One could only describe it as one wave barely settling before another rises.
Having just resolved the commotion from Loki's sudden appearance, now Ddraig caused fresh trouble.
True, he hadn't wandered aimlessly—simply came directly to Lilith.
One of the legendary Two Heavenly Dragons manifesting in the demon realm capital—a statement sentence under twenty words that, just imagining it, revealed what massive upheaval would follow.
Scene transition: when Bokue's group exited the palace, they discovered the central square before the main gates surrounded on four sides by trembling devil guards gripping weapons.
The crimson Heavenly Dragon—spanning hundreds of meters—lay leisurely coiled into a pile while sunbathing.
However, these devil soldiers surrounding him weren't attempting capture—instead uniformly facing outward, blocking curious capital residents one by one.
What a joke.
If these guards alone could capture the legendary Red Dragon Emperor, what need for guard duty at all?
"Mm..."
As if sensing the young man's approaching aura, Ddraig—previously napping with closed eyes—slowly opened dragon pupils with diameters exceeding human height. From his mountain-sized body emerged a yawn powerful enough to shake the earth.
He raised his dragon head, gaze settling on those just emerging from the palace.
"Already finished? Originally planned to nap while waiting... yawn~ these past days were basically spent arguing with White. Haven't slept properly once."
"Red Dragon Emperor..."
The young red-haired Maou looked upward toward the crimson Heavenly Dragon—who, even prostrate, remained mountain-tall.
"May I ask what brings you and the White Dragon Emperor to Lilith?"
"Huh? Oh, my intentions..."
With tone sounding freshly awakened and groggy, Ddraig mumbled incoherently briefly.
"Actually, no particular intentions. This visit was purely to thank my former host. Back in the human realm, I'd just resurrected—too excited. Before I could even thank him properly, Albion and I rushed to the demon realm for arguing. Thinking back, feels rather embarrassing."
"..."
Just came to say thanks?
Sirzechs exhaled softly with relief.
After all, this was the demon realm capital—right at the palace entrance no less. Though he possessed strength exceeding previous-generation Maou by tenfold—arguably the strongest Maou in history—fighting in Lilith would inevitably cause massive unnecessary casualties.
Plus, Loki's matter remained unresolved. If possible, at this critical juncture, he genuinely didn't want additional complications.
"Oh, almost forgot—one more thing."
Ddraig raised a dragon claw, scratching his head.
"Though not exactly my business, somewhat related to me. Albion wants to ask your former host for a favor."
"A favor? Don't tell me you also want..."
Bokue raised an eyebrow.
Hearing "favor" basically revealed the request. What could make the legendary Two Heavenly Dragons request assistance? Only one or two possibilities existed.
Especially with a successful precedent right before them.
"Albion wants you to resurrect him too."
Vali waved dismissively, canceling his Balance Breaker state—retracting his light wings while speaking flatly.
Yeah, figured as much.
"Simple resurrection poses no problem. But what about you? You're this generation's White Dragon Emperor. If Albion resurrects, you won't be able to use your Sacred Gear anymore."
"Don't worry—I've considered this thoroughly."
Vali crossed his arms over his chest, tilting his face slightly upward.
"After losing to you last summer, I've reflected deeply. Decided to stop relying on the White Dragon Emperor's power—instead walking forward through my own strength... Incidentally, I made this decision before Albion decided to ask for your resurrection help."
Translation: Vali first decided against relying on his Sacred Gear. Then, with nothing else to do, Albion conceived the idea of resurrecting like Ddraig.
In other words—a mutually agreed decision reached peacefully by both parties.
Though, well...
"You're certain about this?"
Bokue tilted his head while observing him.
"If you lose your Sacred Gear and end up too weak to even defeat high-class devils, don't come crying to me later."
"That situation is impossible."
Vali spoke disdainfully.
"If I truly became what you're describing, that would only prove I'm merely a man of that caliber."
"Talk is cheap, buddy..."
Bokue couldn't resist retorting.
"Just so we're clear—I'll only separate the soul from the Sacred Gear. But reconstructing souls into new Sacred Gears? Can't do that. Anyway, mentally prepare yourself."
"Well, precisely for that reason, I've prepared contingencies."
Words barely concluded when Vali's White Dragon Emperor light wings unexpectedly spread again of their own accord—simultaneously flashing while emitting sound.
"After all, these past days weren't spent purely arguing with Red. Still accomplished a few things."
"Cutting to the conclusion: even after my resurrection, Vali can still use the White Dragon Emperor's light wings."
"Because Sacred Gears don't require conscious will or souls to operate. Sacred Gears remain fundamentally tools. So I've left portions of my power within the light wings. Thus, even after my soul departs the Sacred Gear, you can continue using the White Dragon Emperor's wings. You can use Balance Breaker and Juggernaut Drive. However, making them speak like me? Impossible."
"...Hmph. Quite thorough, Albion."
Speaking, Vali crossed his arms before turning away—presenting one light wing toward Bokue.
"Alright. Begin."
"Ah wait, no rush."
However, Bokue didn't immediately commence the resurrection ritual.
He turned toward the crimson Heavenly Dragon coiled across over eighty percent of the square's space before the palace gates—gesturing for him to move aside.
"Ddraig, can you get up first? Find somewhere empty. After all, this square's only so large, and you're so massive. Otherwise, when Albion resurrects, he'll have to stand on top of you. Or you could shrink—transform into human form... You do have a human form, right?"
"Need to shrink a bit..."
Receiving the young man's request, the crimson Heavenly Dragon contemplated while rising from the ground.
"Don't know. Never tried. Anyway, let me attempt it."
Speaking, he closed his eyes. Dazzling crimson radiance blazed around him—as if transforming his entire dragon body into pure energy. From mountain-sized proportions, he gradually compressed smaller and smaller until reaching human size.
When the light dispersed, what emerged was a young woman topped with twin horns and a crown—possessing blazing red hair, clad in crimson armored battle dress, with an extremely voluptuous figure.
"..."
"..."
?
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