In a tidy lounge furnished with sofas, armchairs, tables, and chairs, there were also several televisions with connected game consoles and retro arcade machines mounted on one wall. Rias sat there, sipping tea, while the two people across from her stared at her with obvious surprise, especially one of them.
"So... did you manage to find what you were looking for?"
"You should know that what you told me is a little... hard to believe, even for me," one of the people, an older man with black hair and blond highlights, said as he leaned back on the sofa. And as he closed his eyes for a moment, he replied, "Yes, I've managed to find the information I wanted: Rias Gremory is currently in Kuoh City, and putting that together with all the evidence you showed me, I believe you now."
"Although you still haven't mentioned how you got here, or why," the woman beside Azazel, Penemue, remarked carefully.
"True," Azazel nodded in agreement. Even though this Rias had been kind and patient enough to prove she was Rias Gremory, but from another timeline, and hadn't become angry about being held captive in Grigori, he still had some doubts, and that was precisely what Penemue had mentioned.
"Honestly, I don't know. When I was training with my boyfriend, a... vortex, for lack of a better word, suddenly appeared. It was dark, that thing. But it ended up swallowing me, and I ended up in Kuoh City. Though I noticed some things were a little different, like the date."
"So you were training with Issei-kun and ended up being pulled here. Why did you choose to come to Grigori?"
"No, Issei-kun. He's not my boyfriend, which seems to be different in this timeline. As for why I chose Grigori, I think it was the best option. It could cause some problems if I appeared in front of the other Rias or in the Underworld in front of certain people. Grigori, on the other hand, can keep my existence a secret for a little longer and offer me some information."
Although Rias had already seen her counterpart from this timeline. And it's safe to say she was disappointed. She really was weak. Compared to others, she was truly weak, so much so that Issei might be able to defeat her if he used his full power. There was a chance that this Rias could win if she could land blows with her destructive power, but Issei was faster thanks to the Boosted Gear and could increase his power periodically during a battle. If Issei dragged the battle into a war of attrition, he would ultimately win.
That was the level of Rias Gremory in this timeline.
"Isn't Issei your boyfriend? Well, that's... surprising, to say the least," Azazel commented with a somewhat odd expression.
"May I ask you for information about what's been happening in the world? Oh, and also a meeting with Leviathan-sama."
"What kind of information? I have no problem with that as long as you don't ask for anything too personal or about Grigori, but you need to be more specific. As for summoning Serafall, sure, that's no problem."
Rias nodded before taking a sip of tea.
"I need information on any kind of important event in the world. I want to see if I can find any more differences between the two timelines. Who knows, maybe I can be of help when I return."
"Do you know how to return?" Azazel asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No. But my boyfriend will definitely find a way to help me. He's a very good mage and has done a lot of research."
"Now I'm very curious about this boyfriend of yours," Azazel smiled, a hint of amusement in his voice. Then he stood up, gesturing for Penemue to join him.
"I ask that you remain here for the time being. I'll call Serafall while Penemue gathers the information you need."
"Thank you," Rias smiled before taking another sip of tea as she watched Azazel and Penemue leave the room. Neither of them noticed the small smile that had formed on their lips as the cup covered their mouths.
Outside the recreation room, Penemue glared at her boss, a hint of annoyance in her expression.
"Can you really trust her, Azazel?"
"What do you mean?" the governor-general asked.
"Don't take me for a fool, Azazel!" Penemue growled, a little angry. "If I sensed it, then you should have too. That girl is a real monster."
"...," Azazel said, remaining silent, his eyes narrowed slightly. Yes, as Penemue said, he had sensed it perfectly. This Rias was completely different from the one they knew. Her way of speaking, her expressions much calmer, and also her presence. In fact, her eyes, even if they were beautiful, showed a certain coldness that sent a chill down his spine.
"She's done nothing but remain calm, without harming anyone. She was even respectful to us and everyone she's encountered on Grigori. Even if you say she can't be fully trusted, it's clear she doesn't want to hurt us," Azazel commented slowly, knowing that Penemue was simply worried about the people living on Grigori. They were fewer in number compared to the angels or devils, so her secretary was a little concerned about having someone as powerful as Rias inside Grigori.
What they didn't know was that Rias had sensed this insecurity and distrust from Penemue, which amused the redhead from another timeline.
"How strong do you think she is?" Penemue decided to ask, knowing that Azazel could gauge her power more accurately than she could herself.
Azazel glanced at his friend and secretary before answering as he continued walking, his gaze fixed ahead.
"I can't tell you her level with such precision, because she knows how to hide better than I thought when I first saw her. But that feeling of her presence without her even trying is similar to that of some gods I've encountered."
...
