Chapter 36
Devil Essence
"Asta...you can still move?" Abel gawked at his injured squadmate. Despite being close to passing out, Asta stood tall, metaphorically, in front of them protectively.
"Right back at you. That spell you used was insane. Yours too Noelle. But unlike you guys, I have no mana so I don't have to worry about running low on it. All I need is my sword and my strength to protect you!"
"You're not going alone." Abel shook his head."I'm almost out of mana, but I'm also a swordsman. I can't let something like mana hinder me like this. Besides, if I can access that power again..."
"You mean the masked thing you had? Can you pull it off again?"
"I don't know. My head is a little fuzzy and it hurts like heck. But it's not like we have any choice. If we don't take this guy down now we're all dead. Nonetheless, I got your back."
"Okay. If you're up for it, I won't stop you." Asta gave him a confident smirk."We'll work together! This time, we'll both be the shields and swords!"
"But guys, you're both badly hurt and exhausted." Noelle tried to stop them, grabbing their shoulders."Are you really sure you can do this?"
"After that display, you did earlier with that awesome spell..." Asta reached to pat Noelle's head with a smile."No way I would be able to just lay down and die."
"Asta..." Noelle blushed at his heart-melting smile.
Abel nodded in approval, giving them a toothy grin.'This is...something worth protecting.'
"Ready, Abel?"
"Ready when you are, Asta."
"Are you pests done strategizing?" Vetto glared at them with disdain."No matter how many little schemes you come up with, they are all useless against overwhelming power! Mythical Beast Magic: Dragon Claws!"
Vetto leaped at the pair while Asta and Abel jumped to the side, surrounding Vetto in a pincer attack. With a battle cry, both boys went in for a combined attack, but their blades were easily stopped by Vetto. However, Asta's sword nullified the Dragon Claw, giving Asta a new opportunity to strike.
'Damn it...I can't move!" Abel cursed in his mind, trying to break free of Vetto's grasp.'What would Cain do in this situation? I can't manipulate my magic the same way he can and...wait, manipulate my magic?'
Abel canceled his spell, creating another Hellbreaker once he managed to move away from Vetto.'That's right! Cain can manipulate his magic and create arrows. If I can apply the same concept, I can recall and call forth Hellbreaker as much as I can!'
Vetto clicked his tongue, kicking Asta away with relative ease."You're becoming an annoyance, Abel!"
"You're the annoying one!" Abel smashed his blade against Vetto's arms."Come on!"
"Then I'll just put you to sleep!" Vetto rose his remaining arm, ready to smash Abel's face in.
"ABEL! JUMP BACK!"
Instinctively, Abel jumped back, finding himself back to where Noelle was as if he had not moved from the start?"
"What the...? What happened?" A bewildered Abel looked around, noticing a familiar figure approaching."You're..."
"Finral!" Noelle finished for him."You're okay!"
"Sorry I took so long. I've been looking everywhere for you guys...Raiden needs help. He went to confront the Child of Sceva on his own to save Gauche, Grey, and Charmy! Originally, I came to ask for help but...it seems you guys have your hands full."
"So they're fighting a Child of Sceva?" Asta groaned, using all he had to get on his feet."Can this get any worse?"
"The vermin just keep pilling up." Vetto was beginning to grow tired of all these interruptions."Forget about your friends. Rosemary won't be leaving any bodies."
"Finral, you shouldn't have come here." Abel told his friend."This guy...is out of our league, honestly. I don't think we can beat him."
"I couldn't just leave you guys be." Finral shook his head."You're my juniors. And as a superior, I have to be on the front lines to protect you. I'm tired of being weak. Abel, you've grown so much stronger, and that helped me get motivated to do the same. I'm scared out of my mind, but if I can save you, I'll gladly do it."
"Finral!" Abel beamed at his friend's resolve"Alright! Now we can all fight together!"
"We still need a plan." Finral folded his arms."I have something in mind. A combination with Raiden and I that worked against the Second Child of Sceva. If I have you two then maybe we can make something better."
"I won't let you." Vetto grinned, prepared to launch a devastating spell that was stopped by pink threads wrapping around him."This is...?"
"Count me in as well." Vanessa casually walked towards the group, waving at them."Hey. Seems like you guys have been working hard."
"Vanessa!" Everyone cried in unison.
"I'm happy to see you alive as well. Against this monster of a man, that's a great feat. I could sense his mana from all the way where I was. If you have something planned, add my Thread Magic as well. As Asta said, we're not about to give up, right?"
"Hooray!" The youngest twin cheered."With Vanessa here, we'll be at an even greater advantage. We never give up. That's our squad's motto."
"No one gave up." Asta nodded at his words."Not me, Noelle, Luck, or Magna. I'm sure the others aren't giving up either. So it's up to us to continue fighting.
"You can bring your whole gang of insects here, it wouldn't make a difference!" Vetto's magic flared up, destroying Vanessa's threads."Even if Rosemary doesn't kill them, I will! Starting with you first!"
