Cherreads

Chapter 28 - Reactions

In the Sixth Heaven, also known as Zebel, Michael, the Chief Seraph and Leader of the Angels, stood at the head of the table with his usual serene, regal composure.

His twelve golden wings were folded neatly behind him, his golden armor glinting in the ambient light of the chamber.

Beside him sat Gabriel, clad in flowing robes of white and gold, across from her was Raphael, her glasses reflecting the light as she sat upright, the last one was Uriel, stern and intense as always, flames subtly flickering behind his sharp eyes, his red and gold armor rigid against his powerful frame.

Michael nodded to each of them.

"Thank you all for coming. I understand this meeting was sudden, but it concerns an urgent matter, one that may affect not only Heaven but all Three Factions."

Uriel leaned forward slightly, voice hard.

"Let's not waste time then, Michael. What's this about?"

Michael raised his hand, and a golden glyph shimmered above the table.

With a flick of his fingers, the glyph expanded into a floating system interface.

The projection displayed an array of data and a single label blinking in red:

[ALERT: NEW LONGINUS DETECTED - DESIGNATION: AEON BALOR - ORIGIN: FUSION OF FORBIDDEN BALOR VIEW AND NIGHT REFLECTION - ...]

All three Seraphs went still.

Raphael adjusted her glasses slowly, squinting as the information scrolled by.

"A new Longinus-Class Sacred Gear? That shouldn't be possible."

Uriel's expression darkened as he crossed his arms.

"Azazel... Was it him? Has he finally succeeded in artificially creating a Longinus?"

Michael shook his head.

"I contacted him immediately after the alert. He was just as surprised as we were. He swears this isn't his doing."

Michael replied. 

Raphael looked thoughtful.

"Then who…?"

Michael brought up a second screen, this time showing detailed footage of Ireland.

[AGENTS: ARTHUR PENDRAGON, JEANNE ARC, AND SIEGFRIED - MISSION REPORT: BATTLE OF TORY ISLAND - DESCRIPTIONS: ...]

When Michael spoke again, it was calm but weighted.

"The emergence of Aeon Balor is not the issue here. During a mission in which Arthur Pendragon played a central role, he-."

At the mention of the boy's name, Gabriel immediately straightened and interrupted Michael.

"Arthur…?! What happened?! Is he hurt?! Was he in danger?! Why wasn't I told sooner?! What kind of mission was this?! Did he go alone?! Is he—"

Her sapphire eyes widened, and her voice was almost panicked.

"Gabriel, calm down. Please. Let Michael finish."

Raphael said gently, reaching across the table to place a hand over Gabriel's.

Gabriel hesitated, then nodded quickly, sitting back but clearly distressed.

Michael continued, bringing up the full report.

A floating visual replay of the battle, played out in brief clips—Balor's resurrection, the explosion that leveled the dome, the moment of silence before Arthur drove his Balance Breaker into the Evil God's chest.

"Arthur Pendragon has become the first Longinus user to slay a god. Even if Balor was a minor god, this is unprecedented."

Michael said softly, his gaze never leaving the projection. 

The chamber fell into stunned silence.

Uriel looked more serious than ever.

"This... this will cause a ripple through the entire supernatural world. The Devils will react. The Fallen will react. The Norse, Greek, Shinto, every single major faction will take notice."

Raphael rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

"And we should also assume the Old Satans… no. No, perhaps not yet."

Michael closed the displays and folded his arms behind his back.

"Which is why I've decided we will move forward with the original plan."

Uriel raised a brow.

"Are you sure, brother?"

"I am. The world is changing faster than we anticipated. Arthur's existence is unique, and his rise may either bring stability to the world… or send it into chaos. We must monitor his progress, and where necessary, guide or aid him."

Michael confirmed. 

Raphael nodded.

"We've already prepared contingencies for such events. Arthur shall have our support ready and discreetly."

Uriel grunted.

"If the boy has drawn the eyes of other pantheons, others may come to challenge him."

Gabriel, however, had remained silent, her hands clenched tightly together in her lap.

Michael turned his eyes to her.

