Chapter 8 – Battlefield
"You blasted idiot!"
The sound of a slap echoed in the clubroom. Chiharu, the one who had received it, was currently kneeling on the ground, facing an irate Rias.
"What the Hell were you thinking going out on your own like that!?" Rias shouted. "Because of your thoughtless actions, the Oni have Koneko now!"
"It seems my faith in you was misplaced, Chiharu." Kumowatari growled, thunder crackling in his cloud-like fur. "You've really let me and all these warriors that fell victim to Yomi's miasma down. Because of you, the enemy has not only accomplished their objective, but also gained additional fighting power. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"…I have no excuses." Chiharu spoke with a downcast expression. "This is all my fault. I'm prepared for the consequences… I'll even offer my life as recompense…"
"Your life…you say?" Rias's expression became even more furious as she grabbed Chiharu by the collar and lifted her up. "You think that will suffice!? That your life has the same worth as Koneko's!? Don't joke with me, you conceited girl!"
Damn, Rias is pretty terrifying when she's truly angry.
Takeshi thought as he watched the scene unfolding before his eyes alongside the rest of the club, the Youkai leaders and Sona. Thanks to the Youkai's ministrations and his regeneration, his body had mostly recovered from the aftereffects of yesterday night's disastrous fight.
His mind, however, was a different matter. He was worried sick about Koneko, whose whereabouts were currently unknown despite the Youkai and Devils' best efforts. Moreover, despite his best efforts to ignore them, Hisaya's words and his offer still echoed in a corner of his mind.
"But if it's death you want, I'll—"
"Rias, enough." Akeno placed her hand on her friend's shoulder. "I understand how you feel, but this isn't helping anyone, least of all Koneko."
"You're right, of course…" Rias sighed as she released Chiharu, with the Oni girl slumping on the floor. "Do we have any new intel regarding the Oni's location?"
"Unfortunately, despite redoubling our efforts, we've come up empty so far." Yasuhiro said. "The Oni were smart enough to destroy the talisman we had given each of you, so we can't track her through it. I fear we'll only be able to discover their hideout once they begin the ritual to release the seal. By that time, we'll be racing against time with a substantial possibility for failure. There's no way they won't have measures ready to slow us down after all."
"No choice then." Sona said. "We have to be ready to move out at a moment's notice. Once the ritual begins, we must strike fast and hard in order to rescue Koneko-san and stop the Oni."
"Easier said than done." Rias said before turning to Kumowatari. "I assume we're still on our own? No chance of getting any more backup?"
"None, I'm afraid." Kumowatari said. "There have been further disturbances around our territories, so most of our warriors are on guard there."
"Like we've mentioned before, there's also a possibility this is some sort of elaborate diversion so that Izanami can accomplish some hidden agenda of hers." Yasuhiro said. "That's why the Five Principal Clans and the Shinto Gods are still reluctant to move."
"Their stance on us calling from reinforcements from the Underworld also hasn't changed." Akeno said. "There are the other twelve Devil Peerages stationed in Japan, but they've also received attacks on their territories and suffered injuries. It's unlikely they'll be able to come to our aid."
"Fantastic…" Rias sighed. "Looks like the scale of this is greater than we realized."
"Izanami must have been planning this for quite some time." Kumowatari said. "We're backed into a corner here. Perhaps you should consider fleeing back to the Underworld?"
"You must be joking." Rias said with a serious expression. "No matter what, I'm not going anywhere until Koneko comes back to me safe and sound."
"Do you perhaps take us for cowards?" Sona said, a sharp glint in her eyes. "Our ancestors distinguished themselves in times of war. There's no way we'll betray their legacy simply because we're in a tough spot."
"Looks like Devil nobles aren't just full of vanity and scorn for others." Kumowatari laughed. "My apologies, Rias Gremory, Sona Sitri. I didn't mean to belittle your resolve."
"It's nice that we're all motivated, but we're just going around in circles." Yasuhiro pointed out. "Bottom line is, we can't do anything now other than keep searching and attack with full force once the ritual begins and we pinpoint their location. Right?"
"That's pretty much it." Rias said. "What are you going to do with her?"
Rias gestured at the still kneeling Chiharu.
"She's proven herself to be untrustworthy and a liability." Kumowatari said with a severe expression. "We can't afford to have her participate in battle only to slip up and make another costly mistake. With your permission, I'll have her remain here, confined in one of your building's rooms preferably."
"What!?" Chiharu shouted, some of her prior fervor having returned. "But I—"
"It's that, or execution." Kumowatari cut off Chiharu with a stern look. "Take your pick. Just remember, me giving you a choice is already extremely lenient on my part. I'm only doing this because of your past services and because of the favor I owed to your late sister Azusa. Do not force my hand, child."
"…Understood. I will remain here…"
Chiharu said in a disheartened tone. Her defeated expression was so pitiful that even Takeshi couldn't help but feel sorry for her despite the bad blood between them.
"Then it's settled." Yasuhiro said. "I shall join my subordinates and make sure to notify you at once if we find anything."
After Yasuhiro was gone, Kumowatari turned to Rias and spoke.
"There's a…private matter I'd like to consult you about. Since it's rather sensitive, is it possible we can have a one-on-one discussion?"
"Private?" Rias raised an eyebrow. "I understand, but I'll have Akeno remain with me. I have no secrets from her after all."
"Very well."
As everyone exited the clubroom, Takeshi caught a glimpse of Kumowatari staring at him with a suspicious expression on his animal-like features. Gripped by a foreboding feeling, he turned to Yuuto.
"Would you mind going ahead, Kiba-kun?" Takeshi said. "I'm still feeling somewhat sore and dizzy from yesterday's battle, so I think I'll lie down in one of the empty classrooms for a bit."
"Don't you want me to bring you home instead?" Yuuto suggested. "Or at least bring you to the infirmary?"
"It's alright, it's alright." Takeshi made a dismissive gesture. "I just need to collect myself a bit. No need to worry my parents or trouble the nurse."
"If you say so…"
Yuuto seemed uncertain, but did as Takeshi asked. Once he was sure no-one was around, Takeshi entered the classroom adjacent to the one the clubroom was situated in. As he had discovered by accident, the walls between the classrooms in this building were thin enough that allowed one to eavesdrop, especially if one had the heightened senses of a Devil to assist him. Takeshi placed his ear near the wall, and sure enough, words started flowing in it.
"—heard what Hisaya said, just as I did. What are the chances your servant will accept his offer?"
Takeshi narrowed his eyes. It seemed his instincts were on the mark. Kumowatari was confronting Rias about Hisaya's parting words after he had defeated him. Since he was suffering from the aftereffects of the Oni's attack, Takeshi could barely take note of his surroundings at that time. Apart from Rias, it seemed that the elder Youkai had heard Hisaya as well and had quickly deduced the intent behind his declaration.
"Slim to none." Rias said. "He's already saved my life and that of my Peerage once, and I'm certain he'll do so again if the need arises."
