A complex magic circle, bearing the symbols of the sun, moon, and stars, materialized in the sky above the conference room. Within the circle's intricate patterns, figures cloaked in black robes began to appear, quickly filling the space above.
"Damn it! We're under attack!"
"First and Second squads, engage! Stop them!"
"Intruders? Eliminate them all!"
Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels patrolling Kuoh Academy converged on the conference room, launching attacks at the black-robed figures in the sky.
But before they could reach their targets, Vali and Azazel exchanged a glance, and then—they moved.
Whoosh!
With a powerful beat of his Divine Dividing, Vali shot upwards, smashing through the ceiling and sending debris raining down. He ascended into the sky above the academy.
Azure energy crackled around Vali, transforming into beams of light that sliced through the air in all directions.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The sickening sound of bodies being pierced echoed through the air.
Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels—all were struck by Vali's unrelenting barrage of energy blasts.
Screams of pain filled the sky.
The black-robed figures, emerging from the magic circle, scattered, retaliating against the disorganized Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels with blasts of their own.
Their coordinated attack caught the three factions completely off guard.
In mere moments, the academy grounds were littered with the wounded and dying.
Sirzechs and Michael's faces darkened as their gazes fixed on Azazel. The earlier exchange between him and Vali hadn't gone unnoticed.
Vali, despite his Lucifer heritage and immense power, wasn't yet at the Maou level. The faction leaders, each possessing Maou/Super Devil-level power, weren't so easily fooled.
They hadn't intervened immediately only because Vali was Azazel's subordinate. Direct interference would have been a breach of protocol.
Had they acted sooner, Vali would have been met with a spear of holy light and a barrage of Power of Destruction the moment he moved.
Azazel, noticing their displeasure, sighed and spoke. "Have you heard of the Khaos Brigade?"
Before they could respond, he continued, "Not long ago, our Vice-Governor discovered a suspicious group. They've gathered dangerous individuals from all three factions. Their goal is chaos and destruction—essentially, terrorists who oppose the peace we've established. They call themselves the Khaos Brigade."
"So, naturally," Azazel continued, a sly grin spreading across his face, "they would attempt to disrupt this peace summit. That's why I had Vali infiltrate the Khaos Brigade as a spy. What you just witnessed was simply Vali carrying out his mission—disrupting the barrier and providing support for their members."
"Wouldn't it be more efficient to draw them out and eliminate them all at once?" he added with a shrug.
Haru looked at Azazel, dumbfounded. "Who are you trying to fool? Vali probably only confessed to joining the Khaos Brigade because he was moved by your father's actions yesterday. And now you're claiming he's a double agent? Truly, you Fallen Angels are masters of deception."
Michael and Sirzechs looked at Azazel with suspicion. Even without knowing the full story, they knew better than to completely trust the words of a Fallen Angel, especially one known for his… unconventional methods. But now wasn't the time to assign blame.
Above them, the magic circle pulsed, the symbols of the sun, moon, and stars glowing with a faint violet light.
Three figures emerged from the circle and descended, landing beside Vali.
Sirzechs's eyes narrowed as he observed the newcomers. "Let's set aside Vali's… situation for now. If the goal is to draw out these troublemakers, I wholeheartedly agree."
The three figures radiated immense power, each equivalent to an Ultimate-Class Devil, on the cusp of Maou-level strength. Their arrogance was palpable as they looked down at the crowd below.
One of them, a woman in revealing attire, spoke. "So, Vali, that man down there… is he the rumored reincarnation of Baal?"
"Hmm…" A man with a cold expression and an air of arrogance turned his gaze towards Haru. "Not bad. He might be worthy of joining us."
"Wait…Didn't the gods and our ancestors die in the war? How could Baal possibly reincarnate?" A third figure, resembling a samurai, spoke up.
"Do you actually believe that?"
"Believe it or not, that's for you to decide," Vali replied from within his armor, his voice flat.
"Now, why don't you introduce yourselves to the leaders of the Three Factions?" he added.
The woman in revealing clothing grinned, a predatory gleam in her eyes.
"I am Katerea Leviathan, descendant of the Maou Leviathan."
The man beside her, wrapped in a fur coat, spoke with an air of superiority.
"Shalba Beelzebub, descendant of the Maou Beelzebub."
The samurai-like figure followed suit.
"Creuserey Asmodeus, descendant of the Maou Asmodeus."
Finally, Vali's emotionless voice echoed through the air.
"Vali Lucifer, descendant of the Maou Lucifer."
The four descendants of the Old Maou stood side-by-side, their combined auras radiating outwards.
"Hey, Baal down there," Katerea called out, a mocking tone in her voice, "Why not join us? Instead of perishing alongside Sirzechs and the others, join the Old Maou Faction. Together, we can create a world ruled by Devils."
Shalba looked down at Haru, his arrogance clear. It was as if he were bestowing a great honor upon him.
Creuserey, the samurai, pointed at Haru with a sneer. "Do you really believe he's the reincarnation of Baal? His magical power is so weak. Do you think he could even withstand a single blow from me?"
Katerea glared at Creuserey. "Don't interfere with my… acquisition."
Then, her face flushed as she covered her mouth. "Oops, I said that out loud."
She looked down at Haru, her voice seductive. "Come here, little pet."
Shalba, his gaze fixed on the small, silver-haired girl at the table below, murmured to his companions, "Spare that girl. We'll take her alive."
Katerea and Creuserey nodded in understanding. "The lolicon's acting up again… Well, she's just a weak little toy. We can indulge him."
The three of them looked down at Haru with disdain.
Vali, sensing the escalating tension, discreetly moved back, preparing to flee. "I should have stayed a spy. At least I'd be alive." He silently praised his past self for resisting the urge to fight.
These three are suicidal lunatics. He shuddered, watching as they continued to provoke the clearly dangerous Haru. Why do they always target the strongest? And why do they always succeed in pissing them off?
Vali's eye twitched as he saw Haru's expression darken.
Azazel and Sirzechs exchanged amused glances, watching the scene unfold.
Haru's anger seemed to dissipate as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a look of genuine confusion. "Does this face look like it's mocking you?"
Rias and Michael nodded in unison, then quickly shook their heads when Haru glared at them.
Haru sighed, looking at the arrogant trio above, and then, in a low voice, he chanted, "I Shall Become Steel!"
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