A/N: Hello again! this is the 2nd update for this weekend!
Here comes Chapter 86 and Rewrite of Chapter 39!
Please check it out!
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Within Kuoh Academy, a designated Trailblaze Space Anchor activated, releasing a faint light that filled the room. A moment later, Hajime and his group, along with the Slash/Dog team, materialized inside the Student Council Room.
Waiting for them was Sona Sitri and her peerage, all dressed neatly in their school uniforms.
"...Alright, that was cool," Natsume said, her eyes widening as it finally sank in that they had arrived in Kuoh Academy in an instant.
"Yeah, one moment we're still in Yuragi-sou and the next, we're standing here in Kuoh," Shigune added, pressing closer to the window to take in the view.
"It felt really different with our teleportation spells." Sae murmured in wonder. "It was like we just took a single step forward and somehow crossed tens of kilometers,"
"FuFuFu, behold—the power of Trailblaze!" Anisphia declared proudly, puffing her chest out. "The Space Anchors use the same principle as the space-warp technique we use when traveling across the universe."
"Whoa!!" Everyone in the Slash/Dog team chorused in awe.
Kouki rubbed his chin, still amazed. "So… basically it was the FTL travel that we often see in movies, huh?"
Anisphia winked at him. "Exactly! Cool, right?"
That earned a round of chuckles from both groups, showing their familiarity with each other.
"Right on time," Sona stepped forward as they settled down, a small but genuine smile tugging at her lips as her eyes met Hajime's.
Hajime returned it with one of his own. "We wouldn't dream of making our host wait."
"Ahem," Alice coughed deliberately, her voice laced with amusement. "You do realize the rest of us exist too, right?"
Anisphia leaned forward with a teasing grin. "Honestly, Sona, if you're going to ignore everyone just because Hajime looks good in his cape, at least be subtle about it."
Sona blinked, then quickly cleared her throat, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.
"My apologies," she said smoothly, recomposing herself with practiced grace. "Welcome, all of you. It's truly an honor to have you here."
The Slash Dog team chuckled behind them.
Alice and Anisphia both snorted, barely holding back laughter.
Sona shot them a glare, but it was ruined by the deep flush on her face.
Hajime sighed, muttering under his breath, "...I'm surrounded by troublemakers."
"Please don't scold yourself, Your Majesty," Villhaze whispered with a teasing glint in her eye.
Hajime's cheeks twitched as he shot her a sidelong glare, but she only smiled back innocently.
—-
After a while, Sona and her peerage guided Hajime's group and the Slash/Dog team toward the designated room for the peace conference.
"So, who else has arrived aside from us?" Anisphia asked curiously.
"Lord Lucifer and Lady Serafall are already here," Tsubaki, standing beside Sona, replied.
"Lord Michael and Lady Gabriel from Heaven, along with several members of the church, are also present," she added.
Sona glanced at them with a small smile. "They're accompanied by some familiar faces."
That piqued the interest of Hajime, Alice, and Anisphia.
Tobio raised a brow. "Governor Azazel hasn't arrived yet?"
"Yes. Aside from your group, the delegation from Grigori has yet to arrive," Sona answered.
The Slash/Dog team's expressions all shifted into varying shades of exasperation.
Natsume deadpanned, "...You don't think he actually forgot about today's conference, do you?"
"Even if Governor Azazel can be sloppy sometimes, he wouldn't forget the conference today… r-right?" Sae began confidently but her voice faltered toward the end.
Tobio pats Sae's shoulder. "Relax. At the very least, we can count on Vice Governor Shemhazai to drag him here if needed."
Kouki sighs. "Honestly, that sounds way too believable."
Their light banter faded as they reached the room. Once they stepped inside, every conversation stopped as eyes turned toward them.
At the left side of the room sat the Devil Faction. Sirzechs Lucifer, dignified and calm, gave a polite wave and a small smile. Beside him, Serafall Leviathan shot a playful glare in Hajime's direction. Yet Hajime noticed something different in her gaze, it carried mischief, like she was planning something he couldn't quite read. Behind them stood the assembled Gremory peerage led by Rias. At her side were Akeno, Koneko, Issei, Asia, Gasper, and their new knight, Xenovia—all offering warm smiles.
