A/N: Hello everyone!!!! Here is it! This weekend's last update and the conclusion of Volume 1 rewrite.
Finally, after like almost 2 months? or maybe even more? I finally finish this rewrite!!!! Ahahaha...ugghh... that was tiring..
But well after finishing the rewrite, I think I did great on it. Far far far better than the crap I first made...
With the rewrite of Volume 1 is done I can't focus with Volume 2 and prepare for volume 3.
Anyways maybe I will just small revisions on Volume 2 to align what happen so far in Volume 1 as I change alot from my original plan and draft.
now all is done and said please check out Chapter 87 of volume 2 and Rewrite of Chapter 40 and Epilogue of Volume 1.
See you again next weekend!!
-----------------
A thoughtful silence followed as the gathered leaders processed what Alice and Anisphia had shared. Their imaginations stretched outward, piecing together a vision of a cosmos far grander and stranger than anything they had ever known. And with that realization came a humbling truth: perhaps everything they had built, everything they understood of their world, was but a small fragment compared to the vastness beyond.
"As we told Amaterasu-sama, we came to this world as part of a long journey," Alice said softly, she gently smiled as she addressed the leaders. "Another stop, another chance, and another page that will become part of our story."
"We are here to learn, to share, and to witness a future brighter than any one world could build," Anisphia added with conviction.
Their words lingered in the minds of Sirzechs, Michael, and Azazel, an offer of trust that carried the weight of sincerity.
Then from the Fallen Angels' side, Shemhazai placed his hands on the table and leaned forward. "You've spoken of friendship, to build connections with the people of our world, and of your desire to help us, to give us new possibilities. I don't doubt your sincerity," he began, voice measured. "But I must ask the question that troubles us most, the one lingering heavily on all our minds… How did this so-called 'Stellaron' come to appear in our world?"
A heavy silence fell over the chamber.
He raised a hand before anyone could respond, anticipating their alarm. "To be clear, we do not suspect your group of causing its appearance, nor do we believe you are the reason it is here. The evidence we gathered from the island mission was clear: the Stellaron existed in this world long before your arrival."
His gaze softened, sincerity lacing his words. "On the contrary, we are truly grateful to you for taking action. If Kokabiel's plan had succeeded, the devastation would've been unimaginable. Perhaps this very conference would never even have had the chance to happen."
He looked toward Hajime and his companions with sincerity. "But still… we want to understand what it truly is. What can we do to prevent this kind of intrusion again? And more importantly, how do we stop it, should it ever happen once more?"
Alice inclined her head, her expression warm. "Thank you for your trust. It means a lot to us."
She took a deep breath before continuing. "As for the Stellaron… we'll share all that we know. But even our knowledge has limits. Not even we know its true origin."
Hajime folded his arms, adding bluntly, "And anyone who says they do is lying."
Alice gave him a sideways glance, then continued with a more serious tone. "Stellarons are a type of lifeform with a unique property. They're tethered to a particular Path, or to the power of an Aeon. What makes them especially dangerous is how they respond to the collective desire of the world they're bound to. But fulfilling those desires often leads only to catastrophe."
She let her words settle before continuing. "There is almost no known way to destroy a Stellaron. At best, other factions have managed to contain their energy and suppress their influence."
Anisphia chimed in, her voice unusually serious. "The most widely accepted theory is that Stellarons are 'seeds' of cataclysmic anomalies scattered across the universe by the Aeon of Destruction. Wherever one is activated, forces of Destruction inevitably follow." She let her gaze sweep across the gathered leaders. "It's one of the most debated topics in the universe—whether there's a true link, or just coincidence, that the Antimatter Legion always appears when a Stellaron becomes active. Either way, the timing is far too consistent to ignore."
Hajime leaned forward, picking up seamlessly. "Even among other factions, civilizations, and coalitions across the stars—none of them fully understand Stellarons either. The IPC governs interstellar commerce across galaxies. The Xianzhou Alliance fought for thousands of years against immortal abominations. The Genius Society and the Intelligentsia Guild push the boundaries of science and creation. The Garden of Recollection who collects the memories of the entire universe. The Family who promotes unity and harmony. Even the Masked Fools who chase pleasure and joy in their own questionable ways. And many more."
He paused, letting the names settle across the room.
"Just like us, none of them truly understand what a Stellaron really is."
Anisphia nodded, resting her chin lightly on her hand. "We've searched the databank in the Express, and even dig through the historical logs left by the Nameless who came before us. But there's nothing definitive. The Stellarons have always been there in the records as if they were already part of the universe by the time anyone noticed."
