High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

Chapter 413: Chapter 403 Three Days and a Moment’s Rest

[Kiba’s Perspective]

Ten minutes had passed since Asem’s broadcast to the world.

A massive rift still hung in the sky above the Underworld, revealing a glimpse of a world beyond—one stained a deep, visceral crimson, like drying blood.

The Vali Team had already departed, claiming they needed to move elsewhere for the time being. That left only us: the Gremory and Hyoudou peerages, Team Slash Dog, and Governor Azazel.

”Three days...” Akuno murmured, her eyes fixed on the sky. ”We have to gather enough strength to stop them—or find some kind of countermeasure—in only three days?”

Three days. That was all the time we had been granted.

When the clock ran out, Asem’s forces, the Trihexa, and the Evil Dragons would begin their coordinated invasion. They would pour through that ”Gate” to trample the entire world underfoot. Every territory, every faction... and that included the human world.

Asem’s voice had surely reached human ears as well. They were likely in a state of panic that equaled, if not surpassed, the chaos here in the Underworld. Unlike the Five Principal Clans or those with innate supernatural abilities, the vast majority of humanity were ordinary people who had never known the paranormal. To be met with a sudden declaration of war, shown a glimpse of a colossal monster, and told they would be invaded in three days... mass hysteria was inevitable.

The Underworld was already in an uproar over Trihexa alone; Asem’s appearance had pushed their panic past the breaking point. Even when spoken to, people were simply frozen in a state of trembling shock.

The supernatural and human worlds alike were spiraling into total panic.

In these three days, we didn’t just have to find a way to fight back; we had to manage the fallout of this revelation.

Rias, our former President, spoke up. ”Regardless of his motives, having three days is better than an immediate strike.”

”Rias is right,” Azazel agreed. ”It gives us time to repair what’s been destroyed and coordinate with the other factions. We can treat the wounded and provide support to the human world. There’s a lot to do... though I have to wonder if this isn’t exactly what Asem wants. No, we don’t have time to overthink his schemes. First things first—”

Azazel began deploying communication magic circles, barking orders to various departments. A man in a suit, who had arrived to deliver a report, took his instructions and hurried off.

Supporting the human world... that would likely be the most grueling task for all factions. Modifying memories and scrubbing digital data would be mandatory. Even then, the collective consciousness of the world would likely retain the sense that something supernatural had occurred.

Suzaku-san had mentioned she was returning to the human world to handle the initial response there. I could only wonder how much of the chaos they could actually suppress.

I glanced at a nearby television. The broadcast had shifted from what it was just minutes ago. People who had been venting their fury over the Rating Game scandal were now silent, their anger replaced by sheer dread. It made sense. They had seen that light.

The massive hole in the sky had discharged a beam of overwhelming power that struck the distant horizon, shaking the very foundations of the Underworld. It was a message: there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. That light can find you anywhere.

Anger felt like a luxury now. Everyone, even those who weren’t fighters, seemed to realize that if Asem wasn’t stopped, everything would end.

Fury was being rapidly replaced by the cold, paralyzing fear of death.

Azazel finished his communications and turned his gaze toward Rossweisse-san and Gasper. ”Rossweisse, Gasper. You’re with me. I need your help to deal with the Holy Grail.”

”Understood,” they replied in unison, following him as he started to walk away.

However, Morris-san stepped forward to stop him. ”Azazel, wait. I have a request.”

”A request?”

”Yes.” Morris looked toward me, Xenovia (who had just arrived), and the two other swordsmen present. ”I’m going to train these kids. They’re strong, but as they are now, they won’t survive what’s coming—let alone win.”

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