Let's take a moment to review the issues surrounding the Biblical factions, including those they're unaware of or underestimate.
First, the monsters calling themselves Demon God Pillars. Their true nature remains unknown to all but themselves. The three factions' vigilance toward them is low, as they're preoccupied with countering the Old Satan faction of the Khaos Brigade. The fact that they defeated an individual claiming to be Glasya-Labolas has also lowered their guard. It's assumed the entities that attacked the original Great King and Seventy-Two Pillars were exceptionally strong.
The conversation during the battle between Glasya-Labolas and the Biblical leadership is known only to those present. Even if it were known, it would be suspected of being falsified information. While not public, a certain tokusatsu show recreated it almost perfectly. Naturally, the episode sparked controversy—some called it disrespectful to the original Pillars' deaths, while others argued it should highlight their successful vengeance.
Next, the matter of the Evil Pieces. At some point, a strange rumor emerged: "A technique to extract Evil Pieces has been established." Initially dismissed as nonsense or the delusions of disloyal reincarnated Devils, the rumor grew. It escalated with an incident where a High-Class Devil was killed by a former reincarnated Devil. This issue can no longer be ignored. It's also critical for Heaven, which is developing an angelic equivalent to Evil Pieces called "Brave Saints." Rumors suggest a military-uniformed nurse, reminiscent of the Angel of Crimea, is involved. Investigations are underway but proving difficult.
Then, the disappearance of the holy sword Excalibur. Its fragments were supposedly recovered, but none returned to the Church. Specifically, Kokabiel should have had four holy swords, yet only three were retrieved. The fourth's details are entirely unknown. There's talk of the Pendragon heir absconding with Caliburn, a family and national treasure, but its relevance is unclear. Compared to other issues, this is minor. Aside from confirming the safety of Irina Shidou, who was meant to return the swords but went missing, few outside close circles care.
Furthermore, there's a secret pact between the Demon God Pillars and nearly all mythological hells except the Biblical one. When the Underworld is burned, a series of "misfortunes" will prevent Devils from fleeing to other hells. The lords of these hells don't know the Pillars' full plan. They know the Underworld will burn but not that Heaven is next, nor that its energy will be harvested. They agreed to the pact for the promise of a great Biblical misfortune and to gauge this unknown force's strength, bolstered by offered resources and technology.
The Biblical factions correctly recognize the Khaos Brigade as a crisis. They understand its two major factions—Old Satans and Hero Faction—but focus primarily on the former. However, the Hero Faction is undeniably growing. Beyond Longinus or heroic lineage, a true "hero" is awakening. Including the ruin that follows glory, the Holy Spear's wielder is becoming a man worthy of it.
Finally, an issue none of the three factions' leaders have detected, one they must notice urgently: the Church's strongest exorcist, Dulio Gesualdo, wavers between faith and betrayal.
Religion, at its extreme, is a tool.
A tool for living. A tool for killing. A tool to soothe the heart. A tool to incite fear. It can move people, gain wealth, or absolve sins. It's a tool to start wars, sustain them, or end them. It's a tool to condemn or reform people. Martyrdom might be called suicide by religion.
For Dulio Gesualdo, religion is a tool to help others.
An orphan of war, raised without parents in a Church facility, he was trained as a warrior in their combat program. As a devout follower, his faith in God is absolute. But he's no fanatic.
Heaven's push for peace and treaties with the Devils and Fallen Angels has many opponents, some silent but resentful. Dulio sees it as good—fewer sacrifices, no more victims like him from wars or skirmishes.
He believed the blood and tears shed so far were worth this peace. Or so he thought.
A few days ago, a man named Lev Lainur appeared before Dulio with a negotiation.
In simple terms, the request was to spread false information in Heaven when the time came.
Dulio would have refused outright. As an apostle, he couldn't accept such terms. It might not just betray Heaven and the Church—it could cause widespread harm. He's not foolish enough to overlook that.
But the item offered in exchange was the issue.
A Holy Grail.
Not the relic that caught Jesus Christ's blood, nor a Longinus. A supreme magical tool created by the monsters now called Demon God Pillars, named "Holy Grail" for its shape—a universal wish-granting device.
A miracle that fulfills any wish. That's what they'd give him if he agreed.
It's absurdly far-fetched. A tired, deceptive promise. A common, sweet trap. Not worth considering. He should reject it and report Lev to the Church or Heaven.
