At the far end of the table, Baraqiel had remained quiet throughout the entire discussion. The former leader of the Fallen Angels sat with his eyes closed, his expression troubled.
Something wasn't adding up.
Baraqiel had fought in the Great War. He had led armies, commanded legions, and survived battles that had killed gods. He had developed an instinct for danger that went beyond tactical analysis or intelligence reports.
And right now, every instinct he possessed was screaming at him.
He opened his eyes, looking at the holographic map. The demon territories glowed a steady red, pulsing with the gathered power of their mobilized forces.
"Azazel," Baraqiel spoke, his deep voice cutting through the ongoing discussion about reparations and treaty terms.
The Governor turned. "Yes?"
"I want to increase our defensive perimeter," Baraqiel stated. "Double the guard rotations, activate all dormant wards, and recall our forward operatives to headquarters."
Azazel frowned. "That seems excessive for a diplomatic incident."
"Call it paranoia," Baraqiel replied, his yellow eyes intense. "But I've been in enough wars to know when something feels wrong. And this..." He gestured vaguely at the map. "This feels wrong."
For a moment, Azazel considered dismissing the concern. But Baraqiel wasn't one for empty paranoia. If the old warrior sensed danger, it was worth considering.
"Fine," Azazel agreed. "But don't go overboard. I don't want to send the message that we're panicking. Just... prudent defensive measures."
Baraqiel nodded, standing from his seat. "I'll coordinate with the defensive commanders personally."
As he walked toward the exit, he passed Vali. For just a fraction of a second, their eyes met.
Baraqiel paused. There was something in the White Dragon Emperor's expression—a hint of anticipation, perhaps. Or was it amusement?
"Vali," Baraqiel said quietly, so only the silver-haired youth could hear. "If you know something, now would be the time to speak."
Vali's expression remained neutral. "I know lots of things, Baraqiel. You'll have to be more specific."
The old warrior held his gaze for another moment, then continued walking. But the unease in his gut only grew stronger.
Athelgard Castle - Imperial War Room
While the army outside worked itself into a frenzy, the atmosphere inside the castle's command center was eerily calm.
The war room was a masterpiece of magical engineering—walls lined with crystalline displays showing real-time intelligence from every corner of the supernatural world, a massive three-dimensional tactical map hovering in the center of the room, and sophisticated communication arrays that could coordinate millions of troops simultaneously.
Around the central table stood the inner circle of Algernon's regime: the four Dukes, Zekram Bael, Grayfia Lucifuge, and several of the most prominent Pillar heads.
Algernon himself sat at the head of the table, Kuroka curled in her cat form on his lap as he absently stroked her fur.
"The army is at peak morale," Sirzechs reported, his crimson aura flickering slightly with anticipation. "Your speech worked as intended. They're ready to march anywhere you command."
"Good," Algernon replied, his tone bored despite the magnitude of what they were about to do. "Ajuka, status on the special weapons?"
Ajuka Beelzebub stepped forward, pulling up a holographic display that showed several complex magical constructs.
"The Anti-Territory Arrays are ready for deployment," Ajuka reported, his voice carrying the enthusiasm of a scientist presenting his latest experiment. "Once activated, they'll create a dimensional lock around the entire Grigori headquarters. No teleportation in or out. No emergency evacuation protocols. They'll be trapped inside their own fortress."
"Casualties?" Serafall asked, her tone unusually serious.
"For them? Catastrophic if they resist," Ajuka replied without emotion. "For us? Minimal, assuming the operation goes according to plan. The arrays will also suppress their defensive ward network by approximately seventy percent. The remaining thirty percent will be overwhelmed by sheer force."
Falbium Asmodeus, who had been quietly reviewing tactical data on a separate display, finally spoke up. "The timing window is critical. We need to deploy the Anti-Territory Arrays before they realize we're invading. Otherwise, Azazel might execute emergency protocols that could complicate the operation."
"Which is why Vali is essential," Algernon said, glancing at the communication crystal that showed a live feed of the Grigori war room. The image was being transmitted directly from a microscopic surveillance spell that Vali had planted during his last report to Azazel.
On the feed, they could see the Grigori leadership still engaged in their discussion about diplomatic solutions, completely unaware that their meeting was being watched in real-time.
"They're completely blind," Zekram Bael observed, a hint of satisfaction in his ancient voice. "Your deception was flawless, Your Majesty."
Algernon smiled slightly. "It's not deception, Zekram. It's simply giving them the information they want to believe. Azazel thinks rationally, strategically. He can't conceive of an opponent who would willingly invite the wrath of the entire supernatural world by launching an all-out war. His logic is his weakness."
