The early morning sun crept through the stained-glass windows of Kuoh Academy, casting kaleidoscopic colors over the polished floors. The tranquility of the school belied the intensity of what was approaching. A pressure—holy, disciplined, deliberate—descended on the town like a blade sheathed in silk.
Azazel stood at the faculty balcony, gazing toward the school gates. He could feel it: not hostility, but firm purpose. The Vatican's representatives had arrived.
"They're punctual," he muttered with a smirk.
Descending the stairs with a sense of urgency, Azazel made his way to the main entrance. Two figures awaited him—clad in white-and-blue exorcist uniforms with insignias of the Church. One bore a great blade at her back, the other exuded warmth despite the seriousness of her eyes.
"Governor-General Azazel," said the blue-haired girl with precision. "We've arrived as ordered. I am Xenovia Quarta."
The blonde beside her smiled faintly. "Irina Shidou. Reporting as well."
Azazel gave a nod. "You're both on time. Come in—Rias and the others are already waiting."
As they walked, Irina's eyes wandered across the halls, faint nostalgia flickering in her gaze. Beside her, Xenovia remained composed, treating the environment like a battlefield under scrutiny.
Irina glanced at Azazel and asked, "How is he? The boy…"
Azazel answered without turning. "Issei Hyoudou? He's holding up. But Amon's influence is drawing closer."
When they entered the Occult Research Club room, Issei, Rias, Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and Gasper were gathered. The atmosphere was taut with expectation.
Azazel stepped aside. "Everyone, these two are Vatican operatives sent to assess and contain the Amon threat."
Xenovia gave a short bow. "We are not here to interfere with your faction's politics, only to ensure Amon's presence doesn't escalate."
Irina stepped forward, her eyes suddenly locking with Issei's.
There was a moment of silence. Issei blinked. His brow furrowed.
"Irina…?" he said softly, his voice caught between shock and recognition.
Irina smiled brightly. "Took you long enough, Ise-kun."
The others looked on with mild surprise. Rias raised an eyebrow. "You two know each other?"
Issei nodded slowly, memories flooding back—of a cheerful girl running through the churchyard, of sunny afternoons and laughter. "We were childhood friends. She moved away for training with the Church… I hadn't seen her in years."
Akeno smirked. "Small world."
Irina, still smiling, tempered her warmth with professionalism. "Those were simpler times. Now, we're here for something darker."
Xenovia, arms crossed, added, "Amon is no myth. The Vatican has confirmed his corruption spreads subtly but steadily. We believe his manifestation through Riser Phenex was not an isolated incident—it was a test."
Rias leaned forward. "Test for what?"
Azazel answered, "To see if he can possess and twist high-tier beings. Riser's regenerative ability bought him time—but his mind cracked under the pressure."
Kiba clenched his jaw. "He used Riser like a test subject…"
"Yes," Irina replied. "And our data suggests he's targeting the one with the most potential next—Issei."
Issei recoiled. "Me?"
Xenovia's tone was clinical. "He feeds on fate. You are central to too many future divergences. If he corrupts you, entire timelines shift."
Rias stood protectively beside Issei. "We won't allow that."
"We know," Xenovia replied. "We didn't come to fight devils. We came to stop something worse."
Irina pulled out a Vatican-sealed monitoring sigil and placed it in the center of the room. It shimmered with golden light but gave off no pain or threat.
"It will alert us the moment Amon's aura breaches this space again."
Koneko stared at it. "Holy… but calm."
"It's not a weapon," Irina said. "Just a sentinel."
As the briefing continued, the distance between old friends softened slightly. Issei approached Irina as the others discussed strategic measures.
"I really didn't recognize you at first," he said, scratching his head. "You've… grown up."
Irina chuckled. "You too, Ise-kun. You've become quite the perv, I hear."
"W-Wha—?! That's not the part I wanted you to notice!"
They both laughed, but the lightness quickly faded when Xenovia called her back.
"We're not here for reunions," Xenovia said sharply. "Focus."
"Yes, ma'am," Irina said, glancing at Issei with a quiet smile. "We'll talk more later."
As they left, Azazel addressed the rest of the room. "They'll be operating with me for the time being. Don't worry—they won't interfere unless Amon shows up."
Akeno raised a brow. "They trust you that much?"
"No," Azazel said with a smirk. "But they respect results. And right now, they know I'm the best shot at understanding Amon."
Outside, as Xenovia and Irina walked toward the church safehouse arranged for them, Xenovia whispered, "He remembers you."
Irina nodded. "Yeah. I'm glad. I don't think I could fight beside him if he didn't."
Xenovia looked ahead. "Don't get sentimental. If Amon makes a move… we stop him. No hesitation."
Irina's smile faded. "I know."
Above them, the clouds churned faintly—just enough to unsettle the light.
And far beyond, in the unseen reaches where fate curled and twisted, Amon watched. And grinned.