"So..." I looked at Sona with amusement in my eyes. "What's the need for you to call me again today?" I asked.
It's been a week since Diodora vanished at my hands. After everything returned to normal, I went to school as usual, trained with Mordred, and spent time with Asia.
While doing so, I knew there was a conflict between Angels and Devils regarding Diodora's death. I don't know the details, but Ewald sent me a secret letter last night about it.
As he promised, he never mentioned that I was the one who killed Diodora, so technically, it became the Church's responsibility. It wasn't hard to get Diodora's girls to talk, as they spoke about how Diodora "saved" them from the Church's cruelty, which instantly sealed Diodora's fate and proved that he had infiltrated Church territory and seduced them.
The Church was immediately outraged after this, and some questioned why Asia should be brought back after what she did. It was Vasco and Ewald who came to her defense and explained everything about how Diodora's presence affected her and tried to corrupt the maiden, only to fail halfway.
Of course, they didn't say this to the Devil side. If they brought it up to the Devils, it would raise suspicions on their side, and they might get quite angry seeing a Devil with "special" power die, when in reality, it was nothing more than an excuse.
Vasco told the Pope of the Church about the Diodora case, who in response reported it directly to Heaven to ask for help, considering Diodora was Ajuka's brother and...
Well, let's just say Michael was clearly not pleased with what he heard. I don't know the details, but he said one of the Seraphim met with Sirzechs and Ajuka directly three days ago to discuss it. He said the Seraphim was really angry and even accused them of trying to provoke war again.
It couldn't be helped. Diodora had infiltrated Church territory, where the truce agreement was in place, and not only that, he stole and corrupted their Holy Maidens and Nuns, which was a massive violation of their peace and truce agreement for the time being.
No matter how high Diodora's position was, even as a Maou's brother, his actions were extremely dangerous and risky. The Underworld had just gone through a Civil War, and they couldn't afford another war now.
"I just wanted to ask how you're doing. I heard that Church girl stayed with you..." Sona asked me.
Ah... So that's what this is about...
When she called me to the Student Council Office again, I was worried the Devils knew about my actions and that I was the one who took out Diodora, or that they sent someone to investigate me. As far as I knew, I left no traces.
Sona didn't know that Diodora went to "rescue" Asia in the first place. After all, I contacted him using Asia's phone, which that man had given her. All I did was call him using it, and BOOM, he came instantly as I expected.
So how did Diodora know Asia needed to be "saved"? Well, the blame fell on Diodora, as no one knew—not even his peerage. Apparently, he just told them they would "rescue" Asia and didn't say anything more.
"Cut the crap, Sona. I know that's not the real reason you called me here," I said bluntly, and Sona let out a sigh as if agreeing with me.
"While it's true that's not the real reason I called you here, I'd at least like to know how you're feeling."
"Why? Do you care about me?" I chuckled, leaning back in my seat. "Has the Ice Queen's heart melted in the presence of the King of Kuoh?"
Sona blinked a few times, her face still stoic, but she was clearly displeased with what she heard.
"Fine, don't answer," she said with a glare, which made me laugh a bit more.
"I'm just messing with you, Sona—"
"Call me Kaichou."
"I'm fine. Nothing to worry about, so you don't need to worry about me, Sona," I continued as if she hadn't interrupted, earning another glare from her, which amused me. "Where's Tsubaki and everyone else?"
"They're busy with something else," Sona waved her hand dismissively, making me raise an eyebrow.
"You met me without your guard? That's pretty bold of you," I commented with a small smile.
"It's not bold, it's a sign of trust," Sona corrected me. "I trust you. You won't hurt me, I know that. You've already said you won't make a move against us unless we start first, and I trust your words... No..." She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again. "I trust your pride and dream..." She gave me a small smile. "After all, a Hero wouldn't strike someone who hasn't done anything wrong, right?"
I blinked at her words; that was clearly unexpected. I never thought she'd bring up my dream and ideals like that. Smiling lightly, I shrugged at her. "Well, if you put it that way..."
Sona let out a small laugh at my response, crossing her arms on the table. She adjusted her glasses and gave me a look.
"Back to business. The reason I called you here is because I want to know why you didn't inform me that Church people were coming here. Especially Ewald Cristaldi..." she asked stoically, putting emphasis on the last part.
I knew it. I had a hunch she'd ask about this. Ewald was a big shot in the Church faction. For him to come here, a place personally overseen by the Maous' sisters, was a bold move. It was like a Maou showing up at a Church out of nowhere—a very risky action.
