Enjoy the latest chapter, everyone! ^.^
"Archers fire!" Stan screams out in command, and the men and women line up to shoot a hail of arrows to the incoming Gargoyles coming from the skies. Gasper spot some of the stone beast opening their mouth, intending to breathe out its deathly flames to counterattack. 'No!' his eyes flashes and the creatures momentarily freeze.
The hail of arrows quickly does quick work. Destroying an army of Gargoyles, shattering them into harmless pebbles. The Carmillas cheers before marching forward to deal with the rest of the Tepes. Stan smile in victorious then glances back at the Vladi "Great job, Gasper... You truly are a great help" he says in a sincere tone that surprise the Dhampir. "G-glad to help," Gasper replies with a bright smile.
"Stan, Gasper!" Rias shout from the right to warn, but it was too late when Cadell comes shooting from above with his razor-sharp rapier brought down that cleave through Stan's left hand that's holding the rein and the horse's head. "Gaahhh!" "Ahh!" Stan screams in pain while Gasper gasp as they come falling when the headless horse's corpse crumbles to the ground.
Cadell didn't waste time and brought the sword up, his eyes glowing in menace and staring down at Gasper. The rapier's pointy blade shoots down to the kneeling Dhampir's head. Cadell is suddenly sent away by Rias delivering a brutal punch to the side of his face, blasting him away when the sword was just inches away from killing the Vladi.
Rias glares fiercely at the Captain, watching him gracefully lands on his feet. Cadell doesn't express pain at all from the attack. Instead, he just wipes the small blood seeping from his lip and return to a stance. Rapier pointing at the Gremary.
"W-wait," Stan utters, gripping his left arm "You can't defeat him alone, Rias Gremory." "Won't know until I try, Captain" Rias replies without hesitant "Also, that man just tried to kill one of my friends... I'm not going to let that slide away so easily." Stan gets to his feet and releases his left arm. Then, uses the right arm to grab his broadsword to unsheathe it. Stopping beside the Gremory, he brings the sword forward "If that's the case then I'll fight with you," "Are you sure?" Rias asks, glancing at the Captain's missing left hand "Heh," Stan smirk "A missing hand is not enough to stop me."
Gasper slowly gets to his feet and walk toward the two. He comes to a stop beside Rias's other side. "Uh?" The Gremory is surprised by her Bishop "Gasper?" "I'll fight with you, Buchou, Captain Stan" he replies with confidence. Rias smile in pride and nods before returning sight to their adversary in front "Very well."
Cadell glances to the right to see his ruler ready to battle the Makasha. 'I'll ensure this victory will be yours, Lord Marius.' Cadell's eyes sharpen and slash the rapier at the air a few times in speeds that no regular warrior can hope to see. 'No one in this battlefield can match me in swords.'
"Gahh!" a large man comes down to a group of Carmilla, but a dark figure intersects from the right. Blazing past him like the wind, then the man's head suddenly pops out from the torso and goes flying away while the body immediately drops down. Crashing in front of the Carmilla's warriors. All are wide-eyed and looks to the side to see Akame landing on the ground, her blade holds firmly on the right hand. Red lightning cracks occasionally around the black blade.
Akame's eyes have become stoic like an assassin. No mercy or hesitant are shown in them. And with the blood painted on her clothes and some on her cheeks. It makes the Knight of Nawin Makasha look like a true and fearful knight that has some warrior on the battlefield scared.
Akame's eyes snap forward to see a battalion of Tepes emerging behind the boulders, rushing toward in their direction. The Carmillas were ready to rush forward, but all of them come to a stop in shock when watching Akame breaks into a sprint, rushing toward the battalion by herself. It was like she is running on instinct.
When a meter away from the battalion, Akame disappears in pure speed and appears in front. Then it was all but a bloodbath. Akame, in a speed that none can even read, begins to slice through the Tepes like a piece of meat. "Ahhh!" "Gyaa!" "Cr-" "Gaaaah!" "N-noo!" heads and limps falls to the ground as Akame penetrate through the battalion.
"Bitch!" A man launches a spear forward as Akame rush towards him. The Knight didn't even hesitate and swing her sword to the incoming strike, parry through it then pierce the sword through the man's heart in an expert aim. The vampire slumps dead instantly and is kick out of the sword. Another man behind comes down with a hammer, but Akame slithers out of the way and turns around. With both hands on the handle, swings the sword forward and cleanly slice the man in half.
"S-she's unreal!" the Carmillas women mutters in speechless, unable to believe what they are witnessing from the sideline. Watching Akame just reaping through the Tepes's battalion like they are novice unit.
Akame side step to avoid a downward slash from a greatsword. She counters by sending a roundhouse kick to the taller man, nailing him perfectly on the side of the head to cause a stun effect. In the blink of an eye, the man's head drops from his body as Akame appears behind. The Black Thunder completely coated with fresh blood that drips onto the ground.
Like a predator, Akame's eyes snap to the right to the last men standing as Tepes. He screeches in fear when meeting eyes with the Knight and quickly brings both arms up to discharge a yellow magic blast. Akame brings her left glove forward, the white crystal on it glows and a barrier forms to existence in front.
The blast connects with the barrier and doesn't cause an effect. Instead, it gets split into two and flies past Akame. The Tepes brings his arms down and watch the white barrier shatter to reveal Akame. Her eyes are looking straight into his soul. "Ahhh!" he screams in fear and doesn't think twice to turn around, sprinting away in retreat.
Akame appears in front of the man and before he can even register it happening. She rams the Black Thunder straight through the man's head. Severing his brain in half. The man's body slumps before plummeting to the ground when Akame rips her sword away.
The wind blows pass and lifts Akame's flowing black lock. Her eyes remain cold as ice as she looks down at the carcass beneath her. She redirects her sight to the right, and her eyes warm up slightly when seeing her King getting ready to battle his adversary.
