"You mean... you want to make the users of the Red Dragon Emperor and White Dragon Emperor fight each other?"
The God finally grasped Takeyo's intention.
"Exactly. Both the Red Dragon Emperor and White Dragon Emperor of this generation are quite interesting."
A knowing smile crossed Takeyo's face. Through the system shared with the Sacred Gears, he could track the position and approximate strength of every Sacred Gear user.
The God had granted Takeyo full access to the Sacred Gear system, permissions she'd never shared with anyone else.
"If you find them interesting, they must be fascinating indeed."
The God's expression brightened with curiosity. If Takeyo considered them noteworthy, she definitely wanted to witness it herself.
"Well then, let's go check them out."
Without further discussion, Takeyo transported both women directly to Vali's location.
At the Vali Team's base, an unexpected scene greeted them.
They were having a barbecue.
Even warriors needed downtime. Team bonding through shared meals was just as important as training.
"Kuroka-nee, are you going to bring your sister back?"
Le Fay accepted a skewer from her brother Arthur, then turned to the black cat Nekomata lounging nearby.
Kuroka had mentioned wanting to ensure her sister's safety. Since Takeyo had vanished without a trace, Shirone might no longer be under his protection.
"Even if I wanted to get Shirone back, I'm not strong enough to beat her anymore, nya."
Kuroka spread her hands helplessly.
While Shirone hadn't reached the point where she could easily defeat her older sister, Kuroka couldn't overpower her either. They were evenly matched now.
"Wait, how did Shirone's potential awaken so suddenly?"
The situation baffled Kuroka.
Shirone reaching Ultimate-class made sense given her natural talent, but catching up to Kuroka's level in such a short time? Something didn't add up.
A certain Takeyo who wishes to remain anonymous: Hehe... I have absolutely no idea why there was a certain meowing in my room that day. Perhaps it was because a certain cat was in heat? Yes, that must be it.
"Hey, Arthur! Don't give everything to your sister! Give me some too!"
Bikou complained loudly.
"Sure, you're the cook, but show some fairness. I'm starving over here! Haven't you noticed I've become skin and bones?"
"If you want to eat, you need to work for it."
Arthur adjusted his glasses with an unusually stern expression.
"I don't know who knocked over the ingredients earlier, which is why we're short on seasoning now. Unless you go buy everything we need, don't expect any favors."
Arthur's tone was dead serious.
He knew Bikou's appetite all too well. Even if every team member helped grill food, they couldn't keep up with the monkey Youkai's eating speed.
Bikou had clearly inherited his ancestor's legendary appetite, countless celestial peaches couldn't satisfy him.
"Tch."
Bikou clicked his tongue in frustration.
"Flying Nimbus!"
Despite his annoyance, he summoned his cloud, preparing to run the errand.
Just as Bikou leaped up to depart, a man's voice rang out.
"Here, seasoning."
The voice carried a warmth like sunshine, with an almost purifying quality that seemed to cleanse the soul.
Crash!
Over a dozen bottles of seasoning landed on the table.
"You!"
Kuroka's fur stood on end. Her tail was caught in that familiar grip again!
The same touch she remembered... No! Why are you grabbing someone's tail again?!
"Ah, it's been a while. My hand's feeling better now."
After enjoying the sensation of Kuroka's tail for a moment, Takeyo smiled.
"Hey, Vali, don't look at me with those eager eyes. If you annoy me, I will fight you."
Takeyo felt a burning gaze. It belonged to Vali.
Upon seeing Takeyo's return, Vali felt his existence gain meaning again.
The target he'd been chasing was alive! Only with Takeyo in the world could Vali's life have purpose!
"Sorry, I'm just surprised you survived the battle with Fenrir."
Vali suppressed his emotions, speaking with a casual smile.
For him, the how of Takeyo's survival didn't matter. What mattered was that Takeyo was still alive!
"I came to see you today for a specific reason."
Takeyo grabbed a skewer Arthur handed him and took a bite.
"A reason? What could it be?"
"We haven't done anything recently. Cao Cao's the one planning something."
Kuroka immediately deflected attention to Cao Cao. Cough, cough, if there's trouble, go bother Cao Cao, not me...
"I simply want to recruit you as a public official."
Takeyo smiled.
"Tobio misses you greatly. Azazel also complains daily that you've become a terrorist without even sending him updates."
Takeyo ate another skewer casually.
"Public official?"
Vali's eyebrows rose.
His current identity was as a terrorist with the Khaos Brigade. Becoming a public official would mean...
Takeyo wanted him to return to the Three Factions' side.
"Yes, join my peacekeeping force."
Takeyo's tone remained casual.
"The peacekeeping force? Sounds interesting."
Vali stroked his chin thoughtfully.
He didn't immediately refuse.
Originally, he'd betrayed the Factions to gain more freedom, to fight the strong without restrictions.
Though Takeyo had disappeared during this period, the peacekeeping force had continued its duties.
He'd observed their high degree of operational freedom. Honestly, it was tempting.
However, Takeyo didn't have time to wait for deliberation.
