Ajuka Beelzebub does not smoke. Rationally speaking, such an activity seems… pointless to him. His physique, as a Super Devil, a term that was not coined by himself but by others so he could not vouch for its truthfulness one hundred percent. He would need to observe and experiment with one to make sure of the difference between a 'Super' Devil and a normal Devil.
And since the only Super Devils around are, one, himself, and he was made to promise not to carry out invasive surgeries on himself. Two, Sirzechs, his best friend, who had also made him promise not to carry out invasive surgery on. Finally, the third Super Devil, Rizevim, who he hadn't made a promise to vivisect, but also out of reach.
So, in general, he could only somewhat conclusively say that he is stronger than the normal Devil, at least in his body's resistance to various poison – poisons like Tobacco. All the carcinogens and poisons contained in a cigarette are harmless to him. And nicotine, the whole reason why people smoke in the first place, aiding in both stimulation and relaxation of the nervous system, is utterly useless for him.
He has a much better stimulant on hand.
Thus, Ajuka does not smoke. And, even while it doesn't have any negative effect on him, with his understanding of the effects that cigarettes could have on others, he does not fully comprehend why people continue to poison their bodies with such things. It was almost concerning how they do it with a maniacally suicidal persistence.
Ajuka did not understand it – until at this very moment, as he watched the procession of the Dead in front of him.
Death, for the Devils, now that they are currently not in a war, is a rare but not unheard of event.
A random skirmish, an accident, even fatigue from life, could take any Devil from all walks of life in surprise. Thus, it's not entirely correct to say that the there are no Devils that make their living from the grim topic that is death,
But still, to have such a large procession – it hasn't happened since the Civil War.
Lines of acquaintances, friends, and relatives of the deceased, approaching the dead body to take one last look at someone who was alive just a couple of weeks ago and express all their thoughts to him for the last time. Hoping that despite all scientific truths and the reality before their eyes – the deceased could still hear their voices.
After all, no one could know for sure what awaits people behind the final door.
Amusingly, in a world where Death Gods exist, where the worthy feast with Odin in Valhalla, and even where Michael gathers righteous souls for eternal Paradise – no one is still certain about what awaits someone after death. Or, at least, where the things that aren't Mortals in the first place go.
Where do slain gods who govern eternal life go? What happens to Devils after their death? Where do atheist souls end up, when they slip past the clutches of every religion in this world? If there was an answer to this, even Ajuka's [Kankara Formula] was powerless to find it.
Thus, the funeral procession of the Gremory Clan patriarch, Zeoticus Gremory, goes practically the same way as funerals do in the human world. Some of the mourners hoped that the deceased would go to a better place. Some believed that reincarnation is a thing, and that some form of Zeoticus would be reborn in the far future.
But all of them were mournful all the same.
Zeoticus Gremory was an extremely influential and esteemed figure among the Devils. Having lived through and fought in the Great War alongside the Devil's Civil War, though the latter as a neutral side until some idiot decided to fuck with Sirzechs. Zeoticus had become one of the unchanging faces of both Devil politics, its aristocracy and its society.
The father of the Crimson Satan himself.
With that standing in mind, it was no surprise that every Lord and Lady of the 72 Devil Pillar houses had come to say goodbye to him, alongside their heirs, officials, and commanders.
Hundreds of people had come to pay their respects to the dead, almost as if trying to see with their own eyes that an eternally living and so powerful Devil had indeed lost his life in battle. Even in this age of 'peace', Devils continue to lose their powerful warriors and irreplaceable commanders in battles. Perhaps…
Ajuka averted his gaze.
It's not in his nature to indulge in philosophy, but it's hard to resist such thoughts while watching the procession before him before turning his attention to Sirzechs, who is quietly conversing with his mother.
Venelana Gremory looks quite well for a widower in mourning, though she holds her right hand closer to her body than she should, a crack in the facade. She had gotten wounded during the Fallen Angels' attack, but luckily the wound wasn't too serious. With the help of the best doctors in the Underworld she'll recover soon, and the wound would be gone, as if nothing had happened.
Only her husband won't return.
Noticing Venelana glancing at him, noticing his eyes on her, Ajuka turned away. He tried to show his nonchalance, that he was interested in something else and was just observing the landscape. He thinks that he had failed, judging by the small amused smile on her face.
