The world outside the Occult Research Club's headquarters was deceptively calm. For Rias and her peerage, however, the silence was a sharp contrast to the tension that simmered within. They had already begun their investigation into Amon's presence and influence, but they knew that this was only the beginning of a much larger conflict. With every passing moment, Amon's manipulations were slowly tightening their grip on the supernatural world.
Rias sat at the head of the table, the weight of leadership heavy on her shoulders. Her red hair cascaded down her back, a stark contrast to the seriousness in her eyes. Across from her sat Issei, Akeno, Kiba, and the rest of her peerage, each of them working in silence, their minds focused on the task ahead. The unease in the air was palpable, as if the storm was on the horizon, just waiting to break.
"I hate this feeling," Issei muttered under his breath. His hand was clenched into a fist, his eyes dark with frustration. "We're just sitting here, waiting for something to happen. I don't like it."
Rias glanced at him, her expression softening. "I understand, Issei. But rushing into things recklessly won't help us. We need to remain focused and gather as much information as possible. Amon's plan is still shrouded in mystery, but we can't let him control the flow of events."
Akeno, who had been silently watching her, finally spoke up. "I have to agree with Rias. Our best option is to stay methodical. If we attack him head-on without knowing enough about his powers or his goals, we'll only be playing into his hands."
Kiba nodded in agreement. "We need to learn more about his influence over others. The fact that he's managed to control Riser so thoroughly means he likely has access to other devils and beings in positions of power."
Rias's eyes hardened. "Yes, and that's why we need to move quickly. We can't let Amon's influence spread any further. If he manages to take control of more powerful beings—especially the leaders of various factions—it'll be too late to stop him."
There was a brief silence before Rias spoke again, her voice quiet but resolute. "We'll start by focusing on the Church and their involvement. Irina and Xenovia might be important pieces in this puzzle. If we can prevent Amon from manipulating them again, we might be able to keep him from gaining more power."
Issei gave a small nod, his fingers still tapping nervously on the table. "But what if he's already done that? What if they're already under his control?"
Rias shook her head. "It's possible, but we can't assume the worst yet. We'll have to approach them cautiously and see if we can get through to them. We can't risk attacking them without knowing for sure."
Akeno crossed her arms, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "We should also consider the possibility that Amon might be manipulating other factions. We've already seen the effects of his control with Riser. What if other leaders or groups are similarly affected? We could be facing multiple enemies without even realizing it."
Rias clenched her fists. "That's exactly why we have to move fast. If he's infiltrated other factions, it'll make our task that much harder. But we can't let him manipulate us any longer."
The door to the club room opened, and Azazel walked in, his expression as calm and unreadable as always. "You're thinking too small."
Rias looked up in surprise. "What do you mean, Azazel?"
Azazel stepped further into the room, leaning against the doorframe. "You're focusing too much on Amon's immediate control over others. That's just one part of his plan. The real danger lies in his larger goals."
"What larger goals?" Kiba asked, his voice curious.
Azazel smiled darkly. "I don't know the full extent of Amon's plans yet, but I can tell you this: he's not just targeting people in power. He's building something far more dangerous—something that will be a much bigger threat to all of us."
Rias furrowed her brow, her confusion evident. "Building something? What could he be building?"
Azazel's expression grew more serious. "I don't know. But I've been following the traces of his influence, and it's clear that he's preparing for something catastrophic. You need to start thinking bigger. Amon doesn't just want to control the pieces on the board. He wants to reshape the entire game."
Akeno tilted her head, sensing the underlying meaning behind Azazel's words. "You think he's trying to cause something that will affect the entire world—our world and the human world?"
Azazel's gaze hardened. "Yes. And I'm afraid that if we don't stop him soon, we won't be able to undo the damage he's already caused."
Rias stood up, a fire igniting in her eyes. "Then we need to act quickly. We can't afford to wait any longer."
Issei nodded, his face determined. "We'll stop him. We've come this far, and we won't back down now."
Just as the group began to discuss their next steps, the air in the room seemed to shift. It was subtle at first, a faint pressure that seemed to weigh down on them all, but it was enough to make the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end. They all turned toward the door, a sense of unease creeping over them.
Azazel was the first to speak. "That's strange. I can feel something—someone is nearby. But it's not normal. Something's off."
Before anyone could respond, the door to the room burst open, and a figure stepped inside. The sight of the newcomer made the entire room freeze.
A tall figure, cloaked in shadows, with eyes that glowed faintly with an otherworldly power. His presence was suffocating, as though the very air around him bent to his will. The room seemed to darken in his wake, the once-comfortable atmosphere now replaced with an oppressive tension.
Rias's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the figure. It was an Avatar of Amon.
"Azazel," the Avatar said in a voice that was both chilling and commanding. "I didn't expect you to still be here."
Azazel's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Amon?"
The Avatar stepped forward, a smirk playing across his lips. "Oh, nothing. I'm just here to see how your little investigation is going. I must admit, I'm impressed by how quickly you've caught on. But I fear you're still too late."
Rias's mind raced. "What do you mean? What's your goal here, Amon?"
The Avatar's smile widened, and for a moment, his eyes seemed to glow even brighter, sending a shiver down their spines. "My goal? It's simple. To bring about a new order. One where I control everything and everyone. And nothing will stand in my way."
With a sudden, unsettling movement, the Avatar raised his hand, and the room seemed to twist and warp around them. Dark tendrils of power spiraled outward, threatening to consume everything in their path.
"Let's see how long you can hold on," the Avatar said with a sinister grin.
Author's Note:
Hey guys! If you're enjoying the story, toss a Power Stone my way—it really helps keep me motivated to write more. Thanks for reading!