Calm before the Storm (5)

The driver ignored the traffic laws and parked the limousine by the side of the road before the rest of the guards professionally stepped out and stood guard, the driver following.

They were bodyguards, not eavesdroppers.

Pucci scanned the perimeter of the car, smiling at a particular direction before a layer of dark-transparent glass raised up. The windows were one-sided, they can see the outside, but no one can hear or see anything from the inside.

The dark-skinned man tapped the armrest briefly with his index finger, before the car chair shifted about 40 degrees downwards, giving them a more comfortable position.

A fancy monitor, built flatly onto the 'surface' of the car's internals lifted itself up. The monitor booted up before a detailed representation of all 26 Cities popped up.

Interestingly enough, there were red 'lines' from each city, all moving in closer in the direction of City B.

"So, how much do you know?" Pucci asked, getting straight to the point. Remembering something, he quickly gulped down all the water before pointing at the mini-fridge by Lin Wu. "Pass me the Coca-Cola."

"Didn't you say th—"

"Shhh, water by itself can get boring sometimes. I'm a Pope, not a Saint."

"Did you just take that line from Count of the Montecristo?"

Pucci decided not to reply, choosing to take another gulp of the carbonated drink.

Lin Wu decided to be honest. "My integration process hasn't finished yet. It should be done soon."

Since his powers hadn't been fully integrated yet, he couldn't fully 'hear' the electromagnetic waves on the same level as the previous user of his ability.

Pucci shrugged nonchalantly as if it didn't matter. "Understandable, She told me that your ability to 'hear' everything had been taken down a notch."

He paused for a second, before continuing. "The Lord taketh and the Lord giveth."

"Wait hold up, I don't think that's the correct intepre—"

"She told me to give you something else in exchange. I just never bothered because it wasn't too much of a priority." Pucci admitted.

"But why?" Lin Wu couldn't help but ask, perhaps this was the reason why more and more 'blackspots' started to appear in his visualizations?

He had to admit though, he was quite interested in what he was getting in exchange for it.

Pucci gave a weird expression. "She said that 'The ability to hear everything treaded on the domain of the Gods, I don't want to deal with complaints from the other divinities, not to mention all the paperwork I'd have to fill out…' and then She stopped there."

'At least she didn't completely take it away.' Lin Wu gave in, albeit reluctantly.

Pucci was previously from a different world, much like Lin Wu.

Lin Wu knew which world Pucci came from, and Pucci knew which world Lin Wu came from.

Both came together to the same world through a certain Goddess.

Though it's clear who got preferential treatment…

Enrico Pucci was originally a priest back in his world—one with excellent prospects and understanding of the faith. With multiple churches back in his world inviting him to join him, his talent was undeniable. Naturally, his rise to Popehood was not a question of 'if' but that of 'when.'

If Lin Wu had to guess, there were probably other deities fighting for Pucci as well.

On the surface, Pucci's 'religion' was simple—it was the Roman Catholic Church, a believer of the Biblical God.

To Lin Wu however, he was a believer of the Goddess.

As for where she ranked in the DxD hierarchy, she'd be more powerful than the original God and the Dragons.

Lin Wu suspected that there was more to play, if he were to guess—there wasn't just one entity on the same level of the Goddess.

There had to be more than just one!

As for Pucci's true faith… Neither Lin Wu or Pucci was too worried about it.

'It's not like the Biblical God would come out of His grave to call Pucci a heretic.'

Plus, Pucci did indeed believe in the Biblical God before his transmigration.

As for the Angels, Lin Wu believed that their Goddess helped him with that.

Though, Lin Wu had to admit that he wanted to listen to the gentle motherly voice of the Goddess some more. All She said was just two sentences, probably less, before dropping him into this world and letting the System do the rest!

Pucci finished the Coca-Cola before taking out a Fanta. "We'll talk about what you'll get later, but first we should talk about this 'competitive' event that's going to happen."

The monitor then zoomed onto City B. The bird's-eyes view of the U.A. Stadium did nothing but enhance its grandeur nature. Next to the stadium was a colossal four-legged robot launching out various types of what appeared to be construction drones.

