DxDanmachi: Voyager of Worlds Ability

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"Targeting me?" Rias looked at Mika, confused. "Why would Kokabiel target me? What do I have that he could want? I don't understand."

The others, too—were puzzled. While Mika's reasoning seemed sound, his conclusion was…baffling.

"The reason the Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels are maintaining a truce is because their leaders are weary of the conflict. The losses on all sides have been too great," he explained.

"The previous generation of Satans and most of the 72 Pillars perished in the Great War. I imagine the Angels and Fallen Angels suffered similar losses."

Rias and Xenovia nodded in agreement.

Irina, however, seemed about to object. Her faith was stronger than Xenovia's; she couldn't accept the idea of the Angels and Devils forming a consensus.

To her, such an alliance was unthinkable.

However, Mika's words, and his undeniable strength, made her hesitate.

Mika, seeing her silence, continued, "But while some desire peace, others crave war. Whether it's to annihilate their enemies, avenge fallen comrades, or simply for the thrill of battle, such individuals exist. And Kokabiel, in my view—is one of them."

"So that's it—" They were all surprised, especially Rias, Xenovia, and Irina.

They exchanged glances, a heavy silence descending upon the room as they pondered Mika's words. Issei and the others remained silent, not wanting to interrupt their thoughts.

Mika, seemingly unconcerned—sipped his tea, enjoying Akeno's brewing skills.

"Why do you believe Kokabiel desires war, Mika?" Rias asked, breaking the silence.

"His actions, of course," Mika replied, setting down his teacup.

"His first move was to steal the Holy Swords. That's why these two are here. Putting aside the question of whether a Fallen Angel stealing Holy Swords would disrupt the balance between the Angels and Fallen Angels, his method is what truly intrigues me."

"His method?" Xenovia asked.

"Stealing Holy Swords from under the Church's nose is risky. One should prioritize speed and efficiency. Yet—Kokabiel stole three swords from three different locations, provoking all three factions simultaneously. Doesn't that seem…odd?"

"Three factions, three swords—one for each. Wouldn't it be more logical to steal two from one location, or four from two, or perhaps two from one and one from another?"

"He's deliberately inciting the Church, He wants Michael to intervene," Xenovia said, her voice tight with anger.

She understood Mika's implications. With Kokabiel's abilities, he could easily have stolen two swords from a single location undetected.

Even if he encountered unexpected resistance, the outcome wouldn't have been so—balanced. This could only be a deliberate act of provocation—a gambit to incite a war.

A chill ran down their spines as they realized the truth.

"So, you're saying Kokabiel is targeting me because…?" Rias's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Exactly," Mika confirmed. "The Angels, seeing through his plan, refused to take the bait. Therefore, he's come here, hoping to drag you into the conflict."

"If the Holy Swords aren't enough to lure Michael down, then perhaps a Satan's sister will be enough to anger Sirzechs? And there's not just one Satan's sister here, is there?"

"Sona…" Rias thought of her best friend, Sona Sitri, Serafall Leviathan's younger sister.

She was now caught in a situation that could trigger a war between the Three Factions.

"Therefore, I propose a temporary alliance, Holy Sword wielders—" Mika said, clasping his hands behind his head.

"An alliance?" Xenovia asked, surprised. "Wouldn't that disrupt the balance between the Three Factions? It could still trigger a war."

"It's a possibility. Therefore, we can't form an official alliance," Mika explained with a smile. "We'll send some of our—associates to assist you in…retrieving the Holy Swords. Consider it…reinforcements. Of course, these 'associates' will be acting independently, motivated by their own…personal reasons, like, say, a desire to destroy the Holy Swords." He was subtly referring to Yuuto and his past trauma.

"What do you think?"

After a moment of silence, Xenovia nodded. "We accept your…offer."

.....

After their "Alliance" was formed, Xenovia and Irina left, followed by Issei and the others.

Only Mika and Rias remained.

"What's your plan, Mika?" Rias asked after a moment of thought. She sensed a hidden motive behind his actions. While she agreed with his assessment of Kokabiel's intentions, she suspected he had another reason for proposing this alliance.

"Rias," he said with a smile, "do you think Kokabiel would make a suitable…stepping stone for my advancement?"

"You intend to kill Kokabiel?!" she exclaimed, then, realizing the implications, she asked, "What do you need from me?"

