Funky.
There is a lot of elements that defines the boundaries of moral and ethics in any society, but everyone hold a clear understand of one undeniable fact.
Don't ruin someone else funny joke opportunity.
The stab came from someone very close to his soul (Literally) dismissing any rationality. This is the lowest of morals and a betrayal to society values. However, the old fashioned Ddraig would simply snort. He lives in no society!
Glancing at gloomy looking Vali, Leo rolled his eyes and lost his desire to mess anymore. He is a pure and sophisticated angel of the highest and lowest calibers; he has no need for such used goods.
{Might as well go and mess around in the Chat Room. Also, how many retards are still watching here? Man, it would surely be unfortunate if there is an energy channel ready to explode below their feet…}
The superiority in knowing the next nuclear (environment friendly) fallout made Leo node sagely and say "POMD, we are going home!"
Gugalanna lifted its head causing an airflow that steered the waters with a loud noise before reluctantly glancing at Poseidon. Although it was suffocating to barely be able to drive divinity here, but these gods are strangely cute and Gugalanna want to play more with them.
With a burst of lightening and wind, Gugalanna's body scattered into particles of ether before falling into Leo's arms, dangling its little hooves. Snorting at Poseidon, Gugalanna expressed its desire to come and have fun again.
As Gugalanna fixed his gaze on Poseidon, the sea god could sense the meaning behind it and nearly let out a curse. Who in their right mind would want to play with an oversized cow that had turned into a cartoonish piglet? If it weren't for the nearby human city, Poseidon would have shown this accursed creature the full wrath of the gods!
After all, he is a benevolent deity, totally not because that guy holding the piglet gave him the feeling of danger personified. Nevertheless, there's something in the way that man gazes at him that suggests he's thinking that he, Poseidon, who rules the sea, smells like fish!
"The fish god, how smel—glorious…" Leo muttered and Gugalanna nodded as they proceed to leave, but someone had a different idea.
"The Red Dragon Emperor, huh? No, the Fall. How intriguing." Vali murmured, his expression previously pinched due to Albion's tantrum in his mind, now relaxing as he broke into a refreshing smile.
"Ah, no wonder it was you who shook this world to its very apex" remarked the White Dragon Emperor, his previous anger dissipating as though it had never been. He casually slipped his hands into his pockets and shrugged, seeming entirely satisfied with the situation.
Leo stared at the guy before him, his expression conveying a mixture of annoyance and confusion that silently asked, 'Who is this idiot?' After a moment of contemplation, he still asked "Why are you still here?"
"Is it so strange? I am well aware of the difference in our powers, but don't mistake me for a coward who will flee" Vali said, his smile infused with newfound confidence and conviction. Flames danced in his eyes as he spoke, making his determination all the more apparent. "I'll catch up to you eventually, so don't expect to wait for long."
"…"
As the wind tousled Leo's hair and clothes, his expression gradually shifted to a blank state before he spoke. "No, I think you've got it all wrong. You seem like the type of person who would smile mysteriously, turn and walk away, and then try to sound profound without looking back by saying things like 'Let's see how you'll end up' or 'After all, we are destined…'"
"…"
Vali floated in silence with speechlessness written on his face because for some reason that sounded so familiar.
"That sounds awfully familiar," Kouki said, smacking his lips. "He showed up at the training ground while we were preparing yesterday and spewed some nonsense before leaving at a snail's pace. What about you, Tobio?"
Tobio nodded subconsciously and replied, "I saw him doing this when I woke up at the hospital."
The others nodded in agreement, and Azazel couldn't help but recall several occasions as well.
"…"
Vali heard their muttering from far away, and his expression darkened. Could he really be that predictable? However, the White Dragon rolling in his head suddenly stopped before saying "Indeed, Vali does this regularly."
"…"
{Serves you right} Humming in satisfaction, Albion glanced at Vali, who was now consumed by self-doubt after the Longinus betrayal.
