Chapter 71: Chapter 71
"Rough day?" I asked, settling onto the bench's far end, maintaining a respectful distance.
She jerked upright, eyes wide with surprise before narrowing in professional assessment. Even in her current state, she was automatically scanning me for threats—a habit so ingrained it functioned despite her emotional breakdown.
"I'm... fine," she lied, voice cracking at the end.
"Sure you are. That's why you're having a private moment on a public bench," I gestured at her tear-stained cheeks. "Want to talk about it, or should I just sit here and pretend I don't notice you're about to have a complete breakdown?"
Her composure cracked entirely. "Can you believe it? My boss just... left me!"
Knowing Odin from everything I've heard about Norse leadership, this actually makes perfect sense* I thought, keeping my expression neutral. "Left you how? Like, fired you, or just disappeared?"
"He left for important meetings and said I wasn't needed!" The words exploded out of her. "After everything—covering for his drinking, his gambling, his completely inappropriate magazine collection, and his habit of trying to trade subordinates for alcohol!"
I blinked. "He tried to trade you for booze?"
She buried her face in her hands. "I've been handling his paperwork, scheduling his appointments, preventing diplomatic incidents when he gets drunk and starts hitting on officials' spouses, and this is how he repays me? 'Go have fun, Rossweisse! You worry too much! I can handle myself!'"
Odin. Only he could make his most competent employee have an existential crisis about getting time off.*
"So your workaholic boss finally gave you a break, and you're crying about it?"
She stared at me like I'd grown a second head. "Break? This isn't a break! This is abandonment! What if he needs something? What if he gets into drinking contests with diplomats? What if he trades classified information for rare sake?"
She genuinely has no idea how to function without micromanaging someone else's life. This is both tragic and oddly endearing.*
"When's the last time you did something just for yourself?"
"I..." She opened and closed her mouth several times. "I don't understand the question."
I couldn't help it—I laughed. "You poor, overworked woman. You've forgotten how to be human."
"I am NOT—" She caught herself, probably realizing she'd almost revealed something important. "I am perfectly capable of... joyous activities."
"Name one."
Silence stretched between us. Her face went through several expressions—confusion, panic, then dawning horror as she realized she couldn't answer.
"Come on," I said, standing and offering my hand. "You can join me for dinner. Consider it divine intervention before you have a complete psychological breakdown in public."
She stared at my outstretched hand like it might bite her. "But... I don't know you."
"I'm Akira. I can cook decent food, I don't abandon employees in parks, and I'm told I give excellent life advice to overworked individuals having career crises."
She took my hand—grip firm enough that I could tell she had considerable physical strength despite her professional appearance. "Rossweisse."
"Nice to meet you, Rossweisse. Now come on—my housemates are going to find this story fascinating."
"Everyone, meet Rossweisse," I announced as we entered. "Her boss ditched her for work meetings, and she's having an existential crisis about it."
Asia immediately set down her book, maternal instincts engaging. "Oh no! Are you alright?"
"I'm perfectly fine," Rossweisse insisted, then immediately contradicted herself. "Well, I mean, technically I suppose I am stranded. He didn't leave contact information or emergency protocols or even tell me where he was staying..."
She's spiraling again. Time for intervention.*
"What kind of boss leaves their assistant stranded without any way to reach them?" Valerie asked, her dhampir senses probably picking up the genuine distress under Rossweisse's forced composure.
"The irresponsible kind," I answered. "He is a terrible leader if I must say"
"He's not—" Rossweisse started, then stopped. *Smart. Almost defended him by name.*
Xenovia looked up as I hoped she wouldn't say something outrageous "Did he not pay for your services?"
"Payment isn't the primary concern," Rossweisse said carefully. "It's more about... professional duty."
"Professional duty to someone who abandoned you?" Valerie's concern was clearly picking up on her past undervalued issues "Either you have questionable judgment, or there's more to this situation."
