"My Longinus's ability was nullified."
Facing Michael's questioning, Dulio smiled bitterly and recounted his recent experience.
"The enemy nullified my Zenith Tempest with unknown means, then attacked before I could react, instantly killing me."
"Michael, I've heard of this ability while traveling around the world. If I'm not mistaken, the enemy I fought is Rizevim, the son of Lucifer."
"Rizevim?" Michael frowned slightly.
To be honest, upon hearing that the enemy used Longinus nullification, his first reaction was also Rizevim.
However...
"I know Rizevim's personality. That guy is a villain, inherently evil. If the person who fought you in First Heaven was Rizevim, why would he show mercy?"
"Show mercy?"
Dulio was stunned. "Michael, do you mean that I survived not because of your timely support, but because the other party showed mercy?"
Michael nodded. "It's not just you, it's the same for all members of First Heaven, including you."
After a few hours of rest, the attack report for this battle had been initially released.
"First Heaven and Seventh Heaven were attacked simultaneously, and the entire Heaven's combat force was dispatched."
"Fighting on two fronts simultaneously, Dulio, do you know what the final casualty count was?"
Dulio said, "Michael, don't keep me in suspense at a time like this, just tell me the answer."
"It's zero."
"..."
Dulio fell silent instantly.
At this moment, he finally understood why Michael said the enemy showed mercy.
If he remembered correctly, when he received the news and rushed to First Heaven for support, thousands of Angels were already lying on the ground. One or two could be said to be a coincidence, but so many Angels not dying could only be intentional.
But...
"The enemy went to great lengths to attack Heaven, yet ultimately didn't kill a single Angel. What was their purpose?"
"I am also investigating this." Michael sighed, feeling a bit tired.
Before coming to the hospital, he had been checking the status of Heaven's system in Seventh Heaven.
After inspection, the conclusion was reached that the Devil who attacked Seventh Heaven did not enter Seventh Heaven, and Heaven's system was unchanged compared to before.
The explosion that echoed throughout Heaven earlier was just the result of the enemy triggering the barrier's counter-attack function when infiltrating Seventh Heaven.
However...
The enemy was so well-prepared, yet they didn't infiltrate Seventh Heaven and didn't kill any Angels. It looked like a prank, so bizarre that it was baffling.
"You rest and recover in peace for now. I will handle this matter and notify you when there is news."
After comforting Dulio, Michael left the ward and returned to Sixth Heaven.
A moment later, the other three of the Four Great Seraphs received notification and gathered in Sixth Heaven.
After exchanging information, they, like Michael, were confused and couldn't understand the enemy's purpose.
But after the exchange, Michael and the others confirmed two pieces of information.
The enemies who attacked Heaven were two Devils.
The enemy who fought Dulio in First Heaven possessed the ability to nullify Sacred Gears.
"If I remember correctly, Sacred Gear nullification is Rizevim's exclusive ability. In the past few years, only Rizevim has displayed such an ability."
Raphael was the first to break the deadlock and suggest, "Regardless of the identity of these two Devils, they should be related to Rizevim."
"Since we have a clue, let's start with Rizevim and gradually expand our investigation."
"I agree."
Uriel was the first to respond.
Michael and Gabriel exchanged glances and also agreed to the proposal.
With the proposal unanimously passed, Michael did not worry about appearances and contacted the Devils and Fallen Angels.
Upon receiving the news, Sirzechs and Azazel responded immediately, expressing their cooperation and willingness to help.
Soon, the Three Factions alliance began to operate at full capacity, searching for Rizevim's whereabouts around the world.
The actions of the Three Factions alliance were so significant that other pantheons around the world quickly noticed something was amiss.
After using various methods to inquire, the news of Heaven being attacked spread.
...
Northern Europe, World Tree.
Odin sat on his throne, looking at the man in a white suit in front of him, who looked to be in his early twenties.
"Vidar, what do you think about the matter in Heaven?"
Vidar shrugged and replied, "I heard this matter was planned by Rizevim, but I don't think it's very likely. I met Rizevim once before, that guy is a scumbag and a bastard, he only feels happy when others suffer misfortune."
