A completely astonishing outcome. Something beyond my scope of perception.
I had actually summoned Blanc.
I didn't expect much like I always did, but this caught me off guard.
I mean, I see no reason for her to answer my random summoning.
I can't figure her out at all. She's always so elusive.
Well, that's just my perspective. There may be an important reason for this.
Sariel: 「So, um, what's up?」
I asked, trying to get out an answer from her.
Blanc: 「Nothing much. Just decided it was important to inform you about something.」
Hm. As expected. An obscure answer. It had to do with something important.
She wouldn't easily let up, so I might have to use tricky ways to force out an answer.
Well, it's a good thing that she's here then.
Having a capable person like her around always does one good.
But I'm kinda worried. For her to decide to tell me about this event only means there's trouble.
I mean, she might have an ulterior motive. That's something also worth worrying about.
Oh, come on~. And here I was thinking that I sorted it all out.
Sariel: 「Well, what's wrong?」
Blanc: 「Hmm, I'm sure you've figured it out by now, but that's not the only reason why I answered this summon.」
Great, she already knew. Is she going to tell me her other reason or–
Blanc: 「But that comes later. We'll have to deal with the important matter at hand first.」
Right.... She isn't telling me jackshit.... *Sigh*
Sariel: 「Fine. What's the matter you speak of?」
Blanc: 「We have two weird people fighting it out near a certain hell gate.」
Wait. Seriously? Don't tell me–
Blanc: 「——Yes, it's Noir and Feldway. They're at it again.」
At a certain point in time, there was this large gathering of angels.
They kinda destroyed a certain kingdom due to their ambitious nature.
Well, according to my understanding, they were becoming an obstacle to Feldway, who had allied himself with a certain person.
They seemed to be advancing ahead of the other nations.
That brings me to Silverion. Would Feldway strike? Nah.
The dude probably knows of my friendship with their queen and all.
He wouldn't dare now, would he?
「Highly unlikely.」
Right. Thought so, too.
Sariel: 「I see... That's not my problem.」
Blanc: 「Oh, but it is.」
To this, I raised my eyebrow.
Sariel: 「How so?」
Blanc: 「Actually, Feldway intends to destroy the millions of demons under your lineage.」
I see. He struck first. Does he view me as a threat, or am I just a disturbance in the game of chess?
But how did she even know of such a thing? Did she eavesdrop on them?
There must be a reason for this. I shouldn't worry about such things, rather–
Sariel: 「So, he wants to manage my threat level?」
Blanc: 「Highly probable.」
Sariel: 「I see. Thanks for the heads up. I'll head off to deal with it.」
Blanc: 「No worries. Just deal with the matter. I can't stand their constant disturbance.」
I see. Their battle also caused some problem to her. They're probably unaware of the type of destruction they are spreading.
Well, that's something I'll have to deal with.
Since that has been settled, I'll have to get going.
But–
Sariel: 「And what are you gonna do from now on? You now have a physical body to manifest in the material realm. What is your next move?」
I was keen on getting her intentions. She was rather an elusive and secretive person, a trait I noticed from her.
She would prefer to keep to herself than let her intentions out to any.
Blanc: 「You aren't letting up, are you...? Fine.」
Great, she's fed up already! That's gotta do the trick!
Blanc: 「I had in mind to pay my old friends a visit. That would be Rose. I heard of her recent doings, and I must say, I am highly impressed.」
That should be a lie. Well, I can't claim it a complete lie, but it's not her primary goal.
Blanc: 「I also wanted to stay ahead of the others. You do know about our game, right?」
Ah, yes. Those thre have been out for the cardinal world since the thing about Guy happened.
Well, they would prefer a bright and colorful world compared to the dull and dark one (hell).
That would be a more believable lie if it were not true.
She might have other things in mind, but just knowing this much is satisfactory.
I headed for the hell gate in the Jura Forest, hoping to get to the location quickly.
As we reached the location, I met Yuuka, who was in charge of monitoring the hell gate.
She seemed to have realized the change in the atmosphere.
There was a lot of magicule content present in the air, hinting that a fight beyond the norm had likely broken out.
She was currently inspecting the cause of such a phenomenon but was interrupted by my appearance.
Sariel: 「What's up, Yuuka? Is there any trouble?」
She snapped to look at me, clearly stunned by my appearance.
I rarely visited unless I had every intention of crossing dimensions.