"Gabriel. You've been quiet. I would like your opinion… especially considering your connection with Arthur."

Gabriel inhaled slowly.

And the next moment.

...

The entire Sixth Heaven shook.

A divine shriek of raw, unfiltered emotion burst from Gabriel's lips.

All of Heaven heard it.

Down below, in the First Heaven, two Low-Class Angels paused their duties, looking to the source of the noise.

"…What was that?"

One asked, startled, dropping a scroll.

The other angel blinked, stunned.

"I… I think that was Lady Gabriel."

"It... sounded like joy, anger, fear, and excitement. All at once."

Back in the chamber, the other three Seraphs were still recovering from Gabriel's sudden burst of emotion.

Raphael blinked rapidly as she adjusted her glasses.

"Gabriel, wh-what was that?"

Gabriel slumped back into her chair, cheeks flushed, wings fluttering erratically.

"I don't know! I just—he just did the impossible! And how should I react to this?! Am I happy, proud, terrified?! And why do I want to throttle him for doing something so stupid?!"

She cried, flustered.

Uriel groaned.

"So it begins…"

Michael smiled faintly, allowing a flicker of amusement to soften his visage.

"Then we are all in agreement. Monitor Arthur, support him where needed, and brace for what comes next."

The other Seraphs nodded while Gabriel, however, remained in her seat, clutching her chest from her confused feelings.

DxD

In the Pendragon estate, the morning sun shone through the wide stained glass windows of Uther's study, where he sat in his chair, sipping a warm cup of tea as he read the papers on his table.

Across from him stood his son, Kay, dressed in his training gear, still sweating from his early morning drills.

"Your swordsmanship has improved, and your form is refined. Excellent work, my son."

Uther said as he set the teacup down.

Kay smiled as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I've been working hard to get my precision right. I want to be ready next time I get a match with Arthur. Last time, he was barely trying."

Uther chuckled.

"That boy has always been a handful."

Just then, a soft knock echoed at the door.

"Enter."

Uther said, the door opened with a creak, and in stepped an elderly butler.

"Lord Uther, Sir Kay, a pleasant morning to you both."

He said with a bow, holding out a sealed file.

"A report was sent by one of the Vatican's exorcists. It was marked for your eyes only, but given the contents…"

Uther raised an eyebrow as he took the file.

"Thank you. You may go."

With another bow, the butler exited without a sound, closing the door behind him.

Kay watched with mild curiosity as his father broke the seal and unfolded the file.

Uther's eyes moved quickly across the page, but then slowed down to look closer.

His brows lifted slightly.

"Well, I'll be damned…"

He muttered under his breath, the corner of his lips twitching into a smirk.

Kay leaned forward.

"What is it?"

Uther didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned the file around and handed it to his son.

"See for yourself."

Kay took it, flipping through the pages.

His eyes quickly scanned the report.

His expression froze as he saw Arthur's name highlighted and then read the final line:

[Arthur Pendragon, Vatican's Exorcist and current Red Dragon Emperor, has slain Balor the Evil Eye, marking the first recorded case of a Longinus user successfully killing a god.]

Kay stared in stunned silence.

He blinked twice to see if he was dreaming.

"Father… this… this is real.... right?"

He asked, his voice quiet.

Uther nodded proudly, resting his chin on a closed fist.

"It is. Verified by the Seraphs themselves. Your cousin took down a god. Alone."

Kay looked back at the report, then down at his own hands.

Kay felt his chest tighten, not with jealousy, but with something deeper.

While Arthur was clashing with gods, laying waste to powerful foes, and becoming a name that will soon be feared and respected across the supernatural world.

He had been practicing footwork, etiquette, and other unnecessary things.

"I… I can't stay like this."

He muttered, lowering the file slowly.

Uther raised an eyebrow.

"Arthur… he's already doing things no one thought possible. And I'm still being taught how to use silverware and win monitored duels. That's not enough anymore."

Kay said with more resolve. 

"I won't be left behind... I refuse to be left out."

Uther studied his son for a long moment, then smiled proudly at his son.

"So what exactly do you propose?"