At the center sat the Heaven-Church Faction, headed by Archangel Michael beside the ever-radiant Gabriel. Behind them stood Griselda Quarta and Irina Shidou, both clad in formal white, smiling and waving politely at Hajime's group. Standing with them were two more figures—Dulio Gesualdo, cheerful yet carrying an aura of unpredictable strength, and Vasco Strada, the older warrior whose very posture radiated unshakable resolve.
Just as Hajime's group was about to settle down, the doors swung open once more. Azazel strolled in with his usual swagger, followed by a weary-looking Shemhazai and Vali, who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.
"Ohya, looks like we made it just in time." Azazel scanned the room, noting that all the attendees were already present. He gave Shemhazai a smug grin. "See? I told you we'd arrive exactly when we needed to."
Shemhazai's cheeks twitched as he shot Azazel a deadpan look. "Next time, try aiming before the meeting starts."
Azazel's group moved toward their corner, the Slash Dog team respectfully separating from Hajime's side to stand behind Azazel with the rest of the Grigori delegation. Tobio gave Hajime a brief nod before taking his place, and Hajime returned it with a small smile.
Lavinia stayed for a heartbeat longer, giving Hajime's hand a quick, affectionate squeeze. He squeezed back lightly, earning a bright smile from her before she turned and followed Tobio and the others.
Sona, after a brief glance toward Hajime, also separated to stand with the Devil's side, positioning herself behind her sister along with her peerage. The faint blush on her cheeks didn't escape Alice and Anisphia, who traded knowing smirks.
Hajime's group took their seats between the three factions to represent their neutral stance. The Astral Express was now formally present.
—--
As all sides took their seats, the atmosphere became more formal.
Sirzechs Lucifer was the first to speak. "Before we begin, allow me to formally welcome our guests from beyond the sky, the Nameless of the Astral Express. Your presence today is not only unprecedented but deeply appreciated as well."
Gabriel followed with a smile. "On behalf of Heaven, we also offer our gratitude. May the light of understanding guide us through today's discussions."
Michael bowed his head slightly toward Hajime's group. "And we thank you for your neutrality. Standing between the three factions symbolizes the path to unite us all."
Azazel grinned, leaning on one arm. "Hah, don't get too poetic now, Michael. But seriously—glad to see you guys. It's not every day we get to work with space travelers."
Anisphia leaned toward Hajime and muttered, "So… Do we bow or wave like diplomats now?"
"Just let them talk first," Hajime whispered back with a faint smile.
Serafall suddenly stood up, striking a dramatic pose. "Sera-tan also welcomes the Astral Express! Especially Hajime-chan, even though he didn't say hi properly! Boo~!"
Hajime sighed, deadpan. "You glared at me the moment I walked in."
"That was a love glare, little brother-in-law," Serafall quipped with a mischievous smile, striking a playful pose.
The room chuckled, some trying (and failing) to hide their amusement. Hajime rubbed his temple, muttering, "...Why do I feel like I just got adopted against my will."
Alice smirked behind her hand. "Congratulations, Hajime. You're family now."
Anisphia stifled a laugh. "Better get used to calling her Onee-sama."
Michael cleared his throat loudly, trying to regain order. "For the sake of everyone, shall we have a quick run of introductions then?"
Sirzechs nodded as he gestured to his side. "Sirzechs Lucifer, the current Maou Lucifer. Behind me is my sister Rias and the rest of her peerage."
As Sirzechs introduced them, Rias stepped forward and bowed gracefully. Akeno followed with a composed elegance, while the rest of her peerage mirrored her with disciplined reverence, each movement reflecting their unity and pride as members of the Gremory household.
Serafall raised her hand with a twinkle in her eyes. "Serafall Leviathan, current Maou Leviathan and proud big sister! And right behind me is my precious little sister Sona Sitri along with her peerage."
As Serafall introduced them, Sona offered a bow, her posture formal and elegant. Behind her, Tsubaki and the rest of her peerage followed suit with synchronized grace, their expressions calm and disciplined, reflecting the strength of the Sitri household.
Michael rose from his seat. "I am Michael, representing Heaven. Beside me is my sister and fellow Seraph, Gabriel, and behind us are representatives of the Church, who I believe are familiar to some of you—Griselda Quarta, Irina Shidou, Vasco Strada, and Dulio Gesualdo."
At the mention of their names, Gabriel offered a bright smile and waved gracefully. The four behind them bowed with composed respect—Griselda with dignified grace, Irina with cheerful enthusiasm, Vasco with solemn strength, and Dulio with an easygoing smile that still carried sincerity.
