High School DxD: Inheritor of Malevolence

by dvdryms

There exist infinite universes, infinite possibilities. In one of them, an almost normal first-year high school student will discover that there is more to the world around him than meets the eye following a certain encounter. But where will his path lead him when the forbidden power sleeping within him awakens?

25. War

Chapter 25 – War

"That's how the situation is. The barrier has surrounded Kuoh in its entirety. We can teleport within its boundaries, but we can't get outside its confines either by mundane or magical means."

Reya reported to the assembled Devils from both Peerages and the three Church agents. The group was currently situated on top of an apartment complex a couple of blocks away from Kuoh Academy that overlooked the school. Even from here, they could feel an intense amount of aura coming from the direction of the campus that sent chills running down everyone's spines.

"Normal humans seem to have no problem getting in or out though." Momo continued. "From what I could tell, it's designed to react to and repel only those of supernatural origin. Moreover, it's quite sturdy as well. We tried a few attacks, yet all of them failed to inflict any sort of damage. The formula that generated it seems very complex too. Assuming we could find the source, it would take a lot of time to decode and neutralize."

"There's also the fact that it's not a single barrier that encloses this town." Reya said. "There are actually three barriers in total, all of them with the same level of robustness and complexity from the looks of it. It will take a considerable amount of time and effort for our reinforcements to break them down and come to our aid."

"I see." Sona said, turning to Rias. "Since we're on the subject of reinforcements, did you and Akeno manage to contact Lucifer-sama's office?"

"We did, but my brother said his forces can be here in twenty minutes at the earliest." Rias said. "After we sent that message though, we lost contact with the Underworld and were unable to establish a connection again. My guess is that the barrier is scrambling our communications."

"We also managed to contact the Church branch here in Japan, but we were unable to connect again as well." Leon said. "Still, reinforcements from our side should be arriving here at about the same time as yours. I don't know about the Grigori, but I hope someone contacted them as well."

"They waited to do this after we contacted Lucifer-sama and the Church though…" Sona frowned, rubbing her chin. "I don't like this. If Kokabiel wants Lucifer-sama of all people here, then he's confident that whatever measures he's taken have a decent chance of working should he show up. I hate this feeling that we're playing right into the enemy's hands…"

"You and me both." Rias said with narrowed eyes. "Do you think we should have called your sister as well?"

"Absolutely not." Sona said with a stern expression. "You know how…volatile she can be. We can't afford her going on a rampage and making an even bigger mess. What about the situation at the school, Saji, Nimura?"

"We've confirmed four Fallen Angels, as well as two humans in the middle of the school field." Genshirou said. "One of the Fallen Angels is Kokabiel, while the others are an eight-winged one and two six-winged ones. They've created a large magic circle and are conducting some sort of ceremony with the four Excaliburs. Not sure what they're trying to do though."

"Other than that, they haven't made any moves." Ruruko said. "I'd say they're waiting for us to come to them."

"Such confidence." Xenovia said. "These rogues are looking down on us a bit too much."

"They have reason to be confident." Leon said. "Kokabiel is a survivor of the Great War whose name is recorded in the Bible. From that brief exchange we had, I could tell his skill was the real deal. As for his companions aside from Gadreel, I doubt they're pushovers either."

"We're not pushovers either." Takeshi said. "This time, we'll bring an end to Kokabiel's schemes and his life for good."

"Eh, question." Genshirou said, raising his hand in a reluctant manner. "The blond-haired pretty boy there, you're the current Red Dragon Emperor, no? From what I know, Boosted Gear's main ability is to double the wielder's parameters every ten seconds, and it does so indefinitely in Balance Breaker. Can't you just raise your power here and blow them away in one move?"

"I suppose I could do that…if you don't mind me turning this entire town into a smoking crater in the best-case scenario."

"…Eh?"

Genshirou was flabbergasted by this response. Leon seemed unsure about something, but showed a determined expression as he spoke.

"I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm quite strong even without the Boosted Gear." Leon said. "That's where the problem lies. Raising my power and attacking without regard can result in massive collateral damage and a large number of casualities, including my own allies."

"Is it really that bad?"

"It is." Leon responded to Takeshi. "This issue has been plaguing most Boosted Gear wielders, especially those with an exceptional amount of strength. Boost your strength a little too much, and you may find yourself creating gorges with a single step. Or destroying mountains with a single swipe of your hand. In the boosted state, it's incredibly difficult to control your power. Or at least it's incredibly difficult for me. That's why I restrict the use of Boosted Gear as much as possible."

"…Is it really alright telling them all this, leader?" Irina whispered at Leon. "You're revealing your weaknesses here."

"Oh, I'm sure the Devils have already researched plenty about Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing already." Leon said, turning to Rias and Sona. "Haven't you, ladies? I'm pretty sure you knew all this already. Your higher-ups would want to know as much as possible about the other sides' most dangerous weapons."

"It's as you say, Leon-san." Rias nodded. "We also know from records of past users that the boosted state isn't retained in Balance Breaker for more than a few seconds before having to Boost again, and that each Boost puts strain on your body. The problem is that Kokabiel knows all this as well, which means he has ways to deal with you."

"Well, I haven't played all my cards yet, so I can still catch him by surprise." Leon said. "What about you, Takeshi?"

"I've got an ace or two up my sleeve as well." Takeshi said. "Between the two of us, I'm sure we can level the playing field with some good, old-fashioned trickery."

"In this case, it's time to go on the offensive." Rias spoke with a determined expression. "My Peerage and I will engage Kokabiel's group alongside the Church Exorcists and buy as much time as we can until reinforcements arrive. Sona, can I count on you and your Peerage to place barriers around the school premises so that the damage from our battle doesn't spread?"

"Of course." Sona said. "We, the Student Council, will keep placing barriers until our demonic power runs dry."

"Student President…can I make a suggestion?" Genshirou said, a determined expression on his face. "You know that my demonic power is abysmal, so I can't help much with the barriers. Instead…with your permission and theirs, I'd like to join Rias-senpai and the others in their battle against Kokabiel."

"Are you sure, Saji?" Sona said. "This isn't anything like hunting Stray Devils, or even participating in Rating Games. There's a very good chance you might die there."

"I know that…" Genshirou said, looking somewhat nervous. "However, I can't be the only one sitting around while everyone's doing their best. Thar's why, I want to do what little I can as well. I'll fight, and I won't let that bastard destroy our town!"

"Now that's a fine example of manly behavior!" Takeshi grinned, slapping Genshirou on the back. "Let him come with us, President, Sona-senpai. He's been training as hard as everybody else here, and I'm sure his Sacred Gear will prove useful."

"We need all the manpower we can get now, and it's obvious he feels strongly about this." Rias said. "I say let him join us as well. But it's up to you, Sona."

"…Very well." Sona said with some reluctance. "But you're not allowed to die, Saji. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Student President!" Genshirou responded in an enthusiastic manner. "Saji Genshirou will absolutely come back victorious!"

"Be careful out there, Genshirou-senpai." Ruruko said with a concerned expression. "Don't push yourself too much."

"Yes, don't be reckless, Gen-chan." Momo said, looking worried as well. "If something happens to you, we'd be devasted."

"It'll be alright, Nimura, Hanakai." Genshirou said. "I'll make sure to take care of myself."

Hoh, are these girls interested in Saji-kun? Takeshi wondered. Too bad that's not the route he wants to unlock.

"It's settled then." Rias said. "Saji-kun will be coming with us. As for our battle plan, I believe it's best if we split them up, form small teams and take them down one by one before focusing on Kokabiel. Of course, that means someone has to keep him occupied until then."

"Leave that to us." Takeshi said, putting his arm around Leon's shoulder. "We'll hold him down, and beat him on our own if we can. Actually, I've got an idea about that."

"You do?" Leon raised an eyebrow. "If so, I'm all ears."

"Well, it goes like this…"

Takeshi began whispering in Leon's ear. At the same time, Rias turned to Akeno.

"Akeno, you and I will deal with Gadreel." Rias said. "He's the second greatest threat after Kokabiel, so it falls to us to neutralize him."

"Understood, President." Akeno said with evident fighting spirit. "I'll be sure to give him an extra special treatment, ufufu~."

"Pandora, Koneko, you are together with Saji-kun." Rias said. "I want you to take care of one of the six-winged Fallen. Are you up to it?"

"…Of course."

"We won't let you down, President."

"They won't know what hit them!"

"Yuuto…" Rias turned to her last Peerage member, a concerned expression on her face. "I know you want to fight that Stray Exorcist and eliminate Valper, the man responsible for your friends' deaths. Go get your revenge if you must, but don't drown in it. You're a better person than that."

"I understand, President." Yuuto said, an intense expression on his face. "Thank you…for going along with my selfishness. Also…about my behavior, I—"

"Save it for later." Rias cut him off. "I'll hear it then. As for you two Exorcists, can I leave the other six-winged Fallen to you?"

"No problem!" Irina made a V-sign. "We'll pass judgement on them no problem!"

"However, can you fight without your Excalibur, Xenovia-san?" Takeshi asked. "Won't this be too much for you?"

"There's no need to concern yourself with me, Evil Dragon User." Xenovia said. "Excalibur wasn't my only weapon. I have other tricks up my sleeve as well."

"I see." Takeshi said. "Also, my name is Takeshi, not Evil Dragon User. It's a little annoying having people refer to you by title, you know?"

Xenovia didn't respond, prompting Takeshi to sigh.

"Please don't take offense to her attitude, Takeshi-kun…" Irina whispered at Takeshi. "Xenovia's kind of terrible at communicating with others, but she's not a bad person."

"Hey, what are you whispering there, Irina?"

"Nothing!" Irina said, rushing to Xenovia's side. "Nothing at all, Xenovia."

