Chapter 282: The Countdown to Catastrophe

So, hearing that, Apophis slowly shook his head.

“That’s not it. I simply abandoned the so-called prince because he was far too pathetic… though as you already know, I also parted ways during the attempt to reclaim Agreas. However, both I and Azi Dahaka had an interest in other worlds. Prince Rizevim would eventually be defeated by ‘D×D,’ but until then, he was a convenient tool, someone who would handle the troublesome matter of unsealing Trihexa. So I allowed Azi Dahaka to remain with him.”

“Honestly, you’re the only one who ends up doing all the work.”

“Next time we find prey we actually want to fight, you better hand it over to us☆”

“Priority rights! Priority rights!”

So that’s how it is… I thought grimly. Typical battle-crazy dragons…

Still, this is a problem. Rizevim and the Evil Dragons actually shared the same objective, invading other worlds.

Even if I challenged them here, I’d be wiped out instantly. Even if we gathered everyone upstairs, it still wouldn’t be enough against monsters on the level of the Two Heavenly Dragons going all out.

“So, former Governor, we shall now take our leave.”

“…What?”

They’re retreating? These guys?

“The moment Trihexa’s location has been exposed, it’s only a matter of time before all factions mobilize. That would lead straight into a final war. However… it would be a waste not to use the ‘toy’ we went through so much trouble unsealing.”

“Our goal is war itself. Before going to the other world, we intend to ignite a conflict large enough that even the gods of every mythology are forced onto the battlefield. And then… we will enjoy killing them.”

So that’s it… even the gods of this world are part of their target list.

Gods can’t easily enter the frontlines, too much depends on them. That’s why “D×D” exists as the strike force that can be sacrificed if necessary.

And I’m not even a god… I thought bitterly. Just a guy with a title I already handed off.

“Then farewell, former Governor.”

At that moment, a magic circle spread across the entire space.

“Relax. This technique only transfers us and Trihexa.”

“From here on, it’s preparation time for war!”

“It’s a festival! A war festival!!”

A festival my ass!!

I fired a disruption spell at the formation but before it could reach, it was swallowed by a surge of black water.

Apophis’s Primordial Water…!

“We recommend you prepare for war instead of searching for us.”

With that final remark, light engulfed the room.

When it faded, they were gone.

Only the crystal core and connecting cables remained.

“…Damn it!”

My muttered curse echoed far louder than it should have.

==========

[Ikki POV]

Issei had already wiped out Rizevim with his ridiculous “Oppai Cannon,” and Vaali left soon after with his team.

Maybe revenge wasn’t even the point for him anymore. Maybe what mattered was simply confirming Rizevim was gone.

Either way, the operation was officially over.

The cleanup teams moved in, and we were sent back to rest. Honestly, I don’t feel like executing unconscious Evil Dragons anyway.

Azazel’s voice over comms was unusually stiff… meaning things probably didn’t go perfectly.

Maybe Trihexa slipped away.

Or it had already been moved somewhere else.

Either way, we’d get a full briefing later.

For now—

“Everyone, get some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be busy again.”

“‘Yes!'”

=========

The Next Day

That night, we gathered again in Issei’s house.

Azazel explained everything.

Apophis and Azi Dahaka had escaped with Trihexa and the fake Red Dragon Emperor forces. Rizevim’s death had also been used as fuel to accelerate Trihexa’s unsealing.

“So… how much time do we have left?” I asked.

Azazel exhaled.

“About one month.”

“…One month!?”

Issei shot up from his seat.

“Yeah. We’re already mobilizing every faction, but if Azi Dahaka is hiding it properly with the Holy Grail’s power… finding it in a month is going to be rough.”

One month…

Even if we locate them, they can just keep escaping using teleportation techniques.

Honestly… this is almost a check, but not quite a checkmate.

Azazel continued.

“Most factions will at least prepare for war. That’s already something.”

Still… most of them probably won’t commit full resources.

After all, neither Great Red, Ophis, nor Trihexa have ever actually devastated them firsthand.

Then Azazel gave us our orders:

“Your job doesn’t change. Train. Prepare. Leave the backend to us.”

“Got it!”

=========

After everyone left, I stopped Azazel.

“I’ve got a plan… maybe a way to beat Trihexa. But I need something from you.”

He grabbed my shoulders instantly.

“Then why the hell didn’t you say it earlier?!”

“…Because it’s risky to even talk about it.”

“What is it?”

I hesitated.

“Honestly… it’s something so ridiculous I didn’t want to say it unless it was absolutely necessary.”

“…You’re scaring me, kid.”

I took a breath.

Then I told him everything.

And Azazel immediately—

BANG!

“OW!! WHY ARE YOU HITTING ME!?”

“You absolute idiot!! Are you planning to become the devil itself or what?!”

“…That’s why I didn’t want to say it!!”

And then—

We argued.

We fought.

And somehow, that counted as preparation too.