Chapter 113: Chapter 91. Eminence in the Chaos
Satria's Mansion – Kuoh, Japan
As the first rays of dawn illuminated the grand estate, Satria's mansion exuded an air of tranquility and refinement. The morning was crisp, the soft rustling of leaves and distant chirping of birds harmonizing with the subtle strains of a koto melody echoing through the halls.
Inside the opulent dining room, guests were met with a spectacle of sophisticated minimalism—floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking views of the estate's lush gardens, bathed in golden morning light.
The breakfast spread was an artistic display of Japanese culinary mastery:
• Grilled fish, perfectly crisped on the edges
• Miso soup, warm and comforting
• An assortment of sashimi, delicately arranged on chilled plates
•Grilled Wagyu beef, seared to perfection
•Seasonal vegetables and tofu, balanced in flavor
•Steamed rice, light and fragrant
•Sweet egg omelet, fluffy and golden
•A variety of tsukemono (Japanese pickles), adding a sharp contrast of flavors
•Freshly brewed green tea, its aroma refreshing and earthy
As the family and guests savored each dish, appreciating the intricate balance of flavors, they found themselves immersed in an atmosphere of both elegance and warmth.
Satria, seated at the head of the table, set down his tea and addressed his guests. "I hope everything is to your liking. How have you found the hospitality in my humble home?"
Between enthusiastic bites, a silver-haired martial artist grunted in satisfaction. "Nyam… You may be an idiot… Nyam… but you sure know how to host. I can't wait to fight the warriors of this world… Hope they don't let me down!" Garou's eyes gleamed with anticipation, his battle-hungry nature never at rest.
"Garou-kun, don't talk with your mouth full—it's rude," Emilia sighed, dabbing her lips with a napkin before bowing slightly toward Satria. "Your hospitality is beyond compare. Your family has been incredibly kind and efficient. Everything flows seamlessly, like an intricate dance of grace and discipline. It's truly admirable."
Satria gave a pleased nod. "I'm glad to hear that, Emilia. And I must say… you've done a fine job taming the cookie monster."
A fork snapped in half.
"WHO DO YOU CALL A COOKIE MONSTER?!" Garou roared, slamming his fists on the table. "I AM THE HERO HUNTER! I BOW TO NO ONE!"
Tension filled the air for a brief moment.
"Garou, behave," Emilia's firm tone cut through the room. Instantly, Garou recoiled, muttering under his breath.
She turned back to Satria with an apologetic look. "I apologize for Garou-kun's outbursts. He may be… difficult, but he's a good person underneath. Please refrain from teasing him too much."
"She's right, Danna-sama," Kiyohime interjected, sipping her tea with a calm smile. "Emilia-san has proven herself to be a refined guest. I hope you feel at home here."
Emilia nodded graciously. "I already do. Thank you for your kindness, Kiyohime-san."
Across the table, Fatalis suddenly perked up. "Wait—where's Kazuma? Isn't he coming to the peace conference with us?"
Satria leaned back. "Oh, he'll be here…"
At that moment—
"Prepare to be amazed!"
With a dramatic flourish, Kazuma stepped into the room.
But—
Instead of his usual scrawny frame, he now stood muscular and defined, his chiseled physique radiating newfound strength.
The room fell silent.
Jaws dropped.
"W-What the hell?" Fatalis blinked. "How did this weakling turn into a musclehead in a single day?!"
Garou, the ever-enthusiastic martial artist, gave a thumbs-up. "Hell yeah, Kazuma! I can feel the spirit of a warrior awakening in you!"
Even Fatalis was caught off guard. "Seriously, are you feeding him steroids or something?"
Satria smirked. "Nope. Just a little trick called Time Dilation."
Confused expressions spread across the table.
"Time… Dilation?"
Fatalis sighed before explaining. "It's a phenomenon where time moves differently for different observers. When Satria activates this power, time slows for anyone nearby. Meaning…"
"…I went through months of training in just a day!" Kazuma flexed, striking a ridiculous bodybuilding pose. "Phase Four, baby! I'm ready for anything!"
"Not bad," Fatalis admitted. "I suppose even a NEET like you has some potential. But let's see if you can actually put that strength to use."
"DON'T CALL ME A NEET!" Kazuma shouted, still holding his flexed pose.
Across the table, Satria's gaze shifted to a certain white-haired girl.
"Koneko," he called.
The small nekomata perked up.
"Can we talk alone after breakfast?"