"Before you guys charge in, give us some time to take our positions around the school and start placing the barriers." Sona said as she and her servants spread her wings. "Good luck in there, Rias."

Rias nodded as Sona's Peerage minus Genshirou took off and landed in various positions around Kuoh Academy, forming a circle. Then, they raised their hands and created magic circles, with a semi-transparent dome engulfing Kuoh Academy a few seconds later. Once a second and third dome was added on top of it, Rias turned to the others.

"It's time." Rias said. "Now then, everyone. Our job is to mount an offensive against the Fallen Angel Kokabiel's forces and stall him for as long as possible until reinforcements arrive. This will be a battle unlike anything we've experienced so far. We'll be facing a powerful Fallen Angel Cadre in a fight to the death. However, none of us will back down! We'll protect this town, survive, and return to our normal everyday lives for sure!"

[Right!]

Everyone shouted together as they followed after Rias and jumped down from the building, making their way to Kuoh Academy. Takeshi, who was walking side by side with Leon, noticed that his friend was constantly clenching and unclenching his left hand.

"I see you still haven't got rid of that old habit…" Takeshi whispered at him. "Nervous?"

"Aren't you…?" Leon whispered back. "I've faced several difficult opponents so far, but a Fallen Angel Cadre is on a different level. There's a good chance we'll die tonight…"

"We won't die." Takeshi said with conviction. "Absolutely not. I'm not letting that bastard have the satisfaction of beating us. We'll be the ones laughing in the end. Plus, taking down a Fallen Angel Cadre will look really good in my evaluation. Like Hell I'm passing up this chance."

"Eyes on the prize as always." Leon laughed. "Ah, bless you, Takeshi. I'm feeling a bit more relaxed now. But what about the Evil Dragons in your Sacred Gear? If they want to pick a fight with Ddraig again…"

"They won't." Takeshi said, manifesting Cataclysm Zone. "Will you guys?"

[Ddraig and I fought several times in the past as well, but I'm not feeling particularly vengeful today.] Nidhogg said. [Besides, I can't get real satisfaction unless I sink my own claws in the enemy's flesh.]

[Eh, Ddraig is alright all things considered.] Orochi said. [Irksome at times, but alright. Now, if that haughty bastard Albion was here…then we might have had a problem.]

[I want to fight against Ddraig, not alongside him!] Grendel growled. [This is ridiculous…but I'll tolerate this disgrace, since I still can't overpower your will in this state. Stomping an uppity Fallen Angel should be enough to quench my thirst for now!]

[You have my condolences, young Devil.] Ddraig's voice came from Boosted Gear's gem. [Having to share space with these nutjobs would have driven even me crazy.]

"It's a pain, but I'm getting used to this." Takeshi said, and then frowned. "Don't know what this says about me though…"

"Don't worry about it, Takeshi." Leon said, patting his friend's back. "You were always rather crazy yourself."

"Hey, screw you, Leon!"

Distracted by their small talk, Leon and Takeshi almost didn't realize the group had arrived at the gates of Kuoh Academy.

[Promotion, Queen.]

Both Takeshi and Genshirou said so, their Evil Pieces adjusting their characteristics. Without missing a beat, Rias went through the main entrance, with the rest of the group following after her. Once they arrived at the main field, everyone was surprised by the sight before their eyes. Floating above a large magic circle were the four Excaliburs, with Valper performing adjustments on the circle. Jacob Torres stood next to him, while the four Fallen Angels were hovering above them.

"That magic circle…" Leon said with narrowed eyes. "Valper, you're trying to fuse the Excaliburs into one?"

"Indeed." Valper said. "While I wish I had all the swords, four are more than enough for now."

"You've come at last, Rias Gremory and the others." Kokabiel said from above with a smile. "As expected, you have Sona Sitri and her servants creating barriers in order to prevent the aftereffects of our battle from affecting this town. How very predictable. The Church is one thing, but even the modern Devils seem to have lost their edge. Lamentable indeed. So, will it be Sirzechs who will come here? Or perhaps Serafall?"

"What does it matter?" Rias said. "Either way, your plan will end in failure."

"Hoh?" Kokabiel smirked. "Are you implying that you will stop me? I'm afraid you're overestimating your capabilities, Rias Gremory."

"Even if we can't stop you here, there's no way our deaths will serve your purpose." Rias said. "Our siblings aren't stupid enough to declare war for such a reason. Not to mention, with Grigori having renounced you, the ire of the Three Factions will focus squarely on you, the rogue who caused this incident. No matter what, you can't win today, Kokabiel!"

"Ah, but there is something you haven't accounted for, Rias Gremory." Kokabiel said. "You assume that me and my followers are the only ones who want this war to happen when that's far from the truth. Even now, in Grigori, there is a substantial number of Fallen Angels unaffiliated with me who want to settle the score, and the same holds true for you Devils and your nobles. Even several of our sanctimonious brethren in Heaven are dissatisfied with the current status quo, to speak nothing of the Church. The Three Factions are a powder keg, and I'm the one who will provide the spark to ignite it."

"That's…"

"Still not convinced?" Kokabiel said. "How about this then? I'm sure you must be curious as to how we snuck into this town undetected, right? The answer is simple; people from your side provided us with the necessary base sequences to alter your magic circles and prevent them from reacting to our presence."

"That's impossible!" Rias shouted. "Who would dare betray the Underworld in such a manner by aiding its enemies!?"

"One of the several high-ranking Devils who wished for the Second Great War to begin anew, and someone with an axe to grind with your family, Rias Gremory." Kokabiel smiled. "But if you want a name…well, I can give you this much as a parting gift. It was Lord Vassago."

"That worthless slime…!" Rias said through gritted teeth. "Would he really sink so low!?"

"As for me being declared a rogue, that matters little in the grand scheme of things." Kokabiel said. "In the aftermath of this incident, the other two factions will be pointing fingers at Azazel, accusing him of negligence at best and deceit at worst. An excellent way to start a war by having the pro-war members fan the flames of discontent, especially if we luck out and your brother or Serafall end up coming here themselves, Rias Gremory."

"Have you lost it, Kokabiel?" Rias glared at the Fallen Angel. "If my brother comes here, you and your troops are finished."

"Under normal circumstances, yes." Kokabiel said. "Even I have heard the rumors about the abnormal strength of Sirzechs Gremory. I'm not certain I could match him in a straight fight. However, who said I intend to fight him head-on?"

"A trap." Rias said, her eyes opening wide. "It's as we suspected then. You set a trap here…and we're the bait."

"It helps that you understand quickly." Kokabiel said. "My subordinates came here before me for a reason. Arrayed beneath this town are a large number of Light Generators, designed to store and condense large amount of holy power. By leeching off the excess holy aura from the Excaliburs' fusion, all of them will be filled to the brim. After that, in about forty minutes' time, they will reach critical mass and explode all at once, unleashing a massive wave of highly condensed holy energy that will vaporize this town and anyone in its vicinity, including whatever reinforcements are rushing to your aid as we speak."

"You cur!" Rias said, an outraged expression on her face. "That's why you let us contact the Church and the Underworld! You know they won't be able to penetrate your barriers in time and you want to increase the number of casualties as much as possible!"

"Guilty as charged." Kokabiel grinned. "I estimate the condensed holy power from the explosion will be enough to eliminate a large number of Ultimate-class Devils at once. If he comes here in person, I doubt even your prodigal brother will be able to escape from this unscathed."

"Why!?" Leon cried out. "Why are you doing this, Kokabiel!? You can't be so deranged as to not understand the current state of the Fallen Angel faction! Even if your plan works to perfection and the war begins again, your people will be the first to fall! Not to mention, even if you somehow end up winning this, you'll be left vulnerable to the other factions! Has your lust for battle blinded you that much!?"

"You misunderstand, Red Dragon Emperor." Kokabiel said. "I'm well aware of all that. But it doesn't matter. What I seek most is not victory, but a conclusion that honors our fallen brethren."

"A…conclusion?"

"Exactly." Kokabiel said to Leon while clenching his fist. "Our precious comrades and family members that were slain by Angels and Devils…they made great sacrifices, fought their hardest and laid down their lives in the end to ensure our victory. They fought while believing we would carry on their will until the end. And yet…and yet!"

Kokabiel snarled as he created an oversized light spear, throwing it at the gym and vaporizing it in an instant. Both Devils and Exorcists grimaced at this furious display of power.

"That coward Azazel backed out in the end, pulling us out of the war!" Kokabiel shouted. "He betrayed their feelings, their expectations and their resolve! And for what!? To stand around in a circle and laugh with our enemies while the grudges and the will of the slain remain unfulfilled!? Or perhaps prolong this miserable armistice until this blasted world comes to an end!? I won't stand for that! Even if everyone accepts it, I will reject this travesty until I draw my last breath!"

Kokabiel spread his arms wide as he continued speaking.

"That's why I will restart the war!" Kokabiel declared. "One that will last until the bitter end, whichever one that is! If we are all to perish, so be it then! At least, if there is an afterlife waiting for us, we can meet our comrades with our heads held high and let them know we fought with everything we had until the end like they did!"

"…I wasn't sure before, but I am now." Rias said after a few seconds of silence. "You are insane, Kokabiel. To risk the stability of the world for such a reason, you can't be anything else but crazy!"

"If you want to believe that, suit yourself." Kokabiel sneered before turning to Valper. "How long will it take until the Excaliburs' fusion is complete, Valper?"

"Not even three minutes, Kokabiel-sama." Valper said. "We're almost done."

"Excellent." Kokabiel said, turning his attention back to his opponents. "For the opening act, I think I'll have you play with my pets from the Underworld."

Kokabiel waved his hand, with several magic circles flaring to life before his opponents. Out of them emerged about a dozen gigantic dogs with glittering red eyes, sharp fangs and three heads. All of them snarled at the Devils and Exorcists upon catching sight of them, drool dripping from their mouths.

