[Miu's POV]
It has been nearly three days since Assem declared war on the entire world.
While there hasn't been any movement from their side yet, we expect a reaction within the next few hours. In other words, the march from the "Gate" is about to begin.
Azazel-sensei, who has been coordinating the D×D team, is currently locked in a final strategic council with the leaders of the various factions. From Odin, the All-Father of the Norse, to two of the three primary deities of the Hindu mythos—gods who are considered among the strongest in existence—the guest list is staggering. Even the most reclusive gods are scrambling to cooperate in the face of this crisis.
It makes sense. We've all seen the raw terror of Trihexa. More than that, we've witnessed Assem's terrifying, borderline omnipotent power to reconstruct the very fabric of reality.
Even in our "Shinki" forms, Alice-san and I couldn't lay a finger on the top-tier Evil Dragons. It goes without saying that Assem's inner circle possesses power far beyond the level of a standard God.
As for Trihexa, it's expected to split its body to invade multiple points at once. I'd like to believe that splitting its form will weaken it, but… it's probably best not to get our hopes up. Rossweisse-san is leading the team developing a counter-sealing formula specifically for the beast, so we have to place our faith in her. Even if we manage to pin Trihexa down, we won't be able to breathe easily.
Assem's faction will be there, too. His four subordinates will undoubtedly be unleashing their true, unrestricted strength this time.
Their power, their numbers—everything is an unknown. No one can predict how many lives will be lost in the coming hours. Every person across the globe preparing for this fight understands the gravity of what's coming.
And yet, here we are…
"Phew… Nothing beats a hot soak."
"It really is wonderful, Rias-oneesama."
Rias-san let out a long, relaxed sigh, and Asia-san nodded happily beside her.
Akeno-san, Koneko-chan, Xenovia-san, Irina-san, Rossweisse-san, Ravel-san, Alice-san, Leesha-san, Nina-san, Dill-san, and even Walküre-san—almost every woman currently living in the Hyoudou residence was currently piled into the massive basement bath.
Yes, instead of staying in the Underworld, we've actually returned to the house in the human world. The only ones missing are the members of Team Vali—Kuroka-san and Le Fay-san.
With a battle for the fate of the world mere hours away, I couldn't help but wonder if it was really okay for us to be lounging in a bath like this. Is it really alright to be this relaxed?
I'm sure people would have a lot to say about it, but…
"It's precisely because things are so dire that we must relax," Leesha-san said, splashing some water over her shoulders. "If you stay wound tight now, you won't be able to tap into your true potential on the battlefield."
"Exactly," Alice-san added. "Let's just enjoy the peace while we have it."
The "Group Bath" idea had been their suggestion. At first, everyone had been skeptical, but once they explained the psychological benefits, everyone agreed to take a breather. Alice and Leesha have the most combat experience out of all of us, so their words carry a lot of weight.
Meanwhile, Kiba-kun and Gasper-kun have gone back to their own homes to spend time with Tosca-san and Valerie-san. I imagine they're centering themselves and hardening their resolves by being with the people they love.
As for Maurice-san, he was currently in the living room, engaged in a life-or-death struggle with an octahedral Rubik's Cube while sipping tea. I caught a glimpse of him before coming down; he looked like he was only two sides away from finishing it.
As expected of the man… he's a master of being unbothered.
Then there's the Occult Research Club's swordsman duo, who were trained by that very man. They returned from their training "frighteningly" reinforced. Xenovia and Irina were currently stretching their legs in the tub, looking normal enough, but the aura clinging to them was on an entirely different level than before.
"…That's strange. I'm not even sad, but the tears won't stop…"
"I know the feeling, Xenovia… It was so scary… hic…"
Wait, they're crying?! They were bawling when they first stepped out of the barrier, but just what kind of training did they go through? Even the tomboyish Xenovia is traumatized!
Alice-san gently pulled the two weeping girls into a hug. "There, there. I understand, you two. Back in the day, I also… sniff…"
Even Alice-san is having "sympathy tears" from the memories! Just how terrifying is Maurice-san when he gets serious?
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