"From what you've just told me, he wasn't aware of his true nature at that time." Kumowatari said. "He might not feel inclined to do so this time. Evil Dragon Users are notorious when it comes to bearing their fangs even towards those close to them. Can you, without a doubt, say this won't happen here as well?"
"Where is this coming from?" Rias said. "Takeshi has given you no reason to distrust him. He's fought as hard as any of us in these recent battles."
"Chiharu did as well, and yet look at what she's done." Kumowatari pointed out. "You may not know it, but Hisaya was also a respectable warrior once before backstabbing us. His fiancée Azusa and Chiharu were singing his praises before the former was murdered in cold blood by him. I guess all these recent betrayals have made me leerier, especially towards someone who's almost guaranteed to bring disaster. If he turns against us in the middle of the fight, we're doomed."
"You ignored my warning about Chiharu-san before and I was proven right." Rias said with her arms crossed before her. "This time, I hope you'll listen to me when I say this; I trust Takeshi, and I'm certain he will not turn against us no matter Hisaya has promised him."
"Then, for everyone's sake, I hope your faith is vindicated." Kumowatari said. "However, my subordinates and I will be keeping an eye on your Pawn. The moment he shows any suspicious movements, I'll cut him down."
"Do as you wish, though it's a waste of effort."
After Kumowatari left the room, Akeno turned to Rias with a concerned look on her face.
"Are you sure you should be dismissing his words that easily, Rias?"
"Not you too, Akeno." Rias said with an exasperated expression. "What's with this ganging up on Takeshi all of a sudden?"
"Rias, I more than anyone know how kind and empathetic you are, which are some of your best traits." Akeno said. "But sometimes, your kindness blinds you to the danger certain people represent."
"Maybe, but Takeshi isn't one of them." Rias insisted. "He's one of us, a member of the Gremory family."
"But does he feel the same way?" Akeno said. "What exactly are we to him? What are his values, his thought process? Face it, Rias, there's much we don't understand about Takeshi-kun yet. We haven't known him for long after all."
Rias remained silent as Akeno continued to speak.
"You may not want to hear this, but as your Queen, it's my job and my duty to advise you in such matters. We should follow our allies' example and keep our guard up around Takeshi-kun, at least until this battle ends."
"That's harsh…"
"I don't like this any more than you do, you know?" Akeno responded to Rias's whispered words. "Takeshi-kun is a cute Kouhai of mine, and I have a lot of fun teasing him. But the possibly of him turning on us like his predecessors did many times on those around them…it's always in the back of my mind and it scares me."
"Are you sure your general prejudice towards men isn't affecting your judgment, Akeno?"
"It might…but that still doesn't make what I say any less true." Akeno said. "You know that, Rias."
"I can't believe we're even having this discussion." Rias said. "This is getting dangerously close to the sermons I had from the elders and my family, and I'll have none of it for a third time."
"Rias, I—"
"Enough, Akeno." Rias said, a hint of steel in her voice. "I understand your concerns, but Koneko's situation is what we should focusing on."
"Very well."
As Rias and Akeno began discussing once again, in the adjacent classroom, Takeshi was leaning on the wall, a troubled expression on his face.
[Fear and scorn.] Nidhogg's voice echoed once again. [The Oni's words are starting to come true, aren't they? You've given your all for their sake so far, and yet they can't help but doubt you. Do you still believe there's a place for you by their side?]
Takeshi remained silent, prompting Nidhogg to continue talking.
[It's about time we ended this…charade, don't you think?] Nidhogg said. [Your futile efforts should have made the truth clear to you now. The world will never accept you. No, it never did in the first place. Or have you forgotten about this?]
A memory surfaced in Takeshi's mind. In it, he was in his first year of middle school, watching several kids close to his age playing soccer in the park. One of the kids kicked the ball too hard, with it rolling near his feet. Picking it up, Takeshi brought it to one of the kids, who had come running after it.
"This is yours, right?" Takeshi had said with a smile as he offered the ball. "Here you go. Also, can I play too?"
"S-Sorry, but we're going back right now! Bye!"
The boy ran away as if his life depended on it, a terrified expression on his face. Once he went back to his friends and they got a good look at Takeshi, they scurried away with matching expressions of fear, leaving behind the dejected Takeshi.
[Or maybe this?]
Following Nidhogg's words, another memory from the past surfaced in Takeshi's mind. In it, he was at school, listening to some of his classmates chatting about a new videogame they had been engrossed in recently.
"I'm telling you, it's impossible!" One of the boys cried out. "No matter what, I can't beat the hidden boss under ten minutes to get the legendary drop!"
"I don't even know how many times I changed my equipment, and it still doesn't work!" Another complied. "Stupid game is busted!"
"Yeah, the developers screwed up big time here!"
"…There is a way. It's difficult, but it can be done."
"Really!?" One of the boys said in an excited tone. "What's the—"
The boy' smile froze upon realizing that the one that had spoken was Takeshi. Next to him, the other boys were slowly edging away from his desk.
"The trick is simple." Takeshi continued. "You just have to—"
"No, no, no, I couldn't possibly trouble you, Ryuugamine!" The boy waved his hands in a frantic manner. "I'll figure it out myself! Bye!"
The boy rushed out of the classroom as well, leaving Takeshi behind.
[Oh, this is one of my favorites!]
Another memory surfaced, this time of a fourteen-year old Takeshi being confronted by two policemen.
"What do you mean I have to come with you!?" Takeshi had complained. "I've done nothing wrong, officer!"
"There's been reports of vandalism occurring by a youngster in the area." One of the policemen had said, eyeing Takeshi with a suspicious look. "That's why we want to ask you a few questions."
"Whatever happened here, it wasn't my fault!" Takeshi had insisted. "I was just passing through here on my way home! And there at least three other kids here! Why are you singling me out!?"
"We'll be the judge of that, though it's obvious." The other policeman had said with a wary gaze, his body tensed and his hand resting next to his baton. "Please, don't make too much of a fuss, kid. You'll only make things harder for you."
"But I—"
At that moment, angry shouting had been heard coming from nearby.
"Got you, you blasted brat!" A middle-aged man had appeared, dragging a struggling kid close to Takeshi's age with him. "Ah, there you are, officers! This is the kid that wrecked my shop's windows!"
The policemen had left Takeshi behind and had rushed to the restrained kid, uttering mumbled apologies. Takeshi could have sworn that he had seen a relieved expression at the policemen's faces, as if they had evaded some great danger.
Why that expression? He had thought at that time. Why always me? What have I done to everyone!?
I hate this… Those eyes that always see me as something to be feared… If only they all disappeared!
[What other wonderful memories should we share?] Nidhogg chuckled. [You have repressed a lot of things over these past few years. It wasn't easy searching through your mind to find them, but it was worth it. Perhaps we should next visit the one where—]
"Enough!" Takeshi hissed. "You've made your point…"
[I should hope so.] Nidhogg said. [You cannot count on anybody and nobody really believes in you. Even your own parents, accustomed as they are to the small amounts of malicious aura trickling out of this prison, would turn on you the moment they fully understood what you are.]