Azazel raised a hand in a lazy wave. "Azazel, Governor General of the Fallen Angels. With me are Shemhazai, my right-hand man, and Vali, our little chaos package. And of course, Humanity's strongest team—the Slash/Dog team."
Shemhazai inclined his head in acknowledgment, while Vali smirked but kept silent. Tobio and the rest of his team exchanged helpless smiles, a few even giving small waves as if to ease the formality.
Finally, eyes turned to Hajime's group.
Hajime stood up, his expression steady. "Hajime Nagumo, 'Reason' of the Astral Express crew."
Anisphia followed, hands on her hips, a confident grin on her face. "Anisphia Wynn Palettia, 'Innovate' of the crew!"
Alice smiled, her tone carrying fond mischief. "Alice Louise Gododdin, the 'Dialogue' of our crew and apparently the designated sanity keeper for these two trouble magnets."
That earned a chuckle from around the table and 'Hey!' from Hajime and Anisphia.
Ingvild stepped forward with grace, offering a curtsy. "Ingvild Leviathan, companion to Hajime Nagumo. I stand here today to show my support of his path."
Sagiri followed, her expression calm but resolute. "Ameno Sagiri. Chuuma Ninja of Japan, and official liaison designated by Amaterasu-sama of the Shinto pantheon and the Japanese government to the Nameless." With a respectful bow, she added, "It is my honor to stand beside them."
Villhaze simply bowed with elegance, then added with a sly smile, "Villhaze, maid of Lady Ingvild Leviathan and by extension His Majesty."
Hajime's eye twitched at her tone, earning quiet chuckles from a few in the room.
With introductions complete, Sirzechs gave a respectful nod. "Then let us begin this historic conference."
The Peace Talks commenced.
—-
The conference room gradually settled into order. The warmth of introductions faded, replaced by the gravity of what this gathering represented. Three great factions—Heaven, the Underworld, and Grigori—sat at the same table not as enemies, but as allies-in-making for the first time in history. At the center, the Astral Express crew sat as observers, their very presence a symbol of balance.
Sirzechs spoke first, his voice calm but resolute. "Then, let us commence. Our goal here is unity. After centuries of bloodshed and mistrust, it is time we look forward not as enemies, but as allies."
Michael inclined his head in agreement. "Heaven shares this desire. As proof, we have reduced our militant activities across border zones and begun aiding reconstruction efforts in damaged territories."
Azazel leaned lazily in his seat. "And we've stopped poking around in forbidden labs… mostly. So far, no one's blown up. That counts as progress, right?"
A ripple of restrained laughter ran through the room. Even Sirzechs allowed himself a small smile, while Serafall giggled behind her hand.
Shemhazai sighed. "You'd get more credit if you left out the 'mostly.'"
Azazel only shrugged, clearly unbothered. "Details, details."
The discussion then began in earnest—topics ranging from shared patrols to regulating 'strays', from establishing neutral zones for education to the proper use of sacred and demonic gear. Hajime, sitting at the center with his group, observed quietly, his gaze moving between each faction.
Alice leaned closer, whispering, "This is… going smoother than I expected."
Hajime tilted his head slightly. "As Azazel said before, they've been laying the groundwork for this for a long time."
Anisphia tapped her chin, thinking aloud. "So… all they needed was one undeniable event. Something no one could ignore. Strong enough to force them all to sit at the same table and 'show' to each of their factions they are doing something about it…" She tilted her head, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Once the drama's over, they can say to their opposition, 'to prevent this from happening again, we'll be allies—not only to watch each other closely, but to keep one another in check.'"
Hajime, Alice, Sagiri, Ingvild, and even Villhaze turned to stare at her, visibly stunned.
Blinking at their expressions, Anisphia frowned. "What? Did I say something wrong?"
Alice gave a wry smile, then slowly replied, "It's just… hearing you talk about politics is a little bit...."
"Weird," Hajime finished, rubbing his arms. "Gives me goosebumps. Feels like I got tricked by a Masked Fool."
Sagiri gave a soft nod. "...Although you mentioned before that as a princess you learned diplomacy and statecraft, it still feels strange when you speak about it."
Ingvild nods, giving her a strange look. "Yes, you usually only talk about the things you want to build or asking Hajime-san to spoil you, so seeing you talking all this is... honestly surprising."
Villhaze nodded so fast it looked like her head might fly off.
Anisphia twitched, clearly offended. "You guys… just what kind of image do you all have of me?"
