Sxd
# The King Who Walks Between Worlds
## Chapter 1: The Shattering of Divinity
The dimensional sea stretched endlessly before him—an infinite canvas of possibility. Sinbad, newly ascended to godhood, stood at the precipice of ultimate power. His body, once mortal, now radiated with golden light as the Rukh—the very essence of fate itself—swirled around him in a magnificent display of divine authority.
"Is this what you sought all along?" asked Ugo, the blue guardian of the Sacred Palace. His massive form towered over Sinbad, yet somehow the King of Sindria seemed the more imposing presence. "To stand above even the gods?"
Sinbad's golden eyes—now containing the knowledge of countless worlds—gazed into the fabric of reality itself. His purple hair, unbound and flowing like liquid night, rippled with cosmic energies.
"Not above them, Ugo," Sinbad replied, his voice resonating with newfound divinity. "Beyond them. Beyond the very concept of gods and kings and pawns. Beyond the boundaries of fate itself."
Around him, the seven metal vessels—each containing a powerful Djinn he had conquered throughout his extraordinary life—pulsed with synchronized energy. Baal, Valefor, Zepar, Focalor, Vepar, Crocell, and Furfur—seven powerful spirits bound to his will, each representing an aspect of his journey from orphaned boy to High King of the Seven Seas.
"The system itself is flawed," Sinbad continued, extending his hand toward the dimensional barrier that separated the worlds. "When even gods are bound by pre-ordained paths, true freedom cannot exist. I will break this final chain."
Ugo's expression darkened with concern. "Sinbad, the boundaries between dimensions were established for a reason. Even Solomon in his wisdom never attempted to—"
"Solomon was bound by his own concepts of right and wrong," Sinbad interrupted, a hint of his old charismatic smile playing on his lips. "I respect what he built, but I've moved beyond such limitations."
The Rukh around him intensified, responding to his will rather than any divine law. As the former High King of the Seven Seas Alliance reached toward the dimensional barrier, reality itself seemed to hold its breath.
"I have conquered dungeons," Sinbad said, his voice calm but resolute. "I have united nations. I have ascended beyond mortality. And now, I will liberate reality itself from the constraints of predetermined fate."
His fingers touched the dimensional barrier, and for one breathtaking moment, absolute freedom was within his grasp. He could feel the infinite possibilities of countless worlds, the pathways of destiny laid bare before him like rivers he could redirect with a mere thought.
Then, something went catastrophically wrong.
The dimensional barrier, instead of yielding to his divine will, fractured. Cracks of blinding light spread like lightning across the fabric of reality. The Rukh scattered in panic, their harmonious flow disrupted by this unprecedented violation of cosmic law.
"What is happening?" Sinbad demanded, his newfound divinity suddenly seeming insufficient against the chaotic energies now swirling around him.
Ugo moved forward with surprising speed for his massive form. "The dimensions are collapsing! You've created a tear in the fundamental structure of reality!"
Sinbad attempted to withdraw his power, to contain the fracture he had created, but it was too late. The dimensional sea convulsed with violent energies, and a vortex of impossible colors formed around the tear, pulling at his divine essence.
"No!" Sinbad commanded, attempting to exert his authority over the chaos. "I am Sinbad, High King of the Seven Seas, Master of Seven Djinn, Sovereign Beyond Destiny! Reality itself bends to my—"
His declaration was cut short as the dimensional tear expanded exponentially, consuming him in a blinding flash of light. The last thing Sinbad saw was Ugo reaching for him with giant blue hands, his expression one of horror and sorrow.
Then, darkness.
The King of Sindria, the man who had conquered seven dungeons and commanded the loyalty of seven powerful Djinn, the sovereign who had ascended beyond mortality to challenge fate itself, was cast adrift in the void between worlds.
---
In the darkness between dimensions, consciousness slowly returned to Sinbad. He felt himself falling—or perhaps rising—through an endless void of nothingness. His divine form had been stripped away, leaving him once more in his mortal body, though he could still feel the power of his seven Djinn contained within their vessels.
"How interesting," he mused to himself, strangely calm despite his situation. "It seems even godhood has its limitations."
Around him, threads of golden light began to appear—thin at first, then growing stronger. The Rukh, he realized, though different somehow. The energy of this new dimensional space responded to him differently, more substantively, as if it possessed a will of its own.
"Where am I being taken?" he wondered aloud, watching as the threads of light coalesced into a tunnel of swirling energy.
As if in answer, the tunnel before him expanded, revealing glimpses of an unfamiliar world—a place of modern structures unlike anything in his own world, populated by beings of extraordinary power. Devils with bat-like wings. Angels with halos of pure light. Dragons of immense size and majesty.
"A world of myths and legends," Sinbad observed with growing interest. "How appropriate."
The tunnel of light accelerated, propelling him toward this new reality with increasing speed. As he approached what appeared to be the exit point, Sinbad closed his eyes and smiled that charismatic smile that had won him kingdoms and hearts alike.
"A new world means new possibilities," he whispered to himself. "And I have always excelled at making the most of possibilities."
With that thought, the former god, the eternal king, burst through the dimensional barrier and into a world of angels, devils, and dragons—the world of High School DxD.
## Chapter 2: Descent into a Strange World
The night sky above Kuoh Town erupted with golden light as a magic circle of unprecedented complexity manifested high above the school grounds. Unlike the crimson circles of devils or the blue-white radiance of angels, this circle shimmered with an otherworldly gold that seemed to bend the very rules of reality around it.
Stars dimmed as the circle expanded, casting an ethereal glow across the sleeping town below. The air hummed with power, causing windows to vibrate and wildlife to fall silent. Then, with a sound like thunder implosively reversed, the circle collapsed inward.
From its center, a man fell.
But he did not fall as mortals do—tumbling helplessly toward the earth. Instead, he descended with deliberate grace, his body vertical and composed, purple hair and silk robes flowing upward with the resistance of the air. Seven distinct metal objects adorning his person glinted in the moonlight, each pulsing with dormant power.
Sinbad, High King of the Seven Seas Alliance, landed without sound in the central courtyard of Kuoh Academy. His feet touched the stone pathway with the delicacy of a leaf settling on still water. He straightened, golden eyes taking in his surroundings with calm assessment.
"Interesting architecture," he murmured, examining the school buildings with genuine curiosity. "Not unlike some of the Reim Empire's designs, yet distinctly different."
He reached out with his senses, feeling the unfamiliar energy of this world. The Rukh here was different—not the free-flowing life force he was accustomed to, but something more substantive, more willful. It responded to his probing with hesitation, as if uncertain what to make of this foreign entity.
"You clearly don't belong to any faction I'm familiar with," came a female voice from the shadows.
Sinbad turned, unsurprised. He had sensed the presence watching him from the moment he landed. A young woman stepped into the moonlight, her crimson hair cascading down her back in loose waves. Her teal blue-green eyes, sharp and assessing, studied him with cautious interest. She carried herself with unmistakable nobility—a ruler in her own right.
"You are correct," Sinbad replied with an easy smile, offering a bow that somehow managed to be both respectful and subtly patronizing. "I am Sinbad, High King of the Seven Seas Alliance. And you, crimson-haired beauty, are clearly someone of significance in this realm."