Albion knew Ddraig would never deceive him, so he believed the memories were undoubtedly true. Although it raised questions about why Ddraig's partner appeared differently in the memory, he didn't care about that at the moment. The fact was, Vali had agreed to be called the Butt Dragon Emperor, and Albion couldn't believe it. That damned Odin!
Shaking his head disapprovingly, Leo looked at Vali with pity. He couldn't fathom how someone with such a weak mentality could even think of challenging him. What a clueless idiot.
"It seems our connection run through even our partners, Albion. I remember my partner doing this a couple of times too with a wimpy kid (Kazuma), a bald menace (Saitama), and a weird girl (Ritsuka)."
"…"
The familiar silence once again descended as Leo's expression froze while shaking his head. Everyone gazes fell on him, even Gugalanna, as the atmosphere stagnated.
Leo felt the sting of betrayal once again as he realized that Ddraig had tricked him. He could feel the sharp sting of VI's teeth sinking into his flesh, and the glee in Ddraig's voice from within the Longinus. Leo finally understood that these dragons were rebelling and his destiny as a dragon slayer was about to begin.
However, his attention was drawn to Vali's eyes, which were flashing with scorching emotions. It was a mixture of an urge to laugh and say 'As expected from my rival' with admiration. This caused Leo's fist to slowly clench and raise.
Taking a deep breath, Leo tapped the air as the very fabric of space twisted into a portal with a dark interior.
"Even if the entire world were to stand against me, I would never admit to being a chunni. Do you hear me, you bastards?!"
Yes, when in doubt, you press X and blame the world! What philosophy? What thinking and complicating existence? This world truth is merely such a simple idea!
Pointing at everyone here with hatred, Leo stepped into the portal while saying "Let's go, POMD. I have to go pick up Palkia and take the dog for a walk."
As they watched the portal close and the space ripples slowly fading, everyone felt as though they were in a fever dream and suddenly awakened. Was this truly the strongest being in the world?
As they were speechless, a figure cladded in water fell on the yacht deck and landed in front of Azazel.
"Poseidon, it's a… pleasant coincidence." Azazel greeted the god of sea warmly, but the latter stuffed something into his hand in a hurry.
"These are Zeus' personal contact information; you can figure out with him. I wasn't here."
Looking at Poseidon, who was about to collapse into a water puddle and leave, Azazel's lips twitched before he pointed down and said " I am afraid that won't be possible"
As though it had been meticulously planned, faint fluorescent lights formed multiple paths amidst the unstable energy fluctuations that shook the area. The glow of tyrannical waves illuminated Azazel's wry laugh and Poseidon's grim expression as he raised his trident to hit him.
Meanwhile, as the golden tails tapped on the floor boringly, Yasaka sighed to herself. Azazel, who promised to help, suddenly vanished which left her with nothing to do but stare at the ceiling and the cross…
Suddenly, the wooden cross piercing her abdomen began to vibrate and then disintegrated into particles of light. However, instead of feeling joy, Yasaka's expression collapsed as the Dragon Vein node within her began to riot.
Inside the interior of Mount Tai, Dongyue sighed as he looked at the situation outside of temple, but his distressed expression cut off short as the crosses on the formation disintegrated, causing the whole mountain to shake.
…
With his feet lightly tapping on the asphalt road, Leo landed on the street facing his house as ground shook for a split second. Since this is Japan, earthquakes are rather frequent occurrences, but today, some might argue it was the planet.
Leo rubbed his shoulders uncomfortably before a ball rolled at feet, only see a young boy staring at him blankly in disbelief.
"You see, this has been done by aliens." Said the alien (Leo).
"MOMMY!! That bad guy from next door jumped off a portal!!"
"You little shit…" As the kid ran away, Leo clicked his tongue before kicking the ball into the neighbor backyard. The kid probably went to get looked at by his mother as if he has a brain problem.
