168 Prologue: Vampires from Carmilla Faction Arrives

Next day after the talk with Mephisto in regards to a potential witch Masaru could sign a contract with, Masaru went through the day at school as normal till Sona told him about the Vampires who arrived in Kuoh Town with intentions to meet Rias Gremory and asked him if he could be there for the meeting, she felt rather anxious about their sudden arrival.

While Masaru himself felt it was an opportunity, he could use the excuse to meet that girl one more time before deciding what he wants. a Witch contract, or to make her his peerage member?

"I will be meeting with the vampires who arrived in town," Masaru said while placing the documents he had to complete as President of the Disciplinary Committee on the table, glancing at the girls who stopped working, looking towards him.

"Then--" Akeno was about to make a suggestion but stopped when she saw Masaru shook his head,

"I know you girls want to be there, but I intend to head there alone. We can't appear with too many people or it would appear like we are trying to oppress them with numbers, so it will be Rias with her peerage, Azazel, Sona and me" Masaru explained,`

"Also, I need you, girls, to check up on Jamie and Scott. Since the two of them joined our Belial Highschool, it appears they have resumed their lives. I just want some assurance that they are fine" Masaru said with a smile, before adding on "Plus, I need you, girls, to watch over my mom as well"

"Alright," Akeno said with a pouting face,

"Yes," Ingvild nodded obediently,

"Yes, master!" Angelica said with a strong assertion,

"I understand Hubby," Everest said with a smile,

"You can rely on me big brother" Shirone tapped her chest causing it to jiggle, which was a dangerous sight for sore eyes.

"Roger Ma-nyan," Kuroka said while lazily laying on the couch,

"Understood," Ulrika said while correcting her glasses, she normally wears this as part of her identity at school.

"But came back on time to spar" Jeanne cried out while Sakura nodded, "Yes, you have to spar us both"

"here is your tea, Master," Ichika said with a warm smile showing her approval of his orders,

"Okay!" Stephani called out while reading her questionable manga, Masaru dared not ask her what she was reading this time.

"What about our investigation in regards to the Cannibals?" Yui asked,

"I have already sent more men to scour through America, it will take some time. However, we should find some clues in that country where they emerged. Otherwise, there is nothing else we can do other than wait" Masaru explained, he knew that a group of people would be hiding.

'Besides, I have to keep my eyes on Peru' Masaru thought, taking the cup of tea "Thanks Ichika"

Masaru spent some time with the girls just as night was about to fall, he sent them to go home while he went to the Occult Club where Barold was sitting with a chessboard already set up. "You come right on time" Barold called out,

"You want to lose to me again huh?" Masaru said with a playful cocky voice, he turns to look at Rias.

"Evening Rias, been well?" Masaru asked,

"Uh? Yes, I have" Rias said with a slight smile, but Masaru could see she was tense at the thought for meeting Vampires. There was nothing he could do to ease her tension immediate, thus he greeted the rest of the occult club.

"Hey, pervert crow" Masaru muttered while smirking at Azazel that was drinking,

"What you want a drink? You're too young" Azazel said with a smile while laughing,

Taking his seat in front of Barold, Masaru started to play a game of chess while they started to wait. After a while, Masaru smirked "Heh, you still have a long way to go my friend" Masaru places his last piece checkmating him,

Barold who sighed. "You really have levelled up your skills from playing daily with Sona haven't you?" Barold glances at Masaru with a stinky eye feeling frustrated he can't win against his friend in chess,

Masaru chuckles not feeling ashamed that his skills had indeed been honed by playing with Sona daily, "Well it is a good way to spend time, another game?" Masaru asked but Barold shook his head, Masaru smirked as he turns to look at Azazel with a serious face.

"They sure like taking their time as expected of the world's most arrogant race," Masaru said as he felt quite displeased at the fact they were late.

"Yeah, I have been thinking that too" Azazel sighed as he leans back on the couch, there was a sister wearing nun articles of clothing, she was from the Heaven faction who was representative of heaven standing here.

"I still haven't introduced myself. My name is Griselda Quarta, and I am supervising the staff members from Heaven in this region" Griselda introduced herself with a warm smile making her appear approachable, Masaru could not raise his eyebrow.

"I would never expect Gabriel's Queen would be here..." Masaru said with a slightly surprised voice, as the status of a Queen was quite high especially an Archangels deck.