Koneko's golden eyes narrowed slightly. Then, she gave a silent nod.
Satria leaned back, the morning sunlight casting a sharp glint in his gaze.
Today was going to be an eventful day.
•
In a world where Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels stood at constant odds, peace was a fragile dream. The centuries of bloodshed, betrayals, and ideological clashes made the idea of diplomacy nearly unthinkable.
Yet, the need for peace was dire.
Azazel, the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels, had called for a historic peace conference. The grand event was set in a neutral hall, its ornate architecture echoing the weight of the negotiations about to take place. The most powerful figures of the Biblical Faction gathered:
Michael, the leader of Heaven's forces.
Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan, the leader of the Devils.
Azazel himself, leading the Fallen Angels.
The room was heavy with tension.
"Pardon our intrusion."
A firm yet elegant voice echoed as Rias Gremory and her peerage entered the conference hall.
The room was already filled with notable figures:
Sona Sitri and her peerage.
Irina Shidou, representing Heaven.
Grayfia Lucifuge, the Queen of Annihilation.
Vali Lucifer, the White Dragon Emperor.
Despite the formal setting, a low murmur from a particular duo broke the silence.
"Ddraig, what the hell happened yesterday? My head still hurts..."
The voice belonged to Issei Hyoudou, the wielder of Boosted Gear, who was still recovering from a mysterious fainting incident.
"I have no idea," Ddraig, the ancient dragon residing within his Sacred Gear, responded grimly. "But whoever was responsible is dangerous. Even the leaders gathered today refuse to explain why."
Issei gulped. If someone could knock him unconscious without effort, it meant they were far beyond his current level.
Meanwhile, the meeting had begun.
Sirzechs Lucifer's piercing gaze landed on Azazel.
"Today, we must discuss a grave matter," he declared. "Recently, my younger sister and her peerage were caught in a dangerous attack orchestrated by Kokabiel."
Azazel sighed, scratching the back of his head.
"Yeah, my bad. Kokabiel's actions were reckless, and I take full responsibility," he said casually, though there was a glint of annoyance in his golden eyes. "I apologize for the trouble he caused."
While the formal discussion continued, Azazel's sharp eyes flickered toward a particular silver-haired girl standing nearby.
Leaning in slightly, he whispered, "Hey, where's your boyfriend?"
Vali Lucifer, the White Dragon Emperor, twitched.
"He is not my boyfriend!" she snapped back in a hushed tone. Her indifference remained intact, but inside, she was irritated. 'He is my husband. Know the difference, you old fart.'
Before Azazel could tease her further—
Michael, ever the composed leader, spoke.
"Has everyone gathered? Can we begin?"
Azazel smirked. "Not yet. We're still waiting for a few more... special guests."
"Who?" Rias asked, raising an eyebrow.
The answer came not from words, but from the opening of the grand doors.
Five figures stepped in.
A young man in a flowing exorcist robe, adorned with mystical symbols.
A silver-haired martial artist with a dangerous air around him.
A roguish adventurer exuding newfound confidence.
A silver-haired half-elf with elegance.
A mysterious black-haired girl who radiated an unfathomable aura.
Silence filled the room.
Their presence was palpable. Even the most powerful beings present couldn't ignore the strange yet commanding aura they brought with them.
"Shin!"
Gasps filled the hall as various attendees recognized Satria—the mysterious human who had remained an enigma even among supernatural circles.
Tomoe, the Knight of Sona's peerage, let out a dreamy sigh.
"Wow! He's even more handsome in person! No wonder the girls at school call him the Prince of Kuoh!"
Tsubaki, Sona's Queen, immediately snapped her head toward her.
"Tomoe, watch your attitude. We are in the presence of the leaders of the Biblical Faction."
"Y-Yes, Tsubaki-sama! Sorry!"
Even Sona Sitri herself narrowed her eyes.
"Why is he here? I've always found him to be... interesting. But to be invited to an event of this magnitude? Just who exactly is he?"
Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar, frustrated voice.
"You... Shin! What are you doing here?!"
Rias Gremory, unable to contain her confusion and frustration, stood up from her seat.
Satria, however, merely smiled.
"Calm down, Rias," Sirzechs interjected before his sister could cause a scene. "We were the ones who invited him."
Michael, ever composed, addressed the newcomers.
"I must admit, I am curious. Who exactly are you?"
Satria stepped forward with a confident grin.
"Since everyone is interested in me, let me introduce myself properly."