And there's Valerie being perceptive. Rossweisse's trying to avoid revealing anything important, but she's fighting a losing battle.*
"There's always more to any story," I said, resting on the couch "But right now, the important thing is that Rossweisse gets a decent meal and remembers what it's like to have a conversation that doesn't involve crisis management."
Rossweisse looked around the room—taking in Asia's genuine concern, Valerie's protective interest, Xenovia's straightforward acceptance—and something in her shoulders relaxed.
"I... thank you. I can't remember the last time anyone offered help without wanting something in return."
And that right there is the core problem. She's so used to being utilized that simple kindness confuses her.*
"We do want something," I said seriously. Rossweisse tensed, ready for disappointment "We want you to sit down, eat some food, and let yourself be a normal person instead of a professional assistant for one evening."
Her eyes went wide, then suspiciously bright. "That's... that's not asking for something. That's offering something."
"I'll cook amazing food for you, Rossweisse!" Asia said warmly. "We will give you a pleasant evening."
Watching Rossweisse slowly relax was like watching someone remember how to breathe. By dessert, she was actually laughing at Asia's story about accidentally burning food which she worked for over hours.
"I haven't had a meal where I wasn't simultaneously planning someone else's schedule in... I can't even remember" she admitted "This was one of the great evenings that I experienced in my life"
"You are helpless" Xenovia said with characteristic bluntness. "That's a high level servitude."
"I prefer 'dedicated professional support'" Rossweisse replied, but there was self-awareness in her tone now. She was slowly realising how much Odin had been exploiting her. Life do reward beautiful girls to some undeserving fellows.
"Call it whatever you want," Valerie said. "But when your boss abandons you without basic information about accommodations, maybe it's time to reconsider your professional priorities."
Rossweisse's face went pale. "I... hadn't considered lodging arrangements."
Of course she hadn't. Probably spent so much time managing his schedules that she never planned her own.*
"You can stay here with us" Asia announced immediately "We have a guest room"
"I couldn't possibly impose—"
"Yes, you could" I interrupted, taking the final bite of sushi "It's either that or sleep on the park bench where I found you. Which sounds more appealing?"
"When you put it like that..." she said sheepishly, as we chuckled that she was easing into our circle.
Later, after getting Rossweisse settled and the others had gone to bed, I asked her to tag along, noticing her constant stares after the dinner was done.
"I'll grab some from the convenience store" I called out.
"I'll come with you" Rossweisse said quickly, appearing in the doorway.
She's been observing me all evening. Based on her knowledge and smartness, It's not hard to assume she figured out that I wasn't a normal human. Firstly, the vast mana, thanks to holy water of life and next, is literally a dhampir living in the same house as me*
The walk started in comfortable silence, but I could feel her stare . When we were several blocks from the house, she finally spoke.
"You're not a normal human"
Not a question. Statement of fact, delivered with the kind of certainty that came from professional experience with supernatural beings.
"What gave it away?" I asked, genuinely curious about her deductive process.
"Your magical signature is enormous, but you don't use it like a trained mage would. Plus, there's clearly a vampire living in your house" She paused. "Also, you recognized I wasn't normal, the moment you saw me, didn't you? That's why you invited me to dinner"
Sharp. Very sharp. No wonder she's working for Odin.*
"You're right on all counts," I admitted. "Though I should point out that an invite for dinner was to make you feel good. Seeing a girl cry by herself, isn't something I could turn blind eye to"
"Shall we introduce ourselves or do you still want to play the role of a helpless girl?"
She had the grace to look embarrassed. "I'm a Valkyrie from Norse, serving as Bodyguard for my boss known as Lord Odin.
"Fair enough. But since we're being honest—" I raised my hand, forming a perfect sphere of water above my palm. "I'm a human, who resides in this town with supernatural powers"
I flicked the sphere toward a nearby street lamp, where it exploded in a miniature rainstorm.