Still, he would continue the charade, looking around until his eyes landed on the Lord and Lady Sitri, along with Sona and Serafall. Even his most bubbly comrade, Serafall, usually up to something funny and embarrassing whenever next to her little sister, was in a somber mood. Sona hadn't even complained or made an issue of her sister holding onto her hands with a death grip, as if Serafall was afraid that Sona would be gone too.
Of course, it shouldn't be seen as a positive, especially with what it took in exchange, but at least it shows Ajuka that, if necessary, Devils can forget their petty squabbles. Even if just for a moment.
Though calling what is happening between Sona and Serafall a 'squabble' would be wrong in all regards. According to the research materials that Serfall insisted he read, Sona was just being a 'Tsundere', and would soon become 'Yuri Yuri' with her older sister… Ajuka could feel some of his brain cells rotting when he had to listen to that.
However, as a single glance at the end of the column of mourners revealed, not everyone was mourning. Some faces were missing.
Not that Ajuka seriously expected the Old Satan Faction to accept the invitation for Lord Gremory's wake. But a representative would have shown him that the Old Satan Faction at least had some inkling of cooperation – poisoned fruit it might be. No, it seems that the 'Old' Satans have still not gotten over their grudges for losing the Civil War, even when it was the time to show that the Devils were united.
A lie, of course, but perhaps repeat it enough and someone might believe it.
The old bloodlines of the Leviathan, Beelzebub, and Asmodeus, did not bother to send a response to the invitation, while Rizevim Lucifer replied with a single line response – 'I'm not interested'.
Even when showing even the slightest bit of cooperation is the smartest thing to do – after all, you couldn't betray someone without actually standing behind them, the Old Satan instead chose to remain as adversarial as possible. How do they expect the New Satans to ever let their guard down when the Old Satans decide to undoubtedly show themselves as an Enemy?
The Old Satan Faction had long been under the watch of the Satans, how could it not be, given that it was tied to the cause of the Civil War? Yet Sirzechs personally defended their right to exist.
Ajuka and Serafall had advocated for an 'accidental, unfortunate event' to befall the remaining fragments of the old Devil aristocracy themselves. Of course, getting rid of Rizevim in such a manner would be difficult, as his prowess is spoken at the same level as Sirzechs and himself.
But with the three gone, something can be thought up for the scion of Lucifer.
Then again, just after the Great War, and then the following Civil War, what's three more Pillars being consigned to Oblivion? A single, swift, massacre, and the unrest wouldn't even last that long. It would have been quite easy to arrange a couple of small catastrophes.
However, Sirzechs instead tried to show that they, the new Satans, were something qualitatively new and different from the old Satans and forgave the families of the old rulers. Rather than appreciating the mercy, however, they took full advantage of the chance and instead chose to become a festering thorn in the New Satans' government.
Of course, the power, and support for the Old Satans among Devils, especially among the reincarnated Devils, were minimal. In some ways, Sirzechs' policy of mercy was indeed successful, as the glut of new Devils flocked to the side of the new Satans. However, this did not mean that the Old Satans had forgotten about their claims of rulership or the losses they had suffered during the Civil War.
Well, except for Rizevim, as he was not interested in the Civil War entirely, giving up his name and claim without a fight.
And like a festering wound left untreated, the Old Satans are even harder to get rid of now, as they had latched their claws into many Pillar Families.
With the Satans more occupied with more urgent and important matters than old embittered aristocratic families, this problem would soon come to a head, that's what Ajuka's instincts were telling him. But future problems are for the future, right now they have to deal with unrest among the commoners caused by the Fallen's attack, the disruption of peace treaty negotiations. Not to mention the unknown god who had appeared in Kuoh and had served as the reason for the Devils to effectively leave the city to an unknown potential enemy.
It does not take a genius of Ajuka's level to figure out that Satoru's appearance in Kuoh was likely related to Kokabiel's attack – but how? Unknown and still-powerful gods were not a common sight, and therefore it would be almost impossible to miss the fact that Satoru has had contacts with the Fallen in the past.
It was like expecting someone to miss any time the Satans made a visit anywhere.
