Chapter 274 Assault on Agreas

There was already someone inside.

In the center of the room, a figure sat gently cradling the egg placed there—Ophis.

Ophis seemed to have taken an interest in it. Lately, she had been visiting this place quite often. The other day, when Issei Hyoudou came to check on it, she had apparently been chanting toward the egg.

He hadn’t even bothered to comment.

Well, when a Dragon God is being oddly attentive, it probably just counts as a blessing. There was no need to point it out.

And of course—another dragon was present in this space.

Crom Cruach, who seemed to have taken a peculiar interest in Ophis.

Normally, he wouldn’t show up at our house unless it was training-related, but whenever Ophis came to this underground space, he’d appear with suspicious timing. Maybe he was just following her randomly… or maybe not.

And right now, the two dragons were…

Eating bananas.

The ones Crom Cruach was holding were probably the ones Asia Argento had given him earlier.

Ophis, meanwhile, was happily munching away while still hugging the egg.

…Yeah. It was a surreal sight.

This is way too peaceful for beings that could destroy the world.

Honestly, I could just ignore Crom Cruach. He was too busy staring at Ophis anyway.

By the way, I checked the egg earlier and I could feel two life signatures inside.

Twins.

Apparently, two rare dragons were going to be born. Even Tannin seemed pleased when he heard about it.

A pair of Spectre Dragons… huh. If they end up influenced by Ophis, maybe they’ll start doing that Ouroboros thing, biting each other’s tails for fun.

…Yeah, I can already see it happening.

Anyway, I had another reason for coming here.

“I’ve got a favor to ask, Ophis. Stay like that for a second.”

“…What?”

She tilted her head slightly.

I began preparing materials from my spatial storage.

“I’m thinking of making some items that’ll help in the fight against Rizevim’s faction. I just need your input.”

That was all.

And so, I gathered Ophis’s opinions.

========

About a week had passed since my meeting with Ajuka Beelzebub.

In that time, a few… incidents happened.

Like the new student council president Xenovia Quarta leading a raid against delinquents who stole a student’s road bike, resulting in a full-blown riverbank duel, and then the Occult Research Club joining in to wipe out the gang entirely.

…Yeah. Let’s call that “minor.”

Apparently, Azazel handled the aftermath. Or rather, he apparently encouraged Xenovia in the first place.

Sensei…

Anyway, amid all that, we received an emergency summons at Issei’s house.

They had located Rizevim’s base—Agreas.

We gathered in the upper-floor conference room of Issei’s house.

Members of the D×D faction from Kuoh were present. Even Sairaorg Bael and Seekvaira Agares joined via communication link.

As usual, Azazel took command.

“Alright, everyone’s here. Le Fay—report.”

“Yes!”

“Roger.”

“After tracking faint traces of Agreas alongside Vali-sama’s group, we identified a likely region. Even with high-level concealment, moving an island of that scale causes subtle distortions. We’ve already handed the coordinates to Azazel-sama.”

“Vali and the others are waiting near Agreas. They’re holding position until we give the signal. He’s itching for a rematch with Rizevim but more than that, he doesn’t want him escaping again.”

I see. Typical Vali.

Azazel continued.

“We’ve got a short window. Maybe five to six hours at most before Agreas moves again. We strike fast.”

And so, the operation was decided.

A rapid assault.

Ajuka would break through Agreas’ barrier using a forbidden-class teleportation spell.

The force would be split into three waves.

First wave: Dulio, Irina, Griselda, selected Brave Saints, and Sitri peerage.

Second wave: Kuroka, Ravel, Issei’s group, Azazel, Tobio…

Third wave: Sairaorg peerage as backup.

First strike decides everything.

=========

Later, in the transfer chamber.

The magic circle on the floor had been modified by Ajuka himself. It pulsed with complex patterns.

Azazel raised his voice.

“This is a surprise attack. Eliminate enemy forces swiftly. Rizevim—no mercy. Dead or alive is fine. I authorize full extermination.”

“YES!”

No hesitation.

A “search and destroy” order.

Fair enough. We’re talking about an enemy faction already causing chaos across the world.

Before the transfer, I made sure everyone received the necessary equipment.

Then—

Issei activated Boosted Gear.

“Transfer!!”

Light filled the room.

The first wave stepped into the magic circle and the assault on Agreas began.