{Despite its ups and downs, everything had ended up quite alright.} As Leo gazed at the familiar empty street where he had struck terror into his neighbors' hearts, he felt a sense of relaxation and ease.
Although not ideal, recovering the Ten Crowns was the most effective solution. However, complications and problems were inevitable. The rush to confront the accumulation of evil from two worlds, DXD and Type-Moon, had worsened his condition. Nevertheless, at least the deterioration had finally stopped, and he could now begin to recover.
But firstly, both Venom and Palkia were knocked unconscious because they pushed themselves too much to make the pervious project work.
While taking care of them, Leo found this is the best time to buy gifts for them! Palkia won't care much, but it's because Venom would be very stubborn to accept anything and be like 'Severing you is my greatest gift, my lord', which makes Leo pensive.
Looking down at his shadow, he saw 14 pair of eyes staring at him with resentment, which made his expression deepen.
He had always tried to encourage these kids to live their own lives, but the result ended up with a Yu Gi Oh obsessed shut-in (Kuriboh). {Just where did his education go wrong?! I can't be a neglected parent! We are literally connected spiritually and have goddamn teleportation…}
Ending his breakdown for the day, Leo felt speechless. Nevertheless, he accepted the situation for what it was and decided to take Kuriboh out for a walk later to 'clear his mind'. Perhaps they would burn some grass too.
"Anyway…"
As Leo walked towards his home, he cracked his neck and fingers. His expression grew solemn, but just before he launched the Chat Room, the door of the neighboring house burst open.
As the vibrant red flash dissipated, Nero's blond hair fluttered, and she stood before Leo with a radiant smile. However, the fervent light in her eyes caused Leo to flinch. He then noticed that she was holding a small girl dressed in a fancy and stylish gothic dress, presenting her to him.
Ophis, whose feet dangled in the air, wore the same blank expression as always. However, as she gazed at Leo, her eyes seemed to convey several philosophical questions about life, such as 'Who am I?', 'Where am I?', and 'Is this real?'
{Oh, she broke.}
"Look, my Praetor. Isn't she very beautiful? Why didn't you tell me that you know such dazzling person! How can you let her keep wearing those ugly clothes? Umu—"
Looking at Nero chirping cheerfully, Leo simply raised his hand and stopped her before saying "Why are you still here? Oh, right, you can't go back to your world on your own."
"… Umu?" Nero froze in place for a moment with a shocked expression.
Upon hearing Leo's voice, Ophis' eyes cleared, and she vanished. In the next moment, she appeared behind Leo, peeking at Nero with vigilance and muttering, 'Bad person...'
Shaking his head at Nero's astonishment, Leo couldn't help but wonder why there were so many people with weak mentalities around him. Imagine having so much weakness, can't relate.
His eyes were quickly drawn to Ophis behind him and said in a deep voice "Have you done it?"
"…"
Ophis raised her head and gazed deeply into Leo's eyes before saying "No"
"Why?"
"They would change it back when I leave."
"…"
The reflection of his figure within those blank, gray eyes left Leo speechless. He couldn't help but think to himself {Truly a mascot of a leader. He can't even change the name of the organization to Passione. But it doesn't matter. We should be an Italian mafia, not a magical Taliban.}
Shaking his head, Leo didn't show any reluctance for such a thing. Instead, it made him remember that his uncle may have been involved in some sort of mafia back in Italy. He contemplated the idea of joining in.
"Is my Praetor going to Italy?"
"Maybe, but seriously, shouldn't you be back in your world already?"
Nero furrowed her eyebrows before humming and puffing out her chest. Her eyes showed no signs of timidity or hesitation as she boldly declared, "Your tone and words are nonsensical! I, Nero Claudius, have not yet explored this era enough! How can I finish before this era bears witness to my mesmerizing art? Even you, my Praetor, better be prepared!"
"Yeah, the art for screwing yourself. I don't like idols."
"Umu?!"
Leo rolled his eyes at Nero's expression of disbelief, as if he had betrayed her.