The young woman's expression remained carefully neutral, though Sinbad—a master at reading people—detected a flicker of surprise at his boldness.
"I am Rias Gremory, heir to the House of Gremory and administrator of this territory," she stated formally. Her aristocratic posture and the subtle glow of power around her confirmed her status. "And you, Sinbad, are trespassing."
Sinbad's smile widened, revealing perfectly white teeth. "Trespassing implies intent, Lady Gremory. I assure you, my arrival in your territory was quite accidental. A minor miscalculation in dimensional traversal."
Rias raised a delicate eyebrow. "Dimensional traveler? That's a rare claim, even in a world of supernatural beings."
She moved closer, her high-slit black-and-gold dress with crimson lining catching the moonlight. Sinbad noted the sigils of House Gremory etched subtly near the bust of her attire—marks of nobility and power.
"What I find most interesting," Rias continued, now circling him with measured steps, "is that you don't feel like any being I've encountered before. Not devil, not angel, not dragon, not god. Yet your power signature is... considerable."
Sinbad remained relaxed under her scrutiny, turning slightly to keep her in view. "In my world, I was many things. Adventurer. Merchant. King. Even, briefly, a god." He shrugged casually, as if ascending to divinity were a minor biographical detail. "Now, it seems, I am a visitor in need of orientation."
Before Rias could respond, another presence materialized nearby. A tall woman with long, mint-blue hair in a thick braid coiled over one shoulder appeared, hovering several inches above the ground. Her lavender-gray eyes regarded both Rias and Sinbad with gentle condescension.
"How curious," the newcomer observed, her voice melodic and precisely modulated. "A human who has brushed against godhood, cast into a dimension of devils and angels. The cosmos has an unusual sense of humor."
Her flowing teal and black gown with divine white sashes and silver ornaments marked her as clearly non-human, and the staff she carried radiated immense power.
Rias tensed visibly. "You're not a member of Michael's faction."
"How perceptive," the blue-haired woman replied with faint amusement. "I am Vados, Angel of Universe 6. And like this interesting specimen—" she gestured toward Sinbad with her staff, "—I find myself drawn to this particular dimensional nexus."
Sinbad assessed the newcomer with genuine interest. Her power was different from his own—more structured, more refined, but undeniably vast. An equal, perhaps? It had been some time since he had encountered a true equal.
"Lady Vados," he greeted her with the same measured respect he had shown Rias. "Your arrival suggests my presence in this world has created some form of disturbance."
Vados inclined her head slightly. "Indeed. The dimensional membrane between universes has become unusually thin at this location. Your rather forceful entry appears to have created a cascade effect." Her lavender eyes studied him more intently. "You possess power that shouldn't exist here. Quite fascinating."
Rias looked between them, her expression growing increasingly concerned. "Two powerful dimensional travelers appearing in my territory on the same night? This can't be coincidence."
"Coincidence is often fate's poor disguise," Sinbad remarked with a knowing smile.
"There are no coincidences when it comes to disturbances of this magnitude," came a deep, masculine voice.
A massive magic circle, crimson like Rias's but far more intricate, formed on the ground nearby. From it rose a tall man with the same crimson hair as Rias, though his power signature dwarfed hers considerably.
"Brother," Rias acknowledged, her posture becoming slightly more formal.
"Sirzechs Lucifer," the man introduced himself to the dimensional visitors, his manner both diplomatic and wary. "One of the Four Great Satans governing the Underworld. I felt a disturbance unlike anything I've encountered before."
Sinbad noted the title with interest. A Satan—a ruler of devils, then. Perhaps even their equivalent of a High King.
"It seems my arrival has attracted quite the welcoming committee," he observed lightly, though his mind was already calculating political alignments and power structures. Old habits of a king never truly fade.
Sirzechs kept his attention primarily on Sinbad. "You're neither devil, angel, nor dragon. Your power signature is... unique. Concerning, even."
Vados tapped her staff gently against nothing, producing a soft chime. "He is a dimensional anomaly. As am I, in this context. Though my arrival was considerably more elegant."
"Yet you both appeared almost simultaneously," Sirzechs noted, his eyes narrowing. "Along with several other power signatures that are approaching even now."
As if summoned by his words, the air above them shimmered with a new distortion. A tall, voluptuous woman with golden-blonde hair sporting jade and aquamarine tips materialized in a seated position, floating cross-legged above their heads. Most notably, she was wearing only the barest minimum of clothing—a small purple cloth that did almost nothing to conceal her generous proportions.
"Oh my, what an interesting gathering!" she exclaimed cheerfully, her heterochromatic eyes—one gold, one emerald—surveying the group below with languid interest. "So much delicious tension!"
Without waiting for an invitation, she descended gracefully to stand beside Sinbad, her impossible curves bouncing with the movement. She casually draped herself against his shoulder as if they were old friends.
"I'm Quetzalcoatl," she announced with a bright smile. "But you can call me Lucoa. Former goddess, current dragon of harmony and delight." She winked at Sinbad. "I felt something absolutely fascinating happen in the dimensional fabric and just had to come see!"
Sinbad, remarkably, showed no discomfort at having a nearly-nude dragon goddess suddenly pressed against him. If anything, he seemed amused.
"Charmed, Lady Lucoa," he replied with a slight incline of his head. "Your enthusiasm is refreshing among so many cautious faces."
Rias's expression had darkened noticeably. "This is becoming absurd. My territory is not a gathering place for extradimensional entities."
"Oh, but it is now," Lucoa giggled, her assets jiggling dangerously with the motion. "Something about him—" she poked Sinbad's chest playfully, "—has created a focal point that's drawing in beings of significant power from across dimensions. Isn't it exciting?"
Before anyone could respond, the temperature dropped dramatically. Frost began forming on the grass around them as another figure materialized from a swirl of snowflakes. A tall, statuesque woman with long, snow-white hair appeared. Her icy sapphire blue eyes with slitted pupils regarded them all with cold assessment.
Her flowing white dragon-scale gown with layered frost-veil accents and regal mantle of fur and crystal marked her as someone of significant status. The air around her was so cold that each breath came out as visible vapor.
"Velzard," Sirzechs identified her with evident surprise. "The White Ice Dragon Empress. You never leave your domain."
The ice dragon empress said nothing for a long moment, her gaze fixed solely on Sinbad. When she finally spoke, her voice was like crystal wind—beautiful but sharp enough to cut.
"I felt a disturbance in the currents of fate," she stated simply. "Something... unprecedented."
Sinbad met her frigid gaze without flinching. "Lady Velzard," he acknowledged with a respectful nod. "Your presence honors us."
For a brief moment, something like curiosity flickered in those icy eyes. "You are the anomaly. The one who has torn through the fabric between dimensions."
It wasn't a question, but Sinbad answered anyway. "I am Sinbad, yes. Though 'torn' implies carelessness. I prefer to think of it as... creating new pathways."
A ghost of a smile touched Velzard's lips for the briefest instant before vanishing. "Interesting. Most beings would be obliterated by such an attempt."
"I am not most beings," Sinbad replied simply.
The gathering was interrupted by the silent appearance of yet another figure—this one emerging from the shadows themselves. A woman of modest height with long black hair tied into a traditional braid stepped into the moonlight. Her deep violet eyes and serene smile gave the impression of a gentle healer, yet everyone present—even Sirzechs—tensed at her arrival.