Hajime and the girls blinked in unison, exchanged glances, then looked back at her.
"...Ehee~" they muttered together, almost sing-song.
Anisphia's eye twitched, her fists clenching. "What do you mean by 'Ehee'?!" she snapped, glaring at them.
Sagiri covered her face, embarrassed. "... I can't believe I did that."
Alice chuckled behind her hand. "That was kind of cute, though."
Anisphia groaned, throwing up her hands. "You guys are impossible!"
—-
The peace conference carried on, weaving through delicate subjects that had long been avoided in the past.
They spoke of cooperation, rebuilding relations, and restoring balance in power across the territories. Michael proposed organized outreach programs for isolated factions, while Sirzechs acknowledged that reconciliation meant more than handshakes; it required action to repair the damage of the past.
"Those who were wronged by the wars—families, clans, even small independent groups deserve justice and closure," Serafall said solemnly.
"Agreed," Gabriel added gently. "Forgiveness cannot exist without restoration. And peace cannot bloom on wounds left untended."
They moved toward establishing basic territorial laws—rules for interaction within Devil, Angel, and Fallen domains. Gabriel suggested mutual pacts of safe passage, while Shemhazai proposed educational exchange programs to build trust between the younger generations.
Ingvild, listening quietly, murmured, "This is more thorough than I thought. It feels like watching a constitution being drafted."
Alice nodded at her words. "They're laying down the rules to keep everything balanced."
That was when Azazel leaned forward, the casual air around him fading into something sharper. "Everything we're agreeing on is noble and necessary. But we'd be fools not to acknowledge the real destabilizing forces in our hands."
The room tensed at his tone.
Almost by instinct, many eyes turned toward Hajime and his group. The sudden attention made Hajime blink. Anisphia, Alice, Ingvild, and Sagiri exchanged confused glances. Villhaze's body stiffened, her hand twitching ready to cast any spell if hostilities arose, but one side glance from Hajime was enough to make her stop.
"Did we… do something?" Anisphia asked nervously, trying to recall if they had done anything reckless in the past few days.
Azazel chuckled, breaking the tension with a wave of his hand. "No, not them," he said with a grin. "Though I can see why you'd think that. I'm talking about the real wildcards—the holders of the Heavenly Dragons."
Realization dawned across the leaders' faces. It wasn't the visiting Trailblazers they needed to worry about most, but the ones already in this world.
"Ehh… Me??" Issei blinked, pointing at himself in confusion as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Vali smirked, completely unconcerned by the scrutiny. "Finally, they catch on."
Azazel leaned back in his seat, gesturing toward Issei with his cup. "You see, back in the day, Ddraig and Albion caused more headaches for the Three Factions than any army. Their battles wrecked landscapes, shattered alliances, and threw the balance of power into chaos. It got so bad we—Devils, Angels, and Fallen alike—had to band together just to stop them."
He gestured broadly. "That's why God turned them into Sacred Gears—sealed away, made manageable. Or so we thought."
As if on cue, a brilliant crimson glow flared from Issei's right arm, while silver-blue wings unfurled from Vali's back. The Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing manifested, their presence filling the room with a heavy pressure.
Two voices boomed in unison.
"Manageable, he says," Ddraig rumbled. "They're the ones who interrupted our fight and turned everything into a mess."
"Indeed," Albion's voice cut through. "Had they not interfered, one of us would have emerged victorious. Their meddling caused the current chaos, not our battle."
Issei blinked and sighed, shoulders sagging. "They're complaining again."
Vali scoffed, folding his arms with a snort. "They never shut up."
A ripple of laughter went around the room, easing the tension. Michael smiled faintly, Sirzechs hid a smirk behind his hand, and Gabriel's eyes twinkled with amusement.
Azazel let out a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, since you two are so talkative, how about sharing your thoughts? What do the Heavenly Dragons think about this formal alliance between Heaven, Hell, and the Fallen?"
There was a heavy pause, the air tightening as the weight of their voices loomed.
"We do not care what your factions choose to do," Ddraig rumbled bluntly, his voice shaking the room.
"Your politics mean little to us," Albion added coldly. "No matter how many alliances you make, the destined clash between us cannot be avoided."
Ddraig's tone deepened, echoing with ancient certainty. "And our current bearers will see to it that the battle continues, as it was always meant to."
Vali smirked faintly, giving a small shrug. "Can't say they're wrong."
