The underground transfer room.
What's drawn there isn't the usual transfer magic circle composed of devil script.
Irina and Griselda-san are reciting what sounds like a passage from the Bible, in a prayer pose.
"Ow, ow, ow…"
Alice presses her temple. I, along with the other devil members, also feel a heaviness in our heads, so it's probably a passage from the Bible.
"Everyone, wear these! You'll be able to move around in Heaven by wearing them! Just hold it over your head, and you'll be fine!"
What Irina handed us was a ring.
When I held it over my head as instructed—it floated and began to glow! Ohh, I feel like an angel!
With this, even if non-angelic races move around in Heaven, it supposedly won't significantly affect the 'system' left by God. If those who know of God's absence or those who might affect the 'system' were to pass through Heaven's gate freely, various troubles could arise.
By wearing this ring, that influence can be almost entirely negated.
Our IDs, or something similar, are registered to these rings, so losing them is strictly forbidden.
That even devils can now go to Heaven like this is thanks to technological contributions from the Grigori and devil sides. In other words, it's an item born out of the established peace.
There are those who are delighted to wear this ring—
"Asia! I-I feel like an angel!"
"Yes! It's a great honor!"
It's Xenovia and Asia.
They are devout believers, after all. This ring must be very welcome to them.
Their eyes are sparkling.
Irina says to the two.
"Then, before we enter Heaven, let's all pray together as a記念 for the three of us!"
"Yes!"
"Oh!"
"""Oh, Lord!"""
Their usual three-person prayer pose!
What a heartwarming sight.
…However, this item that allows even devils into Heaven.
One of the reasons behind its creation must be so they can rush there immediately if anything happens in Heaven. It suggests Heaven is also concerned about the possibility of being attacked.
Just then, a gigantic double door appears in the transfer room. It's a magnificent door made of white chalk.
The door opens with a creak.
"Come on, everyone! Quickly! This is the elevator for angels that goes all the way up! Don't hesitate, come in!"
Irina, who had already entered, urged us in with high spirits.
She must be happy to invite us to Heaven.
Irina was the most enthusiastic about this Christmas project. She seems overjoyed to be able to serve the townspeople as an angel, and she looks proud.
Passing through the gate, we enter a white space.
Once everyone is through, a golden pattern appears beneath our feet and begins to glow.
Suddenly, a sensation of floating—and the surrounding scenery completely changes. Divine light illuminates us.
Looking around, we are above the clouds!
Did we just get transported from underground in that one instant?
Ahead, a gigantic gate stands, slowly opening.
Griselda-san and Irina, with the opening gate behind them, say to us.
""Welcome to Heaven.""
Scene Break
Passing through the massive gate—Heaven's front gate—we find a path of white cobblestones and rows of stone buildings. The buildings also float in the sky, and pure white-winged angels fly about them.
What a fantastical sight! Not only is the sky shining white, but even the angels, buildings, and paths seem to glow!
Griselda-san, leading the way, explains.
"Heaven has a total of seven layers. This is the first layer—called the First Heaven. The uppermost part, the Seventh Heaven, was considered the dwelling place of God. Now, only the 'system' that governs God's miracles exists there."
I received an explanation from Irina before coming here, but this First Heaven is where angels work, serving as a kind of front-line base. Both Irina and Griselda-san reportedly work here primarily.
Irina points to the sky. It was a building constructed above the clouds.
"That building is where Michael-sama's 'Brave Saints' gather! I often show my face there too!"
Hoh, so that's one of Irina's workplaces.
"Michael-sama and the other Seraphim are in the Sixth Heaven. Heaven's headquarters are also located there."
Irina continued her explanation.
Michael-san is in the Sixth Heaven. So, that's where we're heading.
Rias, looking around with interest, says.
"I've heard that the hierarchical structure has changed quite a bit from ancient times… I once heard that Azazel was in the Fifth Heaven before his Fall."
Griselda-san nods.
