Chapter 26: Duel of the Heavenly Dragons.
*Clubroom*
Rias and I made a lot of noise upon being transferred into the clubroom.
"-! Impossible, they've transferred here!"
"Damn devils!"
The interior was occupied by magicians wearing robes! So they have used our clubroom as our base.
"B-Buchou! S-senpai!", said Gasper as he was tied to a chair, still wearing the mask. Rias was relieved after confirming his safety.
"Gasper! I'm so glad that you're safe."
"Buchou...It's already too late...", said Gasper as he broke into tears.
"It's better if...I die. Please, Buchou, Senpai. Please kill me...Because of these eyes, I can't make friends with anyone...I'm only a bother...and a coward..."
He started to raggedly shed tears. Captured and being used by the enemy, thinking that he was a bother to us. Rias kindly smiled at Gasper.
"Don't say such a stupid thing. I won't abandon you, you know? When I transferred you into my family, I said it, right? That...now that you've been reborn, you will live for me, and also find a way of life that can satisfy you.", said Rias as Gasper just shook his head.
"...I just couldn't find it. For me, who just cause trouble...to have value in living is..."
"You're my servant and part of my family. I won't abandon you so easily. Even though it was finally possible for you to be free!"
"None of us have ever abandon you Gasper, not now, not ever", I said.
Gan!
Right before my eyes, Gasper was struck by a female Magician. The Magician seized Gasper's hair and gave a sneer.
"You people are so stupid. It's foolish how you treat such a dangerous Dhampir normally. It's just as the Old Maou Faction says. The Gremory family are as dumb as they are deeply affectionate and overflowing with power."
The Magician assessed Rias with a contemptuous look.
"Maybe you would have gotten more value if you'd quickly brainwashed this Dhampir and used him effectively as a tool? If you had made his Sacred Gear run out of control while throwing this child into the territory of the opposing Fallen Angels, he might even have taken out one of their leaders as well. Why haven't you done that? Could it be that you intend to treat a servant as a close friend?"
"I... treasure my servant."
Just after she said that, the magician fired a magic shot at Rias. It blasted part of her uniform off, showing some of her breasts.
"What a cheeky mouth you have. Also, I don't like how you're beautiful even though you're a devil, daughter of Gremory."
You little bitch…
Alright, enough.
I gave Rias my eye's signal, telling her to close her eyes. She realized it immediately and complied.
"You move and this child dies. Let's have some..."
"Boosted Gear Ascalon!", I said strongly as a bright crimson light covered the whole room, render the Magicians' blinded.
[Blade!]
Using the opportunity that was made, I easily severed the restrains with the Ascalon blade, freeing Gasper from the Magicians. As I returned him to Rias' side, she hugged him tightly.
"Gasper, please cause me trouble. I'll scold you over and over again. I'll comfort you. I'll never let you go.", said Rias.
"B-Buchou...I...I.", said Gasper as he cried in happiness as he hugged her back. He was a bit disoriented from the crimson flash, but I can tell his sight was returning.
The magicians got their sight back only to see me with Ascalon sticking out from my upgraded Boosted Gear.
"You bastard! Using a trick like that!", said the magician.
"Silence", My cold voice turned the air cold as I imbued it with my unleashed aura.
"W-w-what is this crazy amount of aura…", one of them stuttered.
"You pathetic weaklings aren't even worth the hassle, yet you insist in causing trouble…"
As my aura is still pressuring them, they can't act as they please.
"I was going to consider sparing you for interrogation… But that option no longer appeals to me"
I said as I look down at them. My demonic eyes peeled their souls.
"Yet it's not satisfying, killing you bitches like this"
"Y-you bastard! Underestimating us…!"
I then twist the blade. In one motion, a swift cut was made on my right bare palm, from it, fresh blood came out in a stream.
"Gasper", I said as he looked at me.
"It's no use if you don't get up on your own. After receiving encouragement, next is standing up!"
SPLAT!
My blood got sprayed over his face, he became confused as I said.
"Drink it! The blood of me who harbors the Red Heavenly Dragon. Show us what you can really do!"
Gasper nodded at my words with a strong look. After drinking the blood, the atmosphere in the room changed. The next moment, Gasper was gone, but there was a weird chirping. A group of red-eyed bats swarmed the female magicians all at once.
"Kuh! So he transformed, that damn vampire!"
"Bastard!"
The cursing women pointed their hands at the bats and tried to fire magic bullets, but they were pulled down by countless black hands that extended from their shadows. The hands were trying to pull them into the shadows.
"So this is the ability of a vampire!"
"Take this!"
They tried to fire shots at the shadows, but the hands were dispersed uneventfully. During that, the bats formed around them and started to bite them.
"You intend...to suck our blood?!"
"No, our magic power is also being absorbed!"
The whorish witches were at the mercy of the black hands and the bats.
"Vergil, that's a part of Gasper's original power that was hidden. It must have been released from drinking your blood. But they feel a bit different."
"Indeed, they now have eyes like my own. But knowing the nature of Gasper's Vampire half, it will only be temporary. That's more than enough"
That's all the better, he will not have to carry my curse.
"Kuh! In that case, we can only do this!", said the magician as she aimed at us. She fired a few shots, but they all stopped mid-air.
- It's useless. I can see all of your movements and attacks. I can read them clearly as well.-
- Gasper's voice echoed in the room. The red eyes from the bats glowed more intensely. So he did use his Sacred Gear from his bats.-
- I'm stopping you people! -
The bats then made their eyes shine and stopped the magicians in the room.
- Senpai! The finishing blow! -
Without hesitation, I breezed through the group of Witches, in an instant, all of them fell down, with fatal cuts that immediately deprived them of life.
Only one was still barely alive, the one that insulted and harmed both Rias and Gasper. She became so afraid after having looking at the corpse of her comrades. I intentionally left this bitch out, so she'll be the last to die a despairing death.
"P-p-please, forgive us…", she stuttered, having my eyes flooded her soul with fear.
Why should I spare you? Disgusting whore.
"I'm already out of mercy", I coldly replied.
"NOOOOOOO!"
The bitch's scream echoed as her life was deprived by the Holy Dragon Slayer, Ascalon.
*Later*
"You know, Vergil, we could've use some of them for information", said Rias.
"Don't worry, we'll just have to prevail tonight's battle. Knowing our odds, plenty of them will show up in the near future, and plenty of information to gather", I replied as I was piling up the corpses.
"Besides, I doubt these whores know much, consider how easily disposable they are if their plan failed."
"Hmmm, I guess you're right", she agreed after a few seconds of careful thought.
Rias then destroys the pile using her power. During the process…
"Senpai, is your hand okay?"
Gasper, who had returned from the bats and shadows to his true form, asked this. Because he was wearing the ring I had gotten from Azazel, his Sacred Gear wouldn't run out of control.
"Don't worry, it's already healed, see?", I said as I showed him my palm, with only a faint scar to be seen.
Back in the day, my healing factor would heal me in seconds, minutes at best. Now I need a couple hours just to heal even a little. Had it not been for Asia's ability to heal me, I would have remain incapacitated for days after the fight against Kokabiel.
Fufufu, I am really weakened…
"I've been a lot worse, Gasper. Got stabbed and jabbed by tons of things in my life, even a meteor at my face…"
"Ueeeeeeeeh? R-Really...? V-Vergil-senpai has really experienced a lot of violence..."
