In a private conference room within Kuoh Academy, the atmosphere was solemn. Sirzechs Lucifer, Serafall Leviathan, Rias Gremory, and Sona Shitori, along with their respective entourages, were seated around a large table, with magically sealed documents in front of them and hidden protections around the entire perimeter to prevent eavesdropping.
Sirzechs was the first to speak, his tone diplomatic but firm.
—Now that we know the truth about Daniel... and what he represents... we cannot ignore the weight of what just happened. The defeat of a divine entity like Angra Mainyu is no small matter. And even less so if it was at the hands of the current wielder of Ddraig... the Red Dragon Emperor of this generation.
Everyone nodded. Serafall, more serious than usual, crossed her arms under her bust.
—And he didn't just defeat it, he did so without any official backing from a faction. Without advanced magic training, or being raised for it. That kind of growth... is unusual. And frankly, terrifying.
Sona, with her stoic expression, interjected:
—His power level escalated during combat as if he had trained for years. That... is not something that can be taught. It's something forged by nature.
Rias looked at her own hands on the table, thoughtful.
—That's why we need to know... what we will do with him. If we leave him free, without any clear political connection, other factions might try to recruit him. Or even eliminate him if they see him as a threat.
Sirzechs nodded slowly.
—Exactly why we are here. Not only as family, but as representatives of the Maou. If the Red Dragon Emperor is on the side of the devils, other factions will be more willing to accept truces and mutual cooperation. He is a symbol of power. Of balance. And of peace, if managed correctly.
Serafall turned towards Sona with a smile that, though playful, had a clear intention:
—Sona-chan~. You've dealt with him. You are intelligent, rational. And if I recall correctly... he helped you with important decisions recently, right?
Sona sighed but did not deny it.
—Yes. He has shown me he has a firm moral compass... and that he doesn't let himself be swept away by chaos. That makes him valuable. And trustworthy.
—Then —Serafall interjected— it wouldn't be bad to start building a solid political relationship with him, don't you think?
Sona didn't respond immediately, but then nodded slowly, unable to avoid a slight blush.
Sirzechs looked at his sister.
—And you, Rias? What do you think?
Rias seemed to debate for a few seconds, but then spoke clearly:
—I think Daniel has a strength that goes beyond magical or physical power. He has a strong heart. And... it would be dishonest to say I'm not interested in his potential. That's why... I would like to know if it would be possible to add him to my peerage.
There was a brief silence.
Grayfia, who until then had only listened, intervened with serenity:
—Adding a Longinus wielder like the Boosted Gear to a peerage is not something to be taken lightly.
Sirzechs nodded.
—Correct. And even less so the wielder of Ddraig. The Dragon Emperors are, by nature, magnets for conflict. The legends about the battles between the Red Emperor and the White Emperor have ended, in most cases... with one of the two dead.
Rias clenched her fists softly. She knew. She was aware of it.
—Then... do you think it's a bad idea?
—We don't deny it —Serafall responded firmly—. We only say it shouldn't be forced. Daniel must make that decision himself. He has already shown he doesn't allow himself to be manipulated... not even by his feelings.
Sona spoke again, her voice confident:
—Whatever the case, it's vital that we strengthen ties with him. Not just as a woman... but as the leader of a noble house. A well-handled relationship can benefit the devils on all fronts.
Sirzechs nodded.
—Exactly. A clear but not oppressive bond. Support him, don't control him. And if someday... he decides to join one of your peerages, it must be because he desires it, not because it was demanded of him.
Rias sighed, a little relieved by the more flexible approach.
—Understood. Then... we will cultivate trust first. Step by step.
Sona looked out the window of the room, towards where Daniel's house was.
—Step by step... yes.
While high-level decisions were being discussed inside Kuoh Academy, far from the political tension and demonic formalities, the atmosphere in Daniel's house was more relaxed... until a sudden presence, like a bolt of celestial and neutral energy, made itself felt in the skies.
Tamamo, who was folding some magical blankets, frowned.
Hikari and Hibiki tensed immediately.
And Daniel, seated with a cup of tea, closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
—He's here... the chattering crow from heaven.
A winged shadow descended in front of the garden, and with a faint golden glow on his mechanical wings, the Governor of the Fallen Angels appeared: Azazel.
—Hey, hey, hey! —he greeted with his usual mocking tone—. If it isn't the Red Dragon Emperor himself. Quite the card you were keeping up your sleeve in this little house. I feel offended for not having been invited before, huh?
Daniel stood up and received him at the entrance, with a somewhat resigned half-smile.
—If I had invited you, you would have arrived before the fight ended just to take notes. And I know you, you probably wanted to bet on who would fall first, Angra or me?
Azazel laughed heartily.
—Touché! But don't blame me, it's not every day a kid with no faction backing defeats a divine entity with a newly awakened Sacred Gear.
That kind of anomaly, my dear boy... I love it.
Ddraig, from within Daniel's soul, growled familiarly.
—Be careful, Partner. That man is skilled. He is wise, but also cunning. If you accept anything without clear conditions, you might end up being his full-time experiment.
Daniel, mentally, nodded.
—I know, old friend... I know.
Azazel, as if reading the atmosphere, raised both hands in a peace gesture.
—I come in peace. I just want to talk... and maybe offer you mutual cooperation. I'll be direct: I'm interested in studying your Sacred Gear, of course... under mutual agreement and without absurd restrictions.
Tamamo stood beside Daniel, arms crossed, observing Azazel with distrust.
—And why would he want to accept that? He doesn't need to become your lab rat.
Azazel grinned from ear to ear.
—He won't be, dear Servant. You see, Daniel... I know you'll probably receive proposals from all sides soon. Maou, Gods, heroes, even mage associations.