Purple flames erupted from the beast-like figure surrounding Vetto, shooting toward the Black Bulls.
"I got it!" Finral opened up a portal in front of them and one above Vetto, redirecting the spell back to its owner. Vetto growled, slamming the spell away.
"He just swatted that powerful spell away..." Finral breathed, his confidence wavering."Even if we fight together, can we match that kind of firepower? I don't think I can catch him by surprise with his attacks."
"Abel, probably. But he can't control the spell." Asta jabbed his thumb at Abel.
"It's a lot more complicated than that." Abel rose his hand."But I can make it work. I just need time to mentally prepare myself."
"If you think you got something that can work, that's music to my ears." Vanessa glanced at Noelle."Noelle, do you have enough magic to protect the others? This might get out of hand."
"Yes! I'll go keep the people unconscious safe!" With that, Noelle ran back to where the people who had been defeated were, but not without sparing a glance for her friends.'Please, everyone...make it out alive...'
"Okay! Asta, give us the opening that we need." Vanessa used her strings to secure Asta's grip on his sword."Abel, whenever you feel like you're ready, give us a sign and fire whatever it is you have in store. We'll keep Asta safe until then."
"Got it!" Abel nodded, closing his eyes in determination.'Come on, please...! I need that power again but how do I make it work? Please! I have to help!'
"You're so noisy. Here I was hoping you'd shut up eventually but you got louder."
"Huh?" Abel opened his eyes, finding himself in a dark void with nothing in it. Nothing except an even black figure floating above him, its piercing crimson eyes staring into his soul. The creature flapped its wings, circling Abel while humming to itself."What the...? Am I hallucinating...?"
"No, nothing like that." The entity chuckled sinisterly."Man, that look on your face is so funny. Relax. Take a load off. You called for me, didn't you?"
"What...what do you mean? What are you?" Abel asked, realizing his body shivering,
"I'm you." It said, appearing in front of Abel out of nowhere, prompting Abel to yelp and fall on his rear."I'm kidding. Just a prank. But I have taken an interest in you. Your need for power has awakened me and your rage fueled me with life. You probably don't remember, but the first time was when Raiden was talking shit at the Black Market. More recently was today, in fact. I respond to your strong feelings. It's a lot more complicated than that, but that's the gist of it. As for what I am? I am your guardian angel."
"You don't look like an angel to me, though." Abel pursed his lips."You look more like a devil or something."
"News flash to you, superstar, angels don't look like what you might think." The entity planted his fists on his hips."They're not human-like with wings or anything like that. Frankly speaking, they look like abominations. This?" It splayed his arms out for Abel to observe him."Is the tamest look. Trust me. Bottom line is, I can give you power. Not much, considering the state your body is in. You should know what I'm capable of. After all, you did use some of the spells I granted you."
"Calamity Blaster...that was you?"
"Yeah. And I can give you so much more. All you have to do is agree to make a pact with me. You see, our hearts and soul have to be in sync for this to work. If I can't access your soul as you can mine, then I can't give you much power. Don't worry, I only need a bit of control. Of course, you'll have the final say in the matter."
"This is all too convenient but..." Abel clenched his fists."My friends need help. I'll take what I can get! Let's do it. But what should I call you?"
"A name? Mmmm. I guess you can call me...Bel. I am God."
"Got you now!" Asta appeared behind Vetto, using one of Finral's portals. Vetto swung his arm back, but Vanessa used her strings to pull Asta back just in time before diving into another portal. This time, Asta appeared underneath, thrusting his sword upwards, aiming at Vetto's chest. The beast-man blocked the attack with his forearm, winding his fist back to strike Asta.'I can't go down here. Finral and Vanessa are believing in me! I won't let their trust go to waste!'
Asta ducked on his own, avoiding the devastating blow from his opponent. Using all his strength in his legs, he jumped as hard as he could, headbutting Vetto in the face and nearly dislocating his jaw."W-what?!"
Vetto rose his arms, attempting to hammer down on Asta, but he used his Demon Slayer to halt the attack, his feet sinking onto the ground."I'm not done!" A portal took Asta to Vetto's side, striking him with his sword against his face, leaving a red mark. Blinded in rage, Vetto used an attack that nearly hit the magicless mage had Vanessa not pulled him out in time.'This brat...he's getting stronger. That can't be possible. He's covered in wounds and about to die. He should be getting weaker! He wasn't this strong before. It happened the moment those two ants showed up...could it be that somehow their support is giving him strength?'
"Thanks, you guys! He nearly crushed me!" Asta landed in front of his seniors.
"You're giving him good blows." Vanessa remarked."We might have a chance if you keep landing them. How's Abel doing, Finral?"
"Uh...he's just standing there, spacing out," Finral said in worry, checking over his friend. Indeed, Abel was staring at nothing, his bangs covering his eyes."Did he pass out?"
