AN: Once again another day has passed.
Tomorrow we will again face reality of our responsibilities...
Somehow that was little heavy....
ahem! anyways here is this weekends last update.
Chapter 96 of Volume 2 is now up!
Please enjoy!! And I do hope you share your comments of what you think so far!
PS: Thank you to After_Wing and Master_Sigil for the Power stones this week as well! Thank you for your continued support!
—------
Yuuragi-sou, one morning a few days after the cataclysm that almost destroyed the world. The breakfast table filled the halls with the warm scent of food, drawing the sleepy footsteps of the residents and waking the silent dining area back to life. Soon it was buzzing with laughter carrying the intimacy of a family meal.
"Pass the rice, Tomoe-senpai!" Ruruko called, half-laughing as she nudged an empty bowl forward.
"Only if you stop hoarding the pickled plums," Tomoe shot back with a mock glare, though the soft curve of her lips gave her away.
Reya and Momo leaned close to Shigune, their voices a melodic whisper as they debated their favorite bath scents lavender versus yuzu. Nearby, Natsume and Kouki were practically wrestling over the slices of egg rolls, chopsticks clacking mid-air like sparring blades.
"Hey! bottomless pit!" Natsume hissed, elbowing Kouki. "This isn't your last meal on Earth. Try having a little shame."
Kouki winced, clutching his sides. "Ow!! You damn Birdbrain, can you at least let me enjoy my meal!"
Lavinia, meanwhile, was serenely stacking pancakes into a precarious tower, humming a gentle tune.
Even Ophis sat quietly at the end of the table, demolishing her own chocolate-covered pancake stack while Ingvild watched over her like a patient older sister, gently wiping the chocolate from her cheeks with an amused smile.
Since the victory party a few days ago, the Slash/Dog team and Sitri Peerage had become semi-permanent residents of the inn. They each had their own rooms now and joined the others for meals. From time to time the Gremory peerage, Azazel, Michael, Gabriel, Serafall, and Sirzechs would drop in to share food as well. Most evenings, however, the full DxD team gathered for dinner, using the chance to exchange updates and keep everyone in the loop. Their excuse was simple: the hot springs of the inn were unmatched for easing fatigue, and the food was always delicious, much to Chitose's glee at their constant compliments.
Hajime, half-lost in the gentle din, sat between Alice and Anisphia, both still glowing from their 'night' together a few days prior. His attention slowly turned to the television, which played updates on Japan's rebuilding efforts and reports on how other countries were coping with the cataclysm.
"Good Morning. This is NHK News, reporting on the ongoing rebuilding efforts across Japan after the invasion of the Dimensional Monsters and the Apocalyptic Beast."
The screen showed footage of construction crews working side by side with magicians, angels, fallen angels and devils. Entire districts of Tokyo that had been reduced to rubble are now full of life as various groups work together in restoring the buildings, bridges, homes and roads back to its former glory.
"While millions of lives were tragically lost and even more millions injured, relief shelters are full of volunteers. Reconstruction has been accelerated thanks to cooperation from normal and magical groups along with the mysterious Nameless. Some cities have already seen residents return to their homes, supported by aid from local governance and our nation's own forces."
Across the screen, testimonies flashed:
A mother hugging her child: "We thought we'd never see our home again… but thanks to everyone fighting, we can smile today."
A weary firefighter wiping sweat from his brow: "It's hard work, but after what we all survived, nothing feels impossible."
A shopkeeper sweeping the rubble from his storefront: "Even if my shop is gone, the neighborhood is still here. That means we can start again."
Two schoolgirls holding hands: "Classes are in tents for now, but we all survive that breaking of the world, even some of our friends and schoolmates didn't make it. That's what matters."
An elderly man watching volunteers raise new walls: "In my lifetime I've seen war and loss… but never this much kindness. It gives me hope."
The news continued with updates on rebuilding progress in other countries under the headline 'Global Unity After the Apocalypse'. From New York to London, from Cairo to Seoul, the footage showed the same scenes, scaffolding, aid convoys, children playing in temporary shelters, and banners that read Together We Rebuild.
Moments later, the news plays the message from their sun goddess, Amaterasu Okami, her voice carrying warmth across Japan. "Children of this land, you have endured great loss. Yet even in despair, you chose to rise together. Know that I, Amaterasu Okami, bless your courage and will guide your steps toward a brighter dawn. I would also like to use this chance to thank our friends, the Trailblazers for supporting our nation and the friendship they extended toward us. Please know that Japan will forever welcome you all and we will surely continue to protect the peace and hope you have given to us."
