time was just probing church conditions. Not asking for amazing information—just normally talking with Touji Shidou-san and observing church conditions sufficed. If the Church side moved toward purging, surely changes would occur in their actions and mentality. Closing church, looking rushed—I didn't think clumsy Shidou-san could skillfully hide everything. At that time, his head would probably be filled with Yaegaki-san's purging. Other comrades too.
Even in the original ten years later, they'd kept regretting this incident. Enough to think they wanted ending revenge with their own lives. I vaguely understood Shidou-san's regret, but also somewhat understood Yaegaki-san's anger then. Just because regretting didn't mean forgiving. If regretting and suffering constantly, if giving that life to Yaegaki-san, why purge? Why not stop? Maybe just hindsight though.
In the original, existence stopped revenge-maddened Yaegaki-san. Existence stopping him who couldn't stop himself. But Shidou-san's group had nobody stopping them. Existence saying just one word "That's wrong." Trying to stop unstoppable opponents would surely cause conflict. Unknown if my struggling could stop them. But if no existence stopped them, I had to stop them. Even if that meant conflict.
"Understood, nyo. Contact by phone is fine, nyo?"
"Yes, please through the association."
"Must think about Miltan's troubles for asking the church, nyo."
"Ah, right... Even if information gathering is the goal, since this is a precious chance consulting troubles at church, I want to utilize it. Serious troubles for Miltan are more beneficial, and the other side also understands Miltan's seriousness..."
Was there something? I'd solved Milky magic troubles, so something Miltan could consult about Church-related. Miltan was properly proceeding toward the magical-girl-like-thing path from our contract. Wait, magical-girl-like-thing. Like-thing... Maybe with this, consulting troubles at church was viable?
"Um, Miltan. How about troubles like this?"
"...I see, nyo. That's certainly necessary troubles for Miltan, nyo."
Incidentally, I'd later learn that Miltan's trouble consultation caused pandemonium at the church.
――――――
'That idiot really occasionally causes outrageous things.'
'This isn't funny. Really, when I heard from Mephisto, I wondered if he was sane.'
"Still, creating this discussion place like this—I'm grateful to you both."
While grumbling, a situation where devil, fallen angel, dragon communicated this way emerged. Moreover, discussion content was a human child's request. Normally impossible content. The three gathered here were non-humans positioned atop organizations and species. Yet neither Mephisto, Azazel, nor Tannin shrugged shoulders, exasperated but not discarding the small wish.
They'd had mutual interaction. Drinking sake, discussing organization management, business conversations. However, gathering as three like this—much less discussing one matter—was probably first. What realized that was unexpectedly a child's request. Though request content was what it was, unable to discard as impossible given remaining possibility, they knew the boy voicing wishes well.
If requesting everything from them, Mephisto would have admonished him. Common in this world—might have tried making him give up. However, the boy considered organization matters and war concerns, and while solution methods were outrageous, showed even landing points for devils and Church. Ancient devil, fallen angel governor, former Dragon King ex-highest-class devil—while having such backing, what he requested was things they could do without much effort.
What the boy requested was truly just lending power. The boy didn't tell Mephisto and others to save them. Just kept bowing his head. Therefore, they chose hearing a human child's wish. Mishandling would shed blood. Then just not mishandle. They thought lending hands enough to assist and help that. Beyond organization and species walls, moving as individuals should be fine.
'Azazel, is this fine for you? Not participating in Rating Games recently, fighting the Emperor isn't bad, I think. But as Souta Kuramoto also said, seems no benefit for fallen angel organization.'
'Naah, benefits can be made from our side. Kana-ta's idea is certainly outrageous content with high luck elements, but... not unrealizable content either. Just seeing how that idiot's inspiration turns out is fun for me. Plus, devil and holy person romance. We have various uses for this.'
"They're apparently Kana-kun's friends. I want you not to treat them badly though."
'I know. ...More than that, Mephisto. Bael faction, was it? I don't know devil society that well. Their goal—is it truly purging from devil-holy person romance?'
"...Unconvincing points exist about that. As Kana-kun also said, possibility the devil side is moving with separate motives can't be denied."
In magic circle images displayed before Mephisto appeared Azazel and Tannin respectively. The earlier conversational atmosphere disappeared, expressions turning thoughtful at Mephisto's words. Though Mephisto had severed underworld government ties, not everything was cut. Since Gray Magicians made magician-devil contracts, some degree of information came in. Occasionally personal friendship with current Maou existed.
This incident—as one common thing in this world, being buried wouldn't be strange. Conversely, precisely because common, small discomfort existed. True, for normal devil-believer romance, devil side showing purging for propriety wouldn't be strange. Mephisto wasn't familiar with Church circumstances, but some former Church people had become magicians. From hearing from them, Church apparently responded similarly.
'Then why?'
