After returning home, we of the Occult Research Club gathered in the meeting room on the upper floor of Issei's house.
Alongside the club members, Azazel-sensei and Griselda Quarta were also present.
Of course, we had to coordinate the timing around Azazel-sensei and Rossweisse finishing their work.
This time, the one leading the meeting was Irina Shidou.
"So, that's why! Over Christmas, we're going to hand out presents to the people of Kuoh Town, as a way to give back for all the trouble we've caused them without their knowing!"
Just as Irina said, the ordinary residents of Kuoh Town had unknowingly come close to having their entire town blown away more than once. Even if all the supernatural facilities were withdrawn and relocated to some remote, uninhabited place, it wouldn't solve everything—groups like Qliphoth would probably just attack out of spite anyway. And moving an entire base of operations isn't exactly cheap.
Besides, hosting something like the Three Factions' peace talks in the middle of the Sahara Desert would've been unrealistic back when tensions were still high. Infrastructure alone would've made that impossible.
The funds for the presents were mainly provided by the higher-ups, though we also contributed some of our own pocket money. Well, our contributions didn't really change the overall quality of the gifts especially since we had to stop President Rias from going overboard, but still, it's the thought that counts.
Since we couldn't investigate everyone's individual wishes beforehand, the presents would be fairly generic—popular toys for children, gift certificates for adults, that sort of thing.
We also couldn't go too overboard. As Azazel-sensei put it, "Well, something that ends up as an urban legend is good enough."
After that, we worked out the finer details and checked supplies.
"Ufufu. Here are the sample Santa costumes. For women, we have both pants and mini-skirt versions."
Akeno Himejima-senpai pulled out a mini-skirt Santa outfit from a cardboard box.
Even so, the overall concept was wholesome, so the design stayed cute rather than risqué.
" Sister Griselda, will the reindeer actually fly on the day?"
"We plan to apply levitation magic to them."
Irina and Griselda continued their discussion, though I couldn't help but wonder if the reindeer would panic when suddenly forced to float…
"I tried being Santa."
Ophis had already changed into the smallest-sized Santa costume.
Since Koneko was also here, there were smaller sizes available, and it fit her perfectly.
"Hey, you look great. A wonderful Santa."
A Christmas present from the Infinity Dragon God… yeah, that might actually be more extravagant than one from the God of the Bible.
"On Christmas Day, we'll not only be delivering presents, but it's also a busy time for us devils. We'll have another meeting later for clients who've specifically scheduled contracts for that day."
"'Understood.'"
At President Rias's words, the Gremory peerage responded in unison.
Summoning a devil on Christmas… yeah, thinking too hard about those people's circumstances is probably taboo.
Later, I heard that one regular client—someone who always requests Koneko to carry them in a princess carry, opted for a Christmas version this time. Apparently, they got inside Santa Koneko's gift sack and were carried around like that.
…There are some truly strange people in this world.
"By the way, the Sitri peerage won't be able to help much with preparations this time, right?"
Issei asked Azazel-sensei about the absent Sitri Peerage.
"Yeah. You guys saved the academy, but the town of Auros itself took serious damage. They're busy with repairs and reinforcing defenses. The Satan's forces are handling security for now, but that won't last forever."
Apparently, after that incident, Auros Academy's reputation skyrocketed across the Underworld. Trial enrollments were now booked years in advance.
"After all, the media framed it like this: 'Young devils heroically repel terrorist forces and defend a school of dreams and hope!' That kind of headline grabs attention. Especially when someone like Sairaorg Bael with low demonic power was seen fighting on the frontlines. To lower- and mid-class devils, that's basically a legend."
The media emphasized the victory rather than the attack itself, which left a strong positive impression.
…Also, ninjas.
"But I still find it unsatisfactory that Ikki-sama's achievements weren't highlighted more,"
Ravel said, clearly displeased.
Well, I get it, but since I was the only outsider there, it would've been awkward to single me out.
Should I start loudly declaring, "I'm the MVP!" from now on?
…Yeah, no. That would just make me look like a small fry real fast.
"Anyway, it's Underworld media. That's just how it is. Other factions are covering Ikki just fine, so be satisfied with that."
Oh. Well, alright then.
After that, we talked about how the captured Euclid was being interrogated by his beloved sister Grayfia Lucifuge, with a terrifyingly cheerful smile, and speculated on the whereabouts of the missing Agreas.
Then Griselda called everyone together.
"We will now escort you all to Heaven. There, you will meet Michael to confirm the Christmas plan and offer year-end greetings."
Oh, so I'm finally going to Heaven.
…Wait. I'm not even Christian. Where do I go after I die? Buddhism? Shinto?
Japanese beliefs about the afterlife really are vague.
Well, I'm not planning to die anytime soon anyway.
"Say hi to Michael for me," Azazel-sensei said.
"You're not coming?" Issei asked.
"Do you really think I can just go back like it's nothing? Though if I could clean up my old research lab, maybe. Anyway, this kind of thing's for you young ones. I've got plans—to properly greet Ikki's parents."
"Wait—what!?"
"It's only right. We're asking their son to risk his life fighting terrorists. Now that they know the truth, an adult like me should at least apologize properly—with some good liquor. I waited until now because there are things parents can only say when their kids aren't around."
"…You really can be considerate when you try, sensei."
"How long do you think I've been alive? Experience matters."
He ruffled my hair roughly.
…That was a little embarrassing.
After Azazel-sensei headed toward my house, the rest of us moved to the underground teleportation room.
"Please take one of these. Just hold it above your head."
Griselda handed each of us a glowing ring—just like the halos angels wear.
Apparently, wearing it minimizes interference with Heaven's divine system, even for outsiders. It was developed jointly by the Three Factions in anticipation of visits like this.
"Ah! Asia, I feel like an angel!"
"Yes! It's such an honor!"
The two church girls were especially moved.
As Irina and Griselda began reciting scripture, a grand white double door appeared in the room.
"Ta-da! This is the angel elevator to Heaven! Everyone, make sure your halos are in place—otherwise you'll get flung out mid-ascent! Okay then—let's go!"
And so, we boarded what turned out to be a surprisingly lethal elevator… and headed toward Heaven.
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100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
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