(TPD) Chapter 51: The Beginning Of The End

Chapter 51: The Beginning Of The End

Welcome to Volume 3 of TPD, “Loyalty in Betrayal.”

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“I’m afraid not, for the same reason you couldn’t detect it while you were in Heaven, the Infinity Dragon’s interference is simply too powerful for us to combat—as it stands, we’re pretty much powerless to probe anything Ophis decides to use his personal power to mask from us.” 

As if the entire conversation between the Infinity Dragon and Avalon had only lasted a split-second, time resumed like normal. 

She’s referring to Ophis as a ‘he’, but what I just saw suggested otherwise. 

He glanced from side to side, taking in the nonchalant expressions of Sirzechs, Michael, Azazel, and Harmonia. 

It was pretty obvious that they hadn’t noticed anything, nor did he sense any reaction throughout the entirety of Mount Olympus. 

If he had any lingering doubts about the Infinity Dragon’s power, they had now been completely cleared up. 

She was absolutely capable of taking out anyone present if she wished to do so, and they’d all be powerless to stop her. 

But that didn’t appear to bother Avalon anymore, for some reason, he had grown even more resolute than before. 

As if the meandering path he had been stumbling over until now in an attempt to create a “better world”, had turned into a straight line that was simply waiting in anticipation for him to walk it. 

“That’s a shame,” Azazel shrugged. “But if there’s nothing we can do about it, then there’s no use brooding over spilled milk. So how about you tell us what we do know?” 

Harmonia nodded, wearing a fairly confident smile. 

“The meeting between the Old Satan Faction and Hexennacht is going to happen in a place called the Isle of Skye, located in Scotland.”

“I don’t particularly care for the fate of the Stray Magicians, but capturing the Devil representative is an absolute must—it’s the only way we’re going to be able to extract more information regarding the whereabouts of the Malebranche.” 

“Sounds easy enough,” Avalon said affirmatively. “Taking on Ophis’ forces as a whole might be challenging, but if we can take them out separately—then our chances of success should skyrocket.” 

“One can only hope that everything goes smoothly.” Harmonia narrowed her eyes briefly, having a faint suspicion that something was off about Avalon’s attitude even though she couldn’t pinpoint why. 

But she kept her scrutiny brief, uninterested in generating needless discontent, especially just after The Alliance had been formed. 

“We’re not sure how Ophis or the Old Satan Faction will react to being attacked, so I’d advise all of you to be careful with your approach.” 

As optimistic as the concept of getting more information sounded, everyone knew deep down that it would only take one catastrophic event for everything to spiral into catastrophe.

For example, if the Infinity Dragon herself were to intervene, that’d be the end of everything they were trying to achieve—plain and simple. 

In the face of overwhelming power, all strategies and tactics were rendered obsolete. 

“Speaking of approach, how exactly are we going to go about capturing the Old Devils?” Azazel inquired. “If we’re so worried about someone intervening in our efforts, then I think it’d be best to use someone who can handle this in a covert manner.” 

“I agree,” Sirzechs nodded firmly. “They’ll obviously discover what went down eventually, but if we can at least keep them from figuring anything out while we’re capturing their representative, then we’d be much better off.” 

There was far less risk involved if they learned that something had happened after they had already extracted all the information they needed. 

Then again, this was all said with the hope of Ophis not personally intervening. 

Avalon proceeded to clear his throat, attracting everyone’s attention. 

“I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I think I might be particularly qualified for this task.” 

Immense speed, strength, and the ability to expertly hide his presence. 

No matter how you looked at it, there really was no better fit for a kidnapping mission with such an emphasis on haste. 

Sirzechs hummed, part of him seeing the logic in sending Avalon, but the other being understandably worried about his little brother.

Fighting Fallen Angels was one thing, going up against the strongest being walking their world was another. 

Even if there was no guarantee of Ophis appearing during his mission, the thought of it alone still concerned his older brother to no end. 

“You’re definitely the optimal choice, I won’t deny that. However, I think it’d be better to send you in a team.” 

“With?” Avalon tilted his head, unsure who else was qualified to go with him. 

If it was just stealth they were looking for, then there were countless nominations to be made—but therein lied the problem. 

You would also need at least Peak Ultimate-Class fighting ability to deal with not only the quantity, but the quality of some of the threats you were bound to face during the mission. 

Your speed would also have to be top-notch, since the possibility of someone intervening throughout the duration of the mission made it a time-sensitive one. 

