Excellent Choice

IMPORTANT

I want to warn everyone that I want to make Beelzebub's shop a true multiversal shop. So, I'm going to add more than items from video games, animes, and movies. So you may see some stupid things I've seen in YouTube skits, small web comics, or even commercials. For example, a banana that can beat a demon lord, the jizzle, or uno reverse card that works in every situation.

Or I'll just make up something so if you see something you recognize that's way.

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Pov. Azazel

It hasn't been long since many of us fell, but we had to find a place of our own and stop wandering around. So I gathered up as many fallen angels as I could and formed the organization Grigori. Yet we still needed a place to stay, so we thought about going to hell and just setting up shop somewhere the devils don't live at. But we underestimated how greedy the devils were or should I say I underestimated how unreasonable Lucifer is.

Even if we stayed far away from the devils and set up on a piece of land no one wanted. Lucifer still found it an insult for us to live here without serving under him. But what can I expect from that fool that thinks the world belongs to him.

It seems he's been sending some low-leveled grunts to harass us lately. The only reason he hasn't sent his full force to fight us is due to him thinking all of hell should belong to him and has been having small skirmishes with other fictions of underworlds, not just us. There's also the fact that he's building up his forces to fight God and the world because he thinks everything rightly belongs to him and everyone's better off dead.

One day, while defending our territory against some more of Lucifer's canon fodder, a store appeared behind us without any sign of magic or noise. It was like it was there from the very start.

"Azazel, did you even sense this before we turned around?" Asked Shemhazai.

"No, and I don't sense anyone around."

"Do you think this is a trap?"

"I doubt it."

Looking at the store, it was made out of wood and had a structure that I had yet to see before. The only reason I knew it was a store were the signs out in front that said all kinds of things.

"Hey Shemhazai, what do you think of the signs?" I asked.

"While the idea of getting something powerful enough to keep my comrades safe. It makes it feel more like a trap with those signs telling me it inside," he said.

"What are you talking about," I said, clearly confused about what he was talking about.

The sign clearly says if I want fun, interesting things, and to harness the power of both light and dark, then this is your store. But he started talking about something else. Though I do agree those things do sound too good to be true, and if this was a trap, then it wasn't a very good one.

"This is a weird trap then because who would believe they can give me greater beauty than Gabriel," said Penemue, walking up to us.

Hearing her, I knew something was up with this store. Each person seems to read something different on those signs, and from the looks of things, it's what someone's deepest desire is written on the signs. If this is a trap, then it's a pretty sloppy one, especially for a large group.

"What do we do, Azazel?" Asked Shemhazai.

On the one hand, this may be a trap, but I doubt it. If Lucifer really was about to get something this large behind us, then he wouldn't put a store behind us.

As for God, he wouldn't even think about coming to hell. He also wouldn't start a fight for no reason. As for the other pantheon, it's even less likely they're all dealing with external or internet strife. In fact, they're always dealing with something, I doubt they'll have the time or even care to deal with a group that hasn't even been around for a hundred years.

"Will go inside, but keep your guard up. I doubt this is a trap, but we can never be too sure," I said.

"Are you sure doing this is smart?" Asked Shemhazai.

"No, but if whoever is inside there can give us an edge in the upcoming war, then it's worth the risk. But only Shemhazai, Penemue, and I will go in, and everyone else get ready for a fight just in case," I said as I walked up to the store.

Going up to the store, I carefully opened the door and heard a ringing sound.

"Welcome. Is there anything I can do to help you," said the young man in the back of the store.

He had black hair, black eyes, and dressed in a fashion I've never seen before from gods or mortals. Looking around the store, I saw many things I've never seen before, but for some reason, they felt familiar. Some of these weapons and items gave off the feeling of the Greeks, Hindu, Norse, Mesopotamian, and other pantheons I've come in contact with. And yet they felt different, like it was a different pantheon that created them but were similar enough to give out this feeling.

"Who are you?" I asked due to my curiosity.

"The owner of the store," he replied.

"You know that's not what I'm asking. This store wasn't here before we started fighting, then just like magic it appeared out of thin air after it was finished like it was here from the start," I said, getting ready incase this was a trap.

"You said it yourself, magic," he said while spreading my arms out to gesture at the store.

"Do you think that's a good enough explanation for us?"

"No, it rarely is, but that's the explanation most people get, and we just have to deal with it," he answered, looking off into the distance.

"Okay then, what's your name?"

"Shouldn't you introduce yourself first before asking someone else's name, Mr. Blazer Shining of Darkness Blade Governor," he said.

That surprised me due to the fact that only a handful of people knew of that project. In fact, it was so well hidden that God didn't even know of it yet, though if he ever goes through my stuff, he'll find out.

"How do you know of that project?" I asked.

"Information is just one of the things I sell in this shop, along with everything else you see."

"I see. Well, as you know, my name is Azazel, the Governor of the Grigori."

"Names Beelzebub," as soon as he said that Shemhazai and Penemue began to attack, thinking we had fallen into a trap.

But before they could do anything, they were slammed into the floor as their spears of light disappeared into thin air.

