Part I:
The next morning, Kuoh Academy's main auditorium had been transformed into something resembling the United Nations—if the UN was filled with literal gods, devils, and angels.
Rias stood near the entrance with Sona, both looking slightly overwhelmed.
"This is insane," Rias muttered, watching as representatives from various mythological factions filed in.
"This is historic," Sona corrected, adjusting her glasses. "The first multi-pantheon summit since the Great War. Every major faction in one place."
"That's what makes it insane."
Already seated in the auditorium were:
The Biblical Factions:
- Sirzechs Lucifer and Grayfia (Devils)
- Serafall Leviathan (Devils)
- Michael and Gabriel (Angels)
- Azazel and several Grigori commanders (Fallen Angels)
The Youkai Faction:
- Yasaka, the nine-tailed fox leader from Kyoto, her golden eyes scanning the room with interest
- Several lesser youkai representatives
The Greek Faction:
- Had sent a representative, though the major gods were "too busy" (translation: too arrogant to attend)
And the auditorium's side doors were about to open for the most anticipated arrivals.
"Here they come," Sona whispered.
The doors burst open.
---
Part II:
The temperature in the room seemed to shift as the Norse delegation entered.
Leading them was an old man who radiated power despite his elderly appearance.
Odin Allfather.
He was shorter than expected, with long white hair and beard, wearing elaborate robes covered in Norse runes. His single eye (the other covered by a patch) gleamed with barely contained mischief.
And in his hand, he carried a walking stick that everyone with magical senses could tell was anything but ordinary.
That's Gungnir, Rias realized. The spear that never misses.
Behind Odin walked two figures:
First, a silver-haired woman in her early twenties, wearing battle armor that somehow managed to be both practical and elegant. She had a serious expression and carried herself like a warrior.
Rossweisse.
Odin's bodyguard and a Valkyrie.
And beside her—
Every male in the room (and several females) stopped breathing.
A woman who could only be described as divine perfection walked in.
Long golden hair that seemed to shine with its own light. Eyes the colour of summer skies. A face so beautiful it was almost painful to look at. A figure that made even Gabriel look modest by comparison.
She wore a gown that left very little to the imagination—sheer fabric that clung to every curve, golden ornaments, and an aura of raw sensuality that hit the room like a physical force.
Freya.
Norse Goddess of Love, Beauty, and War.
"Holy shit," Issei whispered, his eyes wide. "Is she—is that—"
"Freya," Kiba confirmed, also staring. "Goddess of—"
"BOOBS!" Issei shouted. "I MEAN BEAUTY! I MEAN—"
WHAM
Koneko's fist sent him flying into a wall.
"Pervert."
"I CAN'T HELP IT! SHE'S LITERALLY A GODDESS OF BEAUTY!"
Odin, meanwhile, had noticed Gabriel sitting in the front row.
His eye lit up.
"Well, hello there, beautiful angel~" He immediately changed course and sat down next to her. "Odin's the name! Flirting's my game! What do you say we—"
Rossweisse grabbed him by the collar and yanked him backward.
"Odin-sama. Behave."
"I'm just being friendly!"
"You're being a pervert."
"Same thing!"
"It's absolutely not!"
Freya, watching this exchange, smiled with amusement. Then her eyes swept the room.
And landed on Caelan, who was sitting in the back corner, looking thoroughly annoyed by the entire situation.
Her smile widened.
Interesting.
She changed course and walked directly toward him.
The room went silent.
Freya settled into the seat next to Caelan, crossing her legs in a way that made several people faint.
"Hello~" Her voice was like honey. "You must be the Ice King everyone's been talking about."
"I must be leaving," Caelan replied, starting to stand.
Freya gently placed a hand on his arm. "Oh, don't go~ I was so looking forward to meeting you. They say you can freeze anything. Even energy itself. That's... fascinating."
"It's thermodynamics."
"It's impressive~" She leaned closer. "I do love impressive men."
From across the room, Grayfia's temperature dropped about twenty degrees.
Gabriel, who'd been dealing with Odin's flirting, looked over.
Her smile became slightly strained.
Another one?
How many women are going to pursue him?!
Caelan, completely oblivious to the divine love triangle forming around him, just sighed. "I'm here for the council meeting. Not socializing."
"We can do both~" Freya's smile was devastating. "I'm excellent at multitasking."
"I'm not."
"Then I'll teach you~"
Kill me now, Caelan thought.
