Tenra caught the scepter Azazel tossed his way and turned it over in his hands, curiosity piqued.
It was just over a meter long, its shaft etched with intricate runes. One end blossomed into a pink bud, cradled by vivid green leaves. What stopped Tenra short—the bud and leaves were alive. They pulsed with energy, growing straight out of the staff as if nature itself had claimed this weapon.
"What is this?" Tenra's eyes glinted with interest.
Azazel grimaced, as if handing over a piece of his own soul. "That's the Sacred Gear, Aqua's Divine Staff. Legendary weapon of the water goddess Aqua. If you push this gear to its limit, you might even inherit some of her divine powers."
He sighed, watching Tenra examine the living artifact. "High-grade stuff. You're robbing me blind, brat."
Tenra eyed the staff, then snorted. "Looks a bit feminine, doesn't it?"
Azazel rolled his eyes. "Don't you have water magic specialists in your harem? With this, any water spell they cast will hit like a tidal wave. You're getting a bargain."
Tenra's grin turned sheepish. Azazel had a point. He didn't need it himself, but Undine—his Water Spirit Queen—would wield it perfectly.
Pocketing Aqua's Divine Staff, Tenra turned to Odin, eyes twinkling. "Odin-sama, shouldn't you throw something in too? I'm mostly solving your problem here."
Azazel jumped in, mischief sparking in his voice. "Old man, I handed over a Sacred Gear. Don't be stingy now."
Odin's face contorted in mock outrage. "You greedy little devils! I have nothing—nothing at all!"
Tenra pressed the attack, grinning. "Odin-sama, don't be so modest. That Gungnir of yours looks pretty tempting."
Odin shot upright, bristling. "That spear is my life, brat! Might as well take my head while you're at it!"
Tenra laughed. "Relax, I'm just teasing."
"Come on, Odin-sama. Just a token, anything will do."
Odin huffed, but the tension eased. Not everyone had the guts—or the opportunity—to poke fun at the Allfather of Norse legend.
He grumbled, then fell silent, clearly weighing his options. Something valuable? Too painful. Something cheap? Makes me look petty. Odin's eyes suddenly sparkled.
"Tenra, you like beautiful women, don't you?"
Tenra blinked, thrown by the sudden turn. "Well, sure—I'm young and full of energy."
Odin leaned in, voice dropping conspiratorially. "So, what do you think of Rossweisse?"
Tenra considered. "She's gorgeous. Refined, too. A bit stiff, but honestly, that's kind of cute."
Odin's eyes widened in delight. "Didn't expect you to rate Rossweisse so highly. Excellent."
He sidled up, whispering in Tenra's ear. "Handle Loki for me, and we'll… work something out."
Tenra hesitated, glancing at Odin. "Odin-sama, Rossweisse has been your loyal bodyguard for ages. Isn't trading her away a little… underhanded?"
Odin puffed up, feigning offense. "Nonsense! I'm doing this for her own good. She's so rigid she'll never find a boyfriend. Keeping her here just wastes her youth and talent. I'm making a noble sacrifice, you hear me?"
Tenra almost believed him, watching Odin's straight-faced delivery. Yeah, right. You just want to ditch your watchdog so you can ogle pretty girls in peace. Dirty old man.
Still, the offer was tempting. Tenra didn't call him out.
"Odin-sama, you're truly selfless. I misjudged you."
Odin smirked. "Glad you understand, brat. I've given you the chance—whether you succeed is up to you."
"Of course. I'll do my best."
Watching Tenra and Odin seal their "dirty deal" with a few words, Sirzechs and Azazel both looked away, faces darkening.
This is mortifying. Best to pretend we didn't hear a thing…
With Tenra's agreement, the plan to restrain Loki was set. Sirzechs, acting as Maou, also ordered Rias and Sona to join the operation with their peerages. Odin dispatched Rossweisse as the Norse representative.
The girls were strong, but they'd be support. Tenra was the spearhead.
Evil God Loki. The magic wolf Fenrir. Maybe even more monsters. The enemy lineup was the strongest Tenra had ever faced. Even he couldn't afford to be careless.
The next few days, Tenra and the girls skipped school, hunkering down at home to prepare.
No one expected a miracle power-up in just a few days, but at least they could sharpen their edge and stay at peak condition.
Finally, the day of the summit arrived.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness settled over Kuoh Town. The luxury hotel chosen as the venue was wrapped in layer after layer of magical barriers. Angels, fallen angels, devils, and powerful divine servants patrolled every corridor, sealing the place tight.
"Tenra-kun, Rias—I'm counting on you."
"Yes, Onii-sama!"
Sirzechs gave his last instructions, then led Grayfia and the gathered gods inside.
Tenra glanced at the brooding sky, a shadow crossing his face.
"Let's get ready."
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