A Nascent Kaleidoscope - Chapter 324

Chapter 324: Part 4








Chapter 324: Part 4

Unlike previously, this time, we were the first to be seated, waiting for everyone else to return. Yasaka took a rather polite posture. She showed no discontent when everyone started filing back into their seats, looks of.....mild exhaustion clearly showing before they steeled themselves.

I'm sure some things we revealed were making them very worried. The break was more or less about two hours, which was probably not enough time to really get into the true repercussions of an 'evil' organization composed of Gods and other mythological figures that crosses Pantheon lines.

Well, it did its job of thoroughly throwing all the other parties off balance.

"Are you all ready to continue?" Yasaka asked with a very kind tone, yet had a smidgen of impatientness to it. Which almost made me chuckle considering we were intentionally late to the meeting itself.

Even if no one react to her comment, I think I could pick up one or two faces that flashed a brisk annoyance before returning to normal.

"Yes, I believe we have much more to discuss now." Michael replied with a kind smile.

As if to respond, Ajuka loudly set a large container on the table. Glass on all sides so everyone could see what was within. It certainly made everyone tense as the power within was something menacing, even if a small quantity compared to the original.

"We were able to verify the earlier claims. It appears as though Ophis was in fact giving away portions of her power." The Satan revealed to everyone present.

There were a few hushed whispers in every direction.

"Feels like that damn Dragon." Odin grumbled. "Met it once or twice. You don't forget that kind of thing, ever."

"And at the very least." Lugh's eyes turned to us. "It adds some credibility to previous claims."

"Which raises the damn question." Odin grunted. "How in the dark depths of Hel's decrepit home did you – how did you say it – take Ophis off the board?" The Old God huffed looking our way as if trying to gleam an answer through a little glare. "What do you think, Monkey?" He poked Sun Wukong with his stick.

"Regardless of the many questions I myself have, I am here as an observer. I forwent my right to speak when you accepted my last-minute addition. I will respect those terms." The Monkey King said rather evenly.

Honestly, it sounded a little foreboding as well. Especially since he was staring right at Raikou. And regardless of the good impression I had of him, I did not appreciate those stares towards her.

I was feeling very protective right now.

"Bah, you got boring in old age." The Norse God huffed again.

"There are still some things we will wish to keep secret." Yasaka stated, earning another grunt from the Norse God.

"It seems like a rather important detail to simply keep to yourself, especially once you revealed that she is the 'leader' of this organization." Ajuka stared at her. "How are we supposed to take anything else at face value if you aren't willing to share something so important?"

"Well, as you yourself have proven." She gestured towards the container still sitting on the table. "You don't. And for that matter, don't believe us if you don't want to."

"What do you mean?"

"As simply as I said it. If you don't believe us, well, it seems that's where our cooperation will have to end. I think we've done enough to show our sincerity."

Ajuka tried to force her to reveal more, and Yasaka called his bluff saying we would just leave if we weren't going to be trusted at this point.

Surprisingly, it was Zekram Bael who responded by clearing his throat. "That will not be necessary. We are merely hesitant due to the volatile nature of this information. We welcome anything you are willing to share."

And for the briefest of moments, the fellow devils looked at him like he had three heads.

"Yeah, like Old Zekram said." Serafall was the quickest to recover, a bright smile on her face. "We're all here to work together."

"In the spirit of cooperation, I would like to know about what you discovered regarding this Diodora's peerage." Michael was the next to take the spotlight. "I assume you have investigated in what little time we were away." He gestured to the container.

Ajuka frowned slightly. "We are currently still looking into it and focused primarily on the more important issue. However, we will be completely transparent and if you want, we're more than willing to hand over the offending party for your discretion on the punishment."

Or in other words, they're saying to ignore it for now and they'll hand it all over to Heaven to deal with after the important matters are taken care of.

Call me skeptical that one of the Satans is willing to turn over a family member so quickly.

Or maybe I just don't have much faith in the Devils overall, bar a handful that I personally know.