She looked across the room. "What we do know for certain is that at least, there was a generation of Nameless who managed to create a method to seal them. Because the Stellaron's presence often disrupts and hinders the Path of Trailblaze itself."
Her words carried through the chamber, and the room fell into contemplative silence. The leaders of the Three Factions—Sirzechs, Michael, Azazel, Serafall, Gabriel, and Shemhazai—sat deep in thought, digesting the scope of what Hajime's group had shared. Around them, members from each side murmured quietly, their minds stretched by concepts and threats far beyond their world's comprehension. For a long moment, no one spoke. The value of what they had learned pressed heavily on their thoughts, each leader grappling with implications that reached far beyond their old enmities.
Shemhazai, who had remained silent since his last question, finally exhaled and spoke in a low, resigned voice. "So in the end... there's nothing we can do to stop this from happening again, is there?"
His words weren't bitter, only weary—tired of battles, of endless threats.
Alice's gaze softened as she answered gently, "Unfortunately, no. We can't stop it from coming. Not yet. Not with what we have now."
Anisphia nodded firmly. "What you can do right now is prepare for how to respond. Act decisively when the time comes—seal it as early as possible to prevent it from corrupting the world. And destroy it, if you can."
She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table, her gaze sweeping the room. "But one thing is clear. Ignoring it? Pretending it won't come back? That's the surest way to lose everything."
Shemhazai gave a grim smile. "Then I suppose we'll need to learn how to act fast."
Michael raised his eyes, his mind turning toward decisions yet to come. "Then let us face what lies ahead—not with naive optimism, but with full understanding of what we stand against."
Sirzechs laced his fingers together. "Yes. This will be the first step we choose to face together, instead of apart."
Azazel leaned back with his familiar smirk, tapping his fingers on the table. "In that case, we would like access to your knowledge and sealing methods for the Stellarons. In exchange, I'll offer our complete research on artificial Sacred Gears. It's the best tech we've got, and I trust you'll put it to better use than most."
Then, with a teasing glint in his eye, Azazel added, "And of course, full approval for your and Lavinia's 'family plan.'"
Hajime choked, pounding his chest as he glared at the smug Fallen Governor.
"Don't add such things in diplomatic talks!!"
On either side of him, Alice and Anisphia smiled far too sweetly, their brows twitching in unison.
"We might have supported Lavi's inclusion into our family…" Alice said, her tone polite but edged.
"…But you're not even going to ask our opinion first?" Anisphia finished, her smile sharp.
Azazel snorted. "Why? Were you going to reject it?"
The two of them froze, teeth clenched, unable to deny Lavinia's sweet request as they love it to happen as well.
"Thought so!" Azazel laughed, clearly enjoying himself.
Hajime groaned, muttering, "Why does it always feel like he's trying to get me in these types of situations…"
From the Devil's side, Sona's composed facade cracked, her ears turning red as she glanced sharply at Hajime.
Lavinia, however, lit up with pure delight. "Thank you, Governor Azazel~! I'll make sure Hakkun works extra hard on it!"
"Don't just agree to it!!" Hajime barked, flustered.
Before he could argue further, Serafall shot to her feet with her usual flair. "For the Devil side, I officially offer our support: resources, forces, wealth, you name it! Besides," she added with a teasing wink, "you better accept it. I'm giving you my precious sister, after all."
"ONEE-SAMA!!!" Sona shrieked, face crimson as she tried to pull her sister back down, earning chuckles from across the room.
Gabriel followed gracefully, her voice warm and serene. "Heaven also offers our full assistance—whether it be Holy relics, support forces, or sacred armaments, even Holy Swords. Call upon us whenever the need arises."
The generosity stunned Hajime and his companions. Even they hadn't expected such sweeping offers.
"Please, we'll share everything we know about the Stellarons, even without what you are offering," Hajime replied firmly.
Anisphia pushed him aside with a twinkle in her eyes, her voice rising with excitement. "Ignore him! We'll gladly take the Artificial Sacred Gear tech off your hands. With deep appreciation, of course!"
Hajime turned toward her, blinking. "Ha?! Wait, we're—?"
She cut him off with a sharp glare that spoke louder than words: Don't you dare reject this.
He swallowed hard, then forced a small nod. "...Right. Much appreciated."
Alice sighed, covering her mouth with her hand to hide a smile. "Honestly, you two are hopeless."