"As you may or may not already know, there will be a competitive event hosted by U.A. High School in the coming week," The monitor then zoomed in onto the other massive stadium being built by the side, "There will also be another competitive event. A tournament essentially, sponsored by multiple parties."

The drones had already constructed the skeleton of what appears to be another stadium almost twice the size of the U.A. Stadium!

The U.A. Stadium was originally meant to host the Olympics so it was huge to begin with!

The monitor zoomed out back to the 26 Cities again, with each one pointing towards City B. "While the general populace does not know of this yet, those in the upper-class already do, such as the Nine-Tails from Kyoto, the Monkey King, the Three Factions, and many more—of course, this includes our Mafia. Some people had already leaked this information out, not that people would believe them without evidence."

Pucci paused, giving Lin Wu a moment to digest this. While Lin Wu might've already known this, it was safer to start from the beginning.

"The prize, according to what She said, is a set of items that can grant a wish. The reward isn't anything special, just a mere wish, the main of this event is for the more… 'mythical' beings to come out and be considered for one's own faction/peerage."

"Wouldn't the government be mad at having their 'targets' stolen or something?"

"Some people do multiple jobs at the same time."

"Oh."

Pucci brought his leg over the over, resting his elbow on his thigh as he held his chin in contemplation. "This is not our concern. Our concern revolves around a particular 'enemy' of sorts."

"An enemy?"

Pucci nodded.

"Perhaps the term 'enemy' may have been incorrectly used in this context; it would be more accurate to use the term 'rival' instead. For a lack of better words, Her 'sister' had—and I quote—'nothing to do' and send a representative to compete in this event. I believe she was the one who actually gave the wish-granting device to the Devils, what she got for return… I have no idea."

"The Goddess has a sister?"

Pucci shook his head, "It is not our role to question such things. Her sister is competitive and challenged Her to see whose 'children' would rank higher in this event."

Lin Wu had a bad feeling.

"And because your System is more combat-oriented than mine, you'll be competing as our representative."

"Huh?!"

From the very beginning, Lin Wu just wanted to be the spectator—and now he'd have to walk on the stage and fight?!

"Isn't this development too quick?!"

Pucci laughed. "Aren't we all subjected to the whims of fate?"

He mentioned Lin Wu to come closer.

"Now then, as per Her instructions, I will be giving you this."

Lin Wu felt something solid—hard and cold, being inserted inside his forehead.

He managed to sneak a peek at the object, a circular disk of sorts, with a figure imprinted on it. He couldn't see the details of the figure, only seeing that it was humanoid before it disappeared into his head.

"So…" Lin Wu waited as he pointed curiously at his forehead.

He didn't feel any different than before.

"Patience is key, I'm not allowed to tell you but it won't be activated until the tournament. Which is in like… five days? Just know that it's a Stand, a manifestation of your spirit. A Stand normally manifests itself in the form of a humanoid, the one I gave you is one as well. The Goddess instructed me to tell you that, 'It's worth it, don't complain okay?' From what I saw, She certainly wasn't lying—not that I doubted Her words of course. Just be prepared for when the tournament starts, the memories of how to use such a Stand will be integrated much in a way like that of your Devil Fruit ability."

"Pucci," Lin Wu said as he casted a grave expression, "Can you make the entirety of next week nothing but overcast? You know how it is with my… new body and the sunlight."

The Messenger of God laughed with an all-too-knowing smile, "There's no need to worry about that."

The man continued cryptically, "After all, unlike those self-proclaimed 'Forces of Heaven,' I've attained the true Heaven."

Not knowing what he's going on about, Lin Wu shrugged and got out of the limousine. The bodyguard handed him the umbrella only to be stopped by Pucci.

"Do you like Mapo Tofu? I'll have someone deliver it to your living room; it's not like you lock your door anyway." He laughed.

"Tell them to not make it too spicy and get me a large bottle of Fanta." Lin Wu winked.

Pucci chuckled as the bodyguards entered the limousine, the engine starting to get ready.

