Chapter 15: The Storm is Coming

Inside the train headed for the Underworld, Rias Gremory and her Peerage were listening to information obtained in Kyoto from Azazel, the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels.

"Azazel. In short, should we consider this 'Kingu' person you met in Kyoto to be a variant species of Golem?"

Azazel nodded at the question from Rias Gremory—master of her peerage, next head of the Gremory clan, sister of a Devil King, and the "rising star" of the younger generation.

"Yeah. If we’re to believe his own words, anyway. Though, I don't think he has any intention of deceiving us. He seemed listless, as if he’d already finished living his life. I doubt he’ll leave Kyoto. He probably didn't tell us everything, either. I still don't quite get the identity of the 'Mother' he occasionally mentions. He's good at dodging the subject; he’s quite a handful. It’s a pain when an opponent isn't just strong, but smart too."

Regarding Azazel’s analysis, Akeno Himejima—the Queen known as the 'Priestess of Thunder'—frowned in displeasure. It was a rare attitude for her usually mild-mannered self. Due to her birth and heritage, Akeno loathed Fallen Angels.

"Is that all you found out? After going all the way to Kyoto?"

"No, it was actually quite meaningful. Besides, it seems we managed to avoid stepping on a landmine."

"A landmine?"

"I should tell you now, since the second-years are going to Kyoto for their school trip. Listen, if you encounter Kingu in Kyoto, absolutely do not fight him. He’ll provoke you as if it’s second nature, but do not take the bait. That thing is a genuine monster."

At this heavy warning, everyone present gulped. Yuuto Kiba, the Knight, spoke up on their behalf.

"It’s not just because he holds a special position in Kyoto, is it? Is he truly that strong? If so, I think it’s all the more reason to uncover his true identity."

"The investigation into where he came from will continue. However, it's better to avoid careless contact. At worst, he’s on the level of a Satan's peerage or a Dragon King. I can see why the Youkai are treating him with such profound deference. If a conflict breaks out, the damage won't be worth the cost. We don't even know his fighting style. On a first encounter, even I probably couldn't win."

"What!?"

Rias raised her voice in indignation upon hearing that.

"Are you saying my brother’s peerage would lose to some Golem that just appeared out of nowhere!?"

"The First Great King, Zekram Bael, was defeated by an inexplicable 'Flesh Pillar' (Demon God Pillar) that appeared out of nowhere. In the end, I couldn't get any info on them from Kingu either. All I know is that they're in a relationship where they can promise non-interference. He wasn't exactly friendly, so I doubt they're allies."

As Rias stood unable to argue, Koneko Toujou, the Rook, asked:

"...But you've made some assumptions, haven't you?"

"Well, yeah. I am the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels, after all. And a researcher. As for the identity of the Demon God Pillars and Kingu, they’re likely weapons created by the Khaos Brigade or a similar organization. Judging by how they borrow names from ancient mythology, the possibility is high."

Here, Azazel noticed that Gaspar Vladi, the Bishop, was staring blankly. He didn't seem to be paying attention to the conversation.

"Hey, Gaspar."

"Ye-Yes! I-I wasn't listening! I'm sorry!"

"No, it’s fine. Is this about the Romania incident?"

"Y-Yes..."

Vampire society is insular compared to other races. There is the male-dominated Tepes Faction and the female-dominated Carmilla Faction, and their nation lies in Romania.

A short while ago, a Demon God Pillar reportedly attacked the vampire nation. The attack occurred around the same time the Kuoh Treaty was signed, but it only came to light recently. Because vampires are so reclusive, discovery and communication were delayed. Damage to the Tepes faction is said to be particularly severe, but details remain unconfirmed.

Gaspar is a Half-Vampire, originally from a noble family of the Tepes faction. Even though he was persecuted by his family and eventually exiled, he cannot remain indifferent—especially concerning the safety of his benefactor, Valerie Tepes.

"Wait for now. The investigation results should be in soon."

"Yes..."

Azazel sighed, watching Gaspar, who could only offer that response. But there was nothing they could do now. On a global scale, or within the hierarchy of the Biblical Factions, the priority of Vampires was low. Since Azazel himself did not yet know about the Holy Grail, his understanding was limited to "Demon God Pillars are also targeting Vampires."

"Anyway, Issei. About that Demon God Zepar who appeared in your dreams."

At the topic Azazel brought up, everyone’s faces stiffened.

The monster calling itself Demon God Zepar supposedly proposed a "resurrection" to Issei—or rather, to Ddraig—through dreams. Naturally, Ddraig refused. Both the claim that his physical body could be restored and the existence of a "Demon God" itself were highly untrustworthy.

"Keep this matter quiet. No one here is to speak of this to anyone else. I’ve already discussed it with Sirzechs. Aside from the members in this room, this information will only reach the Four Great Satans and their peerages."

"Eh? Wh-Why is that?"

To the surprised Issei, Azazel responded grimly.

"It’s simple. There’s no guarantee that someone else in the Underworld hasn't received a similar approach."

Hearing this, several members understood the true meaning.

"...Are there traitors among the Devils?"

