Highschool DxD:Frostborn Devil

As they stood outside Kuoh Academy, the morning air was crisp with tension. The assembled leaders and their entourages remained silent, their eyes scanning the surroundings. The sky was clear, yet an unmistakable pressure loomed over them.

Sirzechs glanced at Grayfia, who stood composed beside him. Serafall, for once, wasn't bouncing around with excitement, while Ajuka observed their surroundings with calculated interest.

Michael and Gabriel stood with serene expressions, though even they seemed curious about this so-called "King of the North." Irina, standing nearby, fidgeted slightly under the weight of the situation.

Azazel stretched his arms, his golden eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Man, I hope this King isn't some stuck-up geezer," he muttered.

Rias and her peerage stood together, their expressions a mix of anticipation and unease. Sona and her peerage were similarly wary. None of them had ever heard of this faction before, and now they were being summoned to meet its ruler.

Then, without warning, a ripple distorted the space before them. A shimmering light formed into a magic circle, completely unlike any they had ever seen. The air turned colder, thick with an unfamiliar yet powerful energy.

A lone figure stepped out.

The woman who stepped out of the magic circle radiated an aura of overwhelming power and wisdom. She had long, flowing black hair with a slight violet sheen, cascading down her back. Her striking violet eyes gleamed with intelligence and mystery, as if she could see through everyone present.

She wore a form-fitting black bodysuit adorned with silver patterns, accentuating her figure while maintaining a regal presence. A long, deep purple cloak lined with fur draped over her shoulders, adding to her air of authority. Intricate magical sigils glowed faintly on her gloves, hinting at her mastery over the arcane.

Her lips curled into a knowing smirk as she surveyed the gathered leaders. There was no hesitation in her movements, no sign of intimidation despite standing before the most powerful figures of the biblical factions. Instead, she carried herself with absolute confidence, as if she already knew the outcome of every possible scenario.

She placed a hand on her hip and spoke, her voice smooth and commanding. "Greetings, leaders of the Three Factions. My name is Merlin, the 2nd Knight of the King of the North. I am the one in charge of escorting you to the Land of the White Sovereignty."

A moment of silence followed her introduction as everyone processed her presence. Even the strongest among them could feel the sheer magnitude of her magic. Sirzechs, Ajuka, and Michael exchanged brief glances, recognizing immediately that this woman was no ordinary knight.

Azazel, ever the relaxed one, let out a whistle. "Well, well, this is getting more interesting by the second."

Merlin's smirk widened slightly. "Shall we?"

Michael furrowed his brows slightly at Merlin's words. "We are quite numerous," he said, his tone calm but considerate. "Will it be alright? We don't want our presence to be perceived as a threat."

Merlin let out a soft chuckle before laughing openly, a rich and confident sound. "Oh, worry not, dear archangel," she said, amusement dancing in her violet eyes. "Numbers are never an issue." She tilted her head slightly, a smirk playing on her lips. "And as for appearing threatening… well, what is a group of kittens to a den of dragons?"

Her words sent a wave of silence through the gathered leaders. Sirzechs and Ajuka exchanged glances, understanding the implication behind her statement. Azazel raised an eyebrow, intrigued, while Serafall's usual cheerful expression momentarily faded into something more serious. Even Rias and Sona stiffened slightly, realizing just how powerful the White Sovereignty must be if someone as strong as Merlin considered them 'kittens' in comparison.

Azazel finally broke the silence with a grin. "Well, now I'm even more excited to see this place."

Merlin's smirk never wavered. "Then let us not waste time." She raised her hand, and a massive, intricate magic circle appeared beneath them, humming with immense power. "Let go."

And with that, the entire group vanished in a flash of light.

As they reappeared, Merlin said, "Welcome to the Forest of Tiaga."

Gabriel, looking around with wide eyes, innocently asked, "But where is your territory? There's only forest here."

Merlin smirked and replied, "Three years ago, my king conquered these lands by slaying all the monsters who hid in the Brume. Using magic, we created a barrier to prevent any intruders."

Ajuka narrowed his eyes as he observed his surroundings. "I see… you created a spell that interposes two different dimensions in the same space but without interacting with each other. For any intruder, this appears as an endless forest, but for those permitted entry…"

Merlin raised her hand, and the air in front of them shimmered like ripples on water. Slowly, the illusion peeled away, revealing a breathtaking sight.

Before them stood a giant golden gate, intricately designed and imposing, marking the entrance to a vast territory. Beyond the gates lay a grand expanse surrounded by tall stone walls that shimmered in the sunlight. The landscape was lush and vibrant, filled with flourishing plantations—grapevines sprawled across the hills, apple trees heavy with fruit, rows of sugar cane swaying in the breeze, and patches of strawberry plants dotted throughout the area. Various vegetables grew abundantly, creating a colorful patchwork of greenery.