Grayfia stepped forward, her silver eyes cold and focused. "Your Majesty, there's still the matter of potential external intervention. Our intelligence suggests that several pantheons are monitoring the situation. If we make our move, they might—"
"They'll do nothing," Algernon interrupted, his voice carrying absolute certainty. "The Greeks are too arrogant to intervene in what they see as an internal Biblical faction dispute. The Norse are too cautious—they'll wait to see who wins before making any moves. The Hindu pantheon has no strategic interest in the outcome. And the Shinto faction is too focused on maintaining their territory in Japan."
He stood up, gently setting Kuroka on the chair as he walked to the central tactical display.
"The other pantheons are waiting for us to exhaust ourselves fighting the Grigori," Algernon explained, manipulating the display to show projected responses from various factions. "They think this will be a long, grinding war that will weaken both sides. They're already planning how to divide up the spoils once we've bled ourselves dry."
He turned to face his inner circle, his golden eyes gleaming with cold amusement.
"The Grigori will fall in a single night, so quickly that the other pantheons won't have time to organize a response. By the time they realize what's happened, it will be too late."
Sirzechs frowned slightly. "That level of speed requires absolute coordination across millions of troops. Even with our training, the logistics—"
"Are already handled," Ajuka interrupted, pulling up another display. "I've implemented a hierarchical command structure based on magical resonance. Each unit commander is linked directly to their superior officer through synchronized communication spells. Orders can be transmitted and executed across the entire army in seconds."
Algernon returned to his seat, the tactical discussion continuing around him as various officers reported on their specific areas of responsibility. Supply lines, medical support, prisoner processing protocols, occupation procedures—every aspect of the invasion had been planned down to the smallest detail.
As the meeting progressed, Kuroka shifted back into her humanoid form, draping herself over the back of Algernon's chair and resting her chin on his shoulder.
"Nya~," she purred quietly, her voice meant only for him. "You're really going to do it. You're going to conquer the Grigori in a single night."
"That's the plan," Algernon replied softly, continuing to stroke her hair absently while listening to the tactical briefings.
"And after the Grigori?" Kuroka asked, her golden eyes curious. "The other pantheons won't ignore you once they see what you're capable of."
"No," Algernon agreed. "They won't. Which is why the Grigori is just the first step. Once we've demonstrated our strength, the other factions will have two choices: submit or be destroyed. Most will choose submission."
"And the ones who don't?"
Algernon's expression didn't change, but there was a dangerous edge to his voice when he replied.
"Then they'll serve as examples to the others."
Before Kuroka could respond, a sudden shift in the atmosphere caught everyone's attention. The magical pressure in the room spiked as a new presence manifested.
A communication circle flared to life in the center of the war room, and through it stepped two figures that made even the Dukes straighten instinctively.
Issei Hyoudou and Vali Lucifer—the Red and White Dragon Emperors.
Except they weren't the same young men who had left for their respective missions. The battle in Kuoh had changed them fundamentally.
Issei stood tall, his usual boisterous energy replaced by a calm, focused intensity. His aura had solidified into something dense and oppressive as he advanced to super devil.
Vali was even more transformed. The arrogant smirk was still present, but behind it was a serenity that hadn't existed before.
"Red and White Dragon Emperors reporting as ordered, Your Majesty," they said in unison, dropping to one knee.
Algernon regarded them for a moment, a slight smile touching his lips. "Rise. You've both exceeded my expectations. Super Devil transformation in your first Juggernaut Overdrive... impressive."
"We had motivation," Issei replied, standing. His eyes flickered to Vali briefly. "Rivalry is a hell of a teacher."
"Indeed," Vali agreed, his expression amused. "Though I still maintain that my Empireo Juggernaut Overdrive is superior to your Cardinal Crimson."
"We'll settle that debate later," Algernon interrupted before the rivalry could reignite. "Right now, I need you both focused. Vali, what's the status inside the Grigori?"
Vali's expression became serious. "They're completely unprepared. The only one who seems suspicious is Baraqiel—he's ordered defensive measures, but nothing that will significantly impact our assault."
"Baraqiel is dangerous," Sirzechs noted. "Even among Cadres, his combat instincts are legendary. If he senses something wrong—"
"He already does," Vali interrupted. "I saw it in his eyes. But sensing danger and understanding the true scope of the threat are different things.
Algernon nodded slowly. "Good. Maintain your position until the assault begins. Once we initiate, your priority is to secure Azazel. I want him alive."