"He's still standing..." Vanessa bit her lower lip."He's probably thinking or something. Asta is our best chance at winning right now. His Anti Magic is key to victory. Ready to go again?"
"It seems I cannot heal the injuries sustained by that sword." Vetto rubbed the cuts around his face."To think three ants would come together to challenge a dinosaur on their own. But still, they are proving to be quite annoying to deal with. In that case, I'll crush you all together!"
Asta leaped towards Vetto, ready to meet him face to face.
'He'll be pulled inside a portal. No need to block this attack. I have to concentrate on where else he'll-' A smacked to the face snapped him out of his thoughts, followed by another slash around his chest."What?!"
"Ha. He was probably thinking Asta wasn't going to attack him directly." Vanessa said, maneuvering around the strings around Asta."We took advantage of that. But as I thought, we'll need more firepower if we want to deal more damage. We can't keep this up forever."
"It's fine. I believe in Asta and Abel!" Finral's hands were shaking, his mana quickly running low due to the usage of his magic."We can't let up now!"
"Look at you now. You've come a long way, huh?" Vanessa giggled in amusement."You've changed. I've changed. And we have our juniors to thank for that. We'll do everything we can to support them. It's funny. Watching Asta go, I realized how much of a coward I was back then. I wasn't trapped in my cage. I simply lacked the courage to break out. But watching him fighting as hard as he can while having no magic, using only his body and spirit...it makes me realize that anything is possible."
"Same here. Abel proved to me that we can't just sit around watching as others grow stronger than us. Even if they are leagues above us or have a superior talent, we have to try to aim for higher. It all starts with the desire to improve yourself. Because of that, I'm here!"
Asta was beginning to react better and grow used to the velocity of the fight. His body felt pretty much weightless. With Vanessa controlling his body and Finral warping him around, all he had to do was hit Vetto whenever he saw the chance. But this wasn't always the case, since the beast-man was still faster than he could react.
"I've figured out the first part of your plot." Vetto watched as Asta was pulled away towards a portal."All I have to do is prevent you from teleporting!"
"Then we'll go even faster! Finral, Vanessa! Go maximum output!"
"Roger!" Both mages nodded in agreement, concentring their power and breaking their limits. Asta was now sprinting around the battlefield, going through countless portals at such speed that it looked like Vetto was surrounded by a dome of magic.
"You'll run out of power eventually!" Vetto continued chasing Asta around wherever he went with a savage grin."And when you do, you'll be left with nothing!"
"Shut up! I believe in my squadmates! We'll take you down no matter what it takes!"
"If only I could get a good opening..." Asta gritted his teeth, jumping back before leaping into another portal as Vetto appeared in front of him."Huh?!"
"Despair!"
"Water Magic: Sea Dragon's Roar!"
Vetto watched in horror as a smaller water dragon than before nearly managed to devour him if he hadn't reacted in time and jumped out of the way. He turned to the source of the attack, gritting his teeth at a panting Noelle with her wand out."You little insect!"
'Noelle...thank you!' Asta roared, appearing in front of Vetto and stabbing him through his stomach with all his might."I told you, I believe in my friends! All of them!"
Vetto, however, managed to grab Asta's arms with his magic, squeezing them with overwhelming force. The magicless magic screamed in agony, letting go of his sword due to the feeling of his bones beginning to crack.
"Asta! But how?! He gave him such a powerful attack!" Noelle covered her mouth, terrified at the screams Asta was letting out."ASTA!"
"No way..." Vanessa's strings disappeared, her magic finally running out."But it was a perfect plan...we had him..."
"We failed..." Finral closed his eyes, grinding his teeth.
"I have to give credit where it's due. Your combo attack sure was impressive. But trash is still trash, no matter how much it piles up!" Vetto continued squeezing, Asta's arms taking a black tone."I let you hit me on purpose in a non-vital area so I could get close to you! Now you're all powerless to stop me! Once someone loses hope, they are filled with mind-shattering despair! And your little friends will feel that as I kill you! DESPAIR! YOU WILL DESPAIR! DESPAIR! DESPAIR! LET ME HEAR MORE OF YOUR PAINED SCREAMS, HUMAN!"
Suddenly, Vetto's arms came off his body, releasing Asta onto the ground. A figure landed in front of him, brandishing a black sword.
"Abel!" Finral exclaimed in shock."When did he...I didn't even see him move."
"But his hair...and that mask...?"
In effect, Abel's hair had turned completely black, with black dust swirling around his head. He had gone back to having the full crow mask he had earlier, two red orbs shining from the eyeholes of his mask. A black aura surrounded his body as if leaking from his body.
"Abel...it can't be. He's done it?!" Vetto quickly regenerated his arms, but before he could assess the situation, another arm came off, prompting him to jump in the air."He's fast!"
A blood-curdling scream was let out from Abel's throat, raising his sword in triumphant. He kicked the ground, shooting toward Vetto in the air. Vetto created two crimson arms of magic, attempting to squash Abel's body. Once he pulled them apart, he noticed he had missed his target and two swords stabbing at his back gave him the answer he needed.