As Rias reviewed all the information Penemue had given her, she couldn't help but be a little surprised. Especially by the event that had happened just a few days prior. Hyoudou Issei hadn't just 'died,' he'd managed to return thanks to the help of Great Red and Ophis. But that didn't even touch on the important part. Ophis had been 'kidnapped' by members of the old Satan faction, and they had attacked the Underworld. It was mentioned that Great Red himself had appeared to help while transporting Issei before leaving.
It seemed she needed to create some countermeasures in case this happened in the same way in her timeline. Especially since it happened shortly after the meeting of the younger generation of the Devil race.
"Are you really Rias-chan from another timeline?"
Rias looked up upon hearing a decidedly familiar voice. And there, in front of her, was Serafall Leviathan. She had sensed her enter the room, but hadn't paid much attention, knowing the Demon Lord would initiate the conversation.
"Hello, Leviathan-sama. It's a pleasure to see you again," Rias greeted her with a genuine smile before asking, "Didn't Azazel inform you about my evidence?"
"Yes... Yes... He did mention some things, and he also believes everything is as you say. However, this is surprising. Many, regardless of whether they're part of the supernatural world or not, have speculated about parallel timelines and worlds. So, it's certainly a surprise to see it firsthand," Serafall nodded and replied, though far more seriously than one might expect from the magical girl.
And that was to be expected; this wasn't something to be taken lightly, especially considering the potential repercussions if someone attempted something malicious. Rias knew this; she understood that Serafall was far more serious than most people would expect or imagine. Her job wasn't easy, with all the trouble caused by the young devils, even the oldest and most arrogant ones.
She was the one who constantly dealt with gods or leaders of other factions and so on.
You could say her job was the heaviest of all the Maou, and also the most complicated.
"You're right, these are complicated and dangerous things. But look, here we are, in this somewhat... annoying situation, if I have to say it. I mean, just interacting with my counterpart and her acquaintances is going to be a bit confusing."
"Perhaps not so much," Azazel commented immediately, drawing everyone's attention. "Despite having the same appearance, you're different. Your behavior and personality are completely different from the Rias of this timeline."
"You don't have to look too closely to realize that."
"Azazel-chan is right. You're different from the Rias-chan I know, and I could tell right away," Serafall said with a slightly amused look. This Rias seemed... a little better than the one I knew. I didn't want to say it out loud, but that's how I felt right now.
"But why did you want to talk to me?"
"Because I need to be able to leave this place without too many surprises, Leviathan-sama. So, as head of foreign affairs, it was the best option. Besides, my brother would be annoyed if he were the first person I met. The best option is for you to inform them of my arrival in the timeline before I can interact with them."
"There's also the fact that your job would allow you to have this meeting without too many questions from other people. Your job involves contacting people from other factions, right?"
"Eh~... you're definitely different. More mature. Astute and intelligent," Serafall smiled, understanding Rias's reasons for summoning her. And she was right. The sudden appearance of another Rias claiming to be from a different timeline would cause... certain arguments in the Underworld, and even in other places beyond it. Her being able to speak first would keep certain people at a distance, and Rias would have the freedom to move around certain places without attracting too much attention.
"Eh~... you're definitely different. More mature. Astute and intelligent," Serafall smiled, understanding Rias's reasons for calling her. And she was right. Another Rias suddenly appearing and claiming to be from a different timeline would cause... certain arguments in the Underworld, and even in other places outside of it. Her being able to speak first would keep certain people from approaching her, and Rias would have the freedom to move around certain places without drawing too much attention."
"Is it possible for her to speak first?" "Ah... right, this is my way of thanking you for your help," Rias said, pulling a small envelope from her dimensional pocket and handing it to Serafall.
The Maou, curiously opening the envelope, was surprised to see that it contained photos. They were all of Sona Sitri, her younger sister. But upon closer inspection, she realized that this Sona was from the timeline of the Rias standing before her. Sona's black hair was longer, reaching almost to her shoulders, and she appeared to have a more mature expression.
"She's been steadily improving, so she doesn't cut her hair as often anymore. I think she'll like them, especially the ones I took when I played a little prank on her."
Serafall flipped through the photos until she burst into laughter when she saw one where Sona was wearing a magical girl outfit, her cheeks flushed, her eyes shooting daggers at who was presumably Rias taking the picture.
"This is great, thank you Rias-chan!" Serafall exclaimed joyfully.
Rias simply nodded.
Now she just had to wait a little while to complete her mission. Although she was a bit confused. From what she knew about Naruto and Harry, they had received rewards that weren't initially described. But her mission was not only easier than theirs, but its two rewards were also clearly stated.
[Mission: The Beginning of Truth!]
[Description: You are one of the few Rias Gremorys in the multidimensional universe who has truly accomplished great things in such a short time. Observe how things might have been without the group and gather information to solve a certain problem.]
[Requirements: Observe Rias Gremory (analogous from other timelines), gather information about the world.]
[Rewards: 50,000 CP, Important Message]
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