This was why it would seem like a shock to receive me. But still, I'm not that great.
What's with the suspense?
Yuuka: 「L-Lord Sariel. I'm afraid to say everything isn't going well. The–」
Sariel: 「Don't worry. I know about it, and I'm heading there to deal with the problematic duo.」
She should cool down. They're always so serious, I think I'm starting to like Haruka's carefree nature.
Yuuka: 「Alright. I hope you return safely.」
I nodded, responding to her greetings before heading for the gate.
Behind me, an interesting conversation was sparked, but I ignored it joyfully and headed to the location of the other hell gate.
If Feldway was there to invade, I wouldn't mind sending him back to heaven.
He has always been such an itch in the ass. Never considerate and never listening to anyone but Veldanava.
He is a tyrant who considered only himself, never seeking any advice of the sort.
Without Noir's intervention, my place in hell would've been under attack.
Knowing him, it is possible that he never had any intention of helping and only wanted to send Feldway back; perhaps to also relish the joy their battle would bring.
But his intervention is appreciated no matter.
With that thought in mind, I approached the center responsible for housing all the chaos.
In a certain large crater were Feldway and Noir.
Surprisingly, Feldway was in a different attire.
He seemed much weaker than before, though his power was still well around the true dragon level.
Oh, I forgot to say this, but at a point in time, the humans began to call the dragons of nature "true dragons."
Well, this is because the factor of Gaia had birthed a few creatures with similar properties to the newly titled true dragons.
They had scales, a tail, wings, and claws.
There were more, but that was not important.
All that is taken is that they had features similar to that of the true dragons.
You wouldn't want to mistake those freaks of nature for ordinary bland lizards, so the original dragons were named "true dragons," and the magic-born ones were named "dragons" for reference sake.
They were as a result of Gaia's leaking aura, withholding similar properties of his and possessing a factor of dragons.
Although it should be noted that Gaia was not a true dragon, it was something similar, like a subspecie.
But that is not the case I'm dealing with.
They had already resumed their clash with the few seconds I used to enter deep thought mode.
Noir had pulled out a pair of claws, one that seemed way too powerful, and began to block Feldway's relentless assaults.
Feldway's sword seemed way too strong for a mythical grade weapon.
Well, it was definitely mythic grade material, but it seemed to slightly differ from the quality of mythic grade.
Perhaps it was the material used to craft the weapon or because it was–
「It is definitely a Genesis grade weapon.」
Genesis grade, huh? I remember the old man telling me something about it.
I reckon his words about my crafted body being on par with genesis grade.
If that was true, then that means that body of mine was capable of receiving several random strikes from a genesis grade weapon with no sort of damage whatsoever.
That body could also be considered a weapon of mass destruction as even mythic grade materials would collapse in its sheer presence.
How cool. But it seems weaker than the genesis grade. Why is that?
「Answer. According to analysis, this weapon grade requires total mastery to ensure that it is being utilized to its full potential.」
Oh? So it can be said that he hasn't had full control over it, which has led to its decline in power.
「Precisely.」
I see... how troubling. If he ever mastered it, he would become an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.
I'll need to watch out for him.
「Should countermeasures be prepared?」
Yes, I'd like that. Thanks for always being so considerate.
Kalisha: 「Heh, baka.」
Oi! What's with the Japanese accent? And why did you call me an idiot?
Kalisha: 「It can't be helped. Raziel-san is just that tyrannical.」
What is she scheming up again? Wait...
Um, Raziel-san. Did you trick me again...?
「....」
I see. I'm so smart, I got played again.
Well, that's something I'll fuss about later.
I'd have to step in if Noir somehow loses against Feldway.
That's a statement based on "What if" and not really a solid fact.
Noir is a really versatile fighter if I had nothing else to say about his personality.
He had a complex way of fighting that even I find difficult to match with on my own.
His reaction speed is quite unparalleled. As primordials, the second highest-ranking beings, we have the innate ability to rewrite the laws of physics with magic as if it were an ordinary skill.
If you look at me, I could simply use magic to erase one's soul.
I could transcend light speed because of my level of magic.
But that is just a possibility. I am not yet at that level of power, but it's something I aim to achieve.
All this is possible through magic, which is why I am so fascinated by it.
If I were to ignore the matter present in the atmosphere and move, I could surpass the sound barrier without causing shockwaves.
It wasn't anything like teleportation; it was a divine feat.