"I felt something worth investigating," she said softly, her voice pleasant and melodious. She wore a modified kimono with black trim and red underlayers, sleeveless to show arms that, while feminine, bore the subtle calluses of a warrior.
"You are?" Sirzechs asked cautiously.
"Retsu Unohana," she introduced herself with a polite bow. Despite her seeming gentleness, Sinbad immediately recognized a kindred spirit—someone who had walked through blood and battle to reach their current station.
"The First Kenpachi," Sirzechs murmured, causing Rias to look at her brother in surprise.
Unohana's smile never wavered. "A title from another life. One I've set aside." Her violet eyes fixed on Sinbad with unnerving intensity. "You're the source of the disturbance. How fascinating."
Unlike the others, she made no move to approach him, instead remaining slightly apart, watching with that unchanging smile that never quite reached her eyes.
Before the situation could grow more complex, a flash of golden light heralded another arrival. A woman in shining armor materialized with perfect poise, her blonde hair tied in a regal bun, her emerald green eyes with a golden sheen scanning the gathering with calm assessment.
An invisible wind seemed to flutter around her despite the still night air, and the sword at her side—though seemingly nothing but air—radiated ancient power.
"I am Artoria Pendragon," she announced formally, her voice carrying the unmistakable authority of royalty. "And I seek understanding of why my spirit was drawn to this place, across dimensions that should remain separate."
Unlike Unohana's subtle deadliness or Velzard's cold majesty, Artoria projected the straightforward power of a warrior-king—honorable, direct, and immensely capable.
Sinbad recognized a fellow ruler immediately. "King Artoria," he greeted her with the respect of one sovereign to another. "It seems we share a common circumstance—drawn to this world by forces beyond our full understanding."
Artoria studied him carefully before inclining her head slightly. "You bear the aura of rulership as well. Though something more... complex lies beneath it."
The final arrival came in a shower of white light that seemed to purify the very air. A tall, slender woman with long crimson-gold hair in a warrior's braid appeared. Her clear sky-blue eyes radiated a soft, unshakable intensity, and her polished silver armor trimmed in white and gold, combined with ceremonial robes and a glowing cape, marked her as someone of divine significance.
"Female Reinhardt van Astrea," Sirzechs identified her, his voice betraying genuine shock. "The sword saint... how is this possible?"
The woman in white appeared momentarily disoriented. "My blessings... they don't respond properly in this world." Her hand moved to the sword at her side, as if to confirm its presence. Then her gaze fell on Sinbad, and her expression shifted to one of wonder. "Except when near you. Why?"
Sinbad regarded her with genuine curiosity. "A divine blessing that responds to proximity? Intriguing. Perhaps there is some resonance between your power and my own."
Sirzechs looked around at the extraordinary gathering with growing concern. "Seven incredibly powerful beings from different dimensions, all drawn to Kuoh following your arrival." He fixed Sinbad with a hard stare. "This goes beyond coincidence or even synchronicity."
Sinbad smiled that charismatic smile that had won him kingdoms and hearts. "Indeed. It seems fate has conspired to bring us together, even across dimensional boundaries."
"Fate," Velzard repeated, the word carrying particular weight on her cold lips. "Or something else entirely."
Rias stepped forward, reasserting her authority over her territory. "Fascinating as this gathering may be, we need to establish some order. Seven powerful dimensional travelers appearing simultaneously is bound to attract attention from every faction in this world."
"She's right," Sirzechs agreed. "Heaven will have detected the angel's arrival already, and the other dragon factions will sense Velzard and Lucoa's presence."
Sinbad assessed the situation with the tactical acumen that had made him a legendary king and general in his world. "Then perhaps, rather than fragmented reactions, we should present a unified front." He turned to Sirzechs. "You clearly hold significant authority in this realm. I propose we establish temporary diplomatic relations while we all determine our next steps."
The proposal was diplomatically sound—acknowledging Sirzechs's authority while also asserting Sinbad's own status as a leader rather than a supplicant.
"A reasonable suggestion," Sirzechs conceded after a moment's consideration. "I'll arrange accommodations at the Gremory estate for now. But understand this—I'll be notifying the other factions of your presence. Transparency is essential if we're to avoid unnecessary conflict."
Sinbad inclined his head in agreement. "Of course. In my experience, secrets rarely remain so for long, particularly when they involve beings of our... prominence."
As the group prepared to depart via a transportation circle Sirzechs was creating, Rias found herself studying Sinbad more closely. There was something about the way he had seamlessly taken control of the situation—not through force or intimidation, but through sheer charisma and political savvy—that both impressed and concerned her.
"You handled that rather efficiently," she observed quietly.
Sinbad gave her a wink that would have seemed presumptuous from anyone else. "Lady Gremory, I've negotiated with kings, queens, and emperors across seven nations. One learns to navigate delicate political waters."
"And what are you navigating toward, I wonder?" she mused, more to herself than to him.
Sinbad's golden eyes gleamed with that irrepressible spirit that had defined him across worlds. "The same thing I've always sought—freedom to chart my own course. A world where fate doesn't bind us to predetermined paths."
Despite herself, Rias felt a flutter of something unfamiliar in her chest at the conviction in his voice. There was something undeniably compelling about a man who spoke of challenging destiny with such casual confidence.
As the transportation circle activated, bathing them all in crimson light, Sinbad cast one last look at the school grounds that had served as his entry point into this new world. A slight smile played on his lips—the expression of a man who had lost everything and gained a new beginning in the same moment.
"A new world," he murmured to himself. "A new adventure begins."
## Chapter 3: Seven Powers, One King
Dawn broke over the Gremory estate, painting the elaborate architecture with hues of gold and crimson. Unlike the human world above, the Underworld's sky always maintained a beautiful aurora-like quality, with colors shifting in gentle waves across the firmament.
Sinbad stood on the balcony of his assigned chamber, taking in the alien beauty of this devil realm with genuine appreciation. The vast gardens below, filled with plants both familiar and utterly foreign, stretched toward a forest of crystalline trees that shimmered like diamonds in the distance.
"Quite different from Sindria," he mused aloud, leaning against the ornate balustrade. "Though no less magnificent in its own way."
His temporary accommodations were luxurious by any standard—a suite of rooms decorated in the opulent style favored by devil nobility, with rich crimson draperies, dark wood furnishings inlaid with gold, and art pieces that seemed to shift subtly when not directly observed.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his contemplation. "Enter," he called, turning from the balcony view.
Rias Gremory stepped into the room, carrying a tray with what appeared to be breakfast—though the foods were unfamiliar to Sinbad's eyes. She wore a different outfit today—a formal black blazer with a white shirt and a red skirt that bore the emblem of Kuoh Academy.
"I trust you slept well?" she inquired, setting the tray on a nearby table.
Sinbad smiled warmly. "Like a king. Your family's hospitality is commendable."
He moved from the balcony to join her at the table, his movements fluid and graceful despite the unfamiliar environment. Unlike the elaborate robes he had worn upon arrival, he now wore simpler attire provided by the Gremory household—though he had insisted on keeping his seven metal vessels close at hand. They now adorned his person in various ways: a sword at his hip, a bracelet on his wrist, a necklace, earrings, and a circlet upon his brow.
