[Asgard…]
If Odin followed the same logic as the gods he knew, then that old man most definitely had higher strength than portrayed. Perhaps he also had a true form or something similar. Either way, Igor knew he didn't have the strength to bulldoze his way through Asgard.
"Three years…"
If he wanted to grab Odin by his scruffy beard and beat the answers out of him, then he needed to train hard.
"I have to make a breakthrough."
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|DxD|
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Remote Location, Underworld
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As far as the eye could see, there was barren, scorched landscape in this deserted section of the Underworld. The skies were cloudless and not a single plant or shrub could be seen for kilometres.
The terrain was flat with nary a boulder nor dune and the rocky soil was immensely hot. Only small insect-like creatures could ever entertain the thought of thriving here. As for other lifeforms and devils, it would be illogical to create a residence in such a desolate location.
Indeed, not a single structure could be seen with the naked eye…emphasis on "naked eye". If Aurelia or Igor were here, they would be able to feel the existence of seals, dimensional seals to be specific.
Those seals acted as anchors to a very small hidden dimension that hosted a pristine mansion filled with luxurious decorations, carvings, and perfectly maintained lawns and gardens.
Shrubs, bushes, and trees were expertly pruned and all manners of flowers were elegantly arranged. The scorching desert sun was like the gentle morning sunrise in this semi-detached realm.
The mansion was pristine and refined, bright and lively, but no one would think it was the birthplace for numerous schemes. In a large office upstairs, Zelefam Bael sat on his chair in the darkened room. His figure was hidden in the shadows, leaving only his ring-adorned hand exposed to the light.
On his desk were six amulets…and each had a crack on them.
"..."
Thum…Thrum…Thrum…Thrum…
He thrummed his fingers on the table in thought. His facial expression could not be seen, but his disappointment could be perceived.
"Sending a Low-Class will not be feasible."
Sending three top-tier Mid-Class along with three magicians was the limit of what he could release. He'd speculated sending High-Class specialists would alarm Igor, but it seemed even Mid-Class operatives could still be sensed by him.
[This naturally cannot continue. Securing the two girls is important for our plans. But how…?]
It had taken months for this single opportunity to come. The intel he received almost guaranteed Igor would not discover the operatives. For months, several operatives had been stationed outside Kuoh. Not one of them were killed by Igor.
Or perhaps…he could sense them all along but didn't bother hunting them?
[The intel must be outdated. Before I act, I must secure more intel.]
Igor's true capabilities was always a troublesome endeavour to uncover. According to intelligence reports, he did not embody himself as the type to hide his trump cards. He was the same as his ancestors in that aspect---prideful.
Yet it seemed he had no need for trump cards. Every year, he is shown to possess new capabilities or his existing abilities had grown beyond estimated projections. In short, his rate of growth caused any current intel to quickly go out of date.
Just a year ago, it was reported he could just barely notice Eunice Gremory, an Ultimate-Class. A few months later, he killed all the High-Class operatives sent to Kuoh. Who knew a few months later, their Mid-Class operatives would also be detected and killed? Such losses not only depleted resources, but increased the chances of their organisation being uncovered.
"Hmmm…"
Thrum…Thrum…Thrum…Thrum…
Some adjustments would have to be made. Zelefam did not want to do something pointless constantly. His previous thought of gathering intel on Igor was cancelled. It was a fruitless endeavour as time demonstrated.
What he needed to focus on was capturing Asia and Akeno while they were young. The latter was optional, but Asia was an absolute must. As long as she could be captured, Igor would naturally come under their control.
But…Zelefam was not naive. Igor was a wild bull. There was no knowing how he would act if his sister was taken. If this step was taken lightly, he might destroy the Underworld in a rampage.
[I have to find another scapegoat.]
His initial plan during this failed mission was to let Asgard take the blame for kidnapping the girls in the event of failure. He'd purposely arranged human magicians to act with his operatives so it'd seem as if they're from a rogue group sponsored by someone from Asgard.
