I, Koneko Toujou, started the second semester in a restless mood.
The cause was my sister, Kuroka. Unable to control her senjutsu, she was consumed by its power, killed her master, and became an SS-rank stray Devil. Because of her, I endured painful times.
They said I should be killed before I went berserk like her. I lived in constant fear. If Sirzechs-sama hadn't protected me, if President Rias hadn't taken me into her peerage, what would've happened?
That's why I never wanted to see Kuroka. Chasing what seemed to be her familiar—a black cat—at the party was a mistake, even I know that.
But something felt off about her then. She should be erratic, consumed by her power, but she seemed genuinely worried about me. The Kuroka in my memories would've brushed off concerns with a flippant tone, but she was frantic, without even that pretense.
Where is she now? What is she thinking? What did her words mean? Did she know about Solomon's revival? That would explain things, but she mentioned the Demon God Pillars and the Lion King, not the King of Magecraft. If the Pillars and Lion King are Solomon's allies, it's hard to see them as separate threats. In the end, I need to meet her again.
As I mulled this over, the multi-mythology summit in Japan drew near. It's called a summit, but it's mostly about revealing Kingu's identity.
Kingu, a mysterious figure who appeared under Kyoto's yokai faction, was warmly welcomed for his strength. Is it selfish to feel a slight kinship? I've never met him, but Azazel-sensei says he just wants a quiet life. Yet the world won't leave him alone. Is he that powerful? Azazel-sensei met him twice, and his tone shifted between encounters. Where did this golem—or whatever he is—that even the Fallen Angel Governor fears come from? With Solomon's revival in the mix, the world is watching.
Sirzechs-sama and Azazel-sensei defeated Solomon, but the Demon God Pillars and Lion King remain. The Pillars are surely tied to Solomon, but the Lion King's origins are unclear. She stole Ddraig's soul from Issei-senpai's Sacred Gear. Sirzechs-sama's group faced her in Kyoto, and she might be fused with Ddraig.
When Issei-senpai heard about the Lion King, he wasn't surprised. Did he expect it?
One day after school, we, the Occult Research Club—Rias Gremory's peerage—gathered in the clubroom. Issei-senpai arrived late, and as he sat, President Rias spoke.
"Everyone, the World Mythology Summit is soon. We've been assigned to its security. Since Kingu will reveal the Demon God Pillars' identity, they'll likely attack to stop him. We can't allow that."
Given the threat of the Pillars and Lion King, the summit's security will likely involve top fighters from all factions, especially the Biblical ones.
"My brother and Azazel will attend, but his peerage will handle security. We'll leave the big players to them and take down enemies we can handle. My brother must want to avenge Souji, too."
The Devils lost Sirzechs-sama's Knight, Okita Souji, and the Fallen Angels lost top leaders Barakiel and Sahariel—all Solomon's doing. It's personal, but objectively, it's a major loss. The Church's exorcist forces have also dwindled due to ongoing attacks since spring.
With God's death revealed, the Biblical factions' position is shaky. They'd rather eradicate Solomon's remnants here than hold back, likely to assert strength and pressure other factions.
I heard from the Sitri peerage that not only Satan peerages and Fallen Angel leaders but also Serafall Leviathan-sama might join security. If a Satan participates, it's reassuring. There's also a rumor about Emperor Diehauser Belial joining, and from Heaven, Seraphim and the renowned exorcist Dulio Gesualdo may deploy.
With such a lineup, we'll stand out awkwardly. Though talented, President Rias is still an immature Devil. Only Yuuto-senpai, who reached Balance Breaker, and Issei-senpai, with his Longinus, can shine in this fight. I need to get stronger, too—use my Nekomata powers.
"And one more thing, top secret… about Solomon's rings."
Solomon's rings—relics rivaling the Ark or True Longinus, granted to the man who built Israel's golden age, embodying supreme wisdom from God.
"I heard this secondhand from my brother, but Heaven says all ten stored rings were fakes."
"All fake?!"