"Understood," Vali replied. "Though I should mention—Azazel might be harder to capture than you think. He's not a front-line combatant, but his Sacred Gear knowledge makes him unpredictable."
"Which is exactly why I want him alive," Algernon stated. "Dead, he's just another casualty. Alive, he represents the complete and total defeat of the Grigori's leadership."
"See that you don't Fail," Algernon continued, settling back into his chair. "Because in approximately thirty minutes, the world as we know it is going to change forever."
Kuoh Academy - Old School Building
While armies mobilized, a much smaller drama was unfolding in the dusty corridors of Kuoh Academy's abandoned wing.
Rias Gremory stood before a sealed door, her crimson hair catching the afternoon light filtering through grimy windows. Behind her, her peerage had gathered—Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko. Asia stood slightly apart, nervously clutching her hands together.
"Are you sure about this, Buchou?" Kiba asked quietly. "Gasper's been sealed for a long time. He might not react well to sudden freedom."
"I'm sure," Rias replied, though her voice carried a hint of guilt. "I sealed him because I thought isolation was kindness. I thought protecting him from his own power was the right choice."
She placed her hand on the door, feeling the complex web of sealing magic she had woven.
"But Algernon was right. Keeping him locked away wasn't protection—it was abandonment. I was so afraid of his power that I forgot he was a person who needed help, not imprisonment."
Akeno stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Rias's shoulder. "We all made that mistake, Rias. But we're correcting it now."
Rias nodded, then began the process of dismantling the seal. Layer by layer, the magical barriers fell away, each one representing a different aspect of the containment: physical restraint, magical suppression, sensory deprivation.
As the final layer dissolved, the door creaked open.
Inside, huddled in the corner of a small, dimly lit room, was a figure that looked more like a frightened child than a Devil.
Gasper Vladi was small, pale, and trembling. His platinum-blonde hair fell over one eye—the eye that contained the Sacred Gear that had caused so much fear. He wore an old, oversized hoodie and was clutching a stuffed animal like a lifeline.
"P-please don't hurt me," Gasper whimpered, his voice barely audible.
"Gasper," Rias said softly, kneeling down to his level. "I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to apologize."
Gasper's visible eye widened, confusion replacing some of the fear.
"I sealed you away because I was afraid," Rias admitted, her voice thick with emotion. "Afraid of your power, afraid of what might happen if you lost control. But that was wrong. You didn't need a cage—you needed training, support, family."
She extended her hand. "I'm so sorry, Gasper. Will you give me a chance to make this right?"
For a long moment, Gasper just stared at the offered hand. Then, slowly, tentatively, he reached out and took it.
"Y-you're not angry?" Gasper asked, his voice still shaking. "About... about the accidents? The times my power went out of control?"
"No," Rias replied firmly. "You can't control what you were never taught to control. But we're going to fix that. Starting now."
She helped him to his feet, and the rest of the peerage crowded around, offering reassurance and welcome.
Koneko, in a rare show of emotion, even offered him one of her precious snacks. "For you. Welcome back."
Gasper took the offering with shaking hands, tears beginning to stream down his face.
"We're going to the Underworld," Rias explained gently. "To the Demon Academy, where you'll receive proper training. And you won't be alone—all of us are going. We're going to become stronger together."
"B-but my Sacred Gear," Gasper protested weakly. "It's too dangerous. I can stop time, but I can't control it. What if I hurt someone?"
"Then we'll teach you control," Akeno said warmly. "The Academy has instructors who specialize in Sacred Gear training." She smiled. "They can definitely help you master Forbidden Balor View."
"Speaking of which," Kiba added, "we should mention that you're being assigned to train under Sairaorg Bael."
Gasper went pale. "T-the Strongest Youth? The man who can punch through mountains? That Sairaorg Bael?"
"I'm going to die," Gasper whimpered.
"You're going to thrive," Rias corrected firmly. "I believe in you, Gasper. We all do. You have a strong Sacred Gear. It's time you learned to use it."
"I'll try," Gasper said quietly. "I'll try to be strong. Like Buchou. Like everyone."
Rias smiled, squeezing his hand gently. "That's all any of us can do."
(END OF CHAPTER)
chapters are released early and uncut on Patreon, ahead of public publication along with exclusive NSFW works.
If you wish to walk ahead of the world…If you want to see the Empire rise before history records it—
You know where to stand.
patreon.com/xxSUPxx
Or you can buy me a coffee at:
buymeacoffee.com/xxSUPxx
Special thanks to all my EPIC members and,
MYTH: Dutchviking