"Cerberus!" Rias cried out. "You went and brought the descendants of the original Guard Dog of Hades to the human world!? Do you intend to involve the Realm of the Dead in this as well!?"

"This should be the least of your concerns, Rias Gremory." Kokabiel said. "Now, feast upon their flesh, my pets!"

"I don't think so."

Pandora said as she stepped forward, the Cath Palug Gin resting on her shoulder. Both her eyes and those of her familiar shone, with the three-headed dogs stopping in their tracks and staring at them mesmerized. Pandora smirked as she spoke.

"Attack the Fallen Angels!"

The Cerberuses howled as they turned around and rushed at the Fallen Angels while snarling at them.

"Curses!" Gadreel said as he formed a large hexagonal light barrier to keep the three-headed dogs at bay. "We should have taken adequate measures against the Calamity Witch's Charm! How the blazes did she place the Cerberuses under her control!?"

"You used Gin's abilties to enhance your Charm's power?" Takeshi said with an astonished look. "Well played, Pandora."

"Thank you." Pandora smiled. "I've been practicing a lot with Gin. Looks like it paid off. Too bad the Fallen are too strong for it to work on them."

"Now's our chance, everyone!" Rias shouted while the Fallen Angels were busy eliminating the Cerberuses with their light spears. "Move as we planned!"

All members present shot a barrage of blasts at the Fallen Angels, forcing them to split up. Takeshi and Leon made a beeline for Kokabiel, taking advantage of their momentum and his surprise to push him towards the sports field. The others acted in a similar manner, forcing the Fallen Angels further away from one another. At the same time, several energy walls were formed in the academy grounds, dividing the battlefield into several smaller ones. Takeshi assumed that Sona and her Peerage had acted to aid them in keeping the Fallen Angels separated.

"That's your plan, eh?" Kokabiel remarked with a grin. "Not bad. In fact…"

Kokabiel snapped his fingers, with several Fallen Angel-style magic circles appearing on the barriers.

"What did you do, Kokabiel?"

"Given all of us some privacy." Kokabiel responded to Leon. "I've reinforced these barriers with my own, meaning you Devils can't interfere in each group's fights, at least not without putting in some serious effort in destroying the barriers. Perhaps now you're having second thoughts about having to face me once again, youngsters? Trust me, you don't want to see me getting serious."

"That's our line." Takeshi said. "Let's go, Leon!"

"Right!"

[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!]

[Atrocity Rise! Crime Force Awakening!]

An explosion of flames and aura surrounded both youths as their respective Scale Mails enveloped their bodies. As Leon equipped Fragarach and the Shield of Evalach, Takeshi placed his finger over two of Cataclysm Zone's smaller gems and pressed them.

[Add!]

Following that announcement, a mass of gray-colored aura shot out of Cataclysm Zone, wrapping around Takeshi's right hand before solidifying into the form of Mayhem Striker.

"Hoh, what is this?" Kokabiel seemed intrigued. "You can use another Sacred Gear on top of your activated Balance Breaker, boy? How interesting."

"If you liked that, then you're going to love this."

Leon smirked beneath his mask—with three pairs of red angelic wings extending from the back of his armor and a halo appearing above his helmet. Both Kokabiel and Takeshi were shocked at this unexpected phenomenon.

"The Hell!?" Takeshi said. "Leon…you're not human?"

"A Miracle Child…" Kokabiel said with narrowed eyes. "That's your true identity, Red Dragon Emperor?"

"Sort of." Leon said. "I'm not a typical Miracle Child though. My birth was…a bit different."

"Different…you say?" Kokabiel grimaced. "I see. That means our intel about the Church's experiments twenty years ago was accurate. You must be a result of the so-called Theotokos Project then. Foolish humans. No matter what, they can't stop playing with forces beyond their understanding, can they?"

"That doesn't matter now." Leon said. "Kokabiel, is there no way we can stop this before it's too late? If a Second Great War erupts, the death toll, the damage…it will lead to the extinction of the Three Factions for sure. There's no point to inflicting all this suffering, especially on the common people."

"I beg to differ." Kokabiel said, generating a light sword in each hand. "I will not be swayed at the eleventh hour, boy. You will all die by my hand, and the next war will begin as planned. All is for the sake of my deceased comrades."

"You feel like you have a duty to the dead." Takeshi said. "I understand that much. However, we have a duty to those living right now and those that will come after them, the next generations. For their sake, we won't allow you to do as you please, Kokabiel!"

"That's right!" Leon said, brandishing Fragarach. "That's why—"

[Now, count up your sins!]

Both Takeshi and Leon declared together as they pointed at Kokabiel, matching grins under their helmets.

"Nailed it."

"Of course." Takeshi said. "It's us after all."

"My sins, eh?" Kokabiel snorted. "You mean to judge me then? Don't make me laugh, you half-boiled brats!"

Kokabiel roared as he charged at the two youths, with them rushing to meet him in the middle of the field. Their ensuing clash created a shockwave that shook their surroundings.

---

"Akeno!"

"Yes, President!"

Rias and Akeno joined hands, unleashing streams of Destruction and Lightning at their opponent. They and Gadreel were fighting next to Kuoh Academy's main building, which had already received some damage as a result of their battle. Although Rias was saddened by this, she couldn't afford to let her concentration waver now.

"Pointless!"

Gadreel said, creating myriads of small light hexagons to shield himself from the two girls' attacks. He snapped his fingers, with the hexagons transforming into numerous light arrows that rained down on Rias and Akeno. However, the former created a shield of Destruction, with the arrows vanishing upon contacting it, while Akeno called down a large lightning bolt that incinerated the incoming projectiles. She formed two lightning whips and swung them at Gadreel, but the Fallen Angel responded by conjuring a high-density light hexagon at each of the impact points, perfectly countering her attacks. Rias's Destruction arrows were somewhat more effective, but still couldn't reach Gadreel.

"However, I'm disappointed." Gadreel said as he blocked a three-arrow shot from Rias with yet another light construct. "To think Baraqiel-sama's own flesh and blood would fall so low by reincarnating into a Devil, it's truly mortifying. Kokabiel-sama suggested that we offer you a chance to join us, but I find the idea of letting a tainted being like you live reprehensible. I will correct Baraqiel-sama's mistake and end your miserable existence!"

"As if I would ever join you!" Akeno shouted. "My place is right here with my true family! Baraqiel and your race mean nothing to me, and the one to die tonight will be you, Fallen Angel!"

"Don't let him get you riled up, Akeno." Rias said. "Let's time our attacks better. We should be able to get past his shields like that."

"Yes!"

Akeno said as she formed her lightning into spears, throwing them at Gadreel's shields. Once one of them would strike, an arrow of Destruction would follow, tearing through the hexagon shielding Gadreel. Although he was forming shield after shield, he was slowly starting to lose ground. Having to focus on pinpoint defense like this also left him with few chances to counterattack as things stood. However, Gadreel's expression remained even, as if this much was to be expected.

"Since you girls are doing so well, let's take this more seriously, shall we?"

Gadreel said with an ominous tone as he created a large number of light hexagons, which formed a robust spherical barrier around him. Rias and Akeno continued their combo of lightning spears and Destruction arrows, but seemed to have little effect against Gadreel's reinforced barrier. He formed two large boomerang-shaped light constructs and hurled them at the two girls. They evaded them, only for Gadreel to come rushing at them, several light spearheads protruding from the spherical barrier surrounding him and giving him the appearance of a hedgehog.

Rias and Akeno erected barriers, but they were cracked as they were thrown back by the force of the impact and right into the path of the returning boomerangs. Rias formed a Destruction sword in haste and slashed it apart, while Akeno focused her demonic power in her hand and tore through it with a Rook-enhanced punch. Gadreel snapped his fingers as the spearheads shot out of his barrier, forcing the two girls to crash inside the school through a window for cover. As they retreated further inside to buy some time, Akeno turned to Rias.

"This isn't looking good, President." Akeno said in a hurried tone while they were running through the hallways. "Gadreel's defenses are rock-solid, and his attacks are fierce as well. If we don't find a way to break through…"

"Perhaps we could—"

A crashing sound was heard behind the two girls before Rias could finish her sentence. Turning around, they saw Gadreel rushing towards them, his sphere tearing through concrete with ease.

"Sorry, but I despise playing hide and seek!" Gadreel declared. "I prefer an honest-to-goodness straightforward fight! That's how true warriors do battle!"

"How persistent!" Rias shouted. "You must have been very unpopular with girls back in the day!"

Gadreel didn't answer as he shot a rain of light arrows at the two heiresses, followed by another pair of boomerang-like blades. Using her demonic power, Akeno destroyed the floor in front of them, with the two girls jumping down on the floor below and into the physics classroom. Wasting no time, Rias destroyed the floor once again, with the two girls landing in the library next and rushing towards the exit. Before they arrived there, Akeno created a teleportation magic circle, with the two girls transporting themselves to the roof just as Gadreel was about to come crashing down from above.

"That should give us a few seconds at best…" Akeno said while taking a deep breath. "Please tell me you have a good idea, Rias."

"There might be a way with my other power…" Rias said. "However, you and I will need to push ourselves somewhat if we want to level the playing field enough to create an opening."

"Ara, ara, it looks like Takeshi-kun's recklessness is rubbing off on you, Rias." Akeno giggled. "However, I'm the same as you. What a sinful man he is."

"You can say that again." Rias smiled, but then her expression became serious as she heard a rumbling sound coming from below. "Here he comes. Are you ready, Akeno?"

"Always."

Both girls stood back to back as part of the roof exploded, with Gadreel emerging from it and throwing several boomerang-like constructs at Rias and Akeno, who formed several defensive magic circles to shield themselves. At the same time, Rias's hands glowed crimson as she touched her chest and Akeno's back, with an explosion of aura engulfing both of them that disintegrated the incoming projectiles.

