Courtyard in the Government Building, Underworld, DxD Planet…
Hearing the commotion—and feeling Loki's presence—the meeting of the Three Factions and Odin was abruptly interrupted. Chairs scraped against the floor as everyone stood at the same time, running out of the conference room toward the source of the battle.
As they ran, the noise suddenly stopped.
The ground shook violently, the tremor rolling through the corridor before fading into an unsettling silence. Alice and Anisphia, running alongside the leaders, caught sight of a familiar burst of rainbow-colored magic rising in the distance.
"Isn't that Euphy-san's?" Alice whispered.
Anisphia slowed, eyes narrowing. "Yeah… do you think she already took care of Loki?"
The question lingered for only a heartbeat.
Deep down, both of them already knew the answer.
Once the conclusion settled in, the two exchanged wry smiles.
"So much for holding back and not participating in this mission," Anisphia muttered with a light laugh.
"I guess fate really doesn't want to give us a vacation," Alice replied, smiling helplessly.
With Sirzechs, Serafall, Ajuka, and Falbium leading the way, followed by Odin, Michael, Azazel, Alice, and Anisphia, the group finally reached the destroyed courtyard. Civil officers and devil nobles crowded the area, held back by a firm line of guards.
As soon as the leaders appeared, the crowd parted to make way. One of the guards stepped forward and saluted sharply.
"Maou-sama!"
Falbium didn't waste a second. "What happened here?"
"We aren't entirely sure either," the guard replied. "At first, we heard several explosions and minor ground tremors. Then, out of nowhere, a heavy divine pressure descended, followed almost immediately by a massive explosion."
He swallowed. "By the time our unit arrived, the courtyard was already destroyed. Only the two Nameless guests and the Bishop of Gremory were still standing."
He hesitated before adding, "The injured heir of the Astaroth Clan is also present, along with his Peerage. They are currently with the Nameless, sir."
"Diodora? He's here?"
Ajuka frowned deeply, confusion crossing his face as he heard his brother's name.
"Understood," Falbium said after a short pause. "Thank you. We'll confirm the situation ourselves."
As the group moved toward Ingvild and Asia, they caught sight of Issei, Vali, Rossweisse, and Waltraute standing nearby—still visibly stunned, their eyes fixed on Euphyllia.
When Diodora noticed Ajuka and the other leaders approaching, the shock that had numbed him finally gave way to raw fear.
'I have to get out of here—now,' he panicked. 'If they find out what I've done, I'm finished!'
In a frantic attempt to escape, he spread his wings and launched himself into the air.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Ingvild's voice cut with a cold fury. With a wave of her hand, she summoned her water serpent. It shot upward, swallowing the fleeing Diodora before dragging him down and slamming him hard into the ground.
"Oof!!"
The air in his lungs got knocked out as his body hit the ground, bouncing once—twice—before finally going still.
"Hmph!" Ingvild snorted, planting her hands on her hips as she stared down coldly at the unconscious Diodora.
Everyone in the courtyard froze.
"Ingvild?!"
"Ingvild-san!"
Anisphia and Alice shouted in unison. Hearing their voices, Ingvild turned—and immediately realized just how many people had witnessed what she'd done. Leaders of the Three Factions. Odin. Guards. Nobles.
Her face went bright red.
"T-that… t-this… well!!"
She waved her hands awkwardly, scrambling for words as embarrassment flooded in.
Her flustered expression must have been far too adorable, because Anisphia let out a tiny, unguarded whisper.
"H-how c-cute!!"
Alice shot her an exasperated side-eye that screamed 'really now?!'
"A-anyway! T-there is a veeeery good reason for this! Right, Vill-chan?!"
"Fuee?"
Her eyes eventually landed on Villhaze, who was standing not far from her. The childhood friend—and loyal maid—flinched the moment Ingvild sent her a pleading look. Villhaze's expression turned awkward as she fidgeted when everyone's attention went to her.
"E-ehh… w-well…" she stammered. "L-like m-milady said… actually… ughhh."
Like master, like servant.
Villhaze glanced around desperately, searching for someone—anyone—who could help explain the situation. Her eyes finally landed on Euphyllia, beside Issei, Vali, Rossweisse, and Waltraute.
"Lady Euphy!!" Villhaze cried out in a pleading tone, tears forming in her eyes as she practically reached for salvation.
"…Sigh." Euphyllia pinched the bridge of her nose.