"Maybe…"
[You do understand then?] Nidhogg said. [Your envy is justified. Everything in this accursed world deserves only your contempt, your hatred, your spite. For demanding everything from you and giving nothing, they should all burn. So, what will you do, whelp? Keep being servile and weak…or strike back? With our full power, you can definitely do it.]
Takeshi stood up, dusting himself before speaking with a dark expression on his face.
"First…I must prepare myself. Then, I must think on how to approach the Oni…"
As he exited the classroom, Takeshi could swear that Nidhogg's malicious laugh was echoing on the building's walls.
"Ugh…"
Koneko groaned, slowly opening her eyes. For a few moments, she was confused, wondering what had happened. The last thing she remembered was talking with Takeshi in his room, and then nothing. Only darkness.
Growing panic settled in and her eyes shot wide open once she realized she was no longer in her Senpai's room. Instead, she was hovering in the middle of a dimly lit area filled with broken pipes and machinery. Beneath her was a makeshift altar surrounded by skulls and bones. She tried to move, but found herself unable to for some reason.
"…This is…"
"Ah, I see our guest of honor is finally awake."
Hisaya said as he entered the room, accompanied by Rengokuki and several Oni. Koneko's gaze zeroed in at the red-haired Oni as she spoke.
"…You…are the Oni's leader?"
"That's right." Hisaya responded to Koneko as he made a small bow. "My name is Hisaya. My apologies for the rough treatment, but I can't have you running away from us. You're an important part of this plan after all."
"…I will never help you."
"It's a good thing that your consent isn't needed then, little Nekomata." Hisaya said. "The only thing we require from you is your power. With it, we can finally lift this blasted seal."
One of the Oni accompanying Hisaya placed a cloth containing a crimson magatama on the altar underneath Koneko. Even with her dulled Youkai senses, she could feel the power radiating from it, and it made her nauseous.
"Are you perhaps feeling unwell?" Hisaya asked with fake concern in his voice. "You had best brace yourself then. It's only going to get a lot worse from here on out. Rengokuki?"
"We're ready to begin the ritual at any time." The three-horned Oni said. "Just say the word."
"Good. And our little surprise for the Devil and Youkai forces?"
"It's good to go as well." Rengokuki grinned. "We had a good harvest from the battle in the forest five days ago."
"Then let us begin." Hisaya said. "The time of Izanami-sama's advent is nigh."
Four Oni clad in ceremonial outfits approached the altar and raised their hands high. A magic circle appeared above Koneko, with several energy tendrils emerging from it and making their way towards her. Before she could react in any way, the tendrils pierced her body in various areas. Much to her surprise, she felt nothing.
"…It…doesn't hurt…?"
"No." Hisaya said. "The pain comes later."
Koneko didn't have a chance to respond to that as she felt a ripple going through her, followed by a sensation of something being pulled out of her body. Next thing she knew, white cat ears had sprouted from her head, followed by a white-furred tail growing out of her backside. For the first time in years, her Nekomata features were visible for all to see, much to her growing terror.
"Perfect." Hisaya smirked. "Let's move to the next step. Bring it up!"
Following Hisaya's shout, the whole room began shaking, debris and chunks of rock falling all around it. In the midst of all this, Koneko could swear that there was a sense of elevation, as if something was pulling everything around her upwards.
Just as she thought so, the rock ceiling above them collapsed, revealing the starry night sky. At the same time, a large amount of rusted machinery and scattered bones rose into the sky, hovering there briefly before falling on the ground around the altar. The placement was far from random though as the debris formed a makeshift fortress complete with three rows of walls and towers.
"Ugh, do we really need all this?" Rengokuki gestured at the haphazard construction. "A waste of effort if you ask me."
"It's not the sturdiest of constructs, but it'll help us keep the Devils and Youkai out until we're done thanks to the embedded defensive spells." Hisaya said before turning to one of the Oni near the altar. "Time to put our guest to work. Activate the ritual magic circle!"
"At once, sir!"
The four Oni around the altar started chanting as a large magic circle with various symbols and kanji engraved on it appeared around the altar. In response to it, the crimson magatama rose in the air, coming to hover before Koneko. The small magic circle above her glowed, with the threads connected to it forcing her hands to move towards the magatama while also stimulating the power buried deep inside her against her will.
"…No… Stop…it!"
Koneko tried to fight against the intrusion, but was unable to resist in any way. Much to her horror, a pale glow surrounded her hands, a sign that she was using Senjutsu. The mere sight of it triggered memories of her sister's rampage…followed by memories of the time spent in the Underworld's prisons, alone in the dark and awaiting execution for crimes she wasn't responsible for.
However, that was far from the worst of it. Fear, anger, anguish, malice, all sort of negative emotions started flowing into her uncontrollably. Koneko felt as if she was stranded in the middle of a stormy sea, desperately struggling to keep afloat.
"…Stop it…" Koneko begged as tears flowed from her eyes. "Stop it! I don't want this!"
"Shhhh." Hisaya placed his finger on his lips, a cruel smile on his face. "Don't struggle, little Nekomata. It'll all be over soon."
Several magic circles appeared around Koneko's hands, funneling her ki towards the magatama. In response, the jewel started glowing, with several embers falling out of it on the ground and creating a ring of fire around the altar.
"It's begun at last." Hisaya said with a satisfied expression before turning to his comrade. "Rengokuki, you know what to do. Let no-one approach this site.
"You got it, Hisaya."
Rengokuki and the majority of the Oni present left the area, taking positions around and into the fortress alongside the rest of their brethren. As for Koneko, she could only dangle there, a prisoner in her own body, incapable of doing anything but watch and struggle to retain her sanity against the waves of malice that were assaulting her.
"…President, everyone…" Koneko croaked, her voice barely higher than a whisper. "Please…help me…"
In the Occult Research Club…
"This energy pulse… Did you feel that, Akeno!?"
"Yes, there's no mistake. The ritual has begun."
Matching alarmed expressions appeared on Rias and Akeno's faces after sensing the ritual's activation. Wasting no time, Rias conjured a communication magic circle, addressing all Devils in Kuoh and all allied Youkai.
"Everyone, this is it. We'll meet at the outskirts of Kuoh at once."
Several affirmative responses came at once from the magic circle. Dismissing it, Rias entered the teleportation magic circle drawn by Akeno, with the two girls transporting themselves to the appointed location.
After several seconds had passed, Sona and the rest of her Peerage materialized in the area, followed by Yuuto and Takeshi shortly afterwards. Kumowatari and Yasuhiro were the last ones to arrive, followed by their Youkai subordinates.
"Thank you for your prompt response, everyone." Rias said before turning to Kumowatari. "Can you pinpoint the exact location of the ritual?"
"Already on it." Kumowatari said, his gaze turning to Yasuhiro, who was holding several talismans in his hands and muttering something. "Just give him a couple of minutes."
