Chapter 25: The Ring

The Khaos Brigade—a terrorist organization led by the Dragon God Ophis.

It is comprised of two major factions: the Old Satan Faction, consisting of the bloodlines of the original Great Satans and the devils who follow them, and the Hero Faction, made up of descendants of legendary heroes and reincarnations of great sages. Numerous other groups, large and small, such as the Magicians' Guild, crowd its ranks. One might describe it as a supernatural Kodoku—a jar of venomous insects.

A summit was held to address this threat. Ordinarily, it would be infuriating to answer a summons from the Biblical Factions—those who have defiled, destroyed, plundered, and violated countless mythologies. However, even accounting for that, the Khaos Brigade—or more accurately, its leader, Ophis—is a troublesome existence. Excluding the True Dragon, Ophis stands as the absolute rank one. A dragon that had been missing for a vast period of time had suddenly organized a criminal syndicate. This could not be ignored. Information on their movements and the responses of each faction had to be shared. Defense is a duty required of any ruler, whether human or god.

The Three Great Powers of the Bible were joined by the gods of Greece, Norse, Zoroastrian, Celtic, Slavic, Aztec, Japanese, Chinese, Hindu, African, Indonesian, Mesopotamian, Egyptian... the deities of countless mythologies had gathered.

《Forgive my bluntness, but I shall be withdrawing from this meeting.》

The speaker was Hades, Lord of the Underworld and one of the three great gods of Greece.

"This is quite sudden, Lord Hades. May I ask the reason?" Sirzechs inquired.

《I am saying that I refuse to be caught in the crossfire.》

Hades’s answer to Sirzechs was blunt, as if no other explanation was necessary.

Of course, that was not the only reason. Inherently, Hades dislikes the existences of other mythologies. As is clear from reading the myths, despite his title as Master of the Underworld, he has a soft spot for humanity. He is undoubtedly the "conscience" of the Greek gods. It is precisely because of who he is that he dislikes the Biblical Factions. No, it would be more accurate to say he cannot forgive them.

《Setting aside those two fools over there, I have no desire to be hit by the splashback of your 'just desserts' for a second time. The Underworld shall sever all ties with the Biblical Factions. I came today merely to deliver this notice.》

"Hahaha! Don't hold back on our account, Hades!"

"Gahahaha! What a cold attitude toward your own brothers!"

Hades let out a weary sigh at the boisterous laughter of Zeus and Poseidon. However, Sirzechs was more concerned with a specific phrase Hades had uttered than the brotherly banter.

"A 'second time,' you say?"

《Have you forgotten? That King. The man whose name you all still refuse to even utter. Surely you remember the ancient King of Israel, whether you wish to or not.》

The image of a certain man's smile flickered in the minds of the gathered gods and buddhas. It was a smile devoid of joy or delight—a kingly grin dyed in pure, unadulterated wrath.

There was once a King who laughed as he burned with anger, vowing to destroy Gods, Devils, and Fallen Angels alike. His achievements were erased from history, and his sins went unspoken in myth. But the gods do not forget. Looking back, the existence of that King may have been the beginning of the hatred toward the Bible.

《I will not let you say you have forgotten or do not know what that King did. His motives were the same. If only you had remained quiet during his era, things would not have come to this. We would not have reached such an age. Almost every mythology suffered the collateral damage of your folly. If it happens again, our mythologies will truly end. If you wish to perish, do so on your own.》

"You’ve got a lot to say, don't you, Hades?"

Unable to hide his irritation, Azazel spoke up sharply.

"Ophis should be a threat to you as well. We still don't know her goal. And it’s not just her; the Old Satan Faction trying to create a 'New World Order' is dangerous. The Hero Faction is apparently trying to surpass human limits. They might be coming for your head next."

Azazel knew Hades disliked Devils and Fallen Angels, but he hadn't expected such aggressive remarks in a public forum. Even Hades shouldn't want to make unnecessary enemies.

《The situation has changed, Crow-head. I have obtained certain information from a reliable source. Once you hear it, no one will be looking to play nice with you.》

"Huh? Spit it out then. Is there a threat in the Khaos Brigade even greater than Ophis?"

The grim news that left Hades's lips froze every divine being in the room.

《Can you maintain that attitude even after hearing that the Old Satan Faction has obtained the Ring of that King?》

I am dreaming.

"It is the Juggernaut Drive."

A voice filled with hatred speaks.

"Use the Juggernaut Drive."

Words stained with resentment reach me.

"To fulfill your wish, you have no choice but to use the Juggernaut Drive."

Incantations painted in despair fill my ears.

The lingering thoughts of the past Sekiryuutei (Red Dragon Emperors). They who met wretched ends. They are pushing my back, telling me to jump off the cliff ahead. Telling me that I’ll die a miserable death anyway, so I should just give in to despair, their voices weeping as they speak.

"Why do you hesitate, our new fellow Beast (Evil of Humanity)?"

