Chapter 99: The Raid

Name：One-Punch DxD: NEO Author：ahsoei
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Chapter 99: The Raid

[Lord Bael, Lord Bael! We have questions for you regarding the scandal!]

[How did you uncover the dark secrets of the other clans?! What made you find out that they are colluding with the terrorist organization?!]

An emergency news conference occupied the attention of Auros Academy.

In the auditorium, everyone watched the wide holographic screen broadcasting Mordax's interview live in Lucifaad. The devil stood on a podium, with an antiquated microphone, the black-haired devil bedecked in an aristocratic suit, his seemingly youthful smile carrying centuries of experience.

[It might come as a shock, but I did not seek out the truth behind the motives of my partners. No, they revealed themselves to me at my most vulnerable. I couldn't believe that they would try to murder their closest friend so I had no choice but to kill them in self defense.]

"...Who is this puhiaith?" Noud asked Sona with a hint of irritation.

Ignoring whatever alien word Noud asked her with, Sona replied, "That is Mordax Bael - the current head of the Bael clan of the 72 Pillars."

"Hearing him makes me want to rip his tongue out." Noud said something outrageously hostile to their surprise.

"Whoa, why the hostility?" Saji asked.

"It feels like I'm being forced to have the most unpleasant of garbage drilled into my ears with every lie that comes from his mouth."

Everybody stared at Noud's remarks before they simply returned their attention back to the broadcast.

[The evidence of their collaboration with Khaos Brigade isn't light. The weight of their crimes warrant a severe detention and detainment. It saddens me to see that two of our most prominent Rating Game veterans rose to the highest of rankings not through diligence and talent, but subterfuge, for they dare to use the Forbidden piece under our eyes. I say we strip any bloodlines of their statuses as nobles and bring them to justice! In chains if necessary!]

Everyone in the auditorium began to whisper among each other.

Rias and Sona, however, did not look convinced.

[If the lower class would have their justice, now is that time! I swear that we will punish the renegade Belphegors and execute the Abaddon that dares to defile our traditions! Roygun Belphegor is still at large! A massive reward will be granted to wherever brings her alive.]

[E-Excuse me, Lord Bael. There is a due process for this. From what I'm hearing, it sounds like you're encouraging a lynching.]

One female reporter stated.

[The Underworld is under a crisis; I believe this is the most opportune time for people to unite against a common threat. And remember the last time mercy was shown. Diodora Astaroth escaped under Lord Beelzebub's care, and lives were lost. What would happen if veterans were allowed such freedom?! Think about it! Your daughters, your mothers, killed without warning! By the power invested in me as the head of the Great King Bael, I declare the Underworld in a state of national emergency! As long as I draw breath, the fugitives will not escape justice!]

"Turn it off."

Sona then ordered the broadcast to be shut down.

The holographic projection turned off, leaving the room in silence.

"...By the Gods" One student broke the silence.

No one had the words to express their disbelief as the announcement was too much to absorb. Two bloodlines with centuries of history annexed from the social hierarchy, or about to, and the bounty on Roygun Belphegor.

"...Are you serious?" One student stood up, a delinquent-esque with a Mohawk. "Is it true?! Is the Rating Game rigged?!"

"Please do not be swayed by what the media showed you!" Sona declared - truth to be told, that was the first time she had heard of such a thing, so technically she could not lie about something she never knew about.

"What is this about the Forbidden piece? Can someone explain?" Tahari asked Sona.

"To tell you the truth, we do not know." Sona answered with a defeated look, "But we will investigate the bottom of this matter. The Auros Academy seeks to flourish the Rating Games, not to tarnish this tradition with foul play."

"What about the bounty? Are you going after it?" Another student raised her hand.

"No, and I highly suggest any of you not to either." Sona replied with a tone that demanded no argument, "All of you will return home until this matter is settled. Please refrain from making rash decisions and stay safe."

The students conversed, different discussions melding into a discordant noise clamoring the auditorium, until Baraqiel took the reins to escort them out of the hall. As the students began to walk out, Sona's eyes caught the sight of her two problem children, who sent her their one last glance before they vanished into the crowd.



Both Rias and Sona's peerage, as well as Baraqiel were currently gathering inside Sona's office in Auros Academy.

Baraqiel sat beside Akeno, arms crossed, his mien unreadable behind those closed eyes. The others were pensive, unsure how to handle this situation, one of a massive political scale.

"Well, haven't seen that one coming ever since the news of Valper Galilei and his cohorts being branded as heretics." Lint quipped, attempting to break the ice.

"...Oh, it really is, now that I think about it." Rias noticed.

"Should we do something?" Momo raised her hand. "Is there anything we can do about this?"

"This matter shouldn't be handled by children." Baraqiel denied her. "I investigated Mordax's claims with the Grigori. I am afraid to confirm that there is palpable evidence of nobles using the King Piece in secret. Bedeze Abaddon and Roygun Belphegor being amongst them."

"King piece?" Rias asked.

Baraqiel then explained, "According to our source, it is a special piece that is given only to selection of high-class devils and they are not considered official in Rating Games. It's said that the King piece is capable of empowering the wielder's demonic power by leaps and bounds, allowing a high-class devil to match the likes of ultimate-class or even Satan-class devils in terms of raw power."

Everyone showed various looks of apprehension and mortification at Baraqiel's explanation.

"What of Diehauser Belial?" Sona asked - considering Roygun and Bedeze were the top rankers of Rating Game, she could not help but question the champion as well. "And what about the other top 10 rankers?"