Griselda glances at Masaru with a smile "It's an honour to be known by the Wonder child Masaru, your reputation precedes you more than mine"

Masaru smiled wryly, "I wonder when I will get rid of that title," He said with an unamused voice causing Griselda to giggle.

"She is my superior" Irina added on although Masaru was not concerned about that, he was quite surprised to see how serious Heaven was becoming in dealing with situations when they were passive in the beginning.

"Masaru" Sona called out entering the room, taking a seat next to Masaru.

"Sona" Masaru kissed her cheek gently before resting his hand on her thigh, the poor girl blushed at Masaru's intimate action in front of everyone while the man himself felt it was his privilege to enjoy her thighs whenever he wishes, within boundaries.

Soon the room became slightly darker as peculiar coldness that stuck on one's skin began to lurk within the room, "Finally" Masaru muttered as he glances at the door.

"Yuuto, please receive our guest" Rias ordered, Yuuto bowed to everyone heading out to escort the vampires inside.

After a short while Yuuto called out from the closed doors, "I have brought the guests"

He pushes open the door leading into the occult meeting room, everyone's attention was attracted to the door which was pushed open, the first to enter was a pureblood vampire little girl with doll-like appearance with long wavy light blonde hair, deep red eyes wearing clothes westerner princesses would wear.

Behind her is two more adult vampires, man and woman wearing suits which were her escorts and bodyguards. The lady stood still as she glances at Rias, Sona then at Azazel till her eyes shook when she saw Masaru, she did not expect that this meeting would attract a character of his level. She naturally knew much about him, and his meeting with the Empress and the empress's sister.

"How do you do, people of the Three-Great Powers. I'm especially honoured to meet two of the little sisters of Maous, the former Governor of the Fallen Angels and especially you Masaru Belial, the Empress has quite an impression of you." the girl greeted everyone

"My name is Elmenhilde Galnstein. Please call me Elmen" Elmen curtsied,

"Galnstein huh? You really must be close to Carmilla herself if she were to send someone of the Noble Family as a messenger" Masaru said while glancing at this girl with an unamused face, he sneered at him for looking down on everyone despite coming her to ask for aid.

Rias look at Elmenhilde who took her seat "Elmenhilde, forgive my bluntness but could you tell us why did you intend to make contact with us now despite the Carmilla Faction had avoided us for so long?"

Sara came silently, pouring tea for everyone. Elmenhilde took a sip of her tea, "I am here to ask if we can borrow Gasper"

Hearing this Masaru closed his eyes feeling it was a good choice to keep his girls away, this talk felt like they were treating people as objects was never a pleasant thing to hear. And they might just explode the moment these vampires show their arrogant attitudes towards Masaru, he could handle their arrogant behaviours but he knew his girls were lovable and would act at any grievances towards him.

Rias was quite shocked but when she asked the details of why they particularly wanted Gasper, Elmenhilde explained "We are being pushed back with the war against the Tepes Faction who became ambitious, normally we would have lived our lives in peace. Yet they became active and started to fight, it was only later we learnt that they were in possession of the Longinus, Sephiroth's Grail"

"To think it's that one" Azazel mutters looking at Masaru who had a complicated face, the two of them could almost instantly piece many puzzles together. Especially Masaru, who had a mission at that country a few months ago.

"And let me guess, the reason you want Gasper is because the person who possesses this Longinus is someone he is close to?" Masaru asks bluntly, his eyes looking at Elmenhilde who nodded calmly.

"Correct, the half-vampire in possession of the Sephiroth's Grail, is Valerie Tepes," Elmenhilde said,

"That is impossible, I grew up with Valerie and she never shown or told me about this" Gasper denied it instantly,

"But it could have been awakened after you left," Masaru said although he himself did not feel convinced at this theory either, he felt she activated it sooner and was not aware of it.

Masaru rubbed his forehead thinking for a while, when a disturbing thought appeared on his mind he voiced it out. "The only thing that can make vampires of the Tepes Faction so attached to this Longinus is because they want to recreate their bodies?"

"Correct, they intend to recreate the Vampire body with no weaknesses" Elmenhilde nods confirming Masaru's speculation nonchalantly,

Hearing this Azazel was quite surprised, they continued to talk as it appears Carmilla is not happy with Tepes that wants to destroy the way of life as a Vampire by using the grail which caused the conflict, Masaru, however, remembered the mission he once did in the past to set buildings on fire in Carmilla Faction which was all buildings equipped to look after babies.