I was capable of at least surpassing sound speed a thousandfold.
That was a miraculous feat deserving of praise.
At this rate, dodging a bullet would be a child's play, considering my ability.
The same went to Noir.
Feldway, on the other hand, had all the skills and experience he accumulated so far.
By using them, he wouldn't fall behind Noir.
◇◇◇
Feldway: 「I will say this once more only. Get out of my way, demon.」
Noir: 「Kufufufufu. Make me, bastard.」
The tension had grown to reach its peak, and the outcome was inevitable.
With that, both males began to use their unweilding spirit in turns.
With rhythmic motion, Noir parried Feldway's perfectly timed strikes with accurate precision.
Not a single attack grazed him as each of his movements was under control.
Noir parried this as if he'd been waiting for it.
Surprisingly, he was at odds with both strength and technique.
Noir: 「Kufufufufu. You are certainly strong; Feldway. I am surprised to see that you are this strong, considering Guy's strength.」
Feldway: 「Kuh, I didn't think the black primordial demon would be this strong. Your demon kind sure is disgusting.」
Noir: 「Thank you very much.」
Feldway: 「Shut it.」
Noir: 「You're inexperienced. You have the power but lack efficiency and utility.」
Feldway: 「Don't be ridiculous! You can't rile me up.」
In stark contrast to Noir's amused expression, Feldway found the situation rather annoying.
He believed there was an overwhelming difference in ability between them, more than an adult and a child.
And yet, instead of defeating Noir, they were resigned to an even fight.
The current situation was nothing short of annoying to Feldway.
The level of skill that Feldway had accumulated so far was the essence of all swordsmanship and martial arts.
If he used it without regret, he should have been able to defeat Noir in an instant.
However, it wasn't so.
Noir's battle experience, coupled with his unparalleled level of power and knowledge, was above Feldway's.
Noir had always spent his days fighting to the fullest extent of his opponent's power and surpassing it.
He wasn't one to play the "transcendentally strong" like Guy but enjoying the battle, including the maneuvering of his technique.
He had fought Guy several times in hell, gaining more experience with every clash and becoming more powerful with each battle.
He would always sort out his imperfections in battle and cover up for them; that was who he was.
He had intended to have a taste of Sariel himself, but circumstances prevented that from happening.
Surprisingly, he was not interested in the thrill a battle brought.
The only reason why Noir had pulled out on acquiring more power was due to his already transcendental skill level.
Sariel, however, had no interest in such a thing, always fleeing away with the excuse of getting himself dirty and smelly.
That had nothing to do with Noir, but he couldn't help but think of such things.
Feldway: 「Let me through already you damn retard!!」
Noir: 「Kufufufu. If you beg for it, I may consider that offer.」
Noir had also always been a master at psychological warfare, always finding the weakness of an opponent, only to utilize that to his favor.
One thing he had come to realize is that once a spiritual life-form lost in these types of warfare, it could be said that the battle was a losing game.
He was an expert at such and would never miss the opportunity to bite at the opponent.
Noir: 「You act so superior, but in truth, you are just a dog that barks with no teeth to bite.
I wonder how Sir Veldanava endured your transcendental level of foolishness.」
Naturally, Feldway snapped at this. He lost his composure just as Noir had planned.
At this point, following the rules dictating the flow of every battle, Noir had the advantage.
It wasn't that he had any leeway, but he was definitely in a better condition compared to Feldway, who had just received a mark across the chest.
Noir: 「Kufufufu. How saddening. And you were supposed to be the leader of angels? Pathetic. I guess you were really all talk and no action.」
On a normal occasion, such taunts wouldn't bother Feldway, but with the mission in mind, failure was not an option.
He couldn't let a mere demon ruin it all.
Most skills were affected by the substance known as magicules.
By freely moving magicules and rewriting the laws, it's causing supernatural anomalies.
That's why, like "Magic Interference", if you disturb the surrounding magicules, you can
interfere with the activation of magic and the like, but...
In contrast, the higher-ranking Ultimate Skill, in a sense, had the power of a god, capable of interfering not with magicules, but with the spiritrons that made up the magicule, and even the smallest of substances, "infons."
This was exactly the power Feldway wielded.
He had the power to weild infons, an extremely difficult task, by the way.
He already had an ultimate skill, that was 『Justice King: Michael』.
He had yet to completely master the ability as he had recently acquired it from a certain friend.