'Well, I did say I'd explain this to Hajime-sama... Hmm?' she thought tiredly. 'Wait—wasn't Ingvild-san the one who said she'd explain everything to the other leaders?! How did this suddenly become my problem?'
She shot the panicking master and maid an exasperated glance before letting out another sigh.
"Alright," Euphyllia said, stepping forward. "I'll explain."
She started from the beginning.
She explained how she, Ingvild, and Villhaze had been strolling through the garden when they spotted Diodora with Asia. Then he suddenly grabbed Asia's wrist, pulling her toward him with a crazed expression.
"That was when we intervened," Euphyllia said plainly. "We separated Asia from him immediately."
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she recalled the moment.
"After that, Ingvild-san demanded to know exactly what he was doing."
Then Euphyllia's expression turned grave as she continued her explanation, recounting Diodora's 'Masterful plan' to take Asia for himself. Hearing it again made Asia's body tremble, and Issei's hands clenched so tightly his nails bit into his palms as he glared at Diodora's unconscious body.
Alice and Anisphia's expressions went blank. The warmth in their eyes vanished, replaced by a cold emotion. The four Maou also stiffened, Ajuka most of all, his expression tightening after hearing his brother's actions.
Euphyllia went on. After Diodora finished boasting about his plan, Villhaze blocked him from reaching Asia. That was when he finally snapped.
"That's when the conflict started," Euphyllia said evenly. "Diodora's Peerage rushed in and engaged Villhaze."
She stop for a second, tilting her head in confusion. "But we notice something is wrong. They weren't fighting like willing followers."
She shook her and continued.
"So Ingvild and I ordered Villhaze to knock them out. We wanted to get answers from them."
"That's right!" Ingvild joined after finally calming down. "Vill-chan was only acting under my orders. I wanted to know why his Peerage seemed… afraid of him."
Michael, who had been silently examining Diodora's fallen Peerage, suddenly frowned. His eyes stayed on their faces—then his eyes widened in recognition.
"These women…" he said slowly. "They are former holy maidens of the Church."
"Ehh?! Are you sure, Michael?" Serafall asked.
Michael nodded grimly, his face paling. "I'm certain. It was by my own orders that they were excommunicated after forming relationships with a devil. That time, such bonds were deemed… detrimental to maintaining God's system."
The Maous' expressions darkened further. Ajuka lifted a hand to his head, realization striking him all at once. Sirzechs placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Believe in your brother, Ajuka. Maybe he was trying to help them."
Ajuka shook his head slowly.
"Thank you, Sirzechs… but I'm not expecting much," he said with regret. "If this had happened once or twice, I could have believed that. But… seventeen times."
He closed his eyes. "I'll accept whatever punishment awaits him."
Ingvild picked up from where Euphyllia's explanation left off. She told them about Diodora's possession of Ophis's snakes—something only members of the Khaos Brigade could have.
That was when everything finally clicked.
Diodora Astaroth was a traitor.
And likely the reason Loki had been able to gatecrash both yesterday's gathering and today's battle.
Azazel ran a hand through his hair, continuing from Ingvild and Euphyllia's conclusion.
"So Diodora prepared a teleportation magic circle, didn't he? He's the one who brought Loki here from the wasteland. That's why Loki appeared at all—am I right?"
Euphyllia, Ingvild, Alice, and Anisphia could only offer the leaders of the Three Factions sympathetic looks. Having someone close betray them—and cause all of this—was truly heartbreaking.
"I guess… this mess with Loki is finally over?" Issei asked.
"Haa…" Vali let out a long sigh. "To think the battle that forced us to fight Loki to a standstill—even with Sona Sitri's buffs—ended so easily at the hands of someone from the Nameless. It's… a bit disheartening."
"So in the end, I couldn't fulfill the mission entrusted to me," Waltraute said softly, her shoulders slumping. "I arrived late… and ended up being useless."
"Sister…" Rossweisse looked at Waltraute with concern.
"Hmmm, by the way, Hyoudou-kun, Vali-kun—how's the situation with Sona and the others back there?" Anisphia asked.
"Ah, well," Issei replied, scratching the back of his head. "According to Sona-kaichou, her magical reserves were already down by about half before she sent us here."
Vali nodded. "And judging from Loki's tone when he escaped using the Astaroth teleportation circle, he was also running on fumes. The moment the gate opened, he chose to retreat instead of continuing the standoff."
"With Fenrir bound by the Chains of Heaven," Rossweisse added, "everyone there should only be dealing with Skoll, Hati, and the five smaller Midgardsormrs now."