While Yasuhiro worked, Rias turned to Takeshi, taking note of his dusty clothes and dark circles underneath his eyes.
"What happened to you, Takeshi?" Rias asked. "You look like you were out late hiking or something."
"Nothing much." Takeshi made a dismissive gesture. "I was just doing some extra training and research these past few days and didn't have the time to change. Sorry about my appearance."
"Don't be. Men look their best when they're all muddy and sweaty."
The one who had spoken was a tall girl with blue, shoulder-length hair and matching eyes that wore Kuoh Academy's female student uniform.
"And you are?"
"Yura Tsubasa, the Sitri Peerage's Rook." The girl introduced herself. "You must be the infamous Ryuugamine-kun."
"In the flesh."
"Oh, we're introducing ourselves to the new guy?" A girl with shoulder-length, reddish-brown hair and brown eyes said in an energetic tone with a smile. "In that case, I'm Meguri Tomoe, first-year student and President's Knight. Nice to meet you, Ryuugamine-kun!"
"My name is Kusaka Reya, also a first-year student and the Sitri Peerage's first Bishop." A slim, but well-endowed girl with long brown hair that ended in two short braids and matching eyes said. "A pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Hanakai Momo, first-year student and the Sitri Peerage's second Bishop." A beautiful girl with white hair and blue-green eyes said while making a small bow. "Your reputation precedes you, Ryuugamine-kun. I hope you will live up to it."
"Which part exactly?"
Takeshi raised an eyebrow, prompting Momo to smile.
"The one where you helped save Gremory-senpai and the others."
"Got them!" Yasuhiro's eyes shot open, an intense expression on his face. "Their location is about fifty kilometers northeast of Kuoh. They seem to have erected some sort of makeshift fortress there."
"The ruins of an old refinery used to be in that area if memory serves well." Sona frowned. "But I'm sure our patrols scouted that area before. How come they missed them?"
"Powerful illusion techniques…or perhaps they were burrowed deep underground." Kumowatari said. "If that's the case, they probably deployed a sophisticated enough barrier that would prevent us from discovering them, at least not until a significant amount of time had passed."
"How they did it doesn't matter now." Rias said. "What matters is that the target is in our sights now. We'll take down those Oni, stop the ritual and rescue Koneko. My beloved Japan will not turn into a hellscape on my watch!"
[Right!]
"The aura leaking out of the fortress will prevent the use of teleportation spells." Yasuhiro said. "We'll have to fly and run there."
"Understood. I'm designating that area as enemy territory so that Promotion can be used. Everyone, let's move out!"
Following Rias's call, all Devils present spread their bat-like wings and took off, with the Karasu-Tengu following suit and Kumowatari riding what appeared to be a storm cloud. Below them, Yasuhiro and his Youkai assumed their fox forms and started running.
"Here we go…"
Takeshi muttered under his breath as he followed after the group. After a couple of minutes, they arrived at the fortress, which was enveloped by dense fog along with its surroundings.
"A little too quiet for my tastes." Kumowatari remarked. "I wonder if—"
The Youkai's words were interrupted by a massive aura blast that came from the fortress' direction. All members scurried away barely in time, with the blast obliterating a section of the nearby forest.
Following that, four towering figures surrounded by dark aura emerged from the mist. Each of them was at least around five meters tall with a bulky physique, skin the color of burned flesh with curse-like marks engraved on it, elongated necks, eye sockets filled with crimson flames and a skull-like face with a single large horn growing from their forehead. Upon catching sight of the Devil and Youkai group, they howled in rage and began attacking.
"Reiki!? In this place!?" Yasuhiro cried out in shock. "Damn that bastard Hisaya! To think he had something like that up his sleeve!"
"What in the nine circles of Hell are these creatures!?" Rias shouted as everyone rushed to avoid the aura blasts and chunks of rocks hurled by the Reiki. "I've never heard about them before!"
"The souls of deceased Oni with lingering grudges who have transcended their previous existence to evolve in an even stronger form." Kumowatari said with a scowl as he shattered a boulder coming at him with a thunder-enveloped punch. "Their emergence is supposed to be a rare event, but Hisaya must have forced the process by fusing together the souls of Oni killed in the previous battles."
"The silver lining is that they don't seem to be as strong as they should be." Yasuhiro said as he evaded an aura blast. "Their power should be equal to that of an Ultimate-class being normally. They must have been made in a hasty manner."
"Small comfort seeing as they're still at the level of High-class Devils from what I can see." Sona said while blocking a Reiki's punch with several layers of defensive magic circles, only for most of them to break. "But we can't waste time dealing with them."
"Right." Rias nodded as she shot an orb of Destruction at one of the Reiki. "In that case, me, Sona, Kumowatari and Yasuhiro should remain here and engage them. The rest of you should go ahead and rescue Koneko."
"Agreed." Kumowatari said. "We'll be right behind you once we dispose of these monstrosities."
"Tsubaki, I'm leaving you in charge the others!"
"Same thing, Akeno! Go!"
" "Understood!" "
Both Queens shouted together. Rias and Sona joined hands, creating a large magic circle which shot out several energy chains that bound the Reiki. Although the restrains started falling apart almost as soon as they were applied, the spell gave enough time for the rest of the Devils and Youkai to get around the Reiki and head for the fortress.
"President…" Yuuto muttered with an anxious expression as the sounds of battle echoed across the area. "Was this really alright?"
"Have faith in them, Yuuto-kun." Akeno said. "Neither Rias nor Sona will fall to opponents of such caliber. Plus, with the Youkai backing them up, they should have no problem with them."
"I'd be more worried about us if I were you." Tsubaki added from the side. "The enemies in that fort are no pushovers."
"We'll manage one way or another!" Tomoe spoke in an energetic manner. "Otherwise, this whole country will go up in flames!"
"Was that supposed to encourage us…?"
Reya said with a sigh, prompting Momo and Tsubasa to snicker. Upon arriving at the fortress' outer wall, Takeshi tried to jump over it, only to be stopped by Akeno.
"Don't be hasty, Takeshi-kun." Akeno said. "There seems to be a barrier surrounding both the top and underground area of this fortress, using the walls as the focal point. Try to jump inside, and you're only going to end up hurting yourself."
"If we can't jump over it or go under it, then we'll just break through the walls." Takeshi said with a smirk as he lifted Mayhem Striker. "Right?"
"That's correct." Tsubaki said. "Everyone, concentrate your attacks in a single spot!"
Tsubaki pulled out a naginata, enveloping it in demonic power and thrusting it forward. Akeno shot a large number of thunderbolts, Yuuto brought out a massive broadsword and swung it with all his strength, and Takeshi formed a large ash spear and launched it at the wall. As for the Sitri girls, Reya and Momo unleashed numerous demonic power blasts from magic circles they conjured, while Tsubasa and Tomoe struck at the wall with demonic power-infused fists and katana respectively. The Youkai also added their own attacks to the mix, comprised mainly of fox fire and wind blasts.