"If it were normal devil-believer romance, I mean. Church side's Yaegaki-kun, was it? He's apparently a renowned Church swordsman, but still just human. Heard he was an orphan, so upper ranks discarding him wouldn't be strange. But Cleria Belial is different, I think."
'Different? That Belial house daughter is a branch family. Old devils would seem to prioritize blood and propriety.'
"Right, certainly a branch family devil. Normally purged, would seem inevitable. However, she's that Diehauser Belial's cousin, and investigating easily reveals their closeness. Purging such a person while hiding it from him. Terrifying. Even if Belial side is the cause, what if he gets enraged? Methods exist to drag him from champion seat targeting that, but damage would be tremendous. Stopping him requires Maou-class ability holders. Even if he suppressed fury, negative feelings toward Bael faction devils would definitely be given. Just the reason of protecting devil society propriety—don't you think that's too risky?"
Behind Cleria Belial stood the Emperor, so war with House Belial would be tremendous. Therefore, before he noticed, early resolution was necessary. This Bael faction devil response was far too hasty. If unable to tell Diehauser Belial, at least inform House Belial. Why did Bael faction devils consistently persuade Cleria instead of family? And why even try purging?
As Bael faction lending Kuoh Town land, having that land stained with holy person romance must be unbearable. But even so, arbitrarily purging for devil society's sake left no position for Belial side. Even purging, if not done by Belial side's hands, they'd just be called a house producing criminals internally and having Bael faction clean up. If seeming like House Belial would war, inform Maou beforehand. Mephisto knew Sirzechs Lucifer and other Maou didn't want war.
"Even if they inwardly despise the Emperor, this response neglects Belial side too much. Most of all, their overlooking this situation where they could create debt with House Belial doesn't sit well."
'Creating debt, huh. I see, this disturbance is Belial side's demerit by devil society standards. Bael faction doesn't need to do everything themselves—just condemn Belial side. On Baal house-lent land, they caused a scandal potentially becoming devil-side stain. House Belial and Emperor would know warring on Baal house land after causing such trouble would be bad. They'd bow heads, persuade, whatever.'
'Hmm, meaning despite situations creating debt with House Belial, Bael faction devils prioritize handling themselves. I see, certainly unconvincing. Those noisy about interests and propriety not using this matter. While lining up beautiful words about protecting devil society, they seem to want eliminating that Cleria Belial more than debt with the Emperor.'
What Mephisto felt most discomfort about was that. Knowing old devils' personalities well, them not using it when only thinking of own interests. Rating Games were major elements for devil society. Debt toward Diehauser Belial, long-reigning champion at that game. They could say things like yielding champion seats for this matter's debt. Because Rating Game champion title was that significant.
Kicking such a chance, they stubbornly refused Belial side intervention. From records Souta showed Mephisto then, thoroughness even monitoring so Cleria's group couldn't contact the underworld. Church feared war if Belial side learned this, but that was impossible. Devil side also had political strife and house circumstances. For Church side unfamiliar with devil noble society, not noticing was natural. Devil side had aspects of knowingly provoking Touji Shidou.
Cleria Belial was an inconvenient existence for old devils. Therefore they tried using this matter to eliminate her.
'Aah, unpleasant. Dealing with these interest-hassling folks. But Kana-ta noticed the matter's background well. He wasn't that sharp.'
"Apparently happened to hear it—a Bael faction devil's soliloquy. ...This matter might involve devil society's foundation."
'Heh, so that human brat knowing devils' schemes by chance will mess them up. Moreover, dragging in association director, fallen angel governor, even me. For such a reason as helping friends.'
Tannin declared with throat rumbling, as if unbearably funny. Originally wanting to fight strong opponents anyway. Plus, whimsically fighting the Emperor might save lives. Dragons—symbols of evil and self-centered—helping save other species. At that, he laughed.
'Helping friends—isn't that great? Just this time, not evil organization fallen angel governor-sama, but maybe playing justice ally. My job is apparently refuge if failing, but well, this timing. Preparing Christmas presents for kids is adults' role, right?'
"Don't stir things up too much, Azazel. Your case really isn't a joke sometimes. ...But yes, true. Indeed, as Christmas presents, a bit luxurious should be fine."
'...Properly restrain yourselves, you two.'
While being admonished by dragons—freedom's avatar—Mephisto and Azazel laughed enjoyably. As expected of devils and fallen angels—what dark smiles. Tannin gazed distantly briefly. Somehow since meeting that boy, days making this face increased.
'Alright, then I'll seclude myself a while. Gotta finish that thing quickly.'
"Yeah, understood. Since there's opportunity, maybe I'll use various connections... Various things."
'Aah, I see. Then I'll... think about training menus for next summer to give that brat.'
Each fully motivated to do what they could. Souta Kuramoto's started blunder was gradually spreading uncontrollably and arbitrarily with unmanageable momentum.
***
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