"Well, it's all in the past now. Just let it slide", I said as he nodded.
"So how's my blood?"
"Yes, my power temporarily welled up from the bottom, but...I returned back to normal now."
As expected, he has a time limit. Talking about limits…
'Ddraig, how exactly powerful is Orphis? Since you both are dragons, I like to hear an accurate assessment', I called Ddraig in my mind.
[—Ophis. That's a nostalgic name.]
Ddraig then continued.
[He's the strongest of the Dragon tribe.]
Well, he's called the "Dragon God" for a reason.
[Yeah, because he's stronger than God as well. He's the only existence that God couldn't take on carelessly. He's the strongest existence in this world. The only one who exceeds us. A true monster with infinite power.]
Huh… this is going to be trouble. Since he's the leader of the current Khaos Brigade.
"Yes. All of the bodies have been dealt with. Now then, Vergil, Gasper, Let's return to Maou-sama!"
I nodded and Gasper said "Yes!"
We left the room and moved to the entrance of the old school building. Meanwhile, Gasper was still sticking to my back... There seemed to be a lot of children who hide behind my back somehow. There's Asia, and this one too. In any case, I also have to fix this guy's hikikomori disposition. Just as we were exiting the entrance while I thought that...
Doggaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!
Something fell down right in front of us. After the cloud of dust which enveloped it settled, there was...
"...Tch. So you're betraying me under these circumstances, Vali."
It was Azazel, who was gravely injured.
"That's right, Azazel.", said Vali as he gave of a dazzling radiance. There was a dark-skinned woman beside him. This aura signature… that woman was the one who invoked the Leviathan Magic circle back in the meeting room.
"The instant you decided on peace, arrangements were made to invoke the Sacred Gear of the kidnapped half-vampire and begin the terrorist attack. The Hakuryuukou ran wild along with me once we saw a good time. It'd be good if we bury any one of the leaders of the 3 great powers. It was fine if the meeting was broken because of that.", she said.
"That gauntlet… Is this man the Sekiryuutei, Vali?"
"Yes, he is. He's strong, since he easily killed Kokabiel after all.", said Vali as the woman stared at me.
"I see. He really does seem to be a powerful enemy. Vali, will you kill him?"
"My feelings are wavering on what to do. To be honest, I wanted him to be even stronger."
"Geez, I've also lost my edge. For one of my followers to do this...", said Azazel as he laughed at himself.
Vali stored his mask away and showed his face.
"When? When did you decide to do this?"
"I got the offer while I was en-route returning Kokabiel to headquarters. Sorry, Azazel. This side seems to be interesting."
"Vali, has the Vanishing Dragon capitulated to Ophis?"
"No, I'm just cooperating stubbornly. They gave an attractive offer. 'Wouldn't you like to fight against the Asgard?'. When they said that, as someone who wants to test my power, I couldn't decline. Azazel, you dislike the idea of fighting with Valhalla, the Asgard, right? You dislike war."
"I told you to 'become strong', but I should have also said 'don't destroy the world while doing so'."
"That's unrelated. I just want to fight eternally."
"...I see. No, I may have anticipated somehow in my heart that you would leave my side. Ever since the time we met till now, you wanted to fight with strong people."
"The preparations and information outlet for this were thanks to the Hakuryuukou. It's unusual of you to have left him alone even though you understood his true nature. As a result, you've wrung your own neck."
The woman sneered at Azazel. So Vali was the leak, I should have known, it's his nature to seek for battles, whatever means necessary. Ignoring Azazel, who gave a bitter smile, Vali hit his hand against his chest and spoke to me.
"My real name is Vali. —Vali Lucifer."
…
Is that supposed to be new? Oh, right, I'm acting.
[You don't seem to be surprised, Partner], said Ddraig.
'You already forgot what I've told you?'
[Huh?... Oh… You did say that already know him. But how?], he asked.
'Leave the specifics for later, I'll tell you along with the others when this is over. For now, let's focus on this battle'
[You're right. Got it]
I cut my communication with Ddraig as I look up to Vali again.
"Lucifer?", I pretended to ask.
"I'm a descendent of the previous generation's Maou Lucifer who died. However, I'm a child of mixed blood born from a father who was the old Maou's grandson and a human mother. I obtained the Vanishing Dragon's Sacred Gear because I'm half-human. It was just by chance. However, I, who is a true blood relative of Lucifer and is also the Vanishing Dragon, was born. If there really is such a thing as fate and miracles, I may be that. —Just joking."
As he said that, a total of 8 jet-black wings grew from his back along with his wings of light. They were Devil wings, but features more blades along their length than ordinary ones, reminiscent the feathers of the a Fallen Angel's wings.
All would know these too well, for they are the Demonic wings unique to those who carried the blood of Lucifer, the King of Devils, who is also known as the first and most powerful Archangel created by God before his fall.
"No way... That can't be..."
Rias wears an astonished expression on her face. Azazel then confirmed it.
"It's true. If there is such a ridiculous existence, it's him. He'll become the strongest Hakuryuukou among those I knew in the past and present, and probably of all time as well."
Indeed, possessing the blood of Lucifer, the strongest of the original Satans, as well as having the power of the Vanishing Dragon, even I could see his potential way back then, though I didn't care much, since I had other goals.
"Have you resolved yourself, Azazel?", said the woman as she still sneered at him. Her killing intent is tremendous.
"...Tch, that volume of aura that swelled up earlier, what did you get from that bastard Ophis?", asked Azazel as the woman smiled.
"Yes, he who is the dragon that possesses infinite power. For the sake of the world's reformation, I borrowed a little of his power. Thanks to that I can fight against you. There's even a chance that I can beat Sirzechs and Michael. They're such foolish Governors. So are you…"
BANG!
"Arghh!", the woman screamed as her forehead got struck by a small stone and bleeding profusely. She got knocked back considerably.
All in the vicinity diverted their eyes towards the direction the stone was shot from. They all surprised that I was there. Yes, I was the one to throw the stone. Not finished, I said.
"Such a fool. An incompetent wretch like you who can only rely on another's power is no match for Sirzechs or Michael. Look how pitiful your real aura is, even Kiba can kill you with minimal effort.", I mocked her.
"Hahaha! Indeed, I may be foolish. I can't do anything without Shemhaza. I'm just a Sacred Gear enthusiast. But you know, do you really think to the extent that Sirzechs and Michael are idiots? Like Takeru said, At least they're far superior than someone mediocre like you.", said Azazel as the woman's face twisted.
"What nonsense! Very well, I'll deal the finishing blow right here and now. I will destroy you, the Governor of the fallen angels, as the first step of the creation of a new world!", she said in a strong tone. However, Azazel was pleased. He took out something that looked like a dagger from his pocket.
"That's-"
Azazel then pointed the tip of the dagger at the lady who was looking at it suspiciously.
"...I have gone beyond being a Sacred Gear enthusiast. I also produce them myself. I've built replicas. Well, almost all of them are garbage. God, the one who developed the Sacred Gears, was amazing. That's the only thing I respect him for. However, they're incomplete. It's because God and Maou died while leaving behind 'bugs' which can upset the world's balance like the Longinus and Balance Breaker. Well, that's why Sacred Gears are interesting though."