Rossweisse's eyes widened. "There was no mana fluctuation in that technique at all! How is that possible?"
Her question was answered by the sound of someone stepping out from behind the streetlight, completely soaked.
Vali emerged from the shadows, silver hair dripping wet but his trademark confident smirk firmly in place.
"Vali," I said, grinning despite myself. "Your stealth techniques need work if you're getting caught by random water attacks."
"Your detection methods are improving" Vali replied, shaking water from his hair with obvious irritation. "Though your greeting techniques could use some work."
Rossweisse had gone very still beside me, her senses clearly detecting the dangerous aura radiating from the newcomer.
"It's alright," I told her quietly. "He's quite troublesome and powerful, dangerous too, but not to you."
"Not to you either," Vali added, "at least not tonight. I came to warn you, of someone, who might be too much for you to handle"
Is Ophis pulling up to my location?*
"What is it?" I asked, keeping my tone casual while preparing for potential complications.
He paused as he looked at me and revealed the overwhelming threat to me.
"Cao Cao"
. . .
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Chapter 72: Chapter 72
"Cao Cao" I repeated, watching Vali's expression carefully "I thought I made it clear that particular problem was handled"
"You destroyed his Sacred Gear, yes. But apparently, that only made him more determined." Vali's eyes held a warning I'd rarely seen from him. "He's allied himself with Hades, to bring you down"
Rossweisse gasped beside me. Even as a Valkyrie, the implications of that alliance weren't lost on her, the name Hades, was enough to strike concern to even someone like her.
"Hades," I said thoughtfully, as if I was discussing mundane events in my everyday life "God of the dead? And here I thought my evenings were going to be boring."
"Are you insane?" Rossweisse stared at me. "You're talking about someone who could level cities without breaking a sweat!"
"That's only half of it" Vali corrected with that familiar competitive edge creeping into his voice. "He is way beyond Cao Cao's level of strength"
I looked between them, and then at him "Vali, are you... worried about me?"
His scoff was immediate and predictable. "Worried? Hardly. I just don't want to miss my chance at a proper rematch because some desperate hero and a death god decided to gang up on you."
"How considerate."
"I'm serious about this, Akira." The use of my actual name caught my attention. Vali rarely bothered with formalities, but when he did, it meant business. "Hades isn't like the opponents you've faced before. He's not some overconfident devil or misguided hero. He's an actual god with millennia of experience and power that makes Cao Cao look like a street magician."
"And yet," I said, forming another water sphere absently, "here you are, warning me instead of just sitting back"
Something flickered across Vali's expression—annoyance, maybe, or grudging respect. "Where's the satisfaction in defeating you if you're already dead? I want to beat you at your best, not pick up the pieces after Hades is done with you."
Rossweisse was staring at both of us like we'd lost our minds. "Are you two actually having a friendly conversation about someone plotting to kill him?"
"Define 'friendly,'" Vali and I said simultaneously, then glared at each other.
"This is insane," she muttered.
"Welcome to supernatural politics," I said cheerfully. "Everything's a death threat until proven otherwise." I turned back to Vali. "So what's their timeline? Am I looking at imminent doom, or do I have time to finish grocery shopping?"
"Cao Cao's been laying low since you humiliated him. He has been building resources and connections. The Hades alliance is recent—within the last week." Vali's expression grew serious again. "But knowing Cao Cao's ego, he won't wait long to make his move."
"Lovely." I dismissed the water sphere. "Well, thanks for the heads up. I suppose this means our rematch is postponed?"
"Only temporarily." That competitive gleam was back in full force. "When this is over—and you somehow manage to defeat a god, because knowing you, you probably will—I want the rematch against you."
"You have such faith in me."
"I have faith in your ridiculous ability to exceed expectations." He paused, something almost like concern crossing his features. "Just... don't get yourself killed before I can properly defeat you."
"Well, I didn't know you cared."