"Mordax is trying to implicate Diehauser, so we are investigating his background to confirm his claims. The others are also under scrutiny. I am afraid there will be a massive breach of trust in your students if this matter isn't resolved." Baraqiel answered.

"In any case, I feel there is something off with this whole incident." Rias quipped, her eyes then addressed everyone, "Did anybody here see if there are other representatives of the 72 Pillars accompanying Lord Bael during the press conference?"

According to norms, whenever the Great King made a public announcement, at least a representative of Agares clan should be present to show that whatever policy and decision was carried out had the support from the majority of the 72 Pillars.

But Mordax Bael was alone when he faced the mass, as if his decision was made on his own.

"...Is there any news on Zekram Bael? Mordax's position as the Head of the Clan is officially temporary. If I am correct, his influence shouldn't be this strong." Baraqiel then asked.

"We" Rias grimaced, "I'm afraid we are not privy to the information regarding the great ancestors."

"I am not familiar with Underworld judicial procedures, but from what I know, he is violating laws to get to this point. What of Zeoticus Gremory? Did your father take action?" Baraquiel asked.

"My father is trying to reach Mordax Bael as we speak. I've been asked to return home." Rias replied.

"I as well." Sona nodded to herself.

"Then I believe my hands are tied as I am an outsider. It might be best to rely on Ajuka if the matter persists-"

The door was knocked, everyone turned to the door leading to the room before they exchanged glances.

"Sona, are we expecting someone?" Rias asked.

"Not that I know of." Sona replied before she nodded to Tomoe, who proceeded to open the door.

When the door was opened, everyone was greeted by the sight of Latia Astaroth.

"Good afternoon, Sona. Forgive me for the sudden arrival, but I'm here to send my congratulations for the official opening of your Auros Academy and check how everyone is doing." Latia's eyes scanned around the room and stopped when her eyes landed on Saji.

"...It appears everyone is accounted for, apparently." Latia remarked as she glanced away, a faint pink shade appeared on her cheek. On that note - she was carrying a basket filled with fruits which she hid behind her.

The girls of both Peerages turned owlish. Their eyes slowly turned to Saji, wanting to test him as the Pawn felt the pressuring gazes of the girls, Momo and Ruruko especially.

Sona on the other hand, decided to play a good host, "Welcome, Latia. Thank you for coming all the way here." She stood up from her seat to greet her guest. "I'm sorry that we cannot prepare more hospitable settings, but Have you heard of what happened?"

"...That Sir Saji was severely injured in his most vulnerable place?"

Latia blushed as she said that, eliciting smiles and silent giggles from the girls as Saji was flustered.

"Oh I uh I-I got better. Phoenix Tears." Saji explained in terse words.

"I mean did you see what happened on the news?" Sona asked patiently, while still smiling as well.

Latia's face grew brighter for a second before she quickly cleared her throat and focused her mind on the bigger elephant in the room, "Uhm - Ah, yes. I am afraid that I have no power over that. My uncle is doing his best to resolve this situation, but Mordax is using his failures to keep Diodora in line to suppress his influence."

Sona held the urge to click her tongue down, nonetheless, she nodded, "I see. In any case, I'm afraid we won't have much time to sit down and talk considering the emergency status happening. Rias and I have been summoned back to our homes."

"I see" Latia glanced down before meeting Sona's eyes again, "Then will you stay in the Underworld for a prolonged time?" Latia's eyes glanced at Saji, almost fidgeting.

Sona gave a soft sigh and a brief shrug, "Perhaps, but depending on how the situation will escalate in future, there is a chance that we will be sent back to the human world, away from the chaos."

Latia lightly bit her lower lip, glancing down before she nodded, "...I understand. It appears I've come at a bad time."

"Nonsense, I consider you as a friend, Latia. You are welcome here. Thank you for your kind words and Gifts." Sona glanced at the poorly hidden gift basket behind Latia, "I am sure my servants will be happy to enjoy them."

Latia smiled as she entered the room. She headed towards Saji and shyly offered the basket of fruits to him.

"Um Please, accept my offerings. I hope you are well." Latia awkwardly said, somehow unable to meet Saji's eyes.

"T-thank you for the gift, Lady Astaroth." Saji gave a stiff bow as he robotically accepted the present.

"Y-youmaycallmelatia"

Saji blinked at the woman who he swore had muttered something, "Um, sorry - can you repeat that?"

"I-i-it's nothing! Have a good day, everyone!"

Latia swiftly ran out of the room, unable to hide her blushing embarrassment. Tomoe and Reya cupped their mouths.

"Oh my gosh, that was so cute~!" Tomoe gushed at the adorable scene.

Tsubasa elbowed Saji.

"...So what do you think?" Tsubasa asked, wanting to test him since he was at a stage of density, similar to Issei before she became his girlfriend, one of his girlfriends.

Saji was looking very confused; his eyes blinking and his mouth tried to form any sort of explanations but to no avail.

"I uh.What the hell just happened?"

His response earned groans and bemused smiles from everyone.



Mordax walked through the halls of his rebuilt mansion.

His mansion was rebuilt from the ground up swiftly after Roygun destroyed it, albeit he could no longer replace some of his most antiquated furniture and belongings because of her, his ire for her magnified manyfolds despite the wonders of Devil magical construction, so swift that even a town could be rebuilt overnight with the right amount of resources and manpower.

Flanked by the two of his guards, he opened the doors to his office, a near-perfect replication of it as he sat down in his seat behind his mahogany desk.

