This is the 57th chapter. I don't own the series of High School DxD or the videogame of Final Fantasy 13.
No flame reviews
Underworld
Just as they left the restaurant that was inside of the hotel, Virgil readied his gunblade while Issei brings out of his Boosted Gear to start a countdown for his Balance Breaker. Everyone else had their guard up while scanning the area. Both Virgil and Issei know this area too well and being experienced twice in Kyoto because one of the Sacred Gear users used Dimension Lost to teleport them to another dimension.
"Issei! Is this perhaps?!" Xenovia shouts in shock.
"Yeah, it must be." Issei answered seriously. "A mist I can't forget even if I wanted to!"
"The Hero Faction were making a move right now. And I think that must be the reason why Vali sent Fenrir, Le Fay, and Ophis in Issei's house." Virgil points out, putting two and two together. "And if I have to take a guess Cao Cao must've come here to settle over a grudge against us since he didn't take it well of his loss against us."
"Well, if you ask me, I think Cao Cao is just being a sore loser." Tosca states.
Just as they made their way towards the spacious lobby where there's not a single trace of people, there are two men openly sitting on a nearby black sofa. Then, the fireball flew towards their direction, aiming towards Irina and Asia. Ophis acted as their shield and made the fireball vanish with ease which it got Issei surprised.
"T-Thank you very much." Asia thanked her, but Ophis didn't respond of her gratitude.
They then turned to the man on a sofa, who's none other than the leader of the Hero Faction of the Khaos Brigade, Cao Cao.
"It has been a while, Red Dragon Emperor, Fallen Governor Azazel, and Virgil Farron." Cao Cao said with an arrogant smirk. "The last time we met was in Kyoto. I made my greetings right away. It's the return of Durandal from the other day."
"Cao Cao!" Issei snarled with a scowl.
"Don't you have anything better to do besides annoying us?" Virgil rhetorically asks in annoyance. "Here I thought you'd be smart enough to realize your limits and think twice before you and your group try anything stupid, but I don't think that's the case."
Cao Cao and Georg didn't like his remark which it got them glaring at the white-haired l'Cie. However, it got Issei and Virgil noticed about that eye which something is off, but Kuroka can sense some dark magic in his eye. Cao Cao regained his composure as he smirked, given them an applaud.
"The match against the House of Bael the other day was magnificent." Cao Cao praises them. "The intense fist fight between two people wearing Balance Breaker armor. It was a fight in which people who love to battle would be ecstatic about it. So, I will give my praise to the Gremory team. Congratulations on being the number 1 youth devil team. They are good servants, Rias Gremory, it truly is frightening."
"Should I be honored by being praised by one of the leaders of the terrorists?" Rias asked sarcastically with a smirk. "I do feel complimented. How are you doing?"
"Yeah, I'm doing alright." Cao Cao answered. "It was only a short time when I saw you back at Kyoto, so this might be our first meeting. I was astonished at the sudden summoning. It certainly was a stimulating appearance."
"Don't say that!" Rias shouts with a blush of embarrassment, puts her hands in front of her. "It embarrasses me even remembering about it!"
'And I wonder who's fault is it?' Virgil and Kuroka mentally questions, turns to Issei with a death glare which it got his face paled as a sheet of paper.
'Okay, okay, I get it! You don't have to give me a death glare! I'll admit it's my first that I summoned Rias in Kyoto! But come on! I was desperate!' Issei mentally shouts.
"So, what was the reason for you making this field in another dimension and transporting us?" Azazel questions with a serious glare. "It must be a good for nothing plot I guess?"
Instead of the leader of the Hero Faction given him an answer, he looked at Ophis behind them.
"Ophis." Cao Cao called her. "I was wondering where you went with Vali, but for you to be there. I certainly didn't anticipate that."
'So, he was sending his group to deal with Vali and his team. Knowing Vali, he's capable of defending himself against the Hero Faction.' Virgil mentally thought, figured why Cao Cao is here.
"Hm, by that look on Virgil's face, he was right. I sent a different team to deal with Vali." Cao Cao said, impressed. "You never cease to impress me, Virgil. Still perceptive as ever."
Issei couldn't follow the conversation earlier, but what he did know what that both Vali and Cao Cao are not on good terms and they've been adding each other throats for quite some time. While they're getting suspicious while keeping their guard up, Le Fay suddenly raised her hand while clearing her throat to get his attention. Fenrir appeared from her shadow, glaring at Cao Cao with a snarl.