Kay nodded firmly.

"I need more training, more challenges, and more real-world experience. I want to be ready, not just for Arthur, but for whatever challenges I'll face in the future. While he's already out there making a name for himself, I need to be strong enough to stand beside him."

Uther stood up, crossing the room to clasp his son's shoulder with one hand.

"Very well. I'll go ahead and contact the best instructors. We'll elevate your training starting tomorrow. And I'll arrange for you to accompany some of our knights in the field."

Kay's eyes lit up.

"You mean it?"

"You're a Pendragon, but above all else, you're my son."

Uther said.

"You were never meant to stay in the shadow of anyone, not even your cousin. I know your destiny will lead you to something grand."

Kay nodded, gripping his father's hand.

Uther turned and walked to the corner of the room, pulling a cord that rang a soft chime throughout the manor.

Moments later, two maids stepped into the room.

"Inform the staff that there will be a celebration today. My nephew has accomplished a great feat, and that's cause for a feast worthy of our name."

Uther said with a proud smile. 

The maids bowed quickly and left to make the preparations.

Within minutes, the Pendragon household stirred to life.

Cooks began flooding the kitchens, and tables were laid out with delicacies.

The estate glowed with joy as word spread among the household. Arthur Pendragon's name will be etched in history.

After the celebration, Kay stood in his training courtyard once again, this time with a blade in hand, eyes burning with determination.

He would catch up to Arthur.

No matter what it took.

DxD

It was nighttime, and the city lights below flickered in the distance.

Somewhere in a high-rise penthouse, the wind whispered against the white curtains of a luxurious balcony.

Standing on that balcony was a man with a black bathrobe and a laid-back attitude as he sipped slowly from a margarita glass, a slice of lime perched casually on the rim.

Azazel, Governor-General of the Fallen Angels, his jet-black hair, tipped with golden bangs, rustled slightly, and his goatee twitched as he smirked at the small flip phone in his hand.

The screen showed a file sent by an old contact of his.

He scrolled through images and brief descriptions, the name Arthur Pendragon stood out in bold font, along with a few very interesting keywords:

[Red Dragon Emperor. King Arthur's Descendant. Unknown Devil Father. Killed Balor.]

Azazel whistled quietly to himself.

"So the red one's back, and he's already doing what the previous hosts never managed. Killing a god... not bad, kid."

He leaned forward on the balcony railing, one hand resting beside his drink as his eyes scanned the city.

"I wonder what kind of person you are, kid. You've just made the supernatural world start gossiping about you. Hmmm... I wonder if he doesn't mind if I could ask him for his help in my research."

He chuckled, tilting his head slightly, eyes glinting with curiosity and mischief.

Then he paused, narrowing his eyes at one of the grainy surveillance photos.

A close-up of Arthur, his crimson hair matted with dirt and sweat, but unmistakable in his features.

The sharp green eyes, that crimson red color of his hair, and his facial features.

Azazel raised his eyebrows.

"Well, well... now that's interesting. You look a lot like Red. What a 'coincidence'."

He mused, swirling his drink, and took another slow sip, then burst into a low chuckle.

"Sirzechs. The last time I checked, you didn't have a kid yet... Hoo boy, I can already see the drama incoming."

He had just turned around, heading back toward the balcony door, when a voice called from within.

"Azazel!"

Azazel stopped mid-step and looked into the room.

A silver-haired boy stood at the entrance of the balcony, sharp blue eyes narrowed with serious intent, but on his shoulder was a small white dragon plushie.

Azazel smiled.

"Vali. What's up, kid? You're still awake?"

Vali walked forward slowly, his face unreadable.

"Is it true?"

Azazel raised an eyebrow.

"Is what true?"

Vali's tone grew more intense.

"The rumors. About the Red Dragon Emperor. That he's finally awakened... and that he killed a god."

The room went silent for a second.

Azazel glanced at the flip phone again, then looked back at the boy he'd taken under his wing and treated as a son.

He grinned.

"And what if I said yes?"

Vali didn't answer at first, he just lowered his gaze.

And then, without warning, he chuckled.

