Chapter 103: Underworld!
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Releasing his grip, Issei watched as Gabriel gasped for air, her hand instinctively reaching for her bruised neck. The sight filled him with deep regret and remorse, and he turned away, unable to meet her gaze.
"I'm... I'm sorry," Issei muttered, his voice filled with genuine contrition. "This isn't your fault. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you. I don't know what came over me."
Gabriel, still recovering from the ordeal, looked at Issei with a mix of concern and understanding. She gently touched her bruised neck and reassured him, "It's alright, Issei-kun. I was caught off guard by your strength, that's all. You're even more powerful than I had anticipated."
Curiosity sparked in Issei's eyes as he turned to face her. "How powerful did you think I was?" he asked, genuinely interested in her assessment.
A small smile tugged at the corner of Gabriel's lips. "I believed you were at least as powerful as me, considering how you were able to restrain me like that. But now I see that you possess an even greater strength within you." Her tone shifted from lighthearted to more serious as she continued, "Regardless, I truly apologize for my lapse in oversight. Your anger is completely justified, and you have my forgiveness. You were right, God wouldn't have allowed this to happen. This devil who targeted the faithful must face consequences."
Issei's determination hardened, his voice resolute. "This is my responsibility, and I will deal with it. I will retrieve my friends and ensure that this devil pays for his actions. Thank you for revealing his identity, Gabriel."
However, Gabriel's expression turned slightly worried as she shook her head. "That's part of the reason why I couldn't directly intervene, Issei-kun. The devil responsible is the younger brother of Ajuka Beelzebub, one of the Maou. Any interference from me could potentially cause a political incident and reignite the Great War. I needed Michael-kun's permission to initiate a rescue operation. He believes that the Maou can be reasonable and open to diplomacy in this matter. But if they prove otherwise, we will respond with appropriate force."
Issei's anger flared anew, his frustration evident as he snorted flames from his nostrils. "We're wasting time! If you're going to help me, then let's go! If not, then go hide in Heaven with the rest of the cowardly angels!"
"I'm not hiding, Issei-kun. I'll go with you," Gabriel declared resolutely, her voice filled with determination. "I swear by God that I will see your friends rescued, no matter what. As a seraph, I give you my word. I pray that our actions won't ignite another war, but if it comes to that, know that I will stand by your side. I owe you and those girls that much. Their faith in Heaven has not been misplaced."
Issei silently acknowledged Gabriel's change in demeanor, realizing that she possessed a seriousness and resolve beneath her cheerful facade. It reassured him, knowing that she was fully committed to their mission.
"Alright," Issei responded, his voice tinged with eagerness. "What's the fastest way to reach the Astaroth Clan?"
Without hesitation, Gabriel conjured a grand portal of shimmering light in the sky. "I'll open a portal that will take us directly to the Underworld," she explained.
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The Underworld
Issei wasted no time and flew straight into the portal, with Gabriel following closely behind. The sensation of being transported through the portal was swift and seamless, teleporting them directly to their destination. Issei couldn't help but be impressed by Gabriel's abilities, given her former role as a messenger of God. He realized that her assistance had saved him valuable time and spared him a return trip to the Occult Research Club.
As they arrived in the Underworld, Issei took a moment to survey their surroundings. The sky above them bore a deep purple hue, casting an otherworldly ambiance. It wasn't as grim or evil as Issei had initially imagined Hell to be. Instead, he observed a sprawling landscape below, dotted with numerous large cities and districts.
Issei's eyes narrowed, his determination renewed. "I'm going to find that asshole and tear him apart," he declared, his voice filled with righteous fury.
He briefly contemplated Red's potential reaction to his anger, imagining his crimson-haired ally suggesting they obliterate the Underworld together. But Issei dismissed the thought, not wanting to burden Red with his personal problems. Instead, he acknowledged the fortuitous circumstances of Gabriel's presence, appreciating her role in getting him to the Underworld swiftly.
Coming to a temporary halt in mid-air, Issei surveyed the vast expanse before him. The sky, adorned in a deep purple hue, held an eerie yet captivating ambiance. Contrary to his expectations of a grim and malevolent Hell, the atmosphere seemed surprisingly different. As his eyes scanned the landscape below, he noticed the presence of numerous sprawling cities and districts, each distinctly separated by walls, rivers, and various magical barriers.
Inhaling deeply, Issei instinctively sniffed the air in search of the familiar scents of Xenovia and Irina. His gaze darted around, searching for any sign or indication of their whereabouts. Gabriel, always attentive and perceptive, quickly pointed him in the right direction.
"See that towering spire in the distance, to the right? It lies beyond the floating city," Gabriel explained, her voice carrying a sense of authority. "That's the Astaroth territory, one of the 33 estate territories governed by the ruling devil nobility. Over time, stronger houses have absorbed the territories of extinct houses, resulting in the current distribution. The Astaroth Clan holds significant prestige and power. I believe that is where we will find your friends, Issei-kun. Specifically, their palace is located in the central region known as the Astaroth district."
Issei's fists clenched tightly as his gaze fixated on the Astaroth territory in the distance. A surge of hatred coursed through his veins, causing him to tremble with intensity. His eye twitched with an undying determination to confront the source of his anger. In an attempt to regain composure, he cracked both fists, taking deep inhales and exhales to steady himself.
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want to read 23+ chapters ahead or just want to support take a visit on my patreon.
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23+ advanced chapter on my patr(e)on.