"Well, this started from two things. The first is that Ophis took great interest in the Red Dragon Emperor, the Grabbin' Dragon. Vali found out about it, so he offered to set up a meeting between the two through his own connections." Le Fay explains, putting up her second finger. "The second reason is that Vali got hold of some information which said that someone is after Ophis from the shadows. To find out about it, we decided to lure them out. If we are lucky, we can fight directly with the people who get in our teams way by using Ophis as bait. So it means that..."
Le Fay then shyly points at Cao Cao.
"Those people over there are after Ophis and us, so we thought that they would take action if Vali took Ophis out of headquarters, and we could crush them when they came after us." Le Fay continues. "But there was no reason for having Ophis be in danger, so Vali took Bikou who disguised himself as a fake Ophis. And we took the real Ophis to the Red Dragon Emperor's house."
It got Issei and the others shocked after hearing Le Fay's explanation and the reason why Ophis is here in the first place. Virgil kept his calm demeanor and began to realize that Cao Cao is after Ophis. Even though, the Khaos Brigade had the different point of view and different goals because they don't get along very well, but they only share a common enemy.
Cao Cao can only nod after hearing Le Fay's explanation, tapping his shoulder with his spear.
"Well, Cao Cao is smart to know that Vali would plan on something like that because he's not the type who puts the real Ophis in danger." Virgil states. "In other words, Cao Cao come up with an idea of finding the real Ophis by trapping us here with Georg's Sacred Gear."
"Very perceptive." Cao Cao said with an impressed smirk. "But this is Vali we're talking about. I knew that he won't just go around taking Ophis with him. So, we knew that he would be using Ophis as bait to lure us out. But we also knew that Vali won't be using Ophis just as bait. We knew that Ophis was interested in the changes of this generations Vanishing Dragon and Welsh Dragon. So, we thought that something like this might happen, so we split into two groups. One group went after Vali while Georg and I would check on the Red Dragon Emperor. Just as we thought, Ophis was here. So, we ended up meeting each other like this."
"You and Vali have known each other too well, and yet, you outsmarted the Vanishing Dragon." Virgil said. "Though, the first group won't last because Vali and Bikou are strong enough to fight against them."
"True." Cao Cao admits. "I won't argue on that, but your group won't last or Ophis before he ever gets the chance to fight me."
"Still arrogant as ever. You really haven't changed a bit since our encounter in Kyoto, schoolboy." Virgil remarked with a serious glare on his face.
Cao Cao glared at the white-haired l'Cie, but Issei was confused about his story. However, Issei then realized for a few minutes that Cao Cao was suspicious of Vali's movement and came here, thinking Ophis was with them. And Cao Cao's guess was right.
"Cao Cao is after me?" Ophis asks curiously, twitching her neck.
"Yeah, Ophis." Cao Cao answered. "We need Ophis, but we determined that we don't need the 'current' you."
"I don't understand. I woun't lose to Cao Cao." Ophis declared with her monotone.
"That would be the case. You are too powerful." Cao Cao agrees. "To tell you the truth, I don't know what would happen if I took you on...So, let's fight a bit."
Cao Cao stood up and spun his spear skillfully. The tip of his True Longinus opened, and a bright light blade formed. It had an intense light that gives Rias and her peerage chills which to devils, it's the powerful Sacred Gear that can kill devils. He then disappeared while Virgil does the same after the Anti-Gravity device activates.
When Cao Cao appeared in front of Ophis and about to thrust his True Longinus, Virgil block with his shield and activates his Paradigm Shift to use the Sentinel role.
"Vendetta" Virgil then retaliates by lifting his shield and the slashed him in the midsection, causing Cao Cao to hiss in pain.
"Do you honestly think I would fall for that trick, schoolboy?" Virgil mocks with a question. "I knew you try going after Ophis. Your Sacred Gear can kill a devil when I saw you used it against Issei, but I noticed something is off. Now I know why. You're trying to prove your point by going after Ophis. You knew Ophis is an Infinite Dragon and she won't get killed by your spear, am I right?"
Cao Cao couldn't help but chuckle with an impressed smirk when Virgil was able to figure out the True Longinus' capability and its flaw.
"You're right on the money, Virgil." Cao Cao admits. "And you're right that my spear can kill a devil in an instant, but I can also fire light beams to vaporize them. I can even put a lot of power in it. It would've taken half of the power of one of the Gods whom are weak against this spear."