"I need the assistance of a Satan-class being."

....

....

"A Satan-class being?" Rias was stunned, then she understood.

"You mean—Grayfia?" After all, there were only two Satan-class beings in her family: her brother and her sister-in-law. And it was unlikely Mika would ask for Sirzechs's help.

"Indeed. Grayfia." Asking for Sirzechs's assistance would be—complicated.

"But why? Why would you need Grayfia's help?"

"To prevent the Fallen Angels from rescuing Kokabiel, of course." He knew that Kokabiel's actions were being monitored by Azazel.

Mika was worried about Vali interfering and rescuing Kokabiel. While he doubted Vali cared about Kokabiel's life—he was still bound by Azazel's orders.

Therefore, Mika needed someone to delay Vali, giving him the opportunity to finish Kokabiel. Judging by the events of the original story, Vali's timing would be—convenient.

"You're worried about Fallen Angel reinforcements?"

"Not exactly. I believe even the Fallen Angels are weary of the war. If they truly wanted to reignite the conflict, there are easier ways."

"Then what should I do?"

"It's quite simple. Inform your brother about Kokabiel's plan and my intention to—fight him. Ask him to send Grayfia to—protect you."

"Your brother can discern the truth. And sending someone to protect his younger sister is a perfectly reasonable request. I doubt he'd want to deal with a mad dog like Kokabiel himself. Therefore, leaving him to me is the most logical solution. Even if I kill him, the Fallen Angels won't retaliate."

"After all, for a Fallen Angel Cadre to be killed by a Devil's servant—that would be quite embarrassing, wouldn't it?"

Rias chuckled. "That's—rather devious of you. And you're right; it would be quite humiliating for Kokabiel." To die not in a glorious battle, but at the hands of a Low-class Devil in a time of peace, would make him a laughingstock.

"I understand your plan. But what about the alliance with those two Holy Sword wielders? Does that also tie into your plan to challenge Kokabiel?"

"Not at all. I merely wanted to give Yuuto a chance to destroy the Holy Swords."

"I made it clear how—strongly I felt about the matter. Therefore, they'll likely prioritize destroying the swords themselves. This will allow Yuuto to…confront his past."

"Thank you, Mika." Rias leaned against him, her hands cupping his face. "I was worried about how Yuuto would react to the Holy Swords. I didn't realize you had already taken care of it."

Mika smiled, understanding her concern. She considered her peerage family; it was a trait of the Gremory clan. They valued their bonds deeply. She couldn't bear the thought of Yuuto being consumed by his hatred.

"It's nothing. Yuuto and I are friends. Friends help each other, don't they?"

"So, don't worry." He kissed her gently on the cheek and headed towards the door.

....

As he was leaving, he saw Akeno waiting for him outside.

"So, do you have a plan?" she asked with a smile.

"Of course. Everything's under control," he reassured her—assuming she was worried about Kokabiel.

"I'm not worried at all. After all, I have you." She adjusted his collar, her voice laced with playful affection. "I have complete faith in your abilities, Mika. You'll protect me, won't you?"

"Of course."

"Then I have nothing to fear." She leaned in, whispering in his ear, before returning to the clubroom.

"....."

Mika chuckled and continued down the hallway, spotting Yuuto waiting downstairs.

"Are you waiting for me as well?" he asked with a smile.

"I'm not sure about Akeno-senpai, but I was waiting for you," Yuuto replied.

"Is there something you wanted to discuss?"

"I wanted to thank you," he said, his expression turning serious.

"When I saw those Holy Swords…I lost control. Memories of my…friends…my hatred…it all came flooding back."

"I knew Buchou wouldn't allow me to get involved. It would jeopardize the Devils' neutrality."

"But I couldn't control myself."

"I was prepared to disobey her, to become a Stray Devil, even if it meant death," he confessed, his voice low and steady, his eyes filled with a fierce resolve.

"I know how—despicable it sounds, but I couldn't stop myself. I was consumed by hatred."

"But thanks to your suggestion, I can now participate without betraying Buchou's trust. I know you did that for me."

"I won't forget your kindness."

"Then don't waste this opportunity. Make sure you destroy those Holy Swords," Mika said, clapping him on the shoulder.

"I will!" Yuuto's voice was filled with conviction.

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