We successfully destroyed the statue of Ouroboros and teleported everyone—including Ophis—outside the barrier.
After making sure none of those magical beasts were in sight, we all teleported again to the Gremory territory. Azazel-sensei wasted no time, quickly opening a simultaneous communication link with Sirzechs, Michael, and Shemhazai to brief them on the situation.
"I see. We just received urgent reports that unidentified, massive creatures are appearing all over the Underworld... So it was the Hero Faction—or rather, Hades—pulling the strings behind this Longinus incident?"
Sirzechs spoke with a grim expression. As a Great Satan ruling the Underworld, he couldn't afford to let this slide.
"Still, I never thought he'd actually use Samael... Hmm, perhaps a little divine punishment is in order," said Michael with a disturbingly dark smile.
Yikes—when angels start talking about divine punishment with that kind of grin, it's a bit unnerving. Then again, if it's happening outside the Biblical System, maybe it's technically allowed...
"Regardless of our protests, unless we have solid evidence, they'll just keep playing dumb. Azazel, were you able to use 'that'?"
Shemhazai turned to confirm with Azazel, who responded with a smug grin.
"Yeah, it worked like a charm! It was all thanks to Ikki's suggestion—we developed a pen-shaped spy cam just for this day! Hades and his crew usually erase all traces and use interference magic to block recording devices. But this baby was made with all the surveillance tech from the Grigori, designed to do one thing and one thing only: record. We crammed in every kind of magic and tech flowing in from the peace treaties between the Three Factions—this thing's a masterpiece! I figured Hades wouldn't have the latest security protocols locked down while cooped up in the Underworld, and I was right... Though, to be fair, it's so packed with enchantments that it requires a top-tier aura once a day just to activate. I figured with Ikki and the Occult Research Club always at the center of chaos, we'd get a chance eventually. And now, finally, it paid off!"
By the way, both Azazel-sensei and I had one of those pens—but mine was destroyed when Samael's curse hit me. It was pretty durable, but no match for a divine-level curse.
"Wait a sec, Sensei... Did you seriously use us as bait or something?"
"Huh? Of course I did. Do you even know how many world-ending events you guys have gotten wrapped up in lately? You're basically walking trouble magnets. I just placed a camera in the eye of the storm."
We all wanted to protest, but he had a point... and way too many examples. All we could do was grimace in silent agreement.
"That skeletal bastard will probably still try to claim it's all fabricated and hole himself up in the depths of the Underworld. But this time we have physical proof. Even better—Samael got absorbed into Ikki's Sacred Gear!"
Even the leaders on the call were visibly shaken by that.
"That's insane! Not even Ikki should survive absorbing a god's curse!"
"True, he was in rough shape for a while. But he managed to evolve his Sacred Gear into a form capable of withstanding Samael's curse. That's our Balance Breaker—made to tip the scales of the world."
"Thank goodness... But this also means Ikki will become a target for Hades' faction. If they're unaware of Azazel's recording, they'll likely try to recover Samael as evidence before the beast incident dies down. Ikki will need guards... and we'll need to keep a close eye on the Underworld. Understood. Once I finish giving general orders, I'll head to the Underworld myself and pay Hades a little visit. Azazel, will you join me?"
"From Heaven's side, we'll deploy our trump card. You won't be disappointed in their power."
"Count me in. Shemhazai, you handle all the tactical coordination from your side."
"Understood. Since we're dealing with a Sacred Gear, I'll dispatch specialized observation equipment to the site. If it's as tough as described, we'll need countermeasures. I'll coordinate with Lord Beelzebub."
With that, the conversation came to a close. Now we just had to ensure Hades didn't stir up more trouble in the future.
Even if he's forced to lie low for now, a few decades from now he'll probably be back to scheming. No matter how tight the surveillance, there are always ways—bribes, hostages, manipulation. That guy doesn't play fair.
Considering he inflicted massive damage on the Underworld, getting off with just a slap on the wrist is outrageous. He'd probably even laugh as he accepted it.
Azazel once mentioned that, ironically, Hades does take his job of managing human souls seriously. Even though I almost got sealed in Cocytus thanks to him.
So what? He'll be "punished" with house arrest and a warning? What a joke.
But Hades has been interfering with other mythologies too, right? If I can leverage that... maybe we can land a more serious punishment. I might need their cooperation to pull it off—but that's where my knowledge of the original story will come in handy.
Ahh, just imagining things going perfectly makes me want to smile...
No, no! Focus! That's all pie in the sky unless we deal with these magical beasts first.
"We'll head for the closest one," Rias said, stepping forward. "Our priority is to stall it and buy time for the evacuation of civilians."
Of course. No way she'd just sit quietly while the Underworld was under threat.