Scattered across the territory were several quaint villages, each bustling with life, their houses a mix of charming architectural styles that reflected the kingdom's rich history. In the center of it all, a magnificent castle towered above, its design influenced by a fusion of Roman, Renaissance, Victorian, and Greek architecture, creating a stunning blend of grandeur and elegance. Tall columns, ornate sculptures, and intricate designs adorned its façade, while its spires reached toward the sky, giving it an almost otherworldly presence.

Gabriel's eyes widened in awe. "It's… beautiful," she whispered, mesmerized by the sheer magnificence before her.

Ajuka adjusted his glasses, his analytical mind already piecing together the mechanisms behind such an illusion. "This level of spatial manipulation is beyond anything I've seen before. It's not just a simple overlay—it's a complete fusion of two existences in controlled harmony."

Merlin smirked. "You catch on quick, Beelzebub." She turned to the rest of the group. "This is the true Land of the White Sovereignty, a kingdom forged through conquest and strength."

Sirzechs, despite his calm demeanor, couldn't help but feel a sense of wariness. "Your king… conquered these lands by slaying the monsters in the Brume?"

Merlin's smile didn't waver. "Yes. The Brume was once a cursed land, teeming with creatures that devoured entire civilizations. But my king does not tolerate threats. He hunted them all down and claimed their domain as his own."

Serafall crossed her arms, a rare look of seriousness replacing her usual playful attitude. "That means your king must be…" She hesitated before finishing, "…a monster in his own right."

Merlin chuckled. "A monster? Perhaps. But here, we call him the Sovereign." She turned and began walking toward the grand gates. "Now, come. The king is expecting you."

As they followed her, the leaders of the three biblical factions exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in their eyes, stepping into the unknown heart of the White Sovereignty.

As they walked into the land, several people greeted Merlin, calling her "Lady Merlin" with respectful nods and warm smiles. Merchants lined the path, showcasing their wares—vibrant fruits, handcrafted goods, and exquisite fabrics. The air was filled with the lively chatter of villagers going about their daily lives, adding a sense of vibrancy to the territory.

Merlin led the group toward the castle, which loomed majestically ahead. They approached a stunning white Roman-style bridge that arched gracefully over a giant lake, its waters sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. The bridge was adorned with ornate columns and intricate carvings, a testament to the craftsmanship of the kingdom.

As they crossed the bridge, the sound of water lapping against the stone supports created a soothing melody. Below, fish could be seen swimming through the clear waters, and the occasional splash echoed as they darted about.

"Isn't it lovely?" Merlin remarked, glancing back at her guests. "The lake provides not only beauty but also sustenance. It's teeming with life, much like our kingdom."

Gabriel gazed over the edge of the bridge, mesmerized by the aquatic life below. "It's breathtaking," she said, her voice filled with wonder.

"Indeed," Ajuka agreed, adjusting his glasses as he took in the sights. "This kingdom seems to have mastered the balance between nature and civilization."

As they reached the other side, the grand castle stood before them, its towering spires casting long shadows across the bridge. Merlin gestured for them to enter, the massive doors creaking open to reveal a lavish interior filled with elegant decor and the warm glow of magical lights.

"Welcome to the heart of the White Sovereignty," she announced, leading them inside.

As they continued walking toward the grand hall, a woman wielding a spear suddenly intercepted them, her posture commanding and assertive. "Don't enter yet; he is talking with someone right now," she stated firmly, startling the group.

Merlin frowned at the interruption. "Scathach, don't you remember? He has a reunion with the Biblical Factions today."

Scathach let out a light laugh, her eyes glinting with amusement. "You know how he is—when Buddha wants to drink and eat with him, he never says no."

At the mention of Buddha, a hush fell over the group. Sirzech raised an eyebrow, glancing at Azazel, who seemed equally intrigued. "Buddha?" Rias asked, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Is that really the Buddha from the legends?"

Grayfia exchanged a glance with her husband, clearly taken aback by the casual mention of such a revered figure. Michael, ever the peacekeeper, chuckled nervously, "I didn't think he was involved in any of this. I suppose he's more sociable than I imagined."

Scathach turned to the group, a playful smile on her lips. "Sorry, I forgot to present myself. My name is Scathach, the 14th Knight of the King of the North."

"Another knight?" Sona commented, a mix of awe and respect evident in her tone. "This place truly has powerful warriors."

Merlin nodded, still a bit perturbed by the delay. "Yes, and we need to hurry. The meeting is important."

The group shifted their focus back to Scathach, eager to learn more about her and the significance of Buddha's presence in their discussions.

Just as Scathach was about to respond, a voice rang out, rich and commanding, "Scathach, let them enter."

Scathach turned, a playful smile gracing her lips. "Well, it seems the king has spoken. Don't anger him; he seems quite happy today."

Merlin nodded, her expression shifting to one of determination. "Let's go. The king is waiting."

As they proceeded, the air grew thick with anticipation. The group followed Merlin and Scathach through the grand entrance, eager to meet the enigmatic ruler of the White Sovereignty and discover what awaited them in this majestic castle.