Anisphia let out a low whistle. "As expected of a god. For Sona to burn through half her reserves just to maintain the balance… wow."
"Hmm. If that's the case," Alice said thoughtfully, "they should be wrapping things up by now. Without Loki to worry about, everyone there can finally go all out."
She then looked at the four of them and smiled. "Good work, all of you. This should conclude the Loki incident."
"Ehh?! We're done?!" Issei exclaimed in disbelief.
Alice nodded calmly. "Yes. The battle there should be ending very soon."
"This might be asking too much, but… is it possible for you to send me back there, Alice-san?" Issei asked.
"Why?"
"Well…" Issei rubbed the back of his head with a crooked grin. "I'm a bit worried about them. And I'd feel bad just leaving the fight halfway through."
"Ise-san," Asia looked at him with open admiration.
Alice, Anisphia, and Euphyllia all stared at him at once, making Issei feel a bit uncomfortable.
"Y-yes?"
Anisphia tilted her head thoughtfully. "You know, Hyoudou-kun… if you weren't such a shameless boob-obsessed pervert, with that personality of yours, you'd actually be pretty popular with women."
"REALLY?!"
"Yeah," Alice added flatly. "Unfortunately, you turned out like this. Haa… what a pity."
"Gahh!!" Issei dropped to his knees, struck straight through the heart.
"Ise-san is fine just as he is!!" Asia said at once, stepping forward to defend him.
"Asiaaaa!!!" Issei cried, moved to tears by her sincerity.
"Excuse me, Miss Alice."
Rossweisse and Waltraute approached her together.
"Yes? How can I help you both?" Alice asked.
"If you're sending the Red Dragon Emperor back there," Rossweisse said politely, "would it be possible to include us as well?"
"I came here to fight Lord Loki," Waltraute added. "But with how things turned out, I wasn't able to do anything. If possible, I'd like to assist the others in dealing with the remaining enemies."
"I see." Alice blinked, then turned to Vali. "How about you, Vali-san? You want to go back, too?"
"That's right," Vali replied with a grin. "I didn't get enough thrill out of that battle."
Anisphia rolled her eyes. "Why don't you just say you're worried as well, you tsundere fake bad boy?"
Vali's cheek twitched at her words, while Alice let out a small chuckle.
"Alright," Alice said, clapping her hands once. "Gather everyone. I'll send you back using the Space Anchor Hajime left behind there."
At the side, Ingvild approached the leaders of the Three Factions, who were deep in discussion with Odin over how to handle the aftermath of Diodora and Loki's attack.
"Excuse me… Serafall-san."
"Hm?" Serafall turned, blinking once before offering a tired smile. "Yes, Ing-chan? How can Sera-tan help you?"
She stepped away from the others to face Ingvild properly.
"It's about those girls," Ingvild said, hesitating only a moment. "Diodora Astaroth's Peerage. What will happen to them?"
At that, Serafall's expression fell. The surrounding discussion slowed… then stopped altogether. The leaders exchanged uneasy looks.
"That… well," Serafall admitted carefully, "to be honest, we don't know yet."
"E-eh? Why?"
"Because they are technically members of the traitor Diodora's Peerage," Serafall continued. "There's a possibility they'll be treated the same way as him."
"What?!" Ingvild's eyes widened. "B-but they're victims too, aren't they?"
Sirzechs spoke up, his tone heavy.
"Unfortunately, Ingvild-dono, we can't rule that out. Even if they were unwilling or coerced… they still followed Diodora. They are his Peerage."
He shook his head slightly. "Which means our hands are tied."
"Heaven cannot interfere any longer either," Michael said sadly. "They are devils now… outside our jurisdiction."
Azazel crossed his arms. "Even though the Three Factions are now a single faction, there are still boundaries we must maintain. That includes how a devil's Peerage is handled."
Ingvild bit her lip, frustration clearly written across her face.
"Then how about this?" Euphyllia stepped forward, joining the discussion. "The Astaroth Peerage died in this battle. At present, they are not breathing and completely unresponsive due to their clash with one of us."
"Euphyllia-dono?" Sirzechs asked, confusion clear in his voice.
"Well," Euphyllia continued with a small smile, "the traitor Astaroth and his Peerage attacked the Nameless—official allies of the Three Factions. We personally dealt with them, and they died at our hands. Since the King of the Peerage is still alive, we will hand him over to the Three Factions for judgment."