"Looks like the world is recovering albeit slow." Hajime muttered as he sipped his coffee.
Sona at the side nods sipping her own coffee to wash away her sleepiness. "... With the joint efforts of various factions around the world, most of the important facilities and vital roads are fixed immediately to have a smoother flow of materials needed for aid and construction."
"There are also the supplies provided by Captain Noah and the urgent materials you created with your powers, Hajime," Tobio added, rolling his shoulders. The fatigue from yesterday's mission with the Slash/Dog team was still heavy on him.
Sae placed her hands on his shoulders, gently massaging them. Seeing his expression soften, she smiled. "The food and medical supplies given by all of you brought relief to so many. Especially those medical pods—a lot of lives were saved because of them."
"Sadly, due to the limited numbers of pods, we can only let those who are gravely injured use them," Alice said as she nibbled on her toast.
"Even with the food, medical, and magical supplies, since we only stocked about three months' worth, our help is still limited," Anisphia added, taking a sip of her miso soup.
"Please, don't worry about that. The technological assistance that you Nameless have provided, not just here in Japan but across the entire world, has already lifted a huge burden from us," Sagiri murmured sleepily as she entered the dining area, joining Hajime and the rest at their side of the table. She had only just woken up, exhaustion clear on her face after days of aiding Kuoh's reconstruction late into the night. With fatigue piling up and her sleep deprivation from early mornings, her body had finally reached its limit, and her grandmother had ordered her to rest for the day.
As she said, Noah indeed agreed and gave a green signal to lend the droids, golems, and other tools to aid the reconstruction. In his words, 'They are just sitting in the Express collecting dust, so why not let them go out and touch some grass~.'
Soon the news showed the very same helper bots carrying supplies into hard-to-reach areas, hand-shaped constructs clearing rubble into trucks, golems hauling equipment to rebuild shattered houses, drones scanning from above for survivors, and even machines flattening roads so relief convoys could pass through. Energy grids were installed at key stations, bringing light back to communities.
"Sagiri-sama, please have some coffee to lift your spirit," a blue-haired girl with bangs covering her right eye said, setting a steaming cup before her.
Sagiri took a sip, warmth spreading through her tired body. "Thank you, Rem."
"You're welcome," the blue-haired girl—Rem, replied gently.
"...Still, Sagiri-sama, you've been working too hard lately. If you keep pushing yourself, you'll fall ill," a pink-haired girl who looked almost identical to Rem but her bangs covered her left eye instead, lightly scolded her as she set a plate of food down.
"Ugh! You don't need to scold me too, Ram. Obaba-sama already did that yesterday," Sagiri winced as she replied. "Isn't that why I'm staying home to rest today?"
—-
Ram and Rem were twin half-oni, half-human childhood friends of Sagiri. To them, Sagiri was more than a benefactor, she was a family. After their village was destroyed by demonic beings, leaving the twins as the sole survivors, it was Sagiri who rescued them during that time. From that day, they devoted their lives to her.
Due to Sagiri, being the granddaughter of the matriarch of the Chuuma ninjas, had taken on heavy responsibilities and often neglected herself, the twins took it upon themselves to help with her daily needs. They not only supported her in her ordinary life before coming to Yuuragi-sou but also acted as her assistants in many of her tasks.
When Sagiri later became the liaison of Shinto and Japan to the Trailblazers and especially after the cataclysm, when the supernatural world was revealed to the mundane side and the Nameless rose in fame, Ameno Shigure, Sagiri's grandmother, tasked Ram and Rem with transferring to Sagiri permanently as her personal helpers.
With the addition of Ram and Rem, Alice and Anisphia teased Hajime that he hadn't just gained the Ameno princess but also 'twin maids,' much to his exasperation. Villhaze, on the other hand, felt her position threatened by the twins' arrival. Although Ram and Rem treated Hajime and the others with the same respect they gave Sagiri, they couldn't help but feel a sense of rivalry toward Villhaze, who had been the one caring for Hajime and the girls before they joined.
Seeing Villhaze proudly wearing the maid uniform Hajime had made for her, the twins immediately requested the same. Villhaze vetoed the idea at once.
"Huh?! Why do you two need to wear the same uniform? Aren't you helpers of Sagiri-sama? You're not maids for His Majesty, so you don't need to wear this sacred uniform!" Villhaze snapped, folding her arms defensively.
"Just what are you talking about, Villhaze-chan? Sagiri-sama is someone promised by our nation's god to Hajime-sama," Rem said calmly.
"Exactly. Just like Ingvild-sama, Sagiri-sama will be a wife of Hajime-sama, making him our 'lord' by extension," Ram added with a smug little smile.