Their combined attacks bore fruit as, with a resounding sound, a part of the wall collapsed. The group rushed into the breach—only to be met by a charging horde of Oni and a volley of aura-covered arrows flying from the towers on the second wall ahead of them. Four Karasu-Tengu and two Kitsune weren't fast enough to react and had their bodies skewered by the arrows. The rest of the Youkai moved to engage the Oni while evading the incoming projectiles.
"Here comes the hard part!"
Tsubasa shouted as she avoided an arrow and struck an Oni's leg with her fist, breaking it and sending it tumbling to the ground. Next to her, Tomoe severed an Oni's hand with an almost imperceptible strike before piercing through its chest with her blade.
Behind them, Reya and Momo had formed defensive magic circles to block the arrow volley and shield their comrades. When a trio of Oni rushed at them, Reya smirked as she tapped her leg, forming a thin sheet of ice on the ground around the two Bishops. The charging Oni slipped and fell on the ice, leaving them wide open for Momo to finish them off with a barrage of fireballs.
"Your Peerage members fight well, Tsubaki!" Akeno smiled at her fellow Queen as she fired several thunderbolts from her fingers, bringing down two Oni. "You'll make for challenging opponents when we fight in an official game!"
"Sona will be glad to hear that the extra training sessions are paying off!" Tsubaki said, splitting an Oni's head in half with her naginata. Another Oni tried to smash her with his club, but Tsubaki dodged the attack with a burst of speed and appeared behind it, slashing its back. "We don't intend to fall behind you guys after all!"
"Ara, ara, how scary. But the feeling is mutual. Before that though, we have to punish these bad boys first!"
Akeno created a small twister, blowing several Oni away. Before they could regain their bearings, several icicles surrounded them, burying themselves in their bodies. The Oni screamed in pain before falling on the ground motionless.
At the same time, Yuuto thrust his earth-attribute Demonic Sword in the ground, forming several rock spires around him that impaled four Oni. Evading several arrows that were shot at his position and blocking some by raising an earth wall, Yuuto glared at the Oni archers above them.
"Let's start silencing those towers!"
Dismissing his Demonic Sword, Yuuto conjured four new ones around him. All of them were blackened, with cracks running throughout their blades and unstable aura crackling around them.
"Hanakai-san, Kusaka-san!" Yuuto called out to the Sitri Peerage's Bishops. "Send these at the enemy fortifications!"
Yuuto tossed the swords in rapid succession at the two girls. Both Momo and Reya nodded at each other, conjuring two magic circles. The swords froze in mid-air and spun around, flying towards two of the towers almost at the speed of sound. Once they made contact, a resounding explosion occurred, toppling the towers and burying the screaming Oni archers on it beneath its ruins.
"Nice one, Yuuto-kun!" Akeno praised the Knight. "Haven't seen this one in a while."
"Blast Ogre is an unrefined child, but it does have its uses." Yuuto remarked with a smile as he turned to the side. "Let's try this one more time. Takeshi-kun, I need you to—wait, where is he?"
Yuuto was certain that Takeshi had been fighting next to him just moments ago. However, he was nowhere to be found now. Yuuto scanned the battlefield in a frantic manner, fearful that something had happened to his fellow Devil.
"Eh…?"
Much to his shock, Yuuto spotted Takeshi being escorted away by a pair of Oni. From what he could tell, he wasn't restrained in any manner and didn't seem to be controlled either if his relaxed manner was any indication. Although Yuuto didn't want to admit it, that could only mean one thing.
"Takeshi-kun!"
Yuuto called out to him. Takeshi turned around with a neutral expression, but then a sarcastic smirk appeared on his face. He waved at Yuuto once before turning away and following after the Oni.
"It can't be…"
"That bastard's betraying us!" One of the Karasu-Tengu, who had also spotted Takeshi, shouted. "It's happening just as Kumowatari had said!"
"Betraying you? No, kid's just doing the smart thing!"
A voice boomed from above. Before the Karasu-Tengu could react, his head was smashed by a spiked club, sending his corpse crashing on the ground. His killer, Rengokuki the three-horned Oni, landed on his body with a savage smirk on his face.
"You!"
Several Kitsune rushed at Rengokuki upon taking notice of him, shooting foxfire from their mouths at him. A squad of Karasu-Tengu added their wind blasts to the mix, magnifying the strength of the flames. However, Rengokuki merely laughed, batting the flames aside with ease using his club.
"How dull!"
Rengokuki shouted. With a burst of speed, the Oni was in the midst of the Kitsune, ripping them apart with his claws or smashing them with his club. The Karasu-Tengu rushed to their comrades' aid, but Rengokuki was faster. Corrupted ki surrounded his arm as he bit it, launching droplets of his blood as bullets. The ki-clad blood projectiles ripped through the Karasu-Tengu's bodies, shredding them with ease.
As Rengokuki surveyed the scene of the carnage with a satisfied smirk on his face, several thunderbolts struck his back. The Oni seemed unaffected by the attack as he turned to glare at Akeno with an annoyed look.
"Was that supposed to hurt me? For your information, I'm much stronger compared to the last time we met since I don't have to expend power to maintain the barrier concealing us. I suggest you take a page out of your former comrade's book, do the smart thing and run. I alone am enough to slaughter you rotten Devils after all."
Rengokuki gestured at the rest of the Oni to back off and focus on the rest of the Youkai around them before turning his sights back at the Kuoh Devils.
"I suspected something was off about him back then." Akeno muttered. "There's no way a three-horned Oni would be pushed back so easily. Their strength is supposed to be close to High-class after all…"
"More importantly, what about Ryuugamine-kun?" Tsubaki said, tightening her grip on her weapon. "Has he really…?"
"It seems so…" Akeno sighed, a downcast expression on her face. "I wanted to believe in him, but it looks like the worst has come to pass. If only Rias had listened to me…though I don't know if it would have made a difference…"
"Even so, this doesn't change what we have to do." Yuuto said with a determined expression on his face. "We'll get past him and save Koneko-chan. If Takeshi-kun stands in our way as an enemy…I'll cut him down as well. I promised as much."
Seeing that the Devils were getting ready to fight, Rengokuki sighed.
"Utter idiots, the lot of you… Fine then, a bloodbath it is!"
Rengokuki threw his club at Momo. His movements were so fast that the young Bishop barely managed to form a defensive magic circle. However, it was in vain as the club tore through it and struck her directly. The white-haired girl was sent flying backwards, letting out a cry of pain and spitting out blood. She crashed on the wrecked wall, slumping on the ground unconscious.
"Momo!" Tomoe cried out in fury. "You'll pay for this, beast!"
"Right behind you!"
"He's going down!"
Tomoe rushed forward, flanked by Tsubasa and Yuuto. The two Knights swung their swords at Rengokuki's sides, trying to catch him in a pincer attack. Tsubasa attacked from the front, demonic power coating her fist. Akeno, Reya and Tsubaki added their own elemental attacks from the back.