He then turns to Issei, points his spear at the Red Dragon Emperor.
"Did you see that, Red Dragon Emperor? This is Ophis." Cao Cao told him. "You cannot give it a critical wound even with the Ultimate Longinus. Taking down the power of infinite, isn't possible even with this spear."
Since Ophis is the infinite, it won't matter if they try to kill her because of the powers of infinite.
"She won't even fight back against me who's about to attack her if it weren't for Virgil." Cao Cao continues. "The reason is simple: that's because she can kill me any time she wants to. That's why she won't do it, even if I do something like this. Basically, she's not interested in anything besides Great Red. Out of the top 5 world's strongest not including Great Red, the strongest one is Ophis, and there's a huge gap between her and the second strongest where you could say that she's on a totally different level. This is what the huge embodiment of Infinity means."
'These guys...Cao Cao is after Ophis right?' Issei mentally questions himself. 'Then what are they planning to do with this 'Infinite'? Even if it is Cao Cao, it would be impossible to defeat her right? Or can he beat her if he uses Balance Breaker or the thing called 'Truth Idea'? No, judging from how Cao Cao spoke, he's basically saying he can't beat her.'
Then, a magic circle appeared below Kuroka and Le Fey when the black nekoshou smirks.
"We have connected it while you're doing a little side show." Kuroka told him with a chuckle, turns to Le Fay. "Let's do it, Le Fay. It's about time that we have to call him."
When Fenrir positioned himself, Vali switched places with the giant wolf to deal with Cao Cao.
"Good work Kuroka, Le Fay." Vali praises them with a smirk, then to Cao Cao. "It's been a while since we met face-to-face. Cao Cao."
"Vali, this is a shocking summoning." Cao Cao remarked with a smirk.
"I have called Vali here, switching his location with Fenrir." Le Fay explains.
"I made Fenrir fight the other Hero Faction group members with Bikou and the others in my place." Vali explains. "I had predicted that Cao Cao would be coming here. So, I made sure I had insurance...Now, let's finish things between us, but coming here with only Georg. Such a bold hero."
'So, Vali predicted that Cao Cao would be here and made a few steps ahead for having Kuroka and Le Fay used a transport method. Smart guy.' Virgil mentally thought with a smirk.
"Rather than being bold, I thought that it would be enough with just me and Georg." Cao Cao states.
"Looks like you are confident, Cao Cao. Does it mean you have the so-called 'Dragon Eater' as your trump card?" Vali questions, crossed his arms. "I'm guessing it's a Sacred Gear possessor who specializes in Dragon slaying or a new Longinus possessor?"
"No, that's not it, Vali." Cao Cao said, shook his head. "'Dragon Eater' is a codename we gave to a being that existed already. We didn't create it. It was already created...'God from the Bible' created that."
"Is it alright Cao Cao?" Georg inquires when he heard that.
"Yeah, it's about time, Georg." Cao Cao answered, turns to him. "Vali is here. Ophis is here. The Red Dragon Emperor is here. Virgil is here. The Infinite Dragon, the two Heavenly Dragons, and a l'Cie. A combination where we couldn't ask for more...Let's call it. The time for opening the jar from Hell has come."
"Roger that." Georg complies with a smirk. "So, the time to devour the infinite has come then."
Georg then made a gigantic magic circle behind him in the space lobby. Then, the intense vibration causes a major tremor in the hotel and a very ominous aura was emitted from the magic circle. A cold air is starting to give Rias and her peerage chills while Azazel, Vali, Kuroka, Virgil, and Le Fay kept their serious and calm demeanor intact, but luckily, the trio of the babies were safely inside of the room thanks to the black nekoshou. An intense pressure they never felt before was coming from a magic circle. A pressure that freezes both Issei's body and soul.
'I've got a bad feeling about this. This power is almost like Bhunivelze and Etro.' Virgil mentally thought, turned his attire into Knight of Etro, changed his Blazefire Saber into Overture, and changed his shield into Goddess' Grace.
[This presence is...! An overwhelming evil intent only directed at a dragon...]
Ddraig also seems like he felt something and his voice was trembling.
'Ddraig is frightened? What kind of being is there that can even frighten a Heavenly Dragon, which is an embodiment of bravery?' Issei mentally questions, wondering why is Ddraig scared.
Then a gigantic ominous monster started appearing from the magic circle which was...the Dragon Eater.