He exhaled, tired from today's work in maintaining his cover.

He had successfully destroyed the heads of the Abaddon Clan after Bedeze's downfall he had no choice. He had to strike first before Diehauser of Belial expose the Abaddon Clan, but it was a temporary solution. He needed to act fast and take control before everyone falls around him

He waved his hand, magical circles activating several holographic screens, each screen holding a face of his associates.

"What is the status of Roygun's capture?" He asked. Unfortunately, he had to kill his Queen in combat he was not in a good mood.

[We are doing our best to find her however we can. We are still dealing with a top ranker of the Rating Games.]

"What about the Belphegor Household?"

[Somehow, Roygun made contingency plans. Her clan and her staff immediately evacuated the premises the day after she escaped.]

The head of the Dekorabia clan groaned with frustration.

[The Grigori are already investigating the situation. The other clans are demanding an explanation for your actions.]

"It does not matter, as long as we have blackmail, we can control them." Mordax made his bet on the capture of relatives of his foes.

Little did Mordax know that he was so disorganized with the recent chaos that he had failed to secure himself against those closest to him.

An example was outside his window checking the rebuilt garden out of interest for botany. The said example was standing frozen, not daring to make the slightest move in fear of detection and possibly retribution. Slowly inhaling to compose himself, the 'example' slowly moved away from the window.

[...And the human mercenaries what should we do if they accomplish their task?]

"I sincerely doubt their abilities because they are human." Mordax confessed. "I only proposed such a deal to purchase time for now, send a couple of watchers on the Heiresses. Forneus was careless, that's the only reason we are in this situation. And prepare to dispose of the humans after we find and recover Forneus."

[As you command.]

Mordax ended the transmission and leaned back on his seat, using the moment to rest his mind, oblivious to the eavesdropper that just left outside his window.

OxO

Magdaran Bael had never seen such unhinged behavior and cruelty from his father. He knew his father was stressed from the recent events, but he did not think he would betray their people just to preserve something that no longer matters.

Whatever illusions and hopes Magdaran had for his father violently died, painfully so.

When he turned around the corner, he bumped into something - someone.

His blood ran cold when he saw a working maid of the household looking down on him.

However, remembering his stature as a noble, Magdaran quickly schooled his features as he stood up, patting himself down, "...Mind where you are walking to in future." He settled with that light reprimand - he had no time to be petty at a mere servant.

However, the maid suddenly halted him by his shoulder, and before Magdaran could have said anything, the maid shot him a glare.

"Shhhhhh." The maid placed her finger on his lips. "Listen to me - You stumbled upon something you shouldn't have"

Magdaran flinched. She knew

Then that meant-

"We need to be quiet. Your father has gone mad. I don't know if he will go as far as to kill his own sons at this point." She continued.

Magdaran narrowed his eyes - a part of him wanting to believe that Mordax Bael had yet to fallen that far. However, considering the look he gave him when he was defeated by his half brother.

Sairaorg!

Magdaran then pried the maid's hand off him, "I need to see my brother's safety!"

"Shhh." The maid hushed him. "Very well. Follow me. I can sneak you to Serafall's Hospital. Act natural. If it were anyone else, they would've reported you."

"Who are you?" Magdaran could not help but ask, "Who are you truly? What does a mere servant like you gain from this?"

"...I'm from the Alliance." The maid replied.

Magdaran understood - a spy.

"We must move. I can explain the rest in the hospital."

OxO

Meanwhile - In the distance far from the mansion, between the walls of an alley, Lelez watched her 'brother' listen in on the conversation while listening to his complaints.

"By Atharv, curse them and their blasted Degtoshni, I want to see their faces so bad!" Noud cursed while his ear was planted on the ground.

"Well?" Lelez asked.

"He's exactly as father likes to describe them in his time - insane and beyond redemption, but his son might be another story." Noud explained as he pursed his lips. "Our new friends might be in danger, and since our watching parents aren't doing anything"

"Then we should help!" Lelez answered.

"Their eyes will be on them when it happens, we cannot be seen yet! Not unless we have enough evidence to bring home!" Noud hushed her with a rare vindictive aggression.

"...I think I have a plan." Lelez nodded to herself.

"Don't think about blinding two-face. He'll suspect something is wrong if you destroy his microorganisms, and using his favorite magic when they're near isn't good."

Lelez smiled as she crossed her arms as Noud pulled his ear from the wall.

"...Alright, alright. How do you want to do this, Zelel?" Noud asked as Zelel smiled.



"...Huh?" Rias stared at the unexpected guest conversing with her parents.

"Ah, Rias! It felt like a lifetime since we last saw each other!" Haruka waved at the girl cheerily.

When Rias and her peerage finally made it back to the Gremory mansion - with Ravel returning to her home at the Phenex territory, they did not expect to see one Haruka Hyoudou sharing an afternoon tea with Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory.

"Ah, welcome home, everyone. How was Auros Academy?" Venelana greeted with her usual grace.

"Grandmother, grandfather! Auntie Haruka too!" Millicas's expression brightened up as he approached the adults.

"Never mind that, what is she doing here? Not that I'm complaining, of course." Rias asked.

Haruka waved off, "Oh, I'm just staying here for a while. Looking back at the recent invasion at our house, Shemhazai arranged some witness protection programs."

"I see." the redhead then blinked, "...Wait, invasion? What invasion? Wait, did someone invade your home?!" Rias asked, a bit shocked that there was someone crazy enough to attack the house of the strongest man.