"Heh... hehehe... Hahahahaha!"

It started as a low laugh, but quickly built up, rising from deep in his chest, and spilling out into a triumphant, joyous laugh.

Azazel tilted his head in mild confusion.

"…Vali?"

Vali's smile widened as he stepped out onto the balcony beside Azazel, raising his arms dramatically toward the moonlit sky.

"At long last! He's finally here! My fated rival!"

Azazel blinked.

"Wait, what?"

"The Red Dragon Emperor is real! And he's not just some idiot weakling! He killed a god, Azazel! A god! And he has devil blood like me! It's perfect!"

Vali looked ecstatic, he turned to face Azazel, eyes practically sparkling.

"What's he like? Is he strong? Did he really have Excalibur? Did he use Juggernut Drive? What's his Devil lineage? Is it true he's related to *King Arthur*?!"

Azazel laughed, holding up both hands.

"Woah! Slow down, slow down! I don't have all the details yet. Mike only sent a few details. I know he used Balance Breaker, but there's something different about it. And as for his bloodline, well-"

Vali didn't even wait for an answer as he turned back to the moon, eyes filled with anticipation.

"I have to get stronger. I've been slacking off, there's too much training to do. I should invest in swordsmanship. Maybe find a magic sword… yeah! He's part Pendragon, right? That means swordplay runs in his veins."

Azazel just shook his head, unable to suppress a grin.

"Vali, you're going to have a lot of work cut out for you if you want to catch up with that kid."

Vali turned slightly.

"Then I'll double my training. No-triple it. I have to meet him someday. The Red Dragon Emperor and the White Dragon Emperor, destined to clash... but this time, it's different. The descendant of Lucifer versus the son of... whoever his dad is."

He clenched his fist, passion burning in his voice.

"Finally, a worthy opponent. Our battle will be legendary!"

Azazel leaned against the railing, watching Vali with pride and a touch of exasperation.

"Well, it's official. The kid's gone mad... and I love it."

He looked up at the moon, smiling faintly.

"Here's to you, Arthur Pendragon. You've already done the impossible. Let's see what else you're gonna accomplish."

DxD

In an office lined with towering bookshelves and adorned in deep crimson tapestries bearing the Lucifer sigil, the man behind the polished mahogany desk wore a rare scowl of exhaustion.

Papers and reports were stacked like miniature towers in front of him while a steaming cup of coffee rested to his right, the only comfort in this madness known as paperwork.

Sirzechs Lucifer, the Crimson Satan, leaned back in his ornate high-backed chair, letting out a long sigh as he flipped through another set of paperwork.

His crimson hair flowed over his shoulders like fire in motion, and his piercing blue eyes, normally full of warmth and mischief, were dulled with tedium.

"This is more than what I had yesterday. How is this even possible?"

He muttered, scribbling a signature before glaring at another stack.

"If I accidentally spill coffee on half of these, would anyone really blame me?"

Just as he reached for his mug, the double doors to his office suddenly burst open with a sharp bang.

Sirzechs sat upright, eyes narrowing in alert, but softened the moment he saw who it was.

"Grayfia?"

The silver-haired maid stood in the doorway, panting slightly, her red eyes wide with a rare urgency.

In her hands was a thick, black folder labeled in glowing red letters: CLASSIFIED.

"Lord Sirzechs! Something has happened… something that requires your immediate attention."

She said, stepping forward quickly and shutting the door behind her with a flick of magic. 

Sirzechs set his pen down and slowly stood, his tone sharpening.

"What is it? Did something happen? Is it an attack?"

Grayfia approached the desk and placed the file before him.

"No. This concerns something… personal."

Sirzechs raised an eyebrow, already feeling the weight of the situation settle in his chest.

He opened the folder with curiosity, only for his expression to shift dramatically within seconds of reading.

The instant his eyes landed on the contents, his body froze.

The coffee cup in his hand slipped from his fingers, shattering against the marble floor and staining the carpet.

The silence was deafening.

Grayfia watched his reaction with solemn understanding.

She too had been shaken by the rumors when it first came in.

