The room fell into an expectant silence as Sirzechs's presence seemed to fill every corner. Grayfia stepped forward with practiced efficiency, materializing an elegant tea set from thin air with a simple gesture.
"Please, everyone else, give us some privacy," Sirzechs said politely, though his tone carried the weight of absolute authority. "I have some important matters to discuss with Akira."
Rias nodded, understanding immediately. "Of course, brother. Come on, everyone."
As the others filed out—Valerie giving me a concerned glance before following—I noticed Gasper practically teleporting back into his box at the sight of such powerful devils. The poor kid's anxiety is through the roof.
Soon it was just Sirzechs, Grayfia, and myself in the clubroom. The silver-haired maid worked with silent precision, preparing the tea with movements so graceful they seemed choreographed. The delicate clink of porcelain was the only sound breaking the tension.
"You're full of surprises, aren't you, Akira?" Sirzechs began, settling into his chair with the casual confidence of someone accustomed to command. "First, you provide us with holy water that treats the Sleep Disease—something our best researchers couldn't accomplish. And now, you single-handedly defeat Kokabiel, a ten-winged fallen angel, despite being human and having no support from any faction."
He's fishing for information about my capabilities. Not surprising, considering what I just pulled off.
"It's quite admirable," he continued, accepting the steaming cup Grayfia offered with a nod of thanks.
Grayfia moved to stand behind his chair, her posture perfect and alert. Everything about her screamed lethal competence barely contained within the facade of domestic service.
"Is there something particularly concerning that brought the Lucifer himself to the human world?" I asked, accepting my own cup.
Sirzechs took a measured sip before responding, his green eyes studying me over the rim. "Nothing to be worried about, but certainly something important enough to require my personal presence."
I waited, knowing he would elaborate when ready. Political figures like him rarely spoke without purpose.
"A summit is being proposed," he said finally. "Devils, angels, and fallen angels—all three factions meeting here at this academy. Azazel, the Governor-General of the fallen angels, suggested it."
Now that's interesting. The peace talks are happening earlier than expected. My actions against Kokabiel must have accelerated the timeline.
"Is this related to the Kokabiel incident?" I asked.
"It is, but nothing of immediate concern," Sirzechs assured me. "Actually, I wanted to thank you personally. You didn't just save this town—you saved the lives of my precious sister and her peerage."
"That's what friends are for," I replied simply.
His smile was genuinely warm at that response. "Which brings me to my request. I'd like you to join the summit alongside Rias and her peerage. After all, you were the one who dealt with Kokabiel directly."
I set down my teacup carefully, considering my words. "I appreciate the invitation, but I'll have to politely decline. I have some important business to take care of that can't wait."
Sirzechs's expression sharpened slightly. "Would this business involve the Khaos Brigade?"
I couldn't hide my surprise completely. "How do you know about that?"
"My grandmother mentioned that you'd asked her about them," he said calmly. "Something about a vampire incident as well."
Right. Lady Lucifer and her network of information. I should have expected this.
"Do you know anything about the Khaos Brigade?" I asked.
Sirzechs shook his head. "This is actually the first time I've heard the name, aside from what grandmother told me. We're looking into it now, of course."
"I'll be making my move first," I said firmly. "Before they can cause more trouble. The Carmilla faction has agreed to help me deal with them."
Sirzechs leaned forward slightly, his interest clearly piqued. "In that case, allow me to offer assistance. Grayfia could accompany you."
He turned to his Queen. "You wouldn't have any objections to this assignment, would you?"
"It is my duty to obey my Lord's commands," Grayfia replied without hesitation, her voice as composed as ever.
Having Grayfia with me would virtually guarantee success. She's easily one of the strongest devils alive, and her experience in combat situations is unparalleled. But... that would also eliminate any challenge, any opportunity for growth. And more importantly, it would rob me of the chance to earn system rewards through genuine struggle.
"I truly appreciate the offer," I said carefully, "but I believe I can handle this on my own. It wouldn't be right to constantly rely on others' strength when I need to prove myself capable."