Hoarfrost, lying at his feet, made a sound that was definitely wolf-laughter.
Traitor.
---
Part III:
Once everyone was seated (and Rossweisse had physically restrained Odin from "accidentally" groping Gabriel), Sirzechs stood at the central podium.
"Thank you all for attending this Multi-Pantheon Summit. I know many of you have... complicated histories with each other. But we face a common threat that transcends our differences."
He activated a magical projection.
Images of Khaos Brigade attacks appeared—destroyed cities, casualties, intelligence reports.
"The Khaos Brigade is not just targeting the Biblical Factions. They've attacked Norse settlements, Youkai territories, even attempted to infiltrate Olympus."
"Attempted and failed," the Greek representative noted smugly.
"Regardless, they're a threat to all of us." Sirzechs pulled up a map showing Khaos Brigade activity. "Their leader, Rizevim Livan Lucifer, has been gathering powerful allies. Sacred Gear users. Rogue gods. Ancient monsters."
"Their goal?" Azazel stood up. "Chaos. They want to tear down the established order and plunge all the realms into war. Again."
Odin stroked his beard. "I've heard rumors. Loki's been seen with Khaos Brigade members."
The room went cold.
"Loki?" Michael's expression became grave. "Your son?"
"My adopted son. The trickster god." Odin's voice was heavy. "If he's involved with the Khaos Brigade, it's not just for chaos. He's planning something specific."
"What would he want?" Yasaka asked.
"To start Ragnarok. The end of the Norse pantheon. He's been trying for centuries." Odin sighed. "If the Khaos Brigade has promised to help him, he'd ally with them in a heartbeat."
"Then we need to find him," Serafall said. "Before he can execute whatever plan he's making."
"Agreed," Sirzechs said. "But that's not our only concern. The Khaos Brigade has multiple factions—"
He was interrupted by a magical alarm.
The wards around the school were triggering.
"What—" Sona pulled out her phone. "Intruder alert! Someone breached the outer perimeter!"
"How?!" Rias demanded. "We have the strongest barriers in Japan!"
"Someone with high-level Youjutsu," Yasaka said, standing. "Senjutsu specifically. I can sense it."
"A nekomata?" Koneko's voice was quiet. Tense.
Yasaka looked at her. "Yes. And a powerful one."
Koneko's fists clenched.
"Kuroka."
---
Part IV:
In the school courtyard, a teleportation circle flared.
Black and gold.
And stepping through it was a woman who looked like an older, more developed version of Koneko.
Long black hair. Cat ears. Two black tails. Golden eyes filled with mischief.
She wore a revealing black kimono that was barely held together by a sash.
Kuroka.
The SS-class stray devil.
Koneko's older sister.
She looked around the courtyard, then smiled when she saw the figures rushing out of the building.
"Nya~ What a gathering! Devils, angels, fallen angels, AND gods? How fun~"
"Kuroka!" Koneko's voice was sharp. "What are you doing here?!"
"Oh, Shirone~" Kuroka's smile softened when she saw her sister. "I came to see you, of course! It's been so long~"
"Don't call me that."
"But that's your name~"
"My name is Koneko Toujou." Koneko's voice shook. "You lost the right to use my real name when you killed our master."
Kuroka's expression became complicated. "Shirone—Koneko—if you'd just let me explain—"
"I don't want your explanations! You're a murderer!"
"I did what I had to do to protect you!"
"BY KILLING SOMEONE?!"
"HE WAS GOING TO EXPERIMENT ON YOU!" Kuroka's composure cracked. "He was going to do to you what he did to me! Force-feeding you Senjutsu until your body broke! I couldn't let that happen!"
Koneko froze.
"What?"
"Our master wasn't a good person, Shirone. He was a monster. He used me as a test subject for forbidden Senjutsu techniques. And when I was almost broken, he decided you'd make a better subject. Younger. More malleable." Kuroka's eyes filled with tears. "I killed him to save you. And then I ran because the devil authorities wouldn't have believed me. They'd have executed me anyway."
The courtyard was silent.
Everyone was watching this family drama unfold.
"You... you never told me," Koneko whispered.
"I couldn't. You were so young. And by the time you were old enough to understand, we were on opposite sides." Kuroka wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry, Shirone. I'm so sorry. But I'm not sorry I killed him. I'd do it again to protect you."
"Then why did you join the Khaos Brigade?!" Koneko demanded. "Why are you working with terrorists?!"