But I'm not here to ask you to fight for me. I'm here to offer knowledge, technology, and freedom. You decide when and how we collaborate.
Daniel looked at him, with serious eyes.
—And what exactly would your goal be?
—Study. Understand how modern Longinus develop. Especially one like you, who has combined that Sacred Gear with abilities outside the supernatural world —he winked, as if he knew more than he was saying—. And of course, ensure that the next cataclysm doesn't catch us by surprise. History has taught us... that ignoring the Red or White Emperor... usually brings consequences.
Ddraig let out a slight sigh within Daniel's soul.
—He's right about that, Partner. But make sure you set your limits before even considering this.
Daniel nodded. With a calm smile, he replied to Azazel:
—Then... if we cooperate, we'll do so under certain conditions. No studies without my permission, no summons without notice. And if I find a sign that you're manipulating me...
—I'd love for you to kick my ass, kid! —Azazel said amidst laughter—. It's a deal. When you're ready, just call me. And get ready, because surely in the coming days... everyone will come to your door.
Before leaving, Azazel gave Daniel one last look.
—Oh, and by the way... good job. Not everyone survives the will of a Dark God and lives to tell the tale.
See you soon, dragon boy.
And with a flash of luminous energy, he disappeared, leaving behind a trail of black feathers and curiosity.
Tamamo sighed while looking at the sky.
—That man smells of danger... and old cigarettes.
Daniel smiled.
—And yet... I feel he's not the most dangerous one who will come knocking.
The sunset covered the city of Kuoh with a warm and silent glow. Azazel's visit had ended, and with it, the confirmation of something Daniel already feared: the supernatural world was slowly surrounding him, not with swords... but with smiles, contracts, and well-chosen words.
In the living room of his house, Daniel was with Tamamo, Alya, Hikari, Hibiki, Reynare, and a Sakura who had just begun to regain her confidence and her smile. They all surrounded him attentively, some seated on the sofa, others on cushions on the floor.
—Girls... —Daniel began with a calm but firm voice—. It's time to talk about what's coming.
They all looked at him attentively. It was rare for Daniel to use such a serious tone with them.
—The devils, the fallen angels... and even the celestial angels, sooner or later, will come looking for me. The news that I am the Red Dragon Emperor cannot be hidden much longer. And that brings consequences.
Tamamo frowned, crossing her arms.
—What do they want from you?
Daniel took a breath. He knew they wouldn't like this.
—The fallen angels, like Azazel, seek to research Longinus, especially those evolving like mine. They want me as a study object, but at least they are honest about their... technical approach.
Alya huffed.
—Are you telling us they want to use you as a lab rat?
—More or less —he replied with an awkward smile—. But at least Azazel is direct. He doesn't lie or pretend to be something he's not.
—And the angels? —asked Sakura, still unsure.
Daniel turned to her.
—They are more... symbolic. Angel reproduction has been a problem for them for centuries. They are few, and their existence depends on faith, balance, and very strict rules. If they know that someone like me, with a Sacred Gear like mine, has a strong soul and a body that has withstood divine energy... they will look to me as an option for continuity.
Reynare narrowed her eyes.
—You mean... angelic reproduction?
—Not necessarily as you're thinking —Daniel said, raising his hands quickly at everyone's looks—. But they would offer associations, contracts, blessings... even designated companions, all with the excuse that "a powerful soul helps revitalize the light of heaven."
Tamamo pressed her lips.
—And the devils...
Daniel leaned back against the sofa. His tone became more tense.
—The devils... are the most dangerous in this. Their society revolves around power and political ties. You've already seen it: Sona and Rias are heads of their respective houses, and the Maou themselves approved of them strengthening ties with me.
Hikari narrowed her eyes.
—They want you as an ally?
—Yes... but not only that. Also as a key piece.
—What kind of piece? —asked Hibiki, though her tone already sounded as if she knew the answer.
Daniel hesitated for a second, but decided to be honest.
—As a possible husband for Rias... or for Sona. Or for both.
Silence fell like a slab. Alya clenched her fists, her magical aura vibrating a little. Tamamo had a cold expression. Hikari and Hibiki looked down. Sakura swallowed. And Reynare... simply stood up, walked to the kitchen muttering something like "I'm going to break a cup."
Daniel raised his hands.
—Hey! I didn't say I'm going to marry them. I'm just explaining how the devils think. For them, a marriage is a political pact that ensures power, prestige, and control over future descendants. And me being what I am... they want to make sure I'm on their side willingly.
Tamamo clicked her tongue.
—That's a nice way of saying "they want to tie him down with papers and smiles."
—Exactly —Daniel admitted—. That's why I needed to talk with you. Because all of this... I don't want to do it alone. You've been with me since before this exploded. You helped me, took care of me, gave me strength. And none of that is going to change just because someone with a title wants to put a crown on it.
Sakura, calmer, murmured:
—So what will you do?
Daniel looked at each of them.
—I will make it clear to them that my loyalty cannot be bought with contracts or arranged marriages. That if they want an ally, they will have one... but on my terms. And as for relationships... —he made a small pause—, I already have those I want by my side. And I don't need more.
The atmosphere slowly changed. Tamamo sighed and moved to sit next to him, wrapping her arms around him. Alya dropped down on the other side, muttering something about "stupid politics." Hikari and Hibiki leaned together against the back of the sofa, and Sakura, though still unsure, smiled softly.
Reynare returned from the kitchen, drying her hands with a cloth, and without looking at anyone, said:
—I hope next time, you cook. I'm tired of saving the kitchen from fire.
Daniel laughed softly.
—Deal.