When removing her gaze from her King, Akame's eyes return to icy cold and averts to the west where the Tepes's are clashing with Carmilla's force. The latter is suffering casualties by the Tepes getting assists from the Gargoyles. Akame doesn't spare a glance to shocked Carmilla on the area a and disappears in speed, heading to the west to give the assist.
South
Nawin stood above one of Hydra's head like a stone. His body unmoved and his eyes were staring piercingly at Marius. The same can be said by the other. Both just stare at one another. Hatred can be seen in both individual's eyes. The disdain is evident between the two.
"Used the Grail to bring back a Evil Dragon... Desperate aren't you," Nawin speaks "You call it desperate," Marius brings his right arm up, grinning "I call it strategy. I found its corpsed not long back... Would be a waste not to use it."
"... Hana," Nawin utters, and seven of the eight Hydra's head snap their mouths open to release a storm of green flames. Marius's grins widen, and he waves his right arm to the side "Azi, Flames!" he exclaims, and the three-headed dragon snaps its mouths open to pour out purple flames.
The flames collide to ignite in a massive explosion that wipes a portion of the land. Shockwaves erupt that sends many ground soldiers flying out of their feet. A mushroom cloud rises between the two Titans, pouring to the skies. It truly looked like a nuclear bomb has just been dropped.
Seven Hydra heads emerge from the smoke and sink its four meters long teeth into the Dragon's necks. Marius steadies himself as Azi roars in pain and tries to escape. The Hydra's razor-sharp teeth had no issue penetrating through Azi's thick scales.
Marius goes alert when seeing faint purple liquid dripping down the Hydra's teeth that sank in the Dragon's neck. Recognizing that the Makasha is intended to end this battle quickly by poisoning his creature. "Azi! Take to the sky!" Marius order. Not a second later, massive purple wings protrude from the Evil Dragon's back and begin flapping to take it to the air.
Nawin stumbles a bit when the Hydra being lift off from the ground. 'Hana can't survive a significant drop and,' looking up, Nawin sees the Hydra's grip on the Dragon's neck is loosening by strain. "... Release it, Hana" Nawin orders and the Hydra opens its mouth and returns on the ground, setting Azi free.
Azi sours through the air like an eagle. Flying with grace and speed that's unexpected from the giant dragon. "Rarrhhhhhh!" Azi roars and directs down to the Hydra, glaring heatedly. Spreading its wings, the Dragon burst downwards to the serpent in freakish speed. "Hana," Nawin utters, remaining compose and watch Seven of the Eight head opens its mouth to release mists of poison to the air.
Nawin uncrosses his arms and thrust them forward. "Howling Wind!" he exclaims and discharges a thunderous wind blast to send the poison toward the incoming Dragon. Marius gasp in alarm, knowing well how dangerous the infamous Hydra's Poison is. By being commanded telepathically, Azi flaps its right wing to make a sharp turn to the side, narrowly avoiding the poisonous mist.
What Marius failed to realize is that due to his quick action. He has set Azi in a perfect height for the Hydra's long head to reach. "Uh!" Marius stumbles forward by the sudden stop in the air, then a sound of Azi's painful roar enters his hearing. "What?!" he looks down to see two of the Hydra's head got its mouths chomped down on Azi's legs.
With a smirk dancing on his lip, Nawin stares straight at Marius in the eyes. "Hana... Be a dear and send those two clowns down to the earth." The Hydra's eyes and the heads that are holding the Dragon snaps downwards. Immediately, Azi gets pull to the earth in rapid movement with Marius, who is screaming and clutching the scales in his hands to keep himself on. The Evil Dragon crash on the earth in such a manner that levels the area and sends violent tremors that can be felt miles away.
The Hydra brings its heads back and stares at the cloud of dust with sharp eyes. "We need to get rid of those wings," Nawin utters and looks closely through the dust to see the silhouette figure of Azi. "Hana, target one of its wings with your poison bubble. I want it to melt." The Hydra roars in acknowledgment then bring both heads forward with its mouth open. Slowly, poisonous purple bubbles start forming in front of the mouths.
When the bubbles reach the size of a bus, the Hydra releases it to the Dragon. In the dust, Marius spot a sizeable oval shape entering, speeding towards them. "Azi! Take to the sky!" he commands, and the Dragon swings its wings, ready to take off.
"... Six Heaven Prison Rod!" Nawin's voice booms from the outside and the next thing Marius knows. Six humongous light rods form into existence around them and slams into Azi's body from all direction. "Rahhhhhgh!" the Dragon roars as it crashes back into the ground, its entire body momentarily freezes.
Marius twist his head forward to see the two poison bubbles flying over him and impact Azi's open wings. Like small suns, the bubbles burn through the Dragon's wings to leave massive holes. Effectively cutting Azi's ability to fly.
"MAKASHAAAAA!" Nawin smirk when hearing Marius's frustrating scream from the other end. A smirk that almost matches with Sayomi's, who is watching along up in the mountain with a pleased expression.
The cloud of dust disperses to reveal a furious Marius standing above the injured Evil Dragon. Its wings are flooding in blood that falls on the ground, painting it in red. Azi loudly grunts as it closes its wings back, finding it no use further for the battle.
Nawin's eyes sharpen when seeing the look of frustration is wiped away from Marius's face and replace with a sinister smirk. "You and your hydra work well together, Nawin Makasha" he states "But, I command one of the strongest Evil Dragon to have ever lived... There's still plenty of untapped power within him!"
"Rarrrrrghhhh!" Azi release a booming roar that level the earth. Dark Purple aura comes to life and swirls around it. Lifting boulders and trees with it. Nawin goes on high alert when feeling the overwhelming mana producing by the Evil Dragon. It's almost frightening how destructive its aura felt.
Snapping its mouths open, Azi discharge jet-black lightning blast. The bolts fly in a freakish speed that the Hydra couldn't hope to avoid it and gets hit directly on the chest. "Hana!" Nawin shouts in concern when hearing her howls in pain. The Hydra stumbles ack as its heads lump down in pain. Black Lightnings cracking around its steaming body.
