Rias was delighted about Xenovia's addition, especially since Xenovia wielded [Durandal], a Holy Sword whose power rivaled even [Excalibur].
To FGO players, the name [Durandal] might seem unfamiliar at first, but mention its other name—[Durindana]—and many would recall it immediately.
[Durandal] was one of Europe's three legendary holy swords. It was said to contain within its blade Saint Peter's tooth, Saint Basil's blood, Saint Denis's hair, and even a fragment of the Virgin Mary's clothing, making it impossibly sharp. Known also as the Sword of Angels, it was indestructible, granting divine protection to its wielder.
In FGO, the skill icon for "NP Gain" was typically Artoria's [Excalibur], while the "Attack Up" icon often featured [Durandal].
Hector was [Durandal's] first wielder, though he favored using it as a thrown spear. After Hector's defeat, [Durandal] vanished, reappearing only when the Paladin Roland emerged on the world stage. Legend claimed the sword was bestowed upon Roland by angels, and Roland's fame eventually rivaled that of King Arthur.
There was also Mandricardo, affectionately called "Teacher of Myths," who stumbled upon Hector's armor by chance and embarked on a quest to find [Durandal]. Eventually, he encountered the heartbroken, crazed Roland, shamelessly stealing [Durandal] from him. Thus, Mandricardo could be considered another wielder of [Durandal]; his Rider-class Noble Phantasm allowed him to wield any weapon with the sharpness of [Durandal]—a power similar to that of Richard the Lionheart.
Rias wanted to throw a welcome party for their new member. Aside from Jeanne Alter, who seemed utterly disinterested, everyone else showed great enthusiasm, even Asia.
However, parties needed preparation. Rias switched topics quickly—after all, she hadn't yet explained her primary reason for calling Jeanne Alter and Asia here.
Azazel, the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels, had quietly intruded into Kuoh Town.
What infuriated Rias most was how casually he approached her servants, interfering with their devilish duties!
Jeanne Alter had heard that devils from the Gremory clan were notoriously protective of their servants. They disliked outsiders touching or harming what belonged to them. Still, Rias's hyper-sensitive reaction made Jeanne Alter's expression complicated.
Azazel's motives for approaching Hyoudou Issei were transparent enough. It was certainly because of Issei's [Boosted Gear]. Azazel's fascination with [Sacred Gears] was widely known across factions, especially given he had Vali Lucifer—the current White Dragon Emperor—under his wing. Meeting Issei, this generation's Red Dragon Emperor, was practically inevitable.
Besides [Boosted Gear], Azazel probably had his eye on Asia's [Sacred Gear], [Twilight Healing]. Although Kiba Yuuto's [Sword Birth], wasn't initially noteworthy, the awakening of his unprecedented [Balance Breaker], [Sword of Betrayer], blending holy and demonic attributes, undoubtedly caught Azazel's attention.
"We know what Azazel wants. The problem is figuring out how to deal with him… we can't rely on Jeanne-san every time," Rias muttered bitterly, biting her lip. Her pride wouldn't let her be continually rescued by Jeanne Alter.
"Huh? Is it really that complicated?" Jeanne Alter asked bluntly, drawing everyone's attention.
"Ohhh! Jeanne-san, you have a solution?" Issei stared expectantly at Jeanne Alter, oblivious to everyone else's wary gazes.
Under their astonished stares, Jeanne Alter confidently declared, "When you can't solve your problems, the simplest solution is to eliminate the one causing them. So—give me the Fallen Angels' HQ location, and I'll wipe them all out!"
With that, she winked confidently at Rias, giving her a thumbs-up as if saying, "Leave it all to me."
"Stop defaulting to annihilating everyone!" Rias groaned, covering her face. Why was she, a devil, advising a human to show mercy?
"I… I see! Eliminate the source when facing unsolvable troubles! Jeanne-sama's wisdom truly runs deep…" Xenovia gasped in admiration.
"Wait, wait, Xenovia! Don't take her seriously!" Rias cried, alarmed by Xenovia's earnest reverence for Jeanne Alter, whose words Xenovia revered blindly, even attributing layers of hidden meaning when none existed.
Don't understand Jeanne-sama? Clearly, my faith isn't strong enough. Jeanne-sama must have profound reasons; I just need to remember them carefully!
Rias shot Jeanne Alter a resentful look. Jeanne Alter returned a perfectly innocent stare.
"I'm glad to see things here are still lively."
A new, unfamiliar voice suddenly spoke up. Everyone turned, startled, and found a smiling red-haired man standing there.
Instantly, Himejima Akeno, Toujou Koneko, and Kiba Yuuto knelt respectfully. Issei looked confused, while Xenovia wore a giant question mark above her head.