Serafall had gone over all the reports she had from all her agents but did not find any time or place where Satoru could make contact with Kokabiel. And even if Serafall did find such a thing, Ajuka doubts it, as even with all her antics Serafall is committed to her job – what motive would Satoru have in making the Fallen attack the Devils?
It was a symbolic victory, yes, to show that the Crimson Satan was not at all perfect, that there's a way to hurt him. But as the Fallen had recently found out, doing that was very much a fool's errand, as all the Fallen to a one was expelled from their home in the most violent manner possible.
Moreover, even when the Devils are unsure of his identity, he was a Foreign God, and not that had ever gotten into conflict with the Biblical Factions. And since he was definitely not an Angel, the only Pantheon that would have a reason to attack the Devils, the question remains, why?
Ajuka was letting the thought percolate in his mind, expecting to simply find more reasons to discard it, before a shudder ran through his body.
Undoubtedly, the Biblical God was dead, but didn't Gods have the ability to return after their demise? Certainly, it was an incredibly rare occurrence, but thanks to the angels maintaining the smoke screen of His death before the whole world and the [Heaven System] ensuring the uninterrupted flow of [Faith].
"It is possible…"
Unbidden, the thought was so shocking that the words slipped through his mouth. His body, as if on autopilot, not obeying his control, focused his gaze on Sirzechs. Luckily before his mouth could move once again, for him to share the possibility that there might be someone behind that had orchestrated Kokabiel's attack, Ajuka forced his body to stop.
If his speculation was incorrect, and Ajuka fervently hoped that it was, then mentioning it would serve to make Zeoticus' funeral even worse. Sharing his thoughts would pull Sirzechs out of his moment of mourning and force him back to work, taking away Sirzechs' last chance to say goodbye to his father.
Ajuka has always known Sirzechs to be a very emotional man, He loved deeply, and he hated just as deeply, as many a Devil and Fallen had unfortunately learned. Ajuka being irresponsible with his words would bring… Extreme results.
If his speculation was correct instead… Then it was even more of an imperative for Ajuka to refrain from hastily provoking Sirzechs into rash actions. And besides, his speculations hinge on so many conjectures that are unproven that it might as well be nothing more than a thought exercise.
No, if he wants to upend the whole world with such a revelation, he needs to study such a thing meticulously, to confirm it without a doubt. And then he would need to make a plan to make sure that such a revelation is incorporated in all future planning.
In any case, Sirzechs and Serafall would not send their younger sisters to Kuoh, as the city was already practically handed over to Satoru's hands. And even if Satoru is indeed responsible for the attack on the Gremory's, any such future attack against the Devils would not be done openly.
'But then, why should I so easily conclude that the Devils were the target of the attack in the first place?'
Ajuka swallowed an unexpectedly sticky glob of saliva. He then felt his insides begin to twist into a tight knot at the thought, but suppressed this emotional impulse and turned his attention back to the procession. One that is still continuing to stretch in an endless line towards Zeoticus' body.
Ajuka didn't want to disturb his friend's mourning, to cause him more pain, and he did not want to diminish the significance of this tragedy, but…
Ajuka slowly swallowed again and cursed his genius mind.
For if his latest theory proved true, then Zeoticus' death was one of the lesser problems that the Devils would face in the future.
Rias leaned close to her father's body and couldn't help but shudder as her mother's hand squeezed her shoulder in a gesture of support.
Rias wanted to cry. She was sure that through the tears, her pain, at least some part of it, would be released from her aching heat.
But even now, faced with his father's cooling body, the tears stubbornly refused to come. She had cried for hours and hours before this moment, but now, seeing her father lying so peacefully that she might have mistaken it for sleep, the tears had stopped.
She could only stare at the body lying before her without emotions – as if she was unable to comprehend and understand what exactly she was seeing.
Her older brother had placed a hand on her other shoulder, but Rias only found it to be strange.
She wasn't crying. Why would anyone put a hand on her shoulder to support her, if she wasn't even crying?
Rias even found it laughable that an outsider looking at her could think that she was okay. As if the emotions that had tormented her for days on end had calmed down after receiving confirmation of all her thoughts and fears, and Rias was left only to look at the body of her father lying before her.
Rias involuntarily opened her mouth as if trying to say something before closing it without uttering a sound. No words or thoughts came to mind to express what she was feeling right now. Moreover, some silly worries instead began to arise in her head.
