"Good evening," Sirzechs said with his characteristic warm smile, though his eyes were carefully assessing the situation. "I hope we're not interrupting anything important."
"Just dinner," I replied, remaining seated. "Though your timing suggests this isn't a social visit."
Azazel stepped forward, his usual laid-back demeanor only slightly more serious than normal. "We heard some interesting reports about today's events. The kind that make supernatural leaders lose sleep."
The third figure spoke with unmistakable divine authority. "I am Michael. The complete destruction of a Longinus-class Sacred Gear is... deeply troubling."
"The True Longinus was destroyed because its wielder used it against me," I replied simply. "Legendary artifacts aren't exempt from consequences."
"But the theological implications—" Michael began, his composed expression cracking slightly.
"Are your concern, not mine," I interrupted. "Divine authority works within its own framework. Outside that framework, sacred artifacts are just well-made weapons."
Sirzechs raised a hand diplomatically. "Perhaps we could approach this more collaboratively? We're not here as enemies, Akira."
"Then why are you here? Three faction leaders don't coordinate emergency visits for small talk."
Azazel grinned. "Because half the supernatural world is currently panicking about someone who can casually destroy divine artifacts and subjugate vampire factions in one afternoon."
"The other half," Sirzechs added with dry humor, "is debating whether to recruit you or eliminate you as a threat."
"And which category do you fall into?"
"Neither," Michael said firmly. "We need to understand your intentions and whether they align with supernatural stability."
Jeanne, who had been listening intently, suddenly spoke up. "Excuse me - you're the Archangel Michael? The one who leads Heaven's forces?"
"I am," Michael replied, his attention shifting to her with visible concern. "And you're Jeanne d'Arc. Are you here voluntarily?"
The implication hung heavy in the air. Jeanne's answer could escalate this diplomatic meeting into something far more dangerous.
"I'm here considering an offer of service," Jeanne replied honestly, earning surprised looks from all three visitors. "Lord Akira offered me a choice between willing cooperation and... alternative arrangements."
"Alternative arrangements?" Azazel asked, though his expression suggested he suspected the answer.
I gestured toward the empty space near the entrance. Four shadow figures materialized - Siegfried, Perseus, Heracles, and Leonardo, their dark forms retaining distinctive characteristics while radiating otherworldly power.
Michael stepped back involuntarily, divine energy coiling defensively around him. Azazel's eyes widened with scientific fascination and alarm. Sirzechs remained outwardly calm, but his aura shifted defensively.
"Shadow soldiers," Azazel breathed. "You didn't just defeat the Hero Faction - you converted them."
"They chose pride over pragmatism when offered alternatives," I explained. "They retain their memories, abilities, and personalities, with absolute loyalty and enhanced capabilities."
"That's necromancy of the highest order!" Michael's voice carried moral outrage. "To bind souls in such a manner—"
"It's neither necromancy nor soul binding. They're not undead, and their souls remain intact. Shadow Extraction operates on different principles entirely."
"The method is irrelevant," Sirzechs interjected, clearly preventing a theological argument. "The result is you've eliminated the Hero Faction while gaining their capabilities."
"Correct. They made themselves my enemies, so I ensured they never could again while preserving their useful qualities."
Valerie spoke up with concern. "Perhaps we should explain the context? They attacked our territory first."
"The Hero Faction came here intending to eliminate me and everyone under my protection," I said, looking directly at Michael. "They brought legendary weapons and coordinated assault tactics. My response was proportionate."
"Proportionate?" Michael asked incredulously. "You destroyed the True Longinus! That artifact has been sacred for two millennia!"
"And now it's scrap metal. Sacred status doesn't grant immunity from hostile action."
Azazel stepped forward, shifting toward practical concerns. "Setting theology aside, we need to discuss the consequences. Every supernatural faction wants to know where you stand. Someone with your capabilities can't remain neutral."
"And if I choose not to choose sides?"
"Then everyone assumes you're an enemy and acts accordingly," Sirzechs replied grimly. "Which would be unfortunate for everyone."
"What are you proposing?"
Michael straightened. "Formal recognition as an independent supernatural entity with limited territorial authority. In exchange, you agree to certain constraints."
"What kind of constraints?"
"Non-interference in established faction affairs," Sirzechs replied. "Restricted territorial expansion. Participation in collective security arrangements against major threats."
"And if I decline?"
The three exchanged glances. "Then we'd classify you as a rogue element," Azazel said reluctantly. "Which would trigger defensive measures."
Before I could respond, Jeanne stood up, her expression determined.
"I've made my decision. I choose to serve willingly."
Michael stared in shock while Sirzechs and Azazel appeared genuinely surprised.