"We'll talk more about it afterwards." Michael seemed to accept the intent.

"Great." Yasaka clapped her hands. "Why don't we address the elephant in the room. The three factions that are 'at war' still and sitting across the table discussing peace. I believe we can drop the formalities here and get to the details of it. It's pretty clear to everyone else that you all have already decided on something, so care to share?"

Azazel coughed awkwardly. "Haha, guess it isn't that much of a secret. Had to at least get everyone to sit down first, which came with some agreements and all that jazz."

"That's correct." Michael spoke up. "But we also have some concerns we'd like to address before we officiate anything. Specifically, we would like there to be more strict regulation on the use of Evil Pieces."

Well, can't say I didn't see that coming.

"Honestly, I'm with Michael on this one. I've had some of my people stolen by those things too, even if I didn't kick up a fuss, it's still a pretty shitty thing going on behind the scenes. You can claim all these 'rules' and stuff about them, but it's still going on." Azazel seemed to agree.

The Devils glanced at each other, not seemingly concerned. "We've already discussed this ourselves." The new Luciferreplied. "We were going to create another department to help regulate them and introduce new rules. Such that any new Peerage Member or use of an Evil Piece will have to be registered within a certain timeframe. Not only will they be forced to provide information on the newest addition, but we will also be conducting an investigation on our end to make sure nothing untold happened."

"Color me surprised." Yasaka genuinely sounded so. "Can't imagine that's going to go over well with a significant amount of your population." And she didn't need to specify who we were talking about.

"I see no harm with what is proposed. If someone is forcedto beholden followers through such means, then they are undeserving of their positions." Zekram Bael harumphed in disdain. "If any of themdecide to cause problems, I will deal with them myself."

As far as prideful and arrogant people go, he really isn't that unlikable.

"This arrangement is acceptable." Michael nodded towards the Devils.

"Not to be a wet blanket, but what about all the previouspeople turned into Devils. Are you just going to conveniently forget about them? I have quite a few of my own people who have last loved ones." Yasaka looked towards the Devils

The blank look on their faces, I guess they didn't expect to be so bluntly asked about this.

Sirzechs Lucifer cleared his throat. "We'll look into all the older uses as well once we get everything established."

I had to hold back on rolling my eyes. An open-ended noncommittal answer.

Though, I don't think Yasaka expected any different, merely taking the opportunity to cut into any momentum they were gathering.

"Actually, I'm really curious what you said to get Michael to willingly sit down like this. You were keeping It really hush-hush and didn't even let me peek at the message I sent to him." Azazel leaned forward.

The Devils and the Angels shared another look before Ajuka let out a sigh. "I guess it's not something we can really just keep to ourselves." He sat straight. "In accordance with the signing of a formal Peace Treaty, we of the Devil Faction will conduct Research in joint with the Heaven faction to manufacture devices similar to the Evil Pieces to turn humans into Angels."

"Oh?" Odin was the first to react when everyone else went silent. To be honest, I never even considered the possibility of this. "Now that's an interesting thought. As much as I abhor those things, I can't deny they're beautiful pieces of Magic. But to change their design to turn Humans into Angels, that's not a simple thing."

"Is it even possible?" Lugh looked a mix of intrigued and....concerned? "Angels are.....divine. A spark of Divinity in them that the Abrahamic God interwove. It's known that the Evil Pieces do not take to divinity well. In the very few occasions that a Demi-God was turned there had to be very extenuating circumstances. Such as more than normal pieces used, even if the one reincarnated isn't worthy of such a investment."

"Even with that clone of Surtr, it needed the literal strongest Devil ever to exist to succeed. And If I recall, the Evil Piece was – Mutated, is the correct word." Odin looked towards the Lucifer.

"You're right." He didn't deny it. "Even the initial Reincarnation plications. I had to call in Ajuka and Serafall to help me stabilize the process. And even with that, it was very close to failing."