Whether there would be enough seats for all the guests, and where she would need to conduct her next training session with her [Peerage]… Thoughts that were inappropriate when in front of her Father's dead body.
Rias stood for a few seconds longer before turning back, staring at the body that had been her Father, confused. She did not understand why she needed to stand any longer beside the body. She needed to give instructions to the servants, nod in greeting to other newcomers who had come to pay their respects to her father. And then she needed to retire to her bed early – she had spent the entire day organizing the funeral, helping her mother deal with minor problems.
She would need her rest if she wants to be fresh tomorrow.
At least now, her marriage [Contract] was annulled – it was, after all, a [Contract] concluded between her Father and Lord Phenex. And since Sirzechs took on the last name of Lucifer, renouncing his family name and station as the Heir of the Gremory with that action, Rias had become the head of the Gremory House.
It was by her decision to either honor or discard all [Contract] by her whims.
Of course, she was the head of the house only in words for now – it would be her mother that would take over the management of the estate and their lands. But now, no one could forcibly marry her to Riser against all her wishes…
'What an unexpected silver lining…'
Heh…" Rias tried to suppress her smile, to stop the laughter bubbling deep within her gut. But, like a pierced balloon, no amount of effort could stop it from coming out.
At first, it came out like a wheeze, like she had been punched in the gut, and air was forced out of her mouth.
"Heh-heh...*
Rias didn't even want to eat, or see all these faces at the funeral, or sit with everyone. She wanted to lie down and sleep and quickly forget this day.
Rias didn't love Riser, she might even be charitable and say that she did not hate him, but she hated having her freedom taken from her by her Father of all people. And yet, it was not a hate enough for her to discard her name, or for her to no longer interact with her Father.
Rias didn't think she was wrong in thinking that way, in hating her Father, but...
But in deciding with all her might to avoid her engagement with Riser at all costs, Rias had unknowingly encountered an evil genie or a monkey's paw that had twisted her wish and made it come true. To Rias's complete revulsion.
Rias's gaze fell on Riser, who also came to the funeral with his family. He had stared back, with an emotion that Rias couldn't parse, before he hurriedly looked away.
Perhaps he was just mirroring Rias' own emotion…
There was no sorrow, no desire to cry or howl in despair.
Rias just wanted this long day to finally end.
***
Demiurge possessed his own aesthetic preferences – created by his great creator, the Supreme Being Ulbert Alain Odle as the embodiment of absolute demonic evil, Demiurge reflected this nature in his aesthetics. There was something enchantingly attractive about a bone throne, made out of intertwined black massive chains and installed on a mountain of mutilated bodies. Under a sky of coal-black clouds hanging overhead, it looked… Perfect.
However, despite the fact that Demiurge loved this style of evil aesthetics above all others, Demiurge was endowed with the attentive eye of a true art connoisseur. Therefore, he was not without an eye to any other pleasing aesthetics.
Yes, he preferred the corpses hung around him as he found them beautiful, but he could also appreciate the exact opposite. Bright and spacious rooms made of white marble that represent purity, with stained-glass windows, could also be appreciated for their own kind of beauty.
It was because Demiurge understood the difference between opposite and complementary things.
Of course, the small church in Kuoh, previously manned by a small group of Fallen Angels, was far from such grandiose descriptions. Not so long ago it was instead decorated by nothing more than ruins, broken pews, and broken glasses.
Even with Demiurge's intervention and full restoration, in the end, it remained only a small church on the outskirts of a small town.
Demiurge needed the work of his loyal subordinates and quality labor to make this church at least comparable to something like the St. Peter's Basilica. And Demiurge considered that to be the minimum level of architecture for a place of worship for a Supreme Being.
Though, he cherished a small hope that one day he would be allowed to completely tear down this small town in its entirety and build a church worthy of the Supreme Being in its place. Or at least approaching worthiness.
However, at this moment such steps would be too noticeable and suspicious for this world's powers, and therefore Demiurge was forced to be content with such a small church. After all, Lord Momonga had personally visited it in the past – could a place become holier than that?
This is why Demiurge was in Kuoh's church in the first place and was lucky enough to observe an amazing spectacle before his eyes. Two fairly young girls, covered in white cloaks, were studying the structure of the church from a distance.
