Depth of Voracity

Scheme after Scheme

"Lucifer is some sort of psychic. It's their power that helped the Leviathans form a mental connection and telepathy"

Akagi clenches her fists so tightly that Sovetsky Soyuz lowers her gaze for a moment. Her unfazed and stoic eyes show a slight concern and intrigue.

"Lucifer's ability is primarily domination. They steal traits, characteristics, and the very concept of it to reshape it in their own absurdly high standard. It's why it's a bad idea to introduce new ideas to Lucifer. They will either crush it or take it for themselves"

"If you knew this, why didn't you share this information with everyone else? Lucifer has already killed some of my allies"

"..."

Sovetsky Soyuz doesn't say anything as he places her clasped hands on the table. Instead, she slowly closes her eyes for a few seconds.

"Not only did you withhold information about Lucifer, but you also did the same regarding Beelzebub" Akagi growls lowly

"I only knew that Beelzebub cannot be killed easily. They spread as fast as they can devour and faster than we can eradicate them. I still want to believe there's a form of salvation - that perhaps a miracle exists in this world infested with devils"

"..."

"Regarding Lucifer, I know I wronged everyone by withholding information, but it was necessary"

"Necessary how? We lost Junyou, Sendai, Kirishima, Nowaki, Ryuuhou, Ibuki, and even Shoukaku"

"I see. It's a matter of vengeance"

"What?!" Akagi grits her teeth

"You lost someone you can call a trusted friend. You never acted this strongly until Shoukaku died. Akagi, don't let your emotions cloud your judgment"

"...!"

Akagi tightly grips the edge of the table until she tears a section of the thick and hardwood. Her eyes dilate and faint deep scarlet foxfire brushes against her body.

"Ever since Beelzebub defied Lucifer and even helped Iron Blood take down Belphegor, you couldn't sit back in the shadows any longer. You've been stalking our progress, pretending that the Sakura Empire would never get involved. Only when you deem it safe that you finally come out to benefit as well" Sovetsky Soyuz retains a stoic composure

"How did you-"

"The Northern Parliament are the most hunters of the north. Nothing escapes my comrades' eyes and ears"

"What if that's the case?"

"Akagi, Beelzebub is evil through and through. They don't entertain what doesn't interest them. Right now, they have their eyes solely towards Bismarck as their next exquisite dish"

"Oh? What if someone ruins their palate in front of them? Will that be enough to gain the attention of the insatiable beast?" Akagi's expression grows darker as she faintly smiles

"That is a death wish, Akagi. You wouldn't want to gain Beelzebub's attention most recklessly"

"We have a Leviathan contained. Don't you think it's time to use that to our advantage? Beelzebub showed us that they can kill each other"

"That's true, but convincing Beelzebub to put in the slightest effort and remain behaved took great risks" Sovetsky Soyuz furrows her eyebrows a bit

"It's a risk I'm willing to take..."

"It's a risk you're unprepared to die for, Akagi. I'm warning you that there will be consequences in trying to achieve the slightest success" Sovetsky Soyuz stands up

"You saw something, didn't you? There's a reason you couldn't tell everything to Azur Lane, Soyuz. Something you were also unprepared for..."

Akagi narrows her eyes and examines the slightest change in Sovetsky Soyuz's body language, tone, and expression. She comes to that conclusion after seeing what appears to be a flicker of concern in Sovetsky Soyuz.

"You are close to the truth, but I'm warning you for your own good. If you reach out to a hungry beast, it will only devour more than a hand" Sovetsky Soyuz sits back down

The tension remains heavy between them. Akagi is upset about Sovetsky Soyuz being secretive and cryptic to her fellow kansens, but she's more intrigued at the moment.

"..."

Unknown to both of them, a serpent slithered and slipped at the darkest corners of the room. Sharp and vibrant serpentine eyes overhear their entire conversation. The small serpent-like creature melds back in the shadows and silently disappears without a trace.

...

...

Beelzebub's defiance happened earlier than expected, but everything else is falling into place. Now, this is actually amusing...

Abaddon peaks from a corner, their vibrant green eyes and sharp serpentine form are focused at the center of attention - Lucifer. The arrogant regained their calm and confident composure, the image of a schemer who always gets what they desire. Their faint yet condescending smile continues to curve while observing Akagi and Sovetsky Soyuz remaining unaware of prying eyes.