It's described that it has a bizarre feature such as an upper body of a Fallen Angel and a lower body of an Asian Dragon. The Dragon Eater is crucified on a large cross with nails driven into various parts as well as several other restraints that had ancient letters written on them. Its eyes were covered in blindfold that had tears of blood dripping from underneath it.
A dark ominous voice emitted from the Dragon Eater's mouth echoes throughout the lobby. From its mouth covered in fangs, there was blood and saliva coming out as well.
Pain. Jealousy. Suffering. Resentment. A sound that is mixed with all kinds of negative emotions. They can tell that it's a being that was judged by someone who harbored great anger towards it. There was a black aura and mist coming out of the Dragon Eater that was spreading throughout the lobby.
Azazel's eyes changed and his expression changed to that of anger.
"T-this guy...To bring such a thing...So, you unsealed the seal of Cocytus...!" Azazel growled.
Cao Cao took a step forward and starts to speak as if it was a poem.
"It says that it is the poison of God. It says it is the evil intention of God." Cao Cao said. "A forbidden being that made the people in Eden eat the fruit of knowledge. The first crime that was judged by the dead God from the Bible and still continues to be in effect. Dragon Eater, Samael. The angel that received the curse of God who hated dragons and snakes. A dragon, yes, a dragon whose existence was eliminated from the record."
After hearing that and the name of the Dragon Eater, it got them deeply shocked.
"Azazel. What is that?" Issei asks in horror. "Even I know that it's dangerous just by looking at it."
"Do you know the story of Adam and Eve?" Azazel counters with a question.
"Y-Yeah. I at least know about that." Issei nods. 'Weren't they the first man and woman? The ones who were at the garden of Eden or something.'
However, Issei only reads a little while not paying attention and thinking about breasts...as usual.
"The one who turned into a snake and made Adam and Eve eat the fruit of knowledge is that." Azazel explains. "That action brought the fury of 'God from the Bible'. So, God started to hate snakes and dragons to the extreme. That's the reason why dragons are depicted as evil in many of the texts from the Church. He is a being that was made of evil intentions of God, because of God's hate, a being who received many kinds of poisons and curses on his body. Naturally, it's impossible for God, who is sacred to have evil intentions. That's why it has intense poison. Not only can it extinguish dragons, but it can affect other things besides dragons, so it was sealed in the depths of Cocytus. The curse it received from God is the Ultimate dragon slayer. That alone makes him an existence that is a brutal dragon slayer."
'...A Fallen Angel...snake...dragon...that was hatred by God...! God's poison...! God's evil intent...!' Issei mentally exclaims in horror after hearing Azazel's explanation. 'What kind of monster did these guys bring?! God's evil intent and intense poison which it hatred towards dragons! Isn't this thing a very dangerous existence to me?!'
"What is the Olympian God who's in charge of the World of the Dead thinking?!" Azazel yelled, realizing what Hades is plotting. "Perhaps-!"
"Yes, we negotiated with Lord Hades." Cao Cao confessed with a smile. "I was allowed to summon him while having many layers of restrictions on it."
"That bastard!" Azazel spat with hatred. "He didn't like the fact that Zeus was going to cooperate with the other factions!"
Apparently, Hades lent a helping hand to the Hero Faction, like Loki working with the Khaos Brigade a while back at when he tried to cause Ragnarok. No matter how they think about it, it is a serious issue that will bring a lot of angry mob to the alliance. Hades seemed like he hated devils and fallen angels, but to help the Khaos Brigade.
"So, like that Azazel, Vali, and Red Dragon Emperor. The curse he has will devour and kill dragons." Cao Cao points out, spun his spear and then points at them. "He can kill dragons for certain. It's not on the same level as the dragon slayer holy sword. You can't even compare them. Ascalon is like a toothpick to him, Issei Hyoudou."
'Ascalon is like a toothpick?!' Issei mentally shouts in shock, but feeling so much strong hatred coming from Samael which it is the Dragon Eater for a reason.
"What are you planning to do by using it?!" Azazel shouts with a question. "Are you trying to annihilate dragons?! ...No. You guys are trying...Ophis...?!"
"Devour her." Cao Cao ordered with an amused smirk, snapped his fingers.
"Army of One" Virgil used his Anti-Gravity device to leap after Samael with blind speed which he used his Paradigm Shift to switch Sentinel to Commando, unleashed a flurry of slashes and fires a number of bullets at the Dragon Eater, causing the monster to scream in pain.