"Understood. Permission granted. Large-scale attacks will be necessary to defeat the beasts—securing the safety of civilians takes top priority."
"Alright, let's do this! Ikki! Kiba! Time to defend the Underworld!" shouted Issei, turning to rally us all.
"...Wait, where's Ikki?"
Issei looked around, confused.
"Down here, Issei."
"Wha—why are you lying down!?"
"Too much blood loss from Samael's curse and that final Ittou Rasetsu... Also running on empty."
Asia healed my wounds in that weird space, so I could focus on internal recovery. But I still couldn't move properly. Everyone was so absorbed in the emergency meeting, and I was just lying there, alone. It was kind of lonely! And Issei just went "Ohhh..." like it was nothing!
"That's why, President Rias... I need some time to replenish my blood. Also, I think I should get permission through Yasaka-san if I'm going to fight on behalf of the Youkai faction—otherwise, it could get messy later."
I'm not officially part of the Three Factions, and D×D hasn't even been formed yet.
"Of course. As a member of the Youkai faction, we can't count you as part of our forces without proper permission. Ravel, you stay with Ikki. If you're fighting beside your fiancé, that's one thing. But as a member of the Gremory household, we can't just assign you to battle without your family's consent."
"I'll stay with Ikki too, nya. I can use senjutsu to help him recover, and with the way things are, you never know when another grim reaper will pop up."
"...Understood. I'll convince my parents and fight for the Underworld!"
Ravel's fired up too. Though I imagine her role will be more about evacuation and support—her combat power is around upper-class devil level, and even factoring in her regeneration, she's not quite equipped for front-line battle.
"Well, I'll catch up with you guys later."
"Got it! We're counting on you, buddy!"
After seeing everyone off, I offered some input to Azazel-sensei about handling the footage, then contacted Yasaka-san—while still hooked up for a blood transfusion in the infirmary.
"Very well. If the Underworld is in crisis, we'll lend our strength. We'll say you've been dispatched as an advance unit... but do be careful, won't you?"
"Understood. Thank you—and with that, I'll take my leave."
Not long after, Grayfia appeared, her silver hair braided and her combat uniform on. She was joined by Baraqiel and a red-scaled horse with the face of a dragon.
"Ikki. I've been ordered by Sirzechs to act as your bodyguard."
"And I was asked by Azazel. If it weren't for Samael being absorbed into you, we wouldn't have enough political leverage to pursue the gods of the Underworld after this."
Whoa! This is the first time I've seen Grayfia in full combat mode as a servant of Sirzechs—and Baraqiel too? Looks like they're serious about holding Hades accountable!
The red beast stepped forward to introduce himself.
"This is our first meeting. I am Enku, a soldier and subordinate of Lord Sirzechs. I am a mythical beast—perhaps you know me as a Kirin? It's an honor to assist you."
A Kirin?! I couldn't help but think of the beer logo... though this one's red, not yellow. Come to think of it, aren't there different colored Kirins, like shiny Pokémon?
I quickly shoved those thoughts aside and greeted him politely.
Then suddenly, I felt a weak, familiar aura—and without thinking, I dashed out of the infirmary with the IV stand still attached.
Issei was being brought in on a stretcher, covered in blood. Asia was at his side, pouring healing aura into him nonstop.
"Damn it! He's losing blood faster than she can heal! Prepare for an emergency transfusion! Enough to replace his entire blood supply!"
The Gremory family's doctor barked orders in a panic.
Wait—how long has it even been since we split up?!
What the hell happened!?
Just as I was reeling from the shock, Grayfia spoke calmly.
"Ikki. One of the Underworld's news stations was first on the scene—they caught some footage. Watching the broadcast may tell us what happened."
"...Alright. Let's leave Issei in their care for now."
Suppressing my emotions, I followed her to the viewing room. We all watched together to understand what had transpired.
On the way, we met Kuroka and Ravel and brought them along. Ravel had received permission to participate in non-direct combat roles, at least.
With her power just barely at upper-class devil level—even counting her immortality—she wasn't strong enough to take on those beasts.
"Now showing footage recorded just moments ago!"
The screen switched to aerial footage, likely from a helicopter or similar craft.
"Massive humanoid shadow-like creatures have suddenly appeared throughout the Underworld. The government has declared a state of emergency and is urging evacuation of all surrounding areas. Military forces have engaged, but reports indicate their attacks are having little to no effect!"
The giant humanoid figure on-screen appeared to be slowly moving forward.
"Ah—over there! That appears to be members of the 'Rookies Four,' the younger generation of the Gremory household. Not all are present, but they're heading straight for the monster. Given their raw power, especially with the 'Oppai Dragon' at the center, they seem like a solid match for a giant target... Wait! Look! The creature's shadow is fading, revealing its true form! What in the world is about to appear?!"