"No fighting in the shop, and before you ask, no, I didn't do that to them, and no, I can't stop it. It's just how this shop works. Whoever starts a fight will be punished, even if it's me that starts the fight. But it should stop in a bit. Just don't start another fight when the punishment is over," he said, not even looking at them.

"You don't look like any Beelzebub. I know, are you one of his newer children?" I tried to get him rallied up so he would attack me to see if what he said was true.

It seemed to work since his face immediately soured.

"You know I would be offended by that question if I didn't know you and your world. And no, I'm in no way, shape, or form related to that disappointment of a Beelzebub. I mean even the baby version was better than him and I haven't even seen him yet and I know since he's descended was a disappointment even with Orboro's power that was supposed to make him equal or even stronger than the original."

It seemed he was offended, but not the way I thought he was going to be. But I didn't fully understand why he was offended since I didn't quite understand all of what he was saying.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Sorry, I got a little side track there, but in my defense, that comparison was a bit insulting. Anyways, I'm a Beelzebub, just not this world's Beelzebub."

"This world's?"

With his words, I started to get a clear idea of what was going on, but it was so ridiculous that I couldn't quite accept it.

"Correct, I'm sure you have some idea of what I'm talking about. Or at least some theories. To make a long story short, I came into the position of this shop that travels to an infinite number of worlds at random. And since there's an infinite number of worlds, there are bound to be different versions of you. Some are so different that the only thing they have in common is the name they share, others so similar that you can spend years trying to find a difference without success."

"I see, so why are you even telling me this? Aren't those the types of secrets most people won't tell anyone?" I asked.

"Normal, yes, but telling you this would save me a lot of annoyances down the line. Plus you won't be able to do much with that information. Or will you try to take the shop from me? You can try, but as your friends learned, it has a self-defense mechanism that even Yahweh himself would be unable to do anything about. As for confirming the existence of different worlds, you have no way to get to them. Since to even start to try and find them, you need to defeat Great Red, and that isn't happening any time soon."

"I guess that's true, so you're a Beelzebub from another world, huh? Is there another Azazel in your world? Is he as cool and strong as me?" I asked, getting excited over the possibilities.

"Yes, he was one of my best friends. As for if he was cool, no, he wasn't in the slightest. In fact, he was a better fit for the title of Priest of Gluttony than me."

"No way, was he at least as handsome as me?"

"... Yes?"

"Why did that sound like a question, and what's with that long pause?"

"Look, either buy something or get out, I don't have all day to answer your question."

"Fine, but one last question, okay?"

"Just get on with it."

"You said he "was" your best friend, did something happen to him?"

"Sigh, yes, but that's not something I would tell someone I just met."

"He's right, Mr. Blazer Shining of Darkness Blade Governor, that's not the kind of question you ask to someone you just met," Hmm, what did Shemhazai just call me.

"Huh, Shemhazai, what did you just call me?"

"I just called you by your title, Mr. Blazer Shining of Darkness Blade Governor like always."

"That's right there, what you just called me. Why are you calling me that?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about, I would never call you something that brings you disrespect. After the great Mr. Blazer Shining of Darkness Blade Governor would do anything to help your allies and not leave them on the floor as he talks to a possible enemy without a care in the world."

"Hey, Shemhazai, are you mad? You're mad, aren't you, I'm sorry, but like you said, he could be a possible enemy, so I have to keep all my focus on him."

"Is that way you got all excited over another version of yourself, Mr. Blazer Shining of Darkness Blade Governor?"

"So even though I don't fully believe in your story, what do you sell here?" I heard Penemue ask.

"Items and powers from different worlds as well as information. As well as my services for a price."

"What kind of items?" I asked, trying to learn more.

"Items of all kinds, some you probably know of due to your world having similar items. For example, the Sword of Rupture, Ea," he said, pointing at a cone shaped thing with a handle and red line going across its body.

"That doesn't look like the Ea I'm familiar with. Is this a Ea of another reality?" I asked as I felt the power of Mesopotamian pantheon coming from it.

"That is correct. Just like some people and events, there are different versions of items in other worlds if they are important enough, that is. I also have items that have yet to appear in this world, like some Sacred Gear and Excalibur."

"I'm not even surprised that you know of God's little project, but how can you have Sacred Gears that he hasn't even created yet?"

"Don't know, like I said I came into possession of this shop, I didn't create it. So I have no idea how it works."

"Okay, then what is Excalibur then?" Asked Shemhazai.

"One of the most powerful holy swords that humans are able to wield without consequences no matter the world. Though no matter the world it's from, it's a very picky sword that won't allow just anyone to wield it. Though in others no one wants to wield it," he said, making an annoyed face at the end.

"And it hasn't appeared yet?" Asked Penemue.

"No, but that's not important right now. What is important is whether you are going to buy anything or not?"

"Sure, but how will we pay? I mean, you're not exactly from this world, so you may use different currencies than us," I said.