"You're forgetting that I'm still here." Virgil told him with a scowl, points his gunblade at Cao Cao. "If you want Ophis, you'll have to go through me."
Issei was shocked that Virgil was able to damage Samael with the monstrous strength of his own, which it doesn't surprise him because of the powers of a l'Cie. Azazel couldn't help but smirk when Virgil was able to fight against the Dragon Eater with his own strength.
"Now, Holyga: Elegant Drive" Virgil then imbued his gunblade with holy magic after used his Paradigm Shift to switch commando to ravager, unleashing a slash combo and then sliced Samael in the neck.
Cao Cao and Georg were shocked that the white-haired l'Cie was able to kill the Dragon Eater. Azazel and Vali smirked, yet impressed of Virgil's monstrous strength when they saw him managed to kill it easily.
"But how...I thought that..."
"Virgil is whole different level which to him, the Dragon Eater doesn't even compare to those monsters from another planet." Azazel told him. "You see, not only he's a l'Cie, but he's also a Champion of Etro. Etro has given him blessings to grant his ability to kill monsters, even Samael who's a Dragon Eater and a monster."
"And, he even fought against Loki a while back and sealed him back to Asgard." Vali adds. "Hell, he even beat me twice and Issei when we're both in Juggernaut Drive. You should've thought about it before you ever try anything stupid, like you did in Kyoto and now."
"Plus, getting between a parent and a child is one fatal mistake." Kuroka adds with a growl.
Both Cao Cao and Georg didn't like their reaction and how Virgil killed the Dragon Eater with ease. They now need to come with a new plan, but it won't stop Cao Cao for taking down Rias, her peerage, Azazel, Vali, Kuroka, Le Fay, Irina, Tosca, and Virgil.
"Ravel, we can't have you here and die on us." Virgil told her. "Head out and watch over the children."
Ravel complies with a nod as she uses her magic circle to teleport out of the fight.
"So, my opponent is you." Vali states. "No surprise Virgil kill off Samael, I have no complaints."
With Vali's words, Kuroka and Le Fay readied their fighting stance while Issei does the same. Rias and her peerage, Tosca, and Irina does the same. Azazel enveloped his body with the golden armor.
"With you guys as my opponent, it'll be dangerous if I don't become serious." Cao Cao said with a smile of enjoyment. "Since Hades only allowed us to use Samael once, but with Virgil killed it, our part of the plan has already failed which there's been a change of plan. Georg! I'll take care of these guys."
"Can you take the two Heavenly Dragons, the Governor of Fallen Angels, the Gremory team, and a l'Cie by yourself?" Georg asks in concern.
"I will make it happen." Cao Cao answered simply. "If I can't do something as simple as this, then I basically have no right to hold this spear."
Cao Cao's Sacred Gear makes a bright light.
"BALANCE BREAKER!"
Saying that, Cao Cao's body changes. A ring of light that gave out intense light appears behind him and 7 orbs floats up in the air appeared. It was Cao Cao's Balance Breaker. They've seen many types of Balance Breaker, but this is the first time seeing so silent and simple. Even the spear looks basically the same. Cao Cao takes a step forward, but at the same time, the 7 orbs around him move as well.
"This is my True Longinus' Balance Breaker: Polar Night Longinus Chakravartin." Cao Cao told them. "Though, it's incomplete."
" A sub-species!" Azazel shouts shockingly. "The Balance Breaker that the previous True Longinus used until now was True Longinus Gotterdammerung! From the name of it, are you implying that you are the ideal ruler?! Damn it! Even I don't know what those 7 orbs are!"
"I actually want to call myself the ideal ruler of heaven." Cao Cao states. "That sounds cooler right?"
"More like you're the next Galenth Dysley." Virgil remarked with an answer. "He once tried to destroy Cocoon with his own power by turning himself into an Orphan, but cost of his defeat was the Six Heroes who fought for what they believe. And your foolish plan will be no different than his."
Cao Cao then glared at the white-haired l'Cie, didn't like his answer or being compared to Galenth Dysley. Issei begins question himself about the subspecies of the True Longinus and the abilities. Vali stands next to the Red Dragon Emperor.
"Careful. That Balance Breaker has the ability called '7 Treasures' and has 7 Sacred Gear abilities." Vali warned them. "So, there are abilities for each orb."
