บท 14: Chapter 14

Roxanne sat frozen as her mother continued to tell the story, her mind racing with the weight of everything she was hearing. She had known her mother to be strong, capable, and even a bit mysterious, but this was on another level entirely. Azrael had not only made incredible sacrifices for her but she had also been trusted with one of the most profound responsibilities in existence: ensuring the balance of Heaven's reincarnation system.

Azrael's voice softened as she finished recounting the events. "When I fused my soul with the throne of the Third Heaven, it wasn't an easy decision. I knew that my body, my very being, would be vulnerable, but I trusted your grandfather's plan. He always had a way of knowing things and seeing the future in ways no one else could. I believed in him when he said you would become strong enough to heal me, that you would awaken me from that deep sleep when the time was right."

Roxanne's eyes met the silver cross that held the essence of her mother's soul, the Sacred Gear that had become her constant companion. It had always felt powerful and alive, but now she truly understood why. Her mother's very soul had been bound to it, tied to her, for her protection and the protection of Heaven's system.

"I never imagined Father would see you as his successor," Azrael continued, her voice thoughtful. "The idea that you would take over Heaven one day, it was so far-fetched to me. But I see now why he thought you were perfect for the role. You have a unique lineage, Roxanne—part fallen angel, part devil, and part archangel. You carry within you the blood of both the rulers of Heaven and Hell. That balance, that duality, is what makes you special."

Roxanne's heart pounded as she considered what her mother had just said. Her bloodline, something she had always viewed with a mixture of pride and confusion, now seemed to have a much larger purpose. Her destiny was tied not just to her own ambitions but to the very fabric of Heaven itself.

"But, Mom," Roxanne said hesitantly, "why didn't you tell me any of this earlier? About the throne, about Grandfather's plan?"

Azrael sighed softly. "I wanted to tell you, but I didn't think you were ready for it. There's a lot of responsibility that comes with knowing you're destined to lead Heaven, Roxanne. And I didn't want to place that burden on you until you were fully prepared."

Roxanne bit her lip, processing her mother's words. She had always suspected there was more to her destiny than just being the daughter of Lucifer and Azrael. But this? Being chosen as the potential successor to God's throne? It was overwhelming.

"Do I have a choice in this?" Roxanne finally asked, her voice quieter than usual.

Azrael smiled gently. "Of course, you do. Your grandfather believed in free will, even for his successors. Just because you were born with this potential doesn't mean you're obligated to follow that path. The decision will always be yours."

Roxanne felt a wave of relief at her mother's words. While the thought of taking up such a monumental role weighed heavily on her, knowing she had a choice made it a little easier to bear. Still, the knowledge that her grandfather had seen something in her, something worthy of such a position, filled her with a strange sense of pride.

She sat there in silence for a moment, reflecting on everything she had learned. Her mother's sacrifice, her father's secret connection to God, the delicate balance of Heaven and Hell—it all swirled in her mind like a storm.

Finally, Roxanne broke the silence, her voice firm. "I don't know what my future holds, but I'll make sure I'm ready for whatever comes next. Whether it's leading Heaven or forging my own path, I won't let down the people who believe in me."

Azrael's smile widened. "That's my girl. Whatever you choose, Roxanne, I know you'll make us proud."

~~~~ Flashback end ~~~~~

As Roxanne sat comfortably in her living room, engaged in conversation with her mother, a teleportation circle appeared beside her, glowing with mystical energy. Emerging from it was a vibrant orange fox with nine tails, who casually hopped onto Roxanne's lap and snuggled close. Roxanne chuckled, her hand automatically reaching down to pet the fox.

After a while, she asked, "What did you find, Kurumi?"

The fox, Kurumi, opened her eyes lazily and replied, "The pervert has learned the truth. Although he agreed with the redhead not to interfere, his emotions are telling a different story. He's already looking for a way to help that blonde boy. And from my observations, the cat girl wouldn't mind helping him either."

Roxanne nodded, her hand continuing to stroke Kurumi's soft fur. "Thank you for your hard work, Kurumi. I'll make your favorite meat dish tonight as a reward."

Kurumi's tails wagged excitedly, and she let out a delighted yelp, thoroughly enjoying the petting while beginning to drool at the thought of her reward. However, a moment later, curiosity got the better of her. "But Roxanne, why do you think so highly of that pervert? From what I've seen, his strength is barely high-class, and while he's kind, he's still a massive pervert."

Roxanne chuckled softly, her fingers gently scratching behind Kurumi's ears. "While he is a massive pervert, Issei is also a genuinely good person. Yes, he peeks at girls, but he would never force anyone into anything—they aren't objects to him. That would go against his nature. And you've noticed, haven't you, Kurumi? He's never looked at me with any lecherous intent, even though you were guarding me."

Kurumi didn't say anything at first but nodded in agreement. Roxanne continued, "But what I truly respect is his ambition. If it's necessary, he'll push himself beyond his limits to protect what he holds dear. Perhaps it's due to Ddraig's influence, but he's someone who will do the impossible for his desires."

Kurumi mulled over Roxanne's words, her tails flicking thoughtfully. "So... if it meant he could do something perverted, he could reach Super Saiyan mode?"

Roxanne burst out laughing but didn't deny it. After the laughter subsided, she asked, "So, when are the others supposed to arrive?"

Kurumi tilted her head. "Hmm, if I'm not wrong, they should come by tonight or maybe tomorrow."

Roxanne nodded. "Good. Contact them and say if they don't arrive soon, they'll miss the chance to fight an army."

Kurumi leaped off her lap, preparing to relay the message, but before she could leave, Roxanne added, "Oh, by the way, I'll be going out for a bit." With that, Roxanne disappeared from the living room.

Kurumi shook her head, watching the space where her mistress had been. "It still amazes me how you can switch with an illusion so seamlessly that even I, a Kyuubi, can't detect it."