"Be at a peace of mind. Things like Sacred Gears absolutely won't be made in the new world. Even without such things, the world functions. Eventually, we'll make the Northern Europe's Odin move as well and then the world will have to change."
After deliberately raising gossip with a complacent smile, Azazel spat out.
"The more I hear, the more I feel like vomiting at your goals. Valhalla!? The Earth Gods!? So you intend to snatch everything through Odin from the side. Rather than that, the person who steals my pleasure—can go and disappear."
The dagger that Azazel had changed shape. Its parts separated and light gushed out.
"—! I-Impossible! Azazel, you!"
"Balance Break...!"
The vicinity was wrapped in a momentary flash. After the light faded—there was a person there wearing gold plate armor. It had a golden sparkling radiance and a form resembling that of a Dragon.
BAH!
Twelve jet-black wings unfolded from its back. Black feathers fluttered about the surroundings. The Dragon-imitating gold armor made its black wings flap. Azazel was cladded with Dragon armor. Accompanied it was a custom spear of light.
"I studied the Vanishing Dragon and other dragon-series Sacred Gears and produced this, my masterpiece artificial Sacred Gear. This is the Downfall Dragon Spear in its pseudo-Balance Breaker state, Down Fall Dragon Another Armor", said Azazel.
Using my "Elemental Senses", I inspected the armor, all of its' specs are indeed extraordinary, for a pseudo-Balance Breaker, this thing is good.
[He made the Sacred Gear go into a Burst state and did a forced awakening. A kind of running out of control. The Sacred Gear will break after a battle with that. Does he intend to use that so-called artificial Sacred Gear as a disposable?]
So this thing is currently still a prototype huh. I would refine it further so that the usage issue would be mitigated, but then again, you can't really know how your creation will work out until you text in in a uncontrolled environment. As for real Sacred Gears,
unless the owner of a real incarnation-type Sacred Gear died, it could regenerate no matter how many times it broke. Conversely, if you stole a Sacred Gear through a special method, they seem to die. The jewel in my left arm's gauntlet and the multiple jewels that existed in my Balance Breaker armor didn't have just a single function and could be regenerated even if destroyed. If he was an opposing existence, then the Hakuryuukou should be the same.
"Hahaha! As expected of Azazel! You really are incredible!"
Vali laughed in joy.
"Vali, I'd also like to be your opponent, but...Well, please get along with the Welsh Dragon."
"But, fighting with Azazel seems fun."
Pushing the crazy baby on me huh.
"...It's based on a Dragon endowed with power, right?"
"Yeah, I just sealed the Gigantis Dragon Fafnir in this artificial Sacred Gear. I copied it from the Sacred Gears of the Two Heavenly Dragons, the Welsh Dragon and the Vanishing Dragon. I've yet to see if it succeeded or not."
Yup, it's a prototype. Hold on…
Fafnir? Another Dragon King?
[Yes, he's one of Five Great Dragon Kings. We already talk about Vritra. In addition, there's the Chaos Karma Dragon Tiamat, the Mischievous Dragon Yulong, and the Sleeping Dragon Midgardsormr. Though I say that, Vritra was eliminated long ago and sealed somewhere. If what Azazel says is true, then Fafnir was also sealed. Though originally, there were six Dragon Kings.]
Now that you mentioned it, Tiamat was recommended by that Familiar expert, Satooji, during the Familiar hunt.
[Unexpectedly, you might meet them soon. Since Tiamat hates me.]
Now that's a story that I might want to listen to.
[Sorry partner, can't remember the details]
'You're avoiding this, aren't you?'
[…]
Silent treatment huh, whatever. Plenty of opportunities to ask later.
"Azazel! Even though you possess that much power, you!"
"Cattleya, you yourself said that you made a pact with the Ouroboros Dragon."
So the whore's name is Cattleya, huh. Fitting, since she indeed sounds like a pig that is being sent to the slaughter house.
"...The research of Sacred Gears shouldn't have advanced to such an extent..."
"From that look, it seems that the group that betrayed my organisation stole some of the Sacred Gear research. However, it's pointless. Only I and Shemhaza know a portion close to the truth."
A bluish-black aura covered Cattleya's body as she clicked her tongue.
"I am one who is descended from the great true Leviathan, Cattleya Leviathan! I won't lose to an annoying Fallen Angel like you!"
"Ok then, come on", said Azazel as he clapped his hands, as if to fetch a puppy. The spear is floating on its own by the way.
"Don't look down on me!", said Cattleya as she flew at Azazel at extreme speed. She fire a dence Demonic bullet.
However…
BUSHU!
In one swift motion, Azazel rotate his body to avoid the incoming projectile. He grabbed his spear in half the cycle and deliver a sweep, causing the massive cut in Cattleya's body with blood gushing out. not just her, but the ground far behind had been gouged out from the aftershock of Azazel's attack.
"It isn't over!", Cattleya screamed as her arm changed into a tentacle and wrapped it around Azazel's left arm. A strange pattern appeared all over her body.
"That is a self-destruct-use technique formula!", said Rias. Going suicide bomber huh.
"Takeru, help me set up a defensive barrier", she said as we, in unison, generated a barrier of multiple layers.
"Wah!", screamed Gasper as I saw that his eyes had a magical pattern engraved on his eyes.
"Sorry, but I'll be sealing that. It's annoying if time is stopped.", said Vali.
"But you know, if you're aware of its ability and activation conditions, that Sacred Gear really isn't that great a wonder. It's full of weak-points. There are many techniques like those that seal one's vision. Also, if his magic is drained, it changes into a double-edged sword that submits damage to allies as well.", said Vali as he was flying in the air.
Of course, Gasper as he is now is full of weak points. In the arts of war, the skills and experience of the one who wield the weapon is more important than the weapon itself. Basic lesson, never out of time.
We then watched Azazel's situation from a safe position. He couldn't remove the tentacle. Even the spear can't cut it. But knowing him, he'll break free, Azazel isn't someone to die a blatant death, after all.
"That tentacle is a special-make that absorbed my life. It won't break.", said Cattleya as she laughed fearlessly.
Giving up on cutting it, Azazel shrugged his shoulders. The next instant—
BASHU!
The tentacle was cut off along with his left arm.
"!? You cut off your own arm!?"
Cattleya was shocked. Her abdomen was then pierced by a spear of light that Azazel threw.
"I'll give you an arm at least."
SHUWA.
Cattleya's body blew up, then turned into dust and vanished into the sky. Because she received large damage from a light attack, she was annihilated since light was a deadly poison to devils. And this seemed to be no exception.
KAH!
Azazel's armour was released. The Governor of the Fallen Angels didn't seem to regret the arm he'd lost. He just clicked his tongue.
"Tch. So this is the limit of an artificial Sacred Gear. There's still much room for improvement... As long as the core jewel is safe, I can remake it again. I'll have you keep me company for a little while longer, Gigantis Dragon-kun Fafnir."
And he lightly kissed a jewel-like object in his hand. ...That was the conclusion of the battle between the descendant of the original Leviathan and Azazel.
"As expected of Azazel. However, your armour has been released. So your artificial Sacred Gears still require more study."
Azazel pointed at Vali.
"Now then, Vali. What will you do? Shall I go at it again? Even if I have no armour and am one-handed, I can fight with you adequately."
