AN: Thanks for the power stones DragonConquer1, SparkleEyeMole, Master_Sigil and After_Wing!
Ok bye for now I need to go back and finish the 3.7 story~
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Underworld, DxD World…
"Eh?! Captain-san deliberately sent us away from the Express?!!" Lavinia's voice rang through the cabin, filled with disbelief and just a touch of panic.
"Yes," Hajime replied calmly, meeting her wide eyes before glancing at the others. One by one, heads turned in their direction, as everyone in the entire cabin grew curious about what they were talking about.
Currently, as planned, Team Reason composed of Hajime, Alice, Anisphia, Euphyllia, Lavinia, Ingvild, Ophis, Sagiri, Sona, Villhaze, Illia, Lainei, Belfast, and Ram, were back in the DxD world, riding the train headed toward the Sitri territory in the underworld.
Riding with them were the entire Sitri Peerage: Tsubaki Shinra, Momo Hanakai, Reya Kusaka, Tomoe Meguri, Tsubasa Yura, Genshirou Saji, and Ruruko Nimura, along with the Slash/Dog team: Tobio Ikuse, Sae Toujou, Natsume Minagawa, Shigune Nanaderu, and Kouki Samejima. All of them were to attend the Youth Devil Gathering and the upcoming meeting with the Norse Pantheon to discuss a potential alliance.
"But why?" Lavinia tilted her head, confusion clear in her voice. "Didn't he tell us this was supposed to be a vacation?"
Hajime sighed softly, realizing everyone was staring at him again. "That's just how he works. Like Hachi said, don't take Noah's words at face value, there's always something hidden behind them."
"Still! He should've told us that upfront!" Lavinia puffed her cheeks, clearly pouting now. "I thought we got kicked out for misbehaving!"
"Lavi, calm down a bit," Hajime replied dryly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Our dear Captain probably wanted us to act as a deterrent… or a distraction. It's likely meant to cover the Express's trail and lure out whoever's targeting us."
Lavinia, still pouting. "So we are… a bait now?"
"Not a bait," Hajime corrected with a wry smirk, "But decoys, stylish ones that is."
Sagiri let out a snort at Hajime's description.
The tension in the air slightly rose at Hajime's words. Even the ever-cheerful Anisphia fell silent, her mind already racing through possible reasons for Noah's decision.
"As expected," she murmured after releasing a small sigh, tapping a finger thoughtfully against her armrest. "Captain had something in mind when he put us on reserve, things are never simple when he makes a move."
"B-but what kind of situation are we in that made Noah-san split us from the rest?" Ingvild asked softly, worry clear in her voice.
"Honestly? Even I don't know much," Hajime admitted. "But Noah mentioned something about a 'danger' which they will take care of with the Hyperion and that there's something only Alice might be able to handle."
Alice crossed her arms, brows furrowing as she tried to imagine the scenarios that would require her specifically. "Something only I can solve…?" she murmured.
"...Perhaps it isn't Alice-sama of Team Reason that's needed," Euphyllia spoke up suddenly, her tone thoughtful, "but [Dialogue] Alice of the Astral Express."
Everyone turned toward her, curiosity piqued.
"Euphy?" Anisphia tilted her head, clearly intrigued. "What made you say that?"
Euphyllia sat straighter, adjusting her posture before explaining, "Because Noah-sama specifically asked for Alice-sama. And if we talked about her within the crew, it would be all about either negotiation or diplomatic tasks."
She turned to Hajime, her usual gentle expression taking on a rare seriousness. "If I may, Hajime-sama… what exactly were Noah-sama's words?"
Hajime furrowed his brows, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "His exact words were, 'You going out there, showing yourselves to the public, will already deal with half the problem. And with Alice out there with you, that part will definitely be solved.' Something like that."
Euphyllia nodded slowly, as if confirming her deduction. Alice's eyes perked up with realization, she was starting to understand her role in Noah's plan.
"If Noah-sama and the others are handling the 'danger,' and told us to reveal ourselves publicly, more specifically to the worlds we added or reconnected to the Silver Rails Network, then this might be meant to pacify someone," Euphyllia reasoned, her eyes turning across the room. "Or perhaps to give certain factions the chance to approach us first."