"It isn't quite the same." Ajuka responded. "It would be a Human gaining some manner of Divinity and becoming an Angel."

"The context is the same. You wish to fundamentally change the aspect of a person. I would call the Evil Pieces a fluke of invention and now you're wanting to go in the opposite direction." Odin shook his head. "I would call it foolish if there were not more natural examples that have existed in the past." He looked up, specifically towards us. "And two of them are standing here now."

".....Admittedly, it would help with research..." Ajuka said quietly.

Michael perked up. "Knowing how it's possible in different circumstances...would it be too much to ask how?" He directed his question towards us.

Scáthach snorted in response. "You wish to know my secret? It is simple. Merely kill enough Gods, bathe in enough Divine Blood, and you shall develop some of your own."

"....yes simple." Lugh twitched slightly. "I believe you are the only one who would say something like that."

"I have the weirdest boner right now."

"L-lord Odin!" The Valkyrie next to him screeched.

Michael smiled awkwardly. "I do not think such a method applicable to us. However...." He turned towards me.

Well, I suppose it wasn't really a secret. And with the many eyes on me, being Yasaka's Lover, I did want to make an impression.

"I killed a God and usurped its Divine Authority."

Silence followed.

With Scáthach, it was more or less expected.

But I just openly admitted to a feat that was only has a handful of recordings throughout history. I, a mortal, slayed a God.

And not that just, I used it to pull myself to a higher state of existence.

"Odin." Lugh's head jerked towards the Norse God.

"He isn't lying." The One-Eyed God spoke almost dismissively.

"You know something." Lugh's eyes narrowed.

Odin snorted in response. "I know a lot of things, brat."

The Celtic God gave him a calculative look before letting out a sigh. "What God did you kill?"

"I will keep that to myself." I replied, making the God frown.

"Fufu, I taught him well." Scáthach preened under the intense stares we were getting.

"No wonder I get this weird feeling when I look at you. Like I have to be on guard around you." Odin again grunted, but otherwise didn't seem to be pressing me.

And that made me even more worried. I thought for sure a God so invested in wisdom and knowledge would want to know more.

And that's curious, because Izzy said something similar. I guess the differences between the Gods here and from that other world muted the absolute hatred that Campiones give off.

"As you can see, I fear these methods won't be applicable, so let's move on." Yasaka interrupted the murmurs.

Lugh was still looking at me with wariness in his eyes. It would do no good for him to carry on like this. "The circumstances that allowed me to do so were unique and I can't reproduce them."

May as well not make any unnecessary problems in the future.

And I chose my words carefully, as Odin was always able to see through falsehoods. Technically, I can't reproduce the effects by my own hand. Pandora is the one who facilitates everything, thus I wasn't lying.

Though, the looks on the Devils faces did make me amused.

"Very well." Michael acquiesced. "However, I do have another question stemming from your fight with Kokabiel."

"Yes?" I looked at the Archangel.

He paused for a moment, for which I assume he was wanting to be careful with his wording. "You were able to wield the Spear that Father created. Something that shouldn't have been possible."

"Yeah, I'll jump in on this too." Azazel interjected. "As much bullshit I've heard the past few days, that's right near the top of impossible and I'm pretty damn firm on this one."

"I would not quite word it that way, but I share a similar....sentiment." The Archangel looked....wary. "How were you able to not be affected by the intense Holy Power? And there was also the other Holy Weapon that enveloped all the Devils present, and they were fine as well."

I guess Artoria's turn was coming up next.

But they were staring at me, waiting for an answer.

And noticing Vasco Strada still standing at the side.....I couldn't resist. I cleared my throat as they all seemed to lean in. "Anything is possible through God."

And they all just stared at me blankly. Well, all except Azazel who suddenly broke out into a fit of giggles. "He's got you there, brother."

Atleast Michael looked the tiniest bit amused by the answer, even if he let out a sigh at Azazel's words.

Frankly, the Spear was giving me a weird feeling. Nothing was spoken, but I could faintly feel it not wanting to come out.