Azazel made a spear of light appear in his hand and pointed the blade at Vali.
"But don't you think that destiny is cruel?", the latter said as he glanced at us.
What's he going on about?
"On one hand, there is the strongest existence that one can thing of with a Maou and a legendary dragon like me, and on the other hand, there is a mere human like you which possesses a legendary dragon. Say what you like, but I think that this accident of fate is cruel. Though we're rivals bearing the same Dragon-type Sacred Gears, the gap between us two owners is too great."
So he means me.
"I investigated you a little. An amnesiac teenager who was picked up by the Church orphanage. Unknown parents, perhaps abandoned you. And then you reincarnated as a Devil. Even though you're strong and intelligent, I was hoping for a little more than that. Even with the Boosted Gear, it's just not enough"
"Boring. When I learned about you, who was so excessively boring, I laughed out of disappointment. 'Ah, so this is my rival. I give up.'. If your parents had at least been Magicians who abandoned you for your safety, then maybe the story would change a bit. That's right! How about this kind of setting? You can become an avenger!"
…
"I'll find and kill your parents. If I do that, your personal history will become a little more interesting. If your parents are killed by a valuable existence like me, don't you think you'll be able to openly devote yourself to a solemn destiny when you found their rotting corpse? Yeah, I'll do that. The setting I spoke of is much more brilliant than such a boring life you're having! Right?"
…
You little ingrate…
Do you have any idea who they are? To you?
A silent rage emanated across my body, it was then I know, it was fine to snap…
*3rd person view*
Suddenly, an immense surge of energy covered not only the Boosted Gear where it started, but also Vergil's – "Takeru Silver's" – whole body. The aura gouged the ground within the vicinity. Its' intensity grows as seconds pass, and at a point that it seemingly reached its' peak…
[Welsh Dragon Over Booster!]
Responding to Vergil's rage, the ring on his arm, given by Azazel, glowed alongside the Red Dragon Emperor Gauntlet. A violent burst of crimson light occurred, and the result, was the Boosted Gear Scale mail. A countdown appeared on the gauntlet, as if to say Vergil has more than 20 minutes with the armor, due to its' current incomplete state.
"Look, Albion. Takeru Silver's power went up by an incomparable amount. The plain and simple reason called rage was the trigger, but this is... Hahahaha, what a Dragon's surge.", said Vali in joy.
{Sacred Gears simply use strong emotions as food for power. Takeru Silver's rage is at its genuine limit, and it's turned towards you. Only straightforward people can draw out the Dragon's power. But this level… how absurd…}
"I see. So his greater affinity with his Dragon is also explained through this reason."
Without hesistation, Vergil ignited the boosters on his back armor, and rush towards Vali at a terrifying speed, his momentum created a crater on the place where he was just standing.
"Interesting, let's see if you can beat me now, Takeru Silver!"
"GUAHHHHH!", Vergil screamed with a distorted voice. He makes a swift left jab.
As Vali was about to completely avoided it…
[Blade!]
A blade extended from the Gauntlet, making a huge cut on Vali's abdomen armor.
"!"
Surprised, he backed off in a distance to avoid the second swing of the sword.
"This is…"
{Vali, that sword carries dragon-slaying powers. If it hits just once, you'll undeniably receive great damage. Luckily it only damaged the armor, or else…}
"Is that so, Albion. But there's no meaning if it doesn't hit me!"
The two dragon warriors then clad themselves in aura, before charging at each other.
They soared through the sky, each of their clashes generated a gust of wind and heavy pressure that makes even the hearts of those who are witnessing feel heavy.
DON!
"Guuh!"
Vali managed to land a kick to Vergil's abdomen.
{Divide!}
The gems of the Hakuryuukou's armor sounded, and suddenly, the Sekiryuutei's aura became faint.
"Shit!"
"Takeru!", shouted Rias as she tried to reach Vergil, but she knew that if she intervenes, her life will be in danger, and she'll just be a burden to Vergil.
As he was about to fall flat to the ground, Vergil regained his balance and grinded along the ground (like a superhero grind landing), five trails of his fingers that struck the ground to be a makeshift brake lengthened for a bit before stopping completely. Vali didn't let the chance slide, he fired masses of Demonic energy at Vergil who seems to be open, but the latter immediately evaded with multiple backflips and sideflips, before counterattacking. This time, he pulled out his personal pistol, Blackgrave, and fired shots of immense Draconic power. Vali countered with the same attacks as before. The shots collided, generate shockwaves that pushes both back.
"[Fallen Light]…", muttered Vergil.
[Hoh, The special trait of those of the Lucifer, the light of the former brightest star, corrupted to became the light for the Devils of the Underworld. It gives the Lucifers great resistance to Holy attacks]
Ddraig said as he was amused.
Indeed, the special power of Satan Lucifer, who was formerly the brightest and strongest Archangel, is called [Fallen Light]. The light of the first and brightest star, the [Morningstar], corrupted by Lucifer's pride and ego, became the instrument of his conquest, until his death. A power that was also passed down to his descendances. Witness it today, the Devils of the current Underworld who are present, while remained a sense of anxiety, also in daze of its' radiance.
"Heh, that indeed gave off some nostalgia", said Azazel, reminiscing of the past.
"Indeed, the light that was supposed to guide humanity with hope, being the instrument of death…", said Michael in slight sorrow.
"Talk later, Ddraig!", Vergil shouted.
"So this is my rival! Hahahaha! How embarrassing! Weak! Too weak!"
Vali make fun of Vergil's attacks, but deep down, he felt the pressure of each shot Vergil made. The former is simply enjoying the unexpected battle of a lifetime, so he tried to provoke the Son of Sparda even more.
[Calm down, your opponent Vali seems to have a tremendous amount of demonic power. As a paired existence, the Hakuryuukou will also shave off power every time he uses his ability, but if the host's stamina is great, then the time in which he can use it will also be enormous.], said Ddraig.
"I already know that!", Vergil retorted.
[However, no matter how amazing the host is, he has a limit. Power that goes beyond his capacity is released from the wings of light on his back in order to keep maintaining his power limit without destroying his body.]
"I know! But…"
—!
"Come on, come on!", Vali provoked.
Vergil suddenly realized something, he then calmed down to assess the situation. After a while, he made up his mind in silence, and charged at Vali again.
"So you're charging? To go as far as repeating the same tactic, you really know nothing of combat. Something like that—"
Vali deployed what seemed to be a shield of light in front of him and tried to defend, but…
"Ddraaaaaig! Transfer power to the stored Ascalon!"
[Understood!]
[Transfer!]
DOKUN!
A surge of massive power flowed into Vergil left arm.
GON!
His fist destroyed Vali's shield of light with no trouble.
"—?"
Whether it was because he received an unexpected blow or not, Vali's posture was violently bent.
Suddenly, Vergil digged is nails into the Hakuryuukou's helm, using it as an anchor point, he flipped to Vali's back while clawing apart most of the helm. In a split of a second, both the Hakuryuukou Wings of Light were locked by Vergil's grips.
"Apparently, the effect of your Sacred Gear comes from here. In that case!", said Vergil.
[Transfer!]
"I'll raise the power you absorb and the power you emit all at once! To the extent that you can't deal with it!"
"Kuh!"