Imagine being so idle as to choose the shady idol industry, as expected from one of Rome's worst emperors. Surely, her decision would end well. {Oh well, I guess it's alright. Who would have thought that the complications in the entertainment industry couldn't reach you if you can break the sound barrier? Truly, a super Idol [1].}
"Alright, you go do that, but don't involve me. Also, stop calling me this Praetor. It sounds bad, even doom angel felt much better. Don't follow me, see ya"
Leo quickened his pace and entered the house. He closed the door without looking back, leaving Nero and Ophis staring at each other. The latter quickly distanced herself while keeping maximum vigilance.
…
The Chat Room lived in peace and harmony. The calmness and serenity filled every corner until the privileged nation attacked.
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): I AM BAAAAAAAAACCCKKKK!!]
As the username adorned with various badges and cool effects suddenly burst onto the screen, the members of the chat felt momentarily dazzled by the opulence of the display. And then, just as suddenly, the chat room exploded.
[NEET Princess: Hi back, I am dad.]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: It's no wonder; only you could have such a son. You have my deepest sympathy.]
[NEET Princess: I would have argued with you, but what's the use? I can't deny the truth. I've failed in my parenting.]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Oh, my dear father. Come here, let's talk about my child support. I heard you are rich.]
[NEET Princess: Forgive me, son. The path of life is long and the milk is far away.]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: You heartless kid, how can you treat your father like that?]
[Bri-Bri: (ಠ_ಠ). What am I watching here?]
[The Strongest Man In The World: GUHAHAHAHA!]
[A Hero For Fun: Family Drama? Hmmm, Leo can you change my nickname now?]
[Big Sister Lion: How touching. What nickname do you want anyway?]
[A Hero For Fun: I have received my Hero nickname. Caped Baldy!]
[Big Sister Lion: Pffff… It's fitting… HAHAHAHA!!]
[Gudako (Chaldea's Admin): Pfff… I don't think we should laugh, sorry…Pfff]
As the nonsense unfolded in the chat, Leo shrugged and instinctively joined in on the fun. However, he couldn't help but tilt his head as he noticed that the previous chat atmosphere wasn't quite right.
{Uhhh… Why are there four pages of deleted messages?} Leo blinked, suddenly realizing that there was some sort of malicious intent brewing in the chat room.
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): So, what happened here and why is there a crime scene?]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Don't worry about it., Don't you high dimensional entities like surprises? You'll know eventually.]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin) has chosen a Side Mission from DXD World. Preparing the transfer procedures…]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): ???]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: I take that back. You're about to know now.]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Hey, I didn't choose any side missions. I don't even know how!]
[The Strongest Man In The World: Oh? Then I can teach you how.]
[Big Sister Lion: Imagine learning about technology from this primitive old man.]
[The Strongest Man In The World: …]
[NEET Princess: How funny, I mean, how worrying.]
[Bri-Bri: Huh? Are you tricking us to join you? I am not buying that.]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): …]
{Do I have no trust in your hearts, you bastards!} Leo took a deep breath and closed the door to his room, summoning a clone just in case. As he did so, a white chat screen appeared before him, distinct from the usual light blue one.
[####### (DXD World's Will): Rise and shine, Leo. There should be a Chinese idiom for this, but I'll leave that for you to fill in. The day is still long, so how about we play a game?]
"…"
[Transfer procedures initiated successfully! Transfer will begin after 00:00:10s]
[00:00:9]
[00:00:8]
Upon receiving the private message and noticing the countdown, Leo clapped his hands and took a deep breath again before returning to the regular chat.
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): So, it's actually kind of funny, but... Send help! My World's Will is kidnapping me! Dammit, I am going to call the Outer Gods!]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: You damn traitor, I can't believe it. I've been inside a den of snakes. By the way, could you ask them about their employee welfare and hiring conditions?]
