From the perspective of the Exorcist, it would be understandable if they wanted to execute judgment on the spot. That said, if one recalled the Church's own history—people like Xenovia or Irina in the past—it wasn't as if they were all moderate either. There were plenty who would conduct a "search and destroy" operation against anything non-angelic. In a sense, both sides were much the same.
"Most of the coup has already been settled. The majority of the soldiers have been captured, but the three masterminds are still on the run. The remaining fighters are apparently moving together with them."
Azazel-sensei added context to the explanation, and Sona-senpai continued with more detailed information.
"The three are Cardinal Bishop Teodoro Legrenzi, Cardinal Priest Vasco Strada, and Cardinal Deacon Ewald Cristaldi. In other words, the second, third, and fourth highest-ranking officials under the Pope in the Catholic hierarchy. They are the ones who raised the flag of rebellion."
So the second, third, and fourth highest authorities all staging a coup… That alone says everything about how unified the Church really was.
I could roughly guess the reason behind it.
"The peace between the Three Factions was pushed forward rapidly after the Cocytus incident. From the Church's side, it was probably a case of 'we can't wait any longer,'" Sona-senpai continued. "Archangel Michael likely wanted more time to reform internal awareness before proceeding, but it seems the process was forced ahead."
Conclusion: Cocytus was the root cause.
"Well, that's accurate," Azazel-sensei shrugged. "Especially Heaven. Since no new angels are born, they have to be extremely cautious when interacting with the world below. Michael must've had a hard time of it."
Unlike the Grigori, where Azazel-sensei could simply project his charisma directly onto his subordinates and unify them, the Church relied on vague revelations like "a divine message has been received." It's no surprise Michael's influence was diluted through layers of interpretation.
"…Strada and Cristaldi, huh," Xenovia murmured with a complicated expression.
"You know them?" I asked.
"Of course. Every Exorcist has been indebted to those two in some form," she replied. "And most importantly, Father Strada is the predecessor of Durandal."
That alone made everyone react in surprise.
Azazel-sensei added, "He's said to be equal to—or even greater than—the legendary Roland, wielder of the original Durandal. He also established the training system for warriors, raising the overall quality of the Church's combatants."
"…Father Strada is 87 years old," Irina added.
"Eighty-seven!? He's an old man!?" Issei blurted out.
"Forget his age," Xenovia said firmly. "Father Strada is a living legend. His body has not declined."
"Z-Xenovia-senpai… at eighty-seven, he's still physically in peak condition? Is he even human? Or like… some kind of half-angel hybrid?" Gasper asked hesitantly.
"No. He is human. No special lineage is known," Xenovia replied.
"I once heard that Raphael and Uriel were both scouted as candidates for the 'Ace' rank in the Brave Saints," Irina added. "They both refused… saying they wanted to die as humans."
Well, even as humans, they're basically monsters if they train long enough… but that's not something you say out loud.
"In any case," Azazel said, "if Strada hasn't declined even in old age, then he's terrifyingly strong. The reason Kokabiel became so obsessed with sacred swords was because Strada beat him senseless."
And Kokabiel still survived that? Impressive in the worst way.
"I have no desire to fight Cristaldi," Sona said quietly. "Everyone in my generation of warriors was taught by him. Even in the Vatican, he personally guided us in sword training. I heard he once wielded three Excaliburs simultaneously…"
Azazel nodded. "He was one of the most talented figures even within the Grigori of that time. He only had three swords, but theoretically he was said to be capable of using all Excaliburs. At the time, though, they were scattered—and one was missing."
Excalibur Ruler, if I remember correctly… If he could handle six blades like Siegfried, would he have wielded all six?
"And as for Teodoro Legrenzi," Azazel continued, "there's almost no information. He rose to power at an unusually young age. That's about all we know. Asia, Xenovia, Irina. What about you guys?"
When asked, the Church trio all shook their heads.
"I've never met him" Asia said. "Even within the Church, there are only rumors. No one has actually seen him."
"Same here," Xenovia said.
"I haven't either," Irina added. "Not even after becoming an angel."
"So even Irina, Michael's 'Ace-class,' doesn't know him… that's unusual," Azazel muttered. "Anyway, those three major figures have disappeared with their soldiers. And their destination is likely here—Kuoh Town. The birthplace of the Three Factions' peace."
Everyone's expressions tightened.
But Azazel-sensei simply smiled.
"Relax. It won't turn into anything bloody. It's technically a coup, but no one has died yet. It's closer to an extreme protest than a war. And it needs to stay that way—because once someone dies, everything will spiral out of control."
Then his tone turned serious.
"And the one who stirred the pot behind all this is none other than Rizevim."
"Again with that guy!?" Issei snapped.
Of course it's him.
"Yeah," Azazel said. "He's a genius when it comes to provoking people.' His power and authority make his childish behavior impossible to ignore."
"By the way," I asked, cutting in, "what's the other bad news you mentioned?"
Azazel's expression darkened slightly.
"Some of the Grim Reapers who served Hades have defected… and joined Khaos Brigade."
"…What!?"
Everyone froze.
"The defectors were originally the ones loyal to the old Hades faction," Azazel explained. "They either rejected the current 'changed' Hades… or want to restore him to what he used to be."
So even the underworld wasn't stable.
"And their target is, of course—"
"Kuoh Town," Sona finished.
Of course it is.