"A school uniform?" he inquired, gesturing to her attire with curiosity.
Rias smoothed her skirt self-consciously. "Yes. Despite everything that happened last night, I still have responsibilities in the human world. Kuoh Academy is more than just territory to me—I'm a student there as well."
"Balancing leadership with personal development. Wise," Sinbad nodded approvingly. "I founded a trading company before I established my kingdom. Understanding commerce proved invaluable for building Sindria's prosperity."
Rias sat across from him, her posture formal but her eyes curious. "You mentioned building an alliance in your world—the Seven Seas Alliance. Tell me about it."
Sinbad recognized the question for what it was—part genuine curiosity, part strategic assessment. She wanted to understand his capabilities as a leader.
"Seven disparate nations," he explained, sampling the unfamiliar food—some kind of sweetened rice with fruit—and nodding appreciatively at the taste. "Each with their own cultures, governance systems, and historical conflicts. I united them under one banner—independent from the corrupt Kou Empire and the manipulative organization of Al-Thamen."
"And how did you manage that?" Rias pressed, watching his reactions carefully. "Uniting nations with historical conflicts is no small feat."
Sinbad's golden eyes met hers directly. "By offering something they all desperately needed—freedom. The freedom to develop without imperial conquest, to trade without extortion, to govern without puppet masters pulling strings from the shadows." His voice carried no boast, only simple conviction. "When you offer people true freedom, Lady Gremory, they will follow you to the ends of the earth."
Before Rias could respond, the temperature in the room dropped noticeably. Frost began forming on the windowpanes as Velzard materialized near the balcony doors. Unlike her dramatic entrance the previous night, her appearance now was silent and dignified.
"Your theory of freedom interests me," the Ice Dragon Empress stated without preamble, her cold eyes fixed on Sinbad. "Most beings misunderstand what freedom truly entails."
Sinbad showed no surprise at her sudden appearance. "True freedom requires structure," he replied, meeting her frigid gaze steadily. "Without certain boundaries, chaos reigns—and in chaos, the strong prey upon the weak, creating a different kind of imprisonment."
A hint of approval flickered in Velzard's icy eyes. "You speak from experience."
"I do," Sinbad acknowledged. "I have witnessed what happens when power exists without responsibility. It is... ugly."
The door opened again, this time admitting Vados. The angel moved with perfect grace, her staff tapping softly against the floor with each step. "Discussing political philosophy at breakfast? How charmingly cerebral."
Unlike her formal demeanor the previous night, there was a hint of playfulness in her tone now, though her expression remained serene.
"Lady Vados," Sinbad greeted her with a respectful nod. "Would you care to join us? The Gremory household provides excellent hospitality."
Vados glanced at the food with mild interest. "I have no need for sustenance in the conventional sense. However..." She gracefully took a seat at the table. "The conversation may prove nourishing in its own way."
Rias looked between the three powerful beings now sharing her breakfast table with growing bewilderment. "I must say, this is quite different from my usual morning routine."
"Oh, is this where everyone is gathering?" came Lucoa's cheerful voice as she sauntered in without knocking. Unlike the previous night, she had actually clothed herself—though her definition of "clothed" still left little to the imagination. Her off-shoulder top strained against her generous proportions, and her form-hugging pants rode low on her hips, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her midriff.
"Good morning, everyone!" she chirped, flopping onto a nearby chaise lounge with casual disregard for protocol. "The Underworld is so interesting! All these little devils running around with their serious faces!"
She stretched languorously, prompting Rias to avert her eyes with a slight blush. Sinbad, however, merely chuckled at the dragon goddess's antics.
"Lady Lucoa, you seem to be adjusting well to this new environment," he observed.
Lucoa winked her heterochromatic eyes at him playfully. "Oh, I'm very adaptable. Put me anywhere, and I'll make myself comfortable." The statement carried a subtle flirtatiousness that wasn't lost on anyone present.
Velzard's temperature dropped another few degrees. "Some of us maintain our dignity regardless of circumstance," she remarked coldly.
Rather than taking offense, Lucoa grinned broadly. "Dignity is overrated when you've lived as long as we have. Don't you think, Velzard?"
Before the ice dragon could respond, another presence made itself known—not through dramatic entrance, but through the subtle realization that she had been there all along. Retsu Unohana sat in a corner of the room, sipping tea with perfect composure, her serene smile unwavering.
"How long have you been there?" Rias asked, startled.
"Long enough," Unohana replied softly. "Your security could use improvement, Lady Gremory. I entered without hindrance."
Despite the criticism, her tone remained pleasant, making it somehow more unnerving.
"A valid observation," came Artoria's voice as she entered properly through the door, her armor replaced by a simple but elegant blue dress that somehow maintained her regal bearing. "The boundaries of this estate are well-warded against conventional threats, but not against those of our... unique capabilities."
She approached the gathering with formal grace, inclining her head respectfully to Rias. "My thanks for your hospitality, Lady Gremory. The training grounds you provided were most adequate for my morning exercises."
The final member of their unusual gathering arrived in a gentle glow of white light. Female Reinhardt—or Reinhardia, as she had clarified the previous night—entered with the humble radiance that seemed to be her natural state. Unlike Artoria, she had maintained her formal attire, though she had removed the heavier pieces of armor.
"Good morning," she greeted everyone with a warm smile that somehow brightened the entire room. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all," Sinbad assured her, rising gallantly to offer her a seat. "We were just discussing concepts of freedom and governance."
Reinhardia took the offered seat with a grateful nod. "Weighty topics for breakfast."
"Speaking of weighty topics," Rias interjected, reasserting some control over the gathering in her family's home, "my brother has arranged a formal meeting with representatives from the various factions for this afternoon. They are... concerned about the sudden appearance of seven extraordinarily powerful beings from other dimensions."
"Understandable," Sinbad acknowledged. "In their position, I would have similar concerns."
Vados tapped her staff thoughtfully. "They fear what they don't understand. Typical of lesser beings."
"Be fair, Vados," Lucoa chided lazily from her lounge. "We did sort of appear out of nowhere in the middle of their territory. And we're all pretty amazing, if I do say so myself." She winked at Sinbad. "Especially our charismatic friend here who somehow pulled us all across dimensions."
Sinbad shook his head slightly. "While I appreciate the vote of confidence, I maintain that my arrival in this world was accidental. Why the seven of you were drawn here remains a mystery—even to me."
"Is it truly a mystery?" Unohana asked softly, her violet eyes studying Sinbad with unsettling intensity. "Or merely a truth you're not yet ready to acknowledge?"
The question hung in the air, creating a moment of tense silence. Sinbad met her gaze without flinching.
"In my experience, Lady Unohana, the most important truths reveal themselves in their own time."
Artoria nodded approvingly at this response. "Wisdom. A rare quality in one so clearly accustomed to power."
"Power without wisdom is merely brute force," Reinhardia added, her clear blue eyes reflecting the gentle light that seemed to emanate from within her. "True sovereignty lies in understanding when to use power—and when to withhold it."