"I don't. I just want to be the one to crush that insufferable confidence of yours."
With that declaration, wings materialized behind him, and he launched into the night sky without another word.
Rossweisse and I stood in silence for a moment, watching his retreating form.
"Your life," she said finally, "is incredibly complicated."
"You have no idea."
Twenty minutes later, we were sitting on a bench in the same park where I'd found her earlier, sharing ice cream from the convenience store. The normalcy of it felt surreal after the conversation with Vali.
"So," Rossweisse said, taking a careful bite of her strawberry ice cream, "to summarize: you've apparently defeated this Cao Cao person before, destroyed his legendary weapon, and now he's allied with a Greek god specifically to kill you. And your reaction is... ice cream?"
"Good ice cream," I corrected. "There's a difference."
She stared at me. "How are you so calm about this?"
I considered the question while working on my vanilla cone. "Want the philosophical answer or the practical one?"
"Both."
"Practically speaking, worrying about it won't change anything. I don't know when they'll make their move, what their exact plan is, or what resources they'll bring. Panicking about unknowns is just wasted energy."
"And philosophically?"
"I've survived everything else life's thrown at me so far. This is just another challenge." I met her concerned gaze. "Besides, do I really seem like the type to go down quietly?"
"You seem like the type to make terrible jokes while everything burns around you."
"Now you're getting it."
She shook her head, but I caught the small smile she was trying to hide. "You're impossible."
"I prefer 'adaptable.'" I finished the last of my ice cream. "Look, Rossweisse, I understand why this seems overwhelming from the outside. But I've learned something important over the time—problems that seem insurmountable usually have solutions you just haven't thought of yet."
"And if you're wrong?"
"Then I'll figure something out when the time comes. I always do."
She was quiet for a long moment, studying my face in the streetlight. "You really believe that, don't you? That you can handle whatever comes?"
"I have to. The alternative is living in fear, and that's not really living at all."
"Most people would be terrified."
"Most people don't have my particular set of advantages." I stood, extending my hand to help her up. "Come on. Despite the night's revelations, I still need to get some good sleep, and you look like you could use some rest after working so much."
She took my hand, letting me pull her to her feet. "Normal human interaction involving someone with a death god plotting against them?"
"The very best kind."
As we walked back toward the convenience store, I couldn't help but notice how Rossweisse kept glancing at me, as if trying to solve some complex puzzle. The concerned looks had shifted into something closer to curiosity—maybe even respect.
"Can I ask you something?" she said as we approached the store.
"Shoot."
"When you found me crying earlier, did you know who I was? What I was?"
I considered lying, but decided honesty had served us well so far. "I knew you weren't human. The way you carried yourself, how you automatically scanned for threats, your reaction times—all professional habits. But I didn't know you were a Valkyrie specifically."
"Then why help me?"
"Same reason I'd help any stranger having a bad day. It was the right thing to do."
She stopped walking. "Just like that?"
"Just like that." I paused at her expression. "Is that really so surprising?"
"In my experience, supernatural beings usually want something in return for kindness."
"Then you've been dealing with the wrong supernatural beings."
Her smile this time was genuine and reached her eyes. "Maybe I have."
The walk home was comfortable, filled with easier conversation about mundane topics—favorite foods, bad weather, the surprisingly good ice cream selection at convenience stores. It felt good to see Rossweisse relaxing, letting herself be something other than a hypercompetent professional for once.
"You know," she said as we approached the house, "this has been the most normal evening I've had in months. Despite the death threats and supernatural revelations."
"I'm glad. You needed—"
I stopped short as we reached the front door. There were voices coming from inside—familiar ones.
"Azazel's here," I said, recognizing the cadence of conversation.
"Your friend?"
"Yeah, but—" I tilted my head, listening more carefully. There was another voice, older, with a distinctly different accent. "He's not alone."
I opened the door, and immediately understood why Rossweisse had gone rigid behind me.
