The Player is a Part-Timer

Chapter 16: Dark Storm Brewing (part 1)

The ritual text was utterly foreign, almost like they were from another world entirely! Even the experts are clueless as to what their function or meaning was. Only one thing was sure; those symbols radiated power, might which shook him to his core.

[Kokabiel-sama. You have a visitor.] Came the soft female voice of his assistant through the intercom.

"Who is it? I am busy."

[It is Azazel-sama, and Vali Lucifer.]

Just what does that bastard want? Is he here to sniff out his plans? Are they already aware he is sniffing around?

"Let them in."

No matter; he will play along, for now. Two can play the game.

"Ah, Kobi! Long time no see. How are you doing?" Like usual, his fellow Fallen leader was cheerful; mockingly, he might add — like always.

"Azazel, what are you doing here?" He sneered. They had been on bad terms for a long time — Ever since the man became a coward and withdrew their forces in the moment of triumph!

"He was our most fierce warrior, yet, his mood turned in our hour of triumph." What brought this sudden change, he had never figured out.

"What? Can't I visit my fellow fallen brother?"

That mocking smile! Is he just here to play around? The man had a hard time keeping himself contained.

"I doubt someone of your status and responsibilities would have the time to do that. Or are you once again avoiding them? Ditching all of them for Baraqiel and Shemhazai?"

"Hmm, maybe?" Azazel winked playfully.

"Tch!"

"Chill out! From time to time, we must stop, pick a flower, and just enjoy life!" The calm, happy and dismissing behaviour of this man really infuriated Kokabiel.

"Is that so?"

"Yup!"

"Hmm... why not do it elsewhere, then? If you can't see it, I am quite busy at the moment. Unlike you, I take care of my responsibilities as the leader of our people." Giving a look to Vali, the teen just scoffed and turned his head away. Albeit, his eyes met the girl's for a moment, who leisurely sat on the couch and read something humans called "manga".

"Why did Azazel bring along the boy?" If he had to guess, as a deterrent, or just simply to mock him? He was a troublesome opponent with that dragon sealed inside his Sacred Gear. Even Kokabiel recognised that.

"How disgraceful! Taking in a half-blood brat like him." True, he did the same with Mertinia, but she was a different matter. She was just like him, carved to take revenge for the injustice brought on her life. Wronged by people she trusted — just like him! A quality which makes her worthy of considering a partner in this business of theirs.

"Now, if you excuse me!" He wished to return to his work or at least force Azazel to make his move — the second option was preferable.

"In this game, the first who makes their move is usually the one who loses."

"You know, little birds chirped a few things. Interesting intel about you and your current, ongoing business. Shady deals..."

Finally, he took the courage to reveal the reason for his appearance! Good!

"Ah, and which one, if I may ask?" The first score was his. But he needs to be careful now. He can't allow himself to be revealed! He is too close to his goal to fail now! "As you know, I have many ongoing projects. You need to specify."