Velzard, who had been silent during this exchange, suddenly spoke. "You all circle around the obvious question." Her icy gaze swept the room before settling on Sinb ## Chapter 3: Seven Powers, One King (Continued)
Velzard's icy gaze settled on Sinbad. "The question is not why we were drawn here, but why we were drawn to you."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Sinbad, who maintained his composed demeanor despite the directness of the question.
"A fair inquiry," he acknowledged, meeting Velzard's cold stare with steady golden eyes. "In my world, I possessed an ability to draw exceptional people to my cause. Some called it charisma; others named it destiny. Whatever the mechanism, it transcended mere charm."
"It's more than charisma," Reinhardia observed softly. "My divine blessings respond to you. They shouldn't function properly in this world at all, yet in your presence..."
Vados tapped her staff once against the floor, creating a soft chime. "The dimensional anomaly centers on you specifically. We were not simply drawn to this world—we were drawn to you within this world."
"Perhaps the answer lies in your origins," Artoria suggested, her regal voice carrying the weight of one who had ruled. "You mentioned ascending to godhood before your... arrival."
Sinbad's expression turned contemplative. "I sought to transcend fate itself—to break the final boundary between predetermined destiny and true freedom." His golden eyes took on a distant quality. "Something went wrong. The dimensional barriers fractured. I was cast adrift."
"And we were caught in your wake," Lucoa concluded, stretching languidly on her chaise. "Interesting! I haven't been part of something this exciting in centuries."
Unohana's ever-present smile shifted subtly. "You challenged the fundamental laws of existence, and instead of being destroyed, you were merely... relocated. With seven powerful beings drawn to your side." Her violet eyes studied him with unnerving intensity. "How fascinating."
Rias had been watching this exchange with growing concern. These beings spoke of challenging fate and breaking dimensional barriers with the casual ease of gods discussing the weather. What kind of power had landed in her territory?
"The meeting with the faction leaders is in three hours," she reminded them, standing to reclaim some semblance of authority. "I suggest we prepare accordingly. First impressions will be crucial."
"Indeed they will," Sinbad agreed smoothly, rising to his feet with fluid grace. "Ladies, shall we make ourselves presentable for devil royalty and angelic leadership?"
"I suppose I should wear something more formal," Lucoa sighed dramatically, looking down at her revealing outfit.
Velzard's expression remained glacial. "My appearance requires no adjustment."
Vados simply inclined her head. "I shall observe the proper protocols, naturally."
As they began to disperse, Rias found herself alone with Sinbad for a moment. Her teal eyes studied him with cautious curiosity.
"You handle them remarkably well," she observed quietly. "Seven immensely powerful beings, each with her own agenda, yet they orbit around you like... like..."
"Like planets around a sun?" Sinbad suggested with a knowing smile. "Or perhaps like moths to a flame. The comparison depends on one's perspective, doesn't it?"
"And which is it from your perspective?" Rias challenged, finding her earlier intimidation fading in the face of her growing curiosity about this strange man.
Sinbad's golden eyes met hers directly, and for a moment, Rias glimpsed something ancient and knowing behind their warm radiance—a depth of experience that belied his youthful appearance.
"Neither. In my experience, Lady Gremory, truly exceptional beings choose their own paths. If they align with mine, it is because they see value in what I represent." His voice carried no arrogance, only calm certainty. "I don't seek to control them, merely to offer a vision worth following."
Despite herself, Rias felt that unfamiliar heat return to her cheeks. There was something undeniably compelling about a man who spoke of leading gods and dragons with such easy confidence.
"You're either the most arrogant man I've ever met," she said, echoing her thoughts from the previous night, "or the most worthy of following."
Sinbad's laugh was genuine and warm. "Why not both, Lady Gremory? The greatest leaders often walk the knife's edge between arrogance and inspiration."
With that enigmatic statement hanging in the air, he bowed slightly and departed to prepare for the coming meeting, leaving Rias with the unsettling realization that she was beginning to understand why seven extraordinary women had been drawn across dimensions to follow this singular man.
## Chapter 4: The Gathering of Powers
The Great Meeting Hall of the Gremory Estate stood as a testament to devil nobility's love of grandeur. Massive columns of polished obsidian supported a vaulted ceiling adorned with frescoes depicting the Great War and subsequent peace. A long table of dark wood gleamed under the light of countless floating candles, while the crimson carpet beneath bore the intricate sigils of the 72 Pillars.
Sirzechs Lucifer sat at the head of the table, flanked by the other three Great Satans: Ajuka Beelzebub, Serafall Leviathan, and Falbium Asmodeus. Their power signatures alone created a palpable pressure in the room that would have brought lesser beings to their knees.
Opposite them sat Michael, the current leader of Heaven, his golden wings folded neatly behind him. At his side was Gabriel, her beauty radiating with literally divine radiance, and several other high-ranking angels.
A third section of the table held representatives from the Fallen Angel faction, led by Azazel—a laid-back man with black and gold hair who seemed far less formal than his position might suggest.
Various other supernatural powers were represented as well: Yasaka of the Kyoto Youkai, Tannin of the Dragon Kings, and emissaries from several pantheons including Norse, Greek, and Hindu.
The doors opened, and all conversation ceased as Sinbad entered, followed by his extraordinary entourage. He walked with the easy confidence of a king entering his own court rather than a visitor facing the most powerful beings of an unfamiliar world.
"Quite the gathering," he observed pleasantly, his golden eyes taking in the assembled powers with sincere interest. "I'm honored by your collective attention."
Sirzechs gestured to the empty seats at the final section of the table. "Please join us, Sinbad-dono, along with your... companions."
As they took their seats, Sinbad noted the subtle power plays at work in the seating arrangements. He had been placed at a position that acknowledged his status without granting him equal footing with the faction leaders—a diplomatic snub disguised as respect.
With a small, knowing smile, he adjusted his chair slightly, creating his own space that somehow seemed to balance the room's power dynamics. It was a subtle move, but one that Azazel caught with a raised eyebrow and appreciative smirk.
"Let us begin," Sirzechs announced formally. "We are gathered to address the unprecedented arrival of eight extraordinary beings from dimensions beyond our own."
"Seven extraordinary beings and one exceptional mortal," Vados corrected primly, tapping her staff once against the floor.
All eyes turned to Sinbad, who inclined his head with modest acknowledgment of the angel's assessment.
"I would hardly call myself merely mortal at this point," he noted with good humor. "Though I appreciate Lady Vados's perspective."
Michael leaned forward slightly, his kind face showing genuine curiosity. "Your arrival has created quite the stir, Sinbad-sama. Our sensors detected a dimensional disturbance unlike anything we've recorded before."
"And pulled along seven powerhouses from across the multiverse," Azazel added, his casual tone belying the sharpness of his gaze. "Quite the party trick."
"I assure you, it was not intentional," Sinbad replied smoothly. "I was attempting to transcend certain... limitations in my own world when something went catastrophically wrong."
"Limitations?" Ajuka Beelzebub inquired, his analytical mind clearly intrigued.
Sinbad chose his words carefully. "In my world, I had ascended to a position of significant influence through the mastery of powerful entities called Djinn and the life force known as Rukh. I sought to break the final boundary between predetermined fate and true freedom."
"You challenged destiny itself," Yasaka observed, her fox tails swishing thoughtfully behind her. "A dangerous endeavor."