Azazel was lounging in my living room chair, looking perfectly at home as usual. Sitting on my couch, holding questionable magazine with apparent interest, was an elderly man with an eyepatch, gray beard, and the kind of presence that filled a room despite his relaxed posture.
Odin. In my living room. Looking completely at ease.
"Akira!" Azazel called cheerfully. "Perfect timing. I brought a friend."
"Lord Odin," Rossweisse whispered behind me, her voice mixing relief, panic, and professional mortification in equal measure.
The elderly god looked up from the textbook, and his single eye immediately fixed on his assistant. "Ah, Rossweisse. There you are."
"Sir," she said, straightening into perfect professional posture despite still holding the convenience store bag. "I wasn't aware you were planning to—"
"Plans changed, my dear." Odin set down the book and smiled benignly. "I finished my meetings early and thought I'd pay a visit to young Akira here. Azazel's told me quite interesting things about him."
I looked between Azazel's amused grin and Odin's expectant expression, then at Rossweisse's barely controlled panic.
"This's going to be a long night" I said, forcing a smile.
Azazel's grin widened. "Oh, you have no idea"
. . .
Chapter 73
"Lord Odin," Rossweisse said stiffly, her professional mask rigid despite the convenience store bag clutched in her hands. "I wasn't informed of any changes to your schedule. Where were you?"
"Schedules are for people who lack control over themselves, my dear Rossweisse!" Odin said cheerfully, completely ignoring her obvious distress. "I was spending some quality time in thisn town and decided to visit this fascinating young man"
I could see Rossweisse's eye twitching—the same controlled frustration I'd witnessed in the park.
"Sir, you left me without any contact information or instructions about accommodations," she said through gritted teeth, her composure cracking. "What if there had been an emergency? What if someone had attacked you? What if—"
"Bah! I've been taking care of myself since before your great-great-great-grandmother was born," Odin waved dismissively. "Besides, look how well things worked out! You spent a lovely evening with your boyfriend!"
Rossweisse's face went nuclear red "He's NOT my—! We were just—! It wasn't a—!"
"Oh ho! Such passionate denials!" Odin's grin widened maliciously. "That blush suggests otherwise, my dear. And here I thought Valkyries were supposed to be composed!"
"LORD ODIN!"
Azazel snorted with laughter. "I have to admit, the old man has a point. You two did look pretty cozy when you walked in."
"We were NOT cozy!" Rossweisse protested, her voice losing composure with each word "We were simply... discussing... things!"
"What sort of things require holding hands?" Odin asked innocently.
*Wait, were we holding hands when we came in? I honestly don't remember—I was too focused on seeing Azazel and Odin together.*
"We weren't—! I mean, I don't—! That's not—!" Rossweisse's brain seemed to short-circuit.
"Easy there, Rossweisse," I said, trying to throw her a lifeline. "Don't let him get to you. He's clearly enjoying this."
"Oh, but I am!" Odin clapped his hands together. "It's been ages since I've seen my lovely Valkyrie so flustered! Usually she's lecturing me about responsibility and proper conduct. This is much more fun!"
"Speaking of proper conduct," Rossweisse rallied, shooting him a light glare, which Odin ignored gracefully "Sir, You were supposed to be attending meetings, not visiting... establishments of questionable reputation, while leaving me all alone!"
Azazel perked up. "Oh, you actually went to that place I mentioned? How was it?"
"Heaven! It was way better than what angels claim in their heaven!" Odin's eye gleamed. "The young ladies were so knowledgeable about... cultural practices!"
"It's not good for the leader of Norse to visit such establishments! It will tarnish our reputation, Sir!" Rossweisse shrieked.