"Anything really, powers, items, slaves, monsters, gold, jewels, favors, I accept anything that has value really. But just to make one thing clear, gold and jewels won't get you any of the good toys, no matter how high you pile them up. The favors may get you something good depending on how powerful you are, what type of skills you have, or what you're willing to do. For slaves, items, and monsters, it depends on the quality. As for powers and abilities that depend on them, and before you get worried, the store has a way to safely remove them from you without harm to you. That doesn't mean you won't be able to use the power or ability you sell again, but you train to get it back. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule. For example, a special power or ability that was given to you will be lost forever unless that person gives to you the power again like your light magic? Is it magic or something when you do those light spears?"

"Good to know, now Shemhazai, how much do you have on you?" I asked.

"Have? I don't have anything on me," said Shemhazai.

"What! How about you Penemue, do you have anything?"

"Do you expect us to carry valuables into battle, we don't even have weapons since we use light base attack," said Penemue

'Damn, she's got a point.'

"You mean to tell me we don't even have anything to trade with. Penemue, do you think you can help us out?" I asked.

'Maybe she can get us a freebie if she flirts with him a bit.'

"In what way exactly? And think very carefully about your answer," said Penemue with a dangerous edge to her voice.

~click

As I heard a click, Penemue, Shemhazai, and I were sent flying outside the store.

"Hey, I thought you weren't allowed to start fights either?" I said as I stood up from the floor.

"I'm not starting a fight, I'm just throwing out some troubling customers that aren't really customers and just wasting my time," he said.

"Wait, wait ,wait, you, what have you scavenged from the fight?" I said as I pointed to a random person.

"Ahhh, some weapons and armor," he answered, confused.

"Great, collect them all and give them to him. What can we get for all that?"

After gathering a small amount of weapons and armor in front of him, he inspected their quality.

"Okay, you got a deal, come in, and let's see what I can get you for this," he said after a short time as the weapons and armor disappeared into thin air.

Going back into the shop with Shemhazai and Penemue, we find him back where we first saw him.

"Before you get all excited, what you gave me is grunt weapons, and no amount will change that, so it won't get you much. But it will get you something so tell me what kind of item you want and I'll give you a selection of things in your price range."

"What we need is something to help us in the upcoming war," said Shemhazai.

"Help in what way do you need logistic support, healing, weapons, armor, power, or backup. Just so you know, I do offer my services as a mercenary, but with what you gave me, it doesn't even cover the upfront cost," he said.

"Can you provide us with a list of the items we can afford or give us a recommendation?" I asked.

When I said that something appeared in front of him, it was some kind of blue transparent rectangle. As he was looking at it, he seemed to start to frown.

"Hmmm, I can give you a list, but you may not even know most of these items or how to use them. Hell I don't even recognize some of these things but if you want my recommendation then I would suggest between these two items," he said, pulling two items out of thin air and putting them on the counter.

The first item was for small statues of a tiger, a bird, an eastern dragon, and a turtle with a snake coiling around it. Though I didn't know the details, it seemed like they had to do with the eastern pantheon. As for the second item, it was just a small clear cylinder containing water.

"Both of these two items have their advantages and disadvantages depending on how you use them. First, if we have the four Violet Flames Formation Barrier, it is from a world that has a heavily Eastern influence. The barrier is unbreakable to all in its world. Keep in mind it may be different here due to beings on the level of Lucifer. Yet I can guarantee you it will stop even him for a few hours at most. Unfortunately, due to the way the item is set up, once it's activated, you will be unable to turn it off and will only stop once all the energy is used up. Depending on how large you made the barrier, it can last from an hour to a day worth of time. While yes, you can use it defensively, you will be unable to get out and have to wait until it uses up all the energy. The best way to use it is to set up a trap to separate allies," he said.

"Can you give us an example?" Asked Penemue.

"For example, if your enemies' armies outnumber yours, then you can entrap a part of their army and slaughter them and rest before the time runs out. But the best way is to entrap one of your enemies' heavy hitters in it while you take care of everyone else before he breaks out, if he's able to. Then you can get ready to deal with him afterward."

"And the second item?" I asked.

"Well, the second item is something that was a somewhat unknown item even to myself. Though I did have some knowledge of it, I just never thought I would see it here."

"So what is it?"

"It's called Panda Queen's tears," he said with a very complicated face. (Those who know, know.)

"So what does it do?"

"It summons 2.01 million crusaders to fight whoever spills them."

"Crusader?" Asked Penemue.

"2.01 million fighting force!" I shouted, getting excited over this item.

"Yes, but don't get too excited. The vast majority of those will be weaker than a low ranked devil, and what you get is mainly up to luck. But yeah, it would overrun most with pure numbers. If you're lucky, you may get one or two ultimate ranks. Another weakness is they are all humans and can't fly, but they will do anything to kill or at least severely beat whoever spills this," he says, shaking the tube.

"So how do you use it if they attack whoever spills it?" Asked Shemhazai.

"Simple you throw it to the enemy's side, breaking it on one of them in the process, causing them to break it. Couple of things to keep in mind. First of all, once the target is dead, they will disappear, so try to hit someone strong or in the back with this. Secondly, they will perceive anyone between them and the target as enemies, so don't get in their way. Remember that, and you will be able to effectively use this. So what will it be," he said, looking at me.

"I'll take the Panda Tears," I answered.

When I said that, a wide grin appeared on his face, like he had just found something interesting before saying, "Excellent choice."