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78.04% Winds of Change (DxD) / Chapter 206: Chapter 14 - Part 2 - Team [DxD] vs The God of Darknesses Party

Chapter 206: Chapter 14 - Part 2 - Team [DxD] vs The God of Darknesses Party

Aaron Toole's Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

Yeah, I had a sneaking suspicion that things might get a bit out of hand during dinner, but the level of chaos was far beyond what I anticipated.

"Aaron!" Several women chimed in, brandishing spoons, forks, and chopsticks laden with morsels of food, all aimed at my mouth.

At home, they usually exhibited a bit more decorum, but the moment we stepped outside, it was a different story. This behavior wasn't a constant, but it was definitely known to happen. Yasaka, having initiated some teasing before the meal arrived, was undoubtedly the culprit behind this delightful spectacle. Even the typically timid Fusae joined in, aiming her fork at me with a hint of mischievousness.

Yasaka, the mastermind of this chaos, watched with amusement, and Iztia considered participating but couldn't quite muster the courage.

"Alright, let's all calm down, shall we? I can't consume everything all at once," I tried to reason with them. Gradually, they consented, but then the dilemma of who would feed me first emerged.

The girls exchanged glances, and then Cao Cao, who was among us, came up with a solution. "Why don't you guys settle this with a rock-paper-scissors tournament? The winner gets to feed Jin first, and you can establish a pecking order from there."

The suggestion wasn't unusual—they often used rock-paper-scissors to resolve disagreements— yet, for some inexplicable reason, they all appeared quite serious about it.

Sharon assumed the role of judge and announced with enthusiasm, "I'll be the judge, everyone!" And with that, the "Who Gets to Feed Jin First Tournament" was officially underway.

— ○ ● ○ —

"Hell yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!" Jeanne screamed enthusiastically, wildly waving her arm in the air. She had emerged as the victor of the tournament, with Lavinia securing the second-place spot. Following closely was Rias. As for the remaining participants, they appeared somewhat disgruntled, with Suzaku landing in 9th place.

Jeanne crawled over to me, leaving me a little perplexed. "Where's the food?" I inquired, gazing at her with curiosity. However, what took me, and everyone else, by surprise was the shrimp in her mouth.

Swiftly, she settled on my lap and proceeded to feed me the shrimp using her mouth, her cheeks flushed with a deep blush. Her entire team was left dumbfounded, their mouths agape in shock. Her actions were quite bold, as it carried the risk of us accidentally kissing... unless that was her intention all along.

Unsure of her true motives, I accepted the shrimp quickly, and then went in for a kiss, assuming it was her unspoken desire. Jeanne appeared taken aback for a moment, but soon shrugged and kissed me back.

"W-w-w-what?! That wasn't part of the deal!" Natsume exclaimed.

"That's right! If it was the 'Kiss Jin Tournament,' then I would've tried harder!" Kanami chimed in.

"R-right~!" Lavinia added, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness and even more astonishment.

As Jeanne kissed me, she closed her eyes. Glancing back at everyone else, I noticed most of the guys had turned away, while the girls looked at us, their cheeks flushed with jealousy.

Yasaka couldn't help but comment, "Ara, ara~ I didn't think it would go this far."

However, Akeno was less thrilled. She shouted, "…Stop kissing already!!" and swiftly moved towards us. In a swift motion, she pulled Jeanne away. Jeanne began to struggle within Akeno's grasp.

Lavinia, not one to be left out, soon joined the commotion. With a determined look, she pushed me down and proceeded to engage in a passionate kiss. Her tongue invaded my mouth, leaving me with no room to even react. It was a bewildering turn of events. Is this even dinner at this point? I just wanted to eat some food, for the love of god!

However, a sense of danger washed over me as Lavinia's hand began to inch dangerously close to an inappropriate place. Fortunately, Suzaku was quick to notice this and seized the opportunity to intervene, promptly pulling Lavinia away.

"N-nooo! I want to—!" protested Lavinia.

"That's not appropriate!" Suzaku scolded her and continued to guide her away. Lavinia struggled in Suzaku's grasp, her actions reminiscent of a child's tantrum. Shin emerged from my shadows, his gaze filled with concern, as he silently inquired about what should be done.

I gave him an affectionate pat on the head and said, "Go and stay with her; she could use some company... and please take her plate of food along."

Shin nodded and then proceeded to head over to Lavinia's plate of food. With a wave of his paw, he made it levitate and trotted out of the room, following her voice. As for me, I wanted to do something nice for her, but I also needed some sustenance for myself. I figured I'd make it up to her before I went to sleep tonight. She'd probably be pouting until then.

After that somewhat awkward episode, the girls resumed their peculiar feeding hierarchy, and things began to settle down once more.

— ○ ● ○ —

Several hours had passed since that point, and the night was gradually drawing to an end. Earlier in the evening, everyone had taken an open-air bath. I had been invited to join but declined, as I had a brief meeting with the other leaders to discuss the impending confrontation with the Alliance of Evil Gods, the remaining [Malebranche], and the Wizards of Oz. It was shaping up to be quite a challenging ordeal.

With that in mind, I made my way to the mixed open bath, craving some relaxation for the night, as I knew that the following day was going to be incredibly hectic. Pondering the upcoming events made my head throb, although it also signaled that the Khaos Order in the Draconic Deus was gradually approaching its end.

After undressing and placing my clothes in a basket, I wrapped a towel around my waist and entered the open bath. However, I quickly realized that I wasn't the only one there. Yasaka, Sharon, Kunou, Lavinia, and Suzaku were already present.

"...I should have seen this coming," I admitted with a sigh, giving in to the situation. My comment elicited giggles from Yasaka and Sharon.

"We coordinated this, my dear," Yasaka explained. "Now, come here. I'd like to be pampered, as we haven't had much time together."

"Sure thing, Yasaka-sama," I responded, and then I joined them in the bath.

With the swiftness of lightning, Kunou materialized on my lap, while Lavinia snugly settled on my left side. Only one spot remained, my right side, and the three remaining women exchanged glances. Soon, they reached a consensus as Yasaka gracefully maneuvered over, nestling against me and hugging my arm.

Sharon and Suzaku, though slightly disappointed, gracefully accepted their fates and inched closer to our little group. Finally, Lavinia leaned in and inquired, "Can we stay in Kyoto after the mission is done?"

I responded, "There's going to be a lot of us since more of our group is coming tomorrow, but if Yasaka is fine with that, then I don't see why not." I glanced at the kyuubi leader, who was still hugging my arm and had placed her head on my shoulder.

Yasaka looked up at me and reassured, "As I said before, Urakyoto and this building are your home too, so anyone is welcome here, including Team [DxD]."

"I see, thank you," I responded with a smile, gently planting a kiss on top of her head. "With that said, tomorrow morning until noon, we'll have some respite from their attacks. I've asked King Enma to lead them on with the idea of possibly joining the Khaos Order, which should buy us some valuable time. It took a bit of convincing, especially with his wife, but eventually, they were swayed by the leaders' speeches."

Suzaku looked at me, a touch perplexed, and asked, "Why do you want to delay it?"

A playful chuckle escaped my lips as I scratched my cheek, "Well, I wanted to put on the Oppai Dragon live show, so the kids and adults who came can get their money's worth."

Suzaku sighed with a fond smile, "Jeez..."

Yasaka's sudden actions took everyone by surprise. She pulled Kunou off my lap, swiftly removed the towel wrapped around my waist, and then straddled me, leaving the others in a state of amazement.

Sharon, with playful curiosity, inquired, "Ara~? What might you be doing, Yasaka-sama~?" She held Kunou back from leaping toward her mother. While Lavinia and Suzaku were equally shocked, they didn't intervene.

Yasaka continued, "I've been asking you about this for a long time, Aaron." She playfully rubbed herself against me, adding, "I'd like to give Kunou a sibling."

"Yasaka!" Lavinia exclaimed, puffing her cheeks in surprise. "I'm getting pregnant first!"

"Ya-Yasaka-sama!?" Suzaku shouted, clearly taken aback by this sudden twist of events.

For a few moments, I stared at Yasaka, her teasing smile remaining constant throughout. Then, I reached out and gently hugged her, offering Lavinia an apologetic smile, which left her both horrified and baffled.

I then continued, "Well, I'm already in college, and truthfully, around 99% of the time my avatars are the ones attending it. With that said, I don't mind becoming a father now. So, if you're serious, Yasaka, I can get you pregnant—even tonight." My words instantly caused Yasaka's body to freeze in my arms.

After I pulled away from Yasaka and looked into her eyes, her entire face was flushed red, and she wore a rather strange smile. My expectation was for Lavinia to have some reaction, but when I glanced back at her, she had practically sunk down into the water, wearing a very depressed expression. I reached over and gently rubbed her head, but she didn't respond to my touch. Yasaka noticed Lavinia's state and let out a light giggle.

"I was just teasing you, Aaron... But thank you for taking it seriously," Yasaka said as she leaned her head on my chest.

I wasn't entirely sure if she was saying that to be considerate of Lavinia or if she was indeed teasing me. Nonetheless, the future I saw didn't seem to change much, so I decided to leave it at that. Of course, this development seemed to make Lavinia happier, and she pulled herself out of the water, quickly hugging my arm once more.

"Mother, you really shouldn't say such strange things so seriously! I don't need any more siblings—especially if they'll be trying to win Aaron's affections!" Kunou declared with a serious tone.

The way Kunou phrased it made it sound as if my own daughters might try to get too close to me, something I definitely want to avoid in the future. Breaking their hearts is the last thing I'd want to do. Just the thought of seeing them sad pains my own heart.

The rest of our bath was less chaotic. Kunou returned to my lap for a few minutes, and then Sharon and Suzaku took their turn. They both made the most of their time there, especially Sharon, who took advantage of my exposed area to tease me.

— ○ ● ○ —

The first show had ended just a few minutes ago. It had been set up in a different part of Kyoto, in another dimension where several youkai villages were located. As noon approached, our operation was about to begin, and my spell to transport and put the humans to sleep was going to activate automatically soon.

"Good work, everyone," I commended those who had participated in the live show with me. We were in the process of changing back into our regular clothes within the same room. I had initially requested that they separate us, but things hadn't turned out that way.

Observing that the rest of them were still in the process of dressing, I departed the changing room, eliciting a few protests from behind me. Stepping out, I strolled to the front of the building, where the area used for the play now stood empty, save for Vanaria, Mammon, Koharu Fujiwara, and Georg.