Nawin cuss, when looking at the eyes of the Hydra. He knows that Hana is seriously hurt by that magic attack. "This is the true power of Azi Dahaka!" Marius exclaims with a crazed grin before letting out laughter "Your Hydra can't hope to defeat my Dragon!"
Marius points his index finger forward "Azi! Finish that Hydra off!" he orders. The Evil Dragon once again snaps its three head's mouth open to discharge three jet-black lightning bolts. The electric bolts speed toward the Hydra in light speed.
Bangs covering his eyes, Nawin's lip twist into a frown and looks up at the incoming attack with glowing red eyes. "I won't allow you to hurt her anymore!" A wall of shadow weapons appears in front of the Hydra. The biggest Nawin ever created that is able to cover the entire front of the Hydra. The jet-black bolts smash into the wall of weapons and try to puncture through it.
Nawin kneels and presses his right hand on the Hydra. "Hana... Go all out," he whispers and gets a soft growl in response. Marius's eyes shot wide when seeing the Hydra disappears in a black flash "WHAT?!" "RARGHHHH!" Azi's roars of pain erupt, and Marius stumbles forward by the sudden rumble. He grabs onto the scales to stay in place before looking begins to see the Hydra is right behind them, chewing on the Dragon's body with its Seven Heads.
"Poison him!" Nawin orders and the Hydra brings its sharp tail forward that's dripping with the most dangerous venom that can be found in the Supernatural World. Unable to move with being pinned in place by the seven mouths. Azi can only roar in pain when the sharp tail punctures its back then begin injecting the venom into its body.
"Here's what you miscalculate, Marius!" Nawin shouts with a big smirk "You are controlling an Evil Dragon with no full knowledge of its power! Even by studying it you can't control its full potential unless the Azi Dahaka itself takes the reins." One of the Hydra heads return and protectively wraps around Nawin, glaring directly at Marius. "While me and Hana here," Nawin place his hand on the Hydra's head next to him "We work as one. As a team that knows each other's limits. You have underestimated just how well Hana and I work together. Having a stronger creature means nothing when you don't know how to work with it."
Marius clenches his hands into fists while gritting his teeth in rage. "Nawin Makasha..." he mutters in seething tone, glaring venomously at his opponent.
East
"There's no end to them!" Issei steps back to avoid a sword strike and counter with a right hook, smashing the boosted gear at the Tepes's soldier square in the face. Knocking him out instantly. "Akeno!" Riser lands at the left side to produce a swarm of flames that swallows a group of Tepes, burning them to ashes. He stands up and looks to the sky "More Gargoyles are coming! Do you need backup?" he shouts out.
Lightning cracks around the air and bursting from the dark clouds is Akeno. Her Six Pairs of Devil's and Fallen Angel's flaps rapidly as she moves in sound speed around the skies. "I"m fine!" she shouts, zooming through the Stone Monsters and eliminating many of them with lightning blasts and offensive electric strikes. "Continue to give ground soldiers support! You too, Issei."
The Hyoudou charge up a Dragon Blast on the boosted gear's palm, staring straight at the incoming battalion. "Understood, Senpai!" he exclaims and thrust the gauntlet forward to discharge his signature attack. The red blast cuts through the battalion and wipes all of the members in the center of the formation.
"Spread out!" the leader of the broken battalion shouts out. He turns around and is about to take a step forward when Koneko drops from above with a right dropkick to the man's head. With the speed the Rook came down in, the leader's head snaps down from his body and drops to the ground. Blood explodes from the torso and paints some of the frozen soldiers nearby.
Koneko stands up and looks blankly at the frozen soldiers before jumping to the air. With Koneko gone from their sights, the soldiers are met with Riser standing in front with a smirk. He thrust both hands to produce a wave of flames that head straight to the remaining battalion.
None of the soldiers can even hope to escape the almost tsunami size of flames. It swallows all of them whole. Burning the entire battalion of Tepes to ashes.
Akeno glance behind to see a group of Gargoyles giving chase to her. They suddenly snap their mouths open to fire magic blasts. Akeno descends to avoid the attack before twisting around with her right arm extended. The palm cracks in lightning and discharges four electric bolts to the Stone Monsters.
The Gargoyles didn't hold sufficient speed and agility to dodge the fast-electric bolts. All four of them get strikes in the chest by it. Causing them to implode into stones.
Akeno looks below to see the Carmilla Captains have regrouped and are ready to head to the frontlines to give support. "Rias, Gasper, and Captain Stan are dealing with Cadell right now while Akame is at the west" Akeno notes, remembering exchanging words with her King on the situation. "It'll be wise for the Captains to head to the frontline."
Akeno notices one of the captain's peers up at her then give a hand signal. Asking Akeno if she and her team got the east covered. The Himejima gives an affirmative nod in response. The woman Captain nod with a small smile before riding to the frontlines with the rest, leaving the east side to the Devils.
Front-lines
"Gahh!" Rias comes blasting into a huge boulder, smashing through it before crashing onto the ground. Rubbles laid around her injured body. Small cut marks and bruise surrounds her arms and legs. "Buchou!" Gasper quickly rushes to his King's add while behind him shows Stan and Cadell fighting.
"Haaah!" Stan comes down and swings his sword with one hand which Cadell easily deflect with his rapier before sending a kick to the Captain's stomach. Sending Stan sliding away on his feet. "Urh!" Stan coughs violently, and ounces of blood comes out from his lip.
Cadell tilts his head, smiling in amusement "You've exhausted yourself, Stan. An arm loss and already battling through a war... You're already dead." "Hehehe," Stan just chuckles and straighten his posture, bringing the broadsword forward. "Until my head is ripped out of this torso... I'm still very much alive, Cadell" Stan retorts "Then allow me to give you that scenario." Cadell kicks off from the ground, speeding toward the other Captain.
