I fell to my knees.
The sheer shock of the scene before me left me no other choice.
Why…? Why on earth…?
Why… is it like this…?!
"Razzle, you want some?"
"Oh! Yeah, yeah, I'm digging in!"
"Such a peaceful place, isn't it~?"
"It is soothing. Truly, a beautiful location."
I had entrusted the other battlefield to my comrades and ascended to the Fourth Heaven with the Church Trio in tow. My heart was set on repelling the invading Evil Dragons and saving Touji-san.
And yet...!
"…Yawn. …I'm sleepy."
"Oh my, did eating make you drowsy?"
"A full stomach does tend to invite sleep. Especially since Bell is still a growing child."
"Well, can't be helped, I guess."
Witnessing this spectacle, I screamed from the bottom of my soul.
"You guys are having a picnic—!?"
A scream of pure anguish echoed through the Fourth Heaven—the Garden of Eden!
Because, come on!
Everything up to this point had been mostly serious! At least the enemies were!
So why, of all things, a picnic now?!
They had a leisure sheet spread out and were casually eating bento boxes! Bell had even fallen asleep using Vica's lap as a pillow!
Where is the tension?!
"Are you guys idiots?! You have to be idiots!"
Noticing us, Vica waved a hand in our direction.
"Oh, my. If it isn't the Hero. Long time no see~. Playing the straight man the moment you arrive? As expected of you."
"No, I don't want to hear that from someone playing the fool the moment I arrive! Why a picnic?!"
"Because that is exactly why we came here."
"Hah?! You climbed all the way to the Fourth Heaven just to have a picnic?!"
"Of course. It's not often one gets the chance to picnic in such a beautiful place."
"Besides, we're off the clock today. We have no intention of fighting. Today, I am—"
As Razzle spoke, he produced a bulky single-lens reflex camera from nowhere.
With practiced hands, he adjusted the focus.
"Today, I'm not Razzle of the 'Army Breaker'… I'm just a big brother. And that means—"
Snap-snap-snap-snap-snap-snap-snap!
"I'm gonna take pictures like crazyyyyy!"
He started rapid-firing shots of the sleeping Bell!
Whaaaaaat—?!
Isn't this guy's hobby fighting strong opponents?! Considering our last encounter, I thought he'd attack the moment he saw me!
As I screamed internally, Valse spoke up.
"Razzle may look like that, but he has a severe sister complex. This is what he's like when he's off duty. And as for me—"
Valse stepped up beside Razzle.
And then—.
"Today, I too am merely a brother!"
Shutter-shutter-shutter-shutter-shutter!
He started snapping photos with terrifying speed!
"You too—?!"
Valse is a sis-con too?!
As I stood stunned by this new revelation, Vica gave a wry smile.
"Well, those two absolutely adore this child. They're usually like this."
Vica stroked the sleeping Bell's head and touched her cheek.
Is that so… so this is their normal mode.
Razzle and Valse… aside from battle, these two really have nothing but their little sister on their minds.
"Well, I suppose I'm the same, though."
Piro-lin. Piro-lin.
"You too?! And you're using a smartphone?!"
"Well, look at this pose. It's easier to take photos this way. Doesn't the Hero have some experience with this?"
I… I certainly do!
When Mihae slept with her head on my lap, I took pictures with my phone!
Guh… does that mean these guys and I are of the same breed?!
Sister moe… is it sister love?!
Bell-chan's sleeping face is cute, after all! I can understand that feeling at least!
As I found myself empathizing, Razzle pulled out a book.
Wait, no way… don't tell me… that is!
"It's a photobook of Bell!"
"Whaaaaat—!"
This is bad! I knew it, but this guy is dangerous!
The Bell in those photos… she's way too cute—!
No, I won't lose! I can't back down here!
Like hell I'll lose to you!
"I carry photos of Mihae with me too, you know!"
I deployed my collection of Mihae photos! My phone is full of them too!
Don't underestimate a Sis-Con Dragon!
[Are you not the Oppai Dragon?!]
Ddraig's retort was precise!
