Jeanne Alter's words landed like a boulder tossed into an already turbulent lake, sending waves crashing through the hearts of everyone present.
Shock and confusion gripped those who heard her declaration. It wasn't a joke—this realization quickly dawned upon everyone.
The most panicked was Asia, whose mind went blank in an instant.
On one side stood her inspiration, the one who had rescued her from darkness—Jeanne; on the other, Michael-sama, the Seraph who stood at God's right hand.
From the bottom of her heart, Asia never wished to see a conflict erupt between these two.
A heavy, oppressive silence settled, choking the room as everyone held their breaths, unable to utter a single word.
Meeting Jeanne Alter's piercing gaze, Michael remained calmly composed, almost as if he'd anticipated what she was going to ask.
"Go ahead."
Jeanne had participated in this tedious meeting partly for Ophis, wanting to investigate this terrorist organization coveting Ophis' power. She was also worried about Koneko's safety during the attack. And lastly… there was something else.
"Why did you exile Asia? Why did you brand her as a witch?"
The question surprised everyone, expressions clearly showing their confusion—why bring this up now of all times? Still, some nodded in understanding or merely gave resigned smiles.
Michael responded earnestly, his voice gentle and sincere.
"Regarding that, I can only deeply apologize. After God's passing, the only thing that remained was the 'System' responsible for protection, compassion, and miracles. Simply put, this 'System' enables miracles given by God. Rituals, exorcisms, and sacred items such as crosses derive their power from this 'System.'"
"Only God could operate the System perfectly. Since his passing, we Seraphs, led by myself, have barely managed to maintain it. But compared to when God was alive, our ability to offer salvation is limited, regrettably forcing us to exclude anything that could disrupt the System."
"Certain [Sacred Gears] can destabilize this delicate balance—like Asia Argento's [Twilight Healing], Issei Hyoudou's [Boosted Gear], and Vali's [Divine Dividing]. These must be kept far away from the Church."
"If someone among the faithful possessed a [Sacred Gear] that could heal devils and fallen angels, it would shake the foundations of belief around them. The faith of believers sustains us in Heaven, hence why [Twilight Healing] was listed as a forbidden [Sacred Gear]. Another type of threat to the System is…"
Michael paused briefly, glancing toward Xenovia.
"Those who know of God's death, correct?"
Xenovia nodded, having already grasped the truth.
"Exactly. Losing you was a great loss to us, Xenovia. But aside from us Seraphs and some high-ranking angels, anyone aware of God's death approaching Church grounds connected to Heaven directly endangers the System. I'm truly sorry; branding you and Asia as heretics was our only choice."
Michael bowed deeply to Asia and Xenovia.
The leader of angels, bowing to a devil. Xenovia, once a holy warrior of the Church, was now a reincarnated devil serving Rias. Both girls stared in shock, unsure how to react, before Xenovia quickly shook her head and smiled warmly.
"No, Michael-sama, you don't have to apologize. The Church raised me; though I felt bitter initially, after learning your reasons, I understand and hold no grudges."
"But your reincarnation as a devil is still our sin."
"It's alright. While part of me does regret it, I've experienced many new joys that were forbidden during my Church days. It might upset other believers, but I'm genuinely satisfied with my current life."
Asia clasped her hands gently. "Michael-sama, I'm happy now as well. I have many precious friends by my side. Being able to meet and speak with you is also an honor I never imagined."
Hearing their responses, Michael's expression softened into relief.
"I'm truly grateful for your forgiveness. [Durandal] is best entrusted to Xenovia; as part of Sirzechs' sister's peerage, you're safer holding it than anyone else."
"Basically, you're saying you were incompetent, right?"
Jeanne Alter's blunt remark instantly shattered the delicate ease just settling back into the room.
"Jeanne-san…"
Asia timidly spoke up, but Jeanne firmly pressed her hand down onto the girl's head, clearly telling her not to intervene.
After a brief pause, Michael nodded humbly, accepting Jeanne's accusation.
"Yes, you're right. It is indeed our incompetence."
"Your incompetence, yet you forced innocent people like Asia to suffer the consequences. You expect me to let it go with a simple apology?"
Jeanne Alter's golden eyes flickered dangerously, her entire presence emanating an oppressive aura.
"Of course, both Asia and Xenovia are kind-hearted girls who find happiness easily. You gave your reasons, and naturally, they'll forgive you… but I won't."