"B-B-Brother?!" Rias's voice cracked in surprise.
"Relax, everyone. I'm here today in a personal capacity." Sirzechs waved calmly, gesturing for everyone to stand up, which they promptly did.
"Hey, Rias-chan. By the way, the decor here is rather dull, isn't it? Despite having so many young girls around, the only decorations being magic circles seems problematic," Sirzechs remarked teasingly, surveying the room.
"Brother, why are you here?" Rias asked.
"Hmm? Am I interrupting something? Oh, that's right! You've welcomed a new servant, haven't you? Planning a welcome party? Seems I've arrived just in time—I can join too!"
"Aren't you supposed to be busy?" Rias retorted. Indeed, Sirzechs Lucifer, as the Demon Lord, was extremely busy. He'd even personally rushed to Kuoh Town after Azazel's last intrusion.
Sirzechs had thoroughly questioned Jeanne Alter, Rias, and the others about recent events and swiftly repaired Kuoh Academy, restoring it at a speed far surpassing even the infrastructure projects of certain countries.
"Despite my busy schedule as Demon Lord, I wanted to attend my dear sister's parent-teacher visitation day. Even if it meant taking leave, I wanted to see my sister diligently studying up close. Don't worry, Father will also be coming."
"Wha…! But you're one of the Four Great Satans! You can't abandon your responsibilities for favoritism!" Rias protested.
"No need to worry. Azazel recently approached us for a summit involving representatives of devils, angels, and fallen angels. Supposedly, he's even considering an apology for the Kokabiel incident, although I seriously doubt Azazel is the type to apologize... Anyway, I plan to hold the summit at Kuoh Academy. I'm here to inspect the venue."
"W-what?! I haven't heard anything about this!" Rias exclaimed in shock.
Jeanne Alter pulled Asia aside, utterly uninterested.
The summit involved devils, angels, and fallen angels, but she and Asia were human. This was none of her concern. And the parent-teacher day? Ha. Neither of them had parents in this world. Jeanne Alter herself barely counted as Asia's guardian, so this event didn't concern them either.
Despite Jeanne Alter's disinterest, Sirzechs approached her with a smile.
"Jeanne-san, thank you again for your help last time. Without you, my sister and her friends might have been in grave danger."
"You already thanked me," Jeanne Alter dismissed casually.
"I was rushed last time. I wanted to properly thank you again."
"Enough with the empty pleasantries. Is everyone from high positions like this, even devils?" Jeanne Alter folded her arms impatiently. "My goal was those Holy Swords. Saving your sister was just a bonus. Don't keep thanking me."
Sirzechs's smile deepened. "I see. If that's how you put it… we'll leave it at that."
"What do you mean 'leave it at that'? That's exactly what it is!" Jeanne Alter snapped, irritated.
"Then, skipping that topic… there's something else I'd like to discuss." Ignoring Jeanne Alter's fierce glare, Sirzechs continued mildly, "Jeanne-san, would you join us at the upcoming summit?"
"Not interested. Now scram!" Jeanne Alter's expression darkened immediately. Her venomous tone startled Rias and the others—telling the one of the Four Great Satans himself to "scram"? Just how daring was this girl?
Sirzechs merely gave a resigned smile. "But Jeanne-san, you're central to recent events. We need your perspective."
"I already told you everything. Quit bothering me over trivialities or I'll burn you all. Got it?"
"Jeanne-san, you've given me quite the headache. Azazel and the angels insisted on meeting you… may I ask why?"
"You're really asking that dumb question seriously?"
Her eyes burned with golden flames of hatred, relentless until revenge consumed everyone, herself included.
"Place a bunch of God's lapdogs in front of me, and I might explode. Boom! Hate doesn't discriminate; flames burn all equally—even those who lit them."
Sirzechs chuckled nervously. "That sounds terrifying indeed…"
"If it's scary, drop this silly idea and scram already. Too close to a witch, and you'll be cursed."
"Well, we're devils; a curse beats God's blessings any day," Sirzechs joked, undaunted by her repeated "scram."
Suddenly, Sirzechs addressed Asia kindly. "Asia… right? May I borrow Jeanne-san briefly?"
Asia nodded anxiously. "I-I don't mind."
Privately, Sirzechs's tone grew serious. "Have you heard of Khaos Brigade?"
Jeanne Alter raised an eyebrow. "You want me there to protect them, right? Worried about your sister?"
Sirzechs smiled knowingly. "With my precious sister involved, extra insurance never hurts. Besides, I believe you're interested in those people too."
"Fine," Jeanne Alter scoffed coldly. "When I turn those birds into grilled wings, don't regret it."
Sirzechs simply smiled, accepting the risk.