BIIIIIIN!
All of the Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail's jewels started to nonsensically glow white, red, blue and yellow over and over again. As it did so, the absurd amount of Dragon power coming from Vali's body vanished. Vergil forced him to activate the special ability of his Sacred Gear. His ability stole the opponent's power and used it as his own fuel. However, since the limit of the power he added was already decided, it depended entirely on the host's capacity. Power that went beyond the limit was gushed out from his wings of light and disposed of. Then, what would happen if you accelerated his stealing power and gushing-out power at the same time? He stole so much power that he couldn't process it, and at the same time, he spat out power by the time it was excess. As a result, the Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail stopped its functions.
{—! What a thing...! Vali, regain your posture at once!}
Vali reacted to Albion's voice and tried to defend by crossing his arms, but...
BAGAN!
As Vergil torns the wings clean from their roots, he made a kick that slipped through Vali's guard, striking the latter's face, which only have a tiny piece of cheek armor to cover his face.
"!"
Unable to endure the force of the kick, Vali's armor shattered like glass, and he got sent plummet to the ground, the impact created a huge cloud of smoke.
As the dust settled, on the spot Vali crashed, a huge crater was in place, Vali flew out of the pit, with the wings that has fully regenerated.
GOBOH...
Fresh blood flew out from Vali's mouth. He stepped back unsteadily while holding his head. As blood poured from the edge of his mouth and his forehead, instead of grunting in pain, he smiled in joy.
"...Hahaha, amazing! My Sacred Gear was blown off! So you can do it if you try! Just what I would expect from my rival—"
Vali's armour once again returned to its previous state. Ddraig clicked his tongue.
[The battle doesn't end until one host is incapable of fighting. It's no use at this rate. You'll make little progress. It's next to impossible for you to defeat him within the limited time of the control unit. The best plan would be to run away, but you can't do that, can you?]
"Do I look like a coward who runs away from unfinished fight?"
[Then, what will you do? The difference in power is still wide. You could do something thanks to the control unit, but with the limited time, it's out of the question. —Will you surrender?]
As Vergil pondered, in that moment, he noticed something he's still holding in his hands. They were the Vanishing Dragon's Light Wings that he torn of earlier. He then displayed an expression of a new idea.
"Hey, Ddraig. The Sacred Gear responds to feelings and evolves, right?"
[Yeah, that's right, but..why do you ask?]
"Look at what I sent you"
[...Partner, you've sent me quite a dangerous image. However, it's interesting! We may die, but do you have the resolve?]
"Death huh… that creep has been bothering me since a long time ago, it wouldn't be bad to visit and disappoint him another time", Vergil said as he shrugged.
[Fuhahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Nice resolve! In that case, I'll also resolve myself! This isn't a notification of my character, but I am the Red Dragon Emperor that was called a mass of power! Let's show them that we'll live and exceed them together, Partner! No! Takeru Silver!]
"JUST GO ON WITH IT!"
"What do you intend to do?"
Vali asked that, seeming interested.
"Feasts your eyes, fools! You power… IS MINE!"
Vergil shouted as he dived the sharp tip of the wings to his stomach, they impaled him like a pair of great swords.
"Guuh!", Vergil grunted.
"No!", shouted Rias as she cried.
A massive surge of power in the form of red and white streams of light. They interwoven and coated Vergil.
"—! You intend to take in my power?"
Realising what his rival was trying to do, Vali showed a shocked expression.
{What a reckless thing to do. Ddraig, we are existences that oppose each other. That is nothing more than an act of self-destruction. Do you intend to annihilate yourself by doing such a thing?}
[Guooooooooooooooooh!]
Ddraig was also leaking out agony.
[Albion! You're as inflexible as always! Over countless eons, we've lodged in hosts and continued to fight each other! It's a repeat of the same thing each and every time!]
{That's right, Ddraig. That is our destiny. Even if our respective hosts are different, the way we fight is the same. You raise power, I steal power. The side that skilfully uses its Sacred Gear deals the finishing blow and it ends. This is how it always has been, and always will be.}
Ddraig let out a fearless laugh at Albion's words.
[Ever since meeting with this host, with Takeru Silver, I have learned one thing; that anything is possible with determination!]
"Determination is all I need! Now, powers of Heavenly Dragons, listen to me now!"
Vergil said with vigour.
"LISTEN TO ME NOW!"
[Vanishing Dragon Power is taken!]
Suddenly, a brilliant white light covered Vergil's right side.
"HAH!"
As he unleashed a shockwave of red and white. What appeared in front of Vali now was the Sekiryuutei, but on his back, an asymmetrical pair of wings was in place of the boosters.
The left wing is a deep red armored dragon wing, reminiscent the Welsh Dragon.
The right wing, in contrast, features 7 "feathers" of energy held together by a pure while extravagant demonic wing frame. It is the manifestation of the Vanishing Dragon's power that Vergil fully dominated.
Not just Vali and Albion, but everyone was astounded by this change.
{Impossible! Such a thing is impossible!}
Albion let out an astonished voice.
"Wrong, it's only a little, but it's possible. Kiba fused together holy and demonic, and produced the irregular Holy Demonic Swords. It seems it was possible to achieve it because balance has collapsed from the non-existence of God. After all, the system is currently experienced performance? I just utilised it a little."
{... So you mean to tell me you nudged the imperfections of the Sacred Gear System and achieved this? No, but such a thing is... Even if you think of that, to actually do it is just foolish. No-one knows what will happen with the fusion of opposing powers. When that is something concerning Dragons, you might die, you know? No, it would be natural for you to die!}
"I already told you, don't get cocky", said Vergil as he glared at them.
Ddraig then said with an astounded voice
[Interesting, I was certain that your life span will be reduced a lot. But it just cut of a few years, compare to 10000 years you can live. This is nothing]
"Great… a plan for the next 10000 years… this is going to be a hassle", said Vergil after making a sigh.
CLAP CLAP CLAP.
Vali clapped his hands. His expressions indicated a new intention.
"Interesting. Then, I'll also get a bit serious! If I win, I'll halve all of you and everything that surrounds you with the Hakuryuukou's power!"
Said Vali as he floated into the air and opened his arms wide. His wings of light also grew huge.
{Half Dimension!}
Vali then pointed his hand at a huge tree below.
GUBAN!
The thickness of the trees were halved instantly.
GUBABABABABAN!
More of the surrounding trees were compressed and halved. The scenery of the Academy was ruined.
"Sekiryuutei Takeru Silver. Let me clearly explain it to you."
Azazel spoke. Vergil turned to him
"That ability halves everything in his surroundings. In other words, if the Hakuryuukou became serious, then Everyone here will be halved to none existence."
"What!?"
"Included Rias Gremory, of course", Azazel added.
…
…
They'll die?...
Am I going to fail? Again…
Those were among countless thoughts of the possible consequence Vergil was thinking about.
Suddenly
DUUUN!
Once again, his whole body emitted pressure that shattered the surrounding ground. But this was different, not only the aura is now interwoven with Red, White and Black aura, but it's intensity… is ten times it was before.
"Va…"
"Huh?", said Vali.
"VAAAAAALIIIIIIIIIII!", Vergil shouted as all the gems emanate a brilliant glow, accompanied by…
[Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!]
