The emergency meeting took place in neutral territory—an abandoned cathedral that had been sanctified by all three factions. Michael, Sirzechs, and Azazel sat at a triangular table, their usual diplomatic masks firmly in place despite the urgency of the situation.
"Georg's dimensional anchor pattern is troubling," Michael began, his voice carrying the weight of genuine concern. "The scale suggests something far beyond a simple attack."
Sirzechs leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled. "Akira's report indicates the Hero Faction has been decimated, yet they're still capable of this level of coordination. Either leader is far more resourceful than we gave him credit for"
"Or," Azazel interjected with his characteristic grin, "he's desperate enough to try something monumentally stupid. Which, given that Akira destroyed most of his faction and his Sacred Gear, seems likely."
Michael frowned. "This isn't a time for levity, Azazel. If analysis is correct, they could be attempting to summon something from the Dimensional Gap itself."
"Great Red?" Sirzechs's eyebrows rose slightly.
"It could be possible" Azazel's expression grew serious for once. "There are things in the Gap that are as destructive as Great Red though not strong enough. Entities that were banished there for good reason."
The three leaders sat in contemplative silence for a moment, each considering the implications.
"Akira's power level is still a mystery to us and have already exceeded our initial projections," Michael observed carefully. "His ability to single-handedly devastate the Hero Faction suggests capabilities we may not fully understand."
"Which is exactly why Hades wants him," Sirzechs added. "A God of Death doesn't casually hunt someone unless they represent either a significant threat or a valuable asset."
Azazel nodded slowly, though he believed Akira was far more competent than former cadre"The question becomes: do we treat Akira as an ally to be protected, or a potential threat to be contained?"
"He's proven his intentions thus far," Michael said firmly. "His actions have consistently supported stability rather than chaos."
"Agreed," Sirzechs concurred. "Though his methods are... reckless."
"Reminds me of the good old days" Azazel chuckled. "The boy turned Cao Cao's entire operation into a joke"
Michael sighed. "The summit is in two days. If Georg is planning to use it as cover for his ritual, we need contingencies."
"I suggest we keep the summit as planned," Sirzechs said after a moment. "Canceling would signal weakness and might accelerate whatever timeline Georg is working with. Let Akira take care of Georg"
"Plus," Azazel added with renewed enthusiasm, "it gives us a chance to observe Akira once again. Beside If Hades makes a move during the summit..., it wouldn't be such a hassle that we won't be able to handle "
"We'll see exactly what our young ally is truly capable of," Michael finished, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely comfortable with the prospect.
"Then we're agreed," Sirzechs stood. "The summit proceeds, with additional security measures. And Akira remains under our protection—and observation, while he deals wi
The three faction leaders exchanged meaningful glances, each understanding the delicate balance they were maintaining. They were protecting a potential weapon that could either save or doom them all.
Later that evening, I brought Valerie, Asia, and Xenovia to meet Benemune properly. The intelligence room had been tidied somewhat, though the strategic maps and analysis charts remained prominently displayed.
"Ladies," I said as we entered, "meet Benemune. She'll be working with us for the foreseeable future."
Benemune rose gracefully from her desk, offering a polite bow. "It's a pleasure to meet Akira's companions. I've heard quite a bit about your capabilities."
Asia stepped forward first, her natural kindness overriding any wariness. "It's nice to meet you! Are you really going to help keep Akira safe?"
"Among other things," Benemune replied with a warm smile. "Though from what I've observed, Akira-kun is quite capable of taking care of himself."
Xenovia's assessment was more direct. "You're Fallen Angel?"
"I'm in the Intelligence unit, actually. Strategic planning and information warfare are my charms~"
"Hm." Xenovia's hand didn't move toward her sword, but her posture remained alert. "And you think you can protect him from a God of Death?"
Benemune's smile gained a slightly sharper edge. "My dear, protection comes in many forms. Sometimes the most effective defense is knowing where the attack will come from before it happens."