I'm sure the Devil side would demand an explanation, but since they were on the losing side, with Diodora, Ajuka's brother, sneaking into their territory—not just once, but over a dozen times—they couldn't say much unless they wanted to worsen their position.
"Well, it's not like I'm siding with the Church or anything. You know I don't like them either, seeing what they did to Asia before..." I gave a small shrug while sipping the tea prepared for me. "As much as Asia wanted to go back, it was also a secret mission since there's a faction opposing her, making Cristaldi-san's mission unofficial. And seeing his position, if you heard about his presence, there's no guarantee you wouldn't report it to your superiors instantly." I took a sip of the tea—hmm, not as good as mine, but tolerable at least. "And if you did, the mission would fail..."
"But by doing that, you took a huge risk, Gilgamesh-san," Sona replied with a firm tone, dropping all our casual banter for a serious conversation.
"There's no guarantee Ewald Cristaldi only wanted to retrieve Asia Argento, as we know he could do something dangerous to my kin."
"If he did that, I'd stop him," I replied simply with an indifferent tone. "When he came for Asia, he attacked a friend of mine. Mordred arrived just in time and defended her. They had a small confrontation, and it ended in a draw. If necessary, I could've beaten him easily."
Sona's eyes widened, and her jaw slightly dropped, clearly indicating her surprise. She obviously didn't expect Mordred to be able to face Ewald Cristaldi, who was quite famous in her family.
Don't be surprised that Sona knows about Mordred. When Sona asked about her, I said Mordred was a great swordswoman. Sona doubted it, and then Mordred had a spar with Kiba, in which she crushed him, proving my story.
"She had an advantage, after all. Ewald wasn't at full power," I said with an amused tone, though Mordred wasn't at 100% either.
"Not at full power?"
"He was only wielding one sword. Normally, he wields more. Mordred could've taken him down in that state..." I explained simply, waving my hand.
"I... see..." Sona's face took on a thoughtful expression. "If he—"
"He's still capable of killing you, Rias, and both your groups at the same time, even in that state," I cut her off with an indifferent tone, making her blink.
"What? You don't believe me? Well, I don't care, but I'm not lying if you want to know."
"That's a bold claim," Sona replied with a furrowed brow.
What she said was true. I just stated that Ewald Cristaldi, wielding only Excalibur Rapidly, is far stronger than them, and that I could beat him, meaning I was claiming to be far above them. And that's also true—Ewald would finish them in no time. He's already fast enough without the sword, and when wielding it, he can fend off multiple high-class demons at once.
That sword may only be a shell of its former self, but it still holds a portion of the real Excalibur's power in this world. And in Ewald's hands, who could wield three Excalibur fragments and probably more simultaneously, that sword's potential was fully unleashed. Especially against Devils—if he could graze a Devil with a single strike, I think it'd be over for them.
That's why Sona and Rias couldn't beat him at their current level; they'd die against him.
Not that he's overwhelmingly strong, but his skill, experience, and mindset were more than enough to compensate for his lack of raw power.
If he wielded three Excalibur fragments at once, I'm sure he could take on a Satan-class being, even if just for a moment. He's truly someone to be reckoned with.
"I'm just stating the truth."
That's all I could say to Sona, not wanting to reveal more about myself. She only knew I was skilled with weapons, capable of close combat, and could use the Boosted Gear, but that's it. The [Boosted Gear] is the only Longinus she knows I have. Though I don't think it'll take long for her to connect the dots that I'm the same person who fought Sairaorg and tamed [Regulus Nemea].
So it's no surprise she'd be shocked. If I used the Boosted Gear, our fight would clearly be loud and destructive. The Boosted Gear isn't a power you can use without causing a commotion afterward.
And the only thing she knew about Mordred's abilities was about Clarent and her great skill with it.
Sona didn't respond, just furrowed her brow, her violet eyes staring into my crimson ones, her stoic face as if judging my existence.
"I see... Well, I think I've got enough information," she grunted, nodding after a moment of silence.
"Anything else I should know?"
"Nothing. You can leave if you want," Sona dismissed me, and I didn't waste any more time. Standing up, I gave Sona a small bow before heading to the Student Council Office door and leaving.
**With Gilgamesh**
Gilgamesh was walking through the streets of Kuoh back home. He could teleport, but he enjoyed taking a stroll.
The city was relatively quiet with little activity.
Gilgamesh sighed, knowing the real reason Sona called him. At least once a day, Sona tried to talk to him, and the reason was obvious.