"Seven?! Not two or three?!" Issei exclaims in shock.
"Like Vali said, each 7 orbs contains different abilities and all of them are deadly." Virgil points out, standing besides Vali. "He's been hiding those abilities the entire time and showing it right now. It's no wonder we were able to fight him, even without his Balance Breaker."
"Though, I can only know three of them." Vali adds seriously. "That's why it's called the Ultimate-Longinus. There's no doubt that he's the strongest out of pure humans...Yes, among humans."
Even Vali and Virgil says much, but the pressure coming out is lower compared to Samael's. Issei was even more nervous in the fight against Sairaorg, but he shouldn't let his guard down. Even Issei was almost killed by Cao Cao once in Kyoto. Cao Cao then moves one of his hands forward and one of the orbs react, going forward in front of his hand.
"One of the 7 Treasures. Cakka Ratana."
Just as the orb disappears, the sound of the vibration destroyed violently echoes throughout the lobby. When they look around, they noticed that Xenovia'x Ex-Durandal was destroyed.
"Me Ex-Durandal!" Xenovia exclaims in disbelief.
Xenovia couldn't react to the sudden action, and her sword was destroyed. The Excalibur which was made into Durandal's sheath was broken. No one could react to it and everyone was astonished.
"That's the first one. Cakka Ratana's ability is to destroy weapons." Cao Cao explains. "The ones who can oppose this ability are those who are quite strong."
Then the next moment, there was blood spurting from Xenovia's body because there was a hole on her stomach as she spits blood out of her mouth and falls down.
"I also made the Chiyatsu Calanthana change into the shape of a spear and pierced her stomach with it." Cao Cao continues. "If you couldn't see that, then that means you can't defeat me, wielder of Durandal."
"Hurry with healing Xenovia, Asia!" Rias ordered with a shout.
With that, Asia started healing Xenovia while crying. Issei and Kiba were enraged towards Cao Cao.
"Cao Cao!" Kiba yelled.
"I won't forgive you!" Issei adds.
Both Kiba and Issei charged after Cao Cao when they're about to attack him while Virgil switch ravager to saboteur, but Cao Cao easily dodged them with his True Longinus and made another orb come to his hand.
"Itthi Ratana"
The orb went past the two and straight towards Rias and Akeno, who they're react to it and tried to attack, but...
"BURST!"
The orb reacts to Cao Cao's word and it started to emit lights that envelop Rias and Akeno. Both of them tried to attack, but only have their hands put forward. It got them look at their hands with suspicious looks. They try to attack again by putting their hands forward, but nothing happened.
"Itthi Ratana completely seals the unique power women have temporarily." Cao Cao explains. "This also needs a certain level of strength or you won't be able you won't be able to cancel it out. With this, three down."
Rias, Akeno, and Issei were shocked at Cao Cao's words. If people with the strength of the females can't oppose it, then they'll be in a lot of trouble. And if they have Asia who can heal was sealed, then Xenovia will die and it'll be over.
"Defeating all of you in this limited space." Cao Cao said, laughed loudly in enjoyment. "Fancy attacks will give a negative effect. I will protect Georg with the minimum amount of movement that is necessary while I also go straight ahead by myself! What a magnificently hard mission it is! But..."
"Poisonga" Virgil quietly enchant the word and started poisoning Cao Cao, causing him to grunt when poison starts spreading.
"Painga" Virgil then uses magic to inflict pain, causing Cao Cao to grunt again.
"While you're demonstrating your orbs, you let your guard down with my own magic." Virgil told him. "Nothing changed of your arrogance. It cost you."
"Damn you...I keep forgetting you can do that!" Cao Cao growled. "As usual, you have tricks under your sleeve."
"Using that kind of magic isn't my forte, but I still make it worthwhile." Virgil points out, turns to his wife and Le Fay. "Kuroka, you and Le Fay stay in position. These orbs contains trouble for all of us. They act as both offense and defense, but it can require for Cao Cao under his command. There's no denying that he's protecting Georg while letting loose by fighting us."
Kuroka and Le Fay replied with a nod while give Asia some cover since she's still tried to heal Xenovia. Cao Cao can tell that Virgil was perceptive, knew that he's right about him protecting Georg because of his Lost Dimension Sacred Gear.
"In that case! Welsh Sonic Boost Knight"
"Isse! No! Wait!" Virgil shouts.