"If he really was the one who acted in this matter, then it's impossible for Heaven to have no casualties. Compared to Rizevim acting, I think it's more like a third party causing trouble."
Odin nodded. "Continue."
Vidar scratched his head. "Continue what? There's only this much information. No matter how you analyze it, it's still just this."
Odin fell silent for a moment, somewhat disappointed. "It seems you are still too young and need further tempering."
Vidar was unconvinced. "You say I'm young, then tell me, what else can be analyzed?"
Odin curled the corner of his lips. "Idiot, of course, it's to analyze what we can gain from this matter."
Vidar was stunned. "Wait! Old man, you want to interfere in the internal disputes of the Bible Faction?!"
Odin took out a letter and said, "Not long ago, the three factions sent an invitation, hoping that I could represent the Northern Europe Pantheon to form an alliance and maintain world peace."
Vidar was dumbfounded. "Is it true or false? Are those guys from the Bible Faction crazy? How could something like this possibly succeed?"
Odin retorted, "Why can't it succeed?"
"Of course, it's because..."
Vidar subconsciously wanted to answer.
However, as soon as the words reached his mouth, he suddenly froze.
Staring at his father for a few seconds, he asked uncertainly, "You want to form an alliance with the Bible Faction?"
"Yes, you guessed correctly."
"Awesome."
Vidar offered his highest praise.
He originally thought the Bible Faction had gone mad, actually starting to dream of world peace. But now it seems his own father is also dreaming, and it's the kind you can't wake up from.
"Putting aside the outside world's reaction for now, how do you plan to talk about this matter within our pantheon?"
"Tell the truth and gather the opinions of the gods."
"Personally, I wholeheartedly agree. After all, peace is a good thing for me, but Loki and the others will probably strongly oppose it."
Vidar scratched his head. "If there are disagreements and conflicts at that time, what do you plan to do?"
Odin burst into laughter. "Vidar, I'll leave this matter to you, help me get more votes of approval."
"...So you haven't thought of a solution yet?"
Vidar understood the underlying meaning of this sentence, and his expression became a little unpleasant.
In response, Odin chuckled as he got up from his throne, pulled Vidar over, and pushed him down.
"This is a necessary trial to become king. To succeed me as the next Chief Deity, work hard."
"Actually, I don't care that much about being Chief Deity."
Vidar shook his head vigorously, trying to get rid of this troublesome job.
However, the well-prepared Odin naturally wouldn't give him a chance to refuse. After pressing Vidar onto the throne, his figure flickered and disappeared at the foot of the World Tree.
"I'm going out for a drink, see you next month."
"...?"
"Oh, right."
Odin's figure reappeared, and he took out a strangely shaped phone and threw it to Vidar.
"This is a tool to contact the Bible Faction. Take some time to help me convey my thoughts."
"Why don't you communicate yourself! You bastard old man!" Vidar completely lost it.
All day long, he's either drinking or playing with women, and all the work is dumped on him.
Who is the Chief Deity in the end? Him or Odin!
After cursing at the air in front of him for several minutes, Vidar finally calmed down.
Looking at the communication tool in his hand, he was silent for a moment before injecting energy into it.
Anyway, let's contact the Bible Faction first.
...
Three days later, the final exams ended.
Tatsuma and the others returned home and called all the members to the first floor for a party.
"Everyone, I'm back nya."
The late Kuroka pushed open the door, carrying two large bags of things, and placed them on the table with a thud.
"What is this?" Koneko curiously went over to look at the bags.
"Snacks?"
"That's right, these are Shirone's nya."
Kuroka took out a snack and handed it to Koneko, then put all the remaining snacks on the table.
"Everyone, take whatever you like."
"Then I won't be polite."
Rias and the others gathered around the table, each taking a snack, and the atmosphere in the room instantly became lively.
"It hasn't been this lively in a long time."
Looking at this scene, La Folia showed a faint smile on her face.
"Don't you have parties at your home?" Tatsuma's voice sounded.
La Folia shrugged, somewhat helpless, "There are parties, but most of the time they are social events... you know."
Tatsuma let out a light chuckle. "That's really tough."