Even so, he was sure that he could destroy Noir using its power.
But that wouldn't be happening.
As they were about to clash once more, a certain violet beam of light landed from above.
It came from the sky, landing in between the two fighters.
Seeing this strange phenomenon, they both leaped backward, trying to get out of harm's way.
The two were momentarily stunned before regaining their composure.
Sariel: 「That's enough for the day.」
◇◇◇
That intervention was, in a way, necessary.
I have analyzed both of their abilities and understood them as well.
Feldway's swordsmanship is excellent,that's just the fact.
Noir's ability and fighting sense are also quite high.
They would surely continue this fight until something happens.
So, if nothing was going to happen, I would have to force my way in to stop this whole fight.
Feldway: 「Sariel? Great. You're here.」
Sariel: 「You know, you aren't welcomed here to cause destruction.
The only reason I would allow you to be here is because of my visits to the Star Palace.
If you intend on being such a brat, then I'll have to give you the firsthand experience of death.」
I gave him a quick warning. He seemed reluctant and wanted to continue his mission, but he understood that getting into a fight with me would only delay the inevitable.
Feldway: 「Tch, whatever. But mark my words. If you get in my way, I'll crush you.」
Sariel: 「Right. I don't want to see your ugly ass fuck face in these terrains again, or I'll give you the beating of a lifetime.」
It was important to have these kinds of taunts thrown around for extra effect.
It was just the thing with spiritual life-forms.
Something like this could have a significant impact in the end of it all.
With the last greetings given, he vanished from our sights.
Noir: 「Kufufufu. I never thought I would see you again, Argent.」
Sariel: 「Right. About that, the name's Sariel.」
Noir: 「I see. Excuse my rudeness, Sariel. It was a surprise to see you know about him. Do you mind enlightening me of his existence?」
Sariel: 「Hm. No problem. He's actually a primordial angel. One of the subordinates of Veldanava.」
Noir: 「I see. That is certainly interesting. If you don't mind, I have some important revaluation to do.」
Hm? That's strange. Well, not that I mind, but it seems like something caught his interest.
After that short exchange, he spread his black, demonic wings and took off to an unknown place.
It seems like the job was done. I don't really know how Blanc got to know, but if he truly intended to launch an assault on me, then there would be no mercy the next time we meet.
I have had enough of his foolishness.
The bad thing is that I don't even know his goal in doing all this.
I'll have to do some thorough investigation when I head back.
Thinking so, I headed back to the hell gate that got me through.
Now that I think of it, wouldn't we be better off without these hell gates?
Well, I can definitely see the demoness trio against this idea, but it's just a guess.
It has always been such a pain to deal with.
Well, not everyone can teleport like I do, so I'll just do away with that thought.
Blanc: 「Well, that was quick. I thought you would like to take your sweet time dealing with the angel.」
Sariel: 「Not that I don't mind, but I had the perfect way of dealing with people like him.」
Blanc: 「Is that so? Well, that's something done. Now, if you would excuse me, I have somewhere to be.」
Somewhere to be? Well, I don't wanna look like some nosy geezer, but I can't just let her roam free.
Who knows what she could do?
I remember what happened the last time I left her to be on her own.
I'm not gonna allow that to happen on my watch.
Sariel: 「Sorry for sounding intrusive, but where are you going?」
She looked at me with an annoyed expression before sighing in defeat.
Blanc: 「You really are insistent, aren't you? Well, I'm gonna go back to the underworld to rub my victory in their faces before paying a visit to Rose.」
Hm... that's alright then. I'll just have to keep an eye on her.
Sariel: 「Haha. Sorry for the trouble. Since it's all settled, why don't we meet up later in our free time? What do you say?」
She stared at me blankly before replying with a small smile.
Blanc: 「That's fine with me. Make it entertaining, alright?」
Sariel: 「Umu!」
As we finished our discussion, I waved her goodbye as she took off to the underworld.
Feeling her presence fade away, I sighed deeply. She was really tough to deal with.
Our conversations had always seemed strained, as if one wrong word would lead to a massive war.
What a troublesome fellow.
Now that it was taken care of, I'd have to clean up the fores—no, hold up!
———I have Tina managing it for me! She'll definitely take care of it. Besides, what do I pay her for?
Yes!! I'll just let nature take its course. How kind of me?
Having such thoughts in mind, I happily continued with my duties.
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Word Count: 「3530」