"Yin Magic: Catastrophic Rain of Black Blades!" Abel's raspy voice screamed, launching more black swords toward his enemy. Vetto used his Mythical Beast Dragon Claws to swat the blades away, focused entirely on Abel as he began to free fall to the ground.
"You can't dodge in mid-air. I won't kill you but I sure as hell will leave you close to death! Don't worry, you'll be healed later!" Vetto moved his Dragon Claws in a way that resembled the jaws of a predator waiting for their prey to fall inside. But Abel never fell. In fact, he stayed in the air."What the hell?!"
"He can fly?!" Noelle gasped, bewildered by seeing her friend floating in the air without a broom.
Abel growled, swiftly flying down willingly at the beast's arms. Vetto yelled, extending one of them towards him to no avail. Abel used it to slide down towards the source. Once he was close enough, he kicked Vetto in the chin, sending him stumbling backward. He did not let out his continuous assault, creating more black blades around him and sending them against various parts of Vetto's body, stunning him.
With a thunderous scream fitting for a cornered beast, Vetto unleashed more of his magic, sending the blades out of his body and regenerating instantly."ABEL!"
Before he could get his hands on the boy, Asta appeared in front of him from one of Finral's portals and gave him a roundhouse kick, knocking him back."I'm not done yet!"
"How?! I've crushed his arms! Is he still fighting with mere willpower?!" Vetto was beginning to lose his composure, not having to fight two strong opponents. He noticed something odd. The Demon Dweller embedded in him had weakened him considerably. With a grunt, he pulled the sword out, tossing it aside."I'll kill all of you and make you despair!"
"Despair, despair, despair! Just shut up already! No one has despaired! No matter how much you tried to break us, we're still standing strong together!" Asta resumed warping around the place, and with Abel flying about, they had finally cornered Vetto, limiting his ground. At once, both Asta and Abel slashed Vetto's body, causing him to grumble as more blood poured out. He backhanded Asta away, using the confusion to grab at a rampaging Abel and tosing him where Asta was. Abel kicked the ground, using it to fly faster and grab Asta, throwing him to the floor.
"I can't take more hits like that...that damned sword took a lot of my power. I have to kill them now-"
In front of him, Asta and Abel stood on opposite sides, both emanating a dark, chilling presence. Two silhouettes towered over them Black Bull swordsmen, each of them with horns and wings."They aren't human or beasts...they're devils who devour even despair...I knew Abel was hiding this, but that brat too? Just what does this mean?!"
"Abel, we'll have to coordinate our attacks. I'll give you an opening to you can take him-WOAH!"
Abel swung his sword, unleashing a wave of Yin magic that nearly cut Asta in two. With a sneer, Abel shot toward Vetto at great speed.
"What was that all about?" Asta quirked a brow, puzzled at his friend's demeanor.
"Forget about that for a second, Asta! We're still in this!" Vanessa reminded him, forcing his body to move again.
Vetto punched the ground, grabbing the loose stones and throwing them at Abel who quickly cut them with his Hellbreaker. He grabbed the hilt of his sword with two hands as he began to windmill, cutting through the ground itself. Vetto jumped out of the way, but Abel used the wall to propel himself at him and delivered a double kick to his stomach, causing him to cough up blood.
"What's wrong...weren't you going to make me despair?" Abel whispered in his ear, flying away to leave room for Asta, who began cutting him as he went through the portals. Vetto was on the losing end, and he knew it. Their attacks had become too consistent and faster. If he attempted to go after one, the other would come sweeping in and attack. While their attacks were relentless, Abel was becoming more savage the longer the fight dragged on. Pieces of his mask were beginning to fall off as he continued to stab Vetto with his swords before Asta came and gave his own attacks.
"Damn you!" Vetto attempted to grab Abel but his arms were stopped by him powering up, releasing a tremendous amount of magic that served as a barrier. In that single moment of confusion, Asta slashed Vetto's back, causing him to scream in agony.
"NOW! DO IT!" Asta kicked Vetto's back to shoot himself away. Abel needed no further invitation. Leveling his arms in front of him, he created a black ball of magic with black lightning.
"Yin Magic: Calamity Blaster!" He shouted, unleashing his devastating spell. The attack completely engulfed Vetto's body, not allowing him a second to process what just had happened before sending him up in the air, going outside the cave and nearly into the vast ocean. His body fell back, motionless and his eyes rolled to the back of his skull.
"W-we did it!" Noelle sighed in relief."No question this time. We actually did it!"
Vanessa pulled Asta back just in time before the strings disappeared, engulfing him in a hug with Finral."That was the craziest thing I've seen someone do in my life. To think you'd put your life in our hands like that..."
"Yeah, you didn't even hesitate." Finral patted his junior's head.
"Of course, I didn't." Asta winced, his adrenaline beginning to die down."I trust all of you with my life. You're my squadmates."