She looks around towards everyone as they let her words sink in to them. "Assigning Alice-sama to do a task usually means this might be something that requires her personal approach as the de facto diplomat for the Trailblazers, the one in-charge of navigating the political arena for the Nameless. Someone who can read people and disarm them with her words."
Her words made everyone from Team Reason feel that this trip might not be as simple as they thought. Hajime and Anisphia expressions become thoughtful, both already thinking through the implications, while Alice quickly organizes her thoughts, running through possible factions and motives.
Anisphia finally broke the silence with a wry smile. "So… a diplomatic mission in the guise of vacation. Sounds like a work just fit for us."
Alice chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Maybe. But knowing Captain, this is just the tip of an iceberg."
"Sorry to interrupt, but… hearing all what you have been discussing.. I'm concerned about the other issue." Tobio raised his hand hesitantly, his tone polite yet laced with curiosity. "Fully knowing the strength of Noa–Ehh… Captain and the rest, is there any faction that can make him act too cautiously, like this?"
"Hmmm…" Hajime tapped his chin, thinking aloud. "Noah's definitely wary of three in particular, the Family, the Masked Fools and the Garden of Recollections. Since all of them are the most unpredictable forces in the universe. But aside from them, the other major factions aren't a problem. At least, not at the moment."
"The Genius Society hardly interacts with others," Alice added, adjusting her posture. "Aside from Madam Herta and her colleagues, Mr. Screwllum, Ms. Ruan Mei, and Mr. Stephen, we don't have any real contact with the rest."
Anisphia nodded, resting her chin on her hand. "The Intelligentsia Guild, on the other hand, maintains a good relationship with us. They often send requests for commissions to us if they need something for their research. The Xianzhou Alliance is our ally, they respect the Nameless and we do admire them. While the Galaxy Rangers are… well, preoccupied with their so-called 'war' against Dr. Primitive from the Society."
Hajime took over again with a calm tone. "And as for most of the others, our relationship is neutral. The Arbitrators, IPC, History Fictionologists, Knights of Beauty, Doctors of Chaos, and many more. All in the same category."
"The Antimatter Legion, Denizens of Abundance, remnants of the Swarm, and the Cremators are the usual troublemakers," Anisphia continued, her tone growing a bit dry. "But these days, they're just background noise. Nothing we can't handle." She paused before smirking. "...Well, unless it's an Emanator."
Hajime gave a half-hearted chuckle. "I doubt anyone of that level would appear this time." He leaned back on his seat.
"Hmm? What makes you say that?" Sagiri raises her brows, curiosity in her eyes.
"Simple, Noah let Hachi join the expedition this time," Hajime replied simply. That alone made Alice and Anisphia share a nod of understanding.
"Besides," Hajime added with a small, wry smile, "even if an Emanator did appear, Noah, Kiana, and Elysia are still there. Those three can handle an Emanator or two. And if things really go out of hand… Madam Herta can just swat it like a fly."
Anisphia snorted softly. "That's true. If all four of them are present, then it's not a fight anymore but a bomb waiting to explode."
"Hmmm… then if it's really like that…. Why did Noah-san act so vigilant?" Sona asked, tilting her head in confusion. "He went as far as to send the Express to a far away world while taking the Hyperion somewhere to face this 'danger,' while sending us across worlds as distractions."
A short silence fell before Euphyllia carefully raised her hands, "I think… we are forgetting one more faction, one with both power and reputation that rivaled the Nameless." She stopped for a second, meeting everyone's eyes. "The Stellaron Hunters."
Hajime, Anisphia, and Alice all winced at the name Euphyllia mentioned. The rest of the members of Team Reason and the Slash/Dog Team exchanged uneasy glances, recalling what little they knew, while the Sitri Peerage looked at each other in confusion, clearly lost in the conversation.
"Stellaron Hunters… I think I read about them before, haven't I?" Kouki Samejima muttered, brows furrowed as he tried to recall the reports he and the rest of the Slash/Dog team had reviewed after joining the Trailblazers.
"Hmph! As expected from you, Sharkbrain. You can't even remember the basics," Natsume Minagawa scoffed, crossing her arms with an exasperated sigh.
Kouki's cheeks twitched as he glared at her. "Hee, since you seem so knowledgeable, why don't you enlighten us? Who exactly are they?"