His rage now seemingly has no limit, his aura slowly destroying everything surrounds him. His eyes… became demonic as they radiated a blood red glow.
[Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!]
Azazel wanted to laugh in joy, but seeing this level of rage, he could not help but feeling worry for Vali.
As Vergil merely lift his feet, the ground got blew away violently. In less than a millisecond, he was already point-blank in front of Vali.
"!"
Surprised, Vali tried to react, but…
"Gaha!"
He received a straight punch from Vergil right to the heart. Unable to contain the pain, Vali spatted out a bucket-full of blood.
"Fast! Have you exceeded me in speed!?"
The latter said as he tried to make some distance. But before he can move, Vergil already held his neck neatly in his hand. He caught up with Vali, who was moving at the speed of light, with no trouble.
"Gaah!"
Vali tried to break free, but to no avail.
"Where do you think you're going?"
This time, instead of an aggressive voice, Vergil's response… was a cold one.
He then threw Vali down to the ground like a doll.
As the latter tried to fly away…
DOON!
A crisp punch that once again put Vali back to the ground.
"Who said you can leave?", Vergil coldly said.
DOON! DOON! DOON!
A series of punches and kicks that slowly stripped the considered Strongest Hakuryuukou of his armor. Vali bleeds and spats out more blood the more hits he takes.
Then, Vergil lifts him up, before deliver what you would call, the famous "One-inch punch", to Vali's Abdoment. At the moment the Son of Sparda's fist came in contact with Vali's body…
[Divide!]
The sound echoed as the right wing of the White Dragon glittered violently.
"Guha!"
Vali spatted out another bucket-full of blood as he is sent to the front wall of the New School Building. His wings planted him to the building.
Vergil leaps towards him with a punch at hand.
DOON!
A crisp punch that struck Vali's barely armored face. Vergil then dragged Vali out of the wall and threw him down again.
The Son of Sparda then looks at the building and then switch to Vali. In the fit of rage, he violently pulled the building from its' roots, terrified all those at the scene.
"Woah, hold on!", shouted Azazel as he tried to stop Vergil, but it was too late.
"Haaah!"
As he shouted, Vergil brought the building down. Shocked, Vali once again cross his arms, tried to endure the impact.
BOOOOOOM!
The whole building turned to rumble as a massive cloud of dust covered the scenery. Sirzechs and Azazel immediately cleared the dust.
Vergil, who has become almost fully exhausted, was kneeling on the ground, both his wings folded down, their tips against the ground, as if to support him.
From the rumble, Vali stood up, his whole body bloodied as his left arm got dislocated. He vomited another load full of blood.
However, instead of being angry or afraid, he happily smiled.
"...Interesting… Truly interesting."
[Vali, I finished analysing his halving power. When compared with the control method of your power, you can handle it.]
"I see. I'm not afraid of him with this. Though such violence… he reminded me of my brother"
Despite being filled with injuries, Vali still displayed his pride and joy as a battle maniac. Those words at the last however, was a mystery to all, but Vergil.
"Albion, do you think he's worthy enough to show the Hakuryuukou's Juggernaut Drive if it's the current Takeru Silver?"
{Vali, it's not a good choice in this place. You're full of injuries right now, if you recklessly enter Juggernaut Drive, Ddraig's curse might be removed.}
"It'll all work out, Albion. {I, who am about to awaken, in supreme justice-}"
{Don't act rashly, Vali! Is it your desire to be at the mercy of my power!?}
Albion seems to be pissed, as Vergil recognized the danger, he tried to move in to deliver the finishing blow.
But, with the moon floating within the night sky in the background, a single silhouette swooped down to our location. It swiftly came into the space between Vali and me. It was a man wearing armour from China's Han Dynasty days.
"Vali, I've come for you. Wow, you look like shit", he said cheerfully to Vali.
"So it's Bikou. What have you come for?", asked Vali as he wiped away the blood.
"Isn't that cruel? I made a long journey and came all the way to this island country because my partner is in a pinch, you know? The other guys were making a fuss at headquarters, you know? Because we're joining together to fight the northern country gods, you were supposed to flee and return right away if the mission failed, right? Cattleya failed to assassinate Michael, Azazel, and Lucifer, right? In that case, your observation role is also over. Come back with me."
"...I see, so it's already time.", said Vali.
"And you are?", Vergil asked.
"He is the descendent of the Victorious Fighting Buddha.", answered Azazel.
"Sun Wukong huh…", said Vergil, still ragged.
"To say it correctly, he is a monkey Youkai that has inherited Sun Wukong's power. However, it really is the end of the world if even you have joined the Khaos Brigade. No, you're the Sun Wukong to the Vanishing Dragon. You're also well-matched."
That guy laughed at Azazel's words with a cackle.
"I'm different from the First Generation that became a Buddha. I just live doing as I like. My name is Bikou. Nice to meet you, Sekiryuutei."
"Whatever, now get the hell out of my sight", said Vergil as he dismissed them.
"My my, you're a rude one"
"I, as the Hakuryuukou, was occupied by the blood relative of the old Maou. The enemy isn't just Angels, Fallen Angels and Devils. Eventually we'll fight again, but at that time, it will be even more intense. We'll each get stronger—."
Stopping mid-sentence just there, the Hakuryuukou vanished into the darkness along with Sun Wukong…
*The festival ends, Vergil's POV*
When we set foot on the school grounds, the armies of the Three Great Powers had come in and carried out the processing after the battle. They carried away the corpses of the dead Magicians, and appeared to be cleaning up after the battle. When we advanced to the centre of the school grounds, the forms of Sirzechs, Serafall and Michael could be seen giving orders to people who seemed to be subordinates. When Sirzechs caught sight of us, he raised his hands.
"So you were safe. Thank goodness. —Azazel, what happened to that arm?"
Seeing the one-armed Azazel, Sirzechs gestured his hand at Asia. Asia responded to that and applied her recovery Sacred Gear on the opening of Azazel's wound. Pale green light healed the wound on Azazel's arm, but the lost arm wasn't fixed.
"I was caught by Cattleya and nearly self-destructed along with her. I had no choice but to cut it off."
"I see. Her matter was a problem on the Devils' side. About that wound—"
Sirzechs tried to say words to make up for it in another form, but Azazel held him back with his hand and showed that it 'wasn't necessary'.
"I also...caused trouble with Vali."
"...So he betrayed you."
"From the start, he was a guy that pursued only power. If you look at it from the results, it's possible to understand and say 'Ah, I see'. —However, it's my responsibility that I didn't stop it from happening."
Azazel's eyes seemed lonely. Obviously, after all… Vali was his foster son…
"Now then, I'm returning to Heaven at once and will work on a plan for the matter of peace and countermeasures against the Khaos Brigade."
"I'm sorry. I had arranged things this time. We who set up the place of this conference feel ashamed."
"Sirzechs, please don't feel so responsible. As for me, I'm just glad that the Three Great Powers are walking on the path to peace together, you know? With this, useless quarrels should also decrease."
"Well, subordinates who don't agree with that will also leave."
Azazel made that sarcastic remark.
"That is inevitable since we've been hating each other for a long time. However, it should change even a little from now on. The problem is the Khaos Brigade that we can't assume is good."
"Then let's cooperate and discuss from now on regarding that matter."
Azazel and Michael nodded at Sirzechs' idea.