But it's too late, Issei's armor turns into a Knight form and charges to Cao Cao. Cao Cao smirked which it was right where he wanted as he used his orb to head towards Asia and Xenovia. Issei then noticed it and went towards them as he acted as a shield. Asia was so concentrated on Xenovia that she didn't react to the attack. Kuroka and Le Fay used their magic to conjure a barrier while Issei shielded them.
Both their attacks hit him without any mercy. The impact and pain go through his body as his armor gets completely destroyed by the powerful attacks. Issei spits out his blood because of the damage he received which it's very critical and has a fatal wound on his body. Issei has black burns from his chest to his stomach. His flesh is torn and have blood coming out of it as he collapses down.
"Red Dragon Emperor. I already know your powers. It seems like you awakened to an unstable and more powerful ability in the match against Bael." Cao Cao points out with a smirk. "Though, there are many ways to fight against it. The combo of Triana is powerful, but there's a slight time lag when you change the Evil Pieces. If I attack with the correct timing for it, I can take it down. I can take you down in a few moves if I find out the strategy method."
'Bastard! He completely understands the Triana and my weakness!' Issei mentally shouts, cursed Cao Cao.
Virgil begins to realize that Cao Cao is not only a technique type, but he's also a tactician since he learned of Issei's power and weakness along with Rias and her peerages. But knowing that, Cao Cao can do more than damage and sealing powers when it comes to those orbs. Cao Cao saw through Issei's movement just be seeing it once, which means Issei won't be much of a challenge because of the power difference between them.
"Issei!" Asia shouts, realizing of his critical condition as she tries to send an aura of healing while healing Xenovia.
"Don't! Asia! I'm still okay." Issei weakly protests. "Heal Xenovia first..."
"But! Issei, your stomach!" Asia argued in tears.
"Vali! Come with me!" Azazel shouts. "You too, Virgil!"
"Geez. I just want to fight all by myself!" Vali complains.
And with that, both Vali and Azazel charges after Cao Cao with high speed. Virgil knew something's off as he waits for what Cao Cao is planning. Soon as Vali and Azazel is at a close distance between Cao Cao, the spear of light Azazel uses holds and Vali's fist covered with demonic power are released towards him at the same time.
"A recital contest between the Governor of the Fallen Angels and the Vanishing Dragon!" Cao Cao shouts excitedly. "I can rise even higher if I can overcome this!"
"Stopga" Virgil cast his magic to stop Cao Cao from moving. "Azazel! Vali! Now!"
Vali then punches Cao Cao in the face, sent him flying while Azazel thrust his spear of light, impaling him in the shoulder.
"Requiem of the Goddess" Virgil then used his Paradigm Shift to switch saboteur to commando, used his Anti-Gravity device to leap after Cao Cao with blind speed, and unleashed a flurry of slashes.
"Flourish of Steel" Virgil then flash step towards Cao Cao, delivers a series of slashes at him.
Cao Cao coughs a bit of his blood as he crashed against the ground. Azazel and Vali were impressed that the white-haired l'Cie able to noticed something was up.
"How did...you know...that I..."
"Like I said, your arrogance was your downfall, schoolboy." Virgil told him. "True that you're a gifted tactician by figuring out the strengths and weaknesses while outsmarted your opponents, but the only thing that's getting in the way was pride and arrogance. Thus, you're using your senses to see through Issei's power along with Xenovia, Akeno, and Rias. You see, you're not the only one who's gifted in tactics and relying on senses."
Cao Cao couldn't help but scowl at the white-haired l'Cie, felt that he's been outsmarted by him. Virgil then kicks the spear, so Cao Cao won't use it as he spoke while aiming his gunblade at him.
"Georg's power is about to get low, but I'll make this quick. Now I've a questions and we know that you got answers." Virgil told him, grabbed his collar while placed his gunblade on his holster. "You've got 10 words...10 words. If we don't like it, then Hades will deal with you instead. Now, why did you bring Samael and why Ophis?"
"You have no idea what you're dealing..."
Virgil stops him by punching him in the face.
"How many?" Virgil inquires.
"Seven." Vali answered.
"'Seven', you've got three left." Virgil said, but Cao Cao only gives a silent respond which it got him annoyed. "Really?"
Virgil then punches him in the face again.
"New Ophis." Cao Cao answered quickly.
"Keep going." Virgil told him.