President Rias nodded gravely, confirming the shocking news.
A treasure like Solomon's rings, missing. Beyond their historical value, legend calls them the crystallization of wisdom, capable of controlling Devils. In truth, they're far more—a world-altering weapon. Only Solomon could wield them, which limited their chaos. But in terrorist hands, they caused havoc. If nine are unaccounted for, the world could panic.
"But it's unlikely Solomon's remnants have them. If they did, they'd declare revival and war immediately. Since they haven't, they don't have the rings—or they're unusable. They're likely hidden somewhere in the world."
"Could Solomon be lying low?"
"My brother and Azazel considered that, but given Solomon's extremism, it's unlikely. The man who crushed the Old Satan faction upon reviving would naturally come for Azazel or my brother for revenge. Either way, it'll be clear when his remnants disrupt the summit. I'm counting on you all."
Will Kuroka be there? If so—
"Now, my cute servants, let's wipe out Solomon's remnants!"
"Honestly, Rias is such a handful."
Riser Phenex, Rias Gremory's fiancé, muttered as he walked through the Phenex mansion, genuinely troubled.
"She volunteered for the World Mythology Summit's security. Normally, an immature Devil's opinion wouldn't matter in a near-war situation, but Sirzechs-sama pulled strings. It's unpredictable, and as her fiancé, I'm sweating. I've got no orders or permission."
Riser, an adult, had fought many Rating Games, with more wins than losses—though some losses were fixed for inter-family ties. He's a game pro, but neither he nor his peerage has absolute power. He's just a talented young Devil.
"She's the sister of the revolutionary hero Sirzechs-sama. Isn't her boldness in her blood?"
Ravel Phenex, his sister and Bishop, walking beside him ask.
"Right, Ravel. I heard you've got a marriage proposal. You'll meet soon, so prepare yourself."
"…That's news to me."
"Yeah, Father should've told you directly. I don't know details, but the suitor's from a non-Devil faction. With God's death revealed, the Phenex family wants to expand connections."
"I understand Rias-sama a bit now."
Riser gave a wry smile; Ravel frowned, displeased.
"I just hope he's somewhat charming. But this Solomon mess needs to end first."
"We'll see."
"What was that?"
"Nothing. I've got a chess-savvy vassal waiting."
"You're such a slacker, nii-sama. Having free time while the Satans are busy—what a privilege."
Ravel not hiding her exasperation before parting ways.
Staring at her back, Riser whispered inaudibly, "No, Ravel, we don't have time. I made sure you do—so live for me and our brothers."
Returning to his room, Riser paused at the door, sensing mana inside. With a heavy sigh, he opened it, knowing who awaited.
A chessboard sat on a table, occupied by a masked figure in imposing white garb. The figure didn't look at Riser, eyes fixed on the board.
"Phenex, one of the seventy-two pillars in ancient scriptures. Immortal body, healing tears, scorching flames—distinct abilities. But your true uniqueness lies in the origin of Phenex."
"Your origin aligns with the sacred beast Phoenix—else you wouldn't be called Suzaku, Firebird, or Fenghuang. Despite shared origins, a sacred beast and you Devils can't be equated. Though not born Devils, you're pure-blood. Why? Because Truth altered reality. Your progenitor used Truth to become a Devil. Why, despite gaining weaknesses? To ensure your lineage endures."
Riser sat silently before the figure. The board remained untouched.
"As a sacred beast, Phoenix alone wasn't enough. Even with weaknesses, your kind needed diversity. Changing names, intermingling, Phenex spread widely. Your family pours everything into preserving your bloodline. Immortality is just one defense against extinction. Your tenacity surpasses even humans."
Thus, this figure—no, this Demon God—approached the Phenex family as a contingency after the Underworld's incineration, dealing with those bearing the same name but opposite nature.
"You haven't told the Satans about me, so you'll honor our contract, understanding its meaning?
"I understand, Phenex. My family will surrender the Underworld. In exchange, you spare Ravel. That's the deal, right?"