Natsume gave a soft snort, crossing her arms with that smug confidence only she could pull off. "Such a cheap provocation, Sharkbrain. But fine, I'll humor you." Leaning back in her seat, she began smoothly, "The Stellaron Hunters are a mysterious organization devoted on collecting Stellarons. They are followers of the Path of Finality and are led by 'Destiny's Slave,' Ellio. Unlike our Captain, Noah-san, who can only see snippets of some future events, Ellio is said to be able to foresee every future possibility in full detail."
She glanced at Kouki, whose expression was now turning from annoyance to surprise, and continued smoothly, "While both the Nameless and the Stellaron Hunters share the same goal, to reach a better future, our methods are entirely different. The Stellaron Hunters' actions often leave unaccountable disasters or consequences. Meanwhile, us, the Nameless, create new possibilities, new chances to move forward. Even if their actions benefit us indirectly, we can't condone their ways. Their methods sacrifice too many along the way."
Kouki blinked, dumbfounded. "You… just where did you learn all of that?"
Natsume smirked. "Aside from reading the information stored in databank using the terminals Captain gave us, Sae, Shigune, and I had a little call with Lumi-san and Ellie-san. Let's just say we got a cosmic crash course on the power balance of the universe."
"W–What?!" Kouki's eyes widened, jaw nearly dropping. He turned toward Sae and Shigune, who both offered awkward, guilty smiles.
Tobio chuckled and patted Kouki's shoulder. "Don't worry, even me didn't know a single thing about what they'd done either. They're always two steps ahead of us."
Kouki sighed and nodded before shooting Natsume a betrayed glare. "Unbelievable… Birdbrain aside, to think even both of you Toujou, Nanaderu will treat us like this..."
Natsume smirked. "Consider it a friendly lesson, Sharkbrain."
Their playful banter drew a few chuckles from the others, easing the tension inside the train cabin and lightening the mood, until Anisphia shared her realization.
"Now that I think about it… the timing of Hachiman, Mei, and Sora-chan's First Steps feels a bit off," She said, her tone thoughtful. The others turned to her with curious expressions.
She met everyone's eyes and continued, "Normally, before the 'First Steps,' Captain and the others would accompany new members to explore a few worlds first to give hands-on experience, teaching the dos and don'ts, sharing few survival tips, before actually letting them go on their solo expeditions, the true 'First Steps.'"
Alice slowly nodded, remembering their experience. "...Just like when Captain and everyone joined me and Hajime during our first exploration in your world, Anis. And when they accompanied us through Azur Lane, Himmel-san's world, and Hikaru-san's. It's almost like he's in a hurry to send Hachiman, Mei, and Sora-chan somewhere safe… while we deal with the main problem."
Anisphia blinked, realization dawning. "Now that you mention it… the world Captain chose this time, is completely outside the influence of the regular forces in the universe."
Aside from the constant rhythm of the train's engine, silence dominated the entire cabin.
"...Geez, Noah," Hajime muttered, looking up at the ceiling with a wry smile. "You really gave me an annoying job this time."
Sighing, he turned at the others. "Let us not worry about this too much..... And try to somehow 'enjoy' this rare 'vacation' he's giving us instead of tiring ourselves speculating about what could happen."
Everyone, starting from Alice, Anisphia, and the rest of Team Reason, the Sitri Peerage, and the Slash/Dog Team exchanged confused yet amused looks.
"Besides, whoever this group or faction is, they won't immediately make contact with us," Hajime added. "They will observe first, gather information, and only when they're confident will they approach us. So there's no need to stay on edge every second."
He smiled reassuringly at them. "Besides, Noah already told me to just enjoy this 'not really long but absolutely not short vacation.' Think of it as his way of apologizing for the headache he gave us."
Alice and Anisphia let out a small laugh, and the tension in the room completely dissolved. One by one, the others followed suit, smiles spreading through the cabin.
"Well! Since it's like that, then sure!!!" Anisphia grinned widely, leaning back in her seat. "This trip's basically free anyway, we're using the budget that Captain gave us, so we might as well enjoy it~."
Alice nodded with a knowing smile. "I don't mind either. Whether something happens or not, it's just another day for us Nameless."
Euphyllia chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Let's just hope that during this 'vacation,' nothing explodes or gets swallowed by a black hole."