Their back-and-forth drew a wave of light chuckles from around the table, easing the tension just enough.
Alice cleared her throat softly, gently guiding the conversation back on track. "We'll share the knowledge we've gathered about the Stellarons—including research from the Guild and the Society, as well as the known methods to seal them. More importantly, we'll help you develop sealing methods of your own, so you won't have to rely solely on us."
She paused, her tone sharpening into something more serious. "But as for destroying one… that's another matter entirely. The process is far more volatile, far more dangerous. Some would even call it close to impossible."
Anisphia leaned forward, folding her arms. "At this point, even within our crew, only three of us have the capability to destroy a Stellaron—our Hajime, our ace Kiana, and our captain, Noah."
Hajime let out a low sigh, muttering, "And it's never the fun kind of job either."
Alice gave him a side glance, lips twitching. "When is anything ever fun for you?"
That earned a small ripple of chuckles around the table. But at the mention of a certain name, Gabriel's serene expression came into confusion, surprise, and a strange familiarity. Her eyes stayed on the group, as if chasing a memory she couldn't quite place.
"Noah…" she repeated softly, tasting the name on her lips. "Why does that feel… familiar?"
Michael turned his head slightly, brows furrowed. "Gabriel?"
Gabriel pressed her lips together, then looked at the group directly. "Your captain… Noah. Could you tell me more about him?"
Hajime, Alice, and Anisphia exchanged puzzled glances. Alice hesitated for a moment before speaking. "He's our leader and the current navigator of the Astral Express."
Anisphia tilted her head, raising a brow. "Why? Does that name mean something to you?"
Gabriel shook her head slowly, though her brows remained furrowed. "I don't think so. And yet… that name, it feels as though I should know it."
At her words, Hajime's eyes narrowed, thoughts stirring. A whisper of memory surfaced—Noah's words from not long before the conference had been confirmed:
"Just encounters… for both you and me."
"They've waited a long time already… but it's still not the right moment. Just a little more longer."
Hajime exhaled quietly.
So that's how it is, he thought. The one the Force meant. He glanced towards Ingvild at his side.
If I was meant to awaken Ingvild… then it must be Gabriel whom Noah is destined to meet.
He turned his head slightly, catching Alice's eyes. She tilted her head, realization dawning in her expression. On his other side, Anisphia's lips parted before she gave a small, knowing nod.
No words passed between them, only a silent recognition. Whatever link existed between Noah and Gabriel, it wasn't yet clear—but it was there.
Gabriel slowly shook her head, exhaling a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The strange feeling in her heart when Noah's name was spoken faded into a sigh, her expression settling back into its usual grace.
"I… apologize," she said softly, her voice carrying a faint tremor. "But may I ask you something, Nagumo-san?"
Hajime tilted his head curiously. "Of course."
Gabriel hesitated for a heartbeat, then reached under the table and carefully drew out a small, elegant box—white with ornate golden linings that lit up with divine craftsmanship. She set it gently upon the table in front of her.
The moment it appeared, the atmosphere in the room changed.
Michael's expression became solemn as he gave Gabriel a single, respectful nod.
Azazel's eyes widened, his usual smirk wiped clean. "You're… bringing that out here? In front of everyone?"
Shemhazai sat up straighter, tension laced in his voice. "That box… why now?"
Across the table, Serafall and Sirzechs exchanged confused glances, frowns tugging at their brows.
Hajime, Alice, Anisphia, Ingvild, Sagiri, Villhaze, Griselda, Irina, Vasco, Dulio, the Slash Dog team, and the Gremory and Sitri Peerages murmured among themselves, confusion and unease rippling across all three factions.
Gabriel kept her gaze fixed on the box, her voice soft but steady. "Please. I want you to try and touch it. I need to know… if you can awaken what sleeps inside."
Her fingers brushed the top of the box gently, as though she were carrying not just a relic, but a promise made long ago.
"What is that?" Hajime murmured, confusion in his tone as he glanced between Michael, Azazel, and Shemhazai. Their unusual reactions spoke volumes. "Judging by your faces… whatever's in that box isn't ordinary."
Azazel gave a low whistle. "Ordinary? That's one way to put it…"
Gabriel lifted her head and met Hajime's gaze with a gentle, bittersweet smile—one touched by distant memories and an ache that lingered within her heart.
"This was entrusted to me… during the final days," she said quietly, her gaze distant as if watching the memory unfold. "It is the last Sacred Gear ever crafted by Father. It was made using His own will."