"Yes. The Grigori members, when they were angels, were in the Fifth Heaven. It is now a layer with many research institutions. The 'Brave Saints' cards and those rings were also manufactured there."
From there, we continued, receiving explanations about various facilities.
After a while, another thick door appeared, and we underwent a strict check by the guardian angels. Once cleared, we passed through the door. There was the same elevator we had experienced before, and we used it to ascend to the next layer.
Each layer had a gigantic gate and a check, implying that considerable qualifications are needed to ascend further.
"We couldn't see the Second and Third Heavens, but what kind of places are they?"
Miyu asks Griselda-san.
The last two layers had an elevator immediately after passing through the gate, so we didn't have time to look around properly.
Griselda-san explains.
"The place generally referred to as Heaven exists in the Third Heaven. This is the widest layer, so vast that it's even said one doesn't know where its end is. I apologize, but if devils were to go there, it might agitate the souls of the faithful, so for this visit, we ask you to refrain."
So the Third Heaven is Paradise. In that case, maybe my deceased grandpa's soul is there. I'd like to meet him, but if it would cause a commotion, it can't be helped.
Well, it seems there are as many Heavens as there are mythologies, and this one would be the Christian Heaven.
Wait… if that's the case, then my grandpa probably isn't here… He was Buddhist.
Irina says.
"The Fourth Heaven is also known as the Garden of Eden. The story of Adam and Eve is famous there, right?"
The story of Adam and Eve is famous. So the Fourth Heaven is that place.
I'd like to see it, but we ascend to the upper layers without seeing it.
Above the Garden of Eden—the Fifth Heaven—as I heard, had many buildings that looked like research institutes, and many angels who appeared to be researchers.
It's interesting that this was Sensei's former workplace.
After passing through the Fifth Heaven, we head to the next elevator.
Just as I thought we were finally seeing our destination, the Sixth Heaven, Griselda-san says as if remembering something.
"Regarding the rules of Heaven, they are not as robust against worldly things as the Human World or the Underworld. In other words, they are severely vulnerable to impure things."
Ah, right, Irina sometimes flashes her wings black and white for reasons other than perversion, doesn't she? She sometimes nearly Falls over trivial things.
…When she was told about Miyu and my first time, that was the most dangerous. Was she one step away from Falling then?
"…In short, Issei-senpai must refrain from lewd thoughts."
Koneko-chan's sharp remark!
Right!
This is Heaven, after all!
Lewd thoughts are no good!
However, Alice shrugs.
"Impossible."
"Yeah, because he's Big Brother. He's perverted."
Hwah!
Alice and Miyu said "impossible"!
You two are underestimating me.
Even I can stop having lewd thoughts… I can!
Probably!
Surely!
Perhaps!
Upon arriving at the Sixth Heaven, a gate even larger than anything we'd seen before appears. It's a wall as far as the eye can see, and the gate itself looks over a hundred meters tall!
That unbelievably massive gate opens, and we step inside.
However, this gate… it's incredibly thick.
As expected, this is where Michael-san and the Seraphim are. As the layer second only to the uppermost Seventh Heaven, it seems incredibly sturdy.
Passing through the gate, what comes into view is a temple with a golden halo shining behind it. The building itself continuously emits a holy aura, and its brilliance is tremendous.
Griselda-san explains as she walks down the path leading to the building.
"That is 'Zebul,' the central institution of the current Heaven where the Seraphim reside. The building itself is also called that. The layers above this, meaning the uppermost Seventh Heaven, are restricted to all but the Seraphim. Therefore, this is essentially as far as we can step."
We were heading straight for 'Zebul'—or so we thought, but Griselda-san and Irina turn off the main path leading to 'Zebul' midway.
"Actually, 'Zebul' is currently undergoing interior renovations. Michael-sama is waiting for us elsewhere."
That building is under renovation, huh? Hmm, it's a shame we can't see inside.
We continued for a few more minutes.