Stan smirk and when Cadell is just a meter away. He swings the broadsword upwards to discharge a violent magic wave that catches Cadell by surprise and gets hit point-blank by it. A massive yellow explosion erupts that sends Stan flying back.
"B-Buchou?" Gasper utters when Rias's eyes snap open, and she quickly sits up. "Urh!" Rias grimace and hold her right side where a small hole can be seen. Given by Cadell piercing his rapier through it. "Let me heal you," Gasper says and brings both hands near the wound. Green aura starts generating around the palm, and Rias feel a soothing warmness of the healing magic enter her body. "Thanks, Gasper" she replies with a grateful smile "No problem," the boy replies with his own smile, glad to be helping his King.
Rias looks onwards to see Stan slowly returning to his feet. His eyes focus forward on the cloud of dust created by his attack. "C-can you defeat him?" Gasper asks, which snaps Rias's attention back to him. "I don't know," Rias sighs "Stan is in an injured state, and my mana reserve is currently low... I think we need backup."
Gasper watches Rias close her eyes, trying to contact someone through telepath. "... Alright," Rias reopens her eyes, smiling softly "She'll be here soon. If anyone can beat Cadell in his games, it'll be her" "You mean Akame-san?" Gasper asks, tilting her head "Yeah," Rias nod, looking forward and sees Cadell emerging from the dust with minimal injuries.
"I once talked with Nawin-kun about Akame, and I'll never forget what he said..." Rias utters, which peaks Gasper curiosity "W-what did he say?" "That when he turned Akame to his Knight. Nawin-kun felt a sliver of her sacred gear's power... It was so demonic and powerful that it sends chills down his spine. Ever since I heard that and saw the look in Nawin-kun's eyes... I know Akame is a girl that's holding a frightening potential within her." Gasper is shocked by hearing this story, never knowing that Nawin Makasha's Knight could hold such power that'll scare her own King.
South
Hydra jumps up to avoid the deathly jet-black lightning blast from Azi. Nawin examines closely and sees the heavy pants escaping from the Evil Dragon's mouths. The Hydra's poison is slowly killing it from the inside. No matter how strong any mythical creatures are. There's very few that can survive the Hydra's poison. Especially Hana's, who is born as a Poison Hydra. Making her venom deathlier compare to other ordinary Hydras.
The only reason Azi Dahaka is still standing is that of its healing regeneration that's holding the poison from killing everything from the inside. But, it's like a double-edged sword. The regeneration is rapidly depleting the Dragon's mana reserve, and soon it'll have nothing which leads to a high possibility of death from pure exhaustion. For creatures, losing their mana to the lowest point can cause them to die compared to beings like the Devils, Fallen Angels, and Angels.
"You might as well put that Dragon out of its misery," Nawin comments, looking at Marius "It's dying from the inside. You're just waiting for the inevitable." Marius grits his teeth and in a fit of rage, slams his feet down on Azi, making it grunt. "Useless Dragon!" Marius shouts in a fury and sends more brutal stumps down on the creature's head.
Nawin's eyes flash in disgust by the display. Everything about Marius disgusted him. The man was a lowest of the low individual. Arrogant, disrespectful, cowardly, despicable, scum, and vile. "Ahhhh!" Marius shouts, slamming the last stump which has the Dragon's head lean down slightly as it can do nothing in response by the vicious attack. There's no will in that body. The Grail possesses it the moment Marius used it to reincarnate the Evil Dragon.
Marius takes a deep breath before setting his sight on Nawin. That sinister grin returns to his face. "Guess the fun time with our Titans are over," the Tepes state and lift his right hand up. Golden light begins shining inside of Marius's cape. With a smirk, he brings his right arm out to reveal the Sephiroth Graal in hand. The appearance of the Longinus resembles that of a golden cup. It almost looked like an ordinary cup, but the immense mana that's unleashing from it makes it very much different from any regular gold cup.
Nawin watch with wide eyes as Azi Dahaka starts to disintegrate from existence. Its legs and arms suddenly shatter into gold sparkles and fly toward the grail. Entering into it. Soon, the entire being of the Evil Dragon is gone. Its soul trapped inside the grail until Marius deem to rerelease it.
Marius lands on the ground and teleports the grail away. He looks up at the Makasha with a wide smirk, spreading his arms to the sides. "Well? Are we going to fight for real now, Nawin Makasha?!"
Nawin looks intently at Marius, wanting to punch that smirk off his face so painfully. "... Hana, I got this covered," Nawin kneels down and gently pets the Hydra's head "You can go home now. Thanks for the help" he states with a warm smile and gets a soft hum in response. The Hydra's body glows before dispersing away in a thick cloud of smoke.
Nawin lands on his feet and slowly straightens up. His sight snaps at Marius standing a few meters away. Nawin brings his arms up and clenches the hands together, creating an audible pop in the joints. His glare never lessons at the smirking vampire.
In the same time, Nawin and Marius stride forward. Heading toward one another. "I sense your dear Knight rushing to save the Gremory from Cadell," Marius speaks, his smirk darkens "She's as naive as her King. You both should know it is fruitless. You can't defeat me, and she can't defeat Cadell."
Nawin's lip twist into a faint smile "There it is... You underestimate your opponents. Getting that grail has made you cocky. Marius, you have no idea what Akame is capable of. In truth," Nawin's smile twist into a smirk "I'd be more worried battling her than against you. That girl... My Knight is something else. She holds a power that'll make even beings like Satans nervous."
Marius didn't take much alarm to the Makasha's words. That confident smirk still plastered firm on his face. "Cadell has never failed me once in his life" "Then be prepared to be disappointed," Nawin retorts. The two opponents stop in front of one another. Both are standing a couple of feet apart.