"And one that appears to have had far-reaching consequences," Tannin rumbled, his dragon eyes fixed on Lucoa and Velzard with particular interest.
"Perhaps introductions are in order," Sirzechs suggested, gesturing to the seven women who had accompanied Sinbad.
Vados rose first, her movements perfectly graceful. "I am Vados, Angel of Universe 6, attendant to the God of Destruction Champa, and sister to Whis, attendant to Lord Beerus."
Her casual mention of gods of destruction caused a ripple of concerned murmurs around the table.
Lucoa bounced to her feet next, her generous assets jiggling dangerously with the movement. Despite Rias's efforts to find her more appropriate attire, the dragon goddess had somehow managed to make even the formal gown look scandalously revealing.
"Quetzalcoatl at your service!" she announced cheerfully. "But call me Lucoa. Former dragon goddess of wisdom turned chaos dragon. Don't worry, I'm completely harmless!" She winked her heterochromatic eyes. "Unless you want me not to be."
Several male representatives seemed momentarily entranced by her appearance, while Serafall Leviathan actually giggled behind her hand.
Velzard rose with glacial dignity, the temperature around her dropping noticeably. "Velzard. White Ice Dragon Empress." Her introduction was as cold and precise as her appearance, offering nothing beyond the essential.
Artoria stood next, her regal bearing commanding instant respect. "I am Artoria Pendragon, the Once and Future King of Britain, wielder of the sacred sword Excalibur, and sovereign ruler of Camelot."
Michael's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Excalibur. "Fascinating. The Excalibur of your world must differ significantly from ours."
"We can discuss comparative mythology another time," Artoria replied diplomatically.
Unohana rose with serene grace, her ever-present smile in place. "Retsu Unohana, formerly known as Yachiru Unohana, First Kenpachi of the Gotei 13, and Captain of the Fourth Division. I specialize in healing and... other arts."
Despite her gentle demeanor, something in her introduction caused Falbium Asmodeus to straighten in his chair, suddenly alert.
Reinhardia stood next, her humble radiance illuminating the area around her. "Female Reinhardt van Astrea, Sword Saint of the Kingdom of Lugunica, blessed by the divine protections of Od Laguna."
Finally, all eyes turned to Sinbad expectantly.
He rose with fluid grace, his golden eyes encompassing the entire gathering. "I am Sinbad, High King of the Seven Seas Alliance, Conqueror of Seven Dungeons, Master of Seven Djinn, and—briefly—a god within my own world's system."
The mention of godhood caused several faction leaders to exchange concerned glances.
"And what exactly are your intentions in our world, Sinbad-dono?" Sirzechs asked, getting directly to the heart of the matter.
Sinbad smiled that charismatic smile that had won him kingdoms. "To learn, to adapt, and to find a place for myself and these extraordinary ladies who have been drawn into my orbit. I have no desire for conquest or disruption. I have ruled before and found the burden... educational."
"A diplomatic answer," Azazel observed with a lazy grin. "But it doesn't really tell us much, does it?"
"What would you have me say?" Sinbad countered reasonably. "That I plan to establish a kingdom? Conquer your world? Retreat into isolation? I've been here barely a day. Even I am not so arrogant as to form grand plans without first understanding the landscape."
This honest admission seemed to ease some tensions around the table.
"A wise approach," Michael acknowledged with a gentle smile. "Nevertheless, beings of your collective power cannot simply wander freely without oversight."
"You propose monitoring us?" Velzard's cold voice carried an edge of warning.
"Not monitoring," Sirzechs corrected smoothly. "Rather, a period of cultural exchange and integration. We would provide accommodations, resources, and guidance while you acclimate to our world."
"And in return?" Sinbad asked, immediately identifying the unstated quid pro quo.
Ajuka Beelzebub leaned forward. "In return, we would appreciate your insights into dimensional travel and the magical systems of your respective worlds. The research value alone would be significant."
Before Sinbad could respond, a commotion outside the hall interrupted the proceedings. The massive doors burst open, and a devil messenger rushed in, his expression one of alarm.
"My lords! Forgive the interruption, but we have an emergency! Kokabiel of the Fallen Angels has been detected in Kuoh Town with a large force. He appears to be preparing for some kind of ritual involving the stolen Excalibur fragments!"
Azazel's casual demeanor vanished instantly. "That fool! I expressly forbade any action regarding the Excaliburs!"
Michael rose with concern. "This is a direct violation of our peace accord. The Excalibur fragments in question were under Church protection."
"Kokabiel has always been a warmonger," Sirzechs noted grimly. "He seeks to restart the Great War."
Sinbad observed the sudden shift in the room's dynamics with keen interest. Political theory suggested that nothing united disparate factions more effectively than a common enemy. Here was an opportunity he had not anticipated—but one he could certainly leverage.
"Perhaps," he suggested casually, "this presents an opportunity for us to demonstrate our good faith."
All eyes turned to him questioningly.
"You wonder what seven extraordinary women and myself might bring to your world?" He smiled confidently. "Allow us to demonstrate by helping to resolve this... Kokabiel situation."
Azazel barked a laugh. "Using a crisis to prove your value. Clever."
"I'm simply identifying a mutually beneficial course of action," Sinbad replied smoothly. "You need this rogue fallen angel contained, and we need to establish trust. The solution seems obvious."
Artoria stepped forward. "If these Excalibur fragments are involved, I have a particular interest in this matter."
"As do I," Reinhardia added. "My divine blessings were meant to protect against threats to peace."
Sirzechs exchanged glances with Michael and Azazel. After a moment of silent communication, he nodded.
"Very well. Consider this your first official action as... guests in our world. Contain Kokabiel and recover the Excalibur fragments."
Sinbad bowed with perfect diplomatic grace. "We would be honored to assist."
As they prepared to depart, Rias approached Sinbad with concerned determination. "Kokabiel is attacking my territory. I'm coming with you."
"Of course," Sinbad agreed readily. "It's your domain, after all."
Vados raised a delicate eyebrow. "The devil princess wishes to join us? How... enterprising of her."
"Don't underestimate Rias Gremory," Lucoa warned with surprising seriousness. "I can sense her potential. Given time, she could be quite formidable."
Rias blinked in surprise at the unexpected defense from the seemingly frivolous dragon goddess.
Sinbad's golden eyes studied Rias with new interest. "Lady Gremory, it seems you have impressed even a former deity. I look forward to witnessing your capabilities firsthand."
Despite the dire situation, Rias felt that now-familiar heat rise to her cheeks at his approving tone. She straightened her posture, determined to prove herself worthy of fighting alongside these dimensional visitors.
"Let's go," she said firmly. "Kokabiel is attacking my school, my friends, and my peerage. He'll regret making an enemy of the House of Gremory."
Sinbad's smile turned appreciative. "Well said, Lady Gremory. Lead the way to your territory, and we shall follow."
As they departed, Azazel leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful expression.
"This should be interesting," he mused to no one in particular. "A king who walks between worlds, leading seven legendary women and a devil princess against a war-crazed fallen angel."
Ajuka nodded in agreement. "Indeed. The power dynamics of our world may never be the same."
## Chapter 5: First Blood in a New World
The night air above Kuoh Academy crackled with malevolent energy as Kokabiel, ten black wings spread wide, hovered above a complex magic circle that encompassed most of the school grounds. Around him, broken fragments of what appeared to be swords glowed with holy power, suspended in mid-air by his manipulation.