The Devil Faction, no doubt, ordered Sona to monitor him. It's not surprising, after all, he wields a Longinus and is a descendant of a Legendary Hero. Gilgamesh had no doubt that sooner or later, one of the Maous or high-ranking Devils would come after him.
After all, they wouldn't miss the chance to gain a powerful ally living in their "territory."
Note the quotes because, in reality, Kuoh doesn't belong to the Devils, not even to Sona or Rias.
All of Japan's territory belongs to and is governed by the Shinto Gods, including Kuoh. In fact, the Devils had an agreement to allow some of them to live here.
And it wasn't Rias or Sona; the true ruler was Cleria Belial.
From what it seemed, Cleria was the city's ruler until she fell in love with an exorcist and was hunted down and killed. After her death, the Gremorys and Sitris took over the city, more specifically Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan, who wanted to give this territory to their sisters.
And, of course, since Sona knew about Mordred, she only knew that Mordred was a great swordswoman. Sona even asked if the people living with him knew about the supernatural world, and Gilgamesh confirmed it, though he didn't say more.
After all, he didn't want the Devils to have more reasons to come after them. If they discovered Sebas and Enkidu's powers, as well as Valerie's Sacred Gear, it would become problematic.
Gilgamesh wouldn't have a problem fighting the Devils, but he preferred to avoid conflicts, though sooner or later, they'd discover his true identity.
Sighing, Gilgamesh wondered when things could calm down. He just wanted a normal day, but it seemed trouble always found him.
It felt like one of those fanfics people write for others to read, where the protagonist always has to get into trouble to keep the story moving.
Gilgamesh opened the system to check the rewards he had earned.
[Quest Completed]
[Title: Pests in My Backyard]
- Description: Kill Diodora Astaroth.
- Reward: 50,000 Gold, 1,000 EXP, Kankara Formula, Sword Magic.
[Name: Kankara Formula]
- Type: Active.
- Rarity: Mega Rare.
- Level: 01/100.
- MP Cost: Varies.
- Description: The Kankara Formula is a specialized ability that grants the user the power to control all phenomena using equations and formulas. All phenomena and abilities in the world have rules and laws, and the user can obtain a result by filling in the equations.
- Abilities: The Kankara Formula allows the user to manipulate phenomena occurring in the world using their magical power to complete calculations for natural phenomena. By using a specialized magic circle, they can affect the outside world in various ways. They have demonstrated the ability to turn water explosions into mist and evaporate them while dissipating attacks, turning water beasts back into water, and redirecting attacks to the enemy. Notably, the user can take control of the enemy's attacks and calculate them to alter them in a way that makes it impossible for the enemy to disable them. The user can control their attacks better than the enemy.
First, one must understand how magic works in DxD.
Magic is a power born from research into the demonic power of Devils, which also became a power humans could control. While there are various types of magic, such as Norse magic, fairy magic, and various other types with different equations, including the magic used by gods, it's said that most magic used by common magicians was created by the great magician Merlin Ambrosius, involving reading the flow.
There are various forms of magic, from sealing magic to teleportation, fairy magic, white magic, Norse magic, and many others, including divine magic, which belongs to the Gods. Gilgamesh is highly adept at this, as he is a demigod, though he rarely uses it in its pure form, usually using it to enhance his regular magic.
Demonic power requires imagination and the ability to create, as well as good sense, while magic is purely knowledge to control equations—in other words, using your head and making calculations. So, while they may seem similar, they are very different. Magic is something where the user uses knowledge and calculations to know, "If I do this, this will happen."
For example, if a demonic power user wants to create a fireball, they just need to imagine a fireball and use their magical power to create it, as demonic power is based on imagination.
But if a magician wants to create a fireball, they need to use formulas and equations to cause a reaction that would create the fireball.
Gilgamesh is a great master at using magic. He learned various types from Sebas and from many grimoires he possesses in the [Gate of Babylon], as well as others he found around the world, plus those he copied with the [Sharingan].
He even invaded Asgard in search of a specific one and ended up fighting Thor, which he barely won. After that, he became friends with the God of Thunder and Odin.
But that's a story for another chapter.
Though in the group, he isn't the best magic user—after all, Sebas taught him, and even Valerie is a tremendous magic user with immense talent, surpassing many high-class demons, according to Sebas. Valerie isn't much of a physical fighter, so she dedicated much of her training to mastering magic.
Now, about the [Kankara Formula], it basically allows its user to manipulate any form of magic like a computer system. The user can rewrite various natural/supernatural magical phenomena, create or erase something, and command magic to defeat their enemies.