"Then, I'll return to Heaven at once. I'll come back immediately, so we'll conclude the formal peace agreement at that time."
"Michael, wait a minute", I said.
"What is it, Vergil?"
"There's one thing I like to ask you?"
"Of course, anything for my nephew", said Michael as he smiled.
"It's because of the System that Asia and Xenovia receive damage when they pray to God, right?"
The two of them were former believers. Sometimes, they would pray as old habits didn't fade and they would receive damage.
"Yes. If Devils or Fallen Angels pray to God, the System moves and decides to give them light damage. Because this was included in the System with or without God's presence, it moves naturally. What about it?"
"Can't you make it so that there is no damage when only Asia and Xenovia are praying?"
Hope he can at least do this, so that the two won't have to be torn with their feelings anymore.
Asia and Xenovia were both surprised, and so was Michael. He then gave a small laugh and nodded in agreement.
"I understand. If it's only two people, I may be able to do something about it. The two of them are already devils and can't get near church headquarters.
Asia, Xenovia, let me ask you. You know God is absent, right? Even so, will you still pray?", asked Michael as the girls in question nodded.
"Yes, I want to pray even if there is no Lord."
"Me too. I'll give thanks to the Lord-to Michael-sama."
Michael smiled at their responses.
"Very well. I'll do it right away when I return to headquarters. Fufufu, it should be fine if there are only two devils who don't receive damage when praying. How interesting."
"With this, you can pray to God without problems, Asia... Though he doesn't exist anymore."
Asia got teary-eyed and embraced me.
"Vergil-san!"
Xenovia also voiced her gratitude.
"Vergil, thank you."
I stroke both of their heads.
"Now you two can pray without restraint."
"Michael-sama, about the aforementioned matter, please do as you said.", said Kiba.
"Following your advice, I swear on the Holy Demonic Sword you gave us that I will not allow Holy Sword research to produce any more victims. It was a huge error for us to flatly reject important believers to this extent."
Looks like Kiba and Michael made a deal.
"Good gratulations, Kiba. You did well", I praised him.
"Thank you, Vergil-san"
"Michael, I'll leave the explaining to the Valhalla guys to you. Since it would be problematic for me to move imprudently. Afterward, you'll have to convey what happened today to Mt. Sumeru as well."
"Yeah, since there would be no persuasive power if either the Governor of the fallen angels or the Maou explained, I'll have to tell them. I'm accustomed to reporting to [God], after all."
Said Michael as he took his subordinates and flew to heaven.
"I have chosen peace. The Fallen Angels won't fight with the Angels and Devils at all from now on. Those who are dissatisfied with this may leave. However, I'll kill you without reservation the next time we meet. Only those who want to follow come with me.", declared Azazel to his troops.
[We live for the sake of Governor Azazel till the day we die!]
I thought I saw Raynare and Mittelt in that crowd. Azazel expressed his gratitude with a small "Thank you." After that, the other Fallen Angels deployed magic circles and left, leaving only Azazel and the Fallen Angel sisters.
"I'll leave the cleaning up to Sirzechs. I'm tired, so I'm heading back for some rest. Raynare-chan, Mittelt-chan, I'm counting on you two, okay?"
""Yes, Azazel-sama."", said Raynare and Mittelt in unison as Azazel started to leave.
But before then, he added one thing.
That's right, Sekiryuutei. Since I plan to stay here for a little while, I'll help that Bishop of Rias Gremory. I can't stand seeing a Sacred Gear that can't be controlled."
"Yeah, well, I also going to need your help", I said.
Yeah… I'm asking the Sacred Gear enthusiast for help… At least he'll have more work to focus one. No slacking for him.
"Good. For the red, it's the rage and the will to protect. For the white, it's power. Either one is so purely simple that it's shocking.", said Azazel as he left whistling.
With that the Kuoh Treaty was made, signed by the 3 great powers leaders.
*Aftermath*
"And so, from today on, I'll be the advisor of this Occult Research Club. Please call me Azazel-sensei. Or Governor is fine too."
Wearing a worn-out suit, Azazel was in the clubroom of the occult research club.
"Let me introduce myself again, I'm Alex Nash, childhood friend of Vergil. I will now officially enroll Kuoh University with him. Please take care of me", said Alex as he bowed.
"Putting Alex aside...Why are you here?"
Touching her forehead with her hand, Rias was in a perplexed state.
"Hah! I was requested to take this position by Serafall's little sister! Well, it's because I'm a super-cool guy. I score even with schoolgirls!"
"That's forbidden! Or rather, why would Sona do such a thing?"
"You're so stubborn, Rias Gremory. I was told by Serafall's sister that this was requested by Sirzechs. That's why she requested me."
So it was Sona who suggested. Whatever, I need his assistance, so this is a win for those who have Sacred Gears.
"Wait, what about that arm? Is that a prosthetic arm?"
I pointed at Azazel's arm.
"Ah, this. It's a genuine artificial arm that I produced while researching Sacred Gears. It's an all-purpose arm that can be loaded with light power-style laser beams and tiny missiles. I wanted to be equipped with such a thing once. I equipped it in commemoration of my lost arm."
Bashu!
Azazel's hand flew out. It also did several rotations as it spun on its side. A mechanical arm, impressive.
"The condition for me staying at this school is that I make the immature Sacred Gears possessed by the Devils of the Gremory family grow. Well, my knowledge as a Sacred Gear enthusiast is useful after all. You guys have also heard about it, but there is a weird organisation called the Khaos Brigade. As a future deterrent against them, the Welsh Dragon and your family have become famous. Rather than that, I'm an expert on the opposing Vanishing Dragon. From the information I got on him, I know that Vali has his own team. We're temporarily calling it the [Hakuryuukou Team]. Several people are gathering around the ones who've been identified at present, Vali and Sun Wukong."
"Are Vali and the others going to attack here again?"
The Governor shook his head at my question.
"They won't attack here again. It was a rare chance for an assassination on the leaders of the Three Great Powers at the conference, but that also failed. Their current opponents are Heaven and the Underworld. In the Underworld, all the Fallen Angels under my orders have joined together with the Devils. The Underworld won't fall so easily. The Seraph guys in Heaven also wouldn't remain silent. Also, there are the free-loading strong sacred beasts in Heaven, and demonic beasts as well."
"...So were just preparing for war?"
"Yes. Something like that won't happen until after you people graduate from university, let alone this school's high school division. Enjoy your school life fully. However, it is the long-awaited preparatory period. So you'll be doing various preparations, right?"
"That's too obvious at this point"
"Don't worry, Vergil, knowing you, you'll catch up to him soon. You're not the kind to make foolish mistakes often. But remember, your enemy is Hakuryuukou Vali to the bitter end. Just don't forget that single fact."
"Huh… I already have a bunch of them. Though I had to admit, that battle the other day, I wasn't quite in control"
"Well, putting that aside for now. Your Sekiryuutei power is also too unstable. Its explosive power is tremendous, but that's also only temporarily. A lower rank opponent would instantly be brought down with that, but it would be suppressed by a higher rank opponent. If you're also going to participate in the Rating Games as a Devil from now on, you must stabilise the Sekiryuutei's mighty power. For all that, you first need to attain Balance Breaker. Having said that, Rating Games aren't straightforward either. Something like a Pawn that consumed only one piece taking down the King also happens. Everything depends on how you fight. I'll have to teach you all about that as well."