"Oh?" Gadreel raised an eyebrow. "This is…"

The next moment, several torrents of lightning struck his barrier, followed by two large disks of Destruction. That attacks succeeded in cracking the barrier, much to Gadreel's surprise. Creating two large light spears above him, he threw them at Rias and Akeno, followed by numerous light arrows. Rias smirked as she enveloped her wings in Destruction aura that expanded, shielding them from the arrows. Meanwhile, Akeno swung four oversized lightning whips, breaking apart the incoming light spears before aiming at Gadreel. The Fallen Angel grimaced as he was tossed left and right by the force of the blows, but still stood his ground and repaired his barrier at a faster rate that it was being damaged. Rias's Destruction wings morphed into giant pincers that struck Gadreel's barrier, but still failed to inflict critical damage.

"Now this is much better!" Gadreel smiled with a confident expression as he kept parrying the incoming attacks with additional barriers. "You are finally showing me strength worthy of Sirzechs Lucifer's little sister and Baraqiel-sama's daughter! However, it's far from enough! Such unpolished strength won't get past my barriers! Once your little boost is over, you're mine!"

"We'll see how well this confidence will hold up!"

Rias said as she pointed her fingers at Gadreel, shooting numerous bullets of Destruction in rapid-fire. Gadreel snorted as he created numerous small hexagons to block the incoming projectiles. Taking advantage of the small lull in incoming attacks, Akeno gathered her aura and raised her hands high, calling down an oversized thunderbolt that lit up the whole school. Once again however, Gadreel's barrier withstood the attack, though the school below wasn't that lucky, with several sections collapsing and fires starting up here and there.

"When will you realize it's useless?" Gadreel said while squinting due to the intense light generated from the thunderbolt. "My defenses won't—"

At that moment, Rias charged at Gadreel while propelled by a stream of demonic power shooting out from her wings, her right hand enveloped in crimson aura. Still somewhat dazed, Gadreel was a step too slow to react as Rias's hand touched the spherical barrier, with most of its front part vanishing as a result. Gadreel was shocked, but formed a light spear and swung at Rias in reflex. She dodged by flying above, with a dense lightning spear flying at Gadreel next. With his stance broken and having no time to react, the Fallen Angel received it head-on, letting out a scream of pain as his body was burned all over and the last remains of his barrier vanishing. Without missing a beat, Rias flew at Gadreel, a lance of Destruction enveloping her left hand, and pierced through his chest.

"Ex…cellent…"

Gadreel smirked as he spat blood. The next moment, Rias's lance sent him crashing to the ground, with her ensuing Destruction spear and Akeno's thunderbolts vaporizing his body along with the ground around it. Confirming their opponent's death, Rias let out a sigh of relief as she floated to the ground, with Akeno coming to land next to her. At the same time, both girls let out pained gasps as their bodies spasmed, keeping themselves standing with quite some effort.

"And here I thought you were exaggerating when you said this was almost too painful to bear." Akeno smiled, a small blush on her face. "Maybe you should use your ability more often on me…for practice of course."

"Of course…" Rias sighed while looking at Akeno with half-lidded eyes. "I'm glad it worked though. I wasn't sure if it'd be able to 'unlock' the bonds holding that light construct together. For a brief moment there, I was scared I might lose my hand…"

"You pulled through though." Akeno said, gazing around at the flashes and explosions throughout Kuoh Academy. "We should go and help the others…is what I want to say, but I'm not sure we're in any condition to assist the others right now. Pain is good and all, but I can hardly move…"

"Same here." Rias said. "We'd be getting in their way as we are now. Plus, Kokabiel seems to have reinforced the barriers separating us. Once the pain subsides a bit, let's see if we can do something about them."

Akeno nodded as both girls turned their gazes to the battlefields around them, matching anxious expressions on their faces.

---

Outside the Occult Research Club, Koneko, Pandora and Genshirou were staring at their opponent, a man seemingly in his mid-thirties with messy pale blond hair, dark blue eyes and an average build, who was wearing black leather armor with gold lines running through it. The six-winged Fallen Angel was staring at his opponents with an impassive look, the tension between the two sides almost palpable.

"So…" Genshirou said in an uncertain manner. "How does this go down? Do we exchange names and greetings, or maybe—"

"Nuriel." The Fallen Angel said. "Die."

He pointed at the Devils, with numerous glowing hailstones the size of rocks shooting out of his hand and aiming at them. The three Devils scurried out of the way, with the hailstones burying themselves in the ground.

"…Not much of a talker." Koneko remarked as she enveloped herself in Touki. "I can respect that."

"Doesn't matter either way." Pandora said. "He's still going down!"

Several embers appeared in Pandora's fingers as she shot them at the nearby bushes, setting them on fire. Taking advantage of the increased presence of fire Spirits, she started dashing around the Fallen Angel, shooting fire arrows at him. As for Koneko, she charged at him while he was distracted fending off Pandora's assault, her fists aimed at him. Nuriel formed an ice wall in front of him, with Koneko smashing through it. However, the Fallen Angel had already taken off, shooting out a large number of light-infused hailstones, with Koneko and Pandora countering them with their own blasts.

"Stretch, my line!"

Genshirou shouted as a thick line shot out of his Sacred Gear. Nuriel narrowed his eyes as he dashed to the side, avoiding the incoming line. Genshirou pulled at it, changing its direction, but Nuriel formed a defensive magic circle, with the line bouncing off it. Pandora sent several water whips after Nuriel, with Koneko adding her ki bullets to the mix, but the Fallen Angel froze the water and evaded the ki bullets with deft movements.

"Vritra." Nuriel said, staring at Genshirou. "Weakest link. Eliminate."

Several large ice spears appeared around Nuriel, with the Fallen Angel shooting them at Genshirou, who shrieked as he began dodging like crazy. Just as one of them was about to hit him, he manipulated his line to wrap around itself, forming a makeshift shield that blocked the incoming spear, with the impact sending him skidding backwards.

"T-That was close…" Genshirou let out a sigh of relief as he steadied himself before glaring at Nuriel. "Bastard's aiming for me then? And what do you mean by weakest link!?"

"…He's looking down on you, Saji-senpai." Koneko said, rushing to Genshirou's side while firing ki bullets at Nuriel. "But underestimating the Devils of Kuoh has been the downfall of several enemies so far."

"Right." Pandora said as she formed a sword made of demonic power. "Takeshi once told me your Sacred Gear can absorb power. Let's try and create an opening so you can use it on him."

"Got it!"

"Then, let's go!"

Pandora said as she called upon the earth Spirits, raising a large number of rocks from the ground. Grinding them to sand, she mixed it with wind, sending several sand tornadoes at Nuriel. The Fallen Angel frowned a bit, forming large defensive magic circles to shield himself and repel the storm. Next, a massive arm made out of several boulders attempted to slam him down, but Nuriel unleashed a bombardment of hailstones, breaking it apart. Out of it though emerged Koneko, aiming a straight at the Fallen Angel. Wrapping his wings in ice, Nuriel batted her away, only for Pandora to start shooting fire arrows from multiple directions once again. Meanwhile, Genshirou charged at Nuriel, Absorption Line at the ready, with Koneko rushing in front of him to cover him.

"Weak."

Nuriel said as he swung his arm, with several ice spikes erupting from the ground all around him and heading towards the three Devils. Koneko broke most of them with her Touki-enhanced punches, Pandora shielded herself with an earth wall, while Genshirou dodged what he could, but the large volume forced the three Devils apart. Zeroing in on the still-charging Genshirou, Nuriel aimed several light spears at him. Much to his surprise though, the spears missed him by a small margin, exploding around him harmlessly.

"Go!"

Genshirou said as he shot his line once again. Nuriel formed an ice barrier all around him, but a large fire lance coming from Pandora's direction destroyed it. Before the Fallen Angel could respond, he was forced to dodge Koneko's dive kick, bringing him into the line's path. He formed a defensive magic circle in haste, but several wind currents coming from the side altered the line's trajectory, bypassing the magic circles and allowing it to wrap around the Fallen Angel's left hand.

"Clench your teeth, you bastard!"

Genshirou roared as he yanked the line with all his strength using his Rook trait, pulling the surprised Nuriel to him and delivering a hook on his face, sending him tumbling on the ground. Several fire arrows exploded on his body before he could stand up, with a large sand blade slicing his right hand off next. Nuriel hissed in pain, barely avoiding Koneko's punch as he took flight.

"You won't escape!"

Genshirou shouted as he pulled the line again, boosting himself with the extra strength he was drawing from the Fallen Angel. Nuriel wasn't fast enough to adjust himself this time, receiving Koneko's punch head-on and crashing on a nearby tree while spitting blood. With an irritated expression, he formed a high-density light spear, slicing the line and flying up to avoid the incoming three Devils, forming ice around his severed left hand.

"Consider the odds evened!" Genshirou cheered. "I was scared back then though, Othrys-san! If that heat mirage you told me you were using through the wind didn't work, I'd be filled with holes now!"

"…Don't let your guard down." Koneko warned while glaring at their opponent, who was surrounded by a dense amount of aura. "It's not over yet."

"Looks like it!"

Pandora said as she launched several thunderbolts at Nuriel. However, the Fallen Angel swatted them aside with his wings. Genshirou tried to shoot his line at him again, but it froze mid-flight much to everyone's surprise.

"Freeze."

Nuriel declared. A powerful snowstorm erupted all of a sudden with him in its center, engulfing the entire area apart from the Occult Research Club, whose defense barriers shielded it. The three Devils tried to approach Nuriel, but the raging storm prevented them from moving. Pandora used her fire Spirits in an attempt to protect everyone, but was overwhelmed after a few seconds, with the snowstorm encasing them in blocks of ice along with the entire area.