"Because they promised to help me reunite with you. To clear my name. To—"
"You're lying."
The new voice was cold.
Caelan stepped forward, Hoarfrost at his side.
"The Khaos Brigade doesn't care about family reunions. They're using you. Whatever they promised—it's a lie."
Kuroka looked at him. "And who are you?"
"Someone who recognizes manipulation when I see it." Caelan's expression was flat. "You're here as a distraction. Where's Loki?"
Kuroka's eyes widened.
"I—"
BOOM
An explosion rocked the building.
---
Part V:
When the smoke cleared, standing on the roof of the school was a tall, lean figure with wild green hair and a manic grin.
Loki.
Norse God of Mischief.
"HELLO, FATHER!" He shouted down at Odin. "Did you miss me?!"
"Loki!" Odin's voice was thunder. "You dare attack a peace summit?!"
"Oh, I dare! I dare so much!" Loki spread his arms wide. "You're all so focused on the Khaos Brigade! On Rizevim! On the big, scary terrorists! But you forgot about ME!"
He snapped his fingers.
Magical circles flared all around the school.
Summoning creatures.
Giants. Wolves. Monsters from Norse mythology.
"Fenrir?!" Rossweisse gasped, seeing a massive wolf—larger than a building—materialize. "How did you summon your son?!"
"I didn't summon him! I FREED him! From his prison in Asgard!" Loki laughed. "And now he's going to eat all of you!"
"Everyone, defensive positions!" Sirzechs roared.
The assembled factions immediately went into combat mode.
Michael's wings spread, holy light radiating. "Protect the non-combatants!"
"On it!" Gabriel created barriers around the human students who'd been caught in the crossfire.
Azazel summoned his Down Fall Dragon Spear. "Vali, where the hell are you?!"
"Right here." Vali appeared in his white armor, Divine Dividing active. "This looks fun."
"Fun?! We're under attack!"
"Exactly~"
The battle erupted.
---
Part VI:
Fenrir, the giant wolf of Norse mythology, lunged at the building.
Its jaws could swallow a car whole.
"MOVE!" Rias screamed, her peerage scattering.
The wolf's bite missed them by inches, tearing a chunk out of the school.
"That thing is HUGE!" Issei activated his Boosted Gear. [BOOST!]
"We need to hit it hard!" Kiba drew his swords. "Xenovia, with me!"
"Right!" Xenovia charged, Durandal gleaming.
They attacked the wolf's legs, trying to cripple it.
Their swords bounced off harmlessly.
"It's invulnerable?!" Xenovia gasped.
"Not invulnerable," Rossweisse called out, launching Norse magic at the beast. "But it has divine protection! Normal attacks won't work!"
"Then what will?!" Issei demanded.
"Dragon attacks. Sacred Gear attacks. Divine weapons." Rossweisse grimaced. "Or Odin-sama's power."
Speaking of Odin—
The old god had transformed.
Gone was the lecherous old man.
In his place was a warrior-king radiating divine power.
In his hand, Gungnir gleamed.
But he wasn't fighting Fenrir.
He was facing Loki directly.
"Son," Odin said, his voice heavy. "Stand down. This madness ends now."
"Madness?! This is CLARITY!" Loki's power exploded outward. "You cast me out! Called me a mistake! A disappointment! Well, look at me now, Father! I'm bringing RAGNAROK! Just like the prophecy said!"
"The prophecy is not inevitable!"
"IT IS IF I MAKE IT SO!"
Loki attacked.
Father and son clashed in a burst of divine energy that shattered windows across the entire school.
---
Meanwhile, Freya was single-handedly holding off three giants.
And she was doing it in high heels.
"Oh, this is fun~" She summoned golden chains that wrapped around one giant's legs. "I haven't had a good fight in centuries!"
"You're enjoying this?!" One of Sona's peerage members shouted.
"Of course! Combat is exhilarating!" Freya laughed, her beauty somehow becoming even more devastating as she fought. "Though I do prefer other forms of physical activity~"
"FOCUS!" Sona snapped.
"I am focused! On multiple things!" Freya winked.
Nearby, Caelan was standing in his usual defensive position.
Absolute Zero field active.
Any monster that got within twenty feet of him froze solid and shattered.
"You're really just going to stand there?" Freya called out between giant-slaying.
"I'm a defensive fighter."
"You could at least look like you're trying!"
"I am trying. Trying not to waste energy on unnecessary movement."