"Ha!"
Rengokuki batted away the elemental attacks with ease and slipped past Yuuto and Tomoe's blades. Tsubasa tried to punch the Oni, but Rengokuki caught her fist. Letting out a cruel smile, he enveloped his hand in corrupted ki and broke Tsubasa's arm. Before she could even cry out in pain, he lifted her up and slammed her on the ground. The shockwave from the impact raised a cloud of dust that momentarily obscured Rengokuki's figure.
Then, a small dark shape flew out of the dust cloud, with Tsubaki flying after it upon realizing it was Tsubasa's battered body. The Sitri Queen caught her just before she hit the ground, with the rest of the Devils gathering around the two of them.
"How is she?"
"Still alive, but in a bad condition." Tsubaki responded to Akeno after taking a closer look at Tsubasa's injuries. "I'm no doctor, but I don't think limbs are supposed to bend that way."
"Momo-chan here also has several broken ribs from what I can tell." Reya said, the unconscious body of the Sitri Peerage's other Bishop in her hands. "She's definitely not waking up any time soon, and even if she did, she's in no condition to fight."
Akeno and Tsubaki looked at each other. Both girls could tell that the other was thinking the same thing; the situation was going from bad to worse. With their strongest fighters and the Youkai forces occupied, they currently had no means to stand against the empowered Rengokuki. Said three-horned Oni had retrieved his club and was observing them with an amused expression, seemingly waiting for their next move.
"Pretty confident, isn't he?" Akeno remarked with a cramped smile. "Then again, he has good reason to be."
"At this rate, we'll all be killed before Sona and the others get here." Tsubaki said, a grim expression on her face. "If anyone has a good idea, now would be a good time to share it."
"It's not much of a plan, but how about this?" Yuuto said. "I'll spread as many gravity-controlling Demonic Swords as I can around him to increase gravity and slow him down. Then, vice president Shinra and Akeno-san can strike at him with all their strength, and hopefully take him down."
"All or nothing, eh?" Akeno said. "I'm not much into gambling, but there's no choice. Tomoe-san, could you give me your sword? It's not my forte, but I don't think magic attacks will cut it here. But if I coat your blade with my thunder and pierce his body with it…"
"Here you go." Tomoe said as she passed her katana to Akeno. "However, how will you two be able to move in the increased gravity area?"
"I'll adjust the area of effect so that Akeno-san and Shinra-senpai can have a clear path to that Oni." Yuuto said. "But I'll need help spreading my Demonic Swords around him since I can only create them close to my position. Can I leave that to you, Kusaka-san?"
"Sure thing." Reya nodded. "A few short-range teleportation magic circles should do the trick."
"Alright then." Tsubaki said. "Tomoe, you can use some basic demonic power skills, right? On my signal, I want you to create a smokescreen to cover us."
"Got it!"
"Hoh, looks like they're getting ready to move again." Rengokuki remarked. "I wonder if they've come up with something fun."
"Do it now, Tomoe!"
Following Tsubaki's command, Tomoe created a magic circle, with a large amount of smoke pouring out of it.
"Sword Birth, full release! Come forth, Gravity Nail!"
Yuuto yelled as he plunged his sword on the ground, with a large number of black broadswords with chains wrapped around them materializing all around him. Next to him, Reya clasped her hands, creating numerous small magic circles in which the swords sank. The magic circles then appeared around Rengokuki, with the swords emerging from them.
"What's this?"
"Your end!"
Yuuto smirked as he activated his Demonic Swords' ability. Rengokuki was assaulted by a sensation of great pressure and weight, falling on one knee.
"This is…" Rengokuki scowled, struggling to move. "You sneaky rats!"
"I can't…hold him…for long…" Yuuto said through gritted teeth, his expression haggard and his whole body shaking from the exertion. "Do it…Akeno-san, Shinra-senpai!"
"Right!"
"Leave it to us!"
Calling upon the Knight trait of their Queen pieces, both Akeno and Tsubaki rushed at Rengokuki, their weapons clad in thunder and flames respectively and aimed at the Oni's chest. However, just as their weapons were about to reach him—
"Good effort, but not good enough!"
The aura surrounding Rengokuki flared up briefly before condensing into two small rectangles in the areas of his body where the Queens' weapons were aimed at. Akeno and Tsubaki were unable to change the trajectory of their attacks in time, their weapons striking Rengokuki's makeshift shields. Unable to pierce through them, the weapons started melting shortly afterwards due to the Oni's corrupted ki.
"Ha!"
Rengokuki shouted, sending all copies of Gravity Nail around him flying away. He swung his club, aiming to crush Akeno.
"Akeno!"
Tsubaki shouted, pushing her fellow Queen out of the way. The Oni's blow struck her body directly, sending her flying with a sickening crunch. She fell on the ruins of a collapsed tower, blood trickling from her mouth and head.
"Tsubaki!" Akeno shouted before turning at Rengokuki with a furious expression on her face. "Damn you!"
Akeno unleashed several thunderbolts in succession, only for Rengokuki to bat them all away with his club and fist. He moved on to strike Akeno, but she moved backwards with a burst of speed, landing next to Yuuto, Reya and Tomoe.
"And then there were four." Rengokuki said. "This was interesting at first, but I'm starting to get bored now. I think I'll put you out of your misery now. Then, I'm going to sit back and enjoy watching Izanami-sama's glorious descent to this wretched world."
Akeno grimaced. As much as she hated to admit it, they were out of options now that their last desperate gamble had failed. The Youkai around them were still fighting against the Oni, and as far as she could tell, the battle could go either way. Rias and the others were nowhere to be seen either. She could only hope that they were still alive, but there was no guarantee they would get back in time to assist them.
"Akeno-senpai…what now…?"
Reya asked with a trembling voice. It was obvious that the first-year girl was scared. Tomoe and Yuuto were putting on a brave expression, but Akeno could tell that they had lost hope as well. She was also on the same boat, but she couldn't afford to show weakness here. She had to be strong, or at least act strong, for them to have a chance of grasping the small possibility of victory.
"We keep on fighting." Akeno said, projecting as much confidence as she could. "Rias, Sona and the Youkai leaders will definitely come. Until then, none of you are allowed to die. We'll all get through this together."
Reya and Tomoe looked at each other, nodding as they got into their fighting stances. Next to Akeno, Yuuto created another sword, its blade aimed at the Oni.
"What a waste of time…" Rengokuki snorted. "Do you enjoy pain and suffering that much?"
"I am rather partial to pain." Akeno let out a sly smile. "But you're the one who's going to be feeling all the pain today."
"Spare me the false bravado." Rengokuki snorted. "If you want to die so much, I'll indulge you!"
Rengokuki howled as he rushed towards the Kuoh Academy Devils.