Marius chuckles and spreads his arms wide "This is what your final scenery will look like, Nawin... Soak it in" "I'm not the one who'll die here," Nawin replies, his red eyes glints. "For all the suffering you have befallen on the innocence, Marius Tepes. I'll put an end to your reign of terror. You've made it personal when you laid your hands on Valerie."
"Huh?" Marius snickers as his head tilt to the side. "Really? Is that the only reason why this feud between us has become so personal, Nawin?" "What are you implying?" Nawin asks with narrowed eyes. Marius continues to snicker and takes one step forward "I see it in your eyes... There's that hatred running deep. Too deep just because of me capturing my sister. No, this hatred is personal" he states, and notice Nawin start clenching his fists.
Marius's smirk widens and looks at the Makasha right in the eyes. "I'll kill you right here and make Sayomi Dracul mine." Nawin's eyes flares and he blast forward a vicious right hook that smashes at Marius's face, stunning the man. In a fit of anger, Nawin sends a barrage of right hooks that sends Marius's stumbling back.
Nawin pulls back then jumps forward to tackle Marius to the ground. Then, he begins to send a volley of right and left punches to the Tepes's face. None of the punch is held back, and wincing sound of skin smashing skin booms. Marius's lip bust open and that snaps him back. "Ahhh!" he screams and glares at Nawin to send a telekinetic blast that knocks the Makasha away.
Nawin lands on his feet and looks upwards. Marius gets up to his feet and wipes the blood from his lip. He smirks as the bruises and cuts on his face heals. "That all you got?!" "I swear," Nawin utters as black aura implodes around him. The ground cracks and explodes. "I'll make you feel fear, Marius Tepes. The fear of death!"
Front-line
"Haaah!" Rias screams while launching a destructive blast toward the incoming Captain. Cadell holds a smirk and with a swift movement, drops to his knees to narrowly slide under the blast. Returning to his feet, Cadell burst forward with the rapier held ahead. Rias bring both arms up to create a crimson barrier. Cadell comes to a halt when his sword contacts the shield, but he doesn't stop and push forward.
Rias grits her teeth, her feet digging into the earth. The barrier starts cracking as Cadell continues to push through it. "This is it?" he asks "The famous power of the Gremory?" Rias's eyes flares and glares at the man "Don't underestimate me!" she shouts. The barrier suddenly glows and discharge a gravity push that sends Cadell flying back.
Rias breaks the shield and takes a few quick steps forward. She thrust her right arm forward like throwing a baseball. A sizable destruction ball release from the palm and rushes toward Cadell. Rias watch her attack connects to the man's chest and ignites in a dense crimson explosion that obliterates the surface.
Stan appears beside the Gremory. He is a worse state compared to the other two. His body is covered in deep cuts and scratches. The red trench coat that's been worn is cut in half and covered in holes and cuts. The thick leather chest plate holds many slice marks and deep ones to expose some of the Captain's bare chest.
Gasper has stayed behind to act as support, but even he suffered some damaged. Cadell's movement speed is on another level compared to the group. He moves light like a feather and fasts as sound. His sword strikes need attention to see. With Rias and Gasper not used to fighting sword wielder adversaries, they are in a disadvantage. Stan is near to the point of exhaustion and can't keep up with the other Captain.
"Rias..." Stan grunts out to gain the other's attention "Yes?" "I'm reaching my limit here. I'm sorry, but soon I'll be collapsing in exhaustion." Rias watch the Captain's heavy pants and notice the tiredness in his eyes. If Stan goes down, it'll become more difficult for her and Gasper to stop Cadell.
Rias shift forward and sees walking out from the dust is Cadell. His right arm suffered fatal injury by the explosion. The skin and flesh are burnt hideously that the bones can be seen. But that doesn't last as Cadell's regeneration ability kicks in and heals the injury quickly.
"... Stan please withheld for now," Rias speaks "What?!" Stan exclaims in shock. Gasper also looks stunned by his King's words. Rias remains unfazed and just focus on Cadell slowly making his way towards them. "I want Gasper to heal you and give you some mana. OUr best chance is to hold on until backup arrives" "Backup?" Stan repeats "Akame, Nawin-kun's Knight will be here soon" Rias reply.
Being in the center of the war. It is impossible for Rias to pinpoint Akame's magic signature with the sea of the others. But she knows the Knight will be here soon. Stan was about to speak but stops when Rias starts making way toward Cadell. "Stay here, Captain Stan. You know at your current state you won't survive two minutes against Cadell" Rias states without looking back. Stan grits his teeth before letting out a sigh "Fine... Just watch out for his strikes" "Noted."
Cadell's smirk twist into a grin when seeing the Gremory decide to step up alone. His walk slowly begins changing into a sprint and Rias follows suit. Both start dashing at one another with their aura imploding around them.
Cadell turns his sword to have the handle guard facing forward while the blade points to the side. Rias clench her right hand that's bursting with destruction mana, the crimson aura surrounds it. "Ahhhhh!" both shouts and brings their right fist forward. Rias's hand collides with the sword's guard, and a shockwave erupts that level the area and sends both fighters sliding away. Their strength behind the attack equals.
Straightening up, Cadell brings his left hand up and slowly draw a vertical slice in the air with his index finger. Red sparkling shards form in existence and flies toward the Gremory in rapid speed. Rias counters by creating a dozen of destruction orbs and sends them toward the shards.
Rias takes control of the orbs and commands them to eliminate all the shards in a quick fashion. Even though the shards hold more numbers, Rias's quick wits with her destruction powers are able to demolish all of them in time.
Rias smirk in satisfaction then looks forward to only gasps in shock when seeing Cadell has disappeared. Rias suddenly feels a foot connect to the back of her neck, sending her blasting forward. Cadell rushes forward and snatches Rias in midair by her throat. With a dark smirk, the Captain thrust the rapier forward and spears it straight through the Gremory's chest.
