Also—”
Just as Roygun-san was in the midst of disappearing into the light of the teleportation, she turned around and winked. “I will be watching closely to see how far your team can make it to Sekiryuutei — ♪”
We watched as she teleported away. I wasn’t sure about whether to feel happy or pressured about that…. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to more refreshing encounters like this! Part 4
The day before the match—. I visited Beelzebub-sama’s research facility. I didn’t come here to seek out Azazel-sensei this time, it was Beelzebub-sama who said that he wanted to ‘check’. To check — this meant an investigation of the [Evil Pieces] in my body. Beelzebub-sama created a small magic circle and placed it in front of my chest, and just like he did in the past, he was able to see my [Evil Pieces]. As Beelzebub-sama examined them, he nodded slightly. “Hmm, so it’s just as I thought.”
“W-What is it?”
“The [Evil Pieces] in your body — the [Pawn] pieces have all transformed into [Mutation Pieces]. It’s probably the effect of [Dragon Deification].”
—What! …All of my [Pawn] pieces have finally turned into [Mutation Pieces]…! So it’s probably because of [Dragon Deification], right? Beelzebub-sama continued to turn the magic circle to examine my pieces. “The combination of eight [Mutation Pieces] on top of the unparalleled [Dragon Deification] could be described as a fearsome phenomenon. Your form truly does have the power to change the world.”
“But I still cannot fully unleash that power at the moment…”
In order to prevent my body from breaking down, although I was able to draw out a powerful energy from my body after exhausting it to a certain degree, I felt quite uneasy using it. However, Beelzebub-sama made an unexpected remark. “Well, I can already foresee that you’ll be able to fully master it.”
“Beelzebub-sama, are you serious! ?”
“If you want to use all of that power well — it will take a long time to reach that level. But to overcome the time limit and sustain its use for as long as possible in terms of stamina, that’s something that still requires training. Nevertheless, you have all of the necessary factors within you.”
Beelzebub-sama raised his index finger and said
“First of all, you must retrieve Ophis’ power — Lilith.”
“…You mean I have to borrow power from her?”
Lilith was always at home, either watching TV or playing games, or perhaps busily snacking on various things. Beelzebub-sama continued
“To be more precise, it is required for Ophis and Lilith to resonate, or perhaps for them to coordinate. Based on my examination, you cannot fully use [Dragon Deification] at the moment, not so much because your basic physical abilities are lacking, but because Ophis’ power has been separated and her original strength cannot be fully used.”
This was the series of events triggered by Cao Cao and Samael. That led to Ophis’ power being taken away. “…Well, if you can make Lilith and Ophis resonate, then you’ll be able to…”
I suddenly thought of something bad. “B-But, if that happens, is it possible that one of the two will disappear?”
At present, regardless if it was Ophis or Lilith that disappeared, the entire household would feel lonely, and I didn’t want that to happen. Beelzebub-sama said
“This is a problem of their own. If there is a need to return to their original state, then that’s what they have to do. If there’s no need for that, then the status quo can be maintained. Fufufu, I presume that as along as neither you nor Vali Lucifer wish for that to happen, then they won’t assimilate. She — this Dragon God seems to have already devoted her heart to the Two Heavenly Dragons.”
I hoped that they would continue to remain my friends and family forever. If it was something that they wished for on their own, then I would not have a choice. Beelzebub-sama sighed as he said
“Well, this is a matter best left to them to resolve. …What concerns me is something else.”
Beelzebub-sama raised another finger as he said
“—Great Red’s power is embedded within your body, it is a power that lies dormant within you and has never been awakened.”
“…Great Red’s power?”
My body was once destroyed during the Demonic Beasts Riot, but using a piece of Great Red’s flesh, it was completely remade. This was what Beelzebub-sama meant. Beelzebub-sama then said
“Former Governor Azazel-dono previously mentioned your power — BxB, CxC, DxD, perhaps the various changes after this have modified your abilities. If you could use the eight [Mutation Pieces] to unleash the power of Ophis and Great Red, then it is possible for you to fully master [Dragon Deification] and attain an even more powerful form — AxA could be used. I think that this is the final answer that you will arrive at as the product of the [Ouroboros Dragon] and [True Red Dragon God Emperor].”
—Ophis, Great Red. This was the possibility that could be achieved by liberating the power of both of those two. “AxA huh. The answer that I’ll obtain by releasing both Ophis’ and Great Red’s power…. But, it isn’t going to be ExE? I thought that it would feel more suitable if the name was a reference to the organisation that is to be set up in the future.”
According to the order, it should be ExE…AxA as the final answer doesn’t make sense. Beelzebub-sama seemed to think of something regarding ExE…. “In that regard, Former Governor Azazel-dono has already given an answer. But it is not yet time for it to appear before you. However, there will come a day when it shall appear before you.”
…It’s not time yet? Hmm — mmm, I wonder what it is. Maybe it will take some time. Beelzebub-sama said
“In any case, you should be able to awaken a glimpse of that power in this tournament. After all, this is a tournament where even god-class beings are participating, so common sense has been thrown out of the window.”
“…I think my next match is a key one.”
“The team of reincarnated Angels that Dulio Gesualdo leads, along with Rudiger Rosenkreutz as their supervisor. Since you’re participating in this tournament and plan to compete in the original Rating Games, he’s someone that you’re bound to encounter.”
Beelzebub-sama ended his examination, and released the magic circle. He looked at the ceiling as he said
“Rudiger…he’ll use tactics that are completely different to the ones that you and Rias Gremory use.”
“…I have also seen the recordings of his previous games…he bears some resemblance to Sona-senpai, but there are some fundamental differences.”
Having watched Rudiger-san’s previous game recordings…he didn’t win by relying on power, but through clever tactics to manipulate opponents in the palm of his hand to overwhelm them. However, that was where it differed from Sona-senpai’s methods. Using tactics and strategy to eliminate the opponent’s combat power, both of them were very similar in that regard…. Beelzebub-sama then said
“They are indeed alike in the way that they aim for their opponent’s weaknesses.