And telling them all that Big G might be coming back would definitely cut this whole thing short. There's no way things would play out the same if the scales were suddenly skewed so far in Heaven's favor.

"The Spear allowed me to wield it. Perhaps it was due to my Divinity that it couldn't associate me with a 'normal' devil."

"Even if it allowed you, the Holy Power should have killed you." Michael stated. "Unless.....you have some method to remove your weakness to Holy Power?"

Ah, that's what he's wanting to know. That definitely makes much more sense. He's worried I have a method to remove Devil's weakness to their only deterrent.

"I don't beyond my own abilities and inherent nature." Which was true.

And if Big G didn't let me wield the spear, it would definitely burn me inside and out.

"According to the report we received, you removedKokabiel's Holy Power." Michael seemingly jumped right to the next point. I guess he expected a minimal answer in that regard. "How? Even I cannot do such through the Heaven's System."

"I used the Spear." I said again. "I can tell you that I felt a sense of anger directed towards Kokabiel."

"....Hey Michael." Azazel looked over to his unfallen brother. "Do....you think something may have roused that little piece of Dad left in the spear?"

For the first time, the Archangel adopted a depressedlook. "We've looked at the spear in the past. Father.....isn't really there, not truly. I don't know what happened, maybe when Kokabiel forced a connection back to heaven did it react strangely with the Spear?"

"Honestly, it's a good an answer as any." Azazel shrugged. "Today's been a day of a lot of firsts." His eyes flickered to me. "I'm sure I could answer some of these questions if I had something to experiment with."

"Then what about the Sword." He gaze landed on Artoria. "From what was described, it filled the entire area with Holy Power."

"My blade does not discriminate by race." Artoria spoke up for the first time since her introduction.

"Been scratching my head on this one too." Azazel probed up his head on the table. "Wondering if Dad hid away a toy we weren't told about. What's the name of your sword?"

If there was absolutely one aspect that Artoria would never compromise on, it was things to do with her sword. If I asked for her sword, she would deny me. Not that I ever would. So that is to say, she wouldn't ever lie about the name of her sword either.

It carried much too much meaning to the point where she would rather die than besmirch it.

"You ask a question you already know the answer." Artoria didn't waver one bit. "It is Excalibur – The Sword of Promised Victory."

[***]

Azazel POV

Hearing the report, then hearing it from the little ladies' mouth, yeah, it just really makes me even more confused. I'm not like Odin where I can just tell if someone's lying, but I've been around the block enough to sort of pick up on tells and such.

This girl was way too confident and unwavering in saying it.

The Kid with Dad's Spear.....that sorta maybe makes sense. I couldn't really call it bullshit, because there's a severe lack of Devils with Divinity to test that sort of thing.

Did the dying will of Dad inside the thing allow him to use it because he was upset with Kokabiel?

I really want to take a look at that thing, but they're being really damn protective of their secrets. Which makes it even more infuriating, because since when do the Youkai faction have secrets worth wanting to know?!

I think I really shit the bed with the last time I met them.

Honestly didn't think it'd bite me in the ass like this.

Atleast that one chick isn't here and I'm even hesitant to bring her up. Don't know how Odin and Lugh would react to her. Shit, I felt her presence for a second, and it damn well dwarfed even Odin.

.....was that Ophis in disguise?

No, she was too....focused? Every report I've ever read about Ophis spoke of the Dragon God as aloof or blank in their expressions.

Why do I feel like I'm the only one that's out of the loop here? I mean, I guess the Devils have no idea either, and Michael. But they're apparently talking about something so important with copying the Evil Pieces, and they didn't even consult me!

Rude.

Really surprised me that they went for that though. I don't think Michael is happy about having to go that route. Not that he looks down on humans in the slightest, he's dad's golden child and all that. I don't think Dad would approve of the idea either. Not really be angry about it, but disapproval was probably worse.

Humans aren't supposed to be Angels.

We're different for a reason, and I'm sure Dad would say the same thing.