The Demon God Zepar.

Because I took in his power, it seems he can now freely speak within my mental world. He talked to me about a Cath Palug? No, that’s not quite right... Anyway, I told him the information I got from that beast that was hanging around Asia’s feet.

In exchange, I learned the truth about them. Their Original Sin. Their world. Their plan.

"Awaken quickly. And fulfill your wish."

"My wish is to become the Harem King! You guys are just in the way of that! I won’t let you incinerate the Underworld! Though I do agree with smashing the Biblical God's plans."

"You have not awakened. Why do you not try to relay this information to the Satans or the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels? Why, and for what reason, do you hesitate?"

My spine chilled at that observation.

"You should have affirmed it. The end of the Underworld, and the end of the Bible. I showed you, did I not? Your form in the Parallel Worlds."

One of Zepar’s abilities is the observation of Parallel Worlds. The "Oppai Dragon" (Breast Dragon Emperor) from some time ago was something found through that power.

What Zepar called my "brothers who couldn't be born" were things I learned from the 'me' in a parallel world. Some old guy—Vali’s grandfather, or the original Lucifer, or Rizevim—took my parents hostage. At that time, I learned about my parents' past. I, who had spent my time peeping and being a pervert, wondered how much pain I had caused my father and mother.

A world where the Demon God Pillars didn't exist. In that parallel world, I had become the hero of the Underworld as the "Oppai Dragon." In that world, Asia and Xenovia had become members of the Gremory Peerage. By now, I would have been poking the President's breasts and awakening my Balance Breaker. The game against Riser Phenex would have ended before summer. I lost the game, but I smashed the engagement by defeating Riser at the party. I fought Saji in a Rating Game. I summoned a Breast Goddess from another world. Many things happened, and I pulled out the potential of a new Sekiryuutei. I became friends with Ophis, the leader of the terrorists. I would have barely defeated Cao Cao, leader of the Hero Faction, using Samael’s poison. 666 (Trihexa) awakened, but with sacrifices, it was handled. Within a year of becoming a Devil, I was promoted to a High-Class Devil. That should have been a wonderful story.

"That is nothing more than an Idol (Icon)," Zepar refuted.

"If you are there, things will work out. If it is you, you will manage somehow. You will surely resolve this problem. You are salvation, the future, a miracle, hope, and possibility. Because they could not do it themselves, they thrust everything upon you. In that way, the 'you' of the parallel world was forced into victory and salvation—by the Biblical Factions who have lived for thousands of years. Because they failed to act properly, you became like that."

"A bunch of irresponsible fools," Zepar sneered. The seniors among the lingering thoughts agreed.

The world always demanded power. The world always denied love.

Over and over, they chose destruction.

"The result was pushed onto the parallel version of you. You manifested as the Beast bearing the Logos of 'Expectation.' You are no longer human, devil, nor Demon God Pillar. I hear Ddraig wished for you to become a Heavenly Dragon. Then fulfill that wish. Let it be a final tribute to him. Become the last Sekiryuutei."

This guy just says whatever he wants. A tribute? He’s not dead. Well, in a sense, he is. The current Ddraig has no body and exists only as a soul.

"Hey... is my thinking correct?"

"Your resolve is correct. These Biblical factions are rotten to the core—"

"No. Not that. You know what I mean."

Zepar fell silent.

"I understand. My new kin. Not the resolve to fight, but the fundamental motive. Your hypothesis regarding the events that befell your own body. I am a Demon God Pillar. A Thaumaturgical Foundation (Magecraft Formula) that far transcends human intellect. I shall answer that question with sincerity."

After a pause, Zepar spoke simply.

"I do not know."

I don't think he's joking.

"There is insufficient data. Nay, it is an event that cannot be judged. No matter how one judges it, it is meaningless and worthless."

There it goes again. I was about to complain, but the next words stopped me.

"Because your conclusion will not change. Whether your thoughts are fact or a delusion of persecution, your conclusion remains the same. Is that not so?"

"...It is."

—“You must have just been unlucky.”

Exactly. I had no luck. I was unfortunate. I was unhappy.

But what exactly was "bad luck" for me?

Was it being chosen by the Boosted Gear?

Was it being found out by a Fallen Angel that I had a powerful Sacred Gear?

Or was it the fact that Rias Gremory was the Devil ruling Kuoh Town?

"Whether Rias Gremory intentionally overlooked the Fallen Angel known as Raynare; Whether she let you die to make you her Peerage; whether everything that day was by design—it is all the same. Either way, you died because of that Devil."

Yeah, you’re absolutely right.