Her smile turned a bit mischievous.
"As for the 'deceased' Peerage members," she finished with a smirk, "the Nameless will handle the cleanup."
Serafall, who handles the diplomatic front for the devils, immediately caught her intention.
"That's right! Since the Nameless, who are the victims of this attack, said they'll personally handle the cleanup of the fallen aggressors. We, the Three Factions, have no objections!"
Her eyes twinkled playfully as she clasped her hands together.
"Let me just call a doctor—or a medical officer—to officially declare them dead and extract the Evil Pieces from their bodies~."
But before Serafall could move, Ajuka stepped forward.
"No need for that, Serafall," he said. "I will personally examine them. If they are truly dead, I will extract the pieces myself."
"Oho! To think Ajuka-chan, a Maou, would handle this mess personally!" Serafall exclaimed with exaggerated amazement.
Ajuka let out a wry smile. "This much is only natural. After all… this is a mess caused by my own brother."
"Euphy-san!"
Seeing the Maous work together without hesitation, Ingvild rushed forward and wrapped Euphyllia in a tight hug, her eyes shining with admiration.
"There, there," Euphyllia said gently, accepting the embrace and returning it without complaint.
Asia stood beside Issei as they waited for Alice to teleport them back to Sona and the others.
"Ise-san."
"Hmm? Asia? What's wrong?"
"…You'll come back, right?"
"Of course!" Issei answered immediately. "I'll come back—and I'll bring everyone with me too."
"I see…"
He tilted his head, noticing the hesitation in her voice. "Asia? Ah… are you still thinking about what that guy said?"
"A little…" Asia admitted softly. "But even if something happens, I believe Ise-san will come and take me back."
Her hands tightened lightly at her chest. "I believed in you… that Ise-san would come rescue me."
"Of course I will." Issei smiled warmly. "But I'm sorry—you heard something painful, didn't you?"
Asia shook her head and smiled up at him.
"I'm alright. I was surprised… but I have Ise-san with me."
'Such an adorable girl… mou!' Issei wiped away an imaginary tear. 'I'll cherish her while she's with me!'
"Asia, know this! I won't let Diodora—or anyone else—lay a hand on you!"
"Hehehe… somehow, that makes me really happy."
"That's good!" Issei said with a grin. "After all, I promised you—only happy memories from here on out."
"Ise-san…"
Overwhelmed by emotion, Asia leaned forward—and boldly kissed Issei on the cheek.
"..."
Issei.exe had crashed.
"Ohh!!!"
"My~"
Anisphia and Alice let out amused sounds at the sight. Rossweisse, meanwhile, blushed deeply, while Waltraute could only shake her head at her sister's innocent reaction. Vali, on the other hand, rolled his eyes.
"Ise-san."
"H-HERE!!"
"Once you're back with everyone… I'll give you a reward, Ise-san."
"R-REWARD?!" Issei blurted out, his face instantly heating up as the image of an unusually proactive Asia—paired with her innocent gaze—ran wild in his mind.
Blood rushed to his nose from the thought alone.
"Oh crap!! Just what am I thinking?!"
"Oi~ Oppai Dragon-kun, snap out of your delusions. It's time for you to go back," Anisphia said dryly.
"Wah?!" Issei jolted out of his daze and ran toward the others. "Coming!"
As Issei joined Vali, Rossweisse, and Waltraute, Asia clasped her hands together and bowed her head in prayer.
"Asia-chan, what did you pray for?" Anisphia asked, leaning closer.
Asia smiled shyly. "It's a secret."
Issei waved at her, and she returned it with a warm smile.
She opened her mouth, about to say something.
Then—
A blinding light filled the air.
Everyone turned just in time to see Asia surrounded by pillars of light, shining brilliantly before... vanishing.
"...Asia?"
No one was there.
—----
For a moment, the entire courtyard was drowned in deadly silence.
No one understood what had just happened. Not even Anisphia—who had been standing right beside Asia—had noticed anything unusual. All she could do was stare at the space where Asia had been moments ago.
"W-what just happened…?" Anisphia whispered, the question falling into the void.
Then an eerie laugh cut through the stillness.
"Hehehehe…cough…hahaha…cough…ahaha…cough, cough…!"
Everyone turned.
Loki came out from the crater where he had been buried, brushing dust from his clothes.
"Lord Loki?!"
"Loki," Odin stepped forward, his glare sharp and furious. "Just what are you scheming now?"
