While there might have been a touch of bias in the rules, it was only natural—if Yoru had been allowed to compete, the opposing team would have been wiped out in a single wave.
Although the match was meant to decide the strongest of the younger generation, it was clear they also wanted to put on a good show.
In the end, just as Yoru expected, he never got the chance to take the field. Still, even without him, Rias's team claimed victory thanks to the terrifying might of Fenrir.
The only one bored was Yoru, who had spent the entire match just watching from the sidelines.
"Sorry, Yoru. I didn't expect them to do it this way either," Rias said apologetically after the match.
"Well… I already figured this would happen, so it's no surprise," Yoru replied casually. His absence wasn't only to avoid bullying the opponent—it was also to avoid exposing his true power in front of so many gods, especially with Hades still lurking somewhere in the shadows.
After the match, Yoru followed Azazel toward the VIP lounge.
During the match, Azazel had been tied up with commentary, but once it was over, he received a message from his subordinates. Without explanation, he immediately took Yoru away, saying he wanted to introduce him to someone.
The VIP boxes were all private rooms, and for this match, every one of them was in use. Odin occupied the Walhalla room, Zeus and Poseidon had the Olympus suites, each guarded by escorts at the doors.
Following Azazel, Yoru stepped into one of the rooms—just as its occupant and his escort happened to be coming out. The man wore round convex spectacles over his close-cropped hair, prayer beads around his neck, and carried himself in a way completely at odds with the refined image of a "VIP."
Azazel greeted him with familiarity.
"Why, if it isn't Lord Indra. How did you find the match?"
"Oh? Greetings, righteous Governor of the Fallen Angels! Quite the infuriating spectacle, I must say! For you, who are now buddy-buddy with the current Champion, it must feel great to see your student win. The Gremory team's lineup is full of extraordinary individuals—far beyond what an ordinary team can handle."
Indra's gaze swept over Yoru's face. Not seeing this mysterious Pawn in action clearly left him dissatisfied—after all, the main reason he had come to watch was to gauge Yoru's strength.
"Ah, I forgot to introduce you," Azazel said. "This is someone whose ability ranks among the highest in all the top factions—the Heavenly Emperor, the God of War who defeated Ashura."
Then, his eyes fixed on Indra, Azazel said slowly, "I have something to ask you."
"Hahaha! What is it, righteous Governor? If it's something I can tell you, I will."
"You knew about the Sacred Gear and about Cao Cao long before we did, didn't you?"
With a knowing smile, Indra replied, "And what if I did? Are you unhappy that I've known him since childhood? Angry because I didn't report it to you? Or… are you suspecting that we're working together?"
"Indra…!" Azazel growled, using his real name.
"Hahaha! And now you call me by name. Don't make such an angry face, Azachan. If this is enough to make you mad, what about the things Hades has been doing? That's on the level of redrawing the entire balance of power."
It was clear this so-called Indra knew far more than either Yoru or Azazel had anticipated.
Their exchange ended, and Indra turned to Yoru.
"I can see the devil side is doing everything to protect you, so keep a low profile, boy. On the surface, the factions may seem peaceful, singing praises of unity—but in their hearts, they're all thinking, 'Our mythology is the strongest! The others should be destroyed!' The only exceptions are that lecherous old Odin and that guy Zeus. After all, if fewer people believe in a god, the influence of humanity's collective thought weakens them. Wiping out rival faiths is basic strategy. Your mythology has stolen away many believers, reducing other gods to the level of mere folklore. It's only natural that we re-evaluate the power balance—gods can be far more dangerous than human hatred or grudges."
After speaking at length, Indra sighed.
"Still, on the surface, I'll help you—Ophis and her bunch are a real nuisance."
"You don't have to worry about me," Yoru replied. "Ambition is something everyone has. No pantheon wants to stay second-rate forever. I have ambition too."
Indra raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You do? Then tell me, what's your ambition?"
"It's simple—just as you said: to reign above all, to become the One True God."
Yoru's calm statement made Indra narrow his eyes, scrutinizing him.
"You know that's dangerous talk, boy. I just warned you not to get too arrogant. In this world, there's only room for us at the top."
"Is that so…? And if I insisted on reaching for that seat?"
"Then… I would have no choice but to destroy your soul—no matter the cost."
Leaving those words behind, Indra turned and walked away.
Indra, Hades—there were many in this world with ambitions for absolute supremacy. As beings at the top, none of them wanted to see another standing over them.
But this didn't matter much to Yoru. He had no real interest in ruling the world—his only reason for making such declarations was because of Nezha. If he didn't, it seemed he'd fail his trial.
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