A few minutes back…
"So, this is where the magic happens…"
Takeshi remarked as he was led to the inner area of the fortress by the two Oni flanking him. Having found the chance to slip away from the group during their breakthrough, he had approached one of the Oni and relayed to him his acceptance of Hisaya's offer before it could attack him.
Apparently, all of Hisaya's subordinates had been notified about that matter because the Oni had relaxed at once and had signaled one of his companions, with the two of them escorting Takeshi into the depths of their makeshift fort.
[What are you thinking about, whelp?] Nidhogg's voice echoed his head. [Your thoughts are even more difficult to discern than usual. Don't tell me you're actually getting cold feet at this point? Some pesky sentimentality holding you back again?]
No. Takeshi said. I have no doubts. When I decide on something, I go through with it until the end.
[You—]
Shut up. Your chatter is the last thing I need now.
Tuning out Nidhogg, Takeshi returned his attention to his surroundings. The Oni had led him to the center of the fortress, an otherwise empty area apart from the thirty or so Oni situated there and an altar surrounded by a ring of crimson flames, with four Oni around it chanting something in a low tone. He also noticed that copious amounts of mist were covering the ground, reaching up to his knees. However, a pained groan from above turned his attention there.
"Koneko-chan…"
Takeshi muttered upon noticing the white-haired girl floating above the altar, her body surrounded by a white aura with dark undertones, a magic circle above her and a crimson magatama in front of her outstretched arms. Her expression was hollow, her eyes were bloodshot with dark circles underneath them and her whole body was trembling. It was obvious to everyone watching that she was in a bad condition. Still, a flicker of recognition flashed through her eyes once she saw Takeshi, but nothing beyond that.
Her mind is still intact?
[Not for long I'd guess.] Nidhogg said. [You should take a good look at her. That's the fate of weaklings who shy away from power. Best not to end up like her.]
Takeshi didn't respond. The two Oni at his side went to join their comrades, leaving him alone.
"Welcome, Evil Dragon User. I'm so glad you accepted my invitation."
Hisaya said as he jumped off a tower and landed a few steps away from Takeshi.
"Nice place you've got here." Takeshi gestured at the fortress surrounding them. "It's a little too brittle for my tastes though."
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that if I were you." Hisaya said. "Your friends, sorry, your former friends might have destroyed the first wall, but they'll never get past the second. And even if they did, the third wall has spells embedded into it that make it even sturdier. By the time they breach it and reach us, it'll all be over."
"Good to know." Takeshi said. "I'd hate to think I changed sides only to land on the losing one."
"Believe me, there's no way our enemies will get here in time." Hisaya said. "This land is done for, and from its ashes, a new power will rise."
"You think the Shinto Pantheon will stand for that?" Takeshi asked. "Izanami may be strong, but if she has to fight all the others Gods at once, even she'll be brought down."
"True, but that's only under normal circumstances." Hisaya smirked. "What the Gods and Youkai haven't figured out is that once the ritual is complete, it won't end with just a gateway being opened between the two worlds. No, the true purpose is to have this country fuse with Yomi."
"Fuse…with Yomi?"
"When that happens, every single living thing on Japan apart from us and those you wish to spare will perish." Hisaya continued. "Izanami-sama will feed on all these deaths, gaining tremendous power for a period of time that will be enough to snuff out her fellow Gods with ease."
"That's…"
Takeshi was at a loss for words. The scope of death and destruction that would occur at once if the Oni succeeded was something hard to comprehend.
"You should be thankful for the opportunity to be part of the glorious new world that's about to be born." Hisaya said. "That's why we'd like you to put some effort into it as well."
"Oh?" Takeshi raised an eyebrow. "What sort of effort?"
"Nothing too complicated." Hisaya said. "Simply help out on the battlefield by taking out our enemies. I'm sure they won't be able to reach us here, but better safe than sorry."
Takeshi remained silent, prompting Hisaya to frown.
"What's wrong?" Hisaya said. "It's a simple request. You've already betrayed your friends, haven't you? Or did you think you could come this far and walk away with your hands clean? I'm afraid it doesn't work like that."
"You need proof of loyalty, eh?"
"Yes." Hisaya said. "It shouldn't be too hard. After all, you came here because you're the same as me, no? Sick and tired of being seeing as nothing more than a monster despite all your efforts. Don't you want to make your 'friends' despair and realize the folly of their actions?"
"…It's true that being seen as an object of terror all the time for these past few years has been exhausting." Takeshi said as dark aura started leaking out of Mayhem Striker. "So many times, I was hurt by the rejection. So many times, I wished all of them would just…vanish."
"Sen…pai…"
Takeshi looked up at Koneko, whose pained voice was barely louder than a whisper, before continuing.
"Plus, you guys are close to winning from what you just told me. If I join you, I join the winning side, I can get some protection, save some loved ones, and maybe even find a way to control my power down the line."
"That's true." Hisaya said. "The path ahead should be obvious. You should join us."
Takeshi closed his eyes, wrestling with the last dregs of doubt within his mind. There was no turning back, not now, not ever.
"I refuse."
Takeshi said with a resolute expression, with the dark aura surrounding Mayhem Striker being reduced.
"You…refuse?" Hisaya's expression hardened as the Oni around him got into their battle stances. "Do you realize what you're saying? In the unlikely possibility you all make it through this, you're still resigning yourself to a wretched life. Not to mention, one that will probably end abruptly sooner rather than later."
[I should have known it would come to this.] Nidhogg growled, making his voice audible to all. [You miserable weakling. In the end, you're a just slave bound to—]
"That's enough out of you, Nidhogg." Takeshi said. "Your opinions, your hatred, you envy, I need none of that. You're just a tool that exists to give me strength, nothing more. Either do that, or go burrow back to whatever hole you crawled out of!"
Nidhogg fell silent as the dark aura surrounding the axe vanished completely. Takeshi then turned back to Hisaya.
"Hisaya, you said we're alike, but that couldn't be further from the truth." Takeshi said. "Whether someone believes in me or not, whether the whole world shuns me because of who I am, I don't care about that at all. I will move forward while believing in myself and upholding my ideals. That's my conviction, my rule!"
"Your rule…you say?" Hisaya snorted. "Such a childish view."
"I'm fine with being childish." Takeshi smirked. "At least I'm not a pathetic loser like you. You say people despised you and look down on you, yet Chiharu and her sister Azusa respected and loved you from what I heard. Instead of cherishing them, you trampled on their feelings and became a monster. That makes you lower than trash in my book."
Takeshi briefly glanced at Koneko before continuing.
"Also, I have an arrangement with Koneko." Takeshi said. "There's a gaming tournament coming up and we issued a challenge to each other. I'm actually quite looking forward to that, but you people are trying to mess this up. Anybody who gets in the way of my fun…will be crushed without exception!"
"Is that all you had to say?" Hisaya said with an irritated expression. "If so, it's time to put the miserable Evil Dragon User to sleep forever."
"Oops, wait a minute!" Takeshi made a 'hold-up' gesture. "There's one last thing. Did you know that my Sacred Gear can only generate a set amount of ashes at any time?"