Exorcists, here most likely for the Fallen.
At least it could be assumed that for the girls, such a distance was notable and would be enough to hide them, and it could also be assumed that they were quite inexperienced. Why else would they be relying only on the low-level enchantments placed on their white shrouds? From Demiurge's judgment, it was designed to avert attention from the magically deficient.
Only a fool, or a simple acolyte would rely on such methods, neglecting significantly simpler and very effective methods of camouflage, like taking advantageous positions.
Of course, this would not have allowed the girls to actually hide from Demiurge's eyes. He had known about the arrival of two exorcists before they even passed immigration control. But, at least, it would have indicated to Demiurge that they had some experience under their belt.
By the way that they're currently doing their 'surveillance', however, Demiurge could not praise them even for this trifle.
However, then again, from the Angels' point of view, the extermination of the Fallen was a divine prerogative, he could see them taking this measure to balance out the risk. They need to have eyes on the previously Devil controlled city, but they also did not want to provoke the Devils needlessly.
Since the Angels did not yet know that the Devils had left the city under the care of Lord Momonga and Nazarick, it was reasonable to send the two. Someone weak enough not to provoke an overreaction from the Devils and yet strong enough to survive possible conflicts with the overseer of the city, Rias Gremory.
It was quite the well-played balancing act by the Angels, sending the two of them into Kuoh, the bearers of two shards of [Excalibur] and even the current wielder of [Durandal]. The worth that these two nuns represent for the Angels should act as a shield, with the Devil wary of provoking a strong reaction from the Angels should the two nuns be harmed.
It was, in Demiurge's opinion, extremely stupid, like playing chicken with an oncoming bullet train. A plan that could only work if the Angels have absolute certainty that the Devils did not want war. Because otherwise, losing two Exorcists and their Holy Armaments, plus their broken bodies dumped onto a random church, would make for a great declaration of war.
He could think of a dozen possible ways at the top of his head to get rid of exorcists and have the murder be blamed on the Devils. But such was the problem of the church – it was run by humans, and not everyone could be a genius like him.
But back to the subject of the two Exorcists, who aren't sacrificial pieces simply because doing so would be too pricey for the Church's liking.
Xenovia Quarta, Griselda Quarta's adopted daughter, a person Pandora's Actor had met and even interacted with a bit, and her friend Irina Shidou. While they are just two young girls, they are also two promising young stars.
Each a [Holy Swordswoman, each armed with an [Excalibur Shard, moreover, as Pandora's Actor informed him, Xenovia is the current wielder of [Durandal, a full-fledged [Holy Sword, much superior in strength to [Excalibur Shards]. He had known of the two when they boarded their plane, known of when they reached Kuoh City, and is now watching as the two did their best to observe the Church. As the two Exorcists think the Fallen Angels still occupied the Church.
Indeed, as Demiurge found out to his great regret earlier, the Fallen Angels, in their heretical demeanor, had let the house of the Lord deteriorate. And so, for the girls, to see the Church in pristine condition, ready for service, would be quite the strange sight. In such a case, stopping and taking a closer look at the target seemed like a perfectly logical next step.
However, Demiurge could not let this scene drag on.
Of course, Demiurge harbored no love for the Angels of this world – each one of them was a traitor as well. Therefore, harboring any love for people of this world, even those belonging to Lord Momonga's church, would be extremely strange for him. But, at the same time, Demiurge had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and could not pass any chance of gaining any scrap of information about the Supreme Beings and their life in this world.
However, it must be said that he was not unique in this regard.
Last time he checked, in the Great Tomb of Nazarick, every Bible transferred there instantly became an object for studying, heated disputes and discussions. However, while the Homunculus maids, as befitting their station, as the Supreme Beings has designed them, tried to determine what was the reason for such a striking change in Lord Momonga, that is, the Biblical God's, behavior between the Old and New Testaments, Demiurge read every Scripture and came closer to interpreting the last book – Revelations.
Therefore, paradoxically speaking, he was significantly more merciful towards humans than towards the Angels.
The Son of Lord Momonga had given his life for the forgiveness of this species' sins… Even now, Demiurge had to grit his teeth when thinking about it. He had read about how, while possessing the fullness of His divine power, The Son instead gave his life up, dying by crucifixion, instead of wiping out pesky bugs daring to doubt his divine essence.