Sirzechs studied me for a long moment, and I could see him weighing my words against what he knew of my character.
"Very well," he said finally. "But know that the offer stands if you change your mind. The devil faction doesn't forget its friends."
"I'll keep that in mind," I assured him.
After a few more minutes of polite conversation about the upcoming summit and general pleasantries, Sirzechs and Grayfia prepared to leave.
"Take care of yourself, Akira," Sirzechs said as the magic circle began to form beneath them. "And take care of my sister as well."
"Always."
The crimson light faded, leaving me alone in the clubroom with the lingering scent of expensive tea and the weight of impending conflict.
---
Back at my house, the living room felt almost cozy compared to the political tension of the academy. My peerage had gathered around as I explained the situation—the summit, the Khaos Brigade, and my plans for Romania.
"Wait, you refused to take Grayfia with you?" Valerie asked in disbelief. "You yourself said the Khaos Brigade was a serious threat to your life, and you turned down help from one of the strongest devils in existence?"
Xenovia looked equally puzzled. "I've never heard of this Khaos Brigade, but if they're dangerous enough to concern someone of your power..."
"That's exactly why we should accept help from someone like Grayfia," Valerie pressed. "Fighting against enemies we know nothing about seems unnecessarily reckless."
I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. "How long are we going to keep asking for help from others? Whether the Khaos Brigade is stronger than us or not, it won't be good for us to run to devils or fallen angels every time we face trouble."
Asia shifted uncomfortably, clearly torn between wanting me safe and understanding my point.
"Besides," I continued, "the more favors others owe us, the bigger favors we can ask for in the future. Building relationships is about balance."
I leaned forward, meeting each of their gazes. "As for the Khaos Brigade itself, I don't think they'll be as dangerous as I initially thought. I have a solution to deal with them, though it might come with some repercussions."
With the Sage's Eye, my combat capabilities have increased exponentially. The Hero Faction might be formidable, but I'm not the same person who struggled against individual enemies anymore. Still, if I do end up eliminating them entirely like I did Kokabiel, there's a real chance Ophis herself might take notice. The question is whether she'd try to recruit me or eliminate me as a threat to her organization.
I have to believe she cares more about defeating Great Red than avenging her subordinates. But either way, I can't just wait for them to come after me. Better to strike first while I still have the element of surprise.
"Repercussions?" Valerie asked, her violet eyes showing concern.
"Probably just a small chance," I deflected. "Most likely it won't come to anything. But tell me, do you know anything about Carmilla faction territory?"
She shook her head. "I never left Tepes faction lands. My knowledge of other vampire territories is quite limited."
Great. I have allies I can't locate. This is exactly the kind of logistical nightmare I was hoping to avoid.
I pulled out my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I found the number I needed. Azazel might be a chaos-loving fallen angel, but he had resources and information networks that spanned the supernatural world.
The phone rang twice before his familiar voice answered.
"Look, it wasn't me who ordered Kokabiel to attack, so if that's all you're calling about, I'll talk to you later—"
"That's not why I'm calling," I interrupted quickly. "I need to know the whereabouts of the Carmilla faction."
Silence stretched on the other end for several seconds.
"Why do you want to know that?" His tone had shifted from casual dismissal to genuine interest.
"Long story short, I've got trouble with the Khaos Brigade and need to reach them as soon as possible."
Another pause, longer this time. I could practically hear him thinking.
"Meet me at the Black Dog Bar at 8 PM," he said finally. "I'm sending you the location now."
The line went dead, and moments later my phone buzzed with a text containing an address.
"Did it work?" Asia asked hopefully.
"We have a meeting," I said, showing them the message. "Azazel's agreed to help, but knowing him, it won't be simple."
"At least we're making progress," Xenovia added pragmatically. "A known contact is better than wandering Romania blindly."
I looked at the address again, memorizing the details. The Black Dog Bar—probably some supernatural establishment that catered to the kind of clientele who needed to discuss vampire politics and terrorist organizations over drinks.
Typical Azazel.
. .
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