"Oh, some retarded asshole got it in his head that he could just come in and kill a defenseless pregnant woman, nothing to worry about, he is dead. Along with his own gang." Haruka waved off her concern while the others were starting to become scared of this woman's casual use of threatening words.

"I Where are Cleria Belial and her children, then? Are they in the Gremory territory too?" Rias asked, not wanting to know the details for now.

"Oh, they're in Azazel's place for protection. Cleria just gave birth to an adorable baby girl!"

[EHHHHHHHHH?!]

The girls cupped their mouths while the boys were shocked to hear that.

"But enough about me, tell me! How are you all doing?! Has Issei called back from his trip?" Haruka asked with a motherly smile, before she noticed that she was missing a few people, "...Actually, I don't see Asia, Xenovia, Irina and Gaspy with you. Where are they?"

"Asia is a part of the Alfheim expedition, Irina and Xenovia are training at the Grigori institute, while Gasper" Rias felt anxious for her Bishop, "He has been invited to visit his ancestor, along with his family, so he probably returns in a few days. As for Ise."

Rias inhaled a bit, recomposing herself before replying, "...I'm afraid Ise has yet to return, ma'am. Though, I believe it won't take long for him and your husband to come home."

"Oh, that's good. Oh oh, I heard from Black that you had an interesting playdate with your friend, Sona. Soooo, tell me about the problem students~" Haruka smiled.

From the corner of Rias' eyes, and the eyes of her Peerage, they saw the evil black imp sliding out from behind a couch, smiling at them with that wicked smile.

Rias sighed, "...Well, we still cannot make any definitive conclusion about them, still it's only one day. But our excursion was productive, all things considered."

"In that case, we'd love to hear some more. Come, wash yourselves up and join us, you need to rest. We have a lot to cover, after all." Zeoticus invited everyone else with his fatherly smile.



It was later at night in the Gremory estate.

The pair of guards had been stationed at the front gate, doing their duty to ensure there were no uninvited guests intruding the premise. So far, the bounded field set around walls has yet to alert them for any trespassers, meaning they only had to keep their eyes around the front gate until it was the time for their next break.

"Say," the guard called to his partner, "What do you think?"

The partner replied, "Think what?"

"The recent Diodora-level scandal. Mordax Bael suddenly announced two top rating game champions being traitors?"

"Simultaneously? That it looks like something pulled out of his ass while also being believable at the same time. Sometimes, I get the feeling that the game was rigged."

"Heh, watch what you say. Our Lord and Lady might take notice of that. Or the young miss and her friends."

"Speaking of, how long are the kids gonna stay here?"

"Hm, if I'm not mistaken, the lord and lady of the house suggest the young miss-"

Blood spurted from the speaking guard's head before he collapsed, so swiftly it was like his life was a lie. The other guard could not even register his partner's body collapsing before a sharp pain pierced through his skull - before everything turned black.

"...Tango down."

"Just to be clear, they can't survive headshots, right?"

"Yeah. They ain't like our sponsors."

They emerged from the darkness like the spawns of the Shadow Realm, silent and with purpose - clad in black skin-tight bodysuits, fingerless gloves, kneepads and chest-plates covering their torsos, utility-belts wrapped around their waists, black in theme to blend with the shadows. The suit has a hoodie attached which covered their heads, while white porcelain face-masks covered their faces, almost angelic yet eerie and out of place, almost as if they were perverting the roles of the angels of death - with assortments of firearms, sidearms, blades, explosives and other kits strapped on their person.

"Natalie, field-pick." The leader gestured, a custom term for someone who takes down bounded fields without triggering its fail-safes.

"I'm still not used to this magic force field hoodoo shit." The female spoke as she approached with a special amulet, a bone charm dangling from a string of hair, ancient shamanic magic with otherworldly symbols etched into each of the sharp bones as she pressed it against the invisible barrier.

The bone charm burned to ash as the bounded field as the eldritch green flame burned the forcefield, the magic of the bone charm changing the color to a putrid green.

"Did it work?"

"I hope so, this is my first time using this."

Another approached the gates with a set of lockpicks, his screwdriver and nail file digging through the keyhole and fumbling with the tumblers until that satisfying click.

"We're in." He pushed open the gates as the steel softly creaked.

"Watcher, get into positions with eyes on all entry points. Hune, sabotage the generator room, and if it is all magic, use the arcane jammer. The rest, follow me. It's time to bag an over-privileged rich girl."

They began to trek their way through the courtyard, moving in coordinated lines and formation while making use of the shadows from the folliages and plantations to cover themselves. Everyone would glance and point their weapons at their surroundings at constant vigilance.

When they got nearer to the main building, the commander signed the squad to halt, then he gestured his subordinates to split into two groups - one group to take the front entrance while the other to look around for a back door.

"This is Helsing-1, we're in position, over." the commander spoke to his comms.

[This is Helsing-2, we've located the backdoor, ready to move in, over.]

"...Hune, what's your status?" The commander then changed his channel.

[I have my eyes on the generator; working on it, over.]

The commander and the rest of the squad then waited for Hune to do his job. A minute later, Hune then spoke again.

[Power down in 3 2 1.]

The squad looked up - they then saw the remaining dim lights illuminating through the mansion's window went out, enveloping the estate into near-total darkness - the artificial moon shining in the sky could not provide enough lighting in the building.

"Alright, ladies and gents - remember that they can still see in the dark better than we do. Our main objective is to search and capture Rias Gremory alive. There are other Gremories too - patriarch and matriarch in this house, we will capture them if possible."