"Soon," the fallen angel gloated to himself, his crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Soon the factions will have no choice but to resume their glorious war!"
Below him, several exorcists led by the white-haired Freed Sellzen guarded the perimeter of the ritual circle. They had already dispatched several devil and human interlopers who had attempted to intervene.
"Boss!" Freed called up with manic glee. "More party crashers incoming! Big ones this time!"
Kokabiel's attention shifted to the approaching signatures of power—and his expression changed from smug certainty to wary interest. The energy readings were... unprecedented.
A teleportation circle of crimson light formed at the edge of the school grounds, and from it emerged Sinbad, flanked by his seven extraordinary companions and Rias Gremory with her peerage.
"So," Kokabiel called down mockingly, "the devil princess brings reinforcements. And such unusual ones." His crimson eyes narrowed as he studied the newcomers. "You must be the dimensional anomalies everyone's whispering about."
Sinbad stepped forward, his golden eyes assessing the situation with tactical precision. Kokabiel was powerful, certainly, but his theatrical positioning and elaborate ritual setup suggested he valued spectacle over efficiency—a weakness that could be exploited.
"You would be Kokabiel, then," Sinbad replied with calculated indifference. "I'm told you're eager to restart a war that ended long ago."
The fallen angel's face darkened at the dismissive tone. "Watch your tongue, interloper! I am Kokabiel, Fallen Angel of the Stars, veteran of the Great War! I have slaughtered thousands of devils and angels alike!"
"And yet," Sinbad observed casually, "here you are—reduced to staging provocations at a school rather than facing your enemies directly. How far the mighty have fallen."
The calculated insult had its intended effect. Kokabiel's face contorted with rage.
"You dare mock me?" He raised his hand, forming a massive spear of light that grew until it dwarfed him. "Let me show you the power of a cadre-class fallen angel!"
With a roar of anger, he hurled the spear directly at Sinbad.
Several things happened simultaneously.
Rias moved to create a shield of destruction magic. Artoria stepped forward with her invisible sword raised. Reinhardia's hand blurred toward her weapon.
But it was Velzard who acted first. With a nearly imperceptible movement, she raised two fingers. The temperature plummeted, and the spear of light froze solid in midair before shattering into countless glittering fragments.
"Tedious," the Ice Dragon Empress said softly, her breath visible in the suddenly frigid air.
Kokabiel's expression shifted from rage to caution. "The White Ice Dragon Empress. So the rumors are true." His eyes narrowed as he reassessed the gathering below. "How interesting. Dimensional visitors with such power... all the more reason to accelerate my plans!"
He gestured dramatically, and the Excalibur fragments began to pulse with intensifying light.
Artoria stepped forward, her emerald eyes fixed on the sacred fragments. "You defile the sacred sword," she stated, her voice carrying the authority of a true king. "As one who wielded the true Excalibur, I cannot allow this sacrilege to continue."
Invisible air swirled around her sword as she raised it, the pressure of its concealed power causing the air itself to distort.
Kokabiel laughed harshly. "Another Excalibur wielder? How delightful! The more pieces on the board, the more chaotic the game becomes!"
Sinbad assessed the tactical situation with the experience of countless battles. "Lady Artoria, Lady Reinhardia—the Excalibur fragments appear to be the focus of his ritual. Lady Velzard, Lady Vados—perhaps you could address our host directly? Lady Unohana, if you would secure the perimeter?"
He issued these suggestions rather than commands, respecting the autonomy of beings whose power rivaled or exceeded his own, yet somehow his words carried the natural authority of a born leader.
"And us?" Lucoa asked, practically bouncing with excitement.
Sinbad smiled. "Lady Lucoa, you and I shall provide support where needed. Lady Gremory, I suggest you and your peerage focus on the exorcists. They appear to be the weak point in this operation."
Rias nodded, impressed by his quick assessment. "Agreed. Kiba, Koneko, Issei—take the flanks. Akeno and I will provide ranged support."
"Oh, dividing your forces?" Kokabiel mocked. "Allow me to complicate your strategy!"
He snapped his fingers, and a magic circle formed on the ground. From it emerged a massive three-headed dog wreathed in flames—a Cerberus summoned directly from the depths of the Underworld.
"Have fun with my pet while I complete the ritual!" Kokabiel laughed, turning his attention back to the Excalibur fragments.
The Cerberus roared, all three heads focusing on different targets as it prepared to charge.
"How delightful!" Lucoa exclaimed, actually clapping her hands together. "I haven't played with a puppy in centuries!"
Before anyone could respond to this bizarre characterization of the hellhound, she dashed forward with inhuman speed, her body beginning to glow with divine energy. The Cerberus lunged at her, jaws gaping—only to be met by a transformed Lucoa, her human form shifting partially to reveal her true nature as a feathered serpent of immense proportions.
She caught one of the Cerberus's heads in a coil of her serpentine body, laughing delightedly as she wrestled with the beast. "Who's a good hellhound? You are! Yes, you are!"
Sinbad watched this display with genuine amusement before turning his attention back to Kokabiel. The fallen angel was now chanting in an ancient language, the Excalibur fragments beginning to merge together in the air before him.
"We need to disrupt that ritual," he stated, reaching for one of his metal vessels—the bracelet containing Valefor, his Djinn of ice and time.
Before he could activate it, however, Vados moved. One moment she was standing beside him; the next, she was directly in front of Kokabiel, her staff blocking his access to the Excalibur fragments.
"This level of dimensional manipulation is crude," she observed coolly. "Allow me to demonstrate proper technique."
With a precise tap of her staff, she created a localized distortion in space-time. The Excalibur fragments suddenly found themselves encased in a bubble of altered reality where time moved at a fraction of normal speed—effectively freezing the ritual in place.
Kokabiel snarled in rage. "Angel! You dare interfere with my divine work?"
"Divine?" Vados raised a delicate eyebrow. "I've met gods, fallen one. You are hardly divine."
Meanwhile, Rias and her peerage engaged the exorcists with coordinated efficiency. Kiba, driven by his personal vendetta against the Holy Sword Project, cut through their ranks with vengeful precision. Koneko's monstrous strength sent enemies flying with each punch, while Issei—still learning to harness the power of the Boosted Gear—provided enthusiastic if somewhat unrefined support.
Akeno floated above the battlefield, her expression one of sadistic pleasure as she rained lightning down on the exorcists. "Ara ara, so many naughty boys to punish~"
Reinhardia moved with divine grace, her sword a blur of silver and gold as she intercepted Freed Sellzen, who had been attempting to flank Rias.
"A sword saint?" the psychotic exorcist giggled manically. "How fun! Let's see how holy you really are!"
He swung his light sword at her—only to find his attack intercepted with such perfect precision that the blade shattered against her own.
"Impossible!" he shrieked. "This is an Excalibur fragment!"
"And I am blessed by divine protection," Reinhardia replied simply, before delivering a strike so precise and controlled that it rendered Freed unconscious without killing him. "Your hatred has blinded you to true divinity."
Artoria, meanwhile, had made her way toward the suspended Excalibur fragments, her invisible sword held ready. "These pieces... they are not the Excalibur I knew, yet they carry echoes of its essence."