"We want to resolve vampire problems by using vampire powers only, we heard Gasper had awakened his hidden powers so it will be helpful to gain his support for our goal of suppressing Tepes Faction" Elmenhilde explained the reason she wants Gasper,

"Do you know what power it is that he has?" Rias asked but Elmenhilde shook her head,

"It is not uncommon for vampires to be born with power far surpassing the average vampires, this is more common among the halves like Gasper. We of the Carmilla Faction are investigating it, but I am certain that information about his power would be found in the Tepes Faction" Elmenhilde explained,

"But Valerie never had a sacred gear" Gasper denied it once more,

"Just because the Sacred Gear did not awaken does not mean one does not have it, not to mention there is Longinus type that chooses their hosts even living ones if their previous hosts died. So it will not be strange for her to have it, although I would say she is both lucky and unlucky" Azazel sighed

"So they hid it before we and the heaven faction, to think the vampires who detest holy power would hold it and hiding it from us" Azazel frowned feeling annoyed at this thought.

"That is exactly so" Elmenhilde confirms Azazel's words, she turns to Gasper "Gasper, don't you detest the household Vladi of the Tepes Faction who exiled you? with your power, you could destroy them all"

Gasper shook his head at Elmen's words "I don't care about it, I am satisfied with my current life" Before he could complete his words Elmenhilde said a word of taboo

"Hybrid"

"Do you dare say that word again in front of me?" Masaru spoke with an icy cold voice, glaring at Elmenhild with killing intent. "Do you know that I am a hybrid as well?"

Hearing Masaru's words made Elmenhilde shiver in fear while looking at Masaru with a trace of bewilderment and mostly out of fear. When she saw his eyes, she knew she stepped on a territory that she should not have. Before she could apologize, Masaru snorted.

"Even if you meant to say it for him, that word is taboo in front of me... Let me warn you Elmenhilde, you are here to ask for OUR help, what can Carmilla even give us that holds the value of a single person's life?" Masaru asked feeling curious about what these vampires prepared for them.

Rias glanced at Masaru feeling appreciative to her childhood friend, she felt even happier at Issei who was just about to attack if it was not for Masaru. After being trained by Masaru a few times, Issei knew, at times when others do not accept his existence. It was best to beat them up first and then talk.

Elemenhilde took deep breaths to calm her nerves as she did not expect her words to trigger Masaru's anger, the reason Masaru is sensitive of this word is that some of his girls suffered in their lives because of that kind of circumstances, being a hybrid. He just did not want to voice it out, hench, he used himself who was once a hybrid as a excuse to hide this fact.

Elmenhilde took out a document, "We of the Carmilla Faction is willing to join the Alliance as a condition we are allowed to use Gasper to aid us in our battle"

Masaru tapped Issei's shoulder who was about to burst, Issei glances at Masaru with frustrations but seeing Masaru's angered face he pulled back. if there was anyone who knew Masaru's true angered face in this room, it would be Issei which was why he pulled back knowing his teacher would teach these vampires a lesson.

"It appears Camilla have no idea what their position in the world is, do you?" Masaru asked

This question made Elmenhilde flinch as she glances at Masaru strangely, "What do you mean?"

Masaru smirked "We can wait for you two faction to kill each other off, maybe facing extinction you vampires might learn your place and make wiser decisions... Or we can join the Tepes Faction. Did you honestly think Carmilla is attractive for the Alliance? Or that Carmilla is the only Faction we can form an alliance with?"

Elmenhilde's face became complicated at Masaru's words, Sona stood up to stand next to Masaru indicating her support to Masaru. The two of them vowed to face the hardship together, so no matter what Sona would always support Masaru.

Rias kept silent as she kind of agreed with Masaru's words although it may sound harsh, but that was indeed the devil's way of thinking. Azazel smirked as he enjoyed it when Masaru puts arrogant people in their places. 'Heh, this brat should become my successor. Only he can keep those fogies in their places' he thought

"So you can forget about the truce conference, I will head to Carmilla myself as hear what she has to say to me in my face," Masaru said looking coldly at Elmenhilde who could not find a single word to refute.

"Here is how it will go, you will stand up and leave through that door. Whether Rias and Gasper will assist you, you will have to wait for their answer. As for me, as I said I will go meet Empress Carmilla and hear the story from her. You should know of my status and why I can make choices like these don't you?" Masaru said with an authoritative voice,

Elmenhilde nodded, she had no choice. Even the Empress warned her that there was one person she should never offend, and that was Masaru.