As if he remembered something, Lin Wu turned around, plastering his face onto the glass window to much of Pucci's dismay.

"…"

"Father Pucci."

"Yes?"

"…"

"What? Just say it."

"…Do you accept part-timers?"

"Hmm… Sure, why not?"

The limousine disappeared into the horizon.

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Raynare, or Yuuma as she currently went by, subconsciously started biting her nails as she stood behind the brick wall. She tried to be as quiet as possible—steadying her heart, or whatever was left of it, as quickly as possible.

Perhaps calling it 'hiding' would be more accurate.

After killing off that pathetic joke of a 'boyfriend' of hers, she just had to see her next target—a seemingly 'ordinary' student by the name of Lin Wu.

Raynare was aghast when she found her target sitting next to the bloody Pope of all people!

Did the two seriously not care about who may be hiding?

Does the Pope even care?

While it is true that this Pope is a bit… lesser-known, it doesn't discount the fact that she should not in the middle of a metropolis!

After a second of contemplation, Raynare came to a conclusion. 'Memory magic!'

Enrico Pucci must have wiped the memories of those who saw accidentally! Or at least that's what she assumed from one of her faction leader's many drunken stupors.

Raynare was entrusted to eliminate Issei Hyoudou since his Sacred Gear could very well pose a threat to the Fallen Angels.

While they didn't know what it was, it's best to dispose of him sooner rather than later.

Erasing all those who could potentially threaten the Fallen Angels had always been their modus operandi, they couldn't reproduce nor could they 'recruit' people into their faction like the Devils.

The teenager, Lin Wu, supposedly possessed some sort of teleportation-related Sacred Gear. If she were to guess, the Devils in Kuoh Academy already knew of his ability—it wasn't easy to hide with Metal Knight's drones and hidden surveillance, not to mention they were reinforced by teachers and Devils alike who are required to report any signs of suspicious activity.

The only reason why Lin Wu hadn't been 'visited' by them was that he posed no harm.

If anything, it was more of an unspoken rule. Utility-based Sacred Gear was left alone, they were in the Devils territory after all.

As for why they were certain that it was Lin Wu's Sacred Gear… Truth be told, they weren't. It was more of a hunch.

Whether or not Lin Wu used his Sacred Gear on purpose—or simply underestimated the capabilities of the Three Factions—didn't matter. She was to eliminate him, and after that, she would take the Sacred Gear of the nun that she had met recently.

Raynare watched quietly, like that of a cat staring down her prey, as the windows of the limousine quickly darkened. She quickly turned back, covering herself fully as the intimidating bodyguards stood guard. One of them even met eyes with Raynare!

'I have to report this; Lin Wu is definitely more than he shows himself to be.'

Her hands reached for her skirt, adjusting it properly in the case that she needed to run.

It would be a great disservice to the Fallen Angels if she tripped due to her skirt!

Noticing something odd, Raynare focused her eyes on the frills.

"Oh?"

She realized that on the hems of the skirt, was a little bit of blood.

Raynare grimaced as she remembered the utter despair of the boy's face when she quietly stabbed a spear of light throughout his chest.

There were simply too many people for her to go into her true form, and she had decided to do it a day early.

She didn't know why, but her intuition practically demanded her kill Issei as soon as possible.

Luckily, no one was watching so she quickly ran away.

Truth be told, the look of absolute betrayal pained Raynare.

Albeit a 'small' event in the long life of a Fallen Angel, it still hurt her to commit such a thing.

'It had to be done.' She reasoned, 'We fallen Angels cannot replenish our numbers. Such is the fate for those who'd fallen from Heaven.'

Before she could continue her negative thoughts, a rather warm hand rested on her shoulder!

Raynare stood frozen like a sculpture made of ice.

'Who is it?! How did he get behind me without me realizing!'

The Fallen Angel started to sweat as she felt pressure emanating from behind her.

She could feel the warmth of a face right next to her shoulders as if the person's face was merely a centimeter away!

"Oh?" The voice was calm, laced with poison. "What do we have here?"