""That's way too optimistic!!"" the entire Team Reason, Sitri Peerage, and Slash/Dog Team shouted in perfect unison, leaving Hajime completely dumbfounded much to everyone's amusement.
He stared at them, mouth twitching. "So now everyone's ganging up on me, huh?!"
"Pretty much," Anisphia replied with a grin, earning another burst of laughter from the cabin as Hajime slumped back with a defeated sigh.
———
Dragon's Valley, DesuMachi World.
It was evening, marking the end of the tiring first day of Hachiman, Mei, and Sora's First Steps. In the middle of the ruined Dragon God's palace, a modest-looking tent peacefully erected, the temporary shelter for the trio. Looking from the outside, it appeared like an ordinary modern camping tent, but inside, it had been magically expanded through the spatial manipulation of Trailblaze's power.
The interior was surprisingly spacious, complete with a kitchen, dining area, living room, and separate bedrooms for Hachiman, Mei, and Sora, along with two guest rooms prepared for future visitors. Everything was neatly furnished, making the place feel like a cozy home rather than a battlefield shelter.
Yet, what truly stand out was the kitchen. Per Hachiman and Sora's specific requests, it was fully equipped from basic utensils to high-end appliances, all set up for Mei so she could cook whatever she pleased. Pots neatly arranged, spices lined the shelves, and even the oven looked like something out of a professional chef's dream.
But at the moment, the three of them, Hachiman, Mei, and Sora, had each retreated to their rooms. Sora, exhausted from the thrilling and chaotic events of the day, had already fallen asleep. Mei, who had faced not just three Greater Demons but also the battle-maniac Dragon God herself, was also resting. The surviving lizardkin had departed earlier to inform their settlements about the day's events, especially about the "Star Fall" incident that Hachiman had accidentally caused.
Meanwhile, the Black Dragon, whose name they now knew as Hei Long, had gone off to hunt for food. Along the way, he passed by the nests of other true dragons, who were still in chaos from the meteor shower Hachiman had unleashed earlier. The proud landscape of the Dragon's Valley was now nothing but a field of craters and rubbles of rock, reshaped by his attack.
Inside Hachiman's room, even though he no longer needed sleep, food, or drink after becoming a memetic entity, Hachiman still practiced such routines out of habit. In his words, 'If someday, I really get the chance to return to my body and live as a normal human again, it won't be hard to adjust.'.
So right now, he was sound asleep, unaware that his door silently opened and someone had stepped inside.
"Puff!" A small sound escaped him as the bed rock. His eyes snapped open the moment someone sat on top of him.
"Wha—?! Just who—?!" He froze as his gaze met the figure seating over him, Raiden Mei. She sat smugly atop him, dressed in soft and comfy pajamas, her long dark-purple hair freely falling at her back. But what truly caught his attention were her eyes, instead of their usual gentle violet, they glowed hot pink.
"Y-you—what are you doing here?!" Hachiman stammered, his voice stuttering. Then his eyes widened further. "Wait… you're the other Raiden! How are you controlling her body like this?!"
"How interesting," Mei purred, her lips curling into a sly smile. Her eyes twinkled with amusement. "To see the ever-stoic Monarch get flustered over something so simple… How cute."
Hachiman blushed deeply, finally realizing the state of Mei's pajamas. The upper buttons of her shirt were undone, giving him an unfiltered view of the curves usually hidden under her clothes. Combined with the warmth and softness of her thighs and bottom, pressing down on him as she sat atop him, it was enough to make his throat tighten in panic. He swallowed hard, unable to stop himself.
'J-just how did this kind of lucky event even happen?!' he screamed internally. 'Rom-com gods, what did those two idiots, Noah and Hajime, sacrifice for this to happen?!'
"Oh? So you do like what you see?" Mei teased, a sly grin spreading across her face. "That coward might've been too flustered to notice during your meeting last time, but I did."
She crossed her arms deliberately, making her figure even more emphasized. "You seem rather interested in these peaks… maybe curious about how they feel?"
"!!!!" Hachiman's entire face turned red as he quickly turned his gaze away, refusing to meet her eyes. "D-don't say stuff like that so casually!"
Her smirk widened at his reaction. "My, my… how innocent. I expected more composure from the Shadow Monarch."
