Rengoku had just taken a nice nap after returning from one of the most disastrous missions he had picked. He still hadn't checked up on the reactions of the Himejima clan. He shouldn't worry about the other clans poking their nose into this mission but people who kept tabs on him must know about this.
Honestly, he couldn't care less about the Himejima clan's retaliation. The world is a vast and complicated place. It was about time he left Japan. The stray devils seem to have gone silent after his constant hunts. Well, it was either that or he was succeeding in his mission to cut down at least some evil in this. Only the devils can confirm this decision for him.
This encounter was also the first time he met one of the main characters of the story. Akeno was probably the most popular character in the story and the only one who could match her was the heiress of the Gremory clan, Rias Gremory. Despite their significance in the story, he felt it wouldn't change his actions or the consequences that followed.
Regardless of what he felt about her as a character, it was nice that he was able to help out a family in distress. This encounter also showed how self-absorbed he had become to put an end to the monsters called stray devils. He enjoyed having the human company after such a long time. Although only a few years had passed since the orphanage incident, He still didn't know how much time he spent inside the dungeon just training without an end in sight. It could been a few years, decades or even centuries.
Although he wasn't a social butterfly by any means in his past life, the times enjoyed the most in his life were with his close friends and family. The fights, the laughs, the joys and even the tears. Those moments were much better than the deafening silence in his room.
Rengoku sighed heavily as he thought about one of his innate abilities, Unshakable heart. When he got this ability he had assumed he wouldn't have to deal with these kinds of emotional turmoil. Then again this ability does make him calm even during the most dangerous moments. It minimizes the possibility of making any mistakes.
Rengoku shook him to try and clear his mind. He washed up, made himself a cup of coffee and sat down near the window of this deserted apartment as he watched the sunrise. "Man, I should stop overthinking things. All it takes is some time and I will have a proper social life. For now, all I have to do is get strong and start interacting. I think I will enter the dungeon after having my meeting with the devils. I hope Akeno and her family are ready. Their lives will probably change the most. And hopefully for the better."
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In a well-lit street, A tall well-built man was walking on the sidewalk towards the rundown bar at the corner of the street. The man walked into the bar passing by unconcerned people. The bar in contrast to its exterior appearance looked well-lit and clean. There were very few people occupying the tables. The man walked towards one of the many empty tables and sat on it. Another man with blond-black hair sat in front of the large man.
The other man smiled as he gazed at his comrade's stoic expression. "It appears that you made it on time to rescue your family," he remarked. Barakiel glanced at the grinning man and let out a sigh. "Your information was correct, but I would have been too late if it wasn't for the kid you told me about. I also want to thank you for allowing my family to stay at one of your mansions."
The man regarded Barakiel with a serious expression. "I have heard about him. He is one of the most important targets we keep a close watch on. Though his motives are quite evident, I cannot comprehend how he has become so strong. His artifacts are top-notch, his techniques are amazing, and most importantly, his mana and bloodline seem to have transformed overnight. I initially thought that he must have possessed one of the high-tier sacred gears, but all the investigations indicate that he has no sacred gear. This young man is quite mysterious."
Barakiel looked at the man with the same stoic expression. "Leave that kid alone Azazel. Don't try to dip your claws into him. He is a good kid. Whatever mysterious secrets he has is none of my concern and hopefully, it's none of yours as well."
Azazel sighed and looked at his comrade with a tired expression. "Even if I don't interfere in his affairs, those five clans will get involved. Especially the Himejima clan, who tried to investigate the extent of the boy's power. This seems like odd behaviour for such traditional clans. I've also been meaning to ask, did you find any evidence of spies around your house while searching the area?"
Barakiel responded with a clenched fist. "They tried to leave no traces behind but Shuri figured out what was wrong with all the barriers and teleportation points they had set up. She speculated that whenever her niece came to spend some time with her and Akeno, the "guards" that came with her were the ones responsible for tampering with the magic circles. If Shuri hadn't lost the blessing that was given by her clan's guardian beast, then those clansmen wouldn't have even dared to think of attacking us."
Barakiel showed a sad expression. "I am responsible for all that is happening to my family. I can't even give them a proper normal life. Every time these people attack we are forced to back off. Akeno can't even make friends because of me."
Azazel's expression darkened for a moment, then he laughed with a melancholic expression. "It's been like this for almost all our lives. Driven out of our own home, we tried finding our place on this earth but it seems like that damn old man doesn't want us to live in peace." Azazel then showed a serious expression. "Peace is what I've been chasing since the war stopped. I don't know how long it will take but I will bring peace for us even if it's the last thing I do."
Barakiel looked at Azazel and showed a small imperceptible smile. Despite how goofy and fun-loving he shows himself to be, he and his brothers know that when push comes to shove Azazel will always be the most reliable leader that they trust with all their hearts. He stood up to say his goodbyes. "Azazel I will take my leave. I will meet you tomorrow after I meet with the devils."
Azazel then smiled. "I heard about your plan. It looks like you will take the young man's suggestion. I must say it is a much better plan than just staying in the Himejima clan's territory. Well, don't worry too much about the devils. If everything I planned goes well then maybe we will have a proper peace treaty between our three factions." Azazel gets up and pats his comrade's shoulder. "Try to finish all your business quickly man. We need your help ASAP. There are still many more things going on that need all of us to work together. Give my regards to your wife and daughter. I hope I can see them under more peaceful circumstances."
Barakiel watched as Azazel walked past him and out of the bar. He looked at the empty bottles at the table. Barakiel sighs. "At least pay the damn bill you damn drunkard."
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