[What about the rest? I recall Rias Gremory has an active 'peerage', over?]

The commander then answered through the comms, "While I'm against pointless bloodshed, they asked for a harsh life. Capture if possible, neutralize if necessary, eliminate if you must. Hune, you stand by the generator room and keep a lookout outside. Helsing-1 will scour through the floors. Helsing-2 will locate and secure the servant quarters - we will need them if things go south."

[Roger that.]

The commander led his squad through the front door and began to spread out, checking the rooms on the ground floor. They felt like they just broke in the home of an old aristocrat in Europe, something a few members of their squad actually attempted before they left just as swiftly.

The living room, dining room, library, even the door to the basement felt antiquated, something from another timeline that did not belong to the modern Earth. On that note - according to their intel, the servant quarters are located in the said basement.

[Jesus, this mansion is bigger than it looks outside.]

A Zygote remarked as he just finished securing what appeared to be a restroom - which, much to his surprise, was as big as the squad's barracks back home.

"Keep your wits on yourself, Sam." The commander reminded, "How's the ground floor looking? Living and dining room - secured."

[Library - secured.]

[Guest rooms - secured.]

[Kitchen - secured.]



"Hurry!" Tosca quickly called out, using her Sacred Gear to buy them time.

"Flashlights!"

Their next tactic confounded the Devils, each taking out large military grade one-handed flashlights. They saw an opportunity and moved out of cover to engage the intruders, but then they turned the lights on.

It was like being bathed in the intense radiation of a sun under a magnifying glass; they felt as if the light was trying to burn the skin off their muscles, the pain more severe the closer they moved towards them.

"What's the deal with these people!?" Millicas shouted in response to the light smoking his body.

Worse, their other hand still held their weapons as they opened fire on the retreating devils, forcing them back behind their covers.

"I can't believe it, why didn't I hear anything about these guys?!" Lint cried out, still hissing from the pain of being burned by a holy flashbang.

"Focus fire!"

The firing squad converged their line of fire, all guns pointing and shooting at where Akeno and the Gremory's direction first, the guns already chipping away at the walls as they moved back further from their reach.

Akeno grit her teeth as light bullets pelted against the remains of the wall standing between her and the small army, who slowly retreated away from the entrance.

"After them! We have to get Rias back!" Venelana shouted with a vigor and determination not belonging to an injured person, her feelings were also shared with the others.

"I'm moving out! Lord Zeoticus, Lady Venelana, please stay here!" Akeno moved from the pillar and summoned all of the defensive magics she could muster, blocking the holy light and light bullets pelting her magic barrier.

Never before she felt winded from using a simple defensive spell. If it were not for whatever cursed bounded field erected, she could have unleashed her full power.

The rest soon followed - with the exception of Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory; the couple would ensure the rest of the manor's occupant's well-being.

Meanwhile, the invading soldiers were in the middle of trekking their way back through the courtyard, with the one carrying Rias on his shoulders - Paul, positioned in the middle of the single file.

"Watcher, this is Alpha - we got the package. How goes our evac?" the commander spoke to his comms.

[Engine is warmed and ready. Do you want a delivery or pickup?]

"Pick-up. We don't have much time, so we have to rendezvous at our location. Danger close." The commander ordered.

[Roger that - moving out. ETA 5 minutes.]

In the midst of the chaos, the quiver of a bow pulled, ancient primordial sigils carved into the bone arrow surged to life before it was released.

It was silent and covered in darkness, unnoticed until it hit the barrier from the outside, an electric impact so loud and distorted it drowned all of those within the barrier, everyone covered their ears from the sudden ear-piercing screech.

"What the hell was that?!" Timothy shouted.

The devils holding their ears could feel the change. The eldritch green hue of the invisible bounded field shifted color into a bright red.

OxO

Far in the distance, upon a hill and sitting on a tree branch, two stood on a tree branch. "You really think they would mistake our actions for the others?"

The one holding a bow made of silvery effigy turned to the girl with a cherry red streak across her pitch-black hair.

"They should." The other smiled. "I think our fathers will be quite surprised to see the resistance despite their blood oaths."

"Hmmmmm"

Noud and Lelez - no, Duon and Zelel, turned their gazes towards the approaching vehicle soaring across the skies.

"I could shoot it down." Duon offered. "...But it is not our place to finish the struggles of others. It is better if they finish their own fight."

OxO

The change was instantaneous.

When Akeno attempted to charge up her lightning, it was as if she had taken adrenaline. Power suddenly surged within her, allowing her to unleash her signature holy lightning - perhaps even more than her usual output since she was exerting herself before her original power returned.

Her eyes widened when she realized that Rias was still unconscious, vulnerable and within her line of fire. She could not just cancel her spell, and if she were to fire her spell when she accidentally had overcharged her holy lightning, her King might be caught in her attack. She immediately shifted her aim towards the sky.

The soldiers turned and saw the biggest lightning blast they had ever seen in their life - giant tendrils of blue arcs spread across the sky above them.

"Shields!" The commander then shouted his next order in alarm.

Everyone then tapped on the side of their masks, or attempted to.

Akeno saw barriers covering most of the soldiers, glowing in light blue. She could not help but be surprised to see how prepared and equipped her enemies were.

The explosion was large, dust erupting and obscuring their vision followed by the sound of breaking barriers.

The dust settled, revealing the soldiers still standing, yet their barriers fizzed and faded. Rias was still safe in their midst, fortunately.

"Status report - what just happened? What is the status of the barrier?" the commander ordered.