"Trapped." Nuriel said as he landed in front of the frozen Devils, taking note of the humanoid shadows trapped inside the ice and the faint amounts of aura coming from them. "Still alive. Payback. Complete elimination."

Nuriel conjured three large light spears, each of them aimed at a block of ice. However, the ground beneath him rumbled as two small holes opened up, with his feet sinking in them. Losing his balance, Nuriel was disoriented for a couple of seconds, with Pandora bursting out of the ground behind him and running her demonic power blade construct through his heart.

"The moment one thinks they've won is when their guard is down the most." Pandora smiled. "That's what a certain Exorcist taught me. Shame you won't get a chance to learn that lesson!"

Pandora said so as she grabbed Nuriel's head, using her water Spirits to draw all of the moisture out of his body. The Fallen Angel screamed once as his body transformed into a shriveled husk in a manner of seconds, turning into dust once it fell on the ground.

"It's over…"

Pandora let out a relived sigh, wincing due to the light poisoning she had received from the ice around them. Using the fire Spirits in her body and the water Spirits around her, Pandora melted the ice enveloping the area, with Koneko and Genshirou collapsing on the ground on all fours.

"That…that was close!" Genshirou grimaced. "I really thought I was a goner there! I swear I saw my dead parents waving at me from across a river!"

"…Good going, Pandora-senpai." Koneko said while using Senjutsu and demonic power to purge the lingering light from her body before placing her palms on Pandora and Genshirou's backs to do the same. "How did you beat him? I was struggling to keep the ice from completely engulfing my body, so I didn't notice much."

"When I saw I couldn't overpower the snowstorm with my flames, I turned my focus on preventing the ground below me from being frozen." Pandora explained, letting out a relived sigh in the meantime as she felt the light being drained from her body. "Just as I was about to be engulfed, I burrowed underground while leaving a stone statue with Gin in it behind to fool our enemy. Once the Fallen Angel landed to confirm we were trapped, I opened a couple of holes beneath his feet to make him stumble and struck him from behind."

Right on cue, the stone statue burst, with Gin emerging from it and landing next to Pandora, rubbing its head against her foot.

"…Quick thinking and swift moves." Koneko nodded. "You're growing stronger, Senpai. All the training you did so far has paid off big time."

"Yes." Pandora nodded with a pleased expression. "Now, if I could just control my powers a little better…"

"Hey, how can you girls be so calm?" Genshirou asked with a confused expression. "We were this close to dying back there. Aren't you rattled one bit?"

"We're sort of used to it."

"…Just another day in the Gremory Peerage."

Pandora and Koneko responded with matching even expressions, prompting Genshirou to groan.

"I thought Ryuugamine was the crazy one, but it looks like all of you have a couple of screws loose…" Genshirou muttered while rubbing his temples. "Well, whatever. It's not like I can afford to be all scared here either while I'm carrying the Sitri name on my back."

"…Treatment done." Koneko said, removing her palms from the two Devils' back. "The others may need help. Could you ask Student President to lower the barriers here, Saji-senpai?"

"I'm trying, but I can't connect to her or the others." Genshirou said with a frown while looking at the wall-like barrier separating them from the others. "Also, I'm no expert or anything…but it seems like some foreign formula has been added to the barrier."

"Kokabiel." Pandora said with a grimace. "He's trapped each of us with our respective opponents by taking advantage of Sitri-senpai's barriers. What an annoying lowlife…"

"…No choice then." Koneko said, bumping her fists together. "Let's break it down."

"Right."

Koneko and Pandora turned their attention to the barrier, matching determined expressions on their faces.

---

"It's complete at last!"

Valper spoke with a beatific expression as the four Excaliburs hovering before him joined together, letting out a harsh radiance that forced Yuuto, Xenovia and Irina to avert their eyes. Once the light died down, a new sword could be seen hovering there, letting out a bluish-white aura.

Jacob glanced at the Fallen Angel Lailah hovering above them, who nodded with a sly smirk. Nodding back, Jacob grabbed the hilt of the fused Excalibur, swinging it around a couple of times before stabbing it on the ground, letting out a powerful aura of destruction that forced Yuuto and the two Exorcists to jump back.

"My Excalibur's ability…" Xenovia said through gritted teeth. "How dare you use it for heresy!?"

"It's alright, Xenovia." Irina said while brandishing Mimic, which was in the shape of a katana. "We won't let them misuse the Excaliburs for much longer. In the name of Deus Trinity, we'll retrieve the stolen blades for sure!"

"Two Holy Sword wielders from the Church and a boy with Sword Birth." Valper said. "Such excellent opponents for the newly forged Excalibur. Yes, I can gather a lot of useful data from this confrontation. Feel free to go as wild as you wish, Jacob Torres. I need to observe the full capabilities of the fused Excalibur."

"That was the plan from the start."

"Oh, but make sure you leave them barely alive." Lailah said, licking her lips. "Both the cute boy and those lovely girls there are my type of playthings. I'm going to have a lot of fun with them by showing them pleasures beyond their imagination~."

"No promises." Jacob said, pointing his blade at his opponents. "Any last words before I send you to the void awaiting you and the rest of your worthless comrades?"

"I have a few." Yuuto said, creating a Demonic Sword and pointing it at Valper. "Before this night ends, you will pay for what you did to me and my friends for your sick project, Valper Galilei!"

"Hoh, are you the rumored survivor of my Holy Sword Project?" Valper raised an eyebrow. "To think I would meet you of all people here, I can't help but feel fate's hand at work. However, there's no reason to be so furious, boy. Your lives were sacrificed for the sake of a greater cause. Thanks to you, my research was complete, so I'm feeling a bit grateful. Because of you, my lifelong dream of wielding Holy Swords despite lacking compatibility is almost within my reach."

"Complete?" Yuuto frowned. "What are you talking about? You disposed us because we were failures."

"Not exactly." Valper said. "You see, during my research, I discovered that a large numerical value of holy factors was needed in order to wield a Holy Sword. Most of you guys had the factors, but not the necessary amount of them to wield Excalibur. That's when a certain hypothesis was formed in my mind. What if I were to remove and gather those factors in order to reach the amount needed?"

"Don't tell me…" Xenovia said while glaring at Valper. "The object placed inside a Holy Sword wielder when they receive their blessing, its true identity is…!"

"That's right, little Exorcist." Valper grinned. "It's the result of my research. By taking out the factors from various individuals and crystallizing them, a Holy Element like this one is created."

Valper took out a crystal from his robes, showing it to everyone present.

"No…" Irina spoke with a horrified expression. "What they've placed in us…is made out of deceased believers? How could the Church condone such inhumane practices!?"

"From the looks of it, it appears someone continued my work after I was branded a criminal." Valper sneered. "That Michael and those two-faced higher-ups. Well, I'm sure they didn't remove the holy factors to the point where they killed their test subjects. I suppose that makes the almighty Archangel-sama more human than me."

Valper said while chuckling. Meanwhile, Yuuto was glaring at him with evident hatred, his whole body shaking.

"You killed my friends to drain the holy element from their bodies…!? Just for that!?"

"Rest assured that their sacrifice was much appreciated." Valper smirked as he patted Jacob's back. "Jacob here has benefited much from this research. Apart from his modifications, he had three Holy Elements implanted into him, allowing him to control even this fused Excalibur. And this is only the beginning. My research had advanced to the point where I can mass-produce the Holy Elements. With Kokabiel-sama's help, I will gather the various Holy Swords around the world, create more artificial Holy Sword wielders and send them against the Church and Heaven. They will pay the price for convicting me and feel my wrath as they fall by the very blades that once served them!"

"Does your insanity know no bounds, you bastard!?" Yuuto shouted. "How many more people must be sacrificed for the sake of your greed!? My comrades…give them back!"

"If you want them back, here you go." Valper said, tossing the Holy Element at Yuuto's feet. "Say your goodbyes, or whatever else you want."

"Hey, can we start already?" Lailah said while yawning. "All this drama is making me sleepy."

"Wait just a little longer, Lailah-sama." Jacob said. "That boy needs to stoke the flames of his rage to the max. Once he has, he can finally be a worthy opponent for me."

Meanwhile, Yuuto had leaned down and picked up the orb, caressing it in a loving manner as his tears started falling. His expression was a mix of sorrow and fury as he spoke.

"…Everyone…I'm so sorry…" Yuuto said. "I couldn't protect you… There was nothing I could do for you back then…even though you gave up your lives without regard for someone like me… I always wondered…do I even deserve this second chance? All of you had so many wonderful dreams…such a strong desire to live… Do I have the right…to inherit all of that? To live in peace instead of you?"

At that moment, a strange phenomenon occurred. The Holy Element in Yuuto's hand let out a glow, with several orbs of light floating out of it and spreading all over the area. Much to everyone's surprise, the orbs grew in size and took the shape of young boys and girls, who surrounded Yuuto.

"These are…the spirits of the deceased children from the Holy Sword Project?" Irina wondered. "How?"

"It must be the various powers present on this battlefield." Xenovia reasoned. "The overflowing power allowed the lingering consciousness of these souls to materialize."

All the spirits present were gazing at Yuuto, a loving expression on their faces as they smiled.

"Everyone!" Yuuto cried out. "I…I!"

[Don't worry about us anymore.] One of the spirits said. [You are alive. That's all that matters.]

[We don't regret this choice.] Another said. [You were the brightest. If it's you, you can surely help a lot more people than us.]

[That's why, don't regret it either.] A third one spoke. [Live for our sake too.]

The spirits suddenly started singing a hymn, with Yuuto joining them as more tears were running down his eyes.

"The sacred song…"

Irina said, tears running down her eyes as well as she joined them. Xenovia was also singing, a sad, but determined expression on her face.

