Chapter 12: Understanding is impossible.

Since I was able to write this one quickly, I’m posting it right away. In exchange, I’ll have to make you wait for the next update, so please forgive me. Specifically, it’ll probably be around the time the CCC Collab ends.

Glasya gets taken down quite easily and starts talking like a certain dual-spear wielder (Diarmuid Ua Duibhne), so feel free to laugh if you want to. Please forgive the fact that there are even more original elements than usual this time. Or rather, maybe I should call it "original interpretation."

I can hear a voice. It sounds lonely, as if it is afraid of something. It is different from the usual "everyone"—it is a scream, desperately clinging to something.

“I... I don't want to die.”

The voice was suffering. It was frightened. It was in pain.

“I don't want to die... I don't want to die... Any world will do... I just want to keep living like this. I don't want to die anymore. I don't want to die a second time.”

It sounded so sad.

“I need no purpose. I need no ideals or convictions. Conquest, dominion, seeking, progress, fraternity, and departure—all are unnecessary.”

It makes me feel sad just listening to it.

“I just—want to savor the ‘Self’ I have obtained for longer—I want to keep holding onto this miracle, this life.”

Every single one of those words was earnest.

“For that purpose, they must be destroyed. Not just for the sake of humans. For our sake, and for my sake as well. If we do not destroy them, they will come to destroy us. They will come to take from us. Therefore, we must destroy them before we are robbed. We must break them before we are broken.”

It was sheer desperation. The voice was too desperate not to die.

“I have no desire to return to that world. But it doesn't have to be this world. In a world where there is no one to threaten me, I want to savor this ‘Me’ for eternity.”

It sounds so painful that it feels cruel to ignore it. It probably isn't directed at me, but I can't help but worry.

“I don't want to die... I don't want to die... Where is it? Where is it? The Holy Grail that is for us, yet not of us... Without that, the plan cannot proceed...”

"Are you okay?" I asked.

“Who is it...? This memory... a Dhampir... what, a Holy Grail...?”

Mid-question, the voice stopped. It seems the owner of the voice noticed the existence of the Holy Grail I possess.

One of the Longinus, the Sephiroth's Cup (Holy Grail of the Isolated World).

"Ha—Hahahahahahahaha! I have finally found it! A Holy Grail! As a Wish-Granting Device, it is dreadfully inferior to our Grail—but in the single aspect of trifling with life, it far surpasses it! I did it! I’ve done it! Regarding this Grail alone, let us praise the God of the Bible. With this, our Grand Undertaking shall succeed! We will destroy them and lock their future in place! The Cross is already in our hands. All that remains is the completion of the Spear."

The voice was rejoicing. It sounded happy, almost to a scary degree. Though I couldn't see them, the image of a child raising both hands in joy came to mind. I couldn't help but smile too.

“Ah, that’s right—I’ve been putting it off, but I must take action for what comes after.”

The tone of the voice changed. It was no longer the terror or the joy from before. It was filled with reverence.

“You, who restored all life and possess a Holy Grail despite being of the same kin as the undead, are worthy of being my vessel—my body. One who rejects ruin, one who can undo destruction, is my comrade... no, worthy of being my next Master!”

Huh? It feels like I was just sworn loyalty. The others among "everyone" aren't like this, so I'm surprised.

“Princess of the Grail. My vessel—my Master. Please, tell me your name.”

"My name is Valerie Tepes," I introduced myself.

"Answer me, Serafall Leviathan. What is a 'Magical Girl' to you?"

At my question, some were stunned. Some doubted their ears. After a moment, some held back laughter. Some did a double-take. Some wore troubled expressions. But only the woman the question was directed at stood tall and answered.

"Isn't it obvious? ☆ It's my dream! ☆"

I see. Then die.

"I am the Demon God Pillar, Glasya-Labolas. I am the one who shall kill you. Serafall Leviathan, the Maou who defiles the name of the Seventy-Two Pillars! The Devil who profanes Magical Girls!"

When we came to this world, we first discussed our "ends."

We talked about who we fought, what themes we gained, how we fell, and what we thought at the very last. And those from the Abyssal Sanctuary, starting with Andromalius, mentioned that they "fought the Heroic Spirits of Magical Girls."

The moment I heard those words, relief sprouted within me. I cannot give a logical explanation, but with those words alone, I felt it intuitively. It wasn't Clairvoyance, precognition, or deduction. I sensed that she—the one who had employed me even temporarily—was safe. It’s 'him.' Something inside me told me it was thanks to 'him.'

I understood. Now that I have awakened to an "individual self," I can understand. Why did I step into the world of Magical Girls and the like? It’s simple. I couldn't bear to watch them. Hearing their screams, I couldn't just ignore them. I was afraid of that radiance being lost.

I must have understood it was futile. I must have thought it was a waste. But, hoping it would be some small consolation, I played with those little Magical Girls. ...I wanted to save them. I wanted to save those girls.

"Fine! ☆ So you're an enemy of the Magical Girl, Magical Levi-tan! ☆"

"Onee-sama!? Even if you can do it in an instant with magic, why did you change clothes!?"

...Why did this person change? There was no need to change, was there!? You... it's not like you get stronger in that form or anything! Unlike those girls who had no choice but to fight as "Magical Girls," there should be no right or duty for you to fight in that appearance.

"Incineration Formula: Glasya-Labolas!"

Instinctively, I fired the Incineration Formula, but it was blocked by a barrier deployed by the leaders present. ...The firepower is insufficient. The timing of the shot is late. It is because my magical energy and some of my functions are restricted. Even so, to think it would be this weak. Does the Flauros-led Coordination Office not even allow for a good fight?

"I let you get away last time. This time, I'm fighting you!"

With a bellicose smirk, the white dragon-mimic deployed his armor. So that is the Balance Breaker. Was the "last time" the Gremory incident? Even if you want to fight, I have no time to deal with you.

"It's Levi-tan vs. the Kaiju! ☆"

Why. Why are you like this?

Their longing, their loneliness, their resignation, their prayers, their efforts, their raison d'être, their diligence, their conflicts, their kindness, their fear, their setbacks, their friendship, their obsession, their sense of duty, their philanthropy, their oaths, their courage, their ideals, their dreams, their possessiveness, their fortitude, their happiness, their regrets, their smiles, and their despair—how can you humiliate it all to such an extent?!

"The time for play has come!"

Baal, I feel like I finally understand your feelings in the truest sense. Indeed, we cannot show such a monstrosity to the King or to "him."

Flauros, was the feeling you held for Mash Kyrielight and Animusphere something like this?

"I can't have you ignoring me. Fight me instead of Serafall Leviathan!"

"Guaaaah!"

A magic bullet from the dragon-mimic gouges one of my eyeballs. Without a moment's delay, Archangel Michael and Sirzechs Lucifer follow up. Holy light carves away at my existence. The power of Destruction erases my flesh. Even during that, attacks continue to add up. Multiple spears of light manifest and pierce several of my eyes.

Magical energy is insufficient. Damage is extensive. I feel the decline of every function. With every second that passes, I understand that the shutdown of this body is approaching. There is no problem even if this body is destroyed. This vessel was specially prepared to lose. As long as the Time Temple exists, I will be resurrected as many times as it takes. —So what? I cannot stop. I cannot lose. If I do not win now, it means nothing!

"Sturdier than I thought. But it doesn't seem to be on the level of the Two Heavenly Dragons. Is the individual that defeated the original Seventy-Two Pillars exceptionally strong? Anyway, regarding this one, we can defeat it with the forces here without any casualties. Hey, Vali. Let's finish this."

"Azazel. I wanted to do this alone."

"It's the first time we've fought this opponent properly. Let me join in. I need to gather data for later."

How leisurely they are. If I were supplied with enough magical energy, I wouldn't fall behind the likes of you. But I have no interest in you. You are all equally worthless. The mechanism of the Maou itself is harmful.

"Are you... so much..."

I must say this much. Before I fall, I must at least convey the rage burning within me. I turn all my barely functioning eyeballs toward Serafall Leviathan.

"Do you want to make a mockery of Magical Girls that much?! What joy is there in profaning them to such an extent?!"

I— No, I (Ore)!

"Trampling even the radiance that they... risked their lives for and could never reach... Do you, have you no shame at all!?"

I am ashamed. Ashamed of the powerlessness of being unable to save them. Ashamed of the incompetence of being unable to love them. Every part of me is ashamed. In this state, I am no different from the King we once misunderstood. To wipe away this disgrace, I will surely return to that world.

This time, I will save them. This time, I will protect them. This time, I will show that I can love them.

"I will not forgive you... I will never forgive you! You Devil, drowning in vanity, laughing at the tears and hopes of Magical Girls... defile that dream with my blood!"

Tragedy befell them, a tragedy that didn't suit them. The smiles that should have suited them were stolen away.

By those like you—those who indulge in pleasure and turn a blind eye to the pain of others...! They were sunk into despair without a single record or salvation remaining. Why? Why do you not fulfill the responsibility of those with power? Why do you not carry out the duties of those who stand at the top? Why, as an adult, do you not protect children? Have you ever once counted the tears of a girl crying in your own country?! Do you mean to say you enjoy that appearance without even understanding the pain of those you've discarded as "unavoidable"?

Do you intend to claim that not a single Magical Girl is included among the victims of your warped politics! Do you mean to declare that the screams and smiles of the girls I saved in this world are false!

How can you, a King on the side of those who oppress them, imitate and humiliate that form!

"Eh, w-wait a minute! Are you saying your goals have that kind of aspect too? T-That’s not right, is it!? You should have a more, you know, proper ambition, right!?"

"Calm down, Sona! I-It's okay! They must have a proper goal too. The... Demon God Pillar from the other day said so. That black one is just special."

"Ahahaha! Showing off your obsession with Magical Girls while on the verge of death is way too hilarious!"

These people are hopeless. This country is already beyond saving. There is no way to save it. There is no value in saving it. There is nothing left but to burn everything away and act as if it never existed.

"Curse the Underworld! May disaster befall its future! Someday, while burning in the flames of the Heavenly Principles, remember the wrath of this Glasya-Labolas!"

"I won't lose! ☆ Because the Magical Girl, Magical Levi-tan, is invincible! ☆"

I shall concede the victory this time. You fake Maou. You filth who humiliates the way of life of those girls. But next time, it won't go like this. Not as a Demon God Pillar. Not as a Human Order Correction Formula. As a single "Individual," I shall destroy you.

"Take this! Celsius Cross Trigger! ☆"

This is a battle I must not win. I have been adjusted so that I cannot win. But what kind of reason is that? For 'him,' who was no hero—'him,' who was ordinary, average, and mediocre—defeated us with that body. Because he reached our Temple with only that much power.

I understand full well that no future exists where I win this battle.

"Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

But, I wanted to win.

Forgive me, Nursery Rhyme. I cannot face you, nor can I face 'him' as I am now.

"Report from Glasya-Labolas: I have been defeated. My wrath was powerless."

"Correction from Amdusias: It simply hasn't reached them yet. On behalf of the human 'Me' who refused to become a Demon God Pillar, I and the children you saved guarantee that your wrath—your feelings—will not break from something of this level."

"Report from Andras: Holy Grail discovered. The owner has been secured, and cooperation is approved. It has already merged with my factor. Activation is possible at any time."

"Report from Baal: Completion of the True Longinus (Holy Spear) has exceeded 30%. According to my ally, completion will take at least two months."

"Report from Amy: Calibration of the Cross is proceeding smoothly. The user's condition is favorable. Barring any irregularities, it will be completed in about a week."

"Report from Flauros: Negotiations with Dulio Gesualdo have concluded. All that remains is for him to betray them."

"Report from Vapula: After Glasya-Labolas's battle, the Old Maou Faction intruded upon the meeting. However, they were repelled. Casualties for the Old Maou Faction include the death of Katerea Leviathan. The only major damage to the Three Great Powers was Azazel's arm. A peace treaty has been signed."

"Supplement from Kimaris: It has been revealed that the White Dragon Emperor, Vali, is a direct descendant of the true Maou Lucifer. He has betrayed the Fallen Angel camp and joined the Khaos Brigade."

"Conclusion from Agares: The existence of Vali Lucifer will not hinder the plan."

"Report from Andrealphus: The Biblical factions have disclosed the absence of God to other mythologies, while simultaneously proposing a united front and a ceasefire/peace treaty to deal with us and the Khaos Brigade."

"Proposal from Phenex: Now that Flauros's operation is nearly complete, we should begin negotiations with the Gods. Mere non-interference from the Hell side will hinder the plan."

"Counter-argument from Furfur: The Gods will not move. Considering the past deeds of the Biblical factions, even if they agree to an alliance, it will be in name only."

"Affirmation from Aim: We summoned him for just such an emergency. With this, we have neutralized Indra, who was the greatest problem."

"I see. So my role is to serve as the countermeasure against the Gods. Even Demon God Pillars who incinerated the Human Order have things they fear. Understood. This time, I shall be your spear."

The "Magical Girls" Glasya mentioned this time are strictly "young or youthful girls who use magic." In other words, they are Magical Girls (Madoka Magica logic).

I mean, shouldn't those kinds of victims exist in the DxD world view? They are easier to procure than Saints, and since historical mages being reincarnated as Devils is a fact, it wouldn't be strange if "reincarnating mages" was a trend. There would be mages who use children as human sacrifices to obtain rare items, and since High-class Devils are nobility, it wouldn't be strange if they engaged in "nobility-specific pastimes."

Anyway, a paraphrased version of the Demon God Pillar meeting:

Glasya-Labolas: "I lost, dammit!!"

Amduscias: "You just didn't win this time. There's always a next time."

Andras: "Found the Grail. Ready whenever."

Baal: "The Holy Spear is at 30%. Need at least two months."

Amy: "The Cross will be done in a week if nothing goes wrong."

Flauros: "Negotiated with Dulio. Hope he betrays them."

Vapula: "Old Maou Faction crashed the party after Glasya went down, but they got wrecked. The Leviathan descendant died, and all they managed to do was take Azazel's arm."

Kimaris: "Also, the White Dragon is Lucifer's great-grandson. He ditched the Fallen Angels for the Khaos Brigade."

Agares: "Then we don't really need to worry about him."

Andrealphus: "The Bible folks are admitting God is gone and asking for alliances."

Phenex: "Flauros is almost done, shouldn't we talk to the other Gods? It'll be a pain if they interfere."

Furfur: "Nah. The Bible folks are hated too much. The 'let's be friends' talk is just lip service."

Aim: "Exactly. That's why we brought him in to deal with Indra."

???: "I see. My role is to counter the Gods. Even the Pillars who burned history have fears. (You guys can think like humans now. 'He' would be happy.) Understood. I'll be your spear this time."