"BUCHOU!" Gasper shouts in horror, releasing Stan to quickly get on his feet, rushing towards his King's aid. "Gasper, don't!" Stan shouts, forcing himself up to his feet and quickly rush to the Dhampir. Cadell watches Rias coughs out blood then looks weakly down at him. "I commend you for not giving up so easily, Miss Gremory" Cadell states, pulling his sword back before tossing the girl away.
Gasper quickly speeds forward to catch his King before she could hit the ground. He holds her close then looks up to glare viciously at Cadell which cause the man to freeze for momentarily. "Haaah!" Stan comes forward and launches his broadsword through Cadell's abdomen. Gasper sees the look of shock on the Tepes's Captain face and nods in satisfaction before teleporting away to a safe distance to heal his King.
"Ahaha," Stan gasp in surprise when hearing Cadell chuckling. He looks up and sees the man's body slowly fades away. "Afterimage?!" Stan shouts and turns around to find Cadell standing there, wearing that menacing smirk. Stan brings his sword forward but can't get a swing before blood explodes from his stomach. "Uh-huh?!" the Captain looks down to see a deep slash mark etched across the center of his stomach. Stan cuss and shakily looks up at Cadell once last time before collapsing forward to the ground. Defeated.
Cadell lets out a satisfied sigh then swipes the rapier down to get rid of the fresh blood covering the blade. Slowly, his sight shift to the right to examine Gasper frantically healing Rias, who's barely conscious from exhaustion and blood loss.
Gasper looks up and sees Cadell making way towards them. Those sharp red slit eyes are piercing right into the Vladi's soul. "Don't know when to quit, do you?" Cadell states as he draws closer "Just like your King. That is to be admired and to be criticized for being foolish." Gasper glares hard and activates his sacred gear. Cadell comes to a stop a moment by the Forbidden Balor View stopping time. But, with the Captain's mana being significantly higher and powerful than Gasper's. Cadell is able to shatter through the frozen time in a couple of seconds.
"Pointless," Cadell state and Gasper just glares to freeze the man again. The smirk wore on Cadell's face though twist opens when a black blade explodes out of his chest from behind. "Guh!" blood sip from the Captain's mouth and he glances back to be met with a dark glare from two sharp red orbs. Gasper smile in relief when seeing Akame as arrived.
Cadell grabs the blade and tries to push it back until red electric crack around it. "Ahhhhhhhh!" Cadell screams in pain when thousands of volts enter his body, shocking and burning everything inside. Akame pulls the blade back slightly then raise her right feet to kick toward the Captain's back to get him off completely. But she wasn't done. With Cadell momentarily stunned, Akame blaze pass with the blade cutting through the left side of the Captain's abdomen.
"Guh!" Cadell grunts in agony, feeling his stomach gets cut in half. Akame slides around and stops in front of the Captain. The Black Thunder holds in front as its wielder's expression shows stoic but intent. An intent to kill the Captain.
The regeneration quickly kicks in to heal the injuries. Cadell growls and glares forward at Akame with venom. Even though he can recover, it does take away his mana. Too much and exhaustion will set. When the injuries are completely healed, Cadell stands straight, and a smile sets on his face.
"Akame... No last name. Nawin Makasha's Knight" Cadell utters, remembering the profile folders he read on the devils siding with Carmilla's forces. Akame doesn't give a response and merely stare silently at her opponent. Cadell's expression turn stoic by the lack of response. Just by examining her appearance, Cadell knows the opponent in front of him isn't someone he should take lightly.
"I'll be putting an end to this you then the rest of the devils," Cadell utters, his expression darkens "You all intrude in this personal affair and will be eliminated. Once Lord Marius is done with Nawin Makasha the morale in the army will drop, and I'll be clearing the rest." "My King won't be defeated by such a twisted and weak adversary," Akame retorts as red aura slowly emits out of her body. "Such protectiveness in that tone," Cadell comments with a smirk "Don't worry, I'll be doing you a favor... By sending you to the afterlife with him."
Cadell beings his right arm up to cause a boulder from behind to levitate off the ground. With a smirk, he thrust his arm forward to fire the piece of earth toward the Knight. Akame clenches the Black Thunder tightly with both hands and lifts it over her head. When the boulder is right in front, Akame's eyes sharpen and brings the blade down to perfectly cut through the dense object like it was butter.
Akame brings her sword down to quickly block a downward strike from Cadell. "Very nice," the Captain comment "Cheap diversion won't work" Akame simply retorts and cock the sword upwards to slide pass. She twists around and slashes forward, but Cadell sees it coming and counter by jumping over the strike, then thrust his right feet back to nail the Knight by the forehead.
Akame slides back from the kick while Cadell softly lands on his feet then casually turns around. Akame stands straight and releases the left hand from the handle to rub her forehead, knowing there's going to be a bruise there tomorrow.
Cadell watches Akame change stances. Now only her right hand holding the sword while the left arm extends to the side. Akame takes a step forward and kicks off the ground to burst forward in a speed that catches the Captain by surprise. Before he can even counter, the Knight is in front and has the Black Thunder cuts across his abdomen.
"Kuh!" Cadell growls and launches the rapier forward, but Akame is quick on her feet and sidesteps. Taking the handle with both hands, Akame brings the blade down to amputate the Captain's left arm of its socket. "Gahhh!" Cadell screams in anguish then drops his rapier to thrust his right arm forward to Akame, blasting her away with his telekinetic ability.
Akame gracefully backflips in midair and lands on the ground. She straightens and stares at the Captain with stoic eyes. Cadell growls and grips the left shoulder. He looks up to glare venomously at the Knight. "... You should have destroyed it," Cadell comments and picks up the dismembered arm on the ground. With a smirk, he attaches the arm back into its socket. Akame watch with slight shock when seeing Cadell moves the left arm around casually. Like it never got amputated minutes ago.
Witnessing what she just saw. Akame makes a note to next time cut any limbs to pieces when she gets the chance to dismember them off the Captain's body. Cadell takes his rapier from the ground and brings it forward "Let's have a real battle now. I'm itching for one and from what I just witnessed... You'll do perfectly to provide me that."