But for his next attempt, Asgard would not be a suitable sacrificial lamb. His plan for capturing the two girls had to undergo a change. It was clear capturing them while they're on Earth would be difficult beyond measure. But what if they were in the Underworld?
[There are several targets who come to mind.]
The target to carry the pot of blame preferably would have to be someone young, perhaps younger than a century. They would also have to be a noble scion from an influential clan and furthermore, it was best if they were from the New Satan Faction.
A young, rich, and spoilt devil would not have seen the supernatural world for what it truly was---a slaughter field dominated by the strong. These young scions who've never experienced fear would quickly bear their fangs against the Aryans if motivated properly.
[Those who believe themselves to be smart would be especially easy to manipulate.]
Thrum…Thrum…Thrum…Thrum…
His mind quickly worked through a set of candidates. The Underworld had no shortage of young scions with…questionable fetishes. Armpits, feet, watersports, scat, torture, vore…it was endless.
There was no lack of scions who indulged in secretive actions under the covers. Amongst them, one of them who fit all the criteria with extra steps was Diodora Astaroth, the younger brother of Ajuka Astaroth.
[If I recall, he should be nearing his seventies soon.]
There wasn't much information on Diodora due to his low profile, but some things could eventually be dug up no matter how deep they were buried, like his 'love' for nuns and torture play.
[His abnormal obsession will be very useful. If I plan everything perfectly and have Asia brought to the Underworld, he surely will not be able to resist himself.]
Diodora's desire for nuns in his peerage was not something frowned upon. If the boy wanted a harem of nuns, no one would shun him. It was further helped that he only went after excommunicated nuns. In this way, he wouldn't incur trouble with the Church.
Zelefam cared not for these niceties. He knew Diodora was a sadistic psychopath. His desire bordered on the realm of a mental affliction. If he provided the boy with a golden opportunity to acquire a famed nun, then he'd no doubt take it.
"This will take some time to plan."
Asia's visit to the Underworld had to be natural. She wasn't a devil, but she was also the younger brother Igor---no one would make a fuss. Rias could possibly be used as a breaking point since there is no other reason for Asia and Akeno to come to the Underworld.
[Taking her at the Gremory Manor would be difficult. It would have to be a public venue, perhaps the Rating Game Arena?]
With that singular thought, numerous ideas started flashing in Zelefam's head. Rias Gremory made it no secret she wished to be disengaged from Riser Phenex. It was within plausible reason that sooner or later, she'd propose a Rating Game to get out of her engagement.
[Taking her age into account, she'll be eligible to participate in mock battles once she turns twelve.]
Currently, she was only ten-years-old and only had one peerage member. But, a lot could happen in two years. Most scions built up their peerages gradually over the century, but Rias would especially be in a rush since by the time she has her first period, she'd likely be given to the Phenex in marriage.
[If she builds up her peerage, she would most certainly challenge Riser to a battle. Her winning or losing isn't important. What matters is she invites that Asia and Akeno.]
That would make for the perfect event. Whether either side wins or loses, a banquet would follow after. Many nobles would be invited, including Diodora. In that window of time, he'd help the kid get his hands on Asia.
[Once she's in his hands, it will be easy for us to acquire her later.]
Zelefam planned to wait for a day or so. As long as Igor's reaction was not too harsh, he'd take Asia from Diodora's hands before he reincarnated her. As for the boy's life and death? It did not matter to him. In fact, it would be best if the latter happened. A conflict between Igor and Ajuka would create a large gap for the Baels to penetrate into the woodworks once more.
"Hahahaha~."
If he has Asia in his grasp, he can remotely control Igor into severing his ties with the Underworld. As long as he's careful not to go too far and remains meticulous in his steps, Zelefam was confident he could keep Igor underneath his thumb for the next twenty years.
"Oh how I love it when a plan comes together~."
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|DxD|
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Some may be surprised at Diodora's age, but do remember this. Devils have a lifespan stretching ten millenniums if I remember correctly. It's reasonable if everyone born within a hundred years is considered a single generation. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if Riser is in his forties.