I initiated the conversation, directing my attention toward Georg. "Hey, is everything prepared?"

Georg, ever the meticulous one, responded with a confirming nod as he adjusted his glasses. "Yes, everything is in order. It appears that the Khaos Order is growing impatient with King Enma, as they've tried to cast curses on the shrines across Kyoto that are linked to him."

Vanaria quickly chimed in, eager to share the positive news. "But they were unsuccessful! Thanks to your Shadow Soldiers, those shrines remain protected!"

Koharu, serving as her pact magician, summoned several magic circles that functioned like CCTV cameras, displaying my Shadow Soldiers defending them from the shadows. The Soldiers effectively neutralized any Khaos Order members who ventured too close.

"As you can see, they can't get close to them," Koharu stated confidently.

Georg acknowledged her report, adding, "Everyone else is in position as well. However, I'll wait for my cue to act when two of those gods make their appearance, at which point I'll transfer them to my own dimension."

"Exactly," I replied, offering a reassuring pat on Georg's shoulder. "Now, let's move out. The others already inside will rendezvous with us." With that, we set off to our designated positions.

— ○ ● ○ —

A few minutes later, once everyone had taken their positions, a deep rumble shook the entire city of Kyoto.

[We're experiencing some rumbling over here too!] Kanami's voice came through the transceiver.

[Same over here!] Aoife added.

[Here too…] Zorya chimed in.

[Alright, let's begin!] I shouted.

Simultaneously, a radiant energy enveloped the entire Earth, causing all the humans to vanish, and a powerful protective barrier enveloped all the buildings across the world. My focus shifted towards a specific point in Kyoto, where a colossal figure emerged from a majestic Olympus-style magic circle. It bore a striking resemblance to a titan of darkness and carried the god Erebus on its shoulder.

Accompanying Erebus, several other deities affiliated with the night or darkness manifested around Kyoto, as well as in the other territories controlled by [DxD]. Two of the [Malebranche] also joined this grand operation. Chernobog had arrived in Kyoto, along with Hecate and Summanus, the ancient Roman deity of Nocturnal Thunder.

While Tartarus had not yet made its appearance, I was fully prepared to face it. But for now, my focus was on taking on the massive titan and confronting Erebus.

— ○ ● ○ —

Third Person Point of View

— ○ ● ○ —

In Greece, Zorya's team arrived to obstruct the planned attacks orchestrated by the Gods of Darkness. Alongside the Gods of Darkness, other smaller groups and individuals had joined forces to execute this assault, and the dhampir, Neculai, stood at the forefront of one such group.

With short gray hair and piercing red eyes, Neculai appeared youthful, although he exuded a distinctly vampiric aura. However, it was worth noting that he was not a pure vampire but rather a hybrid. Suzaku had encountered him previously when she was in the Hindu Pantheon, and he had chosen not to participate in Kecate's attack on that occasion.

"Hoho? So you did betray us, Valentina Vordenburg! No wonder you didn't appear during Kecate's attack on the new vampire faction," Neculai said, a triumphant smirk gracing his lips.

Among Zorya's group, one conspicuous figure stood out—Valentina Vordenburg. Her initial encounter with Rossweisse within the Shinto Pantheon sparked a series of events that led to her meeting Aaron. However, after that fortuitous meeting, she vanished without a trace.

Then, right before the attack by Nyx, the Monkai Association, and the Leviathans, Valentina reached out to Aaron once more. This time, she made it official, formally becoming a member of the DxD Alliance.

Her journey, though, had a few bumps along the way. Following her recruitment, she found herself in one of Grigori's prisons for an extensive round of questioning. Subsequently, she was placed under observation for an extended period before finally being granted the freedom to move about.

Today, she prepared to fight alongside the alliance, determined to prove her usefulness and loyalty. She was determined to demonstrate that she had genuinely switched sides. She had witnessed the fall of her faction within the Khaos Order and the ensuing chaos on both sides. Some of her bats still roamed around her former organization's base.

Valentina approached her, a curious expression on her face. "And you're still as unconventional as ever, Neculai. Are you still utilizing your Artificial Sacred Gear and going by the name 'Batman,' or have you come up with a new alias?" She inquired.

Neculai's face bore a sinister grin, ready to retort when a burst of potent divine energy was unleashed, directed at him and his entourage. With swift reflexes, Neculai narrowly evaded the attack, but the devastating force claimed the lives of many within his group.

The assailant behind this powerful assault was none other than Zorya. She held her futuristic firearm aimed at them, her visage stern and resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

"The rumors about you were that you didn't like conflict and chose to be neutral in most battles, yet you attacked me and my group quite heartlessly. Have you changed since the Middleman made his appearance in our world?" Neculai inquired.

Zorya, her expression unwavering, responded, "I am part of Team [DxD], and it's my role and job to defeat our enemies that threaten the peaceful world we aim to achieve. You and the gods of darkness are part of that group, and we won't show any mercy."

Neculai let out a scoff and softly muttered, "Balance Adjust." Neculai was clad in armor that possessed a striking combination of black and red hues. Bat-like wings adorned his ankles, legs, arms, and one even extended from the side of his head. The very heart of his armor bore a prominent symbol of a red bat, which emanated a mystical, eerie glow.

Neculai's voice echoed with determination as he declared, "I still have a few idiots left with me, so let's get started!" With that, millions of bats materialized behind him and surrounded him in a dramatic display.

Neculai extended his arm towards Zorya's group, and the air crackled with energy as the bats unleashed millions of red and black beams from their eerie eyes. Some of the bats beat their wings rapidly, creating wind blades and unleashing other powerful wind-based attacks aimed directly at Zorya's group.

However, just as Zorya and Valentina prepared to react, a figure with striking purple hair stepped forward to shield them. With unwavering resolve, she stated, "Allow me. I'm from this country's pantheon, and I wish to protect it, especially since I caused trouble here last year."

The woman was revealed to be Medusa. She removed her blindfold, revealing her captivating eyes. As she gazed upon the countless attacks directed at them, she harnessed her powers, instantly turning the incoming onslaught to stone. Her quick action petrified the deadly attacks, thwarting the enemy's offensive.

"Tch, that won't stop us! Go already, you idiots!" Neculai ordered, and the remaining members of his group charged toward Zorya's group.

A relentless barrage of magic attacks filled the air, creating widespread destruction below. Various towns and cities were blown apart by the fierce combat.

In his Counter Balance, Neculai was at least a low-tier God-class opponent, allowing him to hold his own to some extent against Zorya and the members of [DxD]. However, he knew he wasn't strong enough to defeat them.

He had maintained a facade of confidence since he encountered his opponents, but deep within his mind, he recognized that he stood no chance. In fact, he had felt this as soon as he encountered their formidable group. He had hoped for less competent adversaries, but his luck had run out.

The one who stood to confront him was none other than Zorya, accompanied by Valentina. The three of them hovered in a tense standoff, locking eyes. A self-assured grin played on Neculai's lips as he taunted, "Well? Are you going to attack, or should I make the first move—"

Suddenly, Zorya extended her hand, fingers forming a gun shape. With a silent, wordless gesture, she mimicked pulling the trigger, and Neculai was on the verge of laughter when he was struck with a searing pain in his shoulder. Wincing, he inspected the small hole in his clothing and grimaced.

"Argh!? What the hell!? What did you do!?" he demanded, but Zorya remained silent, aiming her fingers at him once more. In a swift move, Neculai flew away to evade her pointed digits.

As he retreated, he found himself bombarded by a barrage of vampire-style magical attacks from behind. His armor quickly reshaped itself into a protective cap and shielded him from the attacks.

"You know those attacks won't affect me! This armor was designed to withstand vampire-style magic circles attacks!" he yelled defiantly at Valentina.

Neculai extended his arms, causing his cape to transform into massive bat-like wings that began to vibrate intensely. The surrounding area quaked from the violent tremors. His cape-wings continued to shake until several tornadoes, composed of swirling black and red wind, materialized around him. He directed these tumultuous forces toward Zorya and Valentina.

Next, Neculai activated his earpiece and spoke into it, his voice filled with frustration, [This is Neculai, where is the backup you guys promised...!?]

The response came from the other end, [They will arrive in two minutes. You'll have to handle anything in your path by yourself. If you're that weak, you shouldn't have requested to participate in this operation.]

Neculai seethed with anger at the curt reply. Nonetheless, he managed to suppress his growing anger and turned his attention to the attacks he had launched at the goddess and vampire confronting him. Zorya, with a casual gesture, directed her finger toward the tornadoes he had summoned. Within moments, both tempests he'd conjured were effortlessly dispelled, causing him to audibly express his frustration by clicking his tongue.

Zorya pondered her next moves but promptly reached a conclusion. "I won't delay this any further; that's what Aaron would want," she whispered to herself. Her words caught Valentina's attention.

Suddenly, Zorya blinked from her original position to appear behind Neculai. She aimed her gun at his chest and pulled the trigger. A massive and potent burst of black and white divine energy shot from her weapon, piercing through his chest and beyond. It also claimed the lives of more members from Neculai's group in the process.

Neculai plummeted earthward, struggling to process the sudden turn of events. His gaze met Valentina's, who remained expressionless as she observed his fall. A faint smirk graced Neculai's lips as he contemplated his swift demise, something he hadn't anticipated.

Throughout his life, he had chosen to live on his terms, having distanced himself from the Tepes faction due to his hybrid nature. Much like Gasper, he hailed from the main Tepes vampire line, and to be precise, his father was Marius Tepes.

However, unlike Gasper, he lacked a Sacred Gear or special powers, rendering him even less useful in the eyes of others. Subjected to a lifetime of abuse, he eventually made the decision to depart in the middle of the night, vowing never to return unless it was for revenge.

Neculai's origins were steeped in a grim history. He was the result of a sexual assault, his father Marius having perpetrated the heinous act against his mother. Neither of his parents wanted him, leaving him to fend for himself. Over the years, the desire for revenge festered within him, driving him to strengthen himself. Nevertheless, witnessing Valerie and Gasper thrive within Aaron's group ignited jealousy and fury within him.

Maybe there had been moments when he yearned to devise a plan for vengeance, whether it was after Kecate's assault on the fledgling vampire faction or today. However, Neculai recognized that, regardless of the timing, his fate remained unchanged. Whether death or capture awaited him, the conclusion was inescapable. That's why he had chosen the path of escape—it was the only course of action he had known throughout his life.