Such humility was more fitting for Sebas or Pestonya rather than Demiurge. However, the Son of the Supreme Being was rightfully the closest to the Supreme Being – it was not for any resident of Nazarick to judge His decisions. Therefore, if nothing else, Demiurge could only bow his head before the judgment of the Son and acknowledge that not every human was inherently a sinful worm.
But, the Son did not speak of the redemption of Angels' sins, and thus, Demiurge was much stricter in judging his 'brethren'.
This was why Demiurge was currently in such a predicament. The Fallen Angels that had previously resided in this church had been chosen by Lord Momonga as worthy of repentance, while the humans before his eyes were those for whom the Son had given his life and belonged to the church institution. In other words, Demiurge did not know if he should prevent the Fallen from clashing with the exorcists or to allow it.
Did Lord Momonga's possibility of redemption include the death of these Fallen Angels?
If he tried to stop the exorcists, he would have to reveal to them that he, Demiurge, was under Lord Momonga's command. This risked not only exposing information to the outside world but also acting on something Lord Momonga had not yet ordered. The Lord had decided to withhold information about his return from the humans and the Angels for now, after all.
Moreover, at this moment, the Devils should have already taken the bait with the appearance of Lord Momonga, that is, the Biblical God, in reality once again. They should begin their emergency meetings, and Demiurge relied on these meetings to be able to infiltrate the Devils' society through the Khaos Brigade controlled by Nazarick. Specifically, through the Old Satan Faction – introducing a new variable in these conditions…
Demiurge silently continued to observe the two exorcists as they, apparently having come to a conclusion, decided to split up. One of the nuns, Xenovia, judging by her blue locks peeking out from under her habit, stayed behind, moving slightly into the shadows to continue their watch over the church – and in an emergency, either as a messenger back to the church, or as rescue. While Irina shed her nun habit entirely and approached the church, planning to conduct reconnaissance in person.
Judging by Irina's deceptively defenseless appearance – she planned to conduct reconnaissance peacefully.
Demiurge, after internally considering dozens of possible courses of action, ultimately decided to conduct a small experiment and allow the two nuns to encounter Nazarick's small enclave at this moment. He could easily neutralize them without resorting to physical force, and he was curious on how they would react to a repenting Fallen Angel.
However, if they persist in their delusions…
Demiurge shifted his gaze to the picturesque statues installed in the church's central hall. A living memory to those who had called themselves humans just a couple of weeks ago, and now were a living demonstration of how concrete affects human bodies during its curing process.
Demiurge had already become quite proficient in punishing heretics – far more than the ever-doubting Angels.
***
Asia made her way to the creaking entrance door of the church before peeking out from behind the corner of the small room converted to be her living space.
She looked at the newcomer, a young girl, no more than a couple of years older than herself, with two long chestnut pigtails on either side of her head and two violet eyes, entering the church. Almost immediately her eyes were drawn downwards, towards the girl's chest area – and not for any perverted reason, even if the Church's exorcist uniform left little to be imagined.
Asia, raised in modesty and strictness, did not gaze at the girl's chest but at her uniform.
The tight black suit that clung to her body could be considered part of her appearance in a sense, even if it too strongly emphasized her outstanding chest and long legs. Although Asia wouldn't immediately point out the impropriety of such attire, if only because she knew that what looked like leather was actually exorcist combat gear, specially reinforced to protect the body without reducing mobility.
At first, the idea crossed Asia's mind that the church had somehow discovered her hiding place and had come to fulfill the duty of any true believer – to rid the world of a heretic daring to heal the enemies of the Lord with the holy power granted by Him… Before realizing that in the current situation, Asia was infinitely closer to God than any exorcist from the Holy Church. And then further realizing that this fact did not mean that the exorcist who had come for her soul suddenly became completely safe for her.
Asia, deep in her thoughts, made her slow to act, allowing Irina to notice her peeking head and address her in Japanese with a noticeable accent. "Sister in faith, to which denomination does this church belong?"
This simple question made Asia open her mouth to reflexively answer, before freezing, not quite understanding how she could answer. What denomination did Christians who directly communicate with God and stick closest to His true will follow?! Such a question could put Asia in an extremely delicate situation, even if she were an Angel!