"So by default, it gives us the same position as you, which means we have every right to wear the same uniform!" the two declared in unison.
Before Villhaze could refute them, Anisphia stepped in with amusement in her eyes. "Alright, girls, calm down for a bit!"
"Anis-sama!" "Lady Anis!"
"Listen! What Ram and Rem said actually makes sense. So, Vill-chan, your disapproval is denied!" Anisphia declared.
"What?! How could this be, Lady Anis?!" Villhaze gasped in shock.
"So on behalf of our family, I grant Ram-chan and Rem-chan the right to wear the 'Reason'-approved maid uniform!" Anisphia announced proudly.
"Thank you very much, Anis-sama. We will not let you down," Ram and Rem said together, bowing deeply.
Meanwhile, Sagiri facepalmed, her cheeks and ears red with embarrassment, while Ingvild gave her an apologetic look.
"..Sorry, Sagiri-san, for Vill-chan."
Sighing, Sagiri returned the same look. "No, it's not her fault… they just have this strange rivalry with Villhaze, so I should also apologize for these two."
"....So no one is going to ask my opinion?" Hajime muttered, but was ignored by everyone.
"Umu!" Anis nodded firmly. "Ah! By the way, Lavi, before I forget—do you have a maid?"
Lavinia, who had been quietly watching the fun, blinked in surprise at being called out. "Eh?"
"Yes, Lavi-san. Maids are pretty much included for those who are in a relationship with Hajime," Alice said as she sipped her tea, while Anisphia nodded with crossed arms.
The others glanced between them, confused as to why they were saying this.
"Hey, hey, Alice-san? Anis-san? Just what are the two of you talking about? Could you please not spread such rumors about me?" Hajime finally snapped, unable to take it anymore.
"Patricia," Alice deadpanned, which immediately shut Hajime's mouth.
"Ilia? Lainie? Do those names ring a bell, my dear?" Anisphia said with half-lidded eyes.
Hajime clamped his lips shut, not daring to move. Tobio and the others could actually see the sweat trickling down his temples.
"Ah… Vill-chan for me?" Ingvild tilted her head innocently as she spoke.
"Ram and Rem are here for Sagiri-sama." Ram said with a smirk while Rem bowed gracefully.
"WAIT A MINUTE RAM!!!" Sagiri turned to Ram with disbelief. "The r-relationship t-thing is still in consideration! Why are you acting as if the deal is done already?!"
Rem and Ram blink and only give her a gentle look.
Tsubaki Shinra adjusted her glasses and glanced at Sona. "President… Does this mean we have to wear maid uniforms as well?"
Sona choked on her tea, snapping her gaze toward Tsubaki. "E-Excuse me?!"
"Ehh?!" Tomoe Meguri and Ruruko Nimura yelped together.
Renya Kusaka scratched his cheek, a faint blush creeping up. "Ah… well, if it's really required, I wouldn't mind. Though it's a little embarrassing."
Momo Hanakai twirled a strand of her hair, her face pink. "Hmm… the maid uniform they wear actually looks nice. I guess I wouldn't mind either."
Tsubasa Yura fidgeted nervously. "B-but isn't that a little too girlish for me?"
Saji Genshiro went pale. "W-wait, don't tell me… do I have to wear one too ?!"
"Please don't. Even if it's funny, just don't," Hajime, Tobio, and Kouki all said at once, deadpan.
Lavinia tapped her chin with her finger, tilting her head in thought. "Hmm… I don't know if I can call Bel-chan my maid, but… she has been taking care of me ever since my days in Wizards of Oz…"
Hajime looked at her with wide eyes, silently pleading that this shouldn't count.
"But… Lavi-san, Belfast-san has a habit of wearing maid uniforms, doesn't she?" Shigune pointed out.
"Huh? Now that I think about it, ever since I met Belfast-san she's always been wearing a maid uniform," Natsume added, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
"...She also works and moves exactly like one too," Sae said in realization.
The pale Hajime felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he saw Tobio giving him a gentle look, though the amusement in his eyes was impossible to miss. "Don't worry, Belfast-san is good at her work. She'll surely manage your lives properly."
"...I'll say thanks, but your expression really makes me want to punch you," Hajime replied dryly.
—----
Back to the present, Ram and Rem now wore maid uniforms styled after Villhaze's but with their own touches: black dresses with white accents and detached sleeves, aprons tied neatly at the waist, and headbands completing the look. Ram's uniform was marked by a flower-shaped ribbon and clip on the right side of her hair, while Rem's matched on the left.