Before Neculai hit the ground, a large figure shot through the air and swiftly caught him. The buildings and terrain in his path were mercilessly obliterated as he moved. The imposing figure that had intercepted Neculai's fall was none other than Ciriatto, the Wild Hog King.

[Pathetic, dhampir. Even after being blessed with that tool, you fail to achieve anything significant,] Ciriatto sneered. [A failure from birth to now.]

Ciriatto lifted Neculai's body, and in a single powerful motion, he crushed him with his enormous hands. His sudden presence and ruthless actions shocked the battlefield into silence. Ciriatto carelessly discarded Neculai's lifeless body, a sardonic grin stretching across his face as he observed the horrified onlookers.

In a swift motion, he conjured two colossal swords, each clutched firmly in his hands. Without uttering a word, he unleashed a devastating strike aimed directly at Zorya's group. The impending attack threatened to obliterate them, but Valentina, realizing the imminent danger, hastily erected a defensive magic circle.

This magical barrier held against the impending assault for a few precious seconds, providing the group with just enough time to act. Acting swiftly, Valentina and Zorya coordinated a teleportation, whisking their comrades away to safety.

The colossal, destructive slashes tore through the very heart of Greece, effectively cleaving the entire country in two. Regrettably, Neculai's group had been caught off guard, leaving them with no opportunity to evade Ciriatto's brutal attack. Tragically, every member of the group perished at the hands of the sadistic Ciriatto, who reveled in their pitiful demise.

[Pathetic! You couldn't even react to my slowest strike! If that's the extent of your capabilities, you have no place in our organization!] Ciriatto taunted with a venomous mix of malice and arrogance.

Zorya took charge of the situation, her voice unwavering. "All of you, leave. There are more enemies in a different country where you can have a more balanced fight. This creature—the [Malebranche], is beyond your league," she said, urgency lacing her words.

"But we want to—!" one of the members started to protest, but a stern glare from the goddess silenced any further objections.

"I don't want any of you to die needlessly. Please, just leave. We'll do our best to defeat this threat," Zorya implored, and gradually, the rest begrudgingly accepted, wearing bitter expressions. Assisted by Medusa's power, they were teleported out of the country to offer assistance elsewhere across the globe.

Ciriatto, the menacing foe they were about to confront, spoke confidently, his contemptuous tone echoing, [Hoooooh? So you're facing me with just three people? Quite bold, I must say. A goddess, a vampire, and a gorgon. This alone won't suffice.] He raised one of his swords menacingly, pointing it at the three ladies.

Medusa acted swiftly, focusing her petrifying gaze directly on Ciriatto. The enormous demon reacted by using a massive section of a building to shield himself from the petrification threat. However, just as the three women initiated their coordinated attack, the colossal creature managed to reposition himself right behind them, taking them by surprise.

[If you believe my size hampers my speed and agility, you're gravely mistaken—and this very misconception seals your fate!] he bellowed triumphantly. Ciriatto swung both of his colossal swords with incredible force, targeting the three ladies in one fell swoop.

Amidst the chaos, Zorya, their most formidable ally, acted swiftly. She gently pushed Valentina and Medusa aside, positioning herself between her comrades and the monstrous Ciriatto. Her trusty gun was in hand, and she activated it to unleash a searing laser from its nozzle.

With a deft motion, she managed to deflect both of Ciriatto's vicious attacks, an impressive feat. However, the colossal [Malebranche] still held the upper hand, overpowering her and sending Zorya hurtling through the air with his sheer brute force.

Undaunted by the setback, Medusa swiftly responded by summoning a multitude of intricate Olympus-style magic circles. From these circles, a relentless barrage of elemental attacks was unleashed upon the demon, a tempest of magic striking Ciriatto simultaneously.

Valentina, too, replicated this effort, employing her vampire-style magic circles to bombard their adversary. Yet, despite the formidable onslaught, the beastly [Malebranche] remained unscathed, his demeanor unperturbed.

[Is this it? I didn't think [DxD] was so weak,] Ciriatto sneered, disappointment lacing his tone. He blurred with superior speed, appearing beside Medusa, who swiftly shrouded her body in touki to form a protective barrier, crossing her arms in preparation for the impending strike.

With a powerful blow, Ciriatto unleashed a punch that dwarfed the gorgon's form. He harnessed his unmatched strength to fling her across a significant distance, sending her hurtling halfway across the expanse of Greece.

Before Valentina could react, Ciriatto materialized in front of her. His words dripped with malice as he taunted, [You watched coldly as Neculai met his end, didn't you? Now, you shall experience a similar fate...] A wicked smile twisted his lips.

In a swift, cruel motion, Ciriatto swung both his blades horizontally, cleaving Valentina in two. Confusion and disbelief clouded her mind as she felt the separation, unable to fully grasp the reality of the situation. She wasn't prepared to accept her untimely demise. There were still so many things she wanted to experience and accomplish in her new life.

But then, a powerful beam of black and white divine energy, emitted with great force, struck Ciriatto. The colossal creature raised his blade to block the attack, and although he managed to withstand the blow, he was sent hurtling backward.

With a smug grin, Ciriatto remarked, [Hoho? You can still stand and fight? Excellent. Let's make this engaging, Slavic Pantheon Goddess. Your little vampire companion was the weakest among you, unable to endure even a single slash of such magnitude.]

Zorya swiftly closed the distance to Ciriatto, launching a barrage of attacks at the [Malebranche]. He, however, skillfully parried each successive attack, his defensive prowess evident.

[Medusa, administer a Slime Pill to her as soon as you can!] Zorya urgently transmitted through her transceiver.

Although she bore her own injuries, Medusa managed to teleport near Valentina, who miraculously remained conscious despite having been grievously wounded. But before she could deliver aid in the form of a Slime Pill, Ciriatto swung his massive sword toward them, creating a barrier between the two wounded souls and any hope of receiving aid.

'Dammit…!' Zorya's thoughts raced as she fired a volley of shots at Ciriatto, whose agility allowed him to easily evade and block her attacks. 'This wasn't supposed to go down like this!'

In one seamless motion, Ciriatto materialized beside Zorya, his grin a menacing sight. [Perhaps you want to meet your comrade in the afterlife?] he taunted, raising both his swords menacingly.

As the blades neared her, Zorya realized she couldn't evade the impending strike. The world seemed to slow down around her as she surrendered to the impending fate, feeling regret seep in. 'Perhaps I became overconfident, thinking that joining [DxD] with Aaron's help was enough,' she thought, shaking her head. 'I wish I could have seen him one last time...'

Moments before the blades made contact, an unexpected force catapulted Ciriatto away, along with a considerable chunk of Greece's terrain. Zorya, breathless from the near-death encounter, was sent crashing into a nearby building. However, she quickly regained her composure and ascended to the rooftop.

"Hohoho, young lady, don't let negativity overcome you," spoke an elderly man who appeared beside her. His hair was a stark shade of gray, and he donned traditional Chinese attire. By his side stood a tall, muscular man with a matching hair color and attire.

"...You two are..." Zorya trailed off, still in disbelief.

"Hoho, leave this brute to us. Aaron-sama has sent us to assist you. Ah, Silva, can you lend a hand to the young vampire down there?" inquired the old man.

Silva, one of Aaron-sama's [Electa], nodded and promptly materialized beside Valentina, who was missing a significant portion of her lower body. Silva mended her injuries and administered a Slime Pill to aid in her recovery.

Valentina gazed up at the imposing figure and inquired, "W-who are you?"

"I am Silva, one of Aaron-sama's [Electa]," he replied before vanishing and reappearing beside the old man.

"Old man, we should secure our target as soon as possible. Every building in this country is already under protection, so we can afford to let loose," suggested Silva.

"Fufu, yes, yes, let's proceed. By the way, my name is Zeno," the old man introduced himself before he and Silva leaped away to confront the malevolent threat.

Following that, what Zorya, Medusa, and Valentina witnessed was a brutal, one-sided thrashing.

— ○ ● ○ —

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeh?! Why do you hate me!?" Ruruko's exclamation rang through the air, her voice piercingly loud. Ouryuu (Ryuuta) Nakiri had just uttered those very words, confessing his intense hatred for her.

The revelation sent shockwaves through the group accompanying them. It comprised the second years and other members of [DxD], and they stood there, their expressions filled with disbelief, staring at Ryuuta in astonishment.

"Tell me why!? Hello!? Why?! I haven't done anything to you, though!" Ruruko implored, her voice teeming with confusion and frustration as she made every effort to coax an answer from Ryuuta.

Ryuuta heaved a sigh and turned his gaze away, reluctant to deal with this matter at the moment. His footsteps carried him away, but an abrupt and violent tremor rattled the entirety of Kyoto. The intensity of the quake swiftly garnered the attention of all present.

Within moments, an array of intricate magic circles manifested throughout the area, releasing hordes of enemies. Among the enemies, Ryuuta and Millarca recognized one they had encountered before—a devil.

"I'm back!!" he screeched jubilantly, launching himself towards them with alarming speed. Yet, just as Nevus was about to reach them, a colossal fireball materialized and hurtled toward him, compelling him to evade with a nimble leap.

Millarca urgently shouted, a stark reminder of Nevus' formidable abilities. "Please exercise caution when dealing with him!"

Chaos erupted all around Kyoto as countless battles unfolded. Nevus, unfazed, soared back towards Ryuuta, unleashing a barrage of explosive magic attacks. Ryuuta had no choice but to leap away from the searing explosions, enveloping his body in a protective layer of touki. Faced with the relentless assault of the Super Devil, Ryuuta decided to resort to his [Dragon Man] transformation.

"Delay him for a bit!" Ryuuta's voice boomed over the battlefield, rallying those around him to action. They immediately began hurling a series of magical attacks at Nevus, but to their astonishment, their projectiles merely passed through him.

Amid the melee, a member of the Irish group from [DxD] materialized behind Nevus, brandishing a gleaming sword. He swung it toward Nevus with unwavering determination, but the devil intercepted the blade mid-air and twisted it before breaking into a sinister grin.

"That was an unfortunate choice," he sneered, igniting his hand with explosive magic. However, his imminent attack was halted by a radiant ring of light that darted toward him. An overwhelming sense of danger coursed through him, prompting a swift maneuver to evade the impending threat. Relinquishing the man he had seized, he narrowly avoided the oncoming attack.