Takeshi pointed at Mayhem Striker, with confused expressions appearing on the Oni's faces.
"Huh?" Hisaya seemed perplexed. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Yeah, I thought it could generate an unlimited amount, but when it reached the volume of about half a classroom, it wouldn't produce any more." Takeshi continued speaking, seemingly paying no attention to Hisaya. "I had to dismiss it and wait for almost a day or so before it could produce ashes again. I wonder if the limit is due to me or something inherent to the Sacred Gear."
"Enough nonsense!" Hisaya roared. "Kill him!"
The Oni rushed at Takeshi while howling. However, he was unperturbed as he kept talking.
"However, regardless of the amount of ashes present, I can control them all with no issues." Takeshi smirked. "Like so!"
The mist on the ground suddenly dispersed as numerous ash bullets flew out of it towards the Oni, pelting their bodies. While they proved to be little more than an annoyance, they were a sufficient distraction for the claw-shaped ashes that followed next. Almost half the Oni were unable to avoid them as they tore through their legs and arms. They fell on the ground screaming as ashes started digging deeper into their bodies. The rest of the Oni alongside Hisaya were doing their best to evade or scatter the ashes, leaving Takeshi unattended.
"Promotion, Knight!"
Wasting no time, Takeshi hurled his axe at the magic circle above Koneko, channeling as much demonic power as he could into it. Mayhem Striker easily tore through the barrier and shattered the magic circle, freeing Koneko's body, which started falling towards the ground. Extending his wings, Takeshi flew as fast as a bullet and caught Koneko in his outstretched arms, landing close to the wall surrounding them.
"Koneko-chan, can you hear me?" Takeshi asked with evident concern. "Are you alright?"
Koneko was unresponsive at first, but then her body stirred and her eyes opened.
"Tak…eshi…senpai…?"
"Easy there." Takeshi said, putting Koneko down. "You've been through a lot today. Rest there for a bit while I deal with these clowns."
"Aren't you confident? You think you can take all of us down?"
Hisaya said, he and the rest of the Oni having scattered the ashes and keeping them at bay behind a barrier they had erected. The crimson-haired Oni narrowed his eyes, taking note of two small magic circles behind Takeshi's legs that had ashes trickling out of it.
"I see." Hisaya said. "Those ashes didn't come out of nowhere. You stored them beforehand and brought them out while we were talking."
"I'm actually transporting them from a different location since pseudo-spaces are a bit beyond me for now." Takeshi grinned. "Setting this up was a pain, but it was worth it. I was afraid you might notice me before I was fully ready, but the mist around us was a blessing in disguise. It masked my actions perfectly. Now this whole place is my domain."
"Don't make me laugh." Hisaya scoffed at Takeshi. "You may have caught us by surprise and killed quite a few of my comrades, but you'll go no further. We will end you and resume the ritual."
"Don't count on it." Takeshi said. "I—"
Whatever Takeshi was about to say next was interrupted as indescribable pain assaulted his body. He let out a pained gasp as he fell on the ground twitching, the gems on his belt flashing erratically and sparks coming out of it.
"What's…this!?" Takeshi said through gritted teeth, feeling as though his bones were trying to crawl out of his body. "An…enemy attack…!?"
[No, it's the price for disrespect, you conceited brat.] Niddhog's furious voice echoed. [You refuse to accept me? You dare call me a mere tool? A means for more power? Fine then, I'll indulge you. But maybe next time, you'll be more careful with what you wish for!]
Takeshi screamed as the pain assaulting his body intensified. He could swear that his skin was frothing, looking like something was on the verge of emerging from it.
"Trouble in paradise?" Hisaya laughed. "Looks like this will be even easier than I thought!"
Hisaya snapped his fingers, with the Oni rushing towards the downed Takeshi. But at that moment—
[Malice Rise! Abyss Rage Awakening!]
Copious amounts of aura exploded from Takeshi's body following the voice coming from Cataclysm Zone, sending the Oni flying backwards and scattering the mist around the area. Koneko barely managed to avoid being blown back by lowering her body and digging her fingers on the ground.
Takeshi howled again, but this time, his shout was similar to a Dragon's roar. Several metallic protrusions burst out of various parts of his body, opening up like flower buds and clamping around it, forming a full-body armor. Two pairs of wings sprouted from his back next along with an armored tail.
"What on Earth…?" Hisaya wondered, feeling an indescribable sense of dread at that scene. "What's happening here!?"
His only answer was another aura outburst that sent chills running down everyone's spine and large amounts of smoke coming from Takeshi's body. Even those that didn't know the significance of this change could feel the danger it represented.
"Could this be…?"
Hisaya grimaced as Takeshi roared once again, as if to signify the incoming chaos.
This concludes Chapter 8. First, since this story has exceeded 100 follows, I would like to express my gratitude for all those who've favorited and followed so far. Thank you all so much! Next, in response to your comments.
—To Guest (1): Koneko will aid in treating Takeshi, though she won't be the only one helping.
—To Guest (2): I might end up giving Takeshi a sound-based attack after all, though something like that will probably debut in the next arc.
—To Guest (3): I'm sorry to hear that you lost interest and I'm glad you stuck with this story so far. However, I need to make some clarifications here. Cataclysm Zone, unlike the Longinus, has had a one hundred percent rate of driving its users mad and/or killing them so far, with the ensuing rampage of the user always leading to widespread destruction. That's why they've always been marked for death by the various factions. Takeshi accepted Rias's offer since it was the only means possible for him to survive at the time. On his own, he'd have been picked off and killed by literally anyone who found out his identity. Also, the Longinus possessors you mentioned might not be Devils, but they're still members of factions because they'd be killed or exploited otherwise. And some, like Cao Cao, still got exploited even outside the Devil faction.
Regarding the Devil faction in general, yes, the Peerage system can be terrible if you get stuck with a cruel and abusive master (something which Rias is not by the way despite what some people's headcanon says). But let's be real here, almost any supernatural faction isn't exactly the best place to be a part of. You have the Church with its double standards, the Fallen Angels who execute dangerous Sacred Gear users (or at least they did in early canon), the Vampires who treat humans as food and look down on everyone else, and the Gods who treat mortals as playthings. All in all, the supernatural can be a pretty terrible place no matter where you end up, not just the Devils.
—To Guest (4): Takeshi asked out of curiosity. His status as the Evil Dragon User though makes him incompatible with Senjutsu (too much inner malice from the Evil Dragons to effectively make use of it).
—To Guest (5): Regarding Takeshi's voice actor, after mulling over it, I'm leaning towards Nobunaga Shimazaki.
With this chapter, the finale of this arc begins. I originally intended to conclude this arc here, but I realized the chapter would become too big, which is why I stopped it at this point. The next chapter should be coming out a bit faster since part of it is complete, but I can make no promises since work is even busier this time around.
Well, that's all for now. As always, please read and review, but most of all, enjoy!
See you all next time!