Loki raised both hands lightly. "Relax. I didn't do anything this time."
His smile twisted. "Honestly, I didn't expect my accomplice to be so… ruthless."
"What do you mean by that?" Euphyllia demanded, Arc‑en‑Ciel sliding into her grip as rainbow magic flared once more.
"Peace, Miss Nameless." Loki sighed theatrically. "I'm already defeated. I'm only here to clear up your confusion."
Everyone narrowed their eyes as Loki surrendered far too easily.
"You see," he continued, "within the Khaos Brigade, a certain research has been ongoing—research into manipulating the Power of Light of both Angels and Fallen Angels."
He let out a bored grin. "They might have found a way to make it usable even by devils."
A chill ran down the spines of the Three Factions' leaders.
"Most likely, using that same technique, he placed a delayed spell on that girl," Loki said calmly. "Something only he can detect or disable. A leash he placed on the women he gathered."
He shook his head with a faint scoff. "Such an unforgiving man. The very definition of if I can't have her, then no one will."
The entire courtyard fell into a chilling silence.
"Asia? Asia?"
Issei broke the silence, calling out as he staggered forward on unsteady legs.
"Asia? Where did you go? Why are you hiding now?" He laughed weakly. "Haha… Asia sure likes to play around."
He looked around the courtyard, step by step, his movements sluggish and uneven.
"Asia? You can come out now. No one here would bully you, Asia. Even if they did… I'm here to beat them up!" His voice trembled. "So please… stop hiding."
No one answered.
No one could even look at him.
Seeing that, Ingvild broke down in tears. Euphyllia and Alice turned away, unable to bear the sight, while Anisphia bit her lip hard, guilt filling her eyes.
"Hyoudou Issei… stop," Vali said.
"Vali?" Issei replied blankly. "Sorry… can you wait a bit? I haven't found Asia yet."
He smiled faintly. "I know we need to go back to the others, but… just give me a little more time. I'll apologize to Kaichou and the others later."
He spoke without emotion.
Vali's expression tightened as he grabbed Issei's shoulders. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something—anything—but no words came.
Loki watched the scene unfold and slowly shook his head. "Looks like the Red Dragon Emperor can't accept it, huh?"
He looked at Issei with something close to pity. "Whatever Diodora Astaroth did, that girl was sent beyond the dimension. Her body should have already perished by now."
He shrugged lightly.
"In other words… she's dead."
The words finally reached Issei.
His body stopped moving.
Slowly, mechanically, he turned his head—and locked eyes with Diodora's fallen form nearby. He continued to stare. And stare.
There was no anger on his face.
No sorrow.
Just emptiness.
[All of you—leave this place at once. If you don't want to die, it would be wise to leave immediately.]
"That voice…"
Vali, standing right beside him, felt it instantly. His eyes widened as realization struck.
"Is it Draig?"
[Vali…!]
Too late.
A heavy, oppressive Dragonic aura erupted from Issei's body.
The courtyard shook violently as a blood‑red aura poured out of him, spreading until it dyed the entire place in crimson.
Everyone present felt it crawl across their skin.
That aura… was dangerous.
From Issei's mouth, a curse‑like chant spilled forth.
It was not just his voice.
Young. Old. Male. Female.
Multiple voices overlapped, twisted together into something deeply unnatural.
[I, who is about to awaken...]
"It started." "Looks like it will start."
[Am the Heavenly Dragon that has stolen the principles of domination from God....]
"It was always like that." "No matter what." "That's not right." "It was like that every time."
[I laugh at the "infinite", and I grieve at the "dream"....]
"The one the World seeks...." "The one the World rejects...."
[I shall become the Red Dragon of Domination...]
"It was always power." "It was always love."
" "You guys choose destruction no matter how many times!" "
Issei entered his Balance Breaker and then began to transform.
The armor sharpened, its edges growing jagged and cruel. His dragon wings stretched wider, larger, blotting out the light as they unfurled. From his hands and feet, claws-like things appeared. Horns began to emerge across the helm—one after another—warping its silhouette into something far more monstrous.
It no longer resembled armor.
But of the body of a dragon.
Then, from every jewel embedded within it, a scream erupted.
Old. Young. Male. Female.
A chorus of voices overlapped and twisted together, spilling out as a single, horrifying cry.
" " " " " " " And I shall sink you to the depths of crimson purgatory!" " " " " " "
[Juggernaut Drive!!!!!!!!!!]
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