Even now, her hands were clenched in front of her, the tremble in her voice barely restrained.

Sirzechs slowly closed the folder and stared blankly at the polished desk.

He finally looked up at Grayfia, his voice was low and uncertain.

"…Is this real?"

She nodded.

"Yes. Multiple confirmations. Arthur Pendragon, the current Red Dragon Emperor, is a Cambion turned Exorcist who killed Balor the Evil God."

Sirzechs leaned back into his chair and stared at the ceiling for a long moment.

His mind wandered back to Arthur's emerald eyes, which coincidentally have the same color as...

"…Artoria."

He whispered, not even aware he was saying her name aloud.

Grayfia's expression softened.

"You… we lost contact with her many years ago. I had a hunch myself that something was off when she departed, but… never this."

Sirzechs ran a hand through his hair, trying to make sense of everything.

Memories of melancholic moments emerged from the past.

The way she laughed and smiled, the way she and Grayfia had their harmless rivalry, and how she would somehow hold affection towards him despite being on different sides.

"She had a child… my child. And she never told me."

He murmured, his voice hollow with a mixture of awe and hurt. 

Grayfia looked at him for a long moment, then quietly stepped closer.

"What will you do now, my lord?"

Sirzechs didn't respond right away.

"…I don't know."

He admitted.

"He's… my son. But I was never there for him. He doesn't even know me... and I didn't know him until now. What am I supposed to do with this?"

He turned towards Grayfia.

"How do you feel about this? Truly. This changes things. Does it change... us?"

He asked quietly. 

Grayfia's expression flickered, a mix of thoughtfulness and sincerity.

"I won't pretend it doesn't surprise me."

She said honestly.

"But it doesn't change what you mean to me. I am your queen, your partner, and above all, your wife. Whatever you do, I'l support you along the way. And besides…"

Her eyes softened.

"Artoria is my love rival and the sister I never thought I had. If anyone else besides me is worthy of bearing your child, it's her. She must have her reasons for keeping this a secret."

Sirzechs stared at her for a long moment before exhaling slowly, the tension leaving his body like a weight lifted. 

"Thank you, Grayfia… I don't deserve your forgiveness."

He gave her a gentle smile.

She leaned down and placed her hand gently on top of his.

"Oh, Sirzechs. You're a flawed person, sometimes naive, incredibly emotional, and also have a very questionable obsession with Rias... but you've always had a good heart. That's one of the many reasons why I'm in love with you."

He chuckled quietly, squeezing her hand.

"I wonder what he's like…"

Sirzechs placed a hand on the photo, his smile softening into something almost paternal.

"…He really does look like me. But those eyes… those belong to Artoria."

He leaned back again and looked toward the far window, where the artificial moon of the Underworld glowed silently.

Sirzechs closed his eyes.

"…Perhaps it's time I should meet him."

Grayfia nodded.

"If that is your choice, then I'll support it, my lord. In the meantime, I should see what little Milicas is doing."

Grayfia bowed as she left in silence.

Sirzechs watched her leave as he leaned back on his chair, feeling something he hadn't felt since the day he and Artoria last talked.

Hope.

DxD

The room was pitch black, save for a candle from the center, a circular table crafted from obsidian.

Euclid Lucifuge stood at the head of the table, his expression perfectly composed, hands folded neatly behind his back.

Though the room was silent, tension hung thick in the air

Across the table sat three figures, beings of immense power and ambition.

Katarea Leviathan, draped in regal dark blue robes and wearing glasses, scowled as her gaze fixed upon Euclid.

"This had better be worth my time, Lucifuge. You summoned us with urgency. Now speak."

She said, her voice venomous. 

"Indeed, I bring you grave news. A situation has developed… one that threatens our plans in the long term."

Euclid said, bowing slightly. 

Shalba Beelzebub leaned back in his chair, his long brown hair illuminated by candle light.

"Get on with it, then."

Creuserey Asmodeus rested his chin against his clawed hand. His long black hair flowed like smoke behind him. 

"This better not be a waste of my time, Euclid."

He sneered but Euclid didn't respond immediately.