Fine, then I'm the Oppai Sis-Con Dragon!
[That is too loooooong!]
"I love boobs, but I love Mihae toooooo!"
**~ Meanwhile, with Mihae ~**
"..."
"Mihae-san? Is something wrong?"
"Umm, it's just a hunch but… I feel like Big Brother is boasting about me."
"Is that… some kind of Sister Sensor?"
"Yeah."
Even while unleashing massive magic, Mihae's Sister Sensor was operating at full capacity, detecting Issei.
"What is that guy doing?! What about Irina-san's father?!" Alice's retort echoed.
"...Sister Sensor? Does the Red Dragon Emperor possess such a power?"
Crom Cruach tilted his head in confusion as he parried the trio's attacks.
**~ Meanwhile, End ~**
"I had heard the stories, but… those are the servants of the Evil God from another world…?"
"They're surprisingly… homey. Or rather, are many of the strong people in this world just sister-complexes…?"
" everyone's eyes are sparkling."
Xenovia, Irina, and Asia voiced their impressions.
Right?!
It is homey! It's actually annoying how homey these enemies are! And to top it off, they're ridiculously strong!
Xenovia asked, "Is it really alright for us to just pass through?"
"I-I guess? They don't seem motivated…"
It seemed the other side really had no intention of fighting today.
I mean, they are 'off the clock'…
Picnicking in a flower garden—there's a limit to how domestic you can get.
Well, not being stopped here is something to be grateful for.
…However, the crucial figure, Asem, isn't among them.
He was definitely in the footage we saw earlier…
"No~, sorry to keep you waiting. It took a little longer than I thought."
Along with an innocent voice, a single presence manifested in the area.
When I turned around, a white-haired boy wearing a white hoodie was standing there.
The boy looked at my face and smiled brightly.
"Hi there, Hero. It's been a while."
"Asem…! So you finally showed up, you bastard."
"Don't say it like a bug just popped out. And even if you bare your hostility like that, we have no intention of making a move this time, okay?"
Although I sensed no hostility from Asem as he spoke, he exuded an eerie atmosphere.
If I make a careless move, I'll be killed.
The god before me possessed an uncanniness that made me believe that instantly.
The three behind me also braced themselves at Asem's arrival.
He says he won't attack, but there's no telling what will happen if we let our guard down.
I spoke to the three of them.
"Irina, Xenovia, Asia. You three go on ahead. I have something I want to ask this guy."
"Issei-san…?"
Asia looked at me with a worried expression. She was probably concerned I would do something reckless.
I gently patted Asia's head.
"It's alright. I'll catch up right away. Irina, this isn't the place for you to be idling, right? Xenovia, Asia, please support Irina."
"Issei-kun… Understood! I will absolutely save Papa!"
"I'll go along with that! Issei, we'll be waiting!"
"Issei-san! Let's meet up later!"
The three of them ran off.
Irina, make sure you protect your dad, okay?
I'll rush over soon, too.
After watching their backs disappear, I returned my gaze to Asem.
"Asem, what is your objective? Why did you guys come all the way here? It's not like you joined Rizevim just to invade Heaven… is it?"
Both he and Vica claimed they wouldn't lift a finger this time. That was likely not a lie.
But if that's the case, I don't understand their goal.
Surely they didn't come to the Fourth Heaven just to have a picnic… that would be too strange.
No, well, Vica and the others are picnicking with all their might.
But at the very least, Asem seemed to have a different purpose.
What exactly is it—?
Asem smiled faintly and spoke.
"My objective was the top floor of Heaven. To see the 'System' located in the Seventh Layer."
"Wha…t?!"
My eyes widened in shock.
See the 'System'?!
I had discussed the possibility of Asem entering the Seventh Heaven with Azazel-sensei over comms, but did he actually go there?!
Asem continued.
"What interested me was the programming of the Sacred Gears within the 'System.' Sacred Gears possess various abilities, especially the Longinus that hold power enough to slay gods. The power of the God of the Bible who created them was fascinating to me. So, I thought I'd take this opportunity to have a look."