Hajime blinked as he thought back to the whirlwind of chaos from the last few days even while balancing the rebuilding efforts.
He turned to Chitose, sipping his coffee. "By the way, Chitose-san… me and the girls will have to leave soon to continue our journey. Since our expedition in this world can finally be declared complete. So we will now move to our next stop."
Silence fell over the room.
Lavinia's fork froze halfway to her mouth, her pancake tower forgotten. Sona's fingers tightened around her teacup. Sagiri looked up from her plate, lips pressed together. Even Gabriel, mid-discussion with Michael, Serafall, and Azazel, let her spoon settle soundlessly into her cup.
Chitose blinked once, her gaze sweeping across the three Trailblazers. "…I see," she said slowly, her voice soft. "Then I'll just say this, thank you for everything you've done for this world. And please, keep yourselves safe."
Hajime gave her a short, grateful smile. "Thanks. Also… can we set Space Anchors in the inn?"
Chitose blinked. "…Space Anchors?"
"Yes. And to go with that, we'll change our rental terms," Hajime added casually while chewing his food. "We'll switch to a yearly rental. It makes things simpler in the long run."
Everyone froze, staring at him in bewilderment. It was as if someone had hit the pause button on reality.
Sona and her peerage. The Slash/Dog team. Gabriel. Michael, Serafall, Azazel, Chitose, Yuuna, Nonko, and Yaya, they all sat in stunned silence.
"...Nagumo-san," Chitose said, smile strained. "Aren't you leaving?"
"Yep," Hajime replied, cheerfully stabbing a piece of omelet.
"Then why are you still… paying??" she asked suspiciously.
The realization crashed over them.
Hajime tensed. Alice's spoon hovered, trembling slightly. Anisphia stiffened, her grip on her mug tightening.
"...Didn't we explain what a Space Anchor is?" Hajime asked carefully.
"You said it was a teleportation node that marks a place as a designated teleportation area used by you Trailblazers," Sona said, eyes narrowing at the three.
"Uhh…" Alice began, forcing a nervous laugh. "You're right about that part, but…"
"But there's a tiny detail we left out," Anisphia cut in quickly, her voice a pitch higher.
Sona's eyes widened in realization. "Don't tell me…! you can use them to teleport back here anytime, even if you're halfway across the universe?!"
The trio exchanged guilty looks, then said in unison: "Ah…Teehee?"
Sagiri groaned, slapping a hand over her face. "You absolute morons."
"Yay~!" Lavinia squealed, practically throwing herself onto Hajime's arm with childlike glee. "So we're not saying goodbye after all!"
The tension burst like a balloon. Laughter returned to the room, louder and freer than before.
——
As the noise of clinking plates and teasing comments settled into conversation again, until a soft voice broke through.
"Um…" Gabriel lifted her hand slowly, like a student hesitant to speak. Her eyes were laced with hope. "Does this mean… even Noah-san can visit us again?"
Hajime blinked, then a small lopsided smile tugged at his lips. "Of course. He'll make sure of it. Especially if someone's waiting."
Alice's expression softened as she added, "Captain has full access to the Space Anchors too. So yes, Gabriel-san, he can and will surely visit you."
"Though you might want to prepare a tea set," Anisphia said with a chuckle. "Because he'll definitely bring snacks along with him."
Gabriel let out a joyful gasp, her entire face brightening. Then light burst from her like a sunrise, her wings trembling with joy as holy brilliance filled the room and wrapped everyone in luminous warmth.
The devils, however, screamed.
"Gah! Gabriel, stop purifying everyone—!" Serafall yelped, ducking behind a chair as golden light blazed across the inn.
"My eyebrows! I just styled them!" Ruruko shrieked, shielding her face with a napkin.
Tomoe sprinted for cover behind the counter. "I didn't sign up for holy sunburns!"
Saji, smoking faintly at the edges, flailed under the table. "I'm too young to be purified!"
Even Sona dove behind a chair, only her hair visible. "This is not how I planned to start my morning…"
"Turn it down, turn it down! Please!! We are melting!!" every devil in the room chorused, flailing and crawling under furniture.
Michael rushed to Gabriel's side, alarmed. "Sister! Please restrain your aura! Our devil friends are about to evaporate!"
Gabriel gasped, eyes wide as she cupped her hands over her mouth in embarrassment. The holy light dimmed, though she still glowed with joy. "O-oh dear! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"
Villhaze stood from where she had been shielding Ingvild, who had fainted. "Milady?! Are you okay?! Wake up, please!!"
"Fuueee…." Ingvild muttered softly, "...Too bright."