Meanwhile, back in the main room, the High Priest was celebrating in joy."Your boys did it, Yami! They defeated the beast!"
"Huh. And I was just about to go in and save them." Yami ruffled his hair. After he had driven Mary and Baby away, he had taken out the spatial mage as well, giving him the freedom to enter the game."Still, I'm proud of those idiots. They never stopped breaking their limits and became stronger. Well done, kids."
"Captain..." Vanessa nearly teared up upon hearing his voice."Jeez, next time come sooner, okay? We nearly died out here."
"But everything worked out in the end, right?" Asta gave her a grin, turning back to where Abel was standing."Hey, Abel! That was so cool! I didn't know you were that strong! And how come your hair is black now?"
Abel remained unresponsive, not making a sound as he just stood in front of Vetto's body.
"Abel? Sweetheart, it's over." Vanessa narrowed her eyes.'Something is off...'
"Maybe he's too tired to move." Finral suggested, opening a portal beside him."I'll bring him here."
As a portal opened next to Abel, Vanessa saw Abel's hand twitch in anticipation, readying his sword."Finral! Don't!"
"Huh?" Finral moved his head in time to avoid it being pierced by Hellbreaker."What?!"
"Abel?!" Noelle ran up to where they were, standing behind them.
"What are you doing, Abel?!" Asta demanded."You almost hurt Finral with that!"
Abel finally faced them, glancing at his hand."With this much power, I won't even need to break a sweat to fulfill my goal." A low chuckle escaped his lips, turning into full laughter as he rose his head slowly. The left part of his mask was gone, showing them his eye which had turned black and his pupils red alongside a crazed smirk."You damn hypocrites. I hate you...I despise ALL of you! I can't wait...to slaughter all of you! Tear you apart limb from limb! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"What the hell is this magic?!" Yami ran over to look at the screens. He could feel it all the way there as if Abel was standing in front of him."And that Ki...what happened to him?"
"It sends shivers down my spine..." The High Priest gaped."It's so cold and dark...his mana feels like it came out of the underworld itself."
Back in the fight, Abel began levitating, cackling madly as he prepared himself to attack."Finally! It's been so long since I felt this way! How I missed this power! And I'm not even at full capacity yet. Oh, this will be too easy. I'll gladly give you a taste!"
Finral opened a portal in front of them but Abel flew over it, winding his arm back with Hellbreaker. Vanessa tried to grab him with his strings, but her magic was too weak and Abel's aura easily destroyed them.
Asta grabbed his sword, stopping the attack but before he could cancel his magic, Abel's sent him crashing against a wall, breaking more bones in the process."I felt you earlier. Why don't you come out and play, comrade?!"
"Abel! Stop! This isn't like you!" Noelle tried to plead with him but when in one ear and out the other.
"Tch. Man, you're so annoying. Well then..." Abel pointed his index finger at Noelle, black lightning cladding it."Lightning Magic: Sudden Shot!"
Vanessa threw herself at Noelle, barely saving her as a lightning beam graced her back and into the wall, making a hole in it.
"Vanessa! Are you okay?!" Noelle helped her sit down, noticing her wincing."Did he hurt you?!"
"I'm fine...but I couldn't see that attack coming. I just...instinctively jumped to save you." Vanessa could feel blood pouring down her back."He's not himself. Something happened to him...And that magic..."
"Abel doesn't have lighting magic!" Finral completed her train of thought."What's going on here?! Did he get possessed?!"
"It feels so good!" Abel continued laughing by himself."Killing you will feel great! Once I'm done with you, I'll massacre all the citizens of this place! And they can't escape. I'll hunt them all down one by one! I am the ultimate life form! Lightning Magic: Avian Descend!"
A lightning falcon formed above Abel, flying towards the Black Bulls to finish them off. In the nick of time, the bird was cut in half, dissipating into thin air."Huh?"
"Good grief, kid. Do you not know what self-control is?" Yami landed in front of his subordinates with his katana drawn out, holding a cigarette."You almost hurt your squadmates. You might wanna be careful where you point that thing."
"Captain!" They cheered, happy to finally see their Captain since the whole thing started.
"Good work. You've sure gone beyond your limits and continually improved. Finral, Vanessa, Asta, Noelle, Luck, and Magna. As well as the others who aren't here. Raiden, Charmy, Grey, Gauche. And you too, Abel. I don't know where and how you got this much power from but it's helluva impressive. Though clearly, you're not in control right now."
"So the man himself finally shows up." 'Abel' chuckled, seizing him up."Good. I wanted to see how this power compares to a Captain such as yourself. You'll be the perfect guinea pig for my evolution."
"What the hell are you even talking about, kid?" Yami huffed some smoke."You high or something?"
"High on power, yes. And how could I not be? Anyway, I don't have much time, so let's get this over with. Lightning Magic: Judgement Eye!"