Freya laughed. "I like you!"
From across the battlefield, Grayfia noticed this exchange.
And ice started forming on the ground around her feet.
She's flirting with him. In the middle of a battle. While fighting giants.
What is wrong with these goddesses?!
Sirzechs, fighting beside his wife, noticed her expression. "Grayfia? You okay?"
"Fine."
"You just froze three enemies solid."
"They were in my way."
"They were on our side."
"...Oops."
---
Part VII:
While the main battle raged, Kuroka had grabbed Koneko and pulled her aside.
"Shirone, listen to me—"
"I don't want to—"
"The Khaos Brigade is using Loki! This attack—it's not what it seems! They're after something specific!"
"What?!"
"The Valkyrie! Rossweisse! They want to capture her and use her to access Asgard's vaults!" Kuroka's expression was urgent. "I only found out today! That's why I came—to warn you!"
Koneko stared at her sister.
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because I'm your sister. Because despite everything, I love you. Because—" Kuroka's voice broke. "—because I've done terrible things, but I'd never let anyone hurt you."
Koneko was silent for a long moment.
Then she nodded. "Fine. I believe you. This once."
"Thank you, Shirone—"
"But after this, you're surrendering. To the devils. To face judgment."
Kuroka's expression became pained. "I—"
"That's my condition. Help us now, surrender later. Or I never speak to you again."
"...Okay. Deal."
They ran back to the battlefield.
Just in time to see three Khaos Brigade members teleporting in and surrounding Rossweisse.
"THERE!" Kuroka pointed. "Stop them!"
Koneko didn't hesitate.
She launched forward, her Senjutsu finally activating properly (with her sister's help), and slammed into one of the attackers.
"GET AWAY FROM HER!"
The attacker went flying.
Kuroka took down another with a Youjutsu blast.
The third managed to grab Rossweisse—
And was immediately frozen solid by Caelan's Absolute Zero field.
"Thanks!" Rossweisse gasped.
"Don't mention it." Caelan didn't even look at her. "Literally. Don't mention it. I don't want credit."
"Too late! I'm mentioning it!"
"I hate everyone."
---
Part VIII:
At the center of the battlefield, Odin and Loki's fight reached its climax.
Loki was powerful.
But Odin was the Allfather for a reason.
With a gesture, he summoned reinforcements—not more warriors, but a weapon.
A massive warhammer materialized in his free hand.
Mjolnir.
Thor's legendary hammer, temporarily loaned to its creator.
"Loki," Odin said quietly. "I didn't want to do this."
"Then don't!" Loki snarled. "Just let me—"
"You've gone too far. Endangered innocents. Allied with terrorists. Tried to start Ragnarok." Odin raised both Gungnir and Mjolnir. "As Allfather, I have no choice."
"FATHER, NO—"
Odin struck.
Not with the weapons.
But with raw divine authority.
The power of the Allfather, the King of Asgard, the God who commanded the Norse pantheon.
Magical chains erupted from the ground—not physical chains, but bindings of divine law itself.
They wrapped around Loki, binding him in magic that even he couldn't break.
"You will be imprisoned," Odin declared, his voice carrying the weight of absolute judgment. "In the deepest vault of Asgard. Until you learn that chaos without purpose is just destruction."
Loki struggled against the chains. "FATHER! YOU CAN'T—"
But the chains were already pulling him down.
Into a portal that led straight to Asgard's prisons.
"Forgive me, my son," Odin whispered as Loki disappeared. "But I must protect the realms. Even from you."
The portal closed.
Loki was gone.
And with him, the summoned monsters began to fade.
Fenrir howled once in rage, then dissolved into mist.
The giants collapsed into rubble.
The battle was over.
---
Part IX:
As the dust settled, the assembled factions regrouped in the damaged auditorium.
Casualties were minimal (mostly due to Gabriel's barriers and Caelan's defensive zones).
But the message was clear: the Khaos Brigade was escalating.
"They're getting bolder," Michael said grimly. "Attacking a multi-pantheon summit. Using Loki as a distraction."
"But we stopped them," Sirzechs replied. "And we captured several Khaos Brigade members in the process."
Including Kuroka.
Who sat in magical bindings, flanked by guards, while Koneko stood nearby looking conflicted.
"What do we do with her?" Serafall asked.
"She helped us," Koneko said quietly. "She warned us about the attack on Rossweisse. Fought on our side."
