The stars shimmered above Kuoh Town, casting pale light over its rooftops as though the heavens themselves watched the growing turmoil below. In the silence of night, even the faintest disturbance was magnified—a truth not lost on the agents of the supernatural who lingered in its shadow. The recent shifts caused by Amon's machinations reverberated across factions, and as power rippled unseen, many began to prepare.
But deep within an ancient vault sealed off from time and space, Amon's form was suspended in quiet meditation. His eyes, normally sharp and all-seeing, were closed. Around him, the sanctum thrummed with divine energy—not of Heaven, but of something older. Something primordial. Tendrils of void coiled like serpents along the runes carved into the chamber's walls.
Amon slowly opened his eyes. They burned like stars collapsing in reverse—a sign of transcendence nearing completion.
"It's time," he murmured.
He stepped forward, the floor beneath him illuminating with each footfall. A divine array, forged in forgotten tongues, pulsed with intent. The avatars had long returned to their roles. The mortal world scrambled to recover, and his enemies believed they had bought time.
Let them.
From the dark, a figure emerged—one of his deeper creations. Not an avatar, but a Shard. A manifestation of ambition and consequence.
"All the preparations are complete," the Shard intoned, its voice echoing as if many spoke at once. "Shall we begin the Inversion Ritual?"
Amon shook his head. "Not yet. Before I become a god, the foundation must be certain. The strings are not fully tightened."
The Shard bowed and melted into shadow, leaving Amon to his thoughts.
---
Meanwhile, at the Grigori base, Azazel stared at a large projection screen, reviewing the magical readings from recent dimensional rifts. He tapped a sigil with growing irritation.
"Again," he muttered. "These fluctuations... they don't align with demonic nor angelic structures. They're something else."
Shemhazai stepped into the room. "You're still at it? You've been going nonstop since the readings started to spike."
Azazel pinched the bridge of his nose. "Because they match the aftershock of Amon's failed assault. He's not done, Shemhazai. This isn't retreat—this is setup."
"The factions are calling for stability. They want us to focus on healing."
Azazel spun around. "And while we 'heal', he's moving the board. I won't let another god rise while we sit idle."
Rias Gremory's peerage had also noticed something strange. In the last week, dreams had come more frequently—visions, really. Flickers of shadow, whispers of forgotten names, and a presence watching just beyond perception. Issei woke in a cold sweat more than once, clutching his chest.
"He's not gone," he told Rias one morning. "I can feel him... like he's breathing down my neck."
Rias frowned. "We're being watched. Amon may have left the field, but he hasn't left the game."
Kiba, leaning against the doorframe, nodded. "What should we do?"
Rias stood, resolve in her eyes. "We prepare for war."
---
Elsewhere, in a different realm constructed of illusion and mirrored thought, Amon stood before a massive gateway. The seals on it pulsed in defiance. This was no ordinary barrier. This was a cage built by Yahweh himself.
Amon smirked. "You always feared what you couldn't control."
With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a cascade of forbidden knowledge. Each rune along the seal dimmed as his presence twisted the logic of their existence.
Behind him, a presence emerged—Lucifer.
Or rather, what remained of him. Fragmented, bound in spiritual chains, a shadow of his former rebellion.
"You... again," Lucifer rasped.
"Of course," Amon said gently. "After all, you were my first success."
Lucifer snarled weakly. "You used me."
"As I will use them all," Amon said. "But I offer you release. Join me again, and your soul will be whole. Refuse, and you remain forgotten."
Lucifer trembled. The offer was tempting.
But the silence was enough. Amon turned and continued his work.
---
Back in Kuoh, a hidden meeting convened between Sona Shitori, Azazel, and Sirzechs Lucifer. Their private chamber was protected by several wards,
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!