Woke Up

"We got sidetracked again," Diehauser sighed for the nth time today, "Going back, Rizevim isn't just going to that world quietly. He wants to unseal Trihexa, but I don't know how he's going to open a path. And even if he could unseal it, it's unknown whether he'd be able to control it."

"Once the beast is left to its own devices, the only way to defeat it is if Great Red and Ophis make a move themselves, or most of the leaders of every faction join the battle. A fight between the beast and Great Red or Ophis will cause unthinkable destruction, or it may even lead to the end of everything. The same problem exists if the faction leaders were to fight, but even if they could win and preserve the world, a lot of them will perish."

"With those who wish for peace almost gone, those who wished for destruction will immediately swallow them, painting the world with their own ideals." Diehauser massaged the bridge of his nose as he got a mild headache while talking about the future where Trihexa was released.

"And not just that, if this Rizevim was successful in opening a path, it will also open a path for the other side to invade this place. Who knows what's on the other side? It might be a place where beings at the same level as Great Red and Ophis are just wandering about." added Kisuke.

"..." Silence engulfed everyone for a few minutes before Diehauser spoke again, "The regrettable thing is, I can't do anything to his plans right now."

"Although I'm a member of Qlippoth, I only dipped in one of my feet. As I only gave little bits of information, I only know a few things about it. I don't even know most of their members and their plans that are currently taking place."

"I could go in deeper if I were to provide more important information and assist them in their activities, but I don't want to do that, especially now that I actually don't have any reason to join this organization."

"I could report everything I know to the Devil Kings, but I don't know much and me having some insider information is more advantageous for me. More than that, I don't know who's actually trustworthy among them. If I were to reveal anything, it may be one of the Devil Kings or those around them that's going to leak my actions to Qlippoth, which in turn, will endanger my family."

Another silence engulfed everyone.

A minute later, Kisuke clapped his hands and said, "No point in worrying about this now. And to be frank, I know this may sound selfish, but this isn't our problem."

Sakura frowned at him, "...Kisuke."

But before she could say anything, Kisuke continued, "I know what you want to say, mom, but let me clarify it first. This is the world's problem, not ours. The Alliance is there for these kinds of things."

Diehauser, Sakura, Cleria and Masaomi looked at each other and thought about Kisuke's words.

"Besides, we can't really do anything if we don't have enough information. For starters, uncle can urge the Alliance to check on the Trihexa's sealing place by indirectly suggesting that it's a threat that can't be ignored," added Kisuke.

Diehauser nodded, "Indeed... That's one way to warn the Alliance without rousing too much suspicion from both sides. I'll work on it while I'm working on gathering more information."

Kisuke then faced the other three, "And this Trihexa situation will be similar to the Underworld situation earlier, I'm sure you three are going to run around saving people again..."

Masaomi scratched his head and replied, "Well, we brought Claire to the capital for some sightseeing. Who would have thought something like that will happen? And you're right, although we won't just go to another place to save people, expect us to do something if it's in our immediate surroundings."

Sakura and Cleria nodded along to this.

Sighing, Kisuke picked up Ophis and stood up, "Understood. I won't be bothering to change your mind since it'll just be a useless effort. Since Himejima-san and Irina are about to wake up, I'll go back first." While setting up the magic circle for teleportation, Kisuke thought, 'And while I'm at it, maybe I should create some weapons for their self-defense.'

Sakura also stood up and went beside her son, "Kisuke, how long do you have until you return?"

"A week, more or less. I have to go back before the beacon I placed loses its effect," replied Kisuke.

"Alright. I know you're busy preparing, but please come here every day. At least join us at dinner."

Kisuke smiled and hugged his mother, "Got it. I won't miss it."

The two of them then separated and the light on the magic circle became stronger, signifying its activation. But before Kisuke disappeared, Sakura remembered something and added, "If it's possible, invite Akeno-chan, Irina-chan, and Serafall-sama for dinner."

Kisuke wasn't able to reply and disappeared with Ophis.

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Once the two of them appeared in the hideout, Kisuke muttered, "I guess I won't be sleeping this entire week."

Ophis tugged on the hem of Kisuke's shihakusho to get his attention, "What about me? What shall I do?"

Kisuke thought for a moment and asked her, "Can you feel where your stolen powers are?"

Ophis shook her head.

"I see... Then just help me out with creating barriers. I'll need it for the new hideout I'm planning to build."

Ophis nodded and started walking towards the place where Kisuke usually does his work. Kisuke could tell that she's actually happy that work was delegated to her and thought, 'Hestia-sama should learn a thing or two from Ophis-chan.'

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An hour later, Kisuke felt Akeno and Irina's consciousness rousing, so he turned to Ophis and said, "Ophis-chan. Those two are awake. Go take a look at them for a moment. Once I'm done cleaning up here, I'll follow suit."

Ophis nodded and left her work to Kisuke.

Both of them opened their eyes at the same time, and the first thing they noticed was the bright light within the room. Groaning and closing their eyes again, they tried to recall what the last thing they were doing was.

Akeno and Irina needed a few minutes to adjust their minds, and during that time, their eyes managed to adapt to the light. It was then that both of them suddenly sat up as they recalled what just happened, "Ophis!"

With their voice ringing out, they both looked at each other and muttered, "Akeno?" "Irina?"

They then started looking around, "Where are we?" asked Irina?

After glancing around, Akeno replied, "...Kisuke's hideout?" She then looked down and saw her attire. Just a piece of white gown without any underwear, "Are we saved? Did Ophis save us and bring us here? But why are we wearing this?"

Irina also checked her attire, "You're right... I thought we were total goners when we were hit by that poison... I never thought it was that terrifying. But why are we here instead of the Underworld? Is it Serafall-sama? And where's Ophis?"

At that moment, the door opened and Ophis entered the room, "Ophis! You're safe!" Akeno and Irina jumped down from their beds and briskly walked towards Ophis.

"They can't kill me." Ophis blankly answered.

Both of them sighed in relief and Akeno asked Ophis, "Where's Serafall-sama? How long have we been sleeping?"

Ophis tilted her head and thought for a moment before answering, "Three days."

"Three days!?" Irina exclaimed, "This is bad! We've been sleeping for too long!"

Akeno nodded, "You're right. And we still don't know the current state of the Underworld after those anti-monsters were sent. Let's go to the Underworld."

But before they could cast their magic, a voice rang out from the door, "Oh? I'm glad you two are energetic despite just waking up. You don't have to worry, the issue in the Underworld was already solved."

That voice gave the two girls a chill down their spines.

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Editors:

28th00: Phis-chama is there for emotional support. Hat is here, they're gonna need that emotional support right now.