An alternate dimension, a temporary base of the Hero Faction.
At the mist-shrouded mountain peak, Cao Cao sat bare-chested in a waterfall, his spear resting on his shoulder.
"Boom…"
Torrents of water cascaded from above, crashing onto Cao Cao's body like a thousand-pound boulder, testing his physical endurance.
Cao Cao sat firmly amidst the waterfall, not only enduring the relentless impact but also managing to conjure a magic circle above his palm.
"Is that so?" Cao Cao muttered as if talking to himself. "He recruited a saintess expelled by the Church, a Nekomata who became a Stray Devil, and even has a Fallen Angel by his side?"
As Cao Cao spoke, a voice echoed from the magic square above his palm.
"The intel has been confirmed. It's accurate."
It was Siegfried's voice.
"I must admit, that guy is quite capable. In just a few days, he's managed to recruit some impressive talents," Siegfried continued through the magic circle, communicating with Cao Cao from a distance. "One is a former saintess with the rare Sacred Gear, 'Twilight Healing'. The other is a Nekomata who killed her master, defeated the Devil's pursuit squad, and wields demonic power, youjutsu, and senjutsu. Both are top-tier talents, even among us."
Clearly, the Hero Faction had thoroughly investigated Kaiser's situation and kept tabs on his movements.
Siegfried reported all this to Cao Cao, but it didn't seem to faze him.
"A Nekomata… hmm, a Nekomata," Cao Cao mused, tapping his spear against his shoulder. He spoke leisurely, though his thoughts were unclear.
"Rare indeed, and full of potential. But she's a youkai, not a human."
Siegfried understood the implication behind Cao Cao's words.
"We only need humans. We have no use for non-human entities," Siegfried said. "Kaiser knows this, yet he recruited that Nekomata. Isn't this a blatant disregard for the Hero Faction's principles?"
"This proves one thing," Cao Cao chuckled. "He's not here for us. Otherwise, he wouldn't have done this."
If Kaiser had joined the Khaos Brigade with the intention of targeting the Hero Faction, he would never have acted in a way that contradicted their principles.
The Hero Faction would never acknowledge Kuroka, nor would they accept her. They wouldn't allow Kaiser to bring her along.
If Kaiser insisted, the Hero Faction would likely shut him out, refusing to let him return.
Kaiser must have known this, yet he still recruited Kuroka, clearly demonstrating his indifference toward the Hero Faction.
"Though it's unclear if he's backed by another force, he has no interest in the Hero Faction and no ulterior motives against us. At least that much is certain," Cao Cao said with a smile, his eyes closed. "I'm not sure whether to feel happy or frustrated."
"Just like Arthur Pendragon, he's part of the Hero Faction but has no interest in our ideals," Siegfried's voice continued from the magic circle. "If he truly has no intentions toward us, he'll likely end up acting independently, just like Arthur."
"That's probably the case," Cao Cao said indifferently. "He's not one of us. What a pity."
"He's been quite active in Kuoh Town," Siegfried continued his report. "He attacked a Fallen Angel's temporary base, destroyed a Stray Exorcist organization, killed the successor of the Astaroth family, and even made contact with the heiress of the Gremory family, the sister of the Satan Lucifer."
"Quite the eventful journey. That guy is anything but quiet," Cao Cao grinned, seemingly amused for some reason. "While we're still in our dormant phase, his actions will likely turn Kuoh Town into a focal point, attracting all sorts of people."
"Indeed, especially the Church, Devils, and Fallen Angels. All three factions have been thoroughly stirred," Siegfried said. "The Church has dispatched combat personnel, reportedly a Holy Sword wielder with a genuine Holy Sword. The Fallen Angels seem to have sent a high-ranking figure, though their identity hasn't been confirmed yet. The Devils are the most active, with even the Satans being alerted."
Kaiser's actions in Kuoh Town had managed to offend all three major factions.
The Devils were undoubtedly shaken by the death of the Astaroth family's successor.
The Fallen Angels were equally provoked, as Kaiser had destroyed one of their temporary bases and annihilated a Stray Exorcist organization under their command. It was inevitable that they would retaliate.
The Church, while not directly targeted by Kaiser, had its own reasons to act. Kaiser's ties to the Church and his harboring of a former saintess gave them ample justification to intervene.