"Tch, what's this farce supposed to be?" Lailah grimaced. "This was interesting at first, but now, it's becoming boring and kind of disgusting. That's why, shut up already!"

Lailah formed a large light spear and threw it at Yuuto. However, a bright light came from the assembled spirits, dissolving the incoming light spear.

"What!?"

Lailah was shocked as the spirits kept speaking.

[You must accept everything, Isaiah.]

[Light and darkness together.]

[It's alright. There's no need to be afraid.]

[Even if the Lord isn't watching—]

[Our hearts will always be—]

[One!]

The spirits converged into Yuuto, turning into light that entered his body. At the same time, the Holy Element Yuuto was holding was absorbed into his Demonic Sword, which let out an intense radiance as well.

"What's going on!?" Valper cried out. "Don't tell me that's…!"

"Valper Galilei." Yuuto said with a determined expression. "I will say it once again. Tonight, I will put an end to your madness. I won't let anyone else be used and discarded the same way we were. This time…this time, I will protect everyone precious to me with my own hands and cut down those who threaten them! That's why, respond to my feelings now, Sword Birth!"

The light coming from his blade intensified as its shape started changing. Both holy and demonic power were swirling around it, combining and converging into the blade.

"Balance Break!"

Following Yuuto's words, the blade in his hand solidified into a new form giving off both holy and demonic aura. Crimson runes were engraved on the flat of the blade and a crystal emitting light was placed on the guard. Its majestic appearance and the sublime aura coming from it made it look almost like a work of art.

"Balance Breaker, Sword of Betrayer." Yuuto said, pointing his blade at the enemy. "All of you will taste the power of this blade combining the holy and the demonic with your own bodies!"

"Holy Demonic Sword…?" Valper said with a shocked expression. "Impossible! How can two polar opposite energies coexist like this!? It's unthinkable!"

"Heh, now my interest is piqued again." Lailah smirked. "Maybe I should test this atypical sword myself."

Jacob said nothing, his Excalibur at the ready as he glared at Yuuto.

"Irina-san, Xenovia-san, I have a request." Yuuto addressed the two Exorcists. "Please, let me face Excalibur on my own. In order to fully clear whatever lingering regrets I have left, I need to face this sword."

Irina and Xenovia looked at each other, nodding once.

"You got it, Kiba-kun." Irina said. "But since you've said this much, don't go ahead and lose now, alright?"

"I won't." Yuuto said. "That's a promise."

"In that case, we shall deal with the Fallen Angel over there." Xenovia said. "She should make for good practice before Kokabiel."

"Don't get carried away, my dear." Lailah smirked. "An unarmed Exorcist and an Exorcist carrying a single Excalibur are no match for me."

"Who said anything about me being unarmed?"

Xenovia smirked as she thrust her hand to the side and chanted.

"Saint Peter. Saint Basil the Great. Saint Denis. Holy Mother Mary. Please hear my voice."

A rip in space appeared next to Xenovia. Putting her hand inside, she pulled out a large blue-colored broadsword with a golden hilt that gave out a large amount of holy aura.

"In the names of the saints whom reside within this blade, I will release it! Durandal!"

Xenovia swung her blade once, releasing a torrent of holy aura that went straight for Lailah. The Fallen Angel cried out in shock as she dodged to the side in haste, with the aura striking the top of the barrier and cracking it.

"Hm, still as wild as always." Xenovia remarked. "But that's alright. Tonight, we rampage to our hearts' content."

"Now it's Durandal!?" Valper shouted. "Absurd! The Church shouldn't have reached the stage where they can create artificial wielders for it!"

"It hasn't." Xenovia said. "I'm a genuine Holy Sword wielder chosen by it. Now then, shall we go, Irina?"

"Yes!" Irina said. "Let's deliver judgement on these corrupted souls in the name of our Lord! Amen!"

Both Exorcists rushed to engage Lailah, who formed a large mace made out of holy power and dashed at them. She slammed her construct on Durandal, forcing Xenovia back, while also avoiding Irina's Mimic, which had transformed into a spear. Meanwhile, Yuuto set up his sword while staring at Jacob, who had taken his stance.

"…How disappointing." Jacob let out a dispirited sigh. "Just when you finally had the chance to be my equal, you let go of the rage driving you. Do you really think you can beat me and this fused Excalibur like that, Devil scum?"

"I no longer need rage." Yuuto declared. "I'm done living in the past and being trapped by my regrets and my desire for vengeance. I'll defeat you, leave everything behind, and live on for the sake of the future!"

"Worthless words from someone who has no future beyond this night!"

Jacob said as he dashed at Yuuto, his speed multiplied by Rapidly. Yuuto formed an earth-attribute Holy Demonic Sword, stabbing it in the ground and causing fissures and small rock columns to appear all around the area. Due to the uneven terrain, Jacob lost his footing and stumbled. Not missing this chance, Yuuto pounced on the Exorcist, his thrust going past his guard and piercing his shoulder. Jacob grimaced, bringing his Excalibur down on Yuuto, who caught it with the flat of the blade. He attempted to add destruction aura to his strike, but Yuuto's blade merely rippled a bit. Yuuto countered with a series of slashes, forcing Jacob to step back.

"The destruction aura was negated…" Jacob frowned as he set up his sword again. "Another new sword?"

"Right." Yuuto nodded. "This one specialized in shock absorption. But can you really afford to stop moving!?"

Several blades erupted around Jacob, aiming at him. He knocked them aside with a few rapid slashes, only for Yuuto to come at him again, attacking from various angles without being hampered by the terrain at all. Despite his attempts to shield himself, Jacob was receiving more and more small cuts all over his body as his blocks missed the incoming slashes more often than not.

"Don't get cocky, brat!" Jacob roared, slamming Excalibur on the ground and unleashing an omni-directional destructive aura that forced Yuuto to step back. "How about this then!?"

Suddenly, a large number of Jacob clones appeared on the field. Yuuto assumed that the Stray Exorcist was using Nightmare's illusion abilities here. Conjuring a new Holy Demonic Sword, Yuuto closed his eyes as he moved towards the illusions that were coming at him. One after another, they passed through him harmlessly as he kept on walking. Suddenly, picking up steps coming at him through the auditory enhancement offered by Solo Movement, he brought his blade around, blocking the invisible Excalibur aimed at him. His following horizontal slash cut open Jacob's stomach, who howled as he stepped back, becoming visible again as blood and oil dripped from his abdomen.

"Damn it…damn it!" Jacob spat out. "How!? How is it possible you can keep up with me when you were struggling during our past bouts!? You may have your Balance Breaker, but I should be even stronger with this fused Excalibur! How can I be losing to you!?"

"I always let my anger get the better of me in our previous matches, but no more." Yuuto said. "Also, that patchwork of a Holy Sword you're holding cannot match the sword born by mine and my comrades' feelings. You cannot win, Stray Exorcist."

"Don't joke with me, Devil scum!"

Jacob snarled as he aimed his left hand at Yuuto, with a pair of muzzles emerging from it. He unleashed a volley of light rounds at Yuuto, intent on taking him down. However, Yuuto started swinging his Holy Demonic Sword with movements almost too fast for the eye to see, deflecting the light rounds. Jacob followed up with a pair of small cannons that popped out of his back, shooting two thin light rays at Yuuto. He also swung his Excalibur, releasing out a torrent of light. However, Yuuto was undeterred, dodging the light rays and slamming a new Holy Demonic Sword on the ground, forming a semi-transparent barrier that blocked Excalibur's holy aura.

Six drill-shaped Holy Demonic Swords appeared around Yuuto next, with a Cyclone Call forming behind each sword. Propelled by the pressurized air blasts, the six blades shot forward at high speeds, with two of them exploding on Excalibur's surface, one tearing through Jacob's left hand, the other two destroying the cannons on his back and tearing out chunks of flesh and machinery, and the last one piercing through Jacob's left abdomen.

"Guh!"

Jacob hissed, his pain inhibitors working overtime to reduce the searing pain to tolerable levels. Wasting no time, Yuuto dashed at him, his Holy Demonic Sword enveloped in a mix of holy and demonic aura, and started slashing at him again. Jacob drew out every ounce of Rapidly's speed enhancement to match him, but Yuuto seemed like a blur, the sheer speed and multitude of hits pushing the Exorcist back. Eventually—

"…Eh?"

Jacob watched with a dumbfounded expression as his Excalibur broke in half, the constant damage applied on it by Yuuto's precise blows on the same spot being too much for it to handle. Snapping his hand, Yuuto had a pair of blades erupt from the ground and pierce through Jacob's feet, while eight additional blades descended from above and buried themselves all over the Exorcist's body.

"It's over!"

Yuuto declared, thrusting his Holy Demonic Sword through Jacob's chest. The Exorcist spat out blood, letting the broken Excalibur slide from his now limb fingers and fall on the ground.

"So…it ends…as expected…" Jacob coughed, a bitter smile on his face. "In the end…it was all for nothing… Well done…for doing what I could not…young Devil… Your resolve…has shattered both my blade…and my spirit…"

The light left Jacob's eyes as he fell on the ground dead. Glancing at him for a few seconds, Yuuto turned his attention to Valper, walking at him with a determined expression on his face. However, the scientist seemed to pay little attention to his upcoming demise, focusing on the Holy Demonic Sword in Yuuto's hands.

"Holy and demonic…" Valper muttered. "Union of opposites. It should be impossible, not without the chaotic mix outright destroying the wielder. Unless… Could it be…?"

"I'm here to fulfil my oath, Valper Galilei." Yuuto declared. "Your madness will poison this world no longer!"

Yuuto's aim was true as his blade tore through Valper Galilei's heart. However, the scientist opened his eyes wide in realization while spitting out blood at the same time.

"I see!" Valper shouted with a beatific expression unbefitting of a dying man. "I understand now! There's only one way this phenomenon is possible! For the balance to be disrupted to such a degree, not only the Four Great Devil Kings—Deus Trinity himself must have died during the Great War!"