"Jeanne," Michael said with paternal concern, "you don't understand what you're agreeing to. This man operates outside divine authority itself."
"Which is exactly why I'm choosing to work with him rather than against him," she replied firmly. "I've seen what happens to his enemies. I'd rather help build whatever he's creating."
"Very well," I said, standing and extending my hand. "Welcome to my service, Jeanne."
As we shook hands, binding energy flowed between us, modified for someone with genuine free will. The connection formed while leaving her capacity for independent judgment intact.
"Now then," I turned back to the faction leaders, "let's discuss your proposals specifically. I'm willing to consider mutually beneficial arrangements, but I won't accept limitations based purely on your comfort."
Azazel grinned. "What would you consider acceptable?"
"Recognition of my territorial authority within defined boundaries. Non-interference in my internal affairs in exchange for respecting your domains. Consultation on supernatural stability matters, but not automatic compliance."
"Military cooperation?" Sirzechs asked.
"Against genuine threats to supernatural stability, yes. Against political opponents or factional disputes, no."
Michael struggled visibly. "This sets a dangerous precedent. If we legitimize your authority despite your methods, what message does that send?"
"That power without responsibility has unpleasant consequences. I'm not encouraging others to follow my path - I'm demonstrating that threatening what I protect leads to overwhelming response."
"But destroying sacred artifacts—"
"Was a combat decision. The True Longinus was being used as a weapon against me. I responded accordingly. If you want your artifacts intact, don't aim them at my people."
Azazel laughed suddenly. "You know what? I like your approach. Direct, honest, refreshingly free of political double-talk."
"Is that professional endorsement?"
"It's recognition that you say what you mean and mean what you say. That's rare in supernatural politics."
Sirzechs nodded thoughtfully. "I agree. Your methods are unorthodox, but your objectives align with general stability."
Michael was quiet for long moments before sighing deeply. "I cannot endorse methods that violate theological principles. But I acknowledge the alternatives present greater risks."
"Then we have an agreement framework," I said. "Formal recognition, defined boundaries, mutual consultation, cooperation against genuine threats."
"There'll need to be specific protocols," Sirzechs said. "Communication procedures, dispute resolution, territorial limits."
"Agreed. Though you'll want to discuss details with your organizations first."
"Obviously," Azazel replied. "Though most resistance will come from factions not represented tonight."
"Speaking of which," Sirzechs glanced around, "what are your plans for the Carmilla Faction?"
I looked at Elene. "They'll continue operating as before, with policy coordination through me for inter-factional matters."
"And other vampire factions?" Michael asked.
"Only if they make themselves my enemies. I have no interest in conquest for its own sake, but I won't tolerate threats to my people."
The leaders exchanged satisfied glances. The crisis was addressed, future interaction frameworks established.
"Well then," Azazel clapped his hands, "time to return and explain tonight's developments to our various bureaucracies."
As they prepared to leave, Sirzechs paused. "For what it's worth, I'm glad this ended with negotiation rather than conflict. The supernatural world has seen enough warfare."
"Peaceful outcomes depend on all parties acting reasonably. I'll work within agreed frameworks, but I won't tolerate attempts to undermine them."
The magical circles formed, and within moments they were gone.
Jeanne looked around at the remaining group and laughed softly. "Well, that wasn't how I expected my evening to end when I woke up in a cell."
"Second thoughts about your decision?" I asked.
"Surprisingly, no," she replied thoughtfully. "I've spent years fighting for causes that claimed divine authority while ignoring human suffering. Working for someone who prioritizes practical results over theological purity... it's liberating."
"Any concerns about tonight's developments?" I asked the others.
"Diplomatic recognition should make things easier," Elene said practically. "Having formal status prevents other factions from treating us as conquest targets."
Valerie nodded. "It also means we won't operate in complete isolation from supernatural society."
As the evening wound down, I reflected on the dramatic changes. This morning brought direct assault from organized enemies. Tonight brought formal recognition, loyal allies, and frameworks for stable arrangements.
Standing in the main hall as others retired, I looked out at the vampire territory now formally mine. Distant lights flickered in communities where ordinary beings lived their lives, largely unaware how close they'd come to being casualties in someone else's war.
The shadow soldiers materialized beside me, ready for whatever orders I might give. Their absolute loyalty was clear through our mental connection.
Looking out at my domain, I made a quiet promise to those whose lives now depended on my decisions. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever complications emerged from tonight's arrangements, I wouldn't let them down.
The supernatural world had changed tonight. Whether that led to stability or chaos would depend on how we all used the opportunities created.
But that was tomorrow's concern. Tonight, we'd established the foundation. Everything else would build from here.
. . .
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