"Analyzing The fuck? Boss, the bounded field's effect is gone!"

The commander turned to the one who did the readings, "What do you mean, gone?!"

"There's nothing holding their magic back!" He shouted.

"What?! They said it would last for days! Shit..." The commander turned to the Devils, seeing that others had joined the girl with the black hair.

"Well, this has all gone to shit." He swiped something from his belt.

Akeno and the others saw a handheld device with a red button under his thumb. They felt something was about to go very wrong when they saw the rest of the soldiers suddenly dropped to the ground in prone positions, as if expecting an explosion.

"I hope this teaches you kids to not underestimate the military. We aren't going to be sidelined by your hoodoo any longer."

When the soldier pressed the button, the first thing the devils sensed was the loud noise overwhelming their ears, followed by a shockwave that knocked them off their feet to the ground, prompting them to turn and see an explosion occurring.

Explosions, but behind them.

They turned around to see fire and splinters erupting from the foundations of the mansion.

"You have two choices, kids. Save one life or save many others." The commander said. They could almost feel them smile behind that white porcelain mask.

Rage burned within Akeno as she glared at the soldiers keeping her King captive, the others were in the mixture between their concern for everyone else within the burning building or their King in the enemies' hands.

At the same time, a large object descended from the skies, the sound of engine whirring and gusts parting the dust around them as it landed, a mid-size cabin jet touching down outside the Gremory Estate.

The side of the aircraft opened, a ramp lolled out like a tongue welcoming the soldiers.

"Hope that you never meet us again. Move out, people!" The commander and the others ran with the heiress, their feet stepping on the ramp.

"Akeno! What should we do?! We need to save Big Sis!" Millicas asked, torn between the mansion and Rias.

Akeno grit her teeth, but Yuuto moved fast, holding Murmasa as he sped towards the aircraft. In retaliation the soldiers caught on and opened fire at Yuuto, some turning on the anti-devil flashlights.

The Queen then came to a decision, "Lint, Koneko, Millicas - go back to the manor and search for survivors! Yuuto and I will go after them!" Akeno ordered, eliciting a chorus of 'yes' from her juniors, before she also joined the Knight to go after Rias.

"Muramasa! It's time!" meanwhile, Yuuto held Muramasa in the air.

The soldiers were shocked to see Yuuto committing what looked like seppuku, stabbing himself with that katana. Blood did not spill nor were the expected cries of agony, light spilled from his wound and cocooned him. When the light died, they tensed at the sight of a transformed Devil, one wearing a crimson Yukata with a blood-red demon mask on his face.

[Balance Breaker - Sword of Heresy]

He wielded his katana - holy scripts etched into the flats of the demonic steel of carnage, and pointed it at them.

The soldiers fired at the transformed Devil, yet their light failed to touch them, the swordsman of carnage now above the abilities of their tools.

With a swing of his sword, the swordsman conjured constructs made of holy demonic katanas, ten demonic samurai warriors, heavily armored samurais equipped with odachi Holy Erasers, their armor gleaming crimson and white as their demonic masks gazed at the intimidated soldiers.

"Boss!?" Timothy shouted with worry laced on his tone.

"Open fire!" The commander fired upon the constructs, but the samurais blocked their shots with their weapons.

"Shit! What are they, Jedis?!" Natalie cussed as everyone opened fire upon the constructs as the things charged towards them with frightening celerity, some flawlessly praying the projectiles and others leaping out of their line of fire with agility that something of their size and bulk should not possess.

Realizing that they would not hold the line at this rate, Paul - who was still holding Rias, quickly pulled a handgun and pointed the barrel against Rias' temple, "Stop! Don't take another step!"

The rest of his squad quickly caught on to Paul's tactic and quickly resumed their formation, they ceased firing, but they kept their guns aimed at the hostiles.

Yuuto abruptly stopped himself and his knights from moving, grimacing at the sight of his King being held hostage. His mind quickly came up with a reply, "...I have an impression that you have been planning to bring her alive."

The commander replied, "The mission said dead or alive, boy. She might be breathing because of her insurance value."

His answer made them crease in rage.

"You will not be breathing anymore if you don't release my King at once." Yuuto said while flaring up his killing intent.

"Hahaha! Brave words! Either one of us get out or we can all go to hell together if that's how you wanna play!" The commander taunted with a smug chuckle as Paul slowly twitched his trigger finger.

In response, Yuuto quickly ceased his murderous intent. He exhaled as he looked at Akeno.

Akeno shook her head, the others unable to do anything about their invincible position - any wrong move might lead to Rias' death.

Without another word, Yuuto sighed in resignation, sheathed Muramasa and exhaled. The demon samurai warriors faded as his Balance Breaker was canceled, returning to his pajamas.

"Good boy." The commander used hand signs to command his troops. They slowly retreated into the ship with Paul glaring at Yuuto, warning him not to try anything with his gun still pressed to Rias' temple.

When the ramp began to close up, blocking the soldiers and Rias from view, Muramasa immediately spoke to Yuuto's mind.

[Master, throw me towards that aircraft!]

Muramasa?

Yuuto blinked, wondering what idea was running inside the Tsukumogami's mind.

[There is no time to explain! This is our only chance to keep your King from being lost for good! Trust me!]

And trust he did - putting his faith in his partner, Yuuto unsheathed Muramasa, took a throwing stance and launched the sword like a javelin towards the aircraft's ramp door with all the strength he could muster.

Inside the jet - everyone was preparing themselves for take off; Paul was in the middle of securing Rias by strapping her unconscious body with seatbelts. Everyone else was in the middle of taking their gears off, preparing to sit down and relax when a blade suddenly burst out from the ramp.