But I can't fault Michael either, he's in a really shitty situation, and he's doing everything he can to keep things running.

Besides, it's just even more Angels I can eventually bring to my side!

Win-win for everyone!

"Yours by right?" Yasaka slowly turned towards Uriel, and I held back the urge to face palm. At this point, I pretty much knew a kick in the balls was coming.

And Michael's little twitch made me think the same thing. And it would be even more awkward if he tried to shut up Uriel now as they needed to show a united front. Uriel, while someone who usually meant well, was always a hot head, thinking more with his fist than anything else. A veryblack and white outlook of the world, though he's mellowed out substantially over the years.

"Just as every other treasure that Heaven holds is yours by right, yes? I'm sure you have nothing of anyone elses, you wouldn't want to be hypocrites afterall. No Demonic Swords used in nefarious projects with the sacrifice of children. No other items of power stolen from other Pantheons." The Fox snorted disdainfully. "What was that line from the Bible – Let he who is without sin cast the first stone? What a mighty fine Glass House you've built up over there."

And right for the jugular.

She's right too, the Church and even Heaven, they have stores of things from other Pantheons that they've taken over the years for Safe Keeping.

"....I am still wanting to hear an answer as to howyour people acquired those swords." Odin wasn't loud, but it caused attention to turn back on him. "They were buried with Sigurd, my descendant."

It's not really an uncommon thing, but it just looks bad to be called out on graverobbing. And the Norse are one such people that really take insult to desecrating the dead.

Really don't envy my siblings in this tight spot they're in.

"To put it simply, there is nothing you can offer us to hand over the Spear that is rightfully in Wilhelm's possession." Yasaka said with a little bite to the words.

Seriously, what did Michael have to offer? It's not they didn't have other thins that could potentially be an equal trade, but the Spear was unique in of itself. Not to mention, they weren't hurting in that regarding in other ways. It hasn't really come up, but the Kid is the Red Dragon Emperor of this Generation.

Vali wouldn't shut up about it, otherwise I may have forgotten in all this commotion as well. He's going to pout for months once he finds out how utterly out classed he is right now. That kid took way too much pride in being the best host that Albion ever head. That damn dragon filling his head with all that crap, inflating his ego.

As much as he could do with the reality check, I didn't want to see him mope around for a long time. But damn it must have been a kick in the groin for both of them to realize that Ol' Ddraig's host basically gave them a timeout without even trying nor even using the Boosted Gear.

But I digress. Not the time to think about those things. Michael needs a hand and I am also uneasy about someone else having access to just shutting off my Holy Power – if that's actually a thing he can keep doing.

For all we know, Kokabiel was a cosmic fluke brought about by extenuating circumstances. But it was hard to take that risk right now.

"I'm with Michael, leaving the potential ability to just take away what makes us Angels, I can't sit here easy because of that." I spoke up.

I think I honestly spoke for every Angel, Fallen or otherwise in this matter. Michael flashed an appreciative smile for backing him up.

Good, I'm still in deep shit with what Kokabiel did, having them look at me nicely like that will help.

"I see no problem with it." Even Serafall joined in. "That seems like a dangerous precedent to leave outside of the Angels, to just take away the source of their power. I think everyone would have better peace of mind knowing it's in their hands."

Guess she wanted her pound of flesh in revenge too. It was undeniably a good opportunity to finally kick the Fox and Co. off their high horse and get the initiative back.

Yasaka frowned in response. "And how would it be any different than forcing an Evil Piece on one of them?"

....dammit.

Father damn those things. They're beautifulin design, just as Odin said, but fucking damn if they aren't annoying as hell to be on the opposite side of.

"We don't –"

"You don't force them on others, yes." Yasaka smiled coyly. "Which seems to placate the others here. Which only begs the question – if, and that's a strong if, the spear could continue to do what you all claim, why can it not simply be the same predicament. Do you think we would go around 'depowering' Angels for no reason?"

