Governor Azazel laughed carelessly, but his laughter didn't last long.
The Catria who had been flung out of the conference room angrily fired a magic blast in their direction. Yoru, quick-witted as ever, dodged to the side—causing the attack to hit Azazel square in the face instead.
Of course, such an attack couldn't possibly harm Azazel, but it was definitely annoying.
"Hey, hey, hey—what's the big idea? He's the one who hit you, so why are you coming after me?!"
"Hmph! You're no different, Azazel. You dared to look down on me, so you'll pay the price! You former rulers have no right to exist anyway—so I'll start by getting rid of you, the Governor of the Fallen Angels!"
As she spoke, Catria's entire body flared with waves of demonic power, and she launched herself at Azazel with ferocity.
"As expected, you people are all lunatics—just as dangerous as that idle dragon. If the world fell into your hands, it really would be doomed."
"Sirzechs, Michael—leave her to me! Don't interfere!"
Azazel stood up, his excitement growing as the battle loomed. A dark, oppressive aura began radiating from him.
"Catria, you're not planning to surrender, are you?"
That was Sirzechs's final ultimatum. But Catria didn't so much as flinch.
"That's right, Sirzechs. You're a good Maou… but you're not the best Maou. That's why we're going to become the new Maou."
"I see. That's unfortunate."
With their positions confirmed, Sirzechs raised his hand toward the already-damaged wall.
BOOM! A blast of light power blew the entire front wall apart. Amid the thunderous explosion, Azazel spread six pairs—twelve wings—of jet-black feathers, darker than the night sky itself.
"Descendant of the Old Maou Leviathan… one of the 'Apocalyptic Beasts.' You'll make a decent opponent. Catria Leviathan—how about an end-of-the-world battle with me?"
Azazel's challenge carried unshakable confidence. Catria answered with a defiant, arrogant smile.
"That's exactly what I wanted, Governor of the Fallen Angels!"
Vmmm! Azazel and Catria Leviathan took to the skies above the school grounds, clashing in a dazzling exchange of light and magic.
Meanwhile, the one who had caused this entire mess was promptly forgotten.
Yoru sheathed Frostmourne, took a seat at one side of the conference table, and muttered as he watched the battle outside.
"So the Old Maou faction really does have terrible social skills, huh? I was the one who sent her flying, but somehow Azazel ends up taking the blame? No wonder they lost the last war—they're just too stupid."
Hearing Yoru's comment, those present could only smile wryly. The Angels, however, were inwardly taken aback by his audacity.
"So this is… the recently risen genius soldier who was reincarnated with eight Evil Piece pawns?"
The stunningly beautiful female Angel standing beside Michael—who had yet to speak—finally opened her mouth, drawing everyone's attention.
Her beauty left no doubt: she was none other than Heaven's most beautiful woman, Gabriel.
Yoru raised an eyebrow slightly, recalling what Xenovia had told him before—about an Angel personally issuing an oracle to eliminate him at all costs.
"There's something I'm not sure I should bring up. Though, given the current situation, saying it now might kill the mood a little."
Yoru's calm words made Michael blink, especially since Yoru was staring—not at him directly—but at Gabriel by his side.
"When Xenovia first arrived here, she told me an Angel had given the order to kill me at any cost. I'd appreciate it if you, Lord Michael, could give me a reasonable explanation—what exactly did that order mean?"
"Oh… is that true?!"
Sirzechs and Serafall's gazes instantly chilled upon hearing this. Both Maou knew how important Yoru was, and both looked toward the Angel side with visible displeasure.
"This really isn't the best time to bring that up, little brother Yoru," Michael said with a bitter smile, feeling the pressure from the two Maou.
"I wasn't aware of such an order. Xenovia—please, tell me which Angel gave it to you."
Xenovia shot Yoru a sharp glare, clearly displeased at being sold out, but she found herself in a bind. Just as she hesitated over whether to speak the name, Gabriel opened her mouth calmly.
"No need to ask. The order came from me."
Her candid admission instantly filled the room with an almost unbearable awkwardness, the only sound breaking it being the ongoing battle outside between Azazel and Catria.
"I'll need an explanation, Gabriel."
"Please, calm down, Sirzechs. Right now we must maintain the barrier—if it falls, who knows what kind of damage the outside world will suffer. As for explanations… let's leave them until after this crisis has passed, alright?" Michael interjected with a bitter smile.
Sirzechs thought for a moment, then gave a slight nod. He knew now wasn't the time—keeping the barrier intact was the top priority.
"Rias, Sona—since Azazel and Catria are fighting, the damage could spread. To minimize harm to the outside, Michael and I will remain here to strengthen the barrier surrounding the academy. Tsubaki is analyzing the magic circles those teleporting magicians are using—can I ask you to deal with them until she's done?"
The three nodded.
"Yes."
"Then I'll leave it to you."
"Don't worry, brother—I swear on the honor of the Gremory family! Everyone, with me!"
Rias spoke with determined enthusiasm, then led her peerage toward the school grounds.
Yoru also intended to follow, but Sirzechs stopped him.
"Yoru, you stay here."
"Rias doesn't need help?"
"It's fine—they're just ordinary magicians. Rias can handle them. I'm keeping you here in case another attack comes. The Old Maou faction has more than just Catria—you're effectively an extra Maou-class combatant for us."
"I see. Understood."
With Sirzechs's reasoning clear, Yoru nodded and stayed behind to guard the conference room.
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