"Are you okay?" inquired the woman, who was none other than Irina, the reincarnated angel who had come to the aid of the second years.

"Y-yes, thank you for helping me," he mumbled, still catching his breath, his heart racing from the near-death encounter.

Behind them, Ryuuta began his transformation, and his body was enveloped in a golden aura of touki. His transformation was swift, and he was now fully prepared to face Nevus once more.

"Ryuu, I'm here to back you up," Millarca assured him, taking a stand beside him.

"I'm helping out too!" Irina chimed in, her determination clear as she clenched her fist. "Ravel-chan, I'll entrust you with guiding the rest of the team here."

"Understood, Irina-sama," Ravel acknowledged. She activated her transceiver, then took cover behind a shield of their comrades. From her vantage point, she had a clear view of the entire battlefield and began issuing strategic orders to the entire team.

"Irina-senpai, you remember his abilities, right?" Ryuuta asked his senior.

"I do, I'll be careful. Let's do this!" Irina replied, her determination evident. The other two second-years nodded in agreement.

Irina seized the initiative, her supernatural speed allowing her to outmaneuver Nevus with a surprise attack. She appeared behind him, leaving Nevus momentarily shocked. Her hand extended toward him, and a smug grin spread across his face as he assumed she was unaware of his powers.

However, Irina had an unexpected move up her sleeve. Just as her hand was about to make contact, she accelerated her speed even further, retracting her arm before enshrouding her other one in a light aura. With precision, she struck beside his head, sending him tumbling.

As Nevus was sent hurtling through the air, he experienced an excruciating agony in his head due to the light-based powers of the angel. Irina, however, didn't let up in her assault. She conjured countless luminous rings, launching them at Nevus, who, despite his suffering, activated his demonic abilities to defend himself.

To everyone's astonishment, the rings of light that had passed him underwent a miraculous transformation, manifesting as light clones of Irina. These ethereal duplicates, each wielding their own sets of light rings, unleashed their own attacks upon Nevus. In response, he was compelled to unleash his demonic powers to counter the impending attack.

Nevus found himself blown away, disoriented and confused by the sudden attack. However, before he could fully grasp the situation, Ryuuta materialized above him, his foot launching a swift kick in Nevus' direction. A self-satisfied grin spread across Nevus' face as he taunted, "You fool! Can't you remember what happened last time!?"

Ryuuta responded with a curt, "Yes, I do," and continued with his attack. Ryuuta's foot seemed to pass right through Nevus, who attempted to retaliate with a swift upward attack. But before he could complete the maneuver, a sudden, powerful blow landed atop his head, stunning the devil temporarily.

With a triumphant shout, Millarca declared, "Let's call this the Vampire Princess Punch!" The assault, however, didn't conclude with a single strike. Irina promptly materialized beneath Nevus, thrusting her light sword toward his rear, piercing the Super Devil and causing him to cry out in agony.

Realizing that he was on the brink of using explosive magic on his own body, all three attackers propelled themselves away from Nevus, narrowly avoiding the impending explosion, which erupted only moments later.

When the explosive chaos subsided, Nevus had emerged unscathed, but the Super Devil bore visible signs of exhaustion, his body marred by the devastating effects of Irina's light attacks.

Despite his inherent might, he was at the mercy of the trio, and the frustration of being toyed with only served to stoke the fires of his anger. "Screw you! I don't care about the plan anymore!!" he bellowed, his voice resonating with rage, and with that declaration, a colossal sphere manifested in the sky above Kyoto.

The ominous orb bore unique markings and was emblazoned with the kanji for "boom." Nevus had conjured a massive, condensed attack, primed to detonate the moment it touched the ground or collided with any other attack. Whether it struck Kyoto or was met by the alliance's forces, the ensuing explosion would unleash devastation, potentially injuring or killing not only those within the city but also those beyond its borders.

"Diiiiiie!!!" he shouted as the destructive attack began its descent from the sky. However, as it plummeted toward the ground at an alarming speed, two figures leaped into action to intercept it. Those two were none other than Xenovia and Gasper.

"Hey, Gyasuke, let's stop that thing and then split up, okay?" Xenovia said calmly, her voice carrying a hint of determination.

<<Yeah!>> exclaimed Gasper from his pseudo-Balance Breaker form. With newfound resolve, he was ready to assist Xenovia in this daring feat.

With [Durandal] in her hands, Xenovia soared towards the colossal, looming ball of destruction. In one swift, precise motion, her blade cleaved the massive orb in two. Meanwhile, Gasper executed his own move by rapidly manifesting a substantial amount of darkness that hungrily enveloped the ominous sphere Nevus had created. Within seconds, the sphere exploded, but thanks to Gasper's darkness, the explosion was contained, sparing Kyoto from devastation.

The alliance on the ground burst into cheers as Xenovia and Gasper pulled off their heroic feat, but Irina raised her hands in protest, a hint of disappointment etched on her face.

"I wanted to do something cool too, you know! Dammit, Nova!" she yelled in frustration.

Xenovia couldn't hear Irina's words over the din of battle, so she simply waved in response before soaring away. Gasper joined their side, directing his arms towards a group of oncoming enemies and enveloping them in his shroud of darkness.

"Gaspy for the win," Shirone commented, her voice laden with sarcasm, but she still offered him a high-five.

"We're far from finished, so let's keep at it, everyone!" Gasper exclaimed enthusiastically. His words inspired those around him, filling them with renewed determination and a resolute spirit to press on and overcome their enemies.

— ○ ● ○ —

As Aaron Toole glided on a hoverboard, heading toward Erebus, the formidable God of Nocturnal Thunder, Summanus, suddenly swooped in, poised for an attack. The atmosphere crackled with tension.

Summanus presented an imposing figure, his head cloaked in an perplexing veil of darkness that concealed much from view. Only his piercing, glowing blue eyes broke through the obsidian shroud, giving an eerie yet captivating allure. Behind him, a series of pointed protrusions jutted forth from his back, creating an otherworldly silhouette that added to the air of mystery surrounding him.

His form was predominantly black, enveloped in a seamless darkness that seemed to absorb the light around him. Yet amidst the abyss, several striking golden accessories adorned his neck and wrists, shimmering like tiny, radiant beacons against the backdrop of shadows.

He donned long, ebony pants that cascaded down to his feet, offering a stark contrast to his dark complexion. Around his waist, a substantial loincloth skirt unfurled, blending deep shades of blue and opulent gold, its fabric draping gracefully over most of his pants.

"I had a conversation with Jupiter regarding you," Aaron remarked, his curiosity evident as he faced the powerful deity. "You are his polar opposite, yet you chose to vanish and align yourself with the Khaos Order. What prompted that decision?"

Summanus gazed at Aaron, his expression serious, and began to clarify, "Longinus—no, Sacred Gear wielders must be eliminated from our world. Humanity has disrupted the delicate equilibrium by continually pushing their limits and unlocking their Balance Breakers. This wasn't a concern some years ago, but ever since your arrival in our world, it has been in a severe decline."

The stern god fixed his narrowed eyes on Aaron, and his resolve became apparent as he continued, "For the sake of our world's continued prosperity, we must eliminate you and eradicate the Sacred Gear system from the realm of Heaven!" With that declaration, he launched several bolts of menacing black lightning directly at Aaron.

Aaron's grin remained unwavering as holy lightning cracked through the sky, intercepting the god's lightning bolts, rendering them powerless.

The celestial display of force forced Summanus to evade the torrent of light spears aimed at him, each with the potential to vanquish even gods. Recognizing the overwhelming power of these attacks, Summanus turned his attention toward those responsible for this affront.

To his astonishment, the assailants were none other than Akeno and Raynare, who had orchestrated the formidable assault. Akeno, with a mischievous wink, playfully quipped, "Ufufu, Summanus-sama, please don't obstruct my husband too much, okay~?" Her words only added to the god's vexation.

Raynare, on the other hand, took a more direct approach, her comment dripping with disdain. "Yeah, he's more important than you, so fuck off, you old freak." Her profane language further infuriated the god, but she didn't seem to care, knowing full well that their combined might far surpassed Summanus's own.

Amused by the exchange, Akeno chuckled and gave Raynare's shoulder a playful poke. It was a subtle reminder to avoid antagonizing the god too much. Raynare, however, remained unrepentant, knowing that their power was more than enough to handle Summanus.

Raynare turned her attention to Aaron, taken aback by the hoverboard. She couldn't help but shake her head in response. "Why are you even using that? Ah, whatever, just get going and leave this idiot to us," she declared. In a flash, she materialized beside him and, in a somewhat unorthodox gesture, planted a quick peck on his cheek before forcefully propelling him away.

But Summanus was not about to let him go easily. His roar thundered, "You think I'll let you go!?" He readied another attack, his divine power crackling. However, before he could unleash it, a mighty kick, fueled by a surprising and stupendous strength, found its mark right between his legs, crushing everything in its path.

The deliverer of this punishing blow was none other than Akeno, who, for some reason, couldn't help but giggle with glee throughout the entire endeavor. She spoke playfully, "I just told you not to obstruct him, didn't I?" Her amusement painted her words, even as Summanus descended, his trajectory guiding him to an earth-shattering crash.

Raynare watched in mild astonishment, her lips twitching. She remarked, "Sometimes I wonder who's more fucked up between us, Akeno. You didn't hesitate to deliver a world-shattering kick where it hurts..."

Akeno's response was cryptic yet telling. "Because he was going to get in Aaron's way," she sang out in a seemingly carefree manner, her smile never fading.

Raynare couldn't help but comment further, her tone hinting at some darker depths. "Yeah, maybe it's you... maybe you're becoming a yandere?"

In response, Akeno's laughter took on a somewhat eerie quality as she playfully licked her fingers, a gesture that sent shivers down Raynare's spine.

"You foolish children…! You have doomed this world if you let that thing roam it!" Summanus grumbled, gradually lifting himself from the ground, his face twisted in pain.

Surprisingly, Akeno interjected with a hint of sarcasm, "I'm surprised you woke up that quickly. How are your—"

Summanus interrupted her before she could finish, unwilling to engage in such a conversation. "Silence you wench! If get my—"

Instead, Akeno continued in a carefree tone, "Well, he regularly makes love to me, so I don't care too much if he destroys this world. He'll simply remake it."

Raynare, who had been watching the exchange, cast a concerned look in Akeno's direction. She couldn't help but be disturbed by her friend's casual acceptance of such grim possibilities.