If it involves magic, the user can do almost anything—erase, rewrite, create, destroy, control—though there are limits, making it a terrifying technique. Ajuka Beelzebub often uses this technique to gain control of an enemy's magical power and make them self-destruct.
Basically, it's like a computer system, and the user is an administrator who commands everything.
Gilgamesh couldn't help but find this ability a bit unfair, as it allows nullifying any magical phenomenon in the world. Another unbelievable thing is that Ajuka Beelzebub took centuries to master and perfect this technique, while Gilgamesh had it imprinted in his mind step-by-step instantly, allowing him to interpret the world in the form of codes and equations.
Gilgamesh almost felt sorry for the Maou who took centuries to learn it while he mastered it in seconds.
Almost.
[Name: Sword Magic]
- Type: Active.
- Rarity: Rare.
- Level: 01/100.
- MP Cost: Varies.
- Description: This magical attribute allows the user to generate swords from their imagination, but the more powerful the sword, the harder it is to create. This magic also allows the user to cast certain spells that unleash the true potential of each weapon, elevating it beyond its limits.
First, this magic is different from Shirou Emiya's Unlimited Blade Works.
Though Gilgamesh really wants to acquire Unlimited Blade Works for himself—it would be a great combination with the [Gate of Babylon].
This magic allows creating weapons based on imagination, but it's not that simple.
First, one must know how the weapon would be created and what materials would be used to form it, which isn't too difficult considering that, thanks to [Weapon Proficiency], Gilgamesh can understand everything about a weapon.
It's also necessary to know the capabilities and limits of a weapon. For example, it's not possible to create an invincible weapon because the stronger the weapon, the more magical power and stamina it consumes, and the more specific the weapon's ability, the more powerful it would be.
If you created a sword that can cut anything without specifying its ability, it might only cut humans or demons and not other beings.
So, the more specific the weapon's ability, the more powerful it would be.
Another thing is that creating a weapon takes a considerable amount of time, so it's not possible to create them during battle.
Additionally, once a weapon is created, it cannot be undone and must be stored somewhere.
Gilgamesh had already created some weapons, but none with notable power.
The two most powerful were one capable of absorbing and redirecting magic and another that could negate causality by cutting cause and effect, thus nullifying any spell or curse.
But the main ability of this magic was to unlock the true potential of each weapon.
With the [Weapon Proficiency] skill, the user can master the styles with it, but that doesn't mean they can use the weapon's full true power, as technique and power are different. This magic allows the user to unleash the true potential of each weapon.
For example, Durandal's ability to cut anything.
Basically, this magic is an improved version of Licht's magic from the anime Black Clover.
Gilgamesh also earned another reward.
[Secret Quest Completed]
[Title: Family]
- Description: Make Asia Argento stay with your group.
- Reward: Special Summoning Card item.
It seemed there was a secret quest.
If Asia stayed with them, it was completed; if she went to the Church, it wasn't.
No need to say that Gilgamesh already knows who he'll summon with this card.
Gilgamesh snapped out of his thoughts when he sensed several magical powers approaching him.
He wasn't a great tracker like Enkidu, who could find water within a ten-kilometer radius, but he was a good sensor.
When he looked at the sky, he saw it turn purple as he was enveloped in a barrier.
"All I wanted was a normal day, and this crap happens…" Gilgamesh sighed.
Gilgamesh sensed the magical powers approaching before they revealed themselves as several people. They had different characteristics, but all had a human aura, or at least appeared human.
One of them stepped forward, taking the lead, and looked at Gilgamesh with a smile.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sekiryuutei," said the man in front, who had black hair, blue eyes, and wore a black coat, whom Gilgamesh assumed was the leader.
"Hoho, you know me. Who are you?" the King of Heroes questioned, narrowing his eyes.
The man laughed and raised his hands.
"I'm not here to fight you, at least I have no intention to, after all, you're a descendant of a legendary hero and possess a Longinus," the man said, widening his smile.
"I'm Hiroshi, a member of the Hero Faction led by Cao Cao-sama," the man said with a big smile.
Gilgamesh's eyes widened minimally upon hearing this.
Gilgamesh knew that sooner or later they'd come after him. After all, the wielder of the strongest Longinus wouldn't miss the chance to recruit someone like Gilgamesh.
"The Hero Faction, led by the wielder of the [True Longinus], right?" Gilgamesh questioned, seeing the man's smile widen.
"Exactly, the faction created by our great leader to defeat supernatural beings. And I couldn't help but notice you, the descendant of the greatest hero in the world and a Longinus wielder. It can only be fate," the man said with a big smile.