She closed her eyes briefly, communing with the sword's spirit. "They suffer, fragmented and misused. This must be corrected."
Above the battlefield, Kokabiel found himself facing an opponent unlike any he had encountered before. Vados moved with such precision and grace that his attacks—light spears capable of destroying entire buildings—missed her by mere millimeters, not because she dodged, but because she simply wasn't where his attacks were aimed by the time they arrived.
"Stand still, you irritating creature!" he roared in frustration.
"As you wish," Vados replied with a small smile.
She stopped moving—and then so did Kokabiel. Completely. The fallen angel found himself frozen in place, unable to move a single muscle.
"A simple localized temporal manipulation," Vados explained conversationally. "Your body is experiencing time at approximately one ten-thousandth the normal rate. From your perspective, a single second will take almost three hours to pass." She tapped her staff against his frozen form. "Convenient, isn't it?"
Below, Unohana had methodically incapacitated the remaining exorcists with terrifying efficiency. Despite her gentle appearance and unwavering smile, she moved through their ranks like death incarnate—each precise strike rendering her opponents unconscious without killing them.
"Your technique is exquisite," Velzard observed, having frozen several exorcists in blocks of ice without so much as raising her voice. "You've clearly mastered the art of measured violence."
"As have you," Unohana replied, her smile unchanged despite the battle around them. "It's refreshing to meet someone who understands the value of restraint."
The two women exchanged a look of mutual respect that sent shivers down the spines of those watching—a silent acknowledgment between two predators at the top of their respective food chains.
Lucoa, having thoroughly subdued the Cerberus (which now lay docilely at her feet, all three heads whimpering in submission), returned to her human form and bounced over to Sinbad.
"That was fun!" she declared, throwing her arms around him in an enthusiastic hug that pressed her generous assets against his chest. "What's next? More monsters? More fallen angels?"
Sinbad, unperturbed by the physical contact, gently disentangled himself while maintaining his dignity. "I believe we've nearly resolved the situation, Lady Lucoa. Impressive work with the Cerberus."
She beamed at the praise. "He's just a big sweetie who needed proper handling. I'm thinking of keeping him! Can I keep him, Sinbad? Please?"
Before he could respond to this unexpected request, Kokabiel—still frozen in Vados's temporal field—began to emit a pulsing dark energy. His expression remained fixed in a snarl of rage, but the power emanating from him suggested he was attempting to break free through sheer force of will.
"Impressive determination," Vados acknowledged, studying the phenomenon with academic interest. "Though ultimately futile."
Nevertheless, cracks began to appear in the temporal field surrounding the fallen angel.
"He's drawing power from the Excalibur fragments," Artoria warned, her emerald eyes narrowing. "Even fragmented, they respond to his rage."
Sinbad reached for his metal vessel again—this time the sword containing Baal, his Djinn of lightning and storm. "Perhaps it's time for a more direct approach."
The metal vessel began to glow with brilliant energy as he channeled his magoi into it. Unlike in his home world, the Rukh here responded differently to his call—more substantively, more willfully—but the connection to his Djinn remained intact.
"Spirit of Wrath and Heroes," he intoned, the familiar words of his Djinn equip ritual carrying power even in this foreign dimension. "I command thee and thy household, use my magoi to grant me greater power! Come forth, Baal!"
Lightning erupted around him as his body began to transform. Blue scales formed over his skin, his hair elongated and lightened to an electric blue, and a third eye opened on his forehead. Massive amounts of electrical energy crackled around him as he completed his transformation into Baal's Djinn equip.
"What manner of power is this?" Rias gasped, having never witnessed such a transformation before.
Sinbad—now in his Djinn-enhanced form—rose into the air, electricity arcing between his fingertips. "This is the power of Baal, my first and most loyal Djinn. The power of lightning and storms."
He extended his hand toward Kokabiel, focusing the electrical energy into a concentrated beam. "Bararaq Inqerad-Saiqa!"
A massive bolt of lightning, far more controlled and focused than any natural phenomenon, struck the frozen fallen angel just as Vados's temporal field shattered. The precision of the attack was surgical—targeting Kokabiel's wings and power centers without being lethal.
Kokabiel screamed as the lightning coursed through him, his wings smoking from the divine electricity. He plummeted toward the ground, no longer able to maintain his position in the air.
Before he could impact, however, he found himself caught in a gentle but inescapable hold. Reinhardia stood beneath him, her divine blessings allowing her to catch the fallen angel's considerable weight without effort.
"Your war ends here," she stated simply, her clear blue eyes showing no malice despite his actions.
Kokabiel snarled weakly, his power severely depleted. "You fools... you understand nothing! The three factions... the secrets they keep from their own followers..."
"Perhaps," Sinbad acknowledged as he descended, reverting from his Djinn equip to his normal form in a flash of light. "But whatever truths you sought to reveal through destruction, there are better methods."
Artoria approached, having successfully separated the Excalibur fragments and contained their wild energy. "The sacred swords are secure. They should be returned to their rightful guardians for proper care."
Rias surveyed the battlefield with a mixture of awe and relief. Her school was largely intact despite the fierce battle, and Kokabiel—a threat that would have overwhelmed her peerage alone—had been subdued with almost casual efficiency by these dimensional visitors.
"I... thank you," she said, her voice carrying genuine gratitude. "Kuoh Town is my responsibility. I'm in your debt for helping protect it."
Sinbad smiled warmly. "No debt is necessary, Lady Gremory. Consider it a gesture of goodwill between new allies."
"Allies, is it?" Velzard queried, one elegant eyebrow raised. "How quickly you establish connections, King of Sindria."
"It's his gift," Lucoa observed cheerfully, once again positioning herself unnecessarily close to Sinbad. "Bringing people together, forming bonds across boundaries. It's quite charming, really."
Vados descended gracefully to join them. "A useful diplomatic talent, I suppose. Though I'm more impressed by the efficiency with which you coordinated our efforts despite having no prior knowledge of our full capabilities."
Unohana's serene smile seemed to take on a new quality as she studied Sinbad. "A natural commander. One who leads without needing to dominate. Interesting."
These observations hung in the air, creating a moment of shared understanding among the seven women. Without openly acknowledging it, each had recognized something in Sinbad that resonated with their own nature—a quality that transcended mere charisma or power.
Rias, watching this subtle exchange, felt a strange mixture of emotions. Admiration for their combined capabilities. Gratitude for their assistance. And something else—a faint stirring of what might be jealousy as she observed the way these extraordinary women oriented themselves around Sinbad, like planets finding their natural orbit around a sun.
"We should return to the Gremory estate," she suggested, pushing these confusing feelings aside. "My brother and the other faction leaders will want a full report."
Sinbad nodded in agreement. "And I suspect we have much to discuss regarding our future in this world." His golden eyes swept across the battlefield one last time before settling on his companions with warm appreciation. "Our first test as a unit has proven quite successful, wouldn't you agree?"
The acknowledgment brought varied responses: a precise nod from Vados, a cheerful bounce from Lucoa, a glacial but approving glance from Velzard, a regal inclination of the head from Artoria, an unchanged smile from Unohana, and a warm look of confirmation from Reinhardia.
Seven extraordinary women