"The Seraphs should have a barrier around the Seventh Heaven! Something like that shouldn't be…!"
After Heaven was attacked, Michael-san and the other Seraphs immediately began constructing a barrier. Whether it was finished in time or not, he should have run into Michael-san's group by the time he arrived.
And yet—.
"I can do it, which is why I'm here, right?"
"Tch!"
He said it so nonchalantly!
Asem held up a finger.
"I think your doubt is reasonable. But you see, the world is vast. There is almost no such thing as 'absolute.' And this is one of those cases. It seems even the leader of Heaven couldn't perceive my existence. Well, I did use a little trick to make myself unnoticeable."
"Are you saying you invaded the Seventh Heaven?! But anyone who enters should be forcibly teleported away!"
Azazel-sensei had said so.
However, this guy just shrugged.
"Ah, that? It's a simple matter of temporarily disabling it. Though, if I caused a commotion, I wouldn't be able to look at it slowly, so just like with the Chief of Angels, I made it so the 'System' couldn't perceive my existence either. Thanks to that, it took longer than I expected. I'm actually pretty tired."
Asem exhaled while rolling his shoulders.
In other words, this guy made himself imperceptible to anything and anyone?!
Is such a thing even possible?!
But his power is an unknown variable. Maybe he really has surpassed the God of the Bible…
[No, if we are unlucky, he might stand on an even higher dimension. Surpassing even the Heavenly Dragons… He likely hasn't reached the level of Ophis or Great Red back when she was infinite, but his power is still alien.]
Even Ddraig seemed to find Asem's power unsettling.
Just then, red particles gathered beside me, taking the shape of a person.
Ignis had materialized.
Ignis swept back her hair and opened her mouth.
"This is the first time we've met like this, Asem-kun."
Asem's eyes widened at Ignis's appearance, but he touched his chin, looking at her with intrigue.
"You are… I see, this sensation. The one dwelling within that sword. The god whose existence even the gods of our Ast-Arde had forgotten. Are you the Primordial God?"
"Yes. For now… I go by the name Ignis."
"'For now'… which implies you have a true name?"
"Exactly. Well, let's leave it at that. I cannot reveal it at this stage."
Saying that, Ignis glanced at me.
The reason Ignis hasn't revealed her true name is that I haven't fully mastered her power. For Ignis, revealing her true name means releasing her seal. Unless I reach that level, she has no intention of speaking it.
Ignis questioned Asem.
"Hey, Asem-kun. Why do you lend your hand to Rizevim? Why did you side with the Evil Gods? —You, who were originally a Benevolent God."
"Wha…?!"
Asem was originally… a Benevolent God?!
"What does that mean?!"
I was stunned by the new fact being revealed.
Asem isn't an Evil God?!
Ignis spoke.
"Originally, he was a god who guided people and brought them prosperity. Since he was quite young for a god, he hadn't significantly influenced the world yet, but still."
"Could you have mentioned that sooner?!"
"I forgot ☆"
"Oi!"
"Tehe ☆"
Ignis stuck out her tongue and winked.
Th-This useless goddess… forgetting such a crucial detail!
I have a lot I want to say, but let's set that aside for now! It's too late anyway!
"Then why did you create Rothward?! Why did you do something that would cause the collapse of Ast-Arde?! Doesn't that contradict what I heard before?!"
"That's the point. That is what I don't understand. That is why I am asking him again now."
Master had said the Evil Gods created Rothward.
And in the Vampire town, Asem said he created Rothward, that he was the Creator. He claimed he did it because other Evil Gods approached him and it sounded interesting—a ridiculous reason.
Since the fragment of Rothward's power within me reacted, there should be no mistake there.
If what Ignis says is correct, then nothing makes sense anymore.
Asem fell silent for a moment before speaking quietly.
"You are the Primordial, yes? Shouldn't you know what happened to me?"
"Unfortunately, I do not know everything. I am not omnipotent. Until Rothward-kun started rampaging through the world, I was in the deepest part of the Divine Stratum. Therefore, I only know the process and result to a certain extent. I do not know what happened to you, or what purpose moved you."