"What…?"

Suffice to say, Yuuto was stunned by this revelation, dismissing his Holy Demonic Sword and taking a few steps back. As for Valper, he started laughing and coughing up blood at the same time as he fell on his knees. A few seconds later, he fell on his back, his life having expired at last. However, a haunting smile could still be seen on his face, as if his death mattered little in the face of his revelation.

"Aw, the cat's out of the bag!" Lailah laughed as she pushed back Xenovia. "However, you girls don't seem too surprised!"

"Please." Xenovia snorted. "As if we would believe the words of a madman and a deceiver!"

"That's right!" Irina said with an angry expression. "Such blasphemy is punishable by death!"

"Right!"

Xenovia said as she swung Durandal, releasing a large wave of holy aura at Lailah. She dodged to the side, only for Irina's whip-shaped Mimic to come at her. Batting it aside, Lailah formed several light maces and threw them at Irina. She slid on the ground to avoid them, changing Mimic into bow form and shooting a volley of light arrows at Lailah. She deflected them with her light mace, but Xenovia took the opportunity to close the distance, slashing at the Fallen Angel with her blade.

"You've got a decent amount of strength for a human, honey!" Lailah grinned as she parried Xenovia's blade. "But you're no Vasco Strada!"

"Maybe not, but even so, I'm more than enough for someone like you!"

Xenovia shouted as she pushed Lailah back, with Durandal shattering her mace construct and opening a shallow cut on her abdomen. Lailah grimaced as she formed several light spears and shot them at Xenovia. She rolled out of the way as Irina charged from behind her, holding a large lance and aiming it at Lailah. The Fallen Angel snorted as she formed another light mace and tried to bat the incoming weapon aside.

However, Irina smirked as Mimic changed forms again, transforming into a pair of daggers just as Lailah was swinging. Her aim disrupted and her stance broken, Lailah couldn't avoid Irina's daggers, which slashed her abdomen and arm. At the same time, Xenovia attacked from the side, severing two of Lailah's left wings with Durandal as the Fallen Angel howled in pain.

"You bitches!" Lailah's expression was distorted by hatred. "That's it, I've had it with you! I was going to keep you as my playthings, but now, I think I'll kill you in the most painful way possible!"

Lailah raised her hands, forming an oversized light hammer and bringing it down on Irina and Xenovia. However, the latter smiled.

"That thing is only a big target for my Durandal!"

Gathering large amounts of holy aura on her sword, Xenovia swung it with all her strength. The ensuing crescent-shaped wave tore through Lailah's light construct, destroying it. However, Lailah was undeterred as she charged at Xenovia, a dense light mace in her hand. Forming Mimic into a staff, Irina pushed Xenovia out of the way, with Lailah's attack opening a crater on the ground.

The Fallen Angel dashed at Irina next, but the Exorcist vaulted over her using her staff. It then changed form into a multitude of strings connected to a hilt that wrapped around Lailah's body. Before she could tear them off, Irina took out a small cylinder from her belt and slammed it at Mimic's hilt. An electric current travelled down it and into the strings, electrocuting Lailah, who screamed in pain. Disoriented and wounded, she was too slow to avoid Xenovia's slash, which bisected her with ease. The two halves of Lailah fell on the ground with blood spurting from them before turning into ashes that scattered in the wind.

"That's that." Xenovia said, planting Durandal on the ground and using it as support. "Showed her for speaking such heresy."

"Good thing I kept that spell container in reserve." Irina said as she picked up the two halves of the destroyed blade. "Not to mention, we managed to retrieve the Excaliburs. The cores still seem intact, so mission accomplished! I guess you're satisfied with that, Kiba-kun?"

"I am." Yuuto nodded, glancing at Valper. "My revenge is over. Sorry for not coming to your aid, but I didn't want to disturb your teamwork."

"A wise choice." Xenovia nodded. "The two of us were more than enough to handle this heathen. Now, as for these barriers—"

Xenovia's words were cut off as the barrier surrounding the area suddenly broke down, with particles of light raining down on them. Turning their gazes up, the trio noticed a figure covered from head to toe in pure white armor with wings of light extending from its back slowly descending towards the academy.

"This form…" Xenovia said with narrowed eyes. "That's…!"

---

The sports field was in the process of being ravaged as the three combatants present exchanged attacks in a furious and lethal dance. Brandishing his light swords, Kokabiel parried Leon's slash, with Takeshi coming at him from the back, Mayhem Striker enveloped in flames. Kokabiel's wings spread and hardened, blocking Takeshi's slash. An ice spike erupted from his left gauntlet, heading straight for the Fallen Angel's head.

"Tch!"

Kokabiel tilted his head to the left, with the spike barely missing him, but his balance was disturbed. Taking advantage of that, Leon kicked him in the abdomen with a light-covered kick, sending him flying. Kokabiel formed several light spears around him in response and threw them at his opponents, but Leon countered by forming and shooting several red-colored light spears at him, while Takeshi formed a thick ice shield in his left gauntlet, blocking the spears.

[Boost! Boost!]

Leon flew up as five claw-like light spears appeared around his leg, shooting them at Kokabiel with a kicking motion. The Cadre batted them aside with his wings, leaving faint scorch marks on them, and then dodged to the side to avoid Takeshi's spinning flaming axe. As the axe headed for Leon, he formed a barrier with the Shield of Evalach, deflecting it towards Kokabiel again.

"Scutum!"

Several large light orbs appeared around Kokabiel, arranging themselves into a shield formation and blocking Mayhem Striker. At that time, Takeshi dashed at Kokabiel, tackling him towards the barrier wall. Although momentarily surprised, Kokabiel enveloped his hands in holy power and punched Takeshi, cracking his armor. At that time though—

[Transfer!]

A green-colored bolt struck Takeshi's back, with his aura increasing. He caught Kokabiel's incoming punch and spun him around, tossing him and sending him crashing on the ground. Surrounding himself with flames and propelled by Leon's wind, Takeshi fell on Kokabiel with the force of a meteor, generating a large explosion upon impact. The Cadre emerged from the conflagration with small burns all over his body, only for Leon to pounce on him. Fragarach tore through his hastily constructed shield and opened a small cut on his chest, with Leon slamming the Shield of Evalach on him and sending him flying back. At the same time, Takeshi pointed Mayhem Striker at Kokabiel, shooting numerous ice spikes and ash blades at him, with the Cadre shielding himself with his wings. Opening the distance, Kokabiel fixed his stance as he stared at his two opponents with a wide grin on his face.

"Good, very good, youngsters!" Kokabiel exclaimed. "You're living up to the fearsome reputation of your predecessors! This is truly a battle worthy enough to mark the start of the Second Great War!"

"There won't be any wars starting today!" Leon declared, pointing Fragarach at Kokabiel. "Not if we can help it, and we can help it!"

"You picked a fight with the wrong guys, Kokabiel!" Takeshi said, brandishing Mayhem Striker. "Now, you'll be eliminated without fail!"

[I would be more careful if I were you, whelp.] Nidhogg said. [My regeneration is offsetting the damage from Savage Predator Incarnation, but only to a degree. Not to mention, there's the excess strain from maintaining several Sacred Gears. If this drags on for too long, you'll find yourself in quite the predicament.]

I know that without telling me. Takeshi thought. Still, this isn't a battle I can afford to take it easy.

[With you, it never is.] Orochi laughed. [But that's why it's so fun being around you!]

Takeshi was about to respond, but at that moment, Kokabiel made his move.

"Sagittarius!"

A large number of star-shaped light constructs appeared around Kokabiel, flying towards the two youths and shooting dense light beams. Takeshi had the ice-covered Mayhem Striker spin in front of him, forming an ice barrier, while Leon formed a large defensive magic circle with the Shield of Evalach. Nodding at each other, both youths opened their mouths wide, letting out breaths of fire towards the floating stars and Kokabiel, with Leon's fire containing the holy element as well. Most of the stars were incinerated, though Kokabiel shielded himself with an oversized Scutum.

"How about this then?" Kokabiel said. "Eridanus!"

The remaining stars dissolved into small orbs of light that joined the large streams coming out of Kokabiel's wings, forming several rivers of light orbs that surged towards the two youths. Spreading their respective wings, they took flight, with Takeshi shooting fire, ice and ashes at the incoming orbs and Leon generating violent tornadoes from Fragarach. However, more light orbs would just take the place of the destroyed ones. At the same time, Kokabiel pointed at the sky and shouted.

"Corona Borealis!"

Seven oversized orbs appeared above the battlefield, each of them releasing a powerful light blast aiming at Kokabiel's opponents. Takeshi avoided two of them, but the third struck him, sending him crashing on the ground with his armor cracked all over. Leon clicked his tongue as he flew all over the place while struggling to not share his friend's fate. Just as he seemed to be cornered, he planted the Shield of Evalach on the ground, forming another barrier that blocked the incoming attacks. Just as it was on the verge breaking down, Leon took a stance.

[Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!]

Boosting as much as he felt he could control himself, Leon swung his blade, unleashing a violent tempest that tore through all of Kokabiel's light constructs and cracked the barriers enveloping them while also ravaging the sports grounds. At the same time, Takeshi burst out of the ground, having dug below after being struck by Kokabiel's attack, and aimed a slash at the Fallen Angel. Conjuring a light broadsword, Kokabiel swatted him aside with a swing.

[Transfer!]

Another green orb struck Takeshi as his aura grew, with several claw-like spears aiming at Kokabiel at the same time. Kokabiel deflected them as Takeshi dashed at him, his axe aiming at his neck. The Cadre's wings hardened and shot forward, but bounced off his armor, with Takeshi smashing his axe on Kokabiel's broadsword.

[Boost! Boost! Transfer!]