The place we arrived at was a courtyard-like area. Various colorful flowers bloomed profusely, water flowed, and it was a spacious, relaxed environment.
One person was seated at a table in a small, terraced hut. The person noticed us, stood up, and offered a gentle smile.
"Greetings, everyone. It's been a while."
A handsome man with golden wings—Michael-san.
This is the first time we've met like this since we discussed the other world with the top leaders of each faction.
"It's been a while, Michael-sama. Thank you very much for inviting us this time."
Rias, followed by the other members, offers greetings.
"No, thank you for coming all this way. Please, have a seat."
Urged to do so, we take our seats.
Michael-san asks us.
"How do you find Heaven?"
"It's divine. The atmosphere is completely different from the Underworld…"
"It's a wonderful place. If human souls are carried here after death, then this must truly be Paradise."
Rias murmurs after me.
Michael-san nods once at her reply, then smiles and says,
"Well, most of the deceased actually end up in Hell, though."
Is that a joke!? Is that supposed to be funny, Michael-san!?
Most of the deceased go to Hell!?
Is that so!?
That's a fact I didn't really want to know!
Michael-san raises a hand, and an angelic woman pours tea for us.
…She must be Michael-san's attendant… She's cute, that girl! Angels really do have a pure vibe!
"Again, truly, thank you for all your hard work this past year. It's also a fact that without you, there would be no Heaven or Underworld as they are today. A year ago, I couldn't have imagined having tea with devils in Heaven like this. This, too, is thanks to you, the young people who will bear the next generation, fighting with your lives on the line. Thank you, truly."
Receiving words of gratitude from the head of the angels, we bow our heads again.
"Xenovia, you've been here before, haven't you?"
"Yes, Michael-sama. I came here to have Durandal repaired when it was destroyed by the leader of the Hero Faction."
That was right after the promotion exam, wasn't it? Xenovia, who had escaped from the pseudo-space Georg created, went to Heaven to report the situation and to have the Ex-Durandal, destroyed by Cao Cao, repaired, while also guarding Irina.
There, the last Excalibur wielded by Arthur was added, bringing together Durandal and the true Excalibur.
After every fierce battle, Ex-Durandal is sent here for maintenance.
The fusion of legendary holy swords is still in the research stage, and Heaven reportedly has various things they want to investigate.
After this, Michael-san showed us a list of the Christmas project presents, and we exchanged opinions, finalizing the project details.
Michael-san says.
"The person who drafted this project should be arriving on-site soon. After that, a final meeting with them should suffice. If you find anything missing, please let us know. We will prepare it here."
With those words, the meeting for the Christmas project in Heaven concluded.
The meeting was over, and as we continued our tea party in a relaxed atmosphere, a person approaches us.
"Michael-sama~"
A somewhat drawn-out female voice.
Turning our gaze, we see a beautiful woman with wavy blonde hair! The number of wings on her back rivals Michael-san's!
This beautiful woman appears, wearing a Santa Claus costume and a gentle smile!
"Oh, Gabriel."
"Gabriel-sama."
Michael-san and Griselda-san call the beautiful woman's name.
Yes, this person is Gabriel-san, one of the Four Great Seraphim, hailed as the most beautiful woman in Heaven!
I've spoken to her once, but she's still a beauty! And she has such a glamorous body that it's obvious even in a regular Santa costume!
They're jiggling! I can tell they're jiggling even with the Santa costume on!
I want to see them in person just once!
They must be full of divine blessings!
"Oh my~ Griselda-chan and everyone else. Red Dragon Emperor-san, it's been since the report on the other world, hasn't it?"
"Yes. It's been a while, Gabriel-san."
I return the greeting, but… my eyes still go to her breasts!
Because they're jiggling! They jiggle every time she moves!
At that moment, multiple magic circles, drawn with angelic script, unfurl around my body!
"W-what is this!?"
As I'm surprised by the sudden barrier-like phenomenon, Michael-san gives a wry smile.