"It’s just a possibility. But because it’s still at the 'possibility' stage, Sirzechs and I don't want to cause an uproar. The fact that they interfered only with Issei—or rather, Ddraig—in a dream is strange. It’s safe to assume this talk has reached Albion and Vali as well. Well, for me, I'm glad we got this intel early. ...Besides, if it’s true they can revive Ddraig’s body, they might have secured one of the Longinus, the Holy Grail. There’s no telling if some fool might be lured by that."

"I see... To think a High-Class Devil might side with a fake Seventy-Two Pillars. It’s somewhat sad."

Issei offered words of encouragement to the depressed Rias.

"I’ll never betray you, President! I’ll follow you for life! If anyone sides with a monster that looks like a giant tentacle, they’re the ones in the wrong! Right, Ddraig!?"

『Yeah, that’s right. There is no way I would side with a Demon God Pillar. I didn't like that Zepar fellow’s condescending attitude. If I were to tolerate such a tone, well... it would have to be from myself and no other.』

With that, the Dragon laughed.

"Tch."

Kingu clicked his tongue in pure irritation. In fact, he was deeply displeased.

Currently, he was soaring through the sky over Kyoto via high-altitude leaps. Kingu, who was scheduled to be guided around Kyoto by Kunou again today, sensed a strange presence entering the city. However, Kingu was the only one who noticed it. Paradoxically, because the presence had not entered Kyoto through official channels, it proved the owner was an intruder. Since Kingu was already indebted to Kyoto for more than just a meal and a roof, he had no choice but to move quickly to eliminate the intruder.

Eventually, he discovered the owner of the presence and landed in a remote mountainous area.

At the landing site stood two men. One was characterized by silver hair, and the other wore Chinese-style armor. Both were surprised by Kingu’s appearance, but not by the sudden falling object. They were surprised that the falling object was Kingu. In other words, these two knew who he was.

"Whoa, whoa, you noticed us from that distance? I was masking my presence with Senjutsu. I’m shocked!"

"You seem pretty happy about it regardless, Bikou."

"Well, yeah. It wouldn't be right if things didn't get exciting!"

Kingu was slightly suspicious of the pair's unusual presences. The silver-haired one was a mix of human, dragon, and devil. From the one in Chinese armor, he felt the presence of a uniquely characteristic Youkai, but not one from Kyoto. He was likely from the Mainland. However, Kingu felt no curiosity. Instead, his irritation only grew at these strangers who were getting excited at his expense.

"So, who are you?"

Facing Kingu, who made no effort to hide his annoyance, the two looked cool and amused.

"My name is Vali. Vali Lucifer."

"And I’m Bikou! Nice to meet ya!"

Hearing their names, Kingu’s brow twitched. Both were names he had heard very recently. Azazel, Governor of the Fallen Angels. Kingu had intended to relay information while keeping his own secrets hidden, which is exactly why they would come looking again. Since they would also cause trouble for Yasaka and Kunou, they were guests he wished to decline.

"The dregs of Venus, and the descendant of a monkey."

Both apparently belonged to the terrorist organization known as the Khaos Brigade. Vali was the current White Dragon Emperor and the great-grandson of the true Demon King Lucifer. Bikou was the descendant of the Victorious Fighting Buddha—Sun Wukong. Both were powerhouses who could be called the darlings of this era, possessing talents worthy of legend.

"I should say this saves us some trouble, Kingu. I came here to fight you. Since you came to us, can I assume you have the intent to fight?"

"Not at all. I only have this to say: If you don't want to die, get lost immediately."

"...How cold. First the Demon God Pillar recently, now this. Why does it always end up like this?"

Because the opponent was a descendant of a Demon King and the de facto foster son of the Fallen Angel Governor, Kingu had no intention of escalating things. Furthermore, having a relative of the Victorious Fighting Buddha involved would surely make things complicated. Just as he was hesitating, wondering if he should just threaten them and drive them away, Vali flashed a meaningful smirk and declared:

"It seems if I want you to fight me seriously, I’ll just have to kill the Fox Princess."

From Vali’s perspective, it was a light provocation. A while ago, when he said something similar to his destined rival, the current Red Dragon Emperor Issei Hyoudou, it had caused Issei to explode with fighting spirit. He was looking for a repeat performance. Little did he know that instead of a "small fish," he was poking a Great Serpent.

To Kingu, Kunou’s safety was the most effective explosive possible. It was like threatening to kill the helpless sisters Stheno and Euryale right in front of the monster Medusa. Even if temporary, he was undoubtedly her "son."

Kingu fixed his gaze on Vali.

"————If they are terrorists, then it doesn't matter how I dispose of them, does it?"

"Hm? So you're in the mood to fight..."

Seeing Kingu’s eyes, what Vali felt was not exhilaration. It was terror. For perhaps the first time in his life, Vali recoiled at an opponent's 'strength.'

An intensity of killing intent and rage so thick it gave the illusion that Kingu's eyes were turning red. This was likely a face Kingu never wanted Kunou to see.