"Whoa!"

"Oh, shit!"

"Damn, the hell is with that?!" Timothy exclaimed before he proceeded to calm his racing heart down.

The Alpha took a look at the blade - recognizing the blade from the sword from the Knight earlier, "...Hmph, didn't think that pretty boy to be this spiteful." he then checked with the pilots, "How's the ship?"

"No problem, sir. It's just the hull - no wires or engine parts are damaged." the pilots replied.

The commander nodded before turning to one of his men, "Rog. Paul - how's the package?"

Paul - who just calmed down enough after seeing the sword, ensured that the seat-belts and restraints around Rias' frame had been fastened, before giving a thumbs-up, "Package is secured, sir!"

The commander nodded again, "Alright, prepare to take off. Everyone strap in!"

Back in the Gremory mansion, everyone could only watch as the jet began to take off, with Muramasa sword still embedded inside its exterior. Watching the jet soaring further in the sky, Yuuto and Akeno exchanged nods, ready to take off with their own wings to give the jet pursuit.

However, the jet's flight did not last long.

"Hawk nest, this is Helsing and Watchers; the package is secured. Requesting express recall." back in the jet - the commander spoke on the radio.

[Copy. Recalling in progress.]

Magical sigils revealed themselves, spreading across the surface of the aircraft as arcane magic generated around it.

Akeno widened her eyes as she only found out what the aircraft was about to do, "No!"

In an instant, the aircraft was gone.

It was no longer flying within the Underworld sky.

To be Continued..



Special Tribute

Atop a plateau of the Kunlun mountains, Bikou brought Vali to show him something that was supposed to be a myth, one popularized by a certain manga legend.

"See, Vali? I told you they exist like that manga!" Bikou smirked at his leader while presenting the seven magical jade spheres before the cambion.

"You're telling me that they are those dragon balls that can grant wishes?" Vali asked with a skeptical tone.

"You sound like I'm pranking you. Now, step back, time to see the magic happen."

Vali was still skeptical, but decided to play along a little more after everything he had been forced to go through to collect all these magic spheres. He was dragged along since Bikou kept reminding him about how free he is and nagged him constantly.

Bikou took a deep breath as he rubbed his palm together, preparing himself for a ritual.

"Right! Come out now, o' great dragon!" Bikou then shouted at the spheres gathered before him.

Vali blinked, a little dumbfounded - that barely counted as a ritual chant. Where were the spells? The prayers? Was that monkey really expecting something like a dragon would actually come after that simple summon?

Without warning, dark clouds gathered in the skies, enveloping the area into darkness, before lightning suddenly struck the seven jewels from the void heavens, surprising the two.

Emerging from the dark clouds, a green serpentine dragon just as described in the legends descended upon them wait a minute, Vali recognized that thing.

"...Yu-Long? Dragon King Yu Long is the dragon in the legend?" Vali turned to Bikou, who looked equally surprised as him.

"...Hah Hello children." Yu Long greeted before blinking at his apparent summoners, "Wait a second, I know you two. Old geezer Wu Kong's descendant and Albion's current host! How did you find out that you can summon me through the seven Dragon Stones?!"

Vali and Bikou exchanged brief glances.

"...We uhhh, we didn't know that they could summon you. We just want to see a wish-granting dragon." Bikou admitted.

"...Can you grant wishes?" Vali asked.

"...Yes. It is within my power to grant wishes as stated in the legend." Yu Long replied with a sigh. "So? Wish away, folks. I don't have all night, after all."

Vali and Bikou exchanged glances again, with the latter tilted his head to the former, gesturing to go first.

Vali pondered for a second and came up with something he always wanted, "I wish for power and strength that will allow me to defeat Saitama!"

In return, Yu Long snorted - his body trembling in the sky, trying to hold himself down from blowing out in laughter, "...Okay, whew - that's a good one, I actually need it. Okay, so what's your wish now?"

Vali was not amused, "I just told you my wish - I want to be strong enough to surpass Saitama."

Yu Long scoffed, "Child. I hold the power to grant wishes - which implies that it's something achievable and realistic. What you asked just now is a delusion within a dream within another dream. You might want to try again."

Vali scoffed in return as well, "Okay, then how about the power to beat Great Red?"

The Jade Dragon pointed his talons at the White Dragon Emperor, "Okay, now that is a delusion within a dream. You seriously asking a dragon king like me, a power to defeat Dragon of Fucking Dragons? There's a bit of logic needed in this kind of trade, pal."

"Okay, fine! Then I want to be strong enough to beat my rival!" Vali then changed his wish gain.

"Oh, the Red one? That is within my power. Let me see how I can do it" Yu Long nodded in approval, but he doubled-back a bit. "Actually, before we proceed. Do you really, really want to surpass your archrival like this? When I think about it again, this is not the way of the Dragon of Supremacy, unless I am mistaken?"

Vali wanted to retort, but the words died in his mouth when he pondered over Yu Long's argument. The dragon king had a valid point - if Vali did go through with this wish, that would prove that he could never stand on an equal ground with Issei without resorting to, as the latter quoted, 'easy way out'.

"I suggest you rephrase that wish into something that can help achieve that goal with your own power. Arcane knowledge and skills that can give you an edge over your rival is a different subject."

"...No, never mind. Forget about it." Vali shook his head in clarity, yet he also started to lose his patience, "Then what do you constitute as a wish, at least ones that you can and will grant?"