Thus, Kuoh Town had been thoroughly stirred up by Kaiser alone, growing increasingly chaotic. The number of factions and individuals drawn to the town was only increasing.
Cao Cao listened thoughtfully to this information, then suddenly spoke.
"With so many powerful figures from various factions gathering in Kuoh Town, the Old Satan Faction will likely make a move, won't they?"
Though phrased as a question, Cao Cao's tone was filled with certainty.
"Still as sharp as ever, Cao Cao," Siegfried chuckled. "They've indeed grown restless."
"With the three major factions gathered in one place, such a rare opportunity is too tempting for those not-so-bright minds."
"They'll definitely act."
This entirely predictable outcome made Cao Cao open his eyes.
"It seems the Khaos Brigade's dormant phase is about to come to an end."
Cao Cao understood that once the Old Satan Faction made their move, the Khaos Brigade's existence could no longer remain hidden.
The day they revealed themselves might not be far off.
"So, what will you do, standing at the center of this vortex?"
Cao Cao stepped out of the waterfall, looking at the spear in his hand, and smiled silently.
"I'm looking forward to your performance, my fated rival…"
…
The Underworld.
The so-called Underworld is what humans refer to as Hell.
It is the destination for the souls of the deceased, though not the entire Underworld is dedicated to this purpose. Only a specific area is responsible for receiving and managing these souls, and this area occupies just a small portion of the Underworld.
Contrary to the terrifying depictions in legends, the environment here isn't harsh. While the Underworld is as vast as Earth, its population is much smaller. The sky is purple, there are no seas, but there are large lakes, making the land quite expansive.
There is no sun or moon here, and the concept of time differs from the human world. However, to align with the human world, the Underworld's leaders have adjusted the time using special magic, so both worlds now share the same time.
The inhabitants of the Underworld are primarily divided into two groups.
One is the Devils.
The other is the Fallen Angels.
Yes, Devils and Fallen Angels are the rulers of the Underworld.
The Underworld is divided into two territories: one ruled by Devils and the other by Fallen Angels. Both factions have deep entanglements with the human world.
Devils form contracts with humans, demanding a price in exchange for power.
Fallen Angels manipulate humans, seeking to eradicate Devils.
Adding to this is the third faction—the Angels and Church followers, who act on God's orders and oppose both Devils and Fallen Angels. These three factions have been locked in conflict since ancient times, their relationship as volatile as fire and water.
However, today, in the heart of the Fallen Angels' territory, the highest ruler here received a communication from the supreme leader of the Devils.
"Long time no see, Azazel."
The figure of a red-haired man appeared on a small magic circle, his voice gentle yet carrying a hint of authority as he greeted the master of this place.
"Oh? Isn't this the current Lucifer, Sirzechs-sama?"
A man with a playful tone, exuding an unconventional and inscrutable aura, held the small magic circle and spoke in an exaggerated manner.
He was the Governor of the Fallen Angels, the current supreme leader of the Fallen Angels—Azazel.
"What brings you to me?" Azazel seemed genuinely surprised, smiling as he spoke. "You're not here to declare war on behalf of the Devils, are you?"
Hearing this, the red-haired man on the magic circle shook his head.
"You know, Azazel, both your side and ours have suffered too many casualties in past wars. Starting a war now is simply unrealistic."
Azazel merely smiled at the red-haired man's words.
He was well aware of this situation but had deliberately brought it up.
"Then, what important matter brings the great Satan Lucifer to this humble Fallen Angel Governor?"
Azazel's tone remained playful, but he was already probing.
In contrast, the red-haired man's expression and tone were solemn.
"I've come to verify something," the red-haired man said, staring at Azazel through the magic circle. After a moment, he continued, "Today, my sister brought me some crucial information."
"It's about a group of terrorists called the Khaos Brigade..."
"Azazel, you're already aware of this organization's existence, aren't you?"
At these words, Azazel's eyes narrowed.
"So… you've finally noticed them too?" he murmured.
"Judging by your reaction, this terrorist group does exist," the red-haired man said gravely. "Then, is it true that the Infinite Dragon God, Ophis, is the leader of the Khaos Brigade?"
"Yes," Azazel sighed, then straightened his expression. "Since you've noticed, I think it's time for us to talk."
"Along with the Heavenly Faction, the three of us should have a proper discussion."