"Normally, one would call it a coincidence. One could argue she understood her position as the sister of a Satan and feared affecting the relationship between Fallen Angels and Devils. It would not be unnatural to let one human die. But is Rias Gremory that kind of person? She rejected her engagement—a duty of the nobility—because she wanted to 'experience love,' and she failed to contact the Satan even when Fallen Angel leaders invaded her territory. She took a girl with Fallen Angel blood and a Nekomata on the verge of disposal as her Peerage. She was present for the death of a Holy Sword Project test subject and a dying half-vampire... Counting you, that makes three. Can such coincidences exist? In the cases of Yuuto Kiba and Gasper Vladi, it implies she entered those kinds of places. Would such a woman overlook an enemy race doing as they please in her territory? Does she have the capacity to even consider the balance between factions?"

But that was supposed to be a sudden event. That day, I just happened to have a flyer to summon a Devil, so I was saved. My desire to live was so strong that I summoned one. That day, everyone else was busy, so the "King," the President, came herself. She said she needed all eight Pawn pieces for my reincarnation, so she absolutely wanted me as a Peerage. That’s what she told me.

"Rias Gremory knew of Raynare. Not just her appearance, but her name. That is proof she had scouted for information beforehand. On the day you were murdered, you had a Devil Summoning Flyer. And the Devil summoned was a 'King' holding Devil Pieces. Is this truly a coincidence, or destiny? Would one spend all eight Pawn pieces without knowing what kind of Sacred Gear you possessed?"

Is it like a lucky bag? The contents are unknown, only the price is clear. And it contains goods worth the price. Whether they are necessary is another matter. But the President said Devil Pieces aren't something you just get more of. If so, would she use such precious items on a gamble like that?

"Did that Fake Gremory tell you even a single truth?"

Who was it that killed me?

"Now, it is time for the treatment to begin, so I shall depart."

This guy just says what he wants and... treatment? Is something wrong with me?

"This, too, is one of the trials to reach our Zenith (Apex). A process to be released from the loathsome shackles of God. I vow we shall meet again in perfect condition, my fellow kin."

"Now, we shall begin treatment on the next patient. Prepare the 'medication'!"

"Yes, Sensei!"

"I don't want to die I don't want to die I don't want to die! I won't let myself die!"

"Life-Death-Life-Death-Life-Death! This recurring pain reminds me of that battle. Why must I endure such agony...! Someone, just give me the end already...!"

"Someone shut Andras and Phenex up—GYAAA!"

"Goetia, will do its best. When this is over, the amusement park."

"You just want to go there yourself, damn it—AAAAH!"

"...Professor. What is happening there?"

"You see Ophis’s snakes? We've given them a special ability. They are devouring the factors that are manipulating the thought processes of the Demon God Pillars. To use an analogy, it’s like administering an antiserum. It’s a feat only Ophis, who possesses power on the same dimension as Goetia, can perform. Truly fascinating."

"Uh, it doesn't look like that at all from here..."

"The Demon God Pillars are screaming in agony..."

"Well, they are being munched on from the inside, after all."

"Urgh..."

"It hurts! Nooooo!"

"Couldn't you have made an anesthetic or something?"

"This is too cruel..."

"With this many patients, there is no time for that! Emergency treatment!"

"Pain is proof that you are alive!"

"That doesn't mean you should cut us open and shove things in, Gwaaaaaah!"

"Curse you, God of the False Definition! It's because of you we're in this mess...!"

—That God.

We swore once again that we would never forgive Him.

"Creuserey! Is it true that the ring of that cursed man has been found?!"

"Yeah. I was searching for the legacy of the First Generations to find a way to strike back at those fakes."

"Kukuku... Kuhahahahahaha! This war is our victory! With the Ring, those fakes stand no chance. No, even the other mythologies will bow before us! It is nothing but a stroke of luck that God is dead! Michael must have forgotten to retrieve it."

"Yes, Lord Shalba! With this, those fakes have no choice but to perish!"

"The True Maou (Great Satans) shall be the Kings of the next world!"

"Now Lady Katerea will be avenged!"

"Hail the True Maou!"

"You did well, Creuserey! ...What is it, Creuserey?"

"No... I just think it’s truly a pity. I could almost laugh. As usual, it seems I can only laugh at things like this. To think the descendants of my accomplices, Asmodeus and Beelzebub, have degraded this much. For what purpose do you think I swapped my ring? In the case of Asmodeus, I even went through the trouble of having Asmoday surrender his rank. And yet, the truth of the ring hasn't even been passed down."

"Creuserey?"

"Lord Creuserey?"

"...Creuserey?"

"I am Solomon."

Author’s Note:

A little explanation for the ending since it might be confusing.

In the original legends, Asmodeus once stole Solomon’s Ring, though it was recovered shortly after.

In this work, during that theft incident, the ring was swapped for a fake in a "double-cross" sense. The ring had been modified for the sake of future generations. Essentially, the thief and the victim were in cahoots.

According to the settings, in DxD, the Satan Asmodeus and the 72 Pillars' Asmoday are separate beings (though traditionally Asmoday is another name for Asmodeus). I am clarifying here that the one who stole the ring was the Satan Asmodeus.