DxD: The Sorcery System Chapter 49

Chapter 49: The Consequences (2/2)

[Lucifer’s Office, Lilith]

“Devils and Fallen Angels,” Azazel mused, twirling an apple on his fingertips. “We’re like oil and water—similar in many ways, yet we don’t mix, despite both being associated with evil.”

“We share a history,” Sirzechs spoke of the past. “A bloody history.”

The war.

Countless dead and countless broken alliances.

I’ve heard of it from Rias.

“For longer than either Sirzechs or I can remember, we’ve been fighting against each other,” Azazel said, leaning against the wall. “The hatred we once harbored has long since faded. Now, we’re just pawns in a game we created, one that’s dragged on far too long.”

Seeing them lost in their memories, I finally asked, “How exactly does this relate to my situation?”

I knew their relations were strained, with each species hating the other. But we were discussing my life being on the line, about me being hunted by the Lord of the Phenex Pillar.

Azazel cracked a small smile, while Sirzechs maintained a serious expression.

“Do you know what those who’ve suffered for years, those sitting at the top, want now, Reo?” Azazel asked. “And keep in mind, these people have fought for far too long.”

What a strange question.

I was still trying to connect the dots, searching for how this related to my issue. But beggars can’t be choosers, and as much as I disliked it, I was at their mercy.

“In the human world, politicians fuel wars and conflicts,” I explained what I knew. “Conflicts are their greatest strategy to maintain power. The longer these conflicts go on, the richer and more powerful they become.”

“A human today doesn’t even live a hundred years, Reo,” Sirzechs said calmly. “Devils do. They live much longer. Their lifespan can reach ten thousand years or more.”

“Sitting in their chairs, fueling wars and accumulating wealth is one thing,” Azazel sighed. “Many of our leaders did the same. But after the revolts, they’re either dead or have changed.”

He pushed himself off the wall and walked forward. “Remember, unlike human leaders who hide behind closed doors, watching the world burn for their entertainment, the leaders of supernatural factions have to take a much more active role—they fight and die for it.”

“What Azazel means is that we, the leaders, have suffered as much as anyone because of these wars and conflicts, Reo,” Sirzechs said, his words making me amused.

Why were they telling me all this?

It wasn’t my general dislike for politics that made me uneasy. It was genuine confusion.

But I had the answer to their question.

“You want these conflicts to stop.” I could see it in their eyes. “You’re… tired?”

Finally, Sirzechs smiled while Azazel responded.

“Right on the dot.”

Yet, my question remained unanswered.

“How do I… fit into this?”

Azazel’s response only added to my doubts.

“You don’t,” he said, surprising me.

“Then—”

“What he means is that you don’t need to fit in,” Sirzechs replied calmly. “We will make you fit.”

What… were they even talking about?

“Reo, in the coming months, things will change,” the Satan explained. “The leaders of every faction, not just Devils and Fallen Angels, are tired. They can’t bear the consequences of these conflicts any longer.”

“The constant clashes, the lack of trade between factions, the hatred that exists for no reason—it can’t continue,” Azazel added. “All three factions—Angels included—are suffering. After discussions with the leaders of each faction, we’ve realized we must stop and build better connections.”

“Establish peace…” I murmured, and the two leaders immediately nodded.

“A peace treaty,” Sirzechs confirmed. “That’s what we need.”

“And this treaty will help you,” Azazel pointed at me. “You may not fit into these talks now, but since you’re working with me and have, in a way, helped Sirzechs’ sister—even if you caused a bit of a mess—you deserve to be rewarded.”

Finally, the Devil King answered my long-standing question.

“A representative,” he said. “Each faction will bring their representatives to share their side, their views. The Devil Kings will bring other Devils, the Fallen Angels Leaders will bring Fallen Angels, and the Angels will bring their own.”

“These talks will establish that all sides are equally to blame and equally to be respected. We all require the others, and with representatives speaking on our behalf, we’ll establish the need for mutual support and an end to this pointless conflict. The development will be significant, and we need to put it out there.”

There was one issue, though.

“That sounds nice, but…” I pointed at myself. “You might have forgotten, but I’m a human. I can’t represent the Devils or the Fallen Angels.”

But what I saw as an issue, they saw as an opportunity.

“And that’s the best part,” Azazel explained. “You’re a human, not bound to take the side of a Devil or a Fallen Angel.”

“You’re the perfect representative—unbiased, able to speak for both sides,” Sirzechs added. “And pardon me for saying this, but your friendship with Rias and your desire to help her won’t carry much weight on a larger stage.”

Huh?

What did he mean by that?

“Reo,” Azazel said with a caring smile. “I’ve lived among humans all my life since the Fall. I’ve seen and interacted with more humans than you could imagine.”

That’s a bold claim to make to a human.

But then again…

He’s probably lived longer than my bloodline has existed.

“Humans can be kind, selfish, or even both. I don’t know what you are, but I do know you’ve been genuine with Rias,” Sirzechs said comfortingly. “I have no doubt about that. But the rest of the world won’t believe it. You’ve known Rias for only a short time, yet you’ve been willing to risk your safety to help her.”

“Your relationship with the heiress won’t be enough to pose a threat in your role as a representative,” Azazel concluded. “It’s possible for a Devil or a Fallen Angel to tempt or deceive you, but speaking on behalf of both sides, especially in front of the Angels and the potential gods of other mediator factions, can’t be achieved through lies and deceit alone.”

This…

“You’ve been in the supernatural world for a short time, but you’ve experienced much of it. You have the freshest perspective on Devils, Fallen Angels, and humans—a perfect representative,” the Devil King leaned forward. “No other human, who might have been influenced or groomed by a faction, can fulfill this role. That’s why we want you.”

“And this is your ticket to making an impact on the supernatural world, to make a name for yourself and escape this situation with the Phenex,” Azazel grinned, and Sirzechs nodded in agreement.

“You won’t have to worry about the Phenex anymore. Once you become a representative and join the bigger picture… the Phenex won’t matter,” Sirzechs said with a deep breath. “So, this is my reward to you—a permanent escape from the Phenex and a position that will propel you into the bigger picture, allowing you to build connections and make a name for yourself.”

This…

"You need absolute power to survive in the supernatural world, Reo," Azazel sighed. "Whether it’s physical strength or political influence, what you’re beginning to build is both."

This was true.

I had known this for a while, but it had only recently become clear to me through experience.

If I had political standing, the Phenex couldn’t just demand my head for defending myself.

If I had political power, the issues with the Fallens wouldn’t have arisen.

And with power, I can protect myself and my family.

This was an opportunity, not a burden.

These were the stakes.

And it was up to me to make the most of them and turn the situation around.

“So, what do you say?” Sirzechs Lucifer asked as Azazel watched me with curiosity. “Will you accept this offer, or face the consequences?”

The answer was clear.

“I… will accept the offer.”

I’m turning this situation around.

“I will be a representative.”

Turning it in my favor.