Gilgamesh noticed that this man spoke with great admiration for Cao Cao, though Gilgamesh wasn't surprised. He knew that those who didn't join Cao Cao willingly were brainwashed.
"Fate, you say?" Gilgamesh questioned curiously.
"Exactly. Seeing someone like you here is something unique. I admit, when I saw the Devils after you, I got nervous, but when you put that Devil in her place, it was marvelous—something only a hero could do," the man said, laughing, with the people behind him doing the same.
Gilgamesh noticed that when Hiroshi mentioned Rias, he spoke with great anger and disgust.
But more importantly, the fact that they were watching him. Gilgamesh knew people were observing him, and their base was the abandoned warehouse, though he let it slide since he was too busy.
"So it's you who's been watching me? Is your group also at the abandoned warehouse?" Gilgamesh questioned.
"Yes, after all, we had to keep an eye on someone like you," the man said with a smile that was starting to annoy Gilgamesh.
The King of Heroes knew the Hero Faction was using the abandoned warehouse to monitor Rias and the others, but he didn't imagine they'd been watching him from the start.
"So enough talk. If you know about Cao Cao-sama, you must know his goal. So I ask you, King of Heroes, current Sekiryuutei, Gilgamesh, will you join us to defeat supernatural beings?" the man asked with a big smile, as in his mind, Gilgamesh had already accepted.
"Does your leader know what you're doing?" Gilgamesh questioned.
"He doesn't, so it'll be a great surprise for him when you join us," the man said with a smile. "So, your answer?"
Gilgamesh sighed and gave his response.
"I refuse."
"What? I don't think I heard you right," the man said with confusion, as everyone behind him shared the same expression.
"Don't get me wrong, I'll protect humans, but the method you use is ridiculous," Gilgamesh said, looking at the man, who started to get angry.
"Your leader's method is ridiculous. Trying to prove himself against supernatural beings? He seems like a child who got a new toy and wants to test it. He's not a hero; he's just a spoiled brat," Gilgamesh said, giving his opinion on Cao Cao.
The Hero Faction members' expressions were of pure rage.
"Watch your words, Sekiryuutei," the man said angrily as white flames appeared around him.
Each of them had auras around them due to their anger.
"If Cao Cao keeps this up, he'll become a target that all factions will try to eliminate, and then he'll be killed, leaving humans without protection. He's not worthy of being called a hero," Gilgamesh said, seeing their anger increase.
All of them had their auras amplified, though not very strong, emitting the aura of mid- to high-class demons.
The leader, clenching his teeth in rage, looked at Gilgamesh with a cruel expression.
"If you won't come willingly, we'll make you come by force," the man shouted, raising his hand as several magical circles appeared behind him, as some of the humans were magicians.
Others materialized their Sacred Gears—some had spears, others bows and swords, some had flames and other elements, and others had shadows growing around them.
Gilgamesh gave a quick glance at the magical circles and momentarily activated his [Sharingan], memorizing the formulas behind each one.
This was a great utility of the [Sharingan] due to its photographic memory, allowing Gilgamesh to memorize the patterns and formulas of each magic.
All the magical circles glowed before firing a large number of fire, wind, lightning, earth, ice, darkness, and even light spells.
They were numerous spells covering the sky.
Gilgamesh simply extended his right hand, and a triangular magical circle appeared, filled with various formulas and equations, glowing golden.
The moment his magical circle took form, a small golden aura enveloped the magical attacks, stopping them in mid-air, to the shock of the Hero Faction.
This magical circle was from the [Kankara Formula]. The biggest difference between Gilgamesh's and Ajuka's is that Gilgamesh's circle is golden, while Ajuka's is green.
The moment it was created, Gilgamesh used a pattern of equations and formulas to gain control of the enemy's magical attacks.
"W-What?" the Hero Faction members questioned as they saw their powers stopped.
With a wave of Gilgamesh's hand, the magical powers began heading toward the enemy humans.
The Hero Faction members' eyes widened as they saw their powers coming back at them.
They quickly began dodging the bombardments raining down on them, either getting out of the way or trying to counter with their own powers.
Suddenly, a large shadow emerged from the ground, forming a barrier that absorbed the magical powers, making them disappear.
Gilgamesh raised an eyebrow with curiosity upon seeing this, until he remembered which Sacred Gear was capable of this.
"Night Reflection, huh," Gilgamesh thought curiously.
Gilgamesh was snapped out of his thoughts when he recalled another ability of this Sacred Gear. [Night Reflection] can absorb and redirect attacks through shadows.
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