"I apologize. That is a barrier that automatically deploys in Heaven if excessive worldly desires arise—a barrier to prevent Falling. Normally, it activates for angels whose worldly desires have grown too strong, but… it seems it activated for the Red Dragon Emperor as well."
What!?
So, if I were an angel, I would have been in danger of Falling!?
"…Issei-senpai was looking at Gabriel-sama's chest with lecherous eyes."
Koneko-chan's second sharp retort of the day!
I'm sorry, I was looking!
I was staring intently!
I can't help but be curious!
Gabriel-san's breasts!
"As expected, large breasts are better, aren't they…? Right… As for me… sniff"
W-what the heck!?
Alice… Alice-san has tears in her eyes!?
She's comparing herself to Gabriel-san and looking utterly despondent!?
It's true you can see them jiggling even through her clothes! And they jiggle like crazy even in that Santa costume!
But there's no reason for Alice to get depressed about that!
"C-calm down! Even if they're small… Alice's breasts are cute! They're sensitive and soft! Alice's breasts are the best!"
"Don't say such things in front of people, you IDIOOOT!"
"Guh!"
Alice's full-force uppercut detonates! It precisely hit my jaw!
Alice Punch, received even in Heaven!
My body flies through the air!
It bounces off the ground and rolls away!
It hurts!
It hurts so much!
Did my jaw just split!?
As I writhe on the ground from the pain, I bump into something.
"Oh? If it isn't Issei-don. …Your face is covered in blood, are you alright?"
Opening my eyes to a familiar voice, Durandal stood there.
Apparently, I had bumped into Durandal's foot.
"Durandal, have you finished your stroll?"
Durandal bows his head at Michael-san's question.
"Ah, yes, my apologies. To be given time off for a change of pace at such a time."
"No, no. Precisely because of times like these, it's necessary to take time for rest. And Durandal, you'll also be participating in this Christmas project, won't you?"
"Yes. I'm quite good at delivering presents, you see. I'll also be delivering them in a Santa costume."
Oh, Durandal is participating too. He wasn't at the meeting, so I thought he wouldn't.
At this point, Griselda-san suggests to Michael-san.
"Michael-sama, perhaps we should inform them of that matter?"
"Yes, I was just about to. In fact, incidents of church officials being attacked are currently occurring."
"—! Church officials, you say?"
As I repeat the question, Michael-san nods.
"Yes. Casualties have occurred not only among the executives at Vatican headquarters but also among important figures in various branches. The details are still under investigation, but it seems they detected the presence of Evil Dragons. Most likely—"
"Qlippoth, right?"
Rias continues, and Michael-san also nods.
"Nine times out of ten. Please remain vigilant. As long as we don't know their objectives, any negligence will leave us vulnerable."
…Presence of Evil Dragons.
Qlippoth attacking church officials. They are terrorists, so it seems plausible…
However, if Rizevim were behind it, it feels somewhat subdued. If it were him, he'd probably use mass-produced Evil Dragons for an all-out annihilation.
And the motive for attacking church officials is unclear.
What exactly are their intentions…?
Everyone's expression became uniformly serious.
It was at that moment—
"Hyan!"
A cute voice echoes in the otherwise serious atmosphere.
Everyone's gaze turns there—
"Hmm, these are quite the impressive breasts… As expected of Heaven's most beautiful woman. She has good breasts."
"U-um… if you rub them… that much… Ahhh…"
The strongest goddess, Ignis, was kneading the breasts of Gabriel-san, hailed as Heaven's most beautiful woman. She was hugging her from behind, thoroughly enjoying them through her clothes. From below, lifting up those magnificent breasts.
After enjoying them through her clothes, Ignis unfastened some of the Santa costume buttons (of course, without Gabriel-san's permission) and began to reach inside her clothes—
"How could I be so JEALOOOOOOOUUUUSSS!?"
"That's the WRONG reactionnnnnn!"
My scream and Alice's retort echoed through Heaven.
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