Both swordsmen stare at one another before breaking into a sprint. Bursting forward with such momentum that the earth behind them implodes. "Haaaaah!" the duo screams and brings their sword forward, clashing at each other to cause the ground beneath to explodes and clouds of dust to surround them. Cadell pushes forward to send the opposite force sliding back, then he starts standing rapids strikes. Akame digs her shoes to the ground and starts countering all of the rapid strikes. Matching the speed of the Captain. The loud sound of metal hitting metal booms in the air and dozens of sparkles are produced by every contact.
Cadell is impressed that Akame is able to keep up with him. She is skillfully counter all of his attacks and dodging some in fluid movement. Very few in Vamhaven can keep up with him. He did not expect a devil to be able to do that. But, seeing this does bring an exciting grin on the Captain's face.
Akame parries through a downward slash and pushes the blade to the side, momentarily setting Cadell off-balance. She takes the opportunity to blaze pass and cuts the side of the Captain's abdomen region. "Guh!" Cadell twist around while bringing the rapier forward but Akame dodges it by bending under it then counter by sending a left elbow up, nailing the man in the chin.
Cadell blinks through the blurry vision and in instinct hastily jumps back to avoid a downward slash aimed towards his right arm. He lands and looks forward with a sneer "I'm not going to allow you to take my arm again that easily." Akame stays silent and simply brings the Black Thunder forward.
"Huh," Cadell smirks and wings spread out of his back, taking him to the sky. Akame didn't give chase and merely watch the man with discretion. Red aura emits around the Captain before exploding in a violent degree, surrounding him like a blanket. Gripping the rapier with both hands, Cadell brings it forward and aim its tip straight at the Knight on the ground.
"Let's see if you can survive this!" Cadell shouts as his mana skyrockets to another level. The rapier's blade starts shifting to the color red, the same shade as the mana. "Get the taste of death! Explozie Luminoasa!" Cadell exclaims and thrust the rapier forward with the right hand to discharge a humongous red beam.
"Uh!" Akame's eyes widen at the unexpected move. Staring at the overpowering blast coming down at her like an unstoppable meteorite. "AKAME-SAN!" Gasper shouts from the distance while Rias, laid on the Dhampir's knee, can only helplessly watch on with one open eye 'A-Akame.'
Seeing no other way but to confront it. Akame powers up and the blood-red aura explodes around her. At the precise moment, she swings the Black Thunder forward to the beam. "AHAHAHAH!" Cadell laughs at the other end, seeing the Knight trying desperately to hold on from being eviscerated by the beam.
"Kukuuuuuuu," Akame grits her teeth, holding the sword by the handle and blade to keep it forward on the beam. Her feet are dig deep into the earth and rapidly losing strength to stand. Akame starts feeling her legs shaking, and her arms burning like fire. "I-I can't... I can't, Nawin-kun" she whispers, feeling her grip loosening as her arms start to give up from the intensity. "It's over!" Cadell shouts and pushes the rapier forward. Akame closes her eyes, an image of Nawin smiling warmly at her appears before everything turns red.
"Nooooo!" Gasper yells in horror, watching the blast envelopes Akame. Cadell smirk widely, watching his beam digging into the earth. No sign of the Knight is shown within. The beam slowly decreases in size before disappearing from existence entirely. Cadell lowers the rapier then sheathe it while descending to the ground.
Gasper looks on with gaping mouth, seeing only the rubbles left behind by the attack. No signs of Akame is shown. "N-no," tears well in his eyes by witnessing the death of his friend. "A-Akame..." Rias mutters with wide-eyed, not believing what she just witnessed. Gasper gasp in surprise when his King suddenly sits up, pushing herself to her feet. "B-Buchou!" "Grhhh!" she growls in response, shocking the Dhampir by the rage exhibited in those crimson eyes.
Cadell lands just a meter away from the remaining opponents. The wings recede, and he smirks when seeing Rias returning to her feet. "You look half-dead," he comments, implying at all the scratches and cuts still shown on the Gremory's body. "Your mana reserve is pathetically low. I wouldn't put it past myself that you can't even release one of your famous destruction attacks before passing out."
"Y-you," Rias growls out, glaring viciously at the Captain. Crimson aura comes to life and swirls violently around. "Oh?" Cadell tilts his head, an amusing smirk plastered on his face. "You killed my friend!" Rias shouts and thrust both arms forward to discharge a wide destruction beam.
Cadell's expression shifts surprise by the size of the attack. He quickly unsheaths the rapier and pierces it forward, penetrating the incoming beam right in half from the center. Cadell glances back to view the beams contacting the ground and ignite in two massive explosions. "Huh," he turns forward and sees Rias on the ground in all fours, panting hoarsely.
"A valiant effort," Cadell commend, sheathing the rapier and begins drawing close to the defenseless Gremory. "Stop!" Gasper comes to his King's rescue, stopping in front of her with his arms stretch out. He glares hard to activate his sacred gear, but it proves fruitless with the Captain powering through it in seconds. "Don't worry," Cadell speaks, smirking twistedly "You both will join your dear friend very soon."
Memory
"Akame..." a soft voice calls out "Akame... Akame!" "Uh!" the Knight snaps her eyes open and quickly sits up to deliver an unintentionally headbutt to Nawin's forehead. "Guh!" both grunts in pain and grip their forehead. "N-Nawin-kun?" Akame stammers out in surprise, looking at the Makasha sited on the ground "Hey" he replies with a faint smile, releasing his forehead.
Akame gets to a proper sitting position. Sitting on her knees is what she preferred while Nawin just casually cross his legs and rest his hands on the vibrant green grass. Akame blinks and just stays silent, wondering why her King is here. On an unknown and secluded space outside of Kuoh that holds nothing but trees and grass.