Lev didn't make secrecy a condition, acting as if it didn't matter. Spreading one piece of false information at the right time would suffice. So, whether Dulio accepts or not, he should report the contact.
But he can't. Ignoring this deal is impossible for Dulio. Sharing their information with others is equally impossible.
Because Dulio Gesualdo has children he wants to save—children suffering from congenital Sacred Gear disabilities. If God won't save them, a universal wish-granter might. Moreover, Lev implied they've found a way to extract Sacred Gears without killing the host. Dulio could demand that instead of the Grail.
The recent talk of a nurse extracting Evil Pieces lends credibility to this. As an aside, this nurse's existence makes many resist the three factions' peace. What's the point of peace? There's no reason to stop fighting.
If the treaty holds, Fallen Angel research on Sacred Gears might save those children. That's more certain. But how much time and sacrifice would it require? How much longer must they endure? Choosing conflict over peace could honor past sacrifices.
This deal heavily favors Dulio. From their side, it's a terrible bargain. He could take the Grail and not spread the false information. He could pretend to agree and extract more from them.
But he can't. If he could live like that, he wouldn't be here.
He recalls Lev's words, the ones tormenting him.
"Not me. Not us. Not God, nor them."
"You save them."
Dulio doesn't know, but Lev sees a bit of himself in Dulio. Feeling pity and wanting to save others, Lev still bombed Chaldea and killed Mash Kyrielight once. He's certain Dulio wouldn't make the same choice. That's why he offered this deal—to ensure Dulio doesn't err.
Dulio isn't a fanatic. He has no zeal or obsession, but he's an apostle. The Church has sustained him; he's fought in God's name.
Betraying Heaven is unthinkable unless something extreme happens—like learning of God's absence from the Archangel or being told to degrade into an angel for the "system," trampling humans while invoking God's name.
Without the Demon God Pillars' offer, he wouldn't waver. Compromising, resigned, accepting, he'd have become the "Joker." But because of who he is, he can't refuse their request. He wants to accept it.
"Fou, fou fou!"
Your betrayal is already decided within you. Act quickly, or the "Beast" will devour everything.
"Report from Dantalion. The Cross is complete. No issues with the owner."
"Report from Furcas. The protected humans are chanting for battle. Healed wounded show fighting spirit, vowing to slaughter those who oppressed them in revenge."
"Proposal from Baram. Let them have their vengeance."
"Denial from Marbas. That defeats the purpose. They've suffered pain and anguish. No more tragedy is needed. When the plan ends, they must remain 'human.'"
"Then I'll fight with Goetia. I'm stronger than Lucifer or Michael."
"Stay quiet, Ophis. We can't disrupt the plan further. They think we're part of your Khaos Brigade, but our ties mustn't be known to Hades and the other hells."
"Report from Zagan. The three factions are attempting contact with Kyoto's Kingu."
"Acknowledged from Amon. We warned him, but we must prepare for contingencies. Arrange adjustments to the plan based on his response."
"Proposal from Belial. We should contact the Round Table's Bedivere. His summoning method to this world may differ from ours or Kingu's."
"Contact from Gaap. His current location is unknown."
"Approval from Gremory. I was supposed to negotiate if we met him. I'll handle it."
"Report from Forneus. A terrorism countermeasure summit will be held in the Underworld, attended by various factions' leaders, including Indra's name."
"Understood. My time to shine."
"Concern from Morax. What about the Greek and Norse pantheons? Even with the Indian pantheon sealed, their unwanted interference is likely."
"Proposal from Valac. Our current forces are insufficient to handle both pantheons. This could hinder burning Heaven. Shouldn't we absorb the Hero Faction and Old Satan faction as forces?"
"Denial from Murmur. That's why we have the Spear, Grail, and Cross—embodiments to destroy gods. Secured to bolster the plan, they're sufficient as forces."
"Denial from Vepar. Both Greek and Norse are polytheistic. Their god-kings' thrones aren't absolute. Killing them would only add trouble. Our current forces are inadequate."
"Supplement from Sabnock. Combat itself isn't an issue. But if it occurs during or right after burning Heaven, it's problematic. Energy collection would be delayed."
"Agreement from Caim. Odin is a knowledge-hungry god, sacrificing his neck and eye for it. He'd use any means to learn about us or that world. Zeus is relentless in strengthening his faction. Depending on our response, full conflict is unavoidable."
"Proposal from Zepar. I have a good idea."
***
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