[Kiba's Perspective]
Masaomi Yaegaki.
He was once a renowned swordsman of the Church and a subordinate to Irina's father, Touji Shidou.
Ten years ago, in Kuoh Town, he fell in love with Cleria Bael, a cousin of the current Emperor Belial. In the political climate of that time, such a romance was forbidden. They were purged, and Masaomi lost his life.
But years later, he was resurrected by the power of the Holy Grail. Driven by a thirst for vengeance, he began a systematic assault on everyone involved in that tragedy, from the Church officials in Kuoh to the members of the House of Bael. His final target was his old mentor, Touji Shidou. He even went so far as to invade Heaven alongside Qlippoth, transforming into a demonic state to fight Irina and the others. Ultimately, he was defeated and purified by the power of the holy sword Hauteclaire.
Because he eventually fought alongside Issei-kun to repel Rizevim, the leader of Qlippoth, he avoided the harshest of punishments, though he remained confined within a high-security facility in Heaven.
I knew Issei-kun had kept in contact with him occasionally, but...
Irina stepped forward and raised her hand. "Um, everyone? After Asem issued his declaration of war, Michael-sama decided to dispatch Masaomi-san. He believes that Masaomi and the power of his Holy Sword will be an invaluable asset in the battles to come."
My eyes fell to the sword at his waist—the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi. It was a legendary Holy Sword of Japanese mythology. During its restoration, it had been imbued with the soul of the "Venom Blood Dragon" Yamata-no-Orochi, briefly falling into darkness. Now, like its wielder, the blade seemed to have regained its true form, liberated from the shackles of vengeance.
A legendary blade and the master it chose. He was, without a doubt, a significant addition to our forces.
"Asem has deployed twenty-six 'Gates' across the Underworld and the human world," Azazel explained. "Fortunately, none have appeared in Heaven. That's why Michael sent this man to us. While the angels are currently occupied with restoration work in the celestial realm, they're doing everything they can to send personnel to the other factions."
"But we have no guarantee they won't attack Heaven later," Rias countered. "Is it wise to leave it under-defended right now?"
"Your point is valid, Rias," Azazel said. "Of course, a sizable force remains there. But I don't believe Asem is the type to use cowardly back-door tactics like Rizevim. He won't open a new Gate just to ambush Heaven. At least, that's my assessment."
"What makes you so sure?"
Azazel looked out the window, staring up at the massive rift hanging in the purple sky of the Underworld. "Simple. He doesn't need to. He has enough raw power to crush this world in a head-on collision. His military strength is already overwhelming. When I spoke with Apophis and Azi Dahaka in Agreas, they weren't even officially allied with him yet."
"So, Asem reached out to the Evil Dragons himself?"
"Likely. and knowing what Issei has told us about Asem's personality, he wouldn't force those two into submission. That means the Evil Dragons chose to side with him of their own free will. Apophis and Azi Dahaka... they're in a different league than Grendel or Nidhogg. They live for the thrill of a fair fight and despise petty tricks. If they've acknowledged Asem as a leader, then he will come for us exactly as he promised—from the front. He won't bother with sneak attacks now. And more importantly..."
Azazel's gaze shifted to the sleeping Issei. "I get the feeling he's been waiting for Issei to grow. Don't you all feel the same?"
Everyone went quiet, reflecting on our past encounters with Asem. From our first meeting in the vampire territory to the incident at Aulos Academy, the attack on Heaven, and the battle in the Abyss... even the recent events at Agreas. He had always held back. In Heaven, he had simply walked away from an incapacitated Issei without finishing him off.
"He was waiting," Miwa whispered. "Asem has been waiting for Big Brother this whole time. Maybe he's still waiting for him... on the other side of that Gate."
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"