Valerie had been quietly studying Benemune's magical signature. "You're stronger than you appear," she observed.
"Ara ara, how perceptive." Benemune's eyes crinkled with genuine amusement. "Most people focus on raw power. You understand that strength has many expressions."
I watched the exchange with interest. Each of my companions was reacting exactly as I'd expected—Asia with openness, Xenovia with protective suspicion, and Valerie with analytical curiosity.
"Benemune will be coordinating intelligence for the summit," I explained. "She's also our early warning system for any moves Georg might make."
"Will she be coming with us?" Asia asked.
"That depends on the security arrangements," Benemune replied diplomatically. "My role is flexible based on need."
Xenovia finally relaxed slightly. "As long as you're competent, I suppose having another strategic mind couldn't hurt."
High praise from Xenovia. She must sense something reliable about Benemune's intentions.*
"There is one thing," Valerie said suddenly. "What about Jeanne? She's been trying to affirm our side, but"
I nodded. "Jeanne is a good addition to our team. She might seem like that she would betray but trust me, I have made sure myself, she won't betray us"
Benemune's expression remained professional. "Your personal relationships are your own business, Akira-kun. Though I should note that her position as former member to a opposition group could be useful for intelligence purposes."
"She can be trusted," I said firmly. "I've been through enough interaction with her these days that I'm certain of her intentions."
"That's good to hear," Asia said with a smile. "She seems very nice!"
Xenovia shrugged. "If you trust her, that's sufficient. Your judgment hasn't been wrong yet."
It's refreshing not having to navigate unnecessary suspicion about every relationship.*
"I'll arrange a meeting with her after the summit," I decided. "Right now, keeping her away from the immediate danger zone is probably the safer choice."
"I see." Asia didn't look entirely satisfied with the explanation, but she didn't press further.
Benemune clapped her hands together softly. "Well then, now that we've established the ground rules, perhaps we could discuss more immediate concerns. Like how you'll all be working together during the summit."
Later that night, after the strategic discussions and security briefings, I found myself in the mansion's library with just Asia and Valerie. Xenovia had gone to practice her sword forms, and Benemune was buried in her intelligence work.
"It's strange," Asia said quietly as she browsed through one of the ancient texts I'd acquired. "Everything's happening so fast."
"The supernatural world doesn't really do 'slow,'" I replied, settling into a comfortable chair with my own book—a treatise on dimensional magic that might help counter Georg's abilities.
Valerie looked up from her study of healing techniques. "Are you worried about the summit?"
Worried? That's putting it mildly. I'm walking into a room full of political powerhouses while being hunted by a God of Death, with the Hero Faction planning something catastrophic in the background.*
"I'd be stupid not to be," I said instead. "But worrying doesn't solve problems. Preparation does."
"You've gotten so much stronger," Asia observed. "But also... quieter. More serious."
She wasn't wrong. The weight of responsibility had been accumulating with each victory, each new threat, each person depending on me. The carefree days of just training and occasional devil hunts felt like a distant memory.
"Power comes with prices," I said simply.
Valerie closed her book and turned to face me fully. "What will you do if Hades makes his move during the summit?"
Kill him. The answer came immediately and without hesitation. But somehow I don't think that's what she wants to hear.*
"Whatever's necessary to protect the people I care about."
"Even if it means fighting a God?"
"Especially then."
The conviction in my voice seemed to surprise them both. Asia's eyes widened slightly, while Valerie's expression became thoughtful.
"You really mean that," Valerie murmured.
"I've never been more serious about anything in my life."
A comfortable silence settled over the library. Outside, night had fully fallen, and the mansion's protective barriers hummed almost inaudibly in the background. For a moment, it felt almost peaceful.
Then Asia spoke up again. "Akira-kun? After all this is over... what happens next?"
Good question. I've been so focused on immediate threats that I haven't thought much about the future. What does someone do after becoming powerful enough to challenge Gods?*
"I honestly don't know," I admitted. "I suppose we'll figure it out as we go."