Azazel, slouched in a corner with a mug of coffee, snorted. "The Alliance we worked so hard to build almost got annihilated in just a few days… that's got to be a new record."
"Azazel!!!" Gabriel cried, pouting at him
—-
As everyone settled down, Hajime glanced at the apologetic Gabriel and the sighing Michael.
"I almost forgot," he said. "We actually received a communication from the others last night."
The moment he mentioned it, the angel duo straightened instinctively.
"Noah is currently studying his Sacred Gear, the Crowned Clown. He wants to fully understand it before using it again," Hajime continued.
Alice nodded gently. "He said he'll visit Heaven in two days, once he feels he has enough understanding of the gear's functions."
Gabriel's expression lit up, her hands clasped to her chest. "He's… coming to visit us?!"
Michael exhaled softly. "Then Heaven must prepare…"
Hajime chuckled lightly, lifting his hand as if to calm their enthusiasm. "Actually, Noah said not to go overboard."
Then Azazel chimed in with a sharp grin.
"So, he's heading up to Heaven?" he said. "That's something I wouldn't want to miss seeing with my own eyes."
Serafall leaned forward, curiosity bright in her gaze. "Would it be possible for representatives from the Underworld to observe the visit? We'll behave, I promise!"
Michael glanced at Gabriel, who gave a warm nod.
"Anyone who comes with sincerity and open hearts," he said softly, "Heaven will welcome them."
Azazel smirked, eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Then count me in. Let's see what kind of light the Crowned Clown throws around."
Serafall bounced in her seat, clapping her hands. "We'll surely prepare accordingly!!"
Hajime, Alice, and Anisphia exchanged glances, their smiles strained.
—------
Last night, Hajime and the girls were inside their shared room…
The room was peaceful. Hajime sat on the floor, elbow propped on the table, wondering how his life had become filled with princesses and maids. Ingvild wiped cookie crumbs from Ophis's cheeks. Alice busied herself writing reports to be entered into the Archives while Villhaze placed a cup of tea before her. Anisphia lay sprawled across the tatami, half-asleep.
Then Hajime's terminal buzzed.
They all perked up.
"Ah? Is that Captain?" Anisphia mumbled, lifting her head.
"Probably," Hajime sighed, tapping it. A holoscreen opened to life… before exploding in pink sparkles.
"Helloooo everyone~! Did you all miss me?" Elysia greeted with her usual bombastic charm, eyes shining like twin stars.
Hajime blinked. "…Cuddle siege?"
Alice sighed knowingly. "Most likely."
Anisphia snorted, resting her chin on her palm. "He probably couldn't start the call without moving those arms and legs first."
Elysia gasped dramatically, placing both hands on her cheeks. "Excuse you! No 'Hello, dazzling Elysia'? No 'We miss your shine that blind the sun'?"
She leaned forward with a playful menace. "Aren't you even a tiny bit curious why I am the one calling you?"
Hajime deadpanned. "Because Noah can't reach the screen without moving someone's thigh off his face."
Elysia pouted, then smiled again.
"Correct, but also wrong. I'm calling because my dear Noah asked me to deliver a message—" she twirled on the spot, pink aura flaring, "—he'll be heading to Heaven in two days. He's been working hard studying the Crowned Clown."
The sparkles around her dimmed. Her smile turned… into something else.
"He wants to meet everyone who entrusted him with this world's fate, after all."
"…it's Gabriel-san, right?" Hajime asked cautiously.
Elysia's tone didn't change, but the air grew colder.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she whispered, clasping her hands to her chest. "A fateful meeting between two people separated by endless distance and countless time. An angel waiting, unaware of the one she's destined for. And our dear Captain…My Noah..... helplessly drawn to her."
The temperature seemed to drop even further. Even Ophis scooted away.
"...ok… that's terrifying," Anisphia whispered, suddenly feeling awake.
Ingvild stiffened. Alice fidgeting. Hajime cold sweats. Villhaze shuddered
Elysia's eyes narrowed. "Isn't it wonderful? Romantic? Exquisite?"
Everyone let out a small shriek, even Ophis cling to Ingvild, hands shaking
The aura Elysia gave off wasn't dark. It was possessiveness. Like a rose with thorns that whispered, he's ours.
And just as it suddenly came, it vanished suddenly as well.
Elysia giggled, sparkles returning. "Anyway~! That's all! Tell them to expect him! But do not go overboard ok? He just want a simple reception.~"
With a wink, she vanished from the screen.
The room stayed silent for ten seconds.
"I hope Heaven's structural integrity holds," Hajime muttered.