*No wonder she was having a breakdown in the park. This guy really did abandon her to chase after maid cafés.*
"But seriously," Odin continued, his expression shifting to something more calculating, "I was quite eager to meet the young man who accomplished something remarkable. Destroying a Longinus, how fascinating and unheard of"
*Time for a cover story.*
"My Sacred Gear has some unusual properties to adapt when I push it," I said carefully. "I managed to concentrate enough force to overwhelm the spear's defenses. That's all"
"Fascinating! But surely there's more to it, isn't it?" Odin's single eye focused on me with uncomfortable intensity. "I can sense something quite unique about your aura, especially, one of your eyes"
*Shit. Of course the god of wisdom can read me like a book.*
"The power has side effects," I said, placing a hand over my right eye as he kept his gaze fixed on my eye, ever since I stepped in here.
"Ah yes, those striking red eyes of yours! Quite distinctive!" Odin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I've never encountered a Sacred Gear that produces such pronounced physical changes. Most fascinating!"
"It's still evolving, apparently. I'm learning new things about it all the time."
"How delightful! A completely unknown phenomenon!" Odin looked genuinely excited. "No wonder you could destroy a Longinus! You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"
"He really is," Azazel said with a smirk. "Every time I think I have him figured out, he does something impossible."
During this exchange, Rossweisse had been growing increasingly agitated, her protective instincts clearly warring with her frustration.
"Sir," she interrupted sharply, "perhaps we should discuss more pressing matters. Like the fact that people are trying to kill him!"
*Rossweisse, no—*
"Kill him?" Odin's cheerful demeanor didn't change, but something dangerous flickered in his eye. "What kind of people are you talking about?"
Rossweisse immediately realized her mistake, her face paling. "I... during our conversation earlier..."
"She's referring to some unconcerning developments," I said quickly, hoping to deflect.
"If Rossweisse is worried, it must be serious!" Odin's tone remained light, but the underlying threat was unmistakable. "Come now, what's got you so concerned about your boyfriend's safety?"
"He's NOT—!" Rossweisse started, then caught herself. She straightened her shoulders, shooting me an apologetic look. "The man named Cao Cao has allied himself with Hades. They're specifically targeting Akira."
The room went dead silent. Azazel's casual demeanor evaporated instantly.
"Hold up," Azazel said slowly. "Did you just say Hades? As in, the actual Greek death god? And he is allying with the leader of the Hero faction? "
"Yes. Vali delivered the information himself."
Azazel's eyes narrowed. "Wait. Vali came to you personally? When the hell did that happen?"
*Right. Vali left Azazel's group to join the Khaos Brigade. Of course Azazel would be surprised.*
"About twenty minutes ago" I said "He seemed... different. More serious than usual."
"Different how?" Azazel's voice had gone completely cold.
"Conflicted. Like he wasn't entirely comfortable delivering the message."
Azazel ran a hand through his hair. "Shit. If Vali's having second thoughts about his new allegiances, things must be worse than I thought."
The cheerful expression vanished from Odin's face entirely. "Hades," he said quietly, as he tightened his grip on his cane "This doesn't sound good"
"Sir?" Rossweisse looked surprised by his sudden shift in demeanor.
"The Greek Lord of the Dead doesn't involve himself in others affairs, not that I heard of" Odin's voice carried a weight that made us feel tense. "If he's specifically targeting you, young man, then you're in far more danger than you realize."
"I'm starting to understand that," I said carefully.
"No, I don't think you are." Odin's tone was completely serious now, all traces of his earlier playfulness gone. "Hades commands the entire grim reapers in the underworld. Death itself bows to his will. This isn't some power-hungry devil or ambitious fallen angel—this is a primordial force that has existed since the dawn of creation."
Rossweisse shifted uncomfortably. "Lord Odin, surely there must be something—"
"There is," Odin interrupted, his gaze never leaving me. "The question is whether young Akira is wise enough to accept help when it's offered."