"As you so gracefully, point out, that doesn't seem to be entirely accurate." Serafall glared at me a tiny amount. Sorry girl, but we are trying to argue for our own factions here. And at the end of the day, you want this too.

"That's true, there has been a severe lack of assurances for those." The Fox didn't miss the opportunity to take a jab at the Devils again. "So I believe I can understand your concerns. But frankly I have to ask, or what"

"Excuse me" Michael tilt his head in confusion.

"Why should we be forced to hand over the Spear? As I said, you have nothing we want to trade it for."

Michael looked a little stumped. "We came here to discuss peace, and to –"

"Are we at war?"

"....no."

"Then why would we hand it over. Unless you are insinuatingthat such a declaration is on the table if it isn't provided. In which case, we would have to step away and alert our own Pantheon to your intents." The Tails behind her flicked back and forth. "While Heaven hasn't been so heavy handed with the incidents we've had to bear with your Three Factions, we are certainly not on friendly terms. We have nothing linking ourselves to you. Not to mention we've been very polite in even handing back that Reforged Excalibur for no recompose. So, to answer that Angel who demanded it back – " She turned her hardened gaze towards Uriel. " – Or what?"

.....well fuck.

That silenced all of us. Mostly because it was true.

They held all the cards here, and they knew it. They knew it from the start when they flopped right down on the table and started verbally slapping all of us. They knew we would have to bow to their whims, but were even gentle about it, clearly not wanting to really get start any grudges, but at the same time, they weren't bowing down to any heavy handed tactics.

"However, that doesn't mean we don't wish to.....cooperate. I'll admit that the Harp would be beneficial even if it's not needed." The Fox looked thoughtful. "I may have a counter offer if you're willing."

Was she giving him face? An out to latch onto so not to develop any ill will? Shit this Fox is playing the game really well.

"Please speak." Michael forced a smile.

"One of the Hero Faction members was a wayward Holy Maiden that wielded Blade Blacksmith."

Michael's eyes flashed in realization. "So that's what happened to her..." He said softly. "We feared the worse when she disappeared from our ranks."

"I can imagine that a Sacred Gear that can produce Holy Swords would be beneficial?" Yasaka questioned, rather rhetorically, but it was one of the most valuable Sacred Gears to the church.

Not that it was one of the strongest by a large margin, but it could produceHoly Swords. Granted, they were relatively weak, but they were leaguesabove most Magic Swords that could be purchased. The only draw back was that it was difficult for the user to make ones that wouldn't disappear after a time. It took years of training, and a lot of energy, but it was a steady production that could be imbued with different abilities.

The value was....astronomical.

One of the Sacred Gears I reallywanted to get my hands on, but Michael wouldn't let me anywhere close.

"May I ask, what happened to the young woman who possessed the Sacred Gear?" Vasco Strada asked.

The Youkai Leader let out a sigh at the question. "Unfortunately, even if they were but children, we couldn't be soft on them. My Daughter was almost killed due to their direct actions, only saved through the intervention of Lady Izanami and Wilhelm. And many of my people had to bury loved ones, and not just my Guards. Large swathes of Kyoto burned, innocents died. They couldn't be allowed to continue living."

".....I apologize for bringing up such memories." The Very Large Cardinal apologized. Which always felt weird considering his sheer size.

"Your question only shows to exemplify your compassion, no harm was done." The Youkai Leader let out another sigh. "We didn't do anything untold to her remains. We can hand over her body if you want."

Vasco Strada, the large mass of muscles, smiled warmly. "I thank you on behalf of her family."

If there was ever a man that deserved to be a Saint. I have no doubt in my heart that if Father was still living, he would have been turned into one many years ago. That or a Prophet, but that was even more unlikely to happen these days than someone being born a Saint.

No, it can't happen anymore.

Michael and Gabriel were leaning towards one another, whispering about something. I could guess what the topic of conversation as about. They couldn't really.....push the issue with the spear, not after how the Youkai propped themselves up as invaluable to everyone else here.