Summanus responded by summoning black lightning around his arms, his resolve unwavering as he declared, "I see. If that's the case, then I will kill his harem of women too! His offspring will be even worse if they ever come into existence! Especially if they come from you! You wretched woman!"

Akeno, unfazed and smiling devilishly, let draconic holy lightning crackle around her body. Her grin grew even more menacing as she spoke, "Ufufu, is this a challenge, Summanus-kun?"

Raynare, feeling a sense of responsibility, muttered, "I'll back you up," as she summoned a light sword and prepared to join the fray.

— ○ ● ○ —

Arriving at the designated location, Aaron Toole found himself face to face with his opponent, Erebus, and the imposing titan of darkness. The titan's eyes fixed on Aaron, casting an eerie hush over the surroundings.

"Long time no see, Ere-chan. How's life treating you?" Aaron greeted with a cheerful tone.

"Don't call me that, you wretched lizard," Erebus retorted, dripping with venom. He extended a trembling finger toward Aaron. "You defeated my sister and imprisoned her within our pantheon! You deserve to suffer a thousandfold for your actions!"

Aaron quirked an eyebrow and responded, "I wasn't the one who defeated her; Lisa did that. Besides, if we hadn't intervened, the power she received from the Phantasma would have eventually taken her life. You might even want to thank me for preventing that fate."

He raised a finger, adding, "Furthermore, yes, she's incarcerated, but it's not as if she's being subjected to torment or cruelty over there. She's merely confined to a jail cell with her powers sealed. In truth, your gods have shown her a fair degree of leniency."

Erebus directed an intense glare at Aaron, his lips betraying hints of his annoyance. The truth couldn't be denied, and he knew that well. However, the root cause of his anger and irritation lay elsewhere, beyond mere facts. It was because his beloved sister, Nyx, had fallen in love with Aaron, and that infuriated him.

Erebus was already well-aware of Aaron's harem, knowing the vast number of women who were part of it, and this was the last thing he wanted for his sister. Nyx's attraction to Aaron had begun the moment she laid eyes on him within their pantheon. Back then, it had been a mere flicker of interest. But over time, that ember had grown into a raging inferno of one-sided love, and he despised it.

"Apart from that," Erebus continued, his voice heavy with accusation, "you Sacred Gear wielders are like a cancer to our planet, and perhaps to the entire universe. Ever since you arrived in our world, you've disrupted its delicate balance. The current tournament only highlights the extent of this disruption. Humans and hybrids attain a Balance Breaker, and they further shatter the equilibrium!"

Erebus sneered with resentment, his words cutting like a knife. "Yet, I'll begrudgingly give you some credit. Thanks to who you are and the actions you've taken, the Evie won't be invading our world to conquer it. But don't be fooled; they haven't given up on trying to circumvent the restrictions you've placed on universal travel."

While Erebus ranted, Aaron remained surprisingly calm. He wore a knowing smile that seemed to irk his accuser even more. In the depths of his thoughts, Aaron contemplated the situation. 'Hmm, I suspected as much,' he thought silently. 'But I've already taken steps to safeguard against such attempts. Any efforts to break through or bypass these barriers will be in vain, doomed to failure.'

Erebus was further enraged by Aaron's unwavering calmness. He sighed heavily and fixed his gaze on the mysterious figure. "This titan and I will take you down. We had assistance from the Khaos Order in its creation, used the Battle Gods as a reference, and, of course, drew inspiration from our own pantheon's titans," he explained.

Aaron, still unperturbed, replied with a nonchalant, "Hmm, cool, I guess." His attention was focused on the titanic entity made of shadow and darkness.

Erebus couldn't contain his frustration and yelled, "Enough, let's start!" He unleashed several dark energy balls towards Aaron. But in a baffling display of power, Aaron effortlessly neutralized Erebus's attacks without budging an inch. Erebus, clenching his teeth, summoned even more darkness-infused projectiles and unleashed them upon his opponent.

Once again, Aaron intercepted and disintegrated Erebus's onslaught, maintaining his eerie, unbroken focus on the god. Erebus, disturbed by the strange atmosphere, felt compelled to address the situation. "You're acting really creepy right now, Middleman! Do something or say something!" he shouted in frustration, extending his arm towards Aaron. "Attack him!"

The colossal titan made a menacing move, its gigantic arms lunging toward Aaron, aiming to ensnare him. Yet, as the colossal fingers drew closer to Aaron, they abruptly halted, arrested by an unseen force. It was the manifestation of Aaron's incredible power—his [Infinity]. He fixed his gaze on the enormous titan and the god Erebus.

Still focused on both the titan and Erebus, Aaron posed a significant question, "If the fate of this world were left in your hands, with your faction, your organization, would you be up to the task?"

Erebus didn't waver, his confidence unwavering as he declared, "Certainly! We are the gods of this universe, our power knows no equal!"

Aaron closed his eyes for a moment, while the relentless titan outside continued its futile attempts to breach the impervious shield. The massive fists pummeled the barrier relentlessly, but it refused to yield to the creature's fury.

Aaron reopened his eyes and posed a further query, "Then can you say, with the utmost confidence, that you could simultaneously defeat the formidable forces of a fully powered Ophis, Great Red, and Trihexa? Keep in mind that the Evie possess even greater power than these entities, and they are in far greater numbers. What say you, the primordial god of darkness?"

Erebus cast a scrutinizing gaze in Aaron's direction, his countenance marred by a deep scowl. The truth was that Erebus understood the dire predicament they were in.

Yet, despite the odds stacked against them, he clung to the hope that, by venturing into the vast multiverse, they might unearth the power they desperately needed. Their mission was to uncover the means to fend off the impending threat of the Evie, who sought to conquer their planet.

"Yes," he replied resolutely. "In different universes, there lies a possibility of discovering new powers that we can harness for the fight. Unlike the mechanical gods, we aren't constrained by the need to hunt down new components to enhance ourselves. We, as organic beings, have the innate capacity to grow and become stronger through training. It's a natural advantage that sets us apart from them," he concluded, his tone reflecting his confidence in their potential.

Aaron sighed as he absorbed Erebus's words. After a moment, he regarded Erebus with a touch of pity in his eyes. "While what you're saying has some truth to it," he began, "you might be overlooking a few key points. Organic beings, like us, do have their limitations. It's worth considering that even mechanical gods need time to adapt to their new parts and optimize their performance."

Erebus, however, was undeterred. He declared with unwavering determination, "We'll just have to break through those limits!"

Aaron shook his head gently, explaining, "Breaking through limits and reaching one's true potential isn't a straightforward process. Upgrading their mechanical parts provides the Evie gods with an advantage. It allows them to circumvent the usual constraints of organic lifeforms. And about getting stronger, well, without the support of Lapis, Nyarlathotep, and the Khaos Order, you wouldn't have experienced the same growth you have in the past year. So, your argument about training doesn't hold for any of you, does it?"

"Enough!" Erebus couldn't stand what he was hearing. Fueled by his frustration, he and the Titan intensified their assault.

Darkness-based attacks swirled all around them, summoned by Erebus, and he launched them relentlessly at Aaron. Simultaneously, the Titan conjured spears and blades made of darkness from beneath Aaron, attacking him from below while also pummeling Aaron's infinity barrier with a fist infused with darkness.

Their combined onslaught suddenly ground to a halt as they both sensed the world around them twisting. Erebus and the Titan were left perplexed, unsure of what was happening. However, both their gazes landed on Aaron's raised right hand, as if he were cupping something mysterious.

Frozen in place, Erebus and the titan watched in a mix of horror and anxiety as Aaron's power seemed to know no bounds. It was as if their deepest fears had come to life before their eyes. Aaron clenched his hand into a fist, raising his index finger as if pointing to the heavens.

"Everyone has a limit, even those mechanical gods you dread," he declared, while a radiant, swirling red sphere materialized above his index finger. "But I, alone, have none. Not everyone may like it or support how I'm doing things, but I believe it's the only way this universe, this world, can truly prosper."

The power of the red sphere intensified, its glow filling the surrounding space, distorting reality itself. Aaron's gaze shifted between the crimson orb, Erebus, and the titan.

"Let's put you to the test, Erebus. If you can withstand this... and your titan, then I'll consider your proposition," he said with a smile, a hint of mockery in his voice. "I'll dedicate this to you, Gojo, since you met your end recently. Although, this attack of mine is quite different from yours."

With a soft chuckle, Aaron allowed the red sphere to hover in the air and descended to the ground, locking his eyes onto the two adversaries.

"Cursed Technique Reversal: Red," he declared, and an immense beam of energy erupted from the crimson sphere, obliterating everything in its path. Erebus and the titan were violently thrown back, subjected to pain they had never imagined.

Aaron's attack had been calculated, ensuring that it wouldn't obliterate the protective barriers he had carefully placed around Kyoto's buildings. Yet, despite his precision, many structures still bore visible cracks from the tremendous force of the red beam. Erebus, sent hurtling into a distant building, bore the brunt of the impact, while the massive titan met its ultimate demise, utterly consumed by the cataclysmic attack.

With a nonchalant whistle, Aaron jumped from one rooftop to another, making his way toward the seemingly lifeless body of Erebus. Although the god appeared on the brink of death, Aaron's keen senses could still detect traces of life within him.

"This… doesn't mean…you won…" Erebus managed to rasp out before losing consciousness.

Just as Erebus fell into unconsciousness, the ground beneath Kyoto quaked once more, and an enormous Olympus-style magic circle materialized in the sky above the city. From within this magical sigil emerged an immense figure, none other than Tartarus, the Primordial God of the Abyss.

Tartarus presented a daunting sight. His spherical form spanned a staggering hundred meters in diameter, adorned with countless eyes and sinuous tentacles. His very presence exuded an unimaginable, malevolent aura, casting a shroud of dark mist that tainted the surroundings.

Aaron tapped his transceiver and said, [It's all yours then, Georg.]

[Roger,] replied Georg. He then appeared beside Tartarus, much to the god's surprise. "Balance Break!" he shouted.

Georg's magical power surged to unprecedented levels, causing millions of intricate magic circles to manifest across the skies of Kyoto.

Georg clapped his hands, and as he did, mist began to materialize in the area. As he slowly extended his hands apart, a rectangular object emerged between his palms. This object would serve as the foundation for the pseudo-space. After Georg applied a series of protective elements to fortify the pseudo-space base, he elevated it into the sky.

