"These people… they're magicians, right?"
"That's right, magicians. The legendary magician Merlin Ambrose once single-handedly analyzed the Devil's magic system and reconstructed it into something akin to sorcery and magic… Judging from the power of their spells, each of them is about the level of a mid-class Devil."
Azazel explained without a trace of fear. When it came to this kind of knowledge, no one present—even the Maou or the Seraph—could match the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels, who spent his free time buried in research.
"So… this is a terrorist attack?" The thought sounded absurd, but it was exactly the term that came to everyone's mind.
"Well, you could call it that. But their attacks can't harm this school building. That's because Sirzechs, Michael, and I already set up an incredibly powerful defensive barrier. I'd say there are fewer than five people in the world who could break through it."
The way he said it radiated confidence, and no one in the room doubted it. The strongest Maou of the Underworld, the strongest angel of Heaven, and the Governor-General of the Fallen—when these three worked together to set up a defense, calling it an absolute defense wasn't an exaggeration.
"Tch… annoying. And right at a time like this…" Azazel muttered, frowning. He casually opened the window, and with a single wave of his hand, a storm of terrifying light spears rained down, instantly wiping out the magicians outside.
But before long, a new swarm of robed magicians appeared inside the barrier.
"Tsk… endless, huh?" Azazel clicked his tongue again and struck them down. Yet, no matter how many times they were destroyed, fresh waves filled the courtyard as if they were endless.
"It seems this isn't just a simple terrorist attack," Sirzechs said, his expression turning serious as he analyzed the situation.
"To take out all the standby forces of the three factions without a sound… the enemy's leader is no ordinary person."
"And they've taken advantage of the fact that we can't drop the barrier—otherwise, the town outside would be reduced to rubble in an instant." As expected of faction leaders, each of them assessed the situation in mere seconds.
"Heh… quite unexpected. We seem to have a traitor here."
"A traitor?" Aside from a few, most of the retainers couldn't follow that train of thought. Azazel's words left them exchanging confused, shocked looks.
"Isn't it obvious? No matter how many we wipe out, more keep coming. Unless someone inside has set up a magic teleportation array connected to the outside, these small fry could never get in here."
"Not necessarily, big brother… Sirzechs did say the enemy leader might be powerful. And if there is a traitor among us, which side do you think is more likely?"
"Tch… troublesome girl. I've already told you, I have no interest in wars. I'm just a simple Sacred Gear collector. Honestly… how untrustworthy am I in your eyes? We just signed the peace agreement, you know." Azazel gave a bitter smile at Rias's sudden jab.
"Azazel, since my sister brought it up, I have to ask—what exactly are you planning by collecting Sacred Gears? You've already gathered several Longinus-class possessors. With God gone, what do you even need God-killers for?"
Azazel's demeanor shifted to seriousness.
"It's preparation."
"Preparation?" Michael's eyes narrowed in surprise. "You just denied wanting war, and now you say something that sounds even more unsettling?"
"I told you, you don't want a war, and I won't start one. But self-defense is necessary. This isn't about attacking you."
"Then who is it against?"
"—Khaos Brigade."
"Khaos… Brigade?"
At the name, Sirzechs's brows furrowed. The rest, Michael included, looked puzzled.
"I only learned the name and background recently. But my Vice-Governor, Shemhaza, had already discovered signs of a suspicious group. They seem to be gathering dangerous individuals from all three factions, including Longinus possessors who've reached their Forbidden States."
"And their goal is…?" Michael asked.
"Destruction and chaos. Simple, isn't it? They despise the peace of this world. They're terrorists—on the largest and most malicious scale imaginable." Azazel shrugged.
"And most importantly… their leader is a dragon more powerful and more fearsome than both the 'Red Dragon' and the 'White Dragon' combined."
This shocking statement left the room silent for a heartbeat.
Michael sighed. "So… he's made his move. The Infinite Dragon God—Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis. A dragon feared even by God. Since the dawn of the world, she has reigned as the strongest being."
As the weight of that revelation sank in, a new, unfamiliar voice echoed through the room.
"That's right. Ophis is indeed the leader of the Khaos Brigade."
With a sharp click, a glowing magic circle flared to life on the floor—an exclusive summoning array used only by Devils. Upon seeing its pattern, everyone's eyes widened in shock.
"The Leviathan magic circle…" Grayfia murmured.
"I've seen that in the Vatican's records… it's the personal magic circle of the former Maou Leviathan, now long dead," Xenovia said quietly.
From within the shining circle stepped a beautiful woman, her ample chest on full display and her high-slit skirt revealing flawless legs.
"Greetings, current Maou Sirzechs. And what an honor to meet the leader of the Fallen Angels and two Seraphim in person."
Her gaze shifted to Serafall.
"Current Maou Serafall, usurper of the Leviathan title. I do believe you gave me quite a bit of trouble during the war."
"The one who inherited the blood of the previous Leviathan… Catria Leviathan. What is the meaning of this?" Serafall's expression hardened as she stared at her old rival.
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