"We're willing to accept this trade." Michael stated after talking with Gabriel.

"Wonderful, we can worry about the logistics afterwards." The Youkai Leader accepted it immediately.

"I do have one last question, for Wilhelm." Michael stated, turning back towards the Half-Devil

"Oh?" The Young man waited for a response.

"Would you like to become an Angel?"

.....Credit where credit is due, because noneof us saw that coming. Way to even throw off the Youkai, brother, even if I think my own jaw is hanging open.

"Objection!"

"This isn't a courtroom, Serafall." I regained my wits. "But I'm feeling something similar. What the hell, Michael?"

Even Uriel and the others at his side looked at him strange.

"Would it not be a good option for us?" The Archangel smiled brightly. "He is Half-Human, so it should be viable. And the Divinity aspect should not be a problem. Though it's only a thought for the future."

Admittedly, it would solve a lot of their own issues regarding the Spear and such.

"And he already showed capability with Holy Power, Father's remnants in the spear acknowledging him. So I see no fault in offering it." He added, with words that were hard to rebuke.

"You're asking me to just forsake everything I care about to become an Angel." The Red-Haired Half Devil said very dryly. ".....I will take it as the good intentions you perceived it to be. However, If I ever accepted, I would immediately fall. I do not share your cultural values, nor would it be fair to your others to make an exception – even if that was possible – to allow me to continue on as I am, but as an Angel."

"Actually, I take back what I said. Make him an Angel! When he falls, he'll be mine!" I slapped my palms on the table. "Best idea ever, Michael!"

Pretty sure he's banging all those girls next to him, so he definitely wouldn't last long as an Angel. I'm totally on board with this now.

And bonus, the Devils looked absolutely horrified at the prospect.

"....and I would have to associate with him." Her jerked his thumb towards me

Rude.

"I can understand your reservations." Michael smiled humorously.

[****]

Yasaka POV

Well, that turned out better than expected.

Besides the obvious curve ball thrown there.

And while I don't think we neededthat harp, I think it would help Wilhelm drastically in what he's attempting. I didn't want to keep putting too much pressure on him after everything he's already done.

And we couldn't even use that Blade Blacksmith to begin with. It simply wasn't compatible with Youkai as a whole.

It was better to further enhance our good will with the Heaven Faction, even after giving them back their Excalibur.

Would also stop them from being overly aggressive about Artoria's Sword, and the Spear in the future.

"Now that this is settled. We should return to the topic of the peace between the three factions. Am I safe to assume that everything is still proceeding in that respect?"

The Devils, the Angels, and the Fallen all shared looks, a silent agreement between them.

"If there is nothing else, we are happy to formalize a Treaty." Sirzechs Lucifer stated. "I'm sure there are more smallerconcerns to be had, but I think we can work out those details later."

"We are willing to also accept peace." Michael nodded.

"And us too." Azazel quickly added.

Well, can't say I'm envious of all the additional work an officialagreement between them will mean. The paper work would be an absolute nightmare.

Rather uneventful too.

This is a big deal to the three factions, but it was just quietly reached without any misshaps. I expected some kind of dreadful attack or maybe some opposition deciding to be more aggressive.

Oh well, it doesn't really concern me.

"Good, now we can talk about the important stuff." Odin who had been quiet for awhile, slammed his stick against the ground. "Hearing you kids bickering was getting on my nerves. I came here because of Níðhöggr appearing, and the possibility of someone from my faction interfering in matters concerning yours. With some revelations that more might be going on, how are we going to deal with this in the future."

"It's obvious we need to work together if our enemies aren't adhering to the lines in the sand anymore." Serafall stated. "I think we should all pool our resources together."

And when all eyes landed over on me, I could easily tell what they really meant.

Do you think you'll be getting this information for free? You're sorely mistaken then.

"I was already suspecting that there was something remiss amongst my own faction." The God of Light spoke up. "What I've heard today has only confirmed my beliefs and opened my eyes to a wider conspiracy. Some of my kin may not be agreeable, but I do believe that a joint effort is required."