"Is that so. …May I ask you one thing as well?"
"Go ahead."
"Primordial. What do you think of the world?"
"That is a rather sudden and broad question."
"My apologies. But, Primordial. It is precisely because it is you that I want to ask. How do you perceive the world? Including this world… and Ast-Arde."
Asem wore an unusually serious expression.
Ignis closed her eyes and fell silent for a moment.
Then, she slowly opened them.
"The world is something that does not go as one wishes. Even if you have power, wisdom, or feelings, it will not bend to your will. It is helpless against individual intent. In a word: Absurdity. That is the same in any world."
That is certainly true.
I have seen that absurdity, and I have experienced it firsthand.
There are things that cannot be granted no matter how much you wish, or how much power you gain. Even in Ast-Arde, and in this world, there are far more things that don't go your way.
The world is absurd.
However, Ignis continued.
"The world is filled with all manner of absurdity. That is precisely why people take each other's hands and connect their feelings to stand against it. What is impossible alone can be faced if everyone combines their strength."
"That is a naive way of thinking. It is difficult for people to join hands so easily."
"True, it is as you say. Both humans and gods have their own emotions and thoughts. Understanding one another is difficult. But it is not impossible. I believe in that possibility."
"I still do not believe that can overcome everything."
"Naturally. That is the nature of absurdity. But don't you think it can reduce some of that absurdity?"
"..."
Asem fell silent again at Ignis's thoughts.
Nearby, Vica and the others were looking at Asem with somewhat complex expressions.
Joining hands and understanding each other to face absurdity, huh?
I know that story well.
That's why I can understand what Ignis is saying. People can carve open the future by connecting their feelings.
Asem opened his mouth.
"I understand your thoughts. And upon hearing them, I shall make a declaration. —In this world, I will become one of those absurdities."
"What did you say…?"
Behind Asem, Vica and the others stood up—and knelt on the spot.
That scene was different from the playful atmosphere before; it was something that instilled awe.
"From now on, we shall run wild against the gods of this world. Norse, Japanese, Greek, Indian. We will attack every mythological faction."
"Are you sane…?!"
"I'm sane. The gods of this world seem to view Rizevim Livan Lucifer as a danger, but—I will teach you who you should truly be wary of. First, let's start with the one monitoring us from the shadows. Shall we attack from there?"
Asem's tone and aura had changed.
What a dense aura he's releasing…!
And he said something concerning.
Someone is monitoring Asem? Is there such a guy?
Who on earth—?
A magic circle expanded at Asem's feet.
He plans to leave!
"I won't let you escape!"
If we let him go here, there's no telling what will happen!
Asem… this guy is dangerous.
If he escapes now, some mythological faction is going to take massive damage!
I change my armor to Promotion Queen!
I enter the Zone and prepare to strike Asem—
"The current you is no match for me. I don't think you should fight here."
"Wha—?!"
Before I realized it, Asem was inside my guard.
Impossible.
When did he…!
I never took my eyes off him. Yet, he got into my personal space this easily.
And while I was in the Zone, no less.
Asem placed a hand on my chest.
"See, if I do this—I can reach your heart."
Chill.
Feeling a terrifying chill, I instinctively leaped back to create distance.
A cold sweat ran down my back. My heart beat violently, and alarms rang throughout my entire body.
What was that sensation just now…?!
It felt like my heart was being crushed…!
Dammit, I can't get scared and run away here!
Ddraig, we're doing that! I'm leaving the support to you!
[No choice then! Let's do it!]
I elevated the aura throughout my body and—
[ECLIPSE!!]
[XENON!!]
[AGIOS!!]
The voice rang out from the jewel on my gauntlet.
And then—
"Fusion Evolution!!"
[EXA Promotion!!!!]
The three forms—Queen, Rook, and Knight—achieved fusion!
My strongest form at this current stage!
"Asem! I'm taking you down right here!"
At the sight of my power, Asem showed an amused smile.
-------------------------------
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