Black lightning emerged from his Grimoire, going up in the sky and taking the shape of an eye that stared down at Yami. With a blink, it shot a lightning beam at the Captain, who immediately began dodging them as he jumped around.
"Captain, don't hurt him, please!" Vanessa pleaded.
"I know. I'll just knock some sense into him." Yami replied as he dodged.
'Something's wrong. This presence...it feels almost like...but it couldn't be.' Yami was deep in thought while he used his darkness-glad katana to cut away the lightning strikes.'When did it happen? He couldn't have had this before. He would have surely used it. So what's going on here?'
"You're getting distracted!" Abel rose his hands, making the eye shoot ten lightning strikes at Yami, creating an explosion of light. Much to his surprise, however, Yami had put up his Black Cocoon, managing to protect himself at the last second."Ohoho! Look at this! Dark Magic sure is something else, huh? Similar to Yin Magic. Let's see which of our magics is fit to be called the strongest black magic!"
"Great. You won't win. I'm far beyond anything you're capable of." Yami nonchalantly replied."Dark Magic: Dark Cloaked Lightless Slash!"
"Yin Lightning Magic: Catalyst of Doom!" Mixing up Yin and Lightning Magic, Abel's Hellbreaker powered up before swinging it down, sending his own slash of darkness combined with dark lightning. The attacks collided, canceling each other out, but the lighting in Abel's strike took the shape of crows, attacking Yami and electrocuting him.
Abel grinned from ear to ear, his aura flaring as he flew over to Yami and began engaging with him in an exchange of swords. Yami wasn't expecting him to be able to fly, so he was on the back foot, blocking his strikes with his katana. Abel released more magic, cladding his blade with lighting so that every time Yami would attempt to block an attack, he would still receive damage. And damaged he was due to the incessant attacks.
"You're a lot stronger than I remember." Yami complimented him, feeling proud despite the situation at hand."I think you can even beat your brother now in a fight."
"You're worried about that?! Ha!" Abel went for a thrust, but Yami sidestepped and made him tip over his boot, causing him to fall on his face."Yin Magic: Mad Kill Spike!"
Cladding himself in Yin magic, Abel formed a ball of mana and began bouncing around the place."Followed by Lightning Magic: Lighting Revolt Disobey!" The ball of mana split into seven copies, though the copies were made entirely of lightning magic, giving them a purple tint. They bounced off the walls and ceiling, trying to catch Yami off guard and forcing him to move.
"What the hell is up with this childish attack?" Yami continued leaping around, using Ki to tell where the balls would come from and predict their trajectory after they bounced off. He noticed two of them attempting to attack him from the side, so he jumped upwards. This was all going according to Abel's plan, however. The real ball ran at him head-on, but the Captain blocked it with his sword.
"Got you!" Abel commanded the other balls to come to them, absorbing them and gaining more power as he crashed with Yami against the wall, going out of the temple. Yami noticed Abel was taking him towards the edge of the temple and not slowing down.
'This crazy kid...is he going to try and drown me by leaving me in the ocean with the mana currents? He can fly, so he shouldn't have an issue, but...' Yami used his inhuman strength to begin to pull Abel off him while he continued to rotate.'I said I was going to hurt you. And I won't. Much.'
"Dark Magic: Death Thrust!" Using his free arm, Yami used his magic, albeit lowering his output considerably to avoid any major damage to Abel's body. This proved to be more than what he could deal with, and the attack managed to stop his spinning and throw him back into the temple. The possessed youth rolled around the cold ground, landing near his squadmates.
"What in the hell? He stopped my Mad Kill Spike with just that?" Abel shook his head, forcing his body back up."So this is the strength of a Captain. So, despite being damaged and weakened, I'm nowhere near his level of power. But still, this body can get even stronger. I can hardly wait!"
"What is he mumbling about?" Noelle was terrified at what her friend had turned into. She could barely recognize the kind and gentle person Abel was, now looking more like a monster than anything else.
Abel jumped to face the others, an unsettling smile on his face."Sorry, but the dear Captain will most likely drown. I couldn't push him to the depths of the ocean like I planned, but the momentum of my attack should still be enough to make him get caught up in the strong currents. He's dead."
"You have a bad tendency of thinking a battle is over when clearly is not."
Abel felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and before he could dare make a move, someone grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and threw him against a wall, knocking the air out of him.
"Captain!" Everyone cheered, glad to see Yami was okay, albeit completely drenched and with a fish on his head.
"That jerk. Throwing me into the ocean like that. Now I'm all wet." Yami grabbed the fish, tossing it aside."And it's really cold. The last thing I need is to catch a cold."
"But how?" Abel leaned against the wall, catching his breath."Even if you pushed me off in time, you still should have been thrown past the barrier and into the ocean. How did you get back from that?"
"Oh, that?" Yami rubbed his stomach, wincing."I've been wanting to go to the bathroom for a while, so when you hit me in the stomach like that, you pushed one out. That's how I managed to get back in here."
