บท 263: [263] Peace
After Michael apologized, August nodded. He had been given enough respect, and August naturally didn't want to overdo it, especially since Asia wasn't present either. So, that settled it.
Sirzechs looked at everyone, cleared his throat, and then slowly began,
"Before we start this meeting, there's something we need to address, and that's the Kokabiel incident."
At this mention, Azazel became the center of attention in an instant. After all, Kokabiel was one of the Fallen Angels.
Azazel felt helpless. Being the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels was truly troublesome. August had mentioned it before, and now it was being brought up again.
"Not long ago, Kokabiel, a Fallen Angel, came to Kuoh and stole three Holy Swords from the church. He also attempted to kill Rias and Sona. As for this matter, Azazel, do you have anything to say?"
Sirzechs's tone was calm, but no one dared to take it lightly; after all, it concerned the younger sisters of two Satans.
Not only Sirzechs but also Serafall looked at Azazel with anger. If August hadn't dealt with Kokabiel already, Serafall would have frozen him into an ice block long ago.
For her, Sona was her only concern, and no one was allowed to harm her beloved little sister.
"I'm truly sorry. Kokabiel caused you trouble. However, Kokabiel's actions were merely his personal thoughts. It has nothing to do with the Fallen Angels, and we don't want to ignite the flames of war again!"
His words weren't genuinely believed by anyone else present; they were all shrewd characters and not easy to trust.
Moreover, the wars between their three factions had been full of killings and schemes from the beginning. Even if this was the intention of the Fallen Angels, Kokabiel was already dead, and there was no evidence.
"Rias, Sona, you two are the parties involved. Do you have anything to say?"
Sirzechs looked at Rias and Sona, allowing them to attend this meeting as they were directly involved in this matter, and naturally, they had the most say.
As for August, he was too lazy to argue with them here, so he didn't want to get involved.
What he was looking forward to was the attack of the Khaos Brigade later. Those magicians were like fertilizer for the World Tree in August's view, despite their lower strength, their numbers were significant.
"Well, it's like this..."
Rias stepped forward and recounted everything from when Xenovia and Irina arrived in Kuoh to Kokabiel causing trouble and finally being dealt with by August.
Especially when everyone heard that Kokabiel had been killed by a single blow from August, they were all astonished.
Azazel had been peeking from the sidelines, so naturally, he knew all about it.
Michael looked at Irina beside him, and Irina nodded. Although Rias's narrative made her seem foolish, the information itself was correct.
"This incident has also revealed many secrets, including the fall of God. Everyone present knows about it. Now, our three factions..."
After Rias and Sona finished their statements, Sirzechs began his lengthy discourse.
The current situation of the Three Factions was well understood by their current leaders, making the progress of this meeting smooth.
Whether Devil, Angel, or Fallen Angel, none could endure further conflict. Continuation down that path would only lead the Three Factions towards gradual demise, ultimately leading to the decline, or even the end, of the God of the Bible's lineage.
Though the Three Factions were sworn enemies, they were all part of the same pantheon.
And in this world, pantheons were not scarce; there were the famous Greek, Norse, and Hindu, among others.
Danger not only existed internally but also externally.
If the strength of the Three Factions continued to weaken, they would inevitably attract the attention of more powerful pantheons. Eventually, they would be attacked, and if they failed, everything would be divided among the victors.
"So, in the end, I wonder where everyone stands?"
Finally, the meeting came to the crux: the stance of each faction.
"Now, Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels can no longer withstand another onslaught. We have already made the decision to peacefully coexist with Devils and Fallen Angels!"
Michael was the first to speak. Compared to Devils and Fallen Angels, Angels were the most troublesome.
Though the number of pure-blooded Devils was decreasing, they still existed. Moreover, with the Evil Pieces, Devils were slowly recovering their strength.
As for Fallen Angels, without the God of the Bible, the system's operation was extremely strained, leading to an increasing likelihood of fall.
Furthermore, Fallen Angels could still bear offspring among themselves. Though their numbers were not plentiful, they were not incapable of continuation.
Angels, on the other hand, without the God of the Bible, could not increase their numbers any further. For every Angel lost, there would be none to replace them, making it impossible to replenish their ranks.
Thus, peace was what Michael wanted to see most... peace that would allow Angels to develop.
"Haha, it's surprising to hear such words from the rigid Michael. You were always the one chanting 'God Almighty~' before. Now, you're surprisingly reasonable."
"So much has been lost, and what's gone is gone. There's no point in seeking it further. Guiding humanity correctly and protecting the continuity of Angels is my mission!"
"Hey, with statements like that, you're already bordering on fallen territory."
Michael glanced at Azazel, ignoring him. In terms of verbal sparring, he had never been at a disadvantage.
Seeing Michael ignoring him, Azazel found it rather dull.
"We feel the same way. With the absence of the True Satans, war is unnecessary. For Devils today, it's equivalent to destruction!"
Sirzechs and Serafall exchanged a glance, expressing their stance. Devils, too, desired peace.
"God is not the only one. While God was present, the world turned. Even without God, the world still turns. If war were to erupt again, our Three Factions could very well tread the path to destruction. So, gentlemen, let us form a peace treaty!"
Azazel slowly articulated the ultimate purpose of this meeting, which was also the hope of everyone present.
And behind Azazel, Vali, looking at Azazel before him, curled his lips slightly, revealing a hint of a cold smile.
___
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