"You don't seriously think logic alone could persuade a vengeful witch to forgive and forget, do you? I'm far more vindictive than you imagine. They're good, strong girls who quietly endured injustice, but that doesn't mean I'll just sit by and forgive you."
"So come with me. Let's step outside and fight. Let me vent this anger properly."
Her clenched fist ignited into flames, illuminating Jeanne Alter's fiercely resolute expression.
"This fight isn't just about justice for Asia. It's to make you think carefully the next time you're tempted to do something similar—so that if you ever consider harming Asia again, you'll remember what it's like to face my fury."
Inside Asia's heart, something ignited—a spark soaring upward like a firework, blooming brilliantly across the dark night sky.
She stared blankly at Jeanne Alter's back, imprinting this moment into her heart forever.
It felt as if her whole body had caught fire, heat radiating from her pounding heart up to her cheeks, making her head feel light and airy.
She knew clearly this was wrong; peace was finally within reach, yet Jeanne's words might threaten it.
But even so… even so…
She couldn't utter a single word. Her body and mind felt lighter than air, as though lifted gently by colorful bubbles toward a sky painted with twilight hues.
...
Later, Jeanne Alter and Michael indeed fought. It wasn't a battle to the death, so neither used their full strength. Yet, their clash still shook the heavens.
Calling it a fight might be generous—Jeanne thoroughly dominated the match, displaying an overwhelming advantage in both stamina and technique.
Only as dawn painted the eastern horizon crimson did their duel finally end.
Following that, one day in July, a formal peace treaty was signed among Michael, leader of Heaven; Azazel, Governor of the Fallen Angels' organization "Grigori"; and Sirzechs Lucifer, the Devil King of the Underworld.
From then onward, the three factions forbade conflict, entering an official alliance.
Azazel decided to stay at Kuoh Academy, becoming an advisor to the Occult Research Club.
Jeanne Alter's interactions with Azazel, however, remained far from harmonious.
"And that's why you all should call me 'sensei' from now on."
"Do you want to be burned alive?"
Azazel lounged lazily on the sofa, acting like he owned the place, while Jeanne Alter glared at him with one hand on her hip, golden eyes gleaming dangerously.
"Why would that siscon Sirzechs allow the head of fallen angels into a devil's school? Did he lose his mind?"
"It's actually simpler than you think. I just asked Sirzechs, and he pointed me toward Serafall's sister, who assigned me this position. It's fantastic—this school is full of youthful female students. Staying here keeps me feeling young."
"What a disgusting smile… I should burn garbage like you at the incinerator."
"Of course, there's a condition for me staying here. With God gone, I'm probably the foremost expert on [Sacred Gears]. Sirzechs asked me to help guide the inexperienced [Sacred Gear] holders in Rias's peerage."
Azazel's hobby was researching the [Sacred Gears] left by God, preferring peace since war would hinder his research.
Within Rias's peerage, Issei had [Boosted Gear], Gasper possessed [Forbidden Balor View], and Kiba had the unprecedented Sacred-Demonic swords [Sword Birth]. Guiding them perfectly matched Azazel's interests, making this arrangement mutually beneficial.
Apart from Jeanne, the biggest reaction to Azazel's arrival surprisingly wasn't from Rias, but rather Himejima Akeno—particularly after Azazel mentioned the name "Baraqiel." Her expression instantly turned icy.
Does Rias's peerage have too many people driven by vengeance?
No, perhaps "avengers" wasn't quite right… Some didn't even clearly know who deserved their hatred yet.
...
Schools in Japan followed a three-term system. After finals, summer vacation began in late July and lasted until the end of August.
This was Jeanne Alter's rare experience being a top student—exams were effortlessly easy for her.
Summer vacation conjured memories of cicadas, secretly turning on air conditioning when parents weren't home, and sneaking popsicles from the freezer.
Beach trips? Sorry, her one childhood beach trip left her with unpleasant memories—saltwater in her nose and mouth. Miserable.
However, many classmates seemed excited about beach trips. Was it because Japan was surrounded by ocean?
Jeanne hadn't planned her summer break yet; she typically never planned ahead anyway. However, Rias and the others already had theirs sorted.
They intended to visit the Underworld.
Going home for summer—Rias explained casually.
Jeanne nodded, but something puzzled her.
"How do you get there? Punch a hole through the earth and fall into the Underworld?"
"Why would you think that would work?"
Rias stared incredulously at Jeanne.
Personal experience… maybe? Jeanne mused silently.