She didn't dare turn around, in her peripheral, she could barely just make out the man's appearance: perfectly combed hair fashioned with a white and black pattern, large irises, and a high cheekbone wearing what appears to be a whiteish-gray suit.

"That's a nice car you're looking at… When I get promoted, I'll make sure to get a good car. Hmmm, maybe I'll get a regular one, a fancy one stands out too much." The man said quietly as if talking to himself as his arm held Raynare's shoulder in place.

He was a head taller than she was; clearly in his early-to-mid thirties. Her eyes dilated as she felt the hand lifting itself from her shoulder.

'Chance!'

She threw all of her weight onto her feet as she exerted all her force into them, propelling her back like a spring!

After securing a meter distance, she prepared to let out her wings and escape immediately!

'Danger!'

Before she could lift off, she felt an invisible force slamming her straight into the ground!

"Help! I'm being attacked!" She screamed, trying to get as much attention as possible.

But no help came!

To much dismay, there was absolutely no one!

Not a single soul!

She could hear footsteps closing in, it was neither fast or slow, as if the man was leisurely taking his time!

"Get away from me!" She squirmed as she conjured up a spear of light—only for her arm to be smashed into the ground as well!

'What's this invisible force? Is it gravity magic?! I can't sense any mana!'

The man kneeled by her side, picking up her hand as he studied it in detail. "Not bad."

Not knowing or caring, Raynare tried to wiggle out of the invisible force, she even tried forcing her wings out to possibly push the guy aside, but it just wouldn't come out!

"You have gorgeous hands—like that of an angel… You'd be a good fit for my collection. Wait." The man paused.

*Prac!*

Raynare felt a rush of pain from her hand!

The man was breaking her fingers—twisting them!

"What a shame," The man sighed, "Such beautiful hands yet you can't even trim your nails properly."

Raynare could feel the man's anger starting to grow exponentially!

However, for some reason, the man let go as he started sitting on Raynare's back. "Truth be told, I used to have that habit too you know?"

"Wh-What?" She squeezed out.

"Biting your nails. It can ruin the shape of your fingers, ingrown nails and the like."

'I-Is he crazy? No matter, I must find a way to get out!' Perhaps she could wipe his memories? But considering he was strong enough to force her into this position, he must've dabbled in mysticism, at which her magic would be completely useless!

"Say," The man asked, "Do you believe in reincarnation?"

Raynare ignored him.

She suddenly felt a lot lighter.

'He got off?!'

Taking this chance, her wings forced itself out of her body as she started t—

The man grabbed her by the face!

Just as she was about to get off!

"I said." He continued calmly.

He smashed her straight into the brick wall!

"Do you." He pulled her out and smashed her into again!

"Believe."

"In."

"Reincarnation." He pulverized the brick wall—creating cracks all over as it started to crumble!

'Bloody hell!' Raynare grimaced as she could taste iron in her mouth.

"You know," the man finally let go, "I've always wondered if I'm protected by luck. I thought I was dead, being pulled by those damned ghosts in the alley."

'What alley is he talking about?! Get me away from this madman!'

"But you know, when one has great fortune, another must undergo great misfortune. It just so happens that the man you were following was someone who had saved me."

'Lin Wu or Enrico Pucci?!'

With no hope left, she resorted to her trump card. "Lord Azazel will avenge me if you kill me!"

The man paused.

"Whoever he may be," he grabbed Raynare by the face once more, his voice calm as if nothing had happened at all, "Just know that if I were to fight."

He brought her closely, staring deeply into her eyes between his fingers.

"I wouldn't lose to anyone!"

*Click!*

Raynare could hear a switch being pressed!

"W-wha—" She started seeing fractures throughout her body!

Raynare wanted to cry. Why did this have to happen to her?! Deep down inside her heart, she wanted to play couple with Issei a little bit more. He treated her like a normal girl; he gave her love—albeit stained with lust—and even pampered her.

He gave a small but comfortable amount of warmth in the life of a Fallen Angel.

And then she disappeared.