Another Transfer enveloped Takeshi, with the young Devil pushing Kokabiel back. Opening his mouth wide, he let out a high-pitched aria that had Kokabiel grimacing as he experienced double vision for a moment. Not missing this chance, both Leon and Takeshi rushed at Kokabiel, beginning another furious exchange of slashes and blows. As Fragarach created another tornado, Takeshi mixed a large number of ice shards, with the ice storm blowing Kokabiel back and opening several cuts on his body. Roaring, Kokabiel unleashed copious amount of holy energy from his body in the form of an explosion, forcing the two youths back.

"Don't look down on me!" Kokabiel howled. "Crux!"

Several cross-shaped light constructs formed around Kokabiel and shot forward in speeds almost too fast for the eye to see. One of them bypassed Leon's barrier, burying itself in his left shoulder as he cried out in pain, while Takeshi enveloped his whole armor in a thick layer of ice that provided extra defense. However, he was still pushed back and sent tumbling to the ground.

"Time to finish this." Kokabiel said, lifting both hands to the sky. "You've been very entertaining, but I'm afraid that—"

Kokabiel's words were cut off as he choked, spitting out a mouthful of blood much to his shock. At the same time, he experienced double vision once again while his body seemed to be heating up, to the point where he felt he was on fire.

"What…is this!?" Kokabiel snarled, struggling to focus. "What did you do!?"

"It looks like it's finally taken effect."

Takeshi smirked underneath his helmet, putting his hand in the back of his armor and pulling something out. He seemed to be holding an object, but its form was obscured as it blended with the environment. Tapping it once, Takeshi released the spell, revealing the form of Blight Current.

"That's…Orochi's Sacred Gear?" Kokabiel spoke with a shocked expression as he coughed up blood again. "You bastard…you didn't bring out only a single Sacred Gear then? That means…those Transfers back then…!"

"That's right." Takeshi said. "All of them were aimed at Blight Current, boosting the potency of its poison. Perhaps you know this, but it can be dispersed in gas form as well, though it's not as effective. But it's a different story if its effects are boosted. And that kind of boosted poison is what you've been breathing each time we fought on melee."

"By the way, I was immune because I wrapped an air barrier around my head." Leon said. "I was afraid you'd notice it, but you didn't. Lucky us."

"How…if only focused on Blight Current…how could your overall power increase!?"

"Ah, that was me forcing out more power from Cataclysm Zone by bypassing some of the safety features." Takeshi said. "Another nifty thing I picked up during training. I'll be feeling this tomorrow most likely, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that you're already dead. So, allow us to send you off to Hell!"

[Boost! Boost! Boost! Transfer!]

[Triple Charge! Calamity Overflow!]

A large amount of holy aura, wind and flames enveloped Leon's Fragarach as he transferred his power to it, while Blight Current surrounded by black thunder wrapped itself around Takeshi's right greave and ashes surrounded his left after he pressed the sides of his buckle once. Kokabiel showed a fearful expression as he raised his hand in an attempt to conjure a massive light spear.

"Too slow! The only thing awaiting the wicked is despair!"

Leon shouted as he shot forward, his thrust tearing through Kokabiel's right hand and entire right set of wings, with the Fallen Angel screaming in pain. At the same time, Takeshi spread his wings and flew up before diving towards Kokabiel feet first.

[Trinity Blast Fever!]

"Victory was never an option for you!"

Takeshi's dropkick struck Kokabiel squarely in the chest, burying the Fallen Angel Cadre in the ground as his body was engulfed in a large explosion of fire and black thunder. Takeshi landed a few steps away from the crater, with Leon landing next to him. A few seconds later, the battered Kokabiel crawled out of the crater, his body filled with injuries and blood flowing from his severed appendages. Despite that, there was still fighting spirit in his eyes, prompting Takeshi and Leon to remain on guard. Several cross-shaped light constructs appeared around Kokabiel, flying towards the two youths. While they were busy dodging or repelling them, Kokabiel smirked.

"This is it…for me…" Kokabiel wheezed, coughing out more blood. "However, just like Deus Trinity…I will not go quietly into the void! The Containers aren't charged fully…but I can still take all of you and most of this town with me!"

Kokabiel raised his remaining hand high, a magic circle forming in his hand as he laughed like a madman.

"I don't think so!"

"Drop dead already, you stubborn bastard!"

Leon and Takeshi shouted as the first released a red-colored beam of concentrated holy power and the second threw his ice-covered axe at Kokabiel. Their aim was true as Leon's beam disintegrated Kokabiel's left hand and Takeshi's axe buried itself in Kokabiel's head, with a large number of ice spikes shooting out of the Cadre's body and dying the field around him red. Kokabiel didn't even have time to scream as his body was crushed by the numerous ice pillars sprouting from him, with only a few black feathers remaining behind.

"We…we did it…" Leon wheezed out, doing his best to remain standing. "We won…"

"Hell yeah we won!" Takeshi laughed as Mayhem Striker returned to his hand. "That's a game clear!"

"I wouldn't exactly call this a game. Not to mention, it was a little too close…"

Leon said with a chuckle. But just as the two youths thought it was fine to relax—

"Bravo! An excellent performance indeed!"

A voice came from above as the barrier surrounding Kuoh Academy shattered all of a sudden, its remains falling down as a rain of particles. Turning their gazes upwards, Leon and Takeshi noticed that a white shape was descending from the sky towards them. Focusing on it, both youths realized it a person clad in full-body white armor with a Dragon motif and a pair of light wings growing from its back.

"That's…" Takeshi said with narrowed eyes. "Is this what I think it is?"

[It has appeared before us at last, partner.] Ddraig's voice echoed. [Our destined rival.]

"That's…Divine Dividing in its Balance Breaker." Leon said, a hint of trepidation in his voice. "In that case, that person must be…the current White Dragon Emperor."

[Albion!] Orochi snarled, his hatred evident. [There you are, you annoying show-off!]

Without Takeshi's consent, Blight Current shifted to its whip form and flew forward, aiming to strike at the armored figure from various angles. However, that person waved their hand, forming several defensive magic circles around them that deflected the incoming whips with ease.

"What's the matter with you!?" Takeshi shouted at Orochi, struggling to assert control once again. "Settle down, you eight-headed pain in my ass!"

[Never!] Orochi hissed. [That's our enemy over there! The slimy bastard who thinks himself superior to me!]

"What a violent greeting." The White Dragon Emperor said as they landed a few steps away from the other two. "Is that any way to treat an old friend, Takeshi?"

"That voice…"

"Don't tell me!"

Both Takeshi and Leon seemed to realize something. Then, the helmet covering the White Dragon Emperor's face vanished, revealing the face of a young man close to Takeshi and Leon's age with light silver hair and hazel eyes, who had a confident smirk on his face. Upon seeing that, both youths also dismissed their helmets, matching shocked expressions on their faces. While Leon seemed petrified, Takeshi took an uncertain step forward, his eyes glued to these familiar features.

"It can't be… Vali?"

---

This concludes Chapter 25. First, in response to your questions.

—To Ryukipendragon: If we're talking about the Kyoto fight, then no, Takeshi won't be using Crom Cruach's Balance Breaker then. It will appear at another point in time.

—To Jigen: Regarding the reason Leon didn't one-shot Kokabiel, it's explained in this chapter. In general, Leon is close to Vali's level of strength. As for Kokabiel, I always considered him to be about Ultimate to Devil King-class level of strength since he easily deflected Rias's boosted Power of Destruction, which was supposedly around that level of power. I never though of him as weak in the first place. Vali only made him seem like an easy opponent due to his superior speed and busted Sacred Gear.

Phew, that was an exhausting one to write with several things to unpack here. So, let's get started.

First, regarding the Boosted Gear and its limitations. Frankly, if we go by canon, that thing is utterly busted in its Balance Breaker state since there don't seem to be any restrictions other than the number of Boosts Issei's body can handle. The only reason current Issei isn't one-shooting every enemy he comes across is because Boost has had no noticeable effect for quite some time in the novels. That's why I opted for some limitations of my own here. For those of you familiar with the Justice League Unlimited show, that 'world made out of cardboard' speech Superman gave at the last episode is what inspired the fear of collateral damage and large casualties which forces Leon to keep the use of Boosted Gear down to the minimum. Moreover, there's the narrow time limit for fighting with the increased power before it disperses and the strain after each Boost, which I hope make Boosted Gear a little less broken.

While we're on the subject of Leon, his status as a human-Angel hybrid has been revealed. A little cliché, I know, but his origins aren't the same as those of the typical Miracle Child as was hinted here. More on that will be revealed in a later chapter, but I will say he's not the only hybrid born through this clandestine Church project.

Next, regarding Saji. His reason for participating in the fight was two-fold. First, I wanted to make it up to him for not having him participate in the search for the Excaliburs. Second, it's due to his limitations. As was revealed in Volume 5 of the novels, his demonic power at that time was at the same level as Issei's (which is to say abysmal). As such, it doesn't make sense for him to stay outside with the others and place barriers since he should be unable to do so. That's why he took part in the fight.

Regarding Deus Trinity's death, while Valper was able to reveal it before his demise at Yuuto's hands, with Lailah and Kokabiel confirming it on separate occasions, Irina and Xenovia ignored said revelation since it came from the mouth of their enemies. However, both in their case and Leon's case, the seed of doubt has been planted due to everything they've heard and witnessed so far, and there will be a resolution regarding this matter in the next chapter.

As for Vali, he didn't have much of a part to play here since Takeshi and Leon took care of Kokabiel on their own. However, like many of you predicted and as it was hinted in previous chapter, the three youths were indeed friends in the past. We'll delve a little more into their past in the next chapter.

Well, that's all for now. The next chapter will conclude this arc. As always, please read, review, favorite, follow, but most of all, enjoy!

See you all next time!