As everyone witnessed this three-dimensional object resembling space rise into the air, it started radiating divine lights and was subsequently transported through the use of a magical circle. This pseudo-space would now expand within the alternate dimension.

The Balance Breaker of the High-tier Longinus [Dimension Lost], [Dimension Create], was an ability that allowed its user to create a powerful barrier. This unique barrier could be infused with various effects, and this time, an additional feature was incorporated into it.

The new addition was designed to prevent even Dragon God-class or God-class beings from easily escaping. This protector function had been added earlier, forming numerous barriers around the pseudo-space. These barriers served a dual purpose: first, they ensured that their enemies couldn't escape, and second, they were built to withstand the full-scale combat within the space.

However, the pseudo-space still had a weakness, even with these solid barriers in place. It lay in the barrier's cores, which were essentially the Sacred Gear's devices situated inside the space. Destroying this device would result in a loss of its abilities.

While the device itself was quite robust, there was still a considerable risk that it might not withstand certain attacks or techniques from gods or other beings of that nature. Hence, it needed someone to guard the device.

Suddenly, a transformation occurred within Georg's body once the pseudo-space was deployed. A pale mist began emanating from Georg, gradually spreading throughout the vicinity and reaching up into the sky.

This mist was subsequently absorbed by the magic circles, suggesting that Georg might be sending this mist to the enemies' location through those very same magic circles. The amount of mist being emitted continued to increase, and an astonishing quantity of it was being absorbed by the magic circles.

[I'm transporting the ones we spoke about beforehand! Get ready!] Georg's voice echoed through the transceivers. [The teams that are going to be fighting them, get ready too!]

Aaron couldn't help but smile as he responded, [Good luck to everyone.] With those words, a magic circle materialized beneath Aaron, and the same happened for everyone else heading into the pseudo space. Within seconds, they were all transported into it.

Aaron was well aware that Tartarus might attempt the plan outlined in the canon storyline. To counter it, Aaron devised a different strategy. He chose to confront Tartarus alone within the dimension crafted by Georg.

Simultaneously, the other teams were tasked with handling the remaining deities and the lone [Malebranche] that Aaron had transported to Kyoto. This division of tasks aimed to ensure the most effective approach to thwart Tartarus's plans as they would be dispersed across the dimension.

Aaron had decided that the rest of the team would remain in Kyoto, prepared to face other groups and gods left behind. It wasn't that he doubted their capabilities; he knew they could overcome these adversaries.

Nevertheless, as a precaution, he had arranged for a group of Shadow Soldiers and the [Electa] to be on standby, ready to offer assistance should the need arise. The safety and success of this mission were paramount, and he wasn't taking any chances.

— ○ ● ○ —

Suzaku couldn't help but mutter to herself as she surveyed the battlefield after vanquishing yet another enemy. Her eyes were fixated on the newly formed space created amidst the chaos, which had rapidly become the focal point for countless Shadow Soldiers. These ethereal protectors swarmed around it and fortified the surrounding area, all in a concerted effort to safeguard it from impending threats.

A member of the Shinra clan approached her, concern etched on his face. He respectfully inquired, "Suzaku-dono, should we proceed with our designated mission?"

She considered his question carefully before responding, her gaze unwavering. "Yes, we shall press on. News of our comrades' successes will reach us in due time. For now, our duty is to maintain our defense. If any among us are wounded, bring them to this location for care and healing."

The man nodded in understanding and then quickly departed to rejoin the ongoing efforts to protect the perimeter of Kyoto. The city's defense was their paramount concern, and they would not waver in their commitment to its safety.

Suzaku glanced to her side, where a small magic circle displayed the ongoing events involving the Kushihashi and its members. It appeared they were managing to hold their own against the foes within Kyoto. Still, Suzaku couldn't help but notice that a significant portion of their group had sustained severe injuries.

She muttered to herself, "If they persist like this, we might have to consider sending them assistance. Although, I doubt Giyu-sama would take kindly to that."

A dismissive snort accompanied by Zhuque's booming voice interrupted her thoughts. The Vermillion Bird, taking on her human form, directed her displeasure toward the magic circle beside Suzaku.

"Who cares about that arrogant human and his opinions! He either listens to what Aaron and the team says, or he can go get himself killed! He's certainly not doing well for himself!"

Both Zhuque and Suzaku shifted their attention back to the magic circle. Zhuque adjusted its view to show Giyu Kushihashi battling a range of enemies associated with the Gods of Darkness' group.

Giyu fought against a few devils, entities shrouded in darkness, and youkai. It was evident that he wasn't performing at his peak due to his age, but that didn't make him powerless. However, the display revealed multiple cuts on his body, and he was visibly laboring to catch his breath.

"Isn't this exactly what Aaron was trying to convey during your meeting? Why must he be so stubborn!? Aaron was aware of his pride and his open animosity towards him... and now look at where he is!" Zhuque remarked, accompanied by a disdainful scoff.

A faint smile graced Suzaku's lips. "I didn't expect you to hold such a high opinion of Aaron. In the beginning, you seemed quite... I guess, opposed to him. What caused the change in your perspective? Nevertheless, I do agree that Giyu-sama is struggling, and his fellow Kushihashi members are undoubtedly feeling the strain," Suzaku remarked.

With a hiss in her voice, Zhuque retorted, "We should send reinforcements regardless of how he feels. Unless he's willing to stubbornly face his doom, let him!"

Then, Zhuque shifted her gaze to the side, avoiding Suzaku's direct look. She continued, "I've always held him in high regard, but I wanted to witness his prowess firsthand before altering how I addressed him. His accomplishments are nothing to be taken lightly," she admitted with a touch of shyness.

Suzaku chuckled softly and responded, "Indeed, let's proceed and dispatch reinforcements." She conjured a magical communication circle beside her and began giving out orders. She also used her transceiver to relay the plan to other key individuals.

— ○ ● ○ —

"Fuhahaha! It seems you're having quite a time of it, Giyu Kushihashi!" declared a voice that resonated loudly. The owner of the voice had a ponytail of orange hair and struck an oddly flamboyant pose while addressing the elderly man. It was God Serena.

"Must you be so deafening, Serena? There's no need to shout all the time," chided a woman with piercing pale eyes and white hair pulled back into a ponytail. She sported distinctive blue horns on her head—it was Ara, formerly a snake of the Khaos Order, who had been transformed into an [Electa] by Aaron.

These two individuals, accompanied by a few members of [DxD], had come to provide assistance to the Kushihashi clan. While most of the other clans had chosen to safeguard the city of Kyoto from the perimeters, the Kushihashi clan had opted to defend Kyoto directly—a decision that brought them into a fierce confrontation.

"Who are you?" Giyu Kushihashi gasped, his voice reflecting a mix of surprise and apprehension. "No… you belong to that dragon, don't you? I do not need help! I am fine!" he protested. Despite his insistence, the rest of his clan members eagerly welcomed the aid that was offered, and many of them began to receive the healing abilities of Ara.

"Do not accept their aid!" Giyu's voice boomed again, his pride refusing to let him yield.

"I'm sorry, Giyu-sama, but I would rather live! I have a wife and child!" shouted another male clan member, emphasizing the importance of survival over pride.

A female clan member echoed this sentiment, saying, "I also have a fiancé I can't leave, Giyu-sama. I don't care about pride! I want to see my family too, so I'm accepting any help!"

As more clan members voiced their fears, desperation, and willingness to accept assistance, Giyu's anger and frustration grew. However, weakened and incapacitated as he was, there was little he could do but reluctantly yield to the will of his people.

"Ara, I'll leave them to you!" God Serena's voice rang out as he catapulted himself toward the approaching opponents. With unrelenting determination, he yelled, "Purgatory Dragon's Blazing Inferno!" His incantation marked the beginning of a blazing torrent of flames that surged forth, consuming an entire cluster of foes in an instant, leaving no survivors in its wake.

— ○ ● ○ —

"…Why have you chosen to side with them, Zhong Kui?" Ningguang inquired. She, along with several others, hovered high above China, facing Zhong Kui, the King of Ghosts.

Zhong Kui had managed to assemble a diverse group, consisting of the remaining artificial vampires, Super Vampires, devils, and Super Devils. Together, they had embarked on a mission to China, with a singular objective in mind: to dismantle the newly established Chinese alliance.

In line with the Gods of Darkness and the Alliance of the Evil Gods, Zhong Kui was convinced that the world would experience an improvement if it were to rid itself of Sacred Gears and specific groups.

"You should understand, Ningguang," Zhong Kui began, emphasizing his point with a steady voice, "Sacred Gears, individuals with innate abilities, and certain factions must be eliminated from this world. The Khaos Order seeks to maintain the current order, which has served us well for a very long time."

As the King of Ghosts spoke, he made sweeping gestures with his hands, summoning an army of ghostly specters and bats that materialized behind him, all poised and prepared to launch an assault on Ningguang and her companions. "Given our historical rapport," Zhong Kui continued, "I'll offer you and your alliance an opportunity to stand down. But should you choose not to..."

A sinister glow overtook Zhong Kui's eyes as he leaned closer, his tone foreboding. "I will not hesitate to put an end to you and all of China by day's end. I am no longer the same being you once knew," he warned them.

A smile graced Ningguang's countenance as she held her smoking pipe in one hand, resting the other against her cheek. "Surrender? Surely you jest, Zhong Kui. We aren't known for such capitulation. And, if I'm being entirely honest... you don't seem to possess that level of power."

Ningguang's words only served to irritate Zhong Kui, and his displeasure was clearly etched across his face. "I'll ask you one more time. Surrender, or I will unleash my forces and attacks upon you."

A soft, almost mischievous chuckle escaped Ningguang as she twirled her smoke pipe thoughtfully. "Fufu," she teased, "I'm afraid I must decline your offer, Zhong Kui. Instead, let us engage in a modest skirmish and see who emerges victorious."

With this declaration, she withdrew her hand from her cheek and raised it confidently. Zhong Kui followed suit, emulating Ningguang by raising his hand high. Subsequently, his group surged forward, locking onto their counterparts in Ningguang's group.

The King of Ghosts, brimming with malice, unleashed a relentless barrage upon the unsuspecting members of Ningguang's entourage. Ghastly bats swooped in, screeching fiercely and launching soundwave attacks upon their foes.

Meanwhile, Zhong Kui's ghostly minions contributed to the chaos, firing an unceasing torrent of ghostly beams and spectral balls from their ethereal hands. The battleground was alight with an eerie and destructive display of supernatural power.