"The reason we summoned Samael was for him to take Ophis' power to create a new Ophis." Cao Cao explains. "Truth is, Great Red isn't a being that is that important to us. This plan all began because we're all tired of pleasing her with it. And we were able to challenge and test the ideal of the Hero Faction about challenging the superior being."
"So basically, it's for you to take down the Infinite being in a way like this." Azazel guessed.
"No, this is different from taking it down." Cao Cao said, shook his head. "Actually, we do need the symbol to gather strength. In that part, Ophis was excellent. She became a propaganda tool and gathered those with strength that made a force like that. But using the Dragon God whom we can't read what she's thinking as our puppet isn't god."
"Sounds like a human. It definitely is a negative way of thinking like that of a human." Azazel states.
"I'm very honored with your compliment." Cao Cao said with a smirk.
"It's not a compliment, schoolboy. It's a fact." Virgil told him with annoyance. "Remember the difference."
And with that, Virgil tossed Cao Cao right towards the floor next to Georg, causing him to grunt.
"Well, your plan of making the new Ophis has been backfired along with beating some of us. You've got no option left." Azazel said with a scowl. "Surrender!"
Cao Cao couldn't help but chuckle with a smirk as he grabs hold of his True Longinus and stood up.
"Surrender? You know I never surrender." Cao Cao told him. "I've got one last trick up my sleeve. And to tell the truth, my Sacred Gear still needs a lot of tuning. That's why I used this occasion to see its strong points and weak points."
"You sure look down on us." Vali states.
"Yeah? That's like a pot calling kettle black." Virgil points out.
"He's right because that's the same as you." Cao Cao adds. "You also love doing things like that."
Cao Cao then turns to Issei, who's healing by Asia.
"Issei Hyoudou of the Red Dragon Emperor. It doesn't matter how many years it takes. Rise up to the level where you can fight me." Cao Cao said to him. "In the future, there are less than a dozen of people who can have the ultimate Sacred Gear fight, including you and Vali! No matter what age, the ones Heroes want to challenge in decisive battles are the Satan Lords or Legendary Dragons."
'Bring it! No matter how much of a gap there is between us right now, I will reach up to your level one day!' Issei mentally shouts with a challenging scowl as Cao Cao turns to Georg.
"Georg! Call the group of Grim Reapers. Hades is after the weakened Ophis, but the plans changed." Cao Cao informed him. "Also the swapping transportation that was done by Vali's team, can you try that? Can you transport me and swap me with Seigfried? I will leave the rest to Seigfried."
"I only saw it once so I won't know if it'll work smoothly, but I will try." Georg suggests.
"To be expected from the descendant of that professor, Georg Faust, who made a pact with the legendary devil, Mephistopheles." Cao Cao said with a smirk.
"My ancestor is so great that it puts too much pressure on me." Georg said. "Anyway, roger that Cao Cao. Also, about the information I gained before..."
Georg passes on a paper to Cao Cao with a serious expression on his face. Cao Cao's eyes became sharper after seeing that.
"I see. So, this is the way the Old Satan Factions gives his gratitude for saving him." Cao Cao muttered. "No, I knew it from the start. Well, he did cooperate with us enough."
And from their atmosphere, it seems like something they didn't predict happened. After their conversation, Georg goes off when he used the magic circle.
"Georg went out of the hotel." Cao Cao informed him. "He's preparing for the swapping transportation between me and Seigfried."
It got Issei, Azazel, Vali, and Virgil realized why Georg left the hotel, he's planning to use the same method the White Dragon Emperor used.
"Very well. Let's play a game Vali team and Gremory team." Cao Cao suggests. "Soon, a group of Grim Reapers will be coming here on Hades' orders to retrieve Ophis since she's still had powers. I will also have Seigfried from my team to participate in it as well. The key point of this game is whether or not all of you can get out of here safely. We won't know what will happen when Hades captures Ophis. Now, can you get out of here while protecting Ophis with your lives? Please challenge it. I want the Two Heavenly Dragons to survive, but I have no intention of enforcing it to the Grim Reapers and my comrades. I think it is more suitable to fight those who overcome a crisis."
After saying that, Cao Cao disappears.
Cao Cao was actually playing with them the entire team, but it didn't go the way he wanted. Issei couldn't keep his anger towards Cao Cao who's been looking down on him. Virgil however, holds a personal grudge on Cao Cao since he pulls something so foolish as making a deal with Hades which it's considered downright reckless. Hades now made his move and time isn't on their side.
That's it for the 57th chapter.