Issei scratched his cheek with a sheepish grin. "Ehehe… legacy pressure is real, huh?"
A few chuckles rippled around the table, softening the heavy mood.
——-
With the matter of the Heavenly Dragons settled, the attention of the council gradually changed once more this time toward the group at the center.
Azazel adjusted his posture, his gaze falling on Hajime and his companions. "Now, let's talk about the final piece on this board… outsiders to this world, ones who have chosen to stand with us."
Michael's gaze softened as he nodded. "The Trailblazers. Visitors from the stars."
Sirzechs placed his hands on the table. "You've remained neutral so far. Yet your presence has changed the flow of our world. Your intervention in recent conflicts—and the strength you wield—cannot be ignored."
Alice straightened her back as she addressed the gathered leaders. "As we explained before to Sitri and Gremory's peerages, along with Xenovia, Griselda, and Irina during the Kokabiel conflict—and even in our meeting with Amaterasu-sama—we are a faction that follows the path of Trailblaze."
She paused, letting her words settle. "Trailblaze is the path in the universe known for exploration. To uncover what was hidden, to make the unknown knowable. It is one of the great moving forces of the universe itself."
"The meaning of exploration in our path is broad," Anisphia added with a confident grin. "It can mean traveling, discovery, uncovering potential, or opening new possibilities." She leaned forward, eyes glinting with conviction. "And like our Captain always says—whenever we arrive on any world, from the very moment we set foot there, we change the flow and fate of that world. Worlds left in stagnation or suffering once touched by Trailblaze can find new futures."
"So basically what you're saying is, just because you came to our world, the very fate of the world has already changed?" Shemhazai asked, disbelief and skepticism clear in his tone.
"Yes," Hajime answered flatly, without hesitation.
His blunt reply made Shemhazai blink, and even Azazel, Serafall, Michael, Sirzechs, and the rest were left stunned by how casually he said it.
"…Hajime," Anisphia sighed, quickly covering his mouth with her hand. "Please, just let us handle the explaining, alright?"
Hajime's cheeks twitched, his eyes narrowing toward Villhaze who snorted in amusement. He gave her a deadpan stare that only made her smirk wider.
Alice let out a long breath before stepping in. "Apologies. Our Hajime is… not exactly the best at long explanations."
Shemhazai blinked, then chuckled softly. "…Well, I suppose no offense taken."
Alice offered him a grateful nod before continuing. "Trailblaze is a conceptual power wielded by our Aeon, Akivili. Ah—and to clarify, an Aeon can be thought of as a cosmic god, capable of rewriting the very fabric of reality."
She paused to let her words settle among the gathered leaders before continuing, her tone calm but firm. "So as I was saying, since the power of Trailblaze is quite broad, its effects may vary—sometimes passively, sometimes actively."
Anisphia raised a finger, smiling as if giving a lecture. "Passively means that when you're faced with a choice, another option may suddenly appear. Like when you're choosing what to eat and suddenly the menu expands with something new."
Alice followed up smoothly. "Actively is different. It's like what happened during the Kokabiel incident or with Ingvild's rescue mission. That's when we directly intervene in the events of a world, making choices in place of its people rather than letting them do so themselves."
"Of course," Anisphia added with a shrug, "both carry the risk of not knowing if the outcome will be better or worse."
"I see," Shemhazai murmured thoughtfully, rubbing his chin.
"And regarding the strength and influence we hold," Alice said, her voice calm but everyone can hear the proudness in her voice, "despite our looks, we are still a major faction in the universe. As I mentioned earlier, we are one of the great driving forces behind its flow."
"While we're not the biggest," Anisphia cut in with a grin, "we're still a powerhouse that can compete with most other factions."
Vali's eyes narrowed at that, his smile sharpening as if itching to test himself against one of the strongest forces in existence.
"Va-kun, behave," Lavinia scolded with a sweet smile, her tone light but her gaze sharp. Vali actually flinched and looked away. For him, challenging gods and Maous was one thing—but defying his adopted big sister Lavinia was another matter entirely.
Natsume, watching, snorted. "Wow, that worked fast."
Vali shot her a glare, which only made her smirk wider.
"Well, to put it simply, we might act easygoing and simple," Anisphia added, still grinning, "but we're a faction that very few would ever dare to challenge."
Alice sighed, shaking her head while Hajime gave a small shrug. They didn't say anything, but what everyone at the round table noticed, however, was that neither Hajime nor Alice denied what she said.