He instead raised his hand and projected a magical screen above the table.

The room was filled with the sound of explosions and screams as the footage played, a chaotic battlefield on a crumbling island, with explosions lighting the night sky.

The video centered on a crimson-haired youth, clad in red, with a pair of red gauntlets glowing brightly.

The boy was battling the evil god, Balor, locked in a vicious exchange of power.

Then came the final moments, Arthur Pendragon's greatsword flared brightly, and Balor perished into oblivion.

The recording ended and the chamber fell into a silence.

Shalba's expression twisted as he leaned forward.

"So... The rogue priest we invested our precious time with has failed."

Creuserey scoffed, crossing his arms.

"And slain by a mere halfbreed, no less. How disgraceful. What a fitting end for a pathetic god."

Euclid finally broke his silence.

"This is why I've gathered you. Arthur Pendragon is not just a halfbreed, he is the current Red Dragon Emperor. And now, he has become the first Longinus user in history to kill a god."

Katarea rolled her eyes, scoffing.

"And what of it? He is still just one boy. You've clearly lost your nerve, Euclid."

Euclid's eyes briefly flashed.

"With respect, Lady Leviathan, this is not just about him being a boy. This marks a turning point. A halfbreed of devil and human blood, one with ties to both Sirzechs Lucifer and the Pendragon Family, now holds the power of one of the Two Heavenly Dragons. Today it was Balor. Tomorrow… who knows?"

Shalba clicked his tongue.

"Are you trying to frighten us? Don't insult our immeasurable power, Lucifuge. Longinus or no Longinus, I could crush the child like an insect if I chose to."

Creuserey smirked.

"Indeed. We are the True Satans. The original heirs of the Underworld. Are you really suggesting we should concern ourselves with the likes of a mongrel? Euclid, you should clean up your own mess instead of whining before your betters."

Euclid grit his teeth subtly, hiding the tension behind a polite nod.

"This is no longer just my problem. The boy's rise is already sending shockwaves through the factions. Heaven, Grigori, the New Satans… even other pantheons, such as the Norse and Celtic may start shifting their eyes. If we don't move carefully-"

"You talk as though he's already a threat to us. If anything, he's a convenient distraction. Let the other weaklings chase after him. We can continue our plans unbothered."

Katarea cut in, her tone disdainful. 

Euclid's eyes narrowed.

"And if he discovers our operations? Or if he makes contact with his father? You underestimate him. He's not just a mere hybrid, he's something else. Something unpredictable."

Shalba stood up, clearly done with the conversation.

"Then kill him yourself, Euclid. If he bothers you so much, then you, a pure-blooded devil of Lucifuge descent, should have no trouble eliminating a mere bastard."

Creuserey rose as well.

"And please do yourself a favor and try not to fail this time."

Katarea looked at Euclid one last time.

"You've wasted our time with this nonsense. Don't summon us again unless it concerns real threats. Not the confused spawn of a bloodline you wish you could erase from existence."

With synchronized magic circles flashing beneath their feet, the three vanished one by one, Katarea first, then Shalba, and finally Creuserey.

And just like that, the room fell into dead silence.

Euclid remained standing at the head of the table, alone.

His composed face slowly darkened into a bitter scowl.

His hand clenched at his side as he muttered.

"Fools... Arrogant, short-sighted fools."

He looked once more at the paused image of Arthur, his crimson hair, his emerald eyes, the Boosted Gear radiating defiance and strength.

He has more potential than Sirzechs.

Euclid turned away, walking toward the far end of the room, where shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls lined the walls.

His fingers trailed along the spines of forbidden texts, stopping at one with a demonic seal etched in blood.

"If no one else will see it… then I'll take matters into my own hands."

DxD

As the rest of the supernatural world was reacting to the news of the first god-killing Longinus user in history, Arthur and company were having a one-week vacation in Ireland, trying out its delicacies and exploring the beautiful sights, while carrying a comically big pot of gold in his arms.

DxD

Hello readers!

Sorry, it took so long... I got lost in the path of life... and college is killing me.

Thank you everyone and see you later!

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