"So wait, you're saying..." Noelle's face slowly morphed into one of disgust."You're kidding me!"
"Oh..." Vanessa was at a loss for words while Finral gagged.
"So he farted his way back?" Even Asta seemed flabbergasted at the turn of events.
Abel, on the other hand, just began laughing uncontrollably."Hanhahaha! I see! You're full of surprises, I'll give you that!"
"You're still not done?" Yami deadpanned, spitting out the wet cigarette that had long since been ruined."I can keep beating you until you calm down if you want."
"Yeah...you are an opponent worthy of killing, you bastard. Who'd thought humans were this strong? But still...against my power..." Abel suddenly grew a horn on the left side of his head. He planted his feet firm on the ground, bending his knees slightly and putting his arms forward."Let's see if you're able to take on this! The same attack that did that guy in!"
"Shit, not good." Yami prepared his Grimoire for his next spell."That attack is devastating. I don't know if I can stop it without causing collateral damage here. And with everyone injured, they won't be able to protect themselves. I'll have to cut it in time while aiming to miss hurting him."
"Yin Magic: Calamity Blaster!"
"Sorry, Abel. Dark Magic: Dark Cloaked Dimensi-"
Just then, Abel's attack disappeared as soon as it came, and his body began to spasm."Fuck...did I run out of time? Oh well. It was fun while it lasted anyway. This is just the beginning. The dawn of the Harbinger of Catastrophe! HAHAHAHAHA!"
In the blink of an eye, his appearance went back to normal. His hair was back to his darkish brown color and the mask covering his right side broke into pieces. The horn and aura that decorated him were no more. His body fell limp on the floor, not showing signs of getting up any time soon.
"Is it over?" Finral asked, not expecting an answer.
"Seems like he finally tuckered out." Yami sighed, sheathing his katana back and slowly approaching the unconscious Abel."What was that anyway? Never even seen Abel like this before."
"I didn't know he had two types of magic. Is that even possible?" Asta inquired, earning a grunt from the Captain.
"Very rare, but not impossible. Some people develop two types of magic over time. It depends on genetics or something like that. Perhaps a mutation. There is also another way...but it's too soon to tell. I'll ask him more when he wakes up."
"Wait, what is the other way you just mentioned?" Noelle pushed on, eager to know what he meant."What could possibly make him get that strong in such a short amount of time?
"Don't worry about it. Like I said, that's probably not it. But whatever it was, it's probably why the Eye of the Midnight Sun want him so bad." Yami dismissed her question, grabbing Abel and tugging him under his arm."In any case, it's over."
"What are you saying, Diana? What did you see?"
"I'm telling you, Licht, I talked to an actual angel! She showed me the true way to save our world and make a new reality. One where elves can live in peace and harmony!"
"That sounds a little farfetched. You sure you didn't eat one of those poisonous mushrooms by accident?"
"Rhya, you can't just say that. Let her explain herself before you make those accusations."
"Right, right. Sorry, Fana. So? Where did you see this "angel"?"
"It appeared before me in my house late at night. It whispered into my ear while I slept and woke me up. It mentioned that humanity will drive our kind to extinction and if we want to avoid that, we must bring about an end to their kind first."
"Diana. That's outrageous. In what world do you see extinction as a possible way to end conflict? That's too much. There are other ways to set differences aside."
"You don't get it, Licht. This is divine intervention. A sign from God himself. I always thought God abandoned this world long ago, but He still remains here."
"And how do we do this?"
"Vetto! You can't be seriously thinking of supporting that?"
"I'm not, Licht. But I want to know more about this dream if it's even real. For all we know she's just spending too much time with Rosemary."
"Rosemary is nice though, isn't she?"
"She's a psychopath, Patri. Avoiding her is the best thing you can do."
"Ryah, you-well..."
"See? Even Fana can't defend her."
"Enough. What exactly did this angel order you to do?"
"A ritual to revive the only being capable of showing us a new world. Hear me, friends. To the solution to our problems."
'Guess you were right, after all, Diana.' Vetto's body began emanating even stronger mana than before, making everyone be on guard.'Humans ended up eradicating our race. If only we'd listened to you from the beginning. Perhaps despite what your people are doing, there is some hope...hope to finally get back to the humans for what they did to us and restore our lives.'
"His magic is skyrocketing!" Vanessa covered her eyes from the strong wind Vetto was causing."But I thought Abel had finished him off!"
"I'M GOING TO TAKE YOU ALL TO HELL WITH ME!" Vetto bellowed, overloading his mana."I'LL BLOW THIS WHOLE TEMPLE AS WELL IF I HAVE TO!"
"Turns out he still has ways to go." Yami cracked a grin, unsheathing his katana again."Just like all of you. And just like me. But the reason I'm able to surpass my limits today is because of you, dumbasses. After watching you work so hard, there's no way I can just sit down and twiddle my thumbs. So, ready to face an actual opponent?"
"DON'T GET COCKY! YOU WILL TASTE DESPAIR!"