Yu Long hummed, "Well usually, the most popular is wealth and love. I heard the Red one has been building a large harem. Do you want to surpass him on that battlefield?"

"Absolutely not." Vali blanched - Lavinia's teasing and overbearing attitude had already filled up his entire plate. He was lucky that Kuroka did not push with her advance towards him after one refusal; imagine if Lavinia catching the wind of Kuroka seducing him?

Vali Lucifer was content with one woman to make his life more complicated than it already was.

"Then what do you wish for besides battle and power? Is there anything else in your heart that I can grant?"

Vali sighed in defeat - so much for a wish-granting dragon He felt extremely cheated by his efforts in collecting these things.

He had to vent somewhat, but without making himself look too petty.

Speaking of his previous wishes

"...Say, Yu Long. Do you mind if the wish this time being Elaborate?"

The Jade Dragon quirked an eyebrow, but did not say anything in objection.

OxO

"...Do you think we can eat this? I'm kind of bushed."

"One way to find out. Start a fire, Ise."

"Hm, sure. Come on, Rover! We're having crab - Hey, hey! Leave the turtles alone!"

The dog in question was drooling at the colony of baby turtles before him - the tiny adorable hatchlings were in the middle of crawling with all their might towards the ocean.

Thankfully, the dog whined and obeyed as he stopped drooling.

"Rover~"

Asia called out as she landed beside the dog. The dog whined as Asia crouched and caressed the dog's fur.

"I know you're hungry, Rover, but it is not nice to eat the defenseless, recently came to this world, no less." Asia smiled as Rassei sprung from her hair and squeaked.

The Church Trio were with father and son, joining Saitama on one of his rare hunting trips around the world, looking to bring something exotic back home for the family. They happened to stumble upon the crab monstrosity on an island in the Southern Pacific, in the middle of prowling and hunting a colony of turtles.

"Say, what's this about eating That thing?" Irina asked while warrily looking at the carcass - Issei just ripped a giant claw from the unknown crustacean and inspected the meat dangling from the severed arm socket.

"What is it anyways?" Xenovia asked.

"Don't know what it is, but it looks edible." Issei inspected before turning towards girls, "Right, let's gather up some wood and-"

Issei stopped upon seeing brown hair falling like leaves in his vision.

"...Wow. Second Saitama." Ophis was also in this group, riding atop of a giant turtle, pointing at Issei's scalp.

Issei rubbed his head his fingers felt no hair, only shiny smooth skin.

The shores were drowned in the anguished screams of a child facing his worst fear.

Again.

"What the fuck?! Again?!" Issei frantically looked around for any help, only to freeze at the sight of his father.

"...What happened to you?" Saitama asked dumbfounded.

"D-d-dad?" Issei's face became paler as he pointed at him.

Saitama only turned around, assuming there was something behind him. "...What?"

Irina, Xenovia - who just landed to see what was happening, as well as Asia with Rover in her hands were also looking pale and dumbfounded.

"What is it?" Saitama asked.

"...Saitama has hair." Ophis 'waaaaah'ed with wonder as the turtle she was riding started crawling towards the ocean.

"...What?" Saitama reached out his head and he felt Hair. He then ruffled his apparent hair again, down to his scalp, he even gave it a tug a few times - even he decided to bear with the pain as he pulled a few strands to see if they were real.

His hair was real But his newfound joy was halted when he found the hair was bubble-gum pink.

"...What the fuck?" Saitama blinked at the pink strands on his palm, "Can someone get me a mirror?"

Asia lowered Rover and ran to Saitama. Magic gathered around her palms as Asia created a mirror of ice, holding it before the baldy.

Or former baldy.

"WHY?! WHY THE FUCK DOES IT HAVE TO BE PINK!?" Saitama shouted in disbelief at his new hairdo - long wavey pink hair flowing in the winds.

However, before Issei and Saitama could have made any sense of their predicament, another thing happened.

Bras and panties suddenly rained on the two.

Issei took a bra and inspected it wait, it looked familiar.

He looked at Asia, who blinked at the sudden breeze shifting on her skin, before she yelped and hugged herself.

"Eep!"

"What the-?!"

"What happened to my bra?! My panties too!"

Saitama was also in the middle of inspecting a pile of female underwear dumped at him, "...Huh, these are Haruka's."

OxO

Meanwhile, back in Japan - Bikou was laughing at the sight, seeing through Yu Long's magical projection.

"I am surprised you carry such mischief, White Dragon Emperor." Yu Long mused while feeling impressed at Vali's idea for a prank.

"Hmph. I have lived with those crazy bastards for a long time. You learn a few useful aspects to exploit after a while." Vali boasted with a smile at the sight of bald Issei.

The girls were swarming him, trying to reclaim their undergarments before more fell atop of them, presumably garments from the other girls that tied themselves to his rival.

"...Say, Yu Long - you mind granting me one more wish? I have one more thing in mind for my rival."

Yu Long glanced at Vali, before humming, "I'm supposed to grant just one wish, but Oh, why not? I am having fun with this. Let's hear it."

"Make my rival look like Krillin from Dragonball." Vali smiled deviously.

Yu Long guffawed in return, "Oh ho ho ho! That's a good one! Consider it done."



Rest in peace, Akira Toriyama - your works have been a great source of inspiration in my childhood days.

Also, for those who might be confused, here are some translations for the OC Kthonian language, courtesy of my partner - i4md347h:

Puhiaith = basically colorful swears and gibberish.

Degtoshni = extreme thoroughness.