Inside Issei's room, the petite silhouette of a beautiful girl slipped through the shadows, quietly settling herself right beside him.
"Senpai smells so good... I love it, nyaa," Koneko whispered, hungrily inhaling his scent. Her eyes gleamed with the predatory intensity of a wild cat locking onto its prey.
Moments later, another slender silhouette—this one with flowing blonde hair—crept in and took the spot on Issei's other side.
"Issei-san... Bucho told me that I should sleep by your side every night," Asia's sweet voice drifted into his ear.
Issei's eyebrow twitched for a split second before he forced himself back into stillness, feigning a deep sleep. Asia smiled softly, pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek, and drifted off while clinging to him.
A few minutes passed before Issei finally opened his eyes, his gaze clouded with doubt.
'Rias... what exactly are you planning?'
...
The following day, Issei received a summons from Ajuka Beelzebub. He went accompanied by Rias, as they were the only ones requested to attend.
"You've arrived sooner than I expected," Ajuka greeted them with a hospitable smile.
"Ajuka-sama, why were we called here?"
"It's about the 'other side.' We've finally received a response from them."
"Hoh?" Issei's eyes widened, his body trembling slightly with restless anticipation.
"Issei-kun, Rias—as we discussed before, I want to send you both there." Sirzechs appeared, interjecting himself into the conversation.
"I have no objections," Issei replied firmly.
"Neither do I, Onii-sama."
"Excellent." A satisfied smile spread across Sirzechs' face.
"By the way, is it just us? I don't mind if it is," Issei noted.
"Of course not," Sirzechs explained. "There will be others, but they will be in different squads from yours. By spreading our numbers, the exploration will proceed much faster."
Issei nodded in agreement, though he felt a flicker of worry for the other teams—until Sirzechs spoke again.
"Don't worry. Vali will be participating in this exploration as well."
"Eh?" Issei and Rias stood stunned, their mouths hanging open as their eyes bulged in surprise. Sirzechs let out a small, amused chuckle at their reaction.
"Heaven is also sending an incredibly powerful representative."
"Who?" Rias asked, her curiosity piqued.
"It has to be Dulio," Issei cut in, his tone turning serious. "I've never met him, but I've heard of his reputation for a long time."
"Dulio? You mean the strongest Exorcist?" Rias's expression was one of pure bewilderment.
"Indeed," Sirzechs confirmed. "Fufufu, you're right. Besides Dulio, there is also another Longinus user—a man named Ikuse Tobio."
"The wielder of Canis Lykaon?"
"Yes. They are dependable allies."
Issei nodded, unable to dispute Sirzechs' statement. With four Longinus users on the move, he felt there was nothing to fear once they reached the Tensura World. Based on the intelligence gathered from Dino, Issei knew the current state of that world: Rimuru had not yet evolved into a True Dragon, so there was no immediate cause for concern.
"You depart tomorrow, so get ready tonight." The voice came not from Sirzechs or Ajuka, but from Azazel.
"Are we free to head back now?"
Azazel nodded, and after bidding their farewells, Issei and Rias departed.
Once they were gone, Ajuka's gaze turned sharp as he looked directly at Sirzechs.
"Isn't this a bit much? Sending four Longinus users to the other side... it feels like we're trying to intimidate them."
Sirzechs wore a fox-like grin. "Do you think so? I believe it's the best team we can possibly field."
Ajuka shrugged, his tone shifting to one of grave concern.
"A short while ago, I was contacted by that man."
Sirzechs narrowed his eyes. "What did he want?"
"He spoke of an invasion of the other side. I turned him down, but knowing his nature, he won't give up so easily."
"If he makes a move, everything could fall into chaos. Ajuka, may I ask you to keep him in check?"
"Me?"
"Who else? You are the only one who can truly rival him."
"You could do it yourself, couldn't you?" Ajuka countered.
Sirzechs nodded slowly. "I could. But if I were to fight him, the resulting damage would be unimaginable."
Ajuka sighed, conceding the point.
"True. If the two of you clashed in the Underworld, the entire territory would be reduced to rubble."
"That is why I'm asking you. If you're the one holding him back, I can focus on my duties in peace."
"Good grief... you never give me much of a choice, do you?" Ajuka gave a bitter, helpless smile.
"But you'll do it, won't you?"
"Since I hold the title of Super Devil, I suppose I must accept this burden."
Sirzechs offered a small smile, looking at his old friend with eyes full of nostalgia for everything they had endured together.
"I will handle the God of Destruction, Shiva. Just make sure you do your part well."
"Leave it to me."
Ajuka departed with a confident smirk.
"You two are as terrifying as ever," Azazel remarked to Sirzechs. "Especially since the opponent this time is a God of Destruction and one of the ten strongest beings in the world."
"This is our duty as Great Satans. I'm sure you understand."
"...Yeah. I understand."
"Now, it's time to prepare. Tomorrow, we must welcome the envoys from the other side."
"Let me handle that," Azazel offered. "I'd feel bad just standing around while you two do all the heavy lifting."
"Oh? That would be a huge help. I'll leave it in your hands."
"Consider it done."
To be continued...Anvanced Chapter p*tre*n.com/AgamYupi02