"Shut up with this despair shit already, you three-eyed mangy dog! No matter how strong you are, against this spell, there is nothing you can do. Dark Magic: Dark Cloaked Dimension Slash!"
All it took was a single swing of his sword for Yami to cut not only Vetto in half but the entire temple as well. He had no time to react or scream. It was instantaneous.
"An attack capable of cutting through dimensions. Consider this thanks for looking after my squad." Yami glared at his blade."See ya, Mr. Despair. But you chose the wrong moment to come at me. Here I was taking care of my subordinate."
"Captain!" All the Black Bulls rushed over to their leader, crowding him.
"Why didn't you show up sooner?!" Noelle complained.
"Had things to sort through. By the way, is that any way to say thank you?"
"I think I've fallen for you again, Captain." Vanessa nudged him with her elbow."Too bad I don't have any drinks on me. I would have offered a sip."
"Not feeling like being wasted right now. But it's odd seeing you sober enough to fight. Nice work."
"I never knew you had a spell like that, sir." Finral said in admiration."It was so strong and you did it with one hand."
"Guess we're all full of surprises. You did pretty well out there. I can hardly recognize you now. And kid, you were the MVP out there. Keep it up and you might be on the right track."
"Much appreciated it, sir!" Asta beamed, his gaze shifting to Abel in his hand."Is he going to be okay?"
"Yeah. He's passed out." Yami slung Abel over his shoulder."He'll be alright."
"That's not what we mean." Finral chimed in."What happened earlier...he was saying some pretty weird things and acting differently."
"And he suddenly was using lightning magic." Noelle added on."No matter how you slice it that's not normal."
"Well, if I have to give any sort of explanation to his attitude then I guess it's because he lost control of his magic. It's not uncommon for someone's magic to become so strong that one loses control of it, much like your case, Noelle. And it affects everyone differently. I'll do some digging with his orphanage. Maybe his brother has a similar situation going on or something. For now, don't worry too much about it. On another note, I feel like we're missing some people."
"Oh, right!" Finral gasped in realization."We have to go back to where the others are!"
"I have brought them with me!" The High Priest announced as he walked towards them. A giant octopus-like creature had Raiden, Gauche, Grey, and Charmy in its grasp, gently setting them lined up on the floor.
"Oh, no..." Vanessa covered her mouth upon seeing their condition. All of them were covered in blood and wounded, with even fresh blood still pouring down their injuries.
"Guys!" Asta was the first to run to them, kneeling beside Raiden."Wake up! Come on!"
"No way...did that Order of the First woman..." Finral closed his eyes shut."Were we too late?"
"Wait, who is that?" Noelle asked under her breath, glancing at Grey in her real form.
"Wake up! You can't be dead! You just can't!" Asta continued to scream near Raiden's face until a hand covered his mouth, silencing him."Hhm?"
"Shit...you're so loud." Raiden croaked, pushing Asta slowly away from him. He winced in pain, holding his head."Feels like my head's gonna split open. This migraine is killing me."
"You're telling me." Gauche was the next one to wake up."My back hurts like hell. That woman nearly snapped my spine in half."
"So...hungry...lost too much blood..." Charmy rambled incoherently.
"I-i-i-is it over?" Grey stammered, screeching when she saw multiple people staring at her.
"Wait, who is that?!" Finral's demeanor did a 180, already planning his next move for the lady in front of him.
"Oh, that's Grey." Raiden supplied, jabbing his finger at her."Her real form. This is what Gauche and I have been keeping a secret for a while. Nice to finally let it out in the open, huh?"
"Oh. Well, I wasn't expecting that." Vanessa admitted."I figured she'd be a little ugly since she wanted to hide so badly but she's cute."
"Y-yeah." Noelle nodded absentmindedly."You better not be staring, Dorksta."
"How could I not stare when I've never seen here before!"
"So..." Gauche glanced at Vetto's limp body."It's over then?"
"It was really difficult to pull this off, but the Captain managed to beat that guy with one move." Finral informed him, crouching between Raiden and Asta."What about you guys though? Did you defeat the First Child?"
"Not really defeat. More like stalled until she suddenly left. Something must have caught her attention." Raiden said, rubbing his belly.
"Yeah, that was me." Yami rose his hand."I had her boss in checkmate. She must have sensed her in danger so she came to rescue her. I don't know if I got her with my Dimension Slash since she went inside a mirror and ran away. But she seemed beat up a bit. So well done. Good work, all of you. Anyway, we can debrief each other later. For now, we have more pressing matters to attend to. Isn't that right, High Priest?"
"After everything you've done for me and my people, grating your wish is the least I can do." The High Priest fought the urge to cry of happiness."Please, tell me what this old man can do for you."
"Well, the Magic Stone we agreed on should be enough."
"Ah, of course!" He nodded in understanding."But..what's a Magic Stone?"
"You've gotta be kidding me." Yami facepalmed. This was going to be a pain in the ass.