[NEET Princess: Hmph, shameless scums. I can't believe I'm surrounded by traitors. By the way, do you know if it's possible to start with a busted system, or do you have to begin with some mediocre cheat?]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): Wait, didn't you already go on a side mission? Did you delete your messages so I couldn't know what happened?!]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Tsk, tsk, I can't believe you are accusing us like that.]
[NEET Princess: Your lack of trust is concerning.]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin): You litt— ]
[Annihilation Maker (Admin) has entered infected reality #32 of DXD World's sphere.
- Number of participants: undecided.
- Allowed Members: unfilled.
- Recommended Members: unchosen.
- Degree of corruption: 89%
- Notes: Hopeless. Horrible. Sad. Funky.]
[Bri-Bri: …]
[NEET Princess: …]
[Big Sister Lion: …]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: … Okay, but why is it funky though?]
[NEET Princess: The real question.]
[Bri-Bri: You two, I think we should have told him.]
As Misaka gazed at the ominous 89% corruption looming before her, a chill ran down her spine. She couldn't quite fathom how terrible it was, but the memory of the previous revolting side mission made her shiver.
[NEET Princess: Don't worry, he won't die. If he runs into trouble, he can ask for help in the chat. After all, we completed the side mission beautifully. Fufufu~]
[Advocate of Gender Equality: Shut it. I don't want to hear it from you. If you hadn't thrown those explosions, the corruption wouldn't have reached 40%! It was supposed to be a tutorial mission!]
[NEET Princess: Don't blame me! You pushed me to test the waters and then run away! Don't think I forgot that.]
[The Strongest Man In The World: Stop wasting your breath. He's a man who outdid me. It's nothing to be surprised about.]
[A Hero For Fun: ...I was ignored.]
[Big Sister Lion: Perhaps we should prepare for a funeral instead.]
[Bri-Bri: ... sigh]
…
Meanwhile, the angel that everyone had mentioned found himself standing in the open as the sunset dyed the sky a flaming orange. It should have been a very familiar scene to him, but something felt… off.
"This is... Kuoh Park? How much more destined are we?" Leo muttered.
As the clouds drifted and birds chirped in the background, Leo gazed at the water flying off the fountain. The feeling grew stronger as he took his first step, only to hear the sound of glass cracking under his foot.
As Leo stepped onto what should have been solid concrete ground, he noticed several fine cracks running from under his foot. Lifting his foot, he saw the cracks slowly mending before his eyes caught a glimpse of the horizon. The clouds drifted and the sunset expanded, but beyond that, there was nothing.
Suddenly, the fountain died down, and a crimson-purple spear of light brushed past his cheek before the waters turned red.
"It was truly enjoyable. But if you're looking for someone to blame, blame God for bestowing that Sacred Gear on you"
As he stared at the blond young man whose heart seemed to 'open' to the world, Leo blinked before glancing to his left. He saw a girl in dominatrix clothes brushing her hair, with crow-like wings behind her. Leo nodded to himself, satisfied that his own wings were much better.
However, something left him speechless. Was he being ignored in this stabbing game? He felt somehow insulted, but on second thought, he realized that the fallen angel's eyes didn't reflect his figure.
"Something isn't right… Hm?"
Glancing back at the dying young man, Leo barely managed to catch a glimpse before his words were cut off short. Suddenly, he found himself standing in the middle of a neighborhood street. There was no sign of change; he was simply there.
His ears picked up some sounds, the only human voice in this neighborhood filled with houses. He saw a young man through the window of one of the houses, screaming because he had woken up from a nightmare and was clutching his chest.
"Lovely… Now, what to do?"
Carefully taking a step on the "fragile" ground, Leo wore a difficult-to-describe expression and let out a sigh that turned into a grin.
Side Mission, Begins.
——————————————————————
[1]: Super Idol: The smile of Super Idol is not as sweet as yours. The sun at noon in August is not as dazzling as you. I love you at 105 °C, drips of pure distilled water