After their lives on earth, they came here so they could live peacefully.” Even though you were joking, the look in your eyes – you’re serious. Previously, Dulio had once said to me
“Say, Issei. I think religion is very important.”
He then continued
“People like you and I are strong, but, aren’t the rest just weak humans? For people like that, I think something to believe in is a must. As long as there is faith, there is someone watching over them, doesn’t that make them happy?”
Dulio looked towards the sky, with a solemn look expression. “But, God, no longer exists…”
He was also aware of the truth. He said to me with open arms
“That’s why, I think that if angels can take the place of God then everyone will be just fine.”
What Sister Griselda once said to me, came into my mind. She told me about Dulio. “Dulio is a war orphan. After being involved in a certain country’s civil war, his parents died. He had been living under the care of the church, and during that time he awakened the power of his sacred gear. Because he possessed one of the most powerful sacred gears, his life changed dramatically.”
After awakening his power, Dulio was removed from the church to undergo training with one of the church’s institutions as a soldier. Despite his own wishes, he was trained due to his remarkable talent at a young age. She continued talking. “In the church’s institutions, there were children with innate talent, but also those with none. Because everyone was in the same situation… Dulio would call everyone “brother” or “sister”, and loved them like family.”
The children in those institutions… most of them died before becoming adults. The children with no talent, were killed while trying to obtain power. Dulio saw all this through his own eyes. Dulio went on. …His eyes looked sorrowful. “In this world, there is a lot of delicious food. There are a lot of people who would want to eat it but can’t.”
Dulio…has travelled around the world, tasted food, experimented with it, so that he could recreate it in the church. After countless failures, he was finally able to make these dishes for the children in the church — for the children who can’t leave. So that… So that at least the children could eat delicious food, Dulio travelled around the world. “There are many people in the world. But, these children… after eating such delicious food, seemed to be truly happy. At least I think so.”
He said so with a smile on his face—but, it was a sad smile. “The main reason why he became Joker… was to reach the souls of children in heaven. As the reincarnated angel Joker, he was able to set foot there. Hyoudou Issei, those children…”
Griselda-san continued with tears running down her cheek. “Dulio, as the strongest among the church—and also one of its most kind youths. That child, was too kind.”
Dulio opened his wings, and the confrontation with Walburga and Crom Cruach began. “I’m sorry, I cannot allow you to go any further. Inside — my brothers and sisters do not want any more painful memories, this is the place where they can be free, so that’s why you will not disturb them.”
Dulio showed a smile, but, his body was releasing a powerful presence. “—It makes sense that an angel would be protecting heaven.”
In the next moment, Walburga’s eyes shined with a strange light! Pillars of purple flame appeared all around Dulio, and slowly surrounded him! But, Dulio didn’t show the slightest of concern, and simply waved his hand. The purple flames instantly froze! The pillar of flames became a pillar of ice. Dulio said to Irina
“Alright, Ace Irina. Advance, and quickly open the door.”
“Joker-sama! I have—”
Joker shook his head at the battle-ready Irina and Xenovia. “These are formidable enemies, I will find a way. …I am their opponent.”
Indeed, right now we must go quickly. …if we use our energy here, we don’t know if we’ll be able to save Irina’s father. Anyway, in front of us were eight serpent-men, and Rizevim hasn’t shown up yet either! But, they didn’t seem to be my opponent. “I wish to fight against the Sekiryuutei one more time!”
Crom Cruach narrowed the distance between us! And started attacking me at close range! Whilst dodging his punches and kicks, I decided, and began the chant for Cardinal Crimson! “—I, who is about to awaken, am the Sekiryuutei who holds the truth of the king up high! Holding the infinite hopes and unbreakable dreams, walking the path of righteousness! I, will become the emperor of the crimson dragon—!” “And I will lead you to the path of Heaven glowing in deep crimson light—!”
A deep crimson light enveloped me, and my armour gradually changed to crimson! My power was increased! But—
[“Ah, that’s right, partner. Hold up. The energy expended using Longinus smasher has not been restored yet. If we try to go past the limit, it’ll just be an explosion!”]
…I know that, Ddraig! Is the “exploration” over already? I asked Ddraig. Because Ddraig and Albion were working together to regain their abilities when they were alive, they had opened up the channel between the two sacred gears and were exploring the depths of the sacred gear. So, even the power of God’s holy book and the seal could be explored. Ddraig sometimes dived into the depths of the sacred gear, along with Albion to explore the seal. In fact, they should have results soon. Ddraig said
[“…Almost. Though this is awful timing, but, in order to keep up, I’ll dive back into the sacred gear.”]
Oh, come on, partner. Because Ddraig said that one of his abilities when he was alive, could be effective against Rizevim! At the same time as I was talking to Ddraig, I was still fighting wih Crom Cruach! If I land a hit, he comes right back at me! And that guy just struck a blow…! If I get hit I’ll be sent flying back and may lose consciousness from the shock and damage! If hit by a combo, my armour will be crushed to pieces! My crimson armour was already covered with cracks all over! In the instant that he hit, I used [Rook] to defend … but, he didn’t flinch! This evil dragon is still the same, he is very good at close combat! Even in the midst of an intense battle, he still smiled! Xenovia and Irina raised their swords to show their support, but, that bastard Crom Cruach was able to knock away the holy swords with a single punch! Even the duo of Xenovia and Irina were caught off guard! —But, fighting against two more opponents created an opening! Just as I was about to fire a dragonshot — in between me and the evil dragon, a flame cross appeared, and blocked the way! However, the one who was angrier than anyone else — was Crom Cruach. “—Don’t get in my way, witch!”
Crom Cruach roared at his supposed partner Walburga. The witch simply laughed loudly. “Haha, you dislike it. I was just trying to help you ♪.”
Seeing the laughing Walburga, Crom Cruach stopped fighting. He said in disdain
“…Because of this, I don’t like complicated battles.