People like Avalon didn’t just grow on trees, and the stumped expressions of the faction figureheads made that reality evidently clear. 

He sighed, knowing that he needed to do something to quell his brother’s unease. 

“I’ll take Eurus with me.” Naturally, that caught Azazel’s attention. “She might not be capable of the same level of destruction as Adaloth, but she’s definitely got her beat in the speed and stealth department. If anyone’s going to be a good fit, it’d be her.” 

She also had the most versatility amongst his peerage, himself included, so if anything unexpected were to occur than having her by his side would certainly be useful. 

“That’d be ideal.” Sirzechs’ worry finally seemed to settle down. 

“What about myself and Michael?” Azazel asked. “Surely we’re not just going to sit by while they do all the work? That doesn’t seem like much of an alliance to me.” 

“I’m glad to see you’re so eager to contribute.” Harmonia chuckled, causing Azazel’s posture to stiffen upon detecting the hidden undertone radiating off her. 

If he wanted to work so badly, then she’d be sure to give him more work that he could ever hope to finish. 

“Uh… I didn’t mean it like—” 

“Don’t worry, I know exactly what you meant.” The Goddess’ smile remained unchanged, indicating that she had pretty much made up her mind. “The time for Heaven and Grigori to act will come, but there’s no use in trying to force a piece into a hole where it doesn’t belong. So this time, the Underworld will tackle this mission alone.” 

“We’re happy to be of service,” Avalon replied contently. “It won’t be long before we have an Old Satan Devil in our grasp.” 

“I’d expect nothing less of the Underworld’s King,” Harmonia remained calm as ever. 

But deep down, the sensation she had about something being off with Avalon had started to worsen. 

Even though there was no rational basis for her concern, the instincts of a God were rarely set off for no reason—and Harmonia wasn’t one to doubt herself when it came to something as important as preventing the world itself from being obliterated. 

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Now then, what should I do next? 

Rizevim’s boredom had been mildly alleviated ever since she had arrived in Naoetsu Town, but now, she had once again found herself in a blank space so to speak. 

The world was changing, the cogs were all moving, but she wasn’t sure where she wanted to insert herself—if she even wanted to at all.

The Infinity Dragon… 

She had always believed in strength above all, hell, she was there when her Father conceived that very ideology which would go on to permanently shape the mindset of every citizen in the Underworld. 

And now, the strongest being, below only Great Red, had become active. 

Rizevim knew that now was the prime opportunity for her to get something going, but she just couldn’t figure out what it was she precisely wanted to do. 

Although, it appeared she had some business to handle before she could peacefully deliberate her place in the foreseeable future. 

She had stepped foot back into the Lucifer Clan’s Estate, and had halted at the front gate with a mildly irritated look on her face. 

“Either you come out yourself, or I’ll drag you out, your choice.” She said aloud, not looking at anyone in particular, simply addressing the empty space around her. 

And only moments later, the sound of slow footsteps approaching her became audible, accompanied by that of equally paced clapping. 

He was a young, exceptionally handsome-looking man with hair that wasn’t all too different from Rizevim in color, fashioned into a tight braid with a black bow fastened around the end. 

He wore white noble attire that complimented his hair color well, and a pair of pristine gloves that gave him a gentlemanly-vibe. 

“Even after being inactive for all these years, your senses haven’t dulled in the slightest, Lady Lucifer.” He put his hand on his chest and performed a deep, eloquent bow—his facial expression conveying genuine respect for the woman.

“Just hurry up and tell me what you want,” she raised her head, slowly turning around to face the young man. “Euclid.” 

He was none other than Grayfia’s younger brother, and by extension Sirzechs’ brother-in-law. 

During the Civil War, Euclid Lucifuge had faithfully served the Old Satan Faction, making him the opposition of the Four Great Satans, and Great King Faction during the time. 

After the conflict had ended, Euclid had been deemed “missing in action” by the government, and was later on presumed to have died during the war. 

Yet, here the Lucifuge stood, alive and well, and standing in front of Rizevim was unwavering confidence and vigour—as if the kindles of pride that should have been snuffed out all those years ago had been reignited by something. 

But him being alive wasn’t a shock to the Lucifer, she had been present with the Lucifuge Clan when the Civil War came to an end, the only thing that shocked her, was the confidence Euclid was carrying. 

Seeing his older sister not only defect to the other side, but marry the Predestined Prince of the Gremory Clan had broken him—shattering the pride he held in himself as a Lucifuge, and causing him to completely sink into despair. 