He took a deep breath and—
"My name is Shin, from the Shadow Garden. I'm 16 years old. I'm just an ordinary student in Japan. I always get home before 8 PM. I make sure to sleep at 10 PM and get eight hours of rest. Before bed, I cuddle with my girlfriend, ensuring I sleep like a baby. My dreams? Not your business. My likes? Not your business. My dislikes? Also not your business."
Everyone in the room sweatdropped.
Even Michael, who was known for his patience, found himself momentarily speechless.
Satria clapped his hands, shifting the attention.
"Now then! It is my great honor to introduce the leader of our group! The man whose very existence strikes fear into women and admiration in men. A record of struggle, the symbol of resistance, and the reward of suffering! He is the true terror! The one and only… KAZUMA, THE LORD OF SHADOW GARDEN!"
With a dramatic flourish, Satria shoved Kazuma forward.
Kazuma, standing beside him, adjusted the high collar of his dark, regal cloak, exuding an air of mystery. His black and silver outfit, reminiscent of a ruler who operates from the shadows, made his presence feel larger than life. He let out a slow, calculated breath, his deep red eyes gleaming from beneath his hood.
For once, the normally laid-back adventurer had completely embraced the Shadow Lord aesthetic.
Kazuma, frozen in horror, twitched.
'W-What the hell kind of introduction is that?!'
His face turned red as he felt the eyes of every powerful being in the room staring at him.
Meanwhile, internally, he swore vengeance.
"One day… one day, I will get back at you for this humiliation, Satria!"
"What kind of bullshit did your mate create now? He's bold, but he's also an idiot! And why the hell did he bring Ophis with him?!"
Albion's voice rang in Vali Lucifer's mind, his tone laced with exasperation.
Vali merely shrugged. "Who knows? Fortune always favors the bold—at least in his case. As long as he's not using one of his stupid costumes, I can tolerate it."
Meanwhile, Rias sat frozen, her mind racing.
'Shin… called him Lord Kazuma?! What the hell?! Who is he?!'
Even Ddraig, the legendary Heavenly Dragon, was bewildered.
'For Shin to willingly serve someone… This Kazuma must have something on him. And the fact that even I can't sense his power proves he's capable of completely hiding his presence.'
Issei, confused, asked his dragon partner, 'Ddraig, is he dangerous? He just looks like a normal teenager to me… But if even Shin calls him Lord, there's gotta be something insane about him, right?'
Ddraig hesitated.
"Truthfully… I don't know, Partner. Just like you, I have no clue. But considering that immense pressure we felt yesterday? I wouldn't be surprised if he was behind it."
The uncertainty unnerved Issei.
Azazel, leaning back in his chair, smirked as he observed Kazuma.
"Hoo… So he is the master of Shin? What kind of secrets are hidden behind your shadow, Lord Kazuma?"
Serafall Leviathan, the Magical Girl Maou, giggled to herself.
"Hehe~ Shin-kun is so cute when he's acting all serious like this."
Then her gaze shifted to Kazuma.
"But for someone to train him into the person he is now… what kind of monster is he?"
Sirzechs was equally deep in thought.
"I can barely detect any mana from Kazuma… is he hiding his power from me too?"
He sighed inwardly.
"Shin and his family alone are already dangerous unknowns in our faction. And now, another unknown factor appears out of nowhere."
Grayfia, standing by his side, leaned in slightly.
"Sirzechs-sama… we must gather intelligence on them immediately. We cannot afford to let a wild card like them roam freely."
Sirzechs nodded.
"I know, Grayfia… but the question is—how do we do that?"
Michael, ever composed, finally spoke.
"Shadow Garden… I've lived a long time, yet I've never heard of such an organization."
His golden eyes locked onto Kazuma.
"Would you mind explaining what exactly this Shadow Garden is?"
Kazuma tensed.
He slowly turned his head toward Satria, desperately signaling for help.
Satria, ever the good friend, responded by subtly lifting his pinky finger.
'Don't be nervous, idiot. If you're nervous, just lift your little finger—it helps boost confidence. Just follow my script.'
Kazuma, feeling ridiculous, raised his little finger and took a deep breath.
Then, with the best dramatic tone he could muster, he spoke:
"We of the Shadow Garden operate in the darkness to maintain balance. We deal with matters beyond the comprehension of most—preventing catastrophes, ensuring hidden truths remain buried, and allowing the innocent to live in peace without fear of what lurks in the shadows."
The room fell silent.
Everyone was shocked.