"Aum, um…" Asia mumbled with a panicked look on her face, before sighing and using the only weapon in her arsenal – honesty.
"I don't know which specific denomination this church belongs to, because it accepts all those who have strayed and become lost."
A shelter for heretics?" The exorcist clarified in the same tone as before. However, Asia felt a shiver run down her spine, as the Exorcist, the kind of people that hunt heretics, looked at her from the bottom up, as if to see if she recognized Asia for some heretic or another.
Only the realization that the Biblical God Himself was on her side at that moment kept her small amount of willpower under control.
"Yes... But also no," Asia swallowed a thick globule of saliva, looking into the eyes of the exorcist, who could proceed to try to cut her down in the next moment.
"Officially, those in this church were indeed declared heretics, including myself, but… The Lord has decided to give us a second chance."
After these words, the exorcist gave Asia an attentive look; however, if Asia hoped for understanding, she definitely chose the wrong target for her words.
"And who speaks on behalf of the Lord in this church?"
Asia involuntarily took a step back, feeling the previously curious tone, changing to that of a naked blade, that is now hanging over her neck, ready to drop. Only the knowledge that it was God Himself that had forgiven her, allowed Asia to raise her eyes to the girl in defiance.
"The Lord Himself!"
In the next moment, Asia's life was supposed to end, no Exorcist capable of tolerating such blasphemy spoken by a heretic. And it was so, the exorcist, incapable of opening her mind to the truth, rushed forward, blade in hand.
For a moment, Asia could only look as the tool of her execution was raised upwards, it seems that today would be the day that Asia meets her Lord… Though then again, he has been meeting her Lord almost every day now, so perhaps that is not such a special occasion.
Before Asia could close her eyes to accept her death, like the martyrs of old, persecuted for their beliefs, the Exorcist's blade was stopped. A hand, gloved and carrying great strength behind them, had caught hold of the Exorcist's sword arm from behind her, gently cradling it as if it did not have the power to crush it to dust.
"There is no need to spill a sister's blood so hastily, Lady Exorcist."
Asia's gaze rose in tandem with the exorcist's to the figure of Demiurge, who delicately, just placing a palm on the girl's elbow, held her from attacking, or from moving it in general.
"Devil?!" The exorcist reacted instantly, but despite the deceptive ease of the man's posture, the attempt to jump aside was unsuccessful, getting out of even the light grip of the demon was impossible.
"Miss Shidou, there is no need to be so agitated. If I wished you harm, I would have inflicted it the moment you entered this city," The demon's voice was calm, practically noble, and velvety, pleasantly creeping into the ears and tickling all the nerves in the body at once.
"However, I decided to trust in the teaching of His Son, and seek not to err in this wisdom. Yes, I am a demon, but I ask you not to equate me with the despicable tribe of that traitor Lucifer, I am the most faithful demon in the service of Lord Momonga. Or whom you customarily call God. My name is Demiurge – and I am immensely pleased with our acquaintance."
Demiurge's words caused Irina to pause for half a moment, trying to digest what she thought was pure nonsense. The moment passed, however, as she tried to escape from Demiurge's grasp again, and when that failed, to attack Demiurge with her other free arm.
Rather than becoming angry, Demiurge instead seemed pleased.
"Ah, I am glad that after the disappointment in the Angels of this world, so contemptuous in their mercy, I finally found a worthy zealot of faith! Ready to fight His enemy without succumbing to the enemy's persuasion – I am really pleased about this fact, Miss Shidou," Demiurge released the exorcist's hand before she could hurt herself, the rudeness of it breaking the Exorcist's attack.
She of course took this chance to take some distance from the Demon, expecting an attack to come, not forgetting to keep Asia in her field of vision. Not seeing any such attack coming, she became frozen with indecision, unsure on what to do next, as the situation took a turn to the bizarre.
How could a mere observation duty turn into this!? Where she was about to talk with a Devil about matters of faith?
"Therefore, Miss Shidou, how do you feel about inviting Miss Quatra inside for a conversation?" Demiurge smiled an astonishingly friendly smile at the girl.
"I think we are all in for an engaging conversation where you will learn a lot of information extremely important for your further existence…"