Even seeing that fear, Kingu’s emotions did not waver. This reaction was only natural. He had been suppressing his power all this time. He had no need to wield it. He had no desire to go on a rampage. The power he had shown the Youkai of Kyoto was only a fraction. However, for the first time since coming to this world, Kingu decided to go all out.

"You'll be satisfied seeing me in earnest, won't you? Then—as the price, you die here."

If Bikou had sensed Kingu’s energy more carefully; if Kingu hadn't known Vali’s current status; if Vali hadn't known Kingu’s position; if Kingu hadn't been alone but surrounded by Kyoto Youkai... this tragedy could have been easily avoided.

"Report from Zepar. Negotiations with the Welsh Dragon, Ddraig, have broken down."

"Proposal from Leraje. In that case, let us arrange negotiations with the White Dragon as an alternative."

"Report from Amducia. It is too late. The host of the Vanishing Dragon has made contact with Kingu. As long as a non-aggression treaty exists with him, we cannot approach that Dragon. I repeat: it is too late."

"Request from Ipos. We do not have the luxury of waiting for the next White Dragon Emperor. We must prepare an alternative means."

"Acknowledgment from Valefar. Multiple candidates exist. We shall consider the most suitable monster."

"Report from Gremory. Contact made with Bedivere. His summoning format has been identified. As expected, it was a summoning performed through means different from ours. It is him. The work of the Magus of Flowers."

"Query from Crocell. Which 'him'? Did the one from 'that side' send him? Or did the one from 'this side' call him forth?"

"Answer from Gremory. Unknown."

"Inquiry from Gusion. Which one it is does not matter. What we must focus on—what we must be wary of—is his objective. Is it the recovery of the Holy Sword? The resurrection of the King of Knights? The reproduction of the Sixth Singularity? In any case, he will be a hindrance to our plan."

"Correction from Botis. A problem has already manifested. The emergence of the Goddess of the Holy Lance has been confirmed."

"Conjecture from Marbas. It is likely that Bedivere’s existence triggered a chain summoning. The foundations were already in place: our resurrection, when we should have been extinguished; the Holy Sword that should have been snapped in our world, and the Holy Sword that should have been returned; the remnants of Y Draig Goch; and Bedivere. The influence of Kingu, inhabiting the corpse of Enkidu, is also suggested."

"Warning from Forneus. At this rate, that Holy Sword will be restored. At this late stage, the intervention of the Counter Force is unacceptable."

"Request from Haagenti. We should deal with this before it interferes with the plan."

"Rejection from Raum. We cannot step onto the grand stage. If we move now, there is a possibility that the perception of the various Mythology Factions will shift. If that happens, the plan will go awry. We do not have the leeway to face all the Pantheons at once."

"Counterargument from Shax. However, we cannot leave that Goddess be. No matter how the situation develops, it will interfere with the plan."

"Agreement from Gamigin. This is on a different dimension than Kingu’s intervention. It is a greater problem than even Ophis running wild. That Goddess, even without intending to, obstructs our plan simply by existing."

"Proposal from Barbatos. If we cannot fight, then we should utilize the Longinus users to subjugate that Goddess."

"Negation from Flauros. They cannot defeat the Lion King."

"Affirmation from Glasya-Labolas. They are powerless. Human strength cannot triumph over a God."

"Counterargument from Gaap. That is precisely why we, the Human Order Correction Formula, exist."

"Notification from Goetia to all Demon God Pillars. Support the Hero Faction with all your might and defeat the Goddess Rhongomyniad."

"A choice you never would have made in the past. Even I can see that they cannot defeat her, even with your assistance. Did you lose the ability to see the numbers once you died?"

Now then, that's it for laying out the groundwork. From here, I’m going to wrap things up quickly. (Though I might expand it again depending on the content of the upcoming Part 1.5).

The Traditional Demon God Pillar Meeting (Paraphrased):

Zepar: Negotiation with Ddraig failed.

Leraje: Then Albion is next.

Amducia: Too slow. That brat (Vali) picked a fight with Kingu.

Ipos: Need a replacement then.

Valefar: Plenty of candidates. I'll pick one.

Gremory: Regarding Bedivere, looks like Merlin called him.

Crocell: Our world's Merlin? Or this world's Merlin?

Gremory: No idea.

Gusion: Doesn't matter which. Whatever he's up to, he'll be a pain for the plan.

Botis: We’ve already got problems. That Goddess showed up.

Marbas: Probably because we’re back, and things like Caliburn and Excalibur are around. Maybe Ddraig and Kingu’s influence too?

Forneus: If we're unlucky, the Counter Force will show up.

Haagenti: Gotta do something fast.

Raum: But if we make a big move now, the flow of the world changes.

Shax: But leaving her alone ruins the plan anyway.

Gamigin: She's a bigger deal than Kingu or Ophis.

Barbatos: Let's just make Cao Cao and his group fight her.

Flauros: Impossible.

Glasya-Labolas: Yeah, they can't win.

Gaap: That’s what we’re here for.

Goetia: Alright, let’s have Cao Cao’s squad take down the Lion King.

???: You never would have made this choice before. Even I can tell they can't win, even with your help. Did you lose your eye for the numbers after dying once? (To think you all would come to believe in humans over probability...)