I'm only participate to help Rias, the sport itself was none of my concern to begin with.
"You seem well-informed about Rating Games."
"Devils aren't the only fans of the game, you know? Thanks to the peace pact, there are also a lot of Angels and Fallen Angels going out to watch the games unreservedly."
Meaning that Fallen Angel and Angels will want to participate.
"Therefore, for the time being, we'll build up your body so that it can fight for longer periods of time. Even though you're weakened, you still have a considerable amount of stamina and magic power, just slightly lower than Vali's."
"Uh huh."
"Glad that Azazel-sama is here, right Senpai?", said Raynare.
"Yeah, I'll need all the help I can get now."
"Of course. After all, I'm a Fallen Angel with free time.", said Azazel with a complacent and mischievous smile.
"What about Gasper and his temporal power?", I asked.
"S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-S-Senpai! W-W-W-W-W-W-What are you sayiiiiing!? Hiiiiii!", cried Gasper.
"It's not worth considering if he's alone. We don't know what kind of people are in the Khaos Brigade."
Well, no one's perfect.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm so useless! I'm not useful at all! I'm garbage! I'm pig food! I'm seriously reflecting deeper than the sea, and I possess a target higher than Evereeeeeeeeeeeeest! So please don't abandon meeeeee!", said Gasper crying in his cardboard box. How troublesome, this kid, but I don't dislike him.
"That's right, holy demonic sword kid. How long can you fight in Balance Breaker?", asked Azazel.
"Currently, one hour is my limit."
"That's not good. At the very least, you need to make sure that you're able to continue using it for 3 days."
"How long can Vali stay in Balance Breaker?"
"A whole month."
Huh… that long. No point frustrating, I can only train to catch up and do what needs to be done.
Azazel then turned to Akeno.
"Do you still hate us- no, Barakiel?"
"I have no intention of forgiving him. It's that person's fault that my mother died."
"Akeno, when you fell down to being a Devil, he said nothing."
"Naturally. That person isn't in a position where he can say something to me."
"That's not what I meant. No, well, it might be thoughtless of me to enter into the space of you parent and child."
"I don't consider that person as my father!"
Akeno declared that clearly.
"I see. However, I don't think it's bad that you joined the Gremory family. If things were otherwise, what would Baraqiel think, I wonder?"
"..."
Akeno did not respond to Azazel's words. She just silently showed a complicated expression. Then, it was Alex who speak.
"Vergil, you might not know this yet, but Irina is coming to join us"
"Hoh? When?", I asked.
"Michael said in about a few weeks. She's busy with some work before she shows up here. I have her transcripts with me. Her family already consented"
"Then let's welcome her by then"
"You got it", said Alex.
"Hey Vergil? Do you want to make a harem?", asked Azazel.
"Do you have a death wish?", I retorted.
"What? I can help you out. Seriously. Are you a virgin?"
I sighed as I facepalmed at this idiot's suggestion. Take things seriously.
"I take that as a yes then. All right, then we'll go out on a virginity-graduation tour."
"You cheeky little…"
As I was about to beat him up.
GYUH
I felt a soft sensation on my back. As I turned around, I saw Rias hugged me while flustering.
"P-Please wait a moment, Azazel! Please don't give Vergil strange ideas!"
"It's fine, isn't it? At this age, it's perfectly healthy to be acquainted with one or two women. Or is there something wrong with your servant being acquainted with women?"
"I'm the one who manages Vergil's chastity!"
Say what now?
"Vergil-san, do you mean to leave me and go somewhere far away...?", said Asia.
"Ara, ara, Vergil-san, I'll be lonely if you participate on the tour.", said Akeno.
"…Vergil-san will be spoiled…", said Koneko as I saw a slight smile on her lips.
"If Buchou is managing it, it won't be easy to produce a child... Muu.",
Xenovia said. Hadn't I forbid you of that already?
"You sure are popular, Vergil-senpai! As a hikikomori, I admire you!"
"Now, you can't speak ill of me anymore, can you?"
So said Gasper and Kiba.
No one's going on ANY stupid trip. NO ONE!
"Hahaha! What's with this!? I see, I see. That's right, Dragons naturally form polygamies. So you don't require my teaching. Well, this place has become a location for representatives from the three-way alliance. The Governor of the Fallen Angels, the Maou's little sister, backup from the Angels' side and a legendary Dragon. Let's all get along from now on. The current objective is for Vergil, the current Sekiryuutei, to perfectly Balance Break, and for all of you to power up. You should train and achieve that during summer vacation."
"We also have to become stronger too."
Azazel also agreed with Rias' words.
"It doesn't hurt to become stronger. So, according to what I've heard, there's going to be a meeting of young Devils in a few days, right? I heard Rias Gremory was included among the names of promising young Devils that are close to debuting."
"Yes, noble families and old families meet together with several young Devils. It seems to be a custom."
"Is it fine to think about games at a time when a terrorist attack occurred?"
Azazel answered my question.
"I in fact recommend it. Battles in the games will be good experience for current young Devils without previous battle experience. It's because the present Devils are crowded together with Reincarnated Devils of humans, Fallen Angels and Demonic Beasts. They are troubled by their opponents. Abundant battlefields have been established and fighting methods have come in an infinite variety responding to that. There isn't a more favourable environment for training young people than this. Unexpectedly, Sirzechs and the others have looked at the current situation with the future in mind when they created these games. They make them compete with other Devils and the quality of power is raised. Since they're a greedy group, it fits them. What crafty guys they are."
"Don't worry, I'll drive into you how to use your personal power and your Sacred Gear's power. And there are plans for the matches to be set during your training camp as well. I believe they're doing it in Rating Game style. I've already finished probing Sirzechs about it."
So Sirzechs is also into this.
"Kukuku, there's the Boosted Gear which has begun an unknown evolution. And there's also the Holy Demonic Sword. Furthermore, there's the Forbidden Balor View. I'll drive my research results into them and explore their original evolved forms."
Hmph, do what you need to do, for I still have answers to seek. And I'm not giving up until I found them all.
Author's Note: Wooo! A long chapter to end Volume 4. It wasn't easy, sketching up the duel, to fit with Vergil, who is leagues above Issei. But I managed to made it. For all those who are wondering, Yes, I'm changing the Lucifer lore to that of the more commonly known "Former Holy Archangel" lore, which I personally find it cooler than just going with the original DxD. Also, I added a special power to the Lucifer clan based on that Lore, [Fallen Light], considered that Lucifer is the "King of Devils", only having "Immense Demonic Power" is rather blatant. I have full respect to the author of the original DxD, Ichiei Ishibumi-dono, but this is my personal take to it. As for the beatdown at the end, just think of it like that when Thanos relentlessly beat Iron man at the end of Avengers: Infinity war, and Kratos' beatdown in God of War 2018, mainly for the super strength that picks up giant structures. Also, the asymmetrical wings idea was thought of randomly when I looked at Megatron 2.0 design from Transformers Prime Beast hunter: Predacon Rising movie. Now, please, enjoy.
P/S: to Arsenals42, thank you very much. As for the Yamato, in time, it will come. After all, there can't be Vergil without his iconic blade of darkness.