Michael's brows furrowed. 'An organization of this scale existing outside our knowledge? Impossible… yet, here they stand.'
Sirzechs, still skeptical, narrowed his eyes.
"What exactly are these matters beyond comprehension? Do you think we—leaders of our respective factions—are too weak to handle them?"
Kazuma shook his head.
"No, Sirzechs Lucifer. This information is classified. However… the situation on the field is becoming dire."
His voice turned serious.
"A calamity is coming. And as residents of this world, we must work together if we wish to survive."
Azazel, his smirk fading, sat forward.
"Shit… That sounds really bad. You made the right call, Kazuma-san, by coming here."
Garou, who had been silently observing the entire time, scoffed internally.
'Do they actually believe that nonsense? Are they stupid?'
Serafall, always sharp, finally pointed out something else.
"If that's true, then we should start making a plan before things get out of control."
Her gaze shifted.
"But before that… who exactly are these other friends you brought here? And the little girl on Shin-kun's arm?"
All eyes turned to Ophis, who was comfortably sitting by Satria's side.
Satria sighed.
"I told you not to follow me," he muttered. Then he introduced them one by one.
"The beautiful elf is Emilia."
"The man in the middle is Garou, the Hero Hunter."
"And last… She is my guardian spirit—Ophis."
The room froze.
A pin drop could be heard.
Issei, still an idiot, blurted out, "Wait, ELVES ARE REAL?! And she's so beautiful! And her boobs—"
A murderous glare from Garou shut him up instantly.
"S-Sorry!"
"Ara~ Ara~" A mischievous smile played on Akeno's lips. "Our little junior has wandering eyes. Be careful, Issei-kun, or something might bite you~."
"O-Ophis? No... That's not possible," Azazel muttered, rubbing his temples in disbelief. He turned to Shin, his expression tense. "Shin-kun... she isn't who I think she is, right?"
Satria chuckled, leaning down to whisper to Ophis. "Deal? You get a cake tower in exchange for telling them that Bang Satria is not a sardine tin man and that I am under your protection. Good trade, if you ask me, hehehe."
Ophis, lured by the promise of cake, nodded without hesitation.
"My name is Ophis," she stated, her small voice carrying an immense weight. "The Ouroboros Dragon and protector of Shin. Take heed—never disturb my partner, or you will suffer the consequences."
The air in the room grew heavy. Some of the most powerful beings in existence stood frozen, their expressions ranging from shock to pure disbelief.
"I-Impossible..." Ddraig murmured, his voice filled with uncertainty. "This shouldn't even be possible..."
Sirzechs felt a headache creeping in. "We're doomed..." he thought. "To think he has someone like her on his side..."
'Sirzechs-sama... we must take action. We need to establish a beneficial relationship with them instead of making them our enemies—no matter the cost,' Grayfia whispered urgently to her husband.
"I know, Grayfia," Sirzechs responded, rubbing his forehead. "The question is... how do we do that?"
Meanwhile, Azazel's survival instincts kicked in. He approached Satria with an exaggerated friendly grin. "Hehehe... You're my daughter's good friend, aren't you? From what I see... you two have chemistry. And as a father, I only want the best for my daughter. So, why don't you take her hand and create a political bromance between us? Right, Valiana?"
"W-What?!" Valiana's eyes flared with fury. "You bastard old man! Are you trying to sell me off?!"
Serafall, who had been watching with narrowed eyes, clenched her fists. "This sly old fox..." she thought bitterly. "He's using the White Dragon Emperor to get on Shin-kun's good side?! Shameless!"
"Now, now, don't take it the wrong way," Azazel pressed on. "You're... uh... a bit fierce, and honestly, I'm worried you'll scare away potential suitors. But Shin? He's strong, handsome, and a family-type man. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
"You really want me to punch you, don't you?!" Valiana cracked her knuckles, pure rage in her eyes.
Michael, ever the peacemaker, gave a gentle smile. "Apologies for the commotion, Kazuma-san. You are an honorable man, devoted to noble causes."
Kazuma blinked, then let out a nervous chuckle. "Hahaha... Hahaha... Okay?" How the hell did I end up being treated like some great leader?!
Suddenly—
"INTRUDER!!!"
A powerful explosion rocked the building.
The Khaos Brigade had launched a surprise attack.
Issei immediately activated his Sacred Gear, preparing to defend the leaders. The entire room shifted into battle mode, energy flaring as everyone prepared for combat.
Satria cracked his knuckles, a grin forming on his lips. "Finally... it begins."
To be continued…