"She's still a wanted criminal," one of the devil officials pointed out.
"Then put her on trial," Rias said. "A fair trial. Where she can present evidence of her master's crimes."
"That's—"
"Reasonable," Sirzechs interrupted. "We'll hold a trial. Review the evidence. If she was truly acting in self-defense and protection of her sister, that should be considered."
Kuroka looked up, surprised. "You'd... you'd actually give me a fair trial?"
"We're not monsters," Sirzechs said. "Despite what some think."
Kuroka's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you."
"Don't thank us yet," Grayfia added coldly. "A trial means you'll face justice. Whether that means freedom or execution depends on the evidence."
"I understand." Kuroka looked at Koneko. "As long as Shirone knows the truth. That's all I want."
Koneko didn't respond.
Just watched as her sister was led away by guards.
---
Part X:
Later that evening, the faction leaders reconvened for a final meeting.
This time, with a specific agenda.
"The Khaos Brigade is targeting powerful individuals," Azazel said. "Specifically, the Two Heavenly Dragon Emperors. Vali and Issei."
"Why?" Issei asked nervously.
"Because you're both prophesied to surpass gods. Which makes you threats to their plans." Azazel looked at him seriously. "Kid, you need to get stronger. Fast."
"I'm trying!"
"We know. Which is why—" Michael stood. "—we've decided to support you. All of us."
He pulled out a sword.
It was beautiful. Simple. A straight blade with a golden cross-guard and a dragon carved into the hilt.
"This is Ascalon. The Dragon Slayer. A holy sword wielded by Saint George when he slew dragons." Michael offered it to Issei. "I'm gifting this to you."
"WHAT?! But I'm a devil! Holy swords hurt devils!"
"Azazel can modify it. Fuse it with your Boosted Gear. Turn it into a dragon-slaying weapon you can wield." Michael smiled. "You'll need it to fight the enemies ahead."
"I—thank you!" Issei accepted the sword reverently.
Azazel took the blade and examined it. "Yeah, I can work with this. Give me a week and I'll have it integrated into your Sacred Gear."
"That's amazing!" Issei's eyes sparkled.
Next, Odin stood.
"Rossweisse!"
The Valkyrie stepped forward. "Yes, Odin-sama?"
"You did well today. Protected the students. Fought bravely. Saved lives." Odin smiled. "But I'm an old god. I don't need a bodyguard anymore. I need you to do something more important."
"What?"
"Stay here. In the human world. Protect these kids. Teach them Norse magic. Guide them in the battles to come." He looked at Rias. "If Lady Gremory would have you, of course."
Rias blinked. "You're... giving me a Valkyrie?"
"I'm assigning her to protect this territory. Which happens to be your responsibility." Odin winked. "Consider it a gift from Asgard. And a way to strengthen our alliance."
"I—" Rossweisse looked stunned. "Odin-sama, I can't just abandon my duties in Asgard—"
"You're not abandoning them. You're extending them to the human world." Odin's expression became serious. "The Khaos Brigade will attack again. When they do, these young devils need all the help they can get. And you're one of our best."
Rossweisse looked at Rias. "Would you... would you really take me in?"
"Of course!" Rias smiled warmly. "I'd be honored. Welcome to the team, Rossweisse."
Rossweisse's eyes filled with tears. "THANK YOU! I'LL DO MY BEST! I WON'T LET YOU DOWN!"
"I know you won't," Rias said, pulling her into a hug.
"Also," Odin added with a grin, "maybe you'll finally get a boyfriend while you're here~"
"ODIN-SAMA!" Rossweisse's face turned bright red.
"What? I'm just saying! You're Thounsand-something and still single! That's embarrassing for a Valkyrie!"
"IT'S NOT EMBARRASSING! IT'S JUST—I'VE BEEN BUSY!"
"Sure you have~"
Everyone laughed.
Finally, Freya stood.
All eyes turned to her.
"I've been observing," she said, her voice musical. "And I've decided I'd like to stay as well. Not as a permanent resident, but as a... consultant."
"Consultant for what?" Sirzechs asked.
"Combat training. Strategic planning. Divine magic instruction." Freya's smile was mysterious. "And personal interest in certain... unique magical phenomena being practiced here."
She looked directly at Caelan as she said that last part.
Caelan, who'd been quietly standing in the back, sighed deeply.
"This is about me, isn't it."
"Perhaps~" Freya's smile widened. "You're quite fascinating, Lord Lucifuge. I'd like to study your Absolute Zero technique more closely."