Before he could respond, she leaned forward, pressing her entire body against him. Hachiman stiffened, every muscle in his body locking up at the sensation.
"O-oi! I-idiot—j-just what the heck are you doing?!" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mei tilted her head, looking down at him with that mischievous grin never fading. "Just giving my Monarch the 'reward' he deserves for slaying a god… in such a stylish fashion."
Her cheeks went a deeper shade of red as she recalled the scene, countless massive geo rocks Hachiman had created falling down from the sky one after another, shaking the world as they came crashing down.
"As expected from this Queen's Monarch," she murmured with pride and a teasing lilt. "You never disappoint me."
"T-that doesn't answer why you're doing this now?!" he hissed, keeping his voice low so as not to wake the sleeping Sora. "And even if you and Raiden are the same person, that doesn't mean you can just do whatever you want on your own!"
An amused snort escaped from Mei. "You're right," she said softly, her hot pink eyes lace with mischief. "We are the same person. Which means I know exactly what her deepest desires and true feelings are."
Before Hachiman could react, her smirk widened. She adjusted her position, leaning closer until her face was just above his and then, without warning, she kissed him deeply.
Hachiman's mind went blank. The kiss was warm, electric, and far too long. It deepened, their breaths mingling, standing on the edge of something dangerously intimate. When she finally pulled away, a soft string of breath connected them for a heartbeat before breaking. He stared at her in utter shock.
'H-holy crap… Did that just happen?!' he screamed internally. 'I'm sorry Mana, Arisu, Yukino, Yui… fine… and Iroha… I just had my first kiss with someone else!!!'
"Haaa… that was exhilarating~," Mei exhaled blissfully, resting her cheek against his chest, eyes half-lidded with satisfaction.
"...How am I supposed to face Raiden and the others now?" Hachiman muttered with a weary sigh, rubbing his temples.
"I don't care about whoever those 'others' are," Mei replied, her tone sharp yet soft at the same time. "But I want you to pay more attention to me from now on."
He let out another sigh, glancing at her with tired eyes. "Haaa… you do know we don't have that kind of relationship, right?"
Her gaze rose to meet his, her expression calm but her voice unwavering. "Then tell me, do you really feel nothing for me?"
Hachiman's mouth snapped shut. He could face gods, monsters, and impossible odds without flinching but lying to someone who cared about him? That, he couldn't do. Not to those who accepted him as he was.
"...That's the most unfair question you've ever asked me," he muttered begrudgingly, reaching up to gently brush her hair. His touch softened, fingers tracing along her head.
Mei melted under his hand, closing her eyes as she rested her cheek against his chest. "Then just accept me," she whispered. "Accept my feelings. There's nothing for you to lose anyway."
Hachiman exhaled quietly, his voice low but sincere. "I can't… and you know why." His hand stayed in her head. "Raiden doesn't realize and understand her feelings yet. And if I say yes now… it'd be like taking advantage of you. I'm not that kind of guy."
He lowered his head slightly, meeting Mei's gaze. Her hot pink eyes were open, looking directly into his.
"You're still broken," he said softly. "What happened in your world hurt you too deeply. Right now, you can't bring yourself to believe in those things again… and that's okay. It'll take time for your heart to heal."
Hachiman smiled faintly, a rare, genuine smile that reached his eyes. "So take your time. Heal first, at your own pace. Don't rush it. Our journey's only just begun, and we'll be together for a long while. I'll be waiting for you."
She closed her eyes again, her arms tightening around him as if afraid he might vanish. "...You won't leave me, right? You won't go away like my father? You won't disappear on me?"
Hearing her trembling voice, Hachiman wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, firm but gentle. "I won't," he said softly. "I'll be here, beside you, beside everyone. Silently accompanying you all on this bizarre, beautiful journey across an ever-expanding universe."
Mei smiled, her eyes opening just enough to meet his again, filled with trust. "Thank you, my Monarch…"
"Anytime, oh Thunder Queen," Hachiman replied with a faint smirk, his tone teasing yet warm.
Mei leaned up and pressed her lips to his again. Unlike the earlier one, this kiss was tame and tender but filled with warmth instead of heat. That night, two lonely, broken hearts found a fragile but genuine peace in each other's presence.
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