In response to Xenovia's somewhat blunt answer, Michael could only give a wry smile.
"On that point, I can only apologize… After God was destroyed, the only things left were the 'System' that governs blessings, mercy, and miracles. Simply put, this 'System' is something God created to bring forth the miracles He desired. God built the System and used it to cause miracles in the human world. The effects of exorcists, crosses, and other holy tools all come from the power of the System."
"And because God died, that thing malfunctioned?" Yoru suddenly seemed to realize something.
"Exactly. Controlling the System without God is extremely difficult. Although we Seraphim managed to restart the System… compared to when God was alive, the blessings and mercy reaching those who believe have diminished greatly. Sadly, the number of people who can be saved is now limited."
Without God, salvation itself had become scarce.
"As a result, it became necessary to keep anything that could disrupt the System away from the Church. Things that could interfere include certain Sacred Gears… Among them is Twilight Healing, possessed by Asia Argento, and also the Wings of the White Dragon Emperor."
"Sacred Gears, questioning the existence of God—any existence that could affect the System—cannot remain near the Church. Of course, for the sake of innocent lives, we also forbid arbitrary executions. Most so-called heretics are simply exiled."
After finishing, Michael bowed his head apologetically to Asia, Irina, and Xenovia.
The three girls widened their eyes. They truly didn't know how to respond. But Xenovia soon shook her head and smiled.
"No, Lord Michael, please don't apologize. I was raised by the Church all the way to this age. While it was somewhat unpleasant to be cast out, I'm grateful to finally know the reason."
"Your reincarnation as a Devil is our sin."
"It's fine now. Though I do have some regrets… the things I couldn't do while in the Church, I can do now. My life is far more colorful." Xenovia glanced first at Irina, then at Yoru.
"If I say this, it might anger other believers… but even so, we're satisfied with the lives we have now. Right, Irina?"
Xenovia smiled at Irina. In that moment, her lingering attachments fully disappeared, and she stood together with Irina and Asia.
"I hate to admit it, but it's true. For us who have come to love this fallen life… please deliver divine punishment, Lord Michael!"
She said it with a look of mock piety, but Michael simply shook his head gently.
"We will bear that sin ourselves. Hearing your words puts my heart at ease."
At that moment, Asia finally raised her head, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, and faced Michael.
"Lord Michael, I feel truly happy now. I have many precious people in my life. And to speak to you, whom I've admired for so long, is an honor beyond words!"
"I am deeply sorry, and I sincerely thank you for your understanding. As for the headaches you get when you pray out of habit—that's easily resolved. I'll remove the three of you from the System entirely. Now, live happily as Devils, embracing your new identities."
Michael smiled warmly. With that, the matter regarding Xenovia, Irina, and Asia was settled, and the three finally felt the weight in their hearts lift.
"Well, now that this is resolved, let's move on to discussing this soldier." Azazel narrowed his eyes slightly and then gave Yoru a sly, almost mischievous look.
"I'm really curious—what's the name of the Sacred Gear you hold? Will you tell me?"
"Azazel, what are you trying to do?"
Sirzechs frowned slightly, his posture subtly protective of Yoru.
"Ah, don't be so tense. I'm just curious. You know my hobby is collecting Sacred Gears. Seeing such a powerful, unknown one right before me… it's only natural to be interested, right?"
Azazel spoke as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world. Yoru didn't seem bothered—after all, it was just a name. There was no harm in telling him, especially since Frostmourne didn't even belong to this world.
"The name is Frostmourne."
Yoru said it casually. Azazel lowered his head, lost in thought.
"Hmm… I've never heard that name among the Longinus-class Sacred Gears. Could it be a lost one?"
"That, I don't know. My knowledge of this weapon goes no further than its name."
After Yoru spoke, he leaned back lazily in his chair. Azazel, not getting the answer he wanted, could only shrug in resignation.
With everything important already discussed, it seemed the meeting was about to end on a perfect note—when suddenly, a massive explosion rang out from outside.
"What happened?!"
Everyone in the meeting room tensed. An explosion at such an important summit was unthinkable.
"It seems… we have some unexpected company," Azazel was the first to walk to the window to check the situation.
"Well, now… this is a surprise. Looks like we're surrounded…"
He gave a short, amused laugh. At the same time, Sirzechs and Michael also rose to their feet.
The scene outside was exactly as Azazel described—it was swarming with figures in black robes, surrounding the entire area.
"Interesting. To attack during a summit of the three faction leaders… I wonder what gave them the courage to try something like this?"
Azazel's voice carried a note of intrigue.
Before his words had even faded, an even more violent explosion shook the area. A blinding flash streaked past the window, and the entire school building shook violently.
"Really now… no matter the era, whenever factions try to make peace, there's always some group that shows up to ruin it."
Michael spoke with mild exasperation as his eyes scanned the black-robed mages floating in the courtyard, firing magic blasts. He was already trying to figure out which faction they belonged to.
---
Access more chapters at patreon.com/dzeref887