The room froze. Even Serafall stopped fidgeting, her eyes wide.
Gabriel's eyes lowered to the ornate seal glowing faintly atop the box. "It has never responded to anyone since. For countless years, I have asked heroes and humans alike to try opening it but…" she released a bitter sigh, "…none could. So I've held onto it… waiting. For that someone…"
She didn't finish the sentence. She didn't have to.
Michael's expression was unreadable, but his nod carried quiet understanding. Azazel remained silent, his gaze fixed on the box with rare seriousness.
Shemhazai muttered under his breath, "The Crowned Clown… God's final creation."
Alice blinked, tilting her head. "Crowned… what?"
Gabriel lifted her gaze, her voice as soft as a hymn. "The Crowned Clown, God's Joker. Father said that whoever awakens it… shall carry Heaven's fate. And I—" she paused, her tone faintly wistful, "—am to accompany that person."
Anisphia glanced at Hajime briefly, then back to the box. "And if Hajime can't awaken it?"
Gabriel smiled faintly, her expression calm. "Then… he isn't the one I'm waiting for."
A silence fell once more.
Hajime studied the box for a long moment, then slowly shook his head. His eyes lifted to meet Gabriel's with certainty.
"No… I'm not the one meant to awaken that."
Gabriel blinked, taken aback. ".. Why do you sound so sure?"
Hajime looked at her and smiled gently. "Because I think… the person you are waiting for is our Captain, Noah."
Gabriel's breath caught slightly, the corners of her lips parting in realization.
"You felt something, didn't you," Hajime continued, his tone calm but insistent. "That moment, when you first heard his name."
At his words, Gabriel closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her chest. And just like before, that subtle, unmistakable warmth bloomed the moment Noah's name appeared in her mind.
She opened her eyes again and gave Hajime a soft nod of confirmation. She understood.
Looking at the rest of the crew, her voice filled with anticipation and hope. "May I meet him? Your captain?"
Alice and Anisphia exchanged a glance, and Hajime offered her a gentle smile.
"You will. But you need to wait just a bit longer."
Gabriel furrowed her brows, her voice laced with impatience—or perhaps a long-buried yearning. "Why not now? Why do I have to wait?"
Hajime didn't answer immediately. He took a breath, choosing his words carefully.
"Noah is… a bit special," he said calmly. "He has this ability that guides him—an instinct, almost. He follows it, and more often than not, it saves us."
Alice nodded gently. "Our Captain walks a line that few can even see, let alone understand. He doesn't act on chance—he acts when the moment truly calls for it."
Anisphia added with a faint smile, "We don't always understand it ourselves. But when he moves, it's never without reason. It's because that's the moment that matters."
Gabriel lowered her eyes, her hand lingering against her chest, the feeling in her heart refusing to settle. Yet she understood enough to release a sigh.
"When the time is right, then," she whispered softly.
Hajime smiled at her, his voice warm. "He'll find you. Of that, I'm certain. And I believe it won't be long—maybe even after this conference."
Gabriel's lips curved into a small, hopeful smile as she pressed her hand more firmly to her chest. "Then… I'll wait, just a little longer."
Hajime gave her a teasing grin. "Just a heads up, our Captain loves making dramatic entrances."
Alice laughed softly. "So when he dramatically appears and you finally meet him, you should give him a scolding. Tell him to stop making angels wait so long!"
Anisphia leaned in with a playful smirk. "And make sure you demand he spoils you. Trust me, he's really good at that."
Gabriel blinked rapidly, her cheeks blooming a gentle pink. "W-What? I would never—! That's… improper!"
Alice tilted her head with a mischievous smile. "Improper, but you're not denying it."
The room chuckled, the tension easing as even the most guarded leaders relaxed at the sight. Azazel laughed aloud, grinning ear to ear. "Looks like our dear sister is finally getting a taste of that elusive thing called love."
"Azazel!" Gabriel's voice pitched higher in protest, her blush deepening as she glared at him.
Even Sirzechs gave a faint smile while Serafall whispered dramatically to Sona, "So-tan, I think we're witnessing Gabriel's love story live!"
"Shh! Onee-sama, not now!" Sona hissed.
The laughter lingered warmly in the air—
Until, without warning, a massive explosion rocked the chamber. The shockwave tore through the walls, cracks spiderwebbed across the ceiling, and debris rained down. Screams erupted as the protective barriers flared to life, barely holding the collapse at bay.
The peace they had worked so hard to forge was facing its first challenge.