"I handle problems the same way I always do—gather information, make plans, execute them," I said evenly. "Panicking doesn't do anything good, so for now, I just sit back and let them have their little plan form until I shatter it, right in front of them"
Odin studied me for a long moment. "Admirable resolve, but this isn't a problem you can solve with determination alone." His voice carried centuries of experience. "You'll need allies. Powerful ones."
"Lord Odin," Rossweisse said urgently, "couldn't we offer some form of protection? Or at least guidance to help him?"
"Who says I'm not?" Odin's expression softened slightly as he looked at his worried Valkyrie. "Sometimes the best help comes in forms you don't expect."
"Well then," Odin said, his serious demeanor returning, "I suppose we should take our leave. I have some urgent inquiries to make based on this troubling information."
"What kind of inquiries?" Rossweisse asked.
Odin replied stroking his beard "Greek gods don't act without reason, and I need to understand what's driving Hades to break his usual neutrality." Odin extended his hand to me, his grip firm and surprisingly warm. "Young Akira, be very careful. What you're facing goes beyond the usual supernatural politics." His single eye held genuine concern. "And don't be too proud to accept help when it comes."
I nodded in acceptance.
"Lord Odin," Rossweisse said firmly, "Before we leave, I need to establish proper communication protocols. And, no more disappearing to visit questionable establishments, without informing me first."
"Yes, yes, we'll discuss those arrangements later," Odin said, though his tone was more understanding now. "Right now, I need to make some very important contacts regarding this Hades situation."
Rossweisse looked ready to throttle him, but instead began forming her teleportation circle with sharp, frustrated movements. The blue magic circle formed beneath them .
"Be careful," she said to me quietly, her anger at Odin temporarily set aside. "And... thank you for today. It really was wonderful."
"Don't mention it. Try not to lecture him too much"
Her smile was rueful. "No promises."
"Oh, and Rossweisse," Odin added cheerfully as the circle reached full power, "do try to relax! Young love is supposed to be enjoyable!"
"WE'RE NOT—!"
The circle flared bright blue, cutting off her protest as they vanished.
Azazel and I sat in silence for a moment.
"Well," Azazel said, breaking the silence "that was something."
"Odin's exactly as advertised—brilliant, powerful, and completely insufferable."
"You should see him at formal gatherings. Last summit, he spent the entire banquet trying to convince a succubus to 'educate him about modern courtship rituals.'" Azazel shook his head. "But don't let the perverted old fool act mislead you. When he gets serious, he's terrifying."
"I got that impression." I settled back in my chair. "So. Hades."
"Yeah." Azazel's expression grew grim. "You realize what you're up against, right? You could pretty much lose this time?"
"The thought had occurred to me." I sighed as I regretted that I left the Leader of Hero Faction alive. To think, he would bring such a big trouble even after getting his longinus destroyed "But I believe, I could handle it"
"Anyone who can destroy a Longinus obviously doesn't need me worrying about their combat abilities. Are you prepared for the upcoming summit in the Underworld?" Azazel's smirk returned. "The guests are getting assigned someone as a bodyguard from three faction. A standard protocol—even Odin will have someone with him, from Angel's faction"
"A bodyguard?"
"Just a custom, . Someone to handle the political side of things while you focus on the important stuff." Azazel stood and began forming his teleportation circle. "Think of it as having someone taking care of all the boring summit formalities."
"But is it necessary?"
"It's a big meeting of faction leaders. Lots of important people in one place, which means lots of opportunities for troublemakers." The magic circle began to swirl beneath his feet. "Your bodyguard will be in touch soon, so until then, try not to make more enemies"
"Azazel—"
"Trust me on this one. The summit's going to be complicated enough. The bodyguard will help you avoid navigating all the political nonsense solo. Good night, kid"
The light engulfed him, and he was gone.
I sat alone on my couch, processing everything that had just happened. A god wanted me dead. Vali was having second thoughts about his new allegiances. Odin thought I was fascinating. Rossweisse was... well, that situation had gotten complicated.
And now I had a mystery bodyguard incoming for the summit.