Masaru glances at Rias and Gasper, "Whether the two of you choose to aid them or not, is your decision. Don't be forced to follow their demands" Masaru said to the two of them before he took his seat once more with Sona next to him holding his hand.

"You feeling alright?" Sona asked as Masaru smiled wryly, "I have you at my side, how this be difficult for me" Sona smiled sweetly.

Elmenhilde stood up saying her farewells leaving together with her escorts, only when they left did the tense atmosphere eased up.

"Are you sure doing what you did was fine?" Azazel asked

"Well they are looking for you and Gasper more specifically which is why they chose a location where they could achieve both, otherwise would it not be better if they went to meet Sirzech or Serafall instead?" Masaru asked,

Azazel nodded at Masaru's speculation, Masaru continued "Not to mention, I doubt Carmilla knew I would be here too otherwise she would not have chosen this tactic since she is aware I know the Vampire nation like the back of my hand, but from the looks of it she did at least warned that little girl not to offend me, which was why she left without complaining."

"Fufu, you really said everything I wanted to say although I am not allowed to" Griselda found Masaru quite amusing, she turns to look at Xenovia "You really have grown, normally you would chop them first and ask questions after" Xenovia blushed feeling embarrassed.

Sona look towards Rias "What will you do?"

Yet it was Gasper who held his fist tightly as he announced his answer in Rias's place, "I'm going, so I can save Valerie... I don't care about the vampires, I just want her to be safe"

Rias nodded feeling proud to see her servant was growing stronger, before announcing her plans she made on the spot "I will be going there first. I will first meet with the House of Vladi while looking at the situation around the Vampire Nation, we can dispatch Gasper after that"

"I would suggest you take a servant with you," Azazel said,

"I will go!" Issei said enthusiastically,

"No, I will take Yuuto," Rias said causing Issei's head to fall, his shoulders slumped, she smiled wryly while gently caressing Issei's cheek allowing him to revitalize.

"Well it will be best if Issei remains as reinforcement" Masaru agreed with Rias's choice, since Issei was still inexperience in many fields it would be best to take Yuuto who was already trained.

"Teacher..." Issei grumbled at Masaru who sent a flying sphere into Issei's forehead, "OUCH!" The sphere slammed into Issei's forehead, leaving a bruise behind.

With Issei quiet, Masaru began to speak "Right now the information I have is the fact the two factions are quite tense, they have continuous skirmishes and this is going on for more than a year. I will tell you all to be vigilant as Khaos Brigade was found lurking around this civil war, so be ready to face danger at any given moment"

"Masaru and I will go in your place to meet Carmilla first" Azazel glances at Masaru who nodded at him, this way Rias could go immediately to meet the Vladi Household Patriarch.

"We will investigate the situation on that side before dispatching the rest of the teams, What about your team?" Azazel asked towards Masaru,

"They will be heading for Asgard, apparently there are a few projects Odin requested their aid with. Brynhildr will be leading them at that time, so I will only be bringing Shirone, Yui and Ulrika with me" Masaru answered.

"Huh? Since when have you been hooked up with my superior?" Rossweisse asked Masaru feeling quite surprised as she knew the personality of Brynhildr was serious, but she did not know towards Masaru she was different.

"She is someone going through a trial to decide if she will become the leader of my personal retainers" Masaru answered shocking everyone,

"You intend to have the strongest Valkyrie become your retainer!?" Rias was slack-jawed while Sona felt proud, it was her fiancé after all.

Azazel looks at Griselda, "Sister Griselda, please report to Michael and Uriel. I feel that something more is going on over there" Griselda nodded.

Issei came over to Masaru, "Thank you"

Masaru waved his hand "You are aiming to be a high-class devil, there are rules you have to understand when diplomatic negotiations happen. Make sure to study and learn to curb your emotions, sometimes being hotheaded will allow others to take advantage of you and that will get your loved ones in danger"

Issei nodded while Sona gripped Masaru's hand, "Well, apologies but the two of us will be heading home to deal with a few things, please update me on the finalized details" Masaru said before bidding everyone farewell leaving the occult room together with Sona and her peerage.

"Sona, if anything happens out of the ordinary here. Make sure to contact me, especially in regards to the Magicians okay?" Masaru said with a stern voice,

Sona nodded, she would never expect Masaru was more concerned about a sicko who once caused trouble in China decided not only to come to Japan to make trouble but also in Romania.