"Vali, perhaps you've misunderstood something. I didn't come to let you decide. I came to inform you."
The moment Takeyo spoke, a golden halo appeared above his head.
Hummm!
In an instant, the halo expanded, enclosing them within an absolutely sealed space!
The upcoming commotion would be substantial. To avoid detection by interested parties, Takeyo directly enclosed the area.
"What do you mean?"
Vali's eyes narrowed. To be honest... he'd been feeling confident recently after developing a special form, the Silver Juggernaut Drive!
His strength could reach Transcendent-class for short periods!
What Vali didn't know was that the so-called Silver Juggernaut Drive could no longer keep pace with Takeyo.
On his first day with the White Dragon Emperor template, Takeyo had achieved Balance Breaker. Within three days, he'd unlocked Juggernaut Drive.
After more than a month, including extensive rest periods, Takeyo could use the Silver Juggernaut Drive to instantly kill Maou-class opponents.
They weren't on the same level at all.
"What I mean is simple, come back with me and let your sworn siblings educate you properly. You might not know, but your sworn sister has also joined."
Though Lavinia belonged to a certain magician organization, she'd ultimately chosen to join after witnessing Takeyo demonstrate magic techniques that would take her a lifetime to master.
"What?! They both joined?!"
The joining of these two clearly had significant influence on Vali.
"Of course. I'll convince you personally."
"Well then, if you can defeat Issei, I'll let you wander free for another year or two."
"However, if you don't defeat Issei, you're coming back with me."
Takeyo made his proposal.
This was his objective, completing the diamond-level sign-in quest.
After all, diamond-level sign-ins held considerable value. He also had Grayfia's twin-tails sign-in quest incomplete.
For now, he planned to visit Grayfia, strengthen their relationship, and see if giving her his blood would complete the quest.
But comparing difficulty levels, Grayfia's quest was definitely easier than this one.
"Fighting Issei? A good suggestion."
Vali accepted Takeyo's proposal.
Albion had just delivered some regrettable news, even using the Silver Juggernaut Drive, breaking through this halo's seal was nearly impossible!
Of course, this wasn't why Vali hesitated!
"Then... just like I promised you before, I hope after fighting Issei, I can earn the right to battle you again!"
Not only was Vali unafraid, he even wanted to challenge Takeyo!
This was actually Albion's fault.
If Albion had been less concerned with saving face and told Vali directly that even in original form he couldn't break Takeyo's seal, Vali definitely wouldn't have any fighting spirit right now.
"Ah, no problem, provided you can defeat Issei."
Takeyo smiled.
Then, with a flash of golden light, he summoned Issei to his side.
"Ise! Are you ready?!"
Takeyo called out to Issei.
He'd already informed Issei through the Evil Piece connection system.
"Hoooo! Boss! I've been waiting for this day!"
Issei responded excitedly.
Vali had his Silver Juggernaut Drive? Well, Issei had his own True Queen Mode!
"Issei, I'm looking forward to seeing how far you can push me."
Seeing his nominal rival, Vali grew excited as well.
However, he still believed he had absolute certainty of winning.
[Long-awaited excitement... Ddraig.]
A thick voice resonated from Albion's gem.
[Same here, Albion.]
Ddraig responded.
"Now then! I'll reclaim my qualification to battle Takeyo!"
Vali immediately activated his Sacred Gear!
[Balance Breaker!]
Albion's voice echoed through the established mechanism created by the God of the Bible.
[Divine Dividing Scale Mail!]
"Ise, advance toward your dream."
Takeyo patted Issei's shoulder, and Issei immediately charged forward.
"OHHHHH! Leave it to me!"
"Goal! Defeat Vali!"
[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!]
[Boosted Gear Scale Mail!]
Majestic crimson aura surged wildly through the space!
Red armor with green gems covered Issei's body!
At extreme speed, the red and white figures collided.
Meanwhile, back at Takeyo's position.
"So then, while they're busy with their business, shall we continue?"
Takeyo smiled.
"Continue? Continue what?"
Le Fay looked confused.
"Continue the barbecue, of course. Don't worry, no matter what attacks they unleash, there's no way to disturb us."
Takeyo skewered meat and placed it on the grill himself.
"May I try?"
The God spoke up for the first time, seeing this type of human cuisine. While barbecues existed in ancient times, their meaning and usage differed completely from the modern version.
"Wow! You're so beautiful! What's your name, onee-san?"
Le Fay exclaimed excitedly, immediately drawn to the God's sacred radiance.
"Just call me God."
The God smiled warmly.
True to her nature, communicating with humans interested her greatly.
Meanwhile, Grayfia seemed to be seeking out Kuroka, who she'd captured before and developed... certain feelings for.
But Arthur approached Takeyo instead.
"Lord Takeyo, if I may be so bold, I'd like to ask you something."
Excitement flickered in Arthur's eyes.
"What is the name of the blonde woman who attended the Phoenix banquet with you?"
Arthur's question carried clear hope.
"Ah, that."
Arthur meant Artoria, who'd accompanied him?
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