But when looking at the current version of Euclid, despair was the last thing that came to mind.

“Ever since you left this estate, the world has become significantly more interesting for you hasn’t it?” In spite of knowing just how easy it would be for Rizevim to dispose of him then and there, Euclid somehow found the spirit to maintain his calm, collected attitude. 

“Debatably,” she shrugged. “I’m guessing you’re involved in this somehow?” 

“Indeed, as a matter of fact, I’m currently in charge of leading the Old Satan Faction gathered under the Khaos Brigade.” 

“Khaos Brigade?” Rizevim scoffed, clearly mocking the title. “Don’t tell me that’s the name the Infinity Dragon came up with?” Even with her fairly childish personality, she couldn’t believe such a powerful being could have such a chuunibyou-esque naming sense. 

Euclid let out an embarrassed cough. “I assure you Lady Lucifer, I wasn’t responsible for the name.” 

“Uh-huh,” she hummed to herself. “Let me guess, you’re here to recruit me or something? You rarely ever show your face unless you’re trying to get something from me after all.” 

“You know me so well,” he wore a faint smile. “You are correct in your assumption, I am here to ask you to join us in our mission, and by our, I mean you and me, not Ophis’ goal, nor that of the rest of the Old Satan Faction.” 

Rizevim raised her brow, clearly intrigued. 

“Go on,” she instructed him.

“Ophis wants to kill Great Red, in order to reclaim the Dimensional Gap for herself—” 

“Her?” Rizevim intervened, with a questioning look.

“Ophis tends to frequently change her identity, honestly speaking, none of us know what her gender really is—if she even has one.” 

Technically, Ophis was an alien taking the fact she originated from the Dimensional Gap into account, so trying to gauge her by their standards was a useless endeavor. 

“Huh,” Rizevim pursed her lips. “Continue.” 

“The remains of the Old Satan Faction on the other hand, want to reinstate themselves not only as the governing body of the Underworld, but wish to restart the Great War and achieve dominance over both Grigori and Heaven.” 

The Lucifer and Lucifuge both smiled, exchanging an equally knowing glance at one another. 

They had no chance in hell, literally. 

“I, on the other hand, have no other desire than to prove the brutality of us Devils, to discredit each and every lofty ideal Sirzechs and his companions have spread.” Euclid’s expression quickly tensed up, his expression darkening drastically. “I want the world to witness Chaos, I want to show it that everything the imposter Satans stood for was wrong.” 

“And this involves me, how exactly?” Rizevim leaned forward, awaiting an answer. 

“You said it yourself didn’t you? Devils are beings that have to be evil, wicked, brutal, bad, scum, wrong, brute, and vicious.” 

She chuckled, “You remembered my catchphrase, should I be flattered?” 

“I’ll leave that up to you to decide, my point is, there’s now an opportunity for you to spread your ideal—across the entire world, without reservation.” Euclid spread his arms out, posing like an awfully cliche villain as he spoke. “Everything our species is currently trying to deny, we have the power to correct—we have the ability to set everything back to the way it’s supposed to be.” 

“And you believe the Infinity Dragon will help you accomplish that?” 

Euclid shook his head, laughing to himself. 

“Absolutely not, Ophis is only interested in taking down Great Red, nothing more. But Ophis serves as nothing more than a temporary umbrella for me, what I’m really after is the Holy Grail.” 

“The Longinus?” 

“The very one.” 

Holy Grail, also known as Sephiroth Graal, was a Holy Relic believed to have come into contact with the blood of Jesus Christ himself, granting it the ability to mold and manipulate the very principles of life that ruled all over the world, in addition to possessing the concept of death. 

It was said to be capable of controlling people's souls, and restoring their bodies in whatever manner the user pleased. In short, it was a Sacred Gear that gave one the power to command life itself. 

But out of all of the Sacred Gears, this one was the most elusive, appearing less often than even True Longinus—the highest ranked Sacred Gear. 

“Before I continue, there’s something I’d like to ask you, Lady Lucifer.” The fiery determination kindling within Euclid’s pupils couldn’t grow any more fierce. “Do you believe in the existence of another world?” 

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People who haven’t read the Light Novel probably have no clue what’s going on right now. 

If you’re interested in the Holy Grail, I suggest reading up on the wiki page, I’m not going to info dump here because I’d have to make you read like 10 pages of me just yapping about how the Sacred Gear works (which I’m pretty sure not even the author fully understands.) 

But yeah, other than that, welcome to Volume 3.