The Jade Emperor materialized next to Ningguang and offered, "Shall I deal with him?"

Ningguang, wearing a confident smile, replied, "Fufu, I appreciate the offer, Jade Emperor, but I am more than capable of handling Zhong Kui." The Jade Emperor acknowledged her choice with a nod before vanishing.

Zhong Kui couldn't suppress his skepticism, retorting, "You? Take care of me? Please, enough with the jests today, Ningguang. You are not a fighter, and you never will be. I sense no change within you; you have not grown in power nor have you trained in any form of martial arts to make yourself formidable in that way."

Ningguang chuckled in response, and in a blink of an eye, Zhong Kui felt a barrage of invisible attacks pelting him. Confusion took hold as the King of Ghosts scrambled to protect himself by erecting a protective barrier.

Unfortunately, the unseen onslaught shattered his defenses, subjecting him to a ceaseless barrage. Though individually not overwhelmingly powerful, the sheer quantity of the attacks began to take its toll, as multiple blue bruises marred his body and face.

He ramped up his aura output, sending a powerful shockwave that knocked everyone in the vicinity away from him. However, much to his surprise, Ningguang remained completely unfazed.

This left a deep frown on Zhong Kui's face as he questioned her, "Why is it that you are not affected by this? Is it your work as well?"

Ningguang, ever composed and wearing her characteristic smile, responded, "It might be, or it might not be. Perhaps you could use your newfound knowledge to figure that out, King of Ghosts, Zhong Kui."

Zhong Kui harbored a deep dislike for Ningguang's demeanor. He certainly respected her capabilities as a leader, acknowledging that she had the potential to guide thousands, even millions, to prosperity if entrusted with a city.

Nevertheless, he couldn't help but loathe her personality. To him, it felt grating and rubbed him the wrong way. It seemed as if Ningguang held herself above everyone she encountered, and the manner in which she spoke, particularly to him, left him with a personal distaste.

Zhong Kui let out a scoff and summoned an item into his hand, taking a sip. His smirk grew more pronounced as he began to speak, "Even though they are quite rare nowadays, we still possess a stash of illegal Phenex Tears. I made sure to stock up on them back when they were more widely available."

As he drank, the injuries that marred his body quickly healed, and he turned his renewed determination towards Ningguang. Ghostly green and black aura oozed from his form, shaping into eerie wings behind him. With unparalleled swiftness, he repositioned himself behind Ningguang and unleashed a point-blank blast of his aura.

To his bewilderment, a multitude of brown, mirror-like objects materialized all around Ningguang, absorbing his attacks with remarkable ease. Zhong Kui quickly retreated and began bombarding her with even more attacks, yet each one met the same fate, getting absorbed by her mysterious mirrors.

Then, something caught his eye. Wrapped around Ningguang's neck was a small creature—a brown and yellow dragon with yellow, diamond-shaped pupils that stared at him with a piercing gaze.

"Wait, what is that? Could it be the source of these mirrors?" Zhong Kui asked with a demanding tone, his curiosity piqued.

Ningguang's lips curved into a warm smile as she looked at Zhong Kui, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Indeed, it is. With this adorable little creature by my side, I feel almost invincible. You see, it was a special request I made to Aaron, or rather, Jin, who we fondly call the Middleman. This little dragon boasts a plethora of versatile abilities, making it exceptionally handy," she explained with a gentle tone. Her fingers lovingly caressed the tiny dragon, causing it to respond with an endearing, sleepy yawn.

"Always with this Middleman business! That insufferable lizard constantly meddles in everything!" Zhong Kui bellowed, his aura intensifying further with his growing frustration. "I'll prove that these powers have their limits! Let's see how much it can withstand!"

Zhong Kui stretched out his arms, conjuring a colossal bat enveloped in an otherworldly, ethereal armor. This bat dwarfed the ones he had summoned earlier, a true behemoth, and he swiftly commanded it to attack Ningguang.

The bat blazed past Ningguang, vanishing from her sight almost instantaneously. As Zhong Kui had earlier mentioned, she wasn't a skilled combatant, and she struggled to track the creature's movements. Yet, she had specifically requested this formidable creature from Aaron, seeking to enhance her self-defense capabilities.

The creature sported an array of enchanted mirrors that possessed the ability to deflect and absorb attacks, albeit up to a certain threshold of power and intensity. Should the attack exceed these limits, the mirrors would shatter, initiating another phase of protection for Ningguang.

Small tornados composed of blood and wind swirled to life, conjured by the enormous bat. It unleashed these bloodied tempests upon Ningguang, and in tandem, Zhong Kui initiated his relentless barrage of attacks, each activating Ningguang's defenses—the intricate mirrors appeared like clockwork, dutifully absorbing every attack.

However, despite her unwavering resolve, the leader of the newfound Chinese alliance, Ningguang noticed her faithful pet, the small dragon resting on her shoulders, conveying a silent message through his eyes.

It was a gentle warning that their defensive capabilities were reaching their limit. In the midst of the battle, the violent tornados created by the giant bat crashed headlong into Ningguang's resolute mirrors, pushing them past their breaking point.

With a smile, she acknowledged her dragon companion and initiated the second phase of their plan. Ningguang skillfully wove Chinese-style defensive magic circles around them, preparing to bear the full force of Zhong Kui's relentless onslaught. This would be their strategy for enduring the coming storm.

In an instant, the petite dragon radiated a brilliant, radiant gold, encasing Ningguang within a protective sphere of shimmering light. This magical shield exerted a force that pushed everything in its vicinity away.

Zhong Kui found himself caught up in this powerful surge and was forcefully propelled backward. Even his enormous bat summon was not immune to the sheer strength of this extraordinary display of energy.

As Zhong Kui and the colossal bat observed the golden ball, they couldn't help but be captivated. However, their fascination was short-lived, as the sphere suddenly expanded at an alarming rate, growing ten times larger than its initial size.

With a resounding explosion, it shattered into countless golden blades of swirling energy, scattering them in all directions. The ferocity of the unleashed power prompted everyone nearby to swiftly evade the oncoming onslaught.

Reacting swiftly, Zhong Kui summoned a defensive magic circle in an attempt to shield himself. To his dismay, he watched in disbelief as his protective magic circle crumbled like fragile glass.

The unforgiving attack left him with a shallow cut on his shoulder. Though not a severe wound, the experienced warrior couldn't help but scowl in frustration, his eyes searching for Ningguang, the source of this unexpected attack.

Ningguang was adorned in a resplendent armor that shimmered with a gentle fusion of golden and brown hues. The upper part of her form was ensconced in intricate, scale-like plating, bearing the same entrancing golden-brown luster. Nestled in the midst of this regal armor, a small emerald gem gleamed with a hint of familiarity, reminiscent of the gem found in the [Boosted Gear].

Her attire extended into a skirt-like armor that flowed gracefully, while her thighs and legs were encased in a sleek, golden-scaly armor. Emanating an aura of authority, behind her, were pure gold metallic wings, their presence exuding a sense of power.

Perched atop her head rested a resplendent golden crown, embellished with delicate white and red feathers, adding a touch of grandeur to her appearance.

Hovering gracefully above her hand was a floating grimoire, resplendent in shades of gold and brown. This mystical tome emitted a radiant, golden yet enigmatic glow, underscoring the aura of majesty that enveloped Ningguang.

Positioned just behind her, the diminutive dragon had undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into an imposing, 20-meter behemoth that coiled protectively around her figure. Its eyes, previously fierce in its smaller guise, had now intensified into an even more menacing aspect, radiating an air of formidable power and guardianship.

Zhong Kui's voice quivered as he beheld the peculiar sight, his eyes wide with bewilderment. He stammered out his questions, unable to hide his horror. "W-what the…what is this!? What kind of creature is that? Is it…don't tell me, a Sacred Gear!?"

However, Ningguang couldn't help but chuckle softly at his visible distress. She shook her head, eager to explain the truth.

"It's a bit different from a Sacred Gear. It bears a closer resemblance to the Sacred Beasts and their unique technique known as [Spiritual Symbiosis]," she clarified. Her voice held a hint of admiration. "But, you see, this little companion was crafted by our extraordinary Middleman. So, there's no doubt that it surpasses the usual [Spiritual Symbiosis] and the power of the Sacred Beasts, don't you think?"

Zhong Kui raised an eyebrow, a look of incredulity etched across his face. "Stronger than the Sacred Beasts?" he asked with a scoff. "Well, I wouldn't put it past that troublesome lizard... Heh, then let's see this gift, Ningguang! Did you get it from your new romantic interest? I do pity that young man if he thinks he has captured your heart."

Ningguang's expression darkened as she absorbed Zhong Kui's words. "I received this as a special request that I made to him. Also, what kind of woman do you take me for?" She retorted with an undertone of irritation.

"I've only been in one relationship, and that was back when I was a teenager. I haven't been in another one since." She brushed her hair back with an air of annoyance and glared at the man before her. "On the contrary, I think I might not be quite his type, fufu. Regardless, I won't waste any more time talking. It's time to defeat you," she declared with a determined resolve.

Ningguang executed an exaggerated motion, sweeping her right arm to the side, and a multitude of magic circles materialized behind her. The dragon surrounding her emitted a resounding roar, instantly enveloping them in a massive barrier that confined their battle within.

She then unleashed her formidable attacks upon Zhong Kui, who, undeterred, retaliated using his own formidable magic, creating razor-sharp wind blades by vigorously flapping the wings on his back.

However, it quickly became evident that Ningguang held the upper hand when it came to raw power. Their clashing attacks sent shockwaves of explosions rippling around them, yet Zhong Kui started to feel an onslaught of invisible attacks across his body. This time, these attacks were notably more potent, leaving impressions upon his flesh.

'What's happening? Where are these unseen attacks coming from?' Zhong Kui pondered frantically, attempting to evade the imperceptible threats. Unfortunately, his inability to sense these concealed strikes led to repeated impacts.

Turning his gaze towards Ningguang, he was met with a sly smirk, further fueling his frustration. As his mental composure began to wane, Zhong Kui grew more impulsive in his actions. He pointed to his surviving bat summon, which miraculously endured Ningguang's previous attack, and applied duplication magic to it.

Zhong Kui's lone summoned bat quickly multiplied, birthing a total of fifteen of its kind. With precision, he issued orders to these winged minions, directing them to launch a relentless assault on Ningguang.

