Inside one of the chapel's rooms, Vasco sat in a sturdy chair that looked almost too small for his massive frame, while Dulio leaned casually against the edge of a long table, both of them laughing as they recalled stories from their past.
"…And then, get this, his very first mission, and he somehow manages to almost violate 14 international peace agreements in a single night!"
Vasco boomed, slapping the table with enough force to make the tea cups rattle.
Dulio grinned sheepishly but didn't deny it.
"Hey, in my defense, I was still testing if my Longinus could make a thermonuclear warhead using water."
Siegfried, leaning back in his chair with arms crossed, chuckled at the memory.
"That kinda reminds me of the time you threw me into a den of werewolves and left me there to fend for myself, Old Man. I thought I was done for until my Twice Critical hit Balance Breaker for the first time."
Vasco's chest shook with laughter.
"A great learning experience! If you can survive that, you can survive anything."
Jeanne, seated beside him, smirked as she added.
"Just like last time you visited, all three of us sparred against you, and we didn't even last a full minute before we were on the ground."
Connla groaned, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I still remember hitting dirt... literally. I had to spit out half the training field."
The whole group erupted into laughter at that, their voices echoing lightly off the chapel's high ceiling.
Meanwhile, Arthur leaned back in his chair, quietly observing as he spoke to Ddraig in his mind.
(Hey… did my predecessor ever meet this guy?)
Ddraig's voice rumbled in his thoughts.
(I can't say for sure, but the one before him once heard a story about an exorcist who managed to defeat and corner Kokabiel during the Second World War. It could have been him, by the way he carries himself. Wouldn't surprise me.)
Arthur nodded subtly, recalling random late-night browsing on the Wiki Fandom when he was bored.
However, there was one thing that had been bothering him since meeting Vasco.
(Isn't he supposed to be bald or something?)
He shook the thought away for now, focusing on the present.
He cleared his throat loudly enough to break through the ongoing banter.
"Excuse me for interrupting, but we're here because Dulio said Mister Vasco here wanted to see me."
The laughter slowly died down, and all eyes turned to him.
Vasco's expression softened into an apologetic smile.
"Ah, you're right. Forgive me, lad. I got carried away."
Sitting up straighter, Vasco's gaze moved across Arthur and the others.
"It truly is an honor to meet you all in person. I've heard much about your feats, each of you. Especially yours, Young Pendragon."
Heracles raised his hand like an eager student.
Vasco's thick brows lifted.
"Yes?"
Heracles grinned.
"Can I fight you?"
Everyone turned toward him with a mixture of disbelief and irritation.
Heracles looked around innocently.
"What? I have to ask, okay. I mean, look at his chiseled biceps! That could make a bull cry in shame!"
Vasco's deep laugh filled the room again.
"We'll see about that later. For now…"
His voice lowered slightly, becoming more serious.
"There's something I wish to discuss with you, lad."
Arthur nodded, his posture becoming more formal.
"First of all, I want to give you my deepest condolences for your loss. Your mother, Artoria… she was one of the greatest exorcists of her time. She was also my best student."
Vasco continued, his tone heavy with respect.
Arthur's eyes widened slightly, his chest tightening at the mention of her name.
He drew in a slow breath to steady himself, then gave a small nod.
"Thank you… I appreciate that. But please, don't bring it up again."
From the corner of his eye, he noticed Lavinia looking at him, her expression filled with quiet concern.
Vasco inclined his head in apology.
"Of course."
He reached inside his robe, pulling out a pristine white envelope sealed with a wax emblem.
He held it out toward Arthur.
"This… is the reason I wanted to talk to you today."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, cautiously taking the envelope.
"A letter from the Pope?"
The weight of the statement made the entire room fall into silence.
"Yes."
Vasco replied, his voice solemn.
Arthur stared at it for a moment, then slowly broke the seal, pulling out the folded parchment inside.
The others leaned in slightly, curiosity filling their expressions as he unfolded it.
He began to read aloud, his voice steady but curious.
"Dear Arthur Pendragon,
It is with a heavy heart that I first extend my deepest condolences for the loss of your mother, Artoria Pendragon, as well as the innocent people of your hometown, which is now called Avalon. I pray for their eternal peace and for your healing in this difficult time."
Arthur paused for a moment, but he kept reading.
"I also wish to express my sincerest apologies for the many inconveniences and, indeed, the pain that the Church has caused you, directly and indirectly. For that, I humbly ask your forgiveness, though I know such things cannot easily be mended with words alone."
Arthur's gaze narrowed slightly at that line, but he didn't comment and kept going.
"First, I have assigned Father Vasco Strada to serve as the resident priest and overseer in Avalon. He will manage the exorcist forces stationed there and ensure that such tragedies never again befall your people. His wisdom, strength, and steadfast character will serve both the faithful and the innocent under your town's protection."
Arthur glanced at Vasco for a brief moment before continuing.
"Second, I have been informed by Lord Michael, through the reports of Dulio Gesualdo, about the existence of your group, the 'Counter Corps.' Lord Michael and I are most impressed by your vision. We have decided to officially recognize and support your organization. Furthermore, we will assist in recruitment efforts, and I have included the names of several recommended individuals whom I believe will be of great help to your cause. I trust you will meet them in due time."
Arthur flipped to the next folded section.
"Lastly, I must impose upon you a personal favor, one that comes with great weight. Father Vasco has informed me of a young holy maiden, one who possesses the power of healing. As you may not be aware, there has been increased disappearances of holy maidens at an alarming rate. To ensure her safety, I have decided she will accompany Father Vasco to Avalon. I am fully aware this is asking much of you, Young Arthur, but if you could take her under your protection, you will have my eternal gratitude. This is not merely an act of duty, it is an act of trust, for both Lord Michael and I have judged Avalon to be one of the safest havens for her to grow, meet new people, and live without the suffocating expectations from her peers."
Arthur's expression didn't change, but the room felt heavier with every word.
"That is all I wish to impart for now. May God be with you, Arthur Pendragon.
- The Pope."
Arthur let out a slow breath as he lowered the letter, folding it neatly again.
The others in the room exchanged looks, some surprised, some curious, some uncertain.
Vasco stepped forward slightly, his tone calm yet firm.
"Lad, If you're wondering why you were entrusted with this, it's because both the Pope and Lord Michael believe this place is the safest sanctuary for her. Not only that, but they believe you can provide the environment she needs, one where she will not only be protected, but also learn and grow as a person."
Arthur looked at him for a long moment, then finally asked.
"I kinda get why you're doing all this… but before I ask, what is this holy maiden's name?"
Before Vasco could answer, the door opened.
"Grandpa Vasco! I'm back from the bakery."
Everyone turned to see a young girl, twelve years old, with long, silky blonde hair and gentle green eyes, standing in the doorway.
She wore a modest nun's habit, the hem slightly brushing against her ankles, and clutched a woven basket filled with fresh bread.
The little nun blinked at the group, her surprise evident.
"Ah, Mister Dulio! Mister Sieg! Miss Jeanne! You're all here too!"
She greeted cheerfully before turning to Vasco.
"Grandpa Vasco, the kind baker, just gave these to me for free! He said he was grateful for our work here."
Vasco chuckled warmly and patted her head.
"That's very kind of him. Thank you, Asia."
Then he turned to Arthur and gestured toward her.
"Arthur, allow me to introduce Asia Argento, the holy maiden we spoke of. She bears the Sacred Gear known as Twilight Healing."
Arthur's eyes shifted toward the young girl, who shyly looked back at him.
DxD
Hello readers!
Here's another chapter.
This one's a little short though, but still give me more Stones, please!
Thank you, everyone, and see you later!