"Correct. No need for hesitation or guilt. Your choice is sound. Even your admired Rating Game Emperor is our accomplice."
"Question from Gusion: Do this world's humans have value? Are our actions just?"
"Answer from Crocell: Value is irrelevant. Justice or evil doesn't matter. All is to reclaim our name, to prove our ideal."
"Introduction from Flauros: Take Asia Argento as an example. If they lack value, they can earn it."
"Proposal from Berith: The multi-mythology summit, hosted by Japanese mythology, is set. Kingu will reveal information, likely exposing our world. Should we stop him?"
"Speculation from Botis: Kingu won't disclose us, but knowing of other worlds, even fools could deduce our identity. Some gods might realize the Human Order's incineration."
"Assertion from Asmoday: There's no need to hide anymore. The world's in chaos over this Solomon's revival. Revealing our identity could clarify we're unrelated to him, benefiting us with other mythologies."
"Caution from Orias: If they learn of our Human Order incineration, won't non-Biblical mythologies turn against us?"
"Counter from Marax: Only the Biblical factions suffer our actions. Other mythologies, even if wary, will likely watch the Biblical factions' downfall."
"Shift from Sabnock: What about Vali Lucifer? Shouldn't we eliminate him before he disrupts our plans?"
"Recollection from Astaroth: He was consumed by Ophis' Snake, right?"
"I gave Albion my special Snake. Now I'm as weak as the Two Heavenly Dragons."
"It's supposed to be insanely strong, but with the treatment draining it, that's about right."
"Speculation from Malphas: By simple calculation, that dragon's power nears the Bureau's domain. Trying to eliminate him now would only harm us."
"Proposal from Ose: That creature's fixated on the Red Dragon. The White Dragon Emperor's instincts drive him to defeat the Red Dragon Emperor. If he takes down the Lion King, it saves us effort. Let's leave him be."
"Protest from Zepar: But—"
"Silence, Zepar!"
"How many times must we say you have no say?"
"Thanks to me, the God of the Bible's plans crumbled. Can't you improve my treatment?"
"Oh, right."
"It's infuriating, but it's your achievement."
"I hate to admit it, but without you, we'd still be God's pawns."
"Let me express gratitude. Thank you, Zepar!"
"What emotion and meaning did you put into my name?!"
"You, closest to humanity among Demon Gods, remember this: timing matters. Mistake it, and you'll face great loss and regret."
"More importantly, when will the survey team I requested be ready? Developing new medicine is a top priority outside fieldwork. We're making a cure for death! How many times must I say there's no time to waste?"
"Explanation from Leraje: Florence Nightingale's request is for a survey team to excavate rare metals, the raw material for Devil Pieces, in the Underworld's floating city Agreas."
"Summary from Barbatos: Extracting a Devil Piece reverts a reincarnated Devil to their original species. They lose the piece's benefits, causing physical exhaustion, but recover with days of rest. Even if reincarnated via death, extraction doesn't cause death. However, extraction is a one-time process per body—further attempts destroy the soul. Conversely, a second Devil reincarnation is possible."
"Supplement from Sitri: Devil Pieces can convert any species to Devils, grant piece-specific traits, and revive the dead. Nullifying the reincarnation and traits effectively makes them resurrection items. Depending on soul strength, they're usable once per body."
"Assertion from Haagenti: Replicating this mineral is impossible. Common metals in the human world can be alchemized, magical formulas mimicked, and flora or fauna bred. But this rare metal, absent in our world, can't be synthesized."
"Conclusion from Buer: Agreas' reserve of this metal is unknown, but Devil Pieces are key to solving the Devils' population decline. Assuming vast reserves, seizing the entire island is more efficient than infiltrating for excavation."
"Consideration from Allocer: Reincarnated Devils complicate things. Should we seize Agreas before the Underworld's incineration? With our and some evil dragons' power, it's feasible."
"Let's use the multi-mythology summit where Kingu appears."
***
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