"No."
"I wasn't asking permission~"
"I'm still saying no."
"We'll see~"
Grayfia's ice magic flared involuntarily, frost forming on the floor around her feet.
Gabriel, sitting nearby, also looked less than pleased.
Great, both women thought simultaneously. Competition
Sirzechs, wisely, pretended not to notice the rising tension. "Well. Regardless of personal motivations, having Freya's expertise would be valuable. The Khaos Brigade won't stop with Loki's defeat."
"Agreed," Yasaka said. "The Youkai faction will also increase patrols around Kuoh. This territory has become a focal point for supernatural activity."
"Then it's settled," Michael said. "We have new allies. New teachers. New defenses. And a unified front."
"To unity," Azazel raised a glass.
"To unity!" Everyone echoed.
---
Part XI:
That night, after the official meetings ended, three figures found themselves in the school courtyard.
Caelan Lucifuge.
Gabriel.
And Freya.
They stood in awkward silence, the tension palpable.
Finally, Caelan spoke. "This is going to be a problem."
"What's a problem?" Gabriel asked innocently.
"Both of you. Here. In my territory. Expressing... interest."
"Oh?" Freya's smile was devastating. "Are we making you uncomfortable~?"
"Yes."
"Good~" Freya purred.
"That's not—" Caelan pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm not interested in relationships. With anyone. I'm here to teach math and manage my territory. That's it."
"Of course~" Gabriel said sweetly. "We're just here to observe and learn from your fascinating magical techniques~"
"Absolutely~" Freya agreed. "Nothing romantic about it at all~"
They're both lying, Caelan thought.
They're definitely both lying.
"I'm leaving." He turned to go.
"Wait!" Gabriel called out. "We're still having our tea discussion tomorrow, right? About thermodynamic entropy and magical resonance?"
"And I wanted to schedule time to discuss your ice manipulation techniques," Freya added. "Perhaps over dinner?"
"I—"
"Great! It's a date!" Gabriel beamed.
"A professional dinner date~" Freya purred.
"THAT'S NOT A THING!" Caelan shouted.
But both goddesses just smiled.
And Caelan realized he'd been completely outmaneuvered.
By literal gods.
My life is a nightmare.
Hoarfrost, watching this unfold, made a sound that was definitely wolf-laughter.
I'm getting a new wolf.
The wolf just wagged his tail, completely unbothered.
---
From a nearby window, Grayfia watched this scene unfold.
Her hands were clenched so tight her knuckles were white.
Ice was literally forming on the windowsill beneath her fingers.
"That's my son," she muttered. "MY son. Not theirs."
"Jealous?" Sirzechs appeared beside her, his voice carefully neutral.
"I'm not jealous."
"You're freezing the window."
"I'm... concerned. For his wellbeing. That's different."
"Concerned about what?"
"About—about inappropriate relationships! He's young! They're ancient goddesses! The power dynamic is—it's—"
"It's his choice," Sirzechs said gently. "And from what I can see, they're both being respectful. Persistent, yes. But not forcing anything."
"But—"
"Grayfia. Love." Sirzechs took her hand, carefully avoiding the ice forming around it. "You can't control who he spends time with. We lost that right when we abandoned him. The best we can do is support his decisions. Even if we don't like them."
Grayfia was silent for a long moment.
Then she sighed, the ice melting slightly. "I hate that you're right."
"I know."
They stood together, watching as their son walked away from two goddesses who were very clearly interested in him, while he remained completely oblivious to their intentions.
And despite everything, Sirzechs smiled.
He's living. Making connections. Even if he won't admit they're connections.
That's progress.
Painful, complicated, goddess-filled progress.
But progress nonetheless.
Below, Caelan had stopped walking.
He looked back at the two goddesses, who were watching him with matching expressions of interest.
Then he sighed. "Fine. Gabriel, tea tomorrow at 3 PM. Freya, magical theory discussion Thursday at 7 PM. Both meetings are PROFESSIONAL. No flirting. No innuendo. No—"
"Of course~" both women said in perfect unison.
Then they smiled at each other.
It was not a friendly smile.
It was the smile of competitors recognizing each other.
Oh dear, Caelan thought. *I've made things worse.*
He hurried away before the situation could deteriorate further.
Leaving behind two goddesses, a jealous mother, and an amused father.
The Ice King's life had just become very, very complicated.
And everyone knew it.