Half of the bats, imbued with sinister power, spun into a frenzy, creating gruesome blood-red tornadoes. The remaining half unleashed high-pitched, ear-piercing screeches, each screech forming a circular aura attack aimed at the formidable leader of the Chinese alliance.

Unfazed by the swarm of bats and their ominous attacks, Ningguang maintained her calm demeanor. With a soft, almost nonchalant tone, she addressed the sleek dragon draped around her body, "Take care of that for me, sweetie."

Responding to her command, the miniature dragon exhaled a confident puff of smoke from its dainty nostrils. Its eyes gleamed with a brilliant radiance, and several golden stars materialized around the attacks of bats summoned by Zhong Kui. As each star exploded into a burst of dazzling energy, it obliterated the incoming attacks. To Zhong Kui's surprise, the very same stars now encircled him, a phenomenon that baffled him.

Cursing under his breath, he acted swiftly to protect himself. He conjured defensive magic circles while his wings unfolded, forming a protective barrier. The next moment, the star attacks unleashed by Ningguang detonated, causing powerful explosions that rocked the small area around them.

A pained cry escaped Zhong Kui as he was forcefully pushed away by Ningguang's relentless attack. The King of Ghosts bore the marks of the battle, with a missing arm and tattered wings. It was evident that the confrontation had taken its toll on him, yet he stood resolute, his gaze locked on Ningguang.

Ningguang couldn't help but appreciate Zhong Kui's unwavering determination. "I must concede, Zhong Kui, you possess an admirable tenacity, refusing to yield even when faced with my superior power," she remarked, a trace of pride evident in her voice.

However, Zhong Kui's response was sharp, his frustration apparent. "Silence, you wench! If only you had accepted my offer... Can't you see the havoc the Middleman and his group are wreaking? They're disrupting the delicate balance of the—"

Ningguang interrupted him, her tone resolute. "And so what?" she demanded.

Zhong Kui was left momentarily bewildered by her response. "W-what?" he stammered, taken aback.

Ningguang's lips curled into a knowing smirk as she continued, "That is in the past. The status quo evolves over time, and the new status quo being forged by Jin in our era is what matters. Although he may be young, he shoulders a significant responsibility, and in my view, he's handling it admirably."

She further expounded, "Resistance to change is a common trait among both gods and ancient beings. Change, no matter who it is directed towards, is invariably unsettling, and adaptation is challenging. This holds true for humans and us, the supernatural alike." Her smirk deepened as she regarded Zhong Kui. "Tell me, King of Ghosts, are you afraid of the change he seeks?"

Zhong Kui instinctively moved backward upon hearing Ningguang's words, which served as the confirmation she needed.

"In the annals of history, it's often the victors who set the rules," Ningguang began, her words carrying the weight of countless events that had shaped their world. "Whether it's the two world wars in the human realm, the grand conflicts within the supernatural realm, or the myriad events that unfolded last year, it's always those who emerge triumphant who dictate the course of events."

Ningguang closed her eyes briefly, her mind awash with images of Aaron's remarkable accomplishments over the past year and the enduring friendships he had forged. A subtle smile tugged at her lips as these memories played before her mind's eye. Then, within that cascade of events, a fragment of Ningguang's own past surfaced—a memory intertwined with her childhood.

'Listen, Ningguang,' a voice from her family's past echoed, 'those who dare challenge the established order, those who leave an indelible mark on the world, they will be etched into history for all eternity. If you fear the prospect of being forgotten, if you dread fading into obscurity as an inconsequential nobody, then make a name for yourself. Let the world echo that name and remember you.'

These words had been imparted to her by someone dear from her earlier years—a voice laden with wisdom and encouragement.

"He'll be enshrined in the annals of time, and perhaps, so will you," Ningguang mused, addressing Zhong Kui. "Not due to your brazen assault on us, but perhaps for other reasons."

A palpable dread hung over Zhong Kui's features. He was a historical figure of great renown in their country, and his name was etched in the annals of human history. Yet, he couldn't escape the sinking feeling that his name would be tarnished for future generations to remember—if he failed.

"D-don't peer at me in that way! I've already etched my name into history, I will be remembered! I will prevail!" Zhong Kui defiantly declared, his arms raised as he summoned a magical circle.

Ningguang responded somberly, "No, it's already too late."

Throughout her speech, she had conveyed an unspoken command to her dragon, instructing it to launch an attack into the sky, positioning it to descend upon Zhong Kui. She knew that he was already weighed down by disquiet, and the revelations she held could cast shadows upon the choices he had made throughout his life.

"What do you—?" Zhong Kui began, but before he could finish, a powerful golden beam descended upon him.

The ferocious flames scorched his flesh and consumed his garments. Within moments, a devastating explosion enveloped Zhong Kui, and the divine entity plummeted from the heavens to the lands of China.

With a satisfied stroke of her dragon's cheek, Ningguang mused, "Well done. We need him alive."

Ningguang shifted her gaze in a specific direction, her eyes settling on Japan. Her tone carried a touch of contemplation as she expressed her thoughts, "I've never been one to advocate for peace, but if it's a world crafted by your hands, Aaron Toole, it might be one I wouldn't mind seeing. You can rest assured of our unwavering support."

— ○ ● ○ —

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Chapter 207: Chapter 14 - Part 3 - Cross Point Impact

Third Person Point of View

— ○ ● ○ —

Ciriatto found himself in a relentless struggle, facing off against two humans who proved to be the strongest opponents he had ever encountered. It didn't matter how he attempted to retaliate; their responses were swift and precise, quickly nullifying or countering his attacks. The two swords that had been his trusted weapons for defeating and eliminating his foes had already met their demise, shattered under the sheer power of his formidable adversaries.

The Wild Hog King landed back on the ground, preparing himself for what lay ahead. Before him stood the formidable pair of humans, Zeno and Silva, who appeared to be playing with him, much to Ciriatto's dismay. They had observed Ciriatto's ill treatment of Zorya, Valentina, and Medusa, which fueled their determination to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Ciriatto's body quickly became enveloped in a menacing shroud of demonic aura as Zeno and Silva closed in on him from both sides. In response, he slammed his massive fists into the ground, causing the earth to quake and tearing apart the surrounding trees.

Debris and dust were sent flying in all directions, obscuring the battlefield. Zeno and Silva skillfully maneuvered through the chaos. Silva seized the opportunity to strike, delivering a powerful blow infused with his touki energy to Ciriatto's outstretched arm.

The [Malebranche] was flung away by the force of Silva's punch. He crashed through several trees and a small hill and as he was slowly recovering from the attack. Zeno, the old man appeared above him, purple aura covered his body and it quickly morphed into a western dragon.

"I thought you were quicker than this, you little hog," teased Zeno. He hurled his purple dragon at Ciriatto, and it reached the demon swiftly, causing an explosion that shook the entire country of Greece.

But Zeno didn't halt his assault there. With remarkable agility, he located Ciriatto, delivering a powerful foot strike to the demon's chest, sending him hurtling even farther away. Ciriatto bore the scars of their intense battle, and a substantial section of flesh was missing from his left arm. However, Ciriatto remained undeterred and, with determination, conjured touki bullets, launching them at both Zeno and Silva.

The two [Electa] skillfully deflected Ciriatto's attacks, landing gracefully in front of him. Ciriatto, however, was in bad shape, his arm bleeding profusely from Zeno's attacks earlier.

[Hmph. If I had my blades, I would have already eliminated both of you,] he declared with a hint of arrogance.

Zeno remained calm and responded, "Hmm... Is that so? Very well, here." He summoned two blades that were identical to those owned by Ciriatto and threw them back to him. Then, he handed Ciriatto a Slime Pill and explained its purpose.

Ciriatto furrowed his brows and eyed Zeno with suspicion, asking, [What's the meaning of this, old man?]

Zeno grinned and replied, "It's to demonstrate that even with your swords and in the prime of your health, it wouldn't change the outcome. You would still face defeat."

Ciriatto seethed with anger at Zeno's words, and in his frustration, he hastily consumed the pill that began to mend his injuries. As he retrieved both of his blades, he positioned himself for battle. Before any further words could be exchanged, Ciriatto vanished from sight and executed a swift sideways swing with both his blades, intent on cleaving Zeno in two.

Much to the Wild Hog King's astonishment, the elderly man merely watched him without making a move. Unperturbed, Ciriatto pressed on with his attack, and Zeno remained unyielding. When Ciriatto's blades finally made contact with Zeno, he was met with a startling revelation—they were halted by the old man's body.

Confounded, Ciriatto stammered in disbelief, [W-what...? How is this possible? I put all my might into that strike and even infused it with my demonic aura!]

Zeno, sporting a taunting smile, responded, "You're merely too physically feeble to harm me, my dear hog." He then casually grasped Ciriatto's blades with just two of his fingers, shattering them once more. "Just like your blades, we'll dispatch your bones without delay."

Silva had observed the preceding confrontation in silence, but he couldn't remain passive any longer. Swiftly, he materialized beside Ciriatto and unleashed a powerful kick to his face, propelling him away once again.

Yet, Silva didn't give his opponent a moment's respite. He lunged after Ciriatto, grasping his face before brutally driving Ciriatto's body back to the ground. The force of the impact was immense, and Ciriatto could feel the excruciating pain as bones within his body cracked and snapped.

Silva continued his relentless assault by channeling his touki energy into a devastating blow, targeting Ciriatto's chest. The attack shattered more of his ribs, leaving Ciriatto in an even more dire condition.

As he stepped away from the now-immobile body of Ciriatto, Silva gathered his energy and released a colossal purple touki sphere. The attack flew unerringly toward Ciriatto and struck him with unforgiving precision. The impact created a massive explosion in Greece, and this time, a vast, circular, purple energy engulfed the entire country, all thanks to Silva's unstoppable attack.

Zeno and Silva both stood beside the fallen [Malebranche], observing him as he lay motionless. It was evident that he had been pushed to the brink of death, a significant feat given Ciriatto's formidable power. His life force now hung by a thread, leaving the once-mighty [Evil Claws] in shambles.

"With Young Master Aaron's plans for you, [Malebranche], I'm eager to witness your future actions, Ciriatto," Zeno remarked with a touch of excitement, his eyes fixed on the barely conscious enemy.

Ciriatto gazed up at Zeno, puzzled by the cryptic comment. He couldn't quite fathom the implications behind those words. However, his attention quickly shifted back to the events that unfolded immediately after he and his companions had narrowly escaped the previous confrontation.

— ○ ