Once everyone had taken their seats around the grand, rune-etched table, Odin rose slightly from his throne and gestured toward the towering figure beside him.
"Allow me to introduce my son," the All-Father said, a note of pride coloring his voice.
"The God of Thunder, protector of Asgard—Thor."
Thor stood to his full height.
Broad-shouldered and powerfully built, the thunder god's mere presence caused the air within the chamber to subtly shift, as though the world itself were bracing beneath his weight. Faint arcs of restrained lightning danced along his arms before fading, the raw power of a battle-hardened god held firmly in check.
"Welcome, honored guests, to Asgard," Thor spoke, his voice deep and resonant, like distant thunder rolling across a mountain range.
"It is a great honor to host the leaders of the Underworld, Heaven, the Grigori, and welcomed friends on this historic day. I look forward to forging bonds worthy of legend."
He offered respectful nods to Sirzechs, Serafall, Michael, Gabriel, Azazel, and Baraqiel—
But his gaze stopped almost immediately.
On Yuuji.
Thor's instincts screamed. There was no magic. Not a trace.
No divine pressure, no demonic aura, no hidden resonance of power. To his divine senses, Yuuji—and the three women seated beside him—were indistinguishable from ordinary humans.
And that terrified him.
In Thor's long life as a god of war, he had crossed blades with giants who could tear mountains apart, dragons whose roars shattered the sky, and beings whose mere presence warped reality. Power always left a mark. Even concealment left ripples.
But this?
An absence so complete that it felt wrong—like staring into a void where something colossal should be.
Thor's fingers twitched at his side.
If even he, a god sharpened by countless battles and honed instincts, could not perceive their true nature… then there was only one possible conclusion.
Their ability to suppress and conceal themselves surpassed even divine perception.
Yuuji met Thor's gaze without flinching. His expression was calm, composed, and entirely unthreatening. He offered a polite smile and a respectful nod—neither submissive nor challenging.
"The honor is mine, Lord Thor," Yuuji replied calmly.
"It is a pleasure to meet the legendary God of Thunder himself."
No pressure followed those words. No hidden intent. No attempt to assert dominance. And somehow, that restraint unsettled Thor more than any overt display of power ever could.
Unfathomable. That was the only word the God of Thunder could use to describe the young man before him.
With introductions complete, Odin settled back into his seat, signaling the formal beginning of the meeting.
Sirzechs was the first to speak, his tone smooth and diplomatic.
"Before we proceed, I would like to apologize for Ajuka Beelzebub's absence," he said.
"He was originally scheduled to attend alongside Serafall and myself, but he has… become preoccupied."
Odin waved a hand dismissively and laughed, the sound booming through the chamber.
"Ohoho! Preoccupied, you say? For Ajuka to miss an official meeting, he must be buried in something truly fascinating!"
His single eye gleamed with curiosity—and Azazel immediately leaned forward, interest blazing across his face.
"Oh? Now that I want to hear," Azazel said, grinning.
"Sirzechs, what kind of research could possibly make Ajuka lock himself in his lab and ignore politics entirely?"
Sirzechs chuckled helplessly.
"A research agreement we concluded with Linked Horizons a few days ago. He hasn't left his laboratory since."
Silence. Then—
"What?!"
Several voices spoke at once.
Shock, disbelief, and awe rippled around the table. Even seasoned leaders of pantheons couldn't hide their reactions. Only Yuuji and his companions remained outwardly unfazed.
Azazel broke the silence first, bursting into laughter as he slapped the table.
"Hahaha! Linked Horizons?! No wonder he didn't show up! I wouldn't come either if I were him!"
Beside him, Baraqiel let out a long, weary sigh. His stoic expression barely shifted, but the resignation was unmistakable. He wanted to scold Azazel for his lack of decorum—
But he couldn't deny the truth.
Even someone whose focus lay primarily on military affairs understood the weight of that name.
A research deal with Linked Horizons wasn't merely rare. It was a badge of strength, power, capability, and prestige.
After all, everyone knew that Linked Horizons would never sign a research deal with anyone without the capability of presenting them with something that even they would deem worthy of their time.
Michael and Gabriel exchanged glances, their expressions thoughtful rather than envious.
After all, Heaven already had Yuuji.
They had witnessed him personally dismantle centuries of inefficiency and corruption, restructuring Heaven's systems with a precision that bordered on miraculous. Michael had no doubt that Yuuji possessed capabilities comparable to—if not exceeding—those of Linked Horizons.
And Gabriel…
She would far rather see Yuuji visit Heaven regularly than deal with representatives of an unfathomable organization.
Odin suddenly laughed again, his booming voice echoing through the hall.
"Oh? So you've secured a deal as well? Hahaha! Then why don't we turn this meeting into a banquet and celebrate together!"
Sirzechs and Serafall froze.
"E-Eh?!" Serafall blinked. "Asgard also made a deal with Linked Horizons?"
Odin leaned back proudly, laughter ringing through the chamber. Nearby, Rossweisse pinched the bridge of her nose, already regretting that the All-Father was so casually revealing what had been meant to remain a closely guarded secret.
"We did! Cost us an arm and a leg, but we pulled it off! My researchers haven't slept properly in days! Hahaha!"
"That's amazing~!" Serafall clapped enthusiastically.
Yuuji observed the exchange with a faint, satisfied smile.
With this, both the Underworld and Asgard would grow stronger.
Combined with the Underworld's cooperation on artificial Origin modification—and his long-term plans for Heaven—the major factions entrusted with protecting this world would become far more resilient.
Once the final masterminds lurking in the shadows were erased, and with their plans regarding Trihexa enacted…
He could finally rest easy, knowing those he loved would be safe.
"Oh! Yuuji-kun!"
