255.
Heaven has fallen.
The system has collapsed, and the Ouroboros Cult revealed the existence of non-human beings. Originally, no one would have done such a thing, and if anyone had, someone would have stopped it. But since the one who did it was Ophis, one of the two great dragon gods and the strongest existence, no one could stop it.
If the entire world had joined forces, it might have been possible, but the current world is not that united.
Of course, those living in the 21st century commonly know mystical beings as fictional, but in reality, that's not the case, and since a few humans are aware of the beings in the hidden world, it was only a matter of time before this spread.
Upon hearing the report, Azazel let out a sigh.
"It's a mess."
Angels were massacred in large numbers, several archangels fell, the system was destroyed, and non-human beings were exposed to the world. Not a single issue could be taken lightly, and Azazel's sharp mind knew that the repercussions of this event were absolutely not trivial.
"Heaven..."
Serzechs and Azazel made complicated expressions. Once, it was a rival and a place to be overthrown, but now that a peace treaty has been made, they couldn't simply define their current feelings as it collapsed.
Then, Serzechs interlocked his fingers and pressed them to his forehead.
If even one step had been wrong, or if there hadn't been the miracle of Issei Hyodo, he could anticipate that what happened in Heaven would have also happened in the Underworld. It was truly a stroke of luck.
"..."
Ren remained silent with his eyes closed.
A brief silence.
"So, what are we going to do now?"
Azazel spoke up, as if forcing a change in the atmosphere.
"......We'll have a lot to do. Since we need a major overhaul this time, we'll be busy. Starting with the old Maou faction, there are still many within who will block the devils' future path."
Last time's terror dealt with the biggest issues as much as possible, but it was impossible to clean everything up in one go. If that were possible, the current Maou would have acted sooner.
"The problem is, what about the angels? Frankly speaking, even if we want to help, we can't."
Even after making the peace treaty, the relationship between devils and angels is not good.
At the top, it might be different, but below that, it's another story.
After all, they were enemies from the moment they were born.
"We'll manage somehow. Whether angels or fallen angels, they're like family in a way."
Azazel smiled bitterly and said he would help Heaven. Even as a fallen angel, he originally came from angels, so at least it's better than devils.
256.
"Is this how it's going to be?"
Zekram frowned as if displeased.
Though retired on the surface, he is the de facto leader of the Bael family and the oldest and most powerful figure among current devils. He muttered while looking at the devil blocking his path. Around him, Zekram's private soldiers were on standby, but all of that was meaningless to the devil in front of him.
The devil in front of Zekram.
"That's right, Lord Bael."
Ajuka said.
"We no longer need foolish devils in the Underworld, nor devils drunk on past glory. Considering past achievements, we don't intend to oppress you more than necessary, so please retire like this. Dealing with you is a heavy burden for us as well."
"You're insane. What's the reason for suddenly coming out like this? Do you want to ruin things from within?"
"That statement itself is proof that you don't understand the current situation."
"What?"
Ajuka looked at Zekram indifferently and spoke.
"What makes you worse than foolish devils in some ways is that you know it's not right, yet you think it's a rightful privilege."
The discrimination and oppression of reincarnated devils and lower-class devils.
The oldest devil before him knew all this but insisted it was the privilege of high-class devils and let it all pass. In a sense, he could be called a devil-like devil, and that makes him even worse in quality.
"Look at the current situation. Half of the 72 pillars have been severed, and the dissatisfaction of lower-class devils and reincarnated devils grows daily. Even external forces and Ophis, one of the two great dragon gods, tried to destroy the devils."
"That's too much of an exaggeration."
"......You think it's an exaggeration?"
Ajuka responded as if exasperated.
How many among those present understand that thanks to one reincarnated devil, the Underworld survived due to Ophis's whims? How many know that if not for that, it would have been overturned like Heaven?
He hardened his expression and said.
"We, the current Maou, declare this. If something is a problem for the new generation of devils, whether it's tradition or lineage, we will eliminate it unconditionally. Until now, we left it be with the excuse that it couldn't be helped, but we no longer have the luxury to do so."
"Hmph... Have you developed a lust for power since becoming Maou?"
"You know better than anyone that we have no interest in such things, Lord Bael."
Frankly speaking, the current Maou have no interest in power.
Then why did they become Maou?
Because there was no one else. If they hadn't become Maou, there would only have been foolish devils, and it would have been on the verge of collapse from within.
"Do you still not understand? It means the times have changed. If we remain bound by old traditions like you, we're on the verge of extinction, so we're taking drastic measures."
"Then, do you intend to kill even this old man?"
"If necessary, yes."
At that uncompromising statement, Zekram's face hardened.
"It seems you still don't understand our sincerity. We no longer have the luxury to measure this and that. If you defy our words, we declare that we will lead the devils even if we have to kill everyone, Lord Bael."
"......You're insane."
Zekram couldn't say anything in response to that forceful statement. Politically, he might be unmatched, but conversely, in terms of military power, he is no match for the current Maou. With two transcendents and several devils comparable to Maou under their command.
Knowing that if they fought with force, he couldn't win, and even if he did, it would be a victory full of wounds, Zekram couldn't push strongly.
"Insane, you say."
Ajuka let out a sigh with a hollow laugh.
"I wish I were. I envy that head of yours that doesn't know how much of a mess the current situation is."
257.
Ren returned home after summer vacation ended.
There were really many, many events.
The destruction of the system and the revelation of non-human beings.
Immediately, no major changes would occur, but it was easy to foresee that as time passed, groundbreaking winds would blow.
Letting out a sigh, he returned home.
"Ooh, is this the youngest? But isn't he too weak?"
"Gwahhh?! Wait a minute?! He's super strong?!"
"Hang in there, Red Dragon Emperor."
For some reason, Trihexa was tormenting Issei, and Ophis was watching.
Comments (0)
Please log in to leave a comment. Login or Register