"You've been training hard," Nawin comments, staring to the distance with a peaceful expression. "Yes," Akame nods "It's usually the activity I take when having free time." Nawin finally turns to look at the Knight, a smile graces his lip "Come now, Akame. You shouldn't be spending the weekend just here at this secret ground and train. Go have fun... Misako and Wendy would love your company" "... I know, but" Akame looks down, her hands gripping tightly at the black skirt "I need to get stronger."
This gets Nawin's full attention. He looks deeply into Akame's red eyes. Usually, it is hard for even him to read what is in those stoic orbs, but right now he can read it. A sense of guilt and frustration is shown deep within them.
"... Why?" Nawin asks "Because... Because I failed to protect you," Akame whispers and looks straight into her King's eyes "During the invasion... I thought we had lost you. When Kuroka struck your chest... I... I thought you were truly dead, and I couldn't have prevented it. I was defeated before you even arrived." Akame grabs the Black Thunder that's placed on the side and holds it forward "As your Knight, I should have protected you! Defeated the enemies to prevent you from taking such attacks!"
Nawin just listens silently as his Knight releases all her stored frustrations. Done with her rant, Akame pants lightly and looks up to see Nawin smiling warmly at her, his eyes hold warmth and no ounce of disappointment or anger shown in them. A look she would be familiar with in the past if she ever failed a mission.
"Akame, you can't always complete your assignment or duties as a Knight. It would be inconsiderate and heartless of me to asks for such thing," "Bu-" Akame stops when Nawin raise his right hand. "No buts. Akame, you need to stop being so hard on yourself. You can't always be there to protect me... That's the reality. No matter how strong you get. Even if you become stronger than me, it'll still not change the fact you can't always protect me from harm."
Akame bits her lip and merely nod, knowing what her King is saying is true. But it still doesn't change her feeling of failing him. Something she wishes never to do. Nawin, seeing that his friend is still taking it hard decides to give some words of encouragement.
Nawin sits straight and brings his hands on the sheath storing the Black Thunder. Akame's eyes widen when feeling the Makasha's soft and warm hands holding over hers. Nawin gives a warm smile "Akame, do you know why I picked you as my Knight?" "Because of my sword skills?" she answers "That's part of the reason. The true reason why I picked you is that of who you are... The kind of person you are" Nawin says, shocking the girl.
Nawin's smile widens slightly, his eyes show nothing but sincere and warm. "When I got to know you more, I see a girl that is very different from the rest. A girl I knew I could trust without a single doubt. A strong, dedicated, loyal, and deep down there... Even though she doesn't show it much" he chuckles a bit "A kind girl who would do anything to protect those she holds dear. When I saw you got nothing to live for... Just wondering aimlessly around not knowing what to do with her life. I felt it was my responsibility to befriend you and help you. I was glad you accepted to become my Knight and decide to stand by my side even though you knew the risk of being in that position."
"When I saw that," Nawin looks deep into Akame's wide eyes "I knew you were someone I would gladly trust with my life. So even if you make mistakes, even if you failed me, Akame. Know that I will never ever regret making you as my Knight." Akame's eyes turn glossy as tear starts dripping down her cheeks, a smile, a big and sincere one breaks out on her face. "Thank you, Nawin-kun" Akame whispers out and releasing a hand from the sheath to wipe the tears "No problem, and Akame... You're strong. You may not know it, but you're very strong."
Present
Cadell stops in front of Gasper. A twisted smirk plastered on his face. "Still going to stand there?" he questions and just receives a glare in return "Guess you can't do much since you used a large sum of mana to heal your King... What help she's been." Cadell brings his right arm up, his hand clench to a fist. "It ends here for you devils," he states and brings his fist down on the Dhampir.
"Gasper!" Rias shouts and with all her remaining strength, force her aching body up and push Gasper back to take the blow. Cadell just smirks and exert more force behind the fist now aim straight at the Gremory's face. "Uh?!" Cadell's eyes shoot wide when seeing, at the corner of his right eye, a black blur blazing passes him. Before Cadell can even register what's going on, he blinks and notices the devils in front of him are gone.
Cadell whips his head to the right, and his eyes widen entirely, his mouth open in absolute shock. Standing there, in front of Rias and Gasper, her back facing the Captain is Akame. "Uuh..." both Rias and Gasper only stare upwards in stun, not believing their eyes that their friend is still alive. But something has changed about her.
Akame slowly turns around to face Cadell. Her head is hunch down ever slightly for the black bangs to cover the eyes. "I-Impossible," Cadell stutters out in disbelief "H-how can you survive that attack?! No one has ever done that! WHAT ARE YOU?!" he exclaims out and sees the girl halt. Akame's head slowly lifts to reveal a sight that causes Cadell's entire being to freeze in fright.
Akame's eyes have changed. A frightening change. The once ordinary white sclera is gone and shift to black. The iris remains blood-red, but the pupils transform to a thick slit shape. A demonic appearance that has Cadell feel something he rarely feels. Intimidation. Those eyes pierce through his being and glaring at his very soul.
"I'm..." Akame speaks in a low tone, lifting her right arm "Nawin Makasha's Knight." Cadell hears something coming from behind, and quickly sidestep to avoid the Black Thunder flying through the air. He looks forward and sees Akame catch the blade before swinging it to the side to cause a large portion of the area to implode in destruction.
"U-uh?!" Cadell along with Rias and Gasper witness in astonished by the power behind a simple swing. 'A single swing and she is able to change the landscape?!' the Captain shouts in his mind.
Cadell turns and sees Akame staring intently at him, shifting the blade forward for the second round to their battle. "Kuh," Cadell snarl and unsheathe the rapier "Just because you received some kind of boost doesn't mean the result will be different! I will gladly defeat you again, Akame!" "There won't be a defeat" Akame states, surprising the Captain "I won't defeat you... I'll kill you."
Next Chapter: Akame's Inner Demon, Nawin's Ascension!