Serafall suddenly turned toward him, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Have you heard of Linked Horizons?"
Yuuji blinked in mild surprise, then smiled politely.
"I've heard of it, yes."
Serafall leaned forward eagerly.
"Then you might not know just how big they are! Their influence is everywhere—even in the supernatural world. Meeting one of their executives is almost impossible, even for major pantheons, and actually landing a deal with them? Practically unheard of!"
She continued enthusiastically, detailing Linked Horizons' reputation, reach, and mystique, while the others listened intently.
Yuuji nodded along attentively.
Everything she said was true.
He knew better than anyone how rare those "deals" truly were—and how uneven they usually were. Most weren't transactions at all, but long-term strategic investments, designed to embed Linked Horizons' influence deep within the foundations of the world.
Most of them led to losses in the short term. But, in return, they managed to get these major pantheons and factions into their debt.
That was how Linked Horizons could have such deep roots and influence in, both, the entire supernatural and normal world. And in the long run, these debts would be more valuable than any material they could get from these factions.
The payment offered by Asgard and the Underworld was almost negligible to him. Even the right to research Yggdrasil was more curiosity than necessity—something Satoru would enjoy far more than he ever would.
And because he knew Asgard's nature, he had willingly extended protections regarding the distribution of any products born from that research.
Aika, Erika, and Albedo exchanged subtle glances, barely suppressing their amusement as Serafall passionately explained the greatness of Linked Horizons—To its very owner.
With the opening exchanges concluded and formalities set aside, the atmosphere within the grand meeting chamber subtly shifted.
The lighthearted laughter and curiosity gave way to solemn focus as Odin, the All-Father of Asgard, straightened in his seat.
The casual mirth faded from his weathered features, replaced by the unmistakable gravity of a ruler who had witnessed the rise and fall of countless ages.
This—this—was the true reason for their gathering.
Odin rested his hands upon the table, runes faintly glimmering beneath his fingers as his one remaining eye swept across the assembled leaders.
"Let us now turn our attention to the true purpose of this summit," he began, his voice calm yet carrying an authority that resonated through the chamber.
"The matter of alliance—between Asgard, and the Three-Faction Alliance of the Underworld, Heaven, and the Grigori."
Silence followed his words, heavy and expectant.
Odin inclined his head slightly, not as a gesture of submission, but one of acknowledgement.
"Asgard supports this alliance," he declared without hesitation.
"The balance of the supernatural world is shifting, whether we welcome it or not. Old structures are cracking, and new threats no longer respect the boundaries of pantheon, race, or creed."
His gaze sharpened.
"The Chaos Brigade has proven this time and again. Not once. Not twice. But repeatedly."
A murmur rippled through the chamber, restrained but unmistakable.
"They do not seek conquest alone. They seek collapse. Disorder. The unraveling of all systems that maintain balance."
He leaned back slightly, exhaling.
"In such an era, strengthening our individual defenses is no longer enough. Isolation invites destruction. Only through cooperation—through unity—can we stand against the chaos that threatens to engulf this world."
Odin's voice softened, though its weight only grew heavier.
"The age of dominance must end. The wars of the past should stand as warnings, not precedents. War creates no victors—only victims. And it is always the innocent who pay the highest price."
His eye burned with quiet resolve.
"We are not merely rulers. We are protectors. And if we fail to embody that truth, then our titles are meaningless."
The chamber remained silent for a long moment.
Then—nods.
Sirzechs Lucifer was the first to speak.
"The Underworld agrees," he said firmly, cerulean-emerald eyes steady.
"The endless cycle of conflict has brought nothing but loss. We choose to let the past remain in the past—not forgotten, but learned from."
He placed his hands together atop the table.
"This alliance is not a temporary ceasefire. It is a declaration of permanent, mutually beneficial cooperation. Between the Underworld, Heaven, Grigori… and now, Asgard."
Michael followed, his expression gentle yet resolute. A warm radiance emanated from him, softening the tension in the room.
"Heaven stands in full agreement," the Seraph said.
"Our cooperation thus far has already shown how much stronger—and safer—our people are as allies rather than enemies."
He smiled.
"Let us continue to grow together, not for pride or power, but for the sake of those we are sworn to protect."
Azazel leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his usual grin present—but tempered.
"Grigori's on board too," he said with a shrug.
"We've had… issues. A few bad apples. But we're cleaning house." His eyes flickered briefly, sharp and calculating.
His smile faded.
"And yeah. We want these wars to end too. They don't lead anywhere good. I'd rather focus on dealing with the real problem."
No one needed him to elaborate.
A heavy stillness fell over the table.
"…Chaos Brigade," Rias murmured.
Her voice was barely above a whisper—but in the tense silence, it carried.
Even Michael's serene expression dimmed, and Duolio's usual cheer faltered. The name alone was enough to darken the mood of gods and devils alike.
Odin nodded.
"Indeed. They are the cancer of this world. And these kind of people are not the type that could be reasoned with." He added, his gaze hardened.
"The only way was to eradicate them. To prevent these seeds of chaos and disorder from plunging the world, our world, back into war."
And then—
Crack.
The air itself fractured.
A sharp, discordant sound tore through the chamber as the protective barrier surrounding the meeting room shuddered violently. Runes flared, strained—then split apart like shattered glass.
A tear opened in space.
Magic twisted unnaturally as a figure stepped through the breach, his presence dripping with mischief, malice, and mockery.
"How low you've fallen, Odin… To think you'd befriend yourself with the religion that dared spread their false teachings to our soil… You've gone senile. It's time for you to die and usher in a new age of rebirth with your death!"
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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!!
Also, if you'd like to read additional chapters ahead and get a pdf version (Light & Dark), please feel free to check out my at patr_eon.com/verglasx ~!
Thank you~!