The others just nodded along, expressing similar sentiments, making themselves so oh so righteous.

They just played it up so I couldn't refuse.

"Unfortunately, we cannot share the same sentiments."

Which I did anyways.

And the looks that flash across their faces, they really weren't expecting me to say that after everything that happened.

How fun~

"We're currently preparing for a War." I kindly reminded them. "We don't have time nor resources to look beyond our own borders and our own situation to combat a perceived threat that hasn't directly come after us."

"Didn't you say that this Hero Faction was part of the Khaos brigade?" Serafall asked.

"Yes, but they were working separately, not deliberating targeting us as a whole." I replied.

"We would be more than willing to help you ward off Kyoto." Ajuka responded. "To make sure an attack like before doesn't happen again."

"Do you mean like the ones that were supposed to protect this place?" I gestured to the destroyed buildings around us.

The Green Haired devil failed to hide the scowl that appeared.

"Oof, going to need a Phoenix tear for that one." Azazel said quietly. "But he's right. I think if we all worked together, we could easily set up some pretty good defenses so you don't have to be worried about that."

"The offer is appreciated, but we already have taken such matters into our own hands." I politely declined.

"If this Khaos Brigade is as far reaching as you say.....wouldn't they also come to retaliate after learning you revealed and know so much about them?" Michael asked. "I know you have some powerful people on your side, but are you capable of standing up against these Gods?"

"Do you think this is everyone that we have?" I let out a laugh. "I assure you, we are making our own preparations." I looked towards my lovely blue sister who was quietly standing to the side. "Jinn, sweetie. Tell me, how goes the project you were working on?"

Jinn perked up happily. I think this was the first time anyone here actually paid overt attention to the girl. Insofar, she hadn't really been any major focus. Jinn merely adopted a thoughtful expression. "I got it all planned out at this point and already started. Give me a month or so and I think I can cover all of Kyoto after some effort."

Or more specifically, where there were Magical Defenses. After hearing what Wilhelm was up to, Jinn also started doing something similar, albeit it a little different.

She was very familiar with Godly power. She, she began constructing City-wide wards that would detect those sorts of things as well as weaving into some new things she picked up over in that other world. Essentially it was in preparation in case the Khaos Brigade decided to attack us.

Would it stop them? No, but not much could.

But it was enough to buy time for our people to deal with them.

Between her and Wilhelm's efforts, well, Kyoto was going to be verysecure. Maybe the most secure, mortal place on the planet.

And of course, they didn't know the details, only that Kyoto was currently being completely defended.

"As you can see, we're doing okay on our own." I smiled towards everyone.

"But....the size of Kyoto." Ajuka muttered. "The sheer amount of work required would be astronomical."

"It's not that difficult." Jinn replied.

And I don't think she meant it to be as dismissive as it sounded.

Should I feel bad for Ajuka? How many times today has his ego taken a hit?

Jinn isn't a Spirit of knowledge without reason. I have no doubt that Ajuka could overcome Jinn in a battle of Magic. However, if he wanted to match her in sheer knowledge and ability, well, he would be in for a rough time.

Once again, it just showed that we utterly did not need them. So there was only one real way for them to proceed.

"Damn Fox." Odin grumbled. "Fine, what do you want?"

And that was basically the sounding of the end of this little meeting. Now it was just time to reap all the rewards~

]***]

Here's Friday's Delayed chapter. Why it took so long, I was revising it a little before the post date. I intended to get it done on Thursday, but it seems like life likes slapping me in the face when I get complacent. TLDR, my car got towed by 'accident'. That was fun to settle, took most of Thursday. So, here's part 4 of the peace meeting, wrapping up the main talks while the clean up starts the next chapter next.

Also, you can blame Cross. He linked me his snippet thread, so I lost track of time and spent a couple hours reading over those.

And to wrap everything up in a nice bow, this marks the passing of 1,000,000 words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone