Chapter 14: Deviation

Since the serialization has grown long and complex, here is a summary of Goetia’s plan:

Overthrow the God of the Bible: Note: It appears He was already dead.

Remodel Sacred Gears/Holy Relics: (The detailed reason is withheld) Note: The Holy Cross and Holy Grail are complete; only the Holy Spear remains.

Incinerate the Underworld: Burn Devils and Fallen Angels alike to harvest energy. Note: Preparations are nearly finished; execution follows as soon as step 3 is ready.

Incinerate the Heavens: Burn the Angels and the "System" to harvest energy. Note: Necessary to prevent interference from other Mythologies and self-destruction by Angels. This is the current focus.

History Revision: Using the energy gained from burning the Underworld and Heaven, rewrite history to create a world where "Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels never existed, yet the historical fact of a Savior remains."

Dissolution of Goetia: (Either remaining in this new world or returning to the original world.)

When I started this series, I expected it to end in about ten chapters... I hadn't even planned for a long serialization. If "Shinjuku" hadn't happened, it might have ended already.

"You want me to tell you about the Demon God Pillars? I see. Azazel, Governor General of the Fallen Angels—I’m going to have to refuse that request."

"...So you won't deny that you know more about those guys than we do. I'll ask just in case: Why? Why can't you tell us, Kingu?"

"I’d prefer if you didn't call my name so casually. I have a pact with them. If I interfere with them, this city of Kyoto will be attacked. If you—the Fallen Angels, the Biblical Faction—are willing to shoulder the full responsibility for that, then I wouldn't mind talking. But then again, you people aren't exactly known for being upright enough to keep a contract. You have a prior record."

"That’s a hell of a thing to say. Save that talk for the dead God or Michael."

"You speak as if you’re a sincere man of character who always keeps his word. Fallen Angels are often compared to crows, but I think chickens suit you better."

"You bastard...!"

"—Are you going to do it? It would be easier for me if you made the first move."

"Tsk. Who’d fall for such cheap provocation? Still, I used all my appointments just to set up this meeting. It'll be a problem if I can't bring back a story that convinces Sirzechs and Michael."

"Whatever. Rest easy. My pact with them is a non-interference/non-cooperation agreement. For now, I have no plans to become your enemy. Though I have no reason to help you, either. In the first place, neither Japan, Kyoto, nor the Yokai owe any gratitude to the Biblical Faction. There is no formal alliance between our powers. So, unless it's for sightseeing, could you please stay away?"

"You can't talk about the Demon God Pillars because of the pact, huh? Fine then. Tell me about yourself."

"About me?"

"Yeah. You must realize that saying 'I can't tell you anything' makes you a person of interest. That’s a pain for you and for Kyoto, right? And for us too. If you can't talk about the Pillars, tell me what you can about yourself. For example, what is your race? You don't feel like any race I know, but you seem different from those Demon God Pillar guys. I'm interested, not just as a leader, but personally."

"I am merely a puppet of clay. If we go by the culture of this country... I am a Yokai who failed to become a New Human."

Somewhere in a certain country, Xenovia—who was on high alert as usual while guarding the nursing corps—was startled by a sudden visitor.

"Freed Sellzen!?"

"Ah? I thought I recognized you—isn't it the bitch who wields Durandal! Wow, it’s been a while, hasn't it!"

"Y-you! What on earth are you doing here!?"

Xenovia pointed the tip of Durandal at Freed, but then remembered that she technically belonged to the same organization as him now. Her reflexive reaction was likely because the sense of danger regarding this Stray Exorcist hadn't left her.

Ignoring Xenovia, who was now stuck in an awkward standoff, Freed concisely stated his purpose.

"I was in the neighborhood. Thought I’d see if Dr. Florence and Asia-chan were doing okay. Honestly, I don't think they need it, but I’m here for guard duty. The Doctor is a benefactor of mine."

Xenovia felt instinctively that his words were sincere, realizing how far the current Freed was from the image she knew.

"They are both working so hard I'm worried about exhaustion. Why don't you go meet them yourself?"

"No way in hell! Someone with a wrecked body like mine can't stand in front of those two. They’d probably kill me just to make me rest."

"That’s... probably not true."

Xenovia couldn't quite finish that sentence.

To put it bluntly, Freed’s fear was justified. While an excellent warrior, Freed was also a human experiment subject. Due to drugs and body modification, his physique was warped. Even if he had assimilated with a Demon God Pillar Factor, his white hair was a vivid testament to the side effects of those experiments.

Furthermore, neither Florence Nightingale nor the current Asia Argento were so dull as "medical professionals" that they would allow someone like Freed to work. If he resisted, they wouldn't hesitate to open fire.

"I didn't really want to come either, but I was a bit curious. If nothing's wrong, then I guess it's all good."

Freed said this, looking not particularly displeased. He was too different. He was nothing like the man she had heard about in the Church. During the Holy Sword theft incident caused by Kokabiel, he was exactly the personality she expected. That was likely his original persona. But it seemed he, too, had changed.

"Well then, I’ll head back before the Doctor finds me—"

"W-wait!"

"Eh, what now?"

"Why... why do you follow them?"

A psychopath who had even killed his own kind. A heretic who sank into the pleasure of killing devils. She wanted to know how he had changed so much. She didn't think he would answer, but surprisingly, Freed opened his mouth.

"I had a sister."

"...Had?"

"No, I don't mean it in the past tense. I only found out recently. To be precise, she’s 'like' a sister. And wouldn't you know it, she’s a compatible match for a Holy Crucifix."

Originally, Freed was a test-tube baby, created by the Sigurd Institute, one of the Church’s warrior-training facilities. However, he never became a "finished product." Even though he was called a genius, to the people of the Institute, he was just another sample. He was sent to the front lines; as a warrior, he was excellent, but as an Apostle, he was a failure.

Exiled from the Church and fending off pursuers, Freed ended up under the Fallen Angel Raynare. In Freed’s view, she was a beautiful but dim-witted boss. Raynare and her followers were eventually killed by Flauros. It was one of the serial attacks on Fallen Angel bases that occurred around April. Understanding the danger of the attacker, Freed chose subordination. Though, his plan was to betray them at the first opportunity.

But then, things changed.

Among the humans protected—or "usurped" from the Church's perspective—by a different Demon God Pillar than Flauros, was Lint Sellzen. Freed and Lint were test-tube babies with identical genes, making them akin to siblings.

When Freed first learned of her existence, his reaction was simply, "I guess things like that happen." However, he was curious, so they talked. At first, there was truly no affection. He likely thought a man like him, who had killed not only Devils and their contractors but his own fellow Exorcists, couldn't possibly possess such human emotions. But at some point, his perception shifted. By the time Kokabiel stole the Holy Swords, Freed had changed enough to be self-aware of it—to the point where he voluntarily underwent adjustment as a Terminal of a Demon God Pillar.

It wasn't that the Freed who wanted to kill Devils had disappeared. He just started thinking about something else for a bit. To realize the vision Freed desired, cooperating with Goetia was the most certain path.

"If the Bosses win, the world should become a place where she can live happily."

"You..."

"Just kidding!"

Freed let out a blatantly playful voice.

"There's no way the Great Freed Sellzen would deliver such a cliché, tear-jerker development! I just think I can go on the biggest rampage by being under the Bosses. What else is there? Ahh, I want to kill Devils so bad it feels good! I'm getting all pent up here! Anyway, bye-bee!"

Freed left as if running away. He might actually have been running—primarily from the Steel Nurse and her disciple who were likely nearby. One got the feeling he might run right into them anyway.

"I..."

The Tragic Saint (Asia) had gained a conviction not just to heal, but to save. The white-haired Priest (Freed) found a reason to seek a future rather than just the moment. And, though Xenovia didn't know it yet, her former partner (Irina) had found a new faith. The Holy Spear hero-aspirant (Cao Cao) had set his path, and the Vampire of the Holy Grail (Valerie) stood under the clear sky.

Then, what should Xenovia be searching for? The answer was still unknown.

I knew immediately that this was a dream.

I—Issei Hyoudou—am scheduled to accompany the President to her hometown tomorrow. Meaning, I’m going to the Underworld, the place called Hell. Apparently, there’s a debut party for the President and the Sona as the next heads of their Great Houses. There’s also a meeting about anti-terrorist measures. Since I’m going to the President’s family home, I’ve been nervous the whole time... Also, the postponed Rating Game against the "Roasted Chicken" (Riser) is finally happening. I have to win for the President’s future.

The Kuoh Treaty—an agreement for peace between the three great factions: Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels. With this, there should be no more victims like Kiba’s "Holy Sword Project." After the treaty, Azazel came to Kuoh Academy as a teacher. On top of that, he became the advisor for the Occult Research Club. He’s a pervy but understanding guy—I mean, Fallen Angel. Now I can honestly call him Azazel-sensei.

Still, this is a weird dream. I’m aware it's a dream, but it feels so real, yet the sense of "wrongness" is intense.

『Partner. This is no mere dream. It seems someone is interfering with your consciousness, forcing you to see this. Be careful. There’s no telling what kind of mental attack they might use. Since I didn't sense this ability before, I don't think it's the White one (Vali), but...』

Ddraig, who was right beside me, explained. Usually, it's just a voice from the Sacred Gear, but perhaps because this is a dream, I could clearly see his dragon form.

It was a pitch-black space. In the middle of the void, an image flickered into existence like a TV being turned on.

It was a pitch-black space. In the middle of the void, an image appeared like a TV turning on. There was a person wearing red armor shaped like a dragon. I knew immediately that it was me. That must be the Boosted Gear Balance Breaker: Scale Mail. It looked exactly like the pseudo-Balance Breaker I used with the ring Azazel-sensei lent me.

In the video, children flocked to the "me" standing in the center. While I was trying to understand the situation, upbeat music started playing. Just as I thought it looked like a hero show, a shocking title call rang out:

—Oppai Dragon, starting now!

—Oppai!

................What is this.

As I stood there bewildered, I heard a... well, there’s no other way to describe it... a nonsensical song. I’d doubt the sanity of the person who wrote those lyrics. There was even choreography; they put way too much effort into this. ...Eh? What is this?

The scene changed, and various images flashed by. Everyone appearing in them repeatedly said and did unbelievable things. Especially toward me. Each part was too fragmentary, but it was clear that something very much against my will was happening.

—"I have heard the rumors. That you are a shameful man who acts fueled by women’s breasts."

—"There is no such thing as a Breast Dragon Emperor among my rivals."

—"O Breast Dragon Emperor, may the protection of the Breast God be upon you."

—"Ddraig, are you going to become the Dragon of Breasts?"

—"Asses are pretty good too."

—"Zumu zumu iyaan..."

—"I keep hearing 'Zumu zumu iyaan' all the time..."

『W-What is this! I mean, what on earth is this!?』

Ddraig screamed. Don't ask me! Seriously, what is this!? Why does that dignified, warrior-like old man think I eat breasts? What are "Breast Dragon Emperor" and "Breast God"? What does "Zumu zumu iyaan" even mean? It’s strangely catchy, but why is a giant dragon chanting it...? Also, if I'm not mistaken, Ddraig sounded like he was talking like a toddler...

Amidst our confusion, a voice reached us from nowhere.

『This is your form in an alternate world. The conclusion of an option you can discard from now on, and the end of a possibility you can still eliminate.』

The video cut off, and the surroundings suddenly became desolate. This randomness was proof of a dream.

『L-Look, Partner. It seems the mastermind is making an appearance.』

I looked in the same direction as Ddraig, who had somehow regained his composure, and there was a monster.

『I am one of the Seventy-Two Pillars of Solomon: Zepar!』

A pillar-like body with a mass of red eyes. A monster claiming the name of one of the Seventy-Two Pillars. He was different from the previous Glasya-Labolas, but this guy was also generally blackish.

"W-why are you showing up in my dream! What do you plan to do by showing me this nonsense!"

At my question, the Demon God Pillar sneered. No, I don't think there was emotion in its voice, but it was looking down on me. Like Riser or Vali—or perhaps even more so.

『It is no falsehood. This is undoubtedly a life you could have lived. Furthermore, I have no business with you. A Devil who has abandoned human potential. A half-measure with no utility value. The one I have business with is your Dragon. The Guardian God of Britain, Y Ddraig Goch.』

Ddraig, not me? He wants to talk to Ddraig, but Ddraig is sealed in the Sacred Gear as just a soul. So, he can't talk to him directly and is going through my dream?

『Hoh? And what business do you have with me?』

『It is as you have seen. If you continue like this, your history will be stained with disgrace. But it is not too late. We can utilize your power more correctly than that Reincarnated Devil. We have the means to grant you a new physical body.』

The Demon God Pillar—Zepar—addressed Ddraig.

『O Red Dragon. Join forces with us. And be resurrected as a "Heavenly Dragon" that surpasses even the Dragon Kings.』

Zepar: "Come over to this side before people start calling you a 'pitiful dragon'."

This is my answer based on the survey.

You ask if I'll write an IF story for 〇〇〇-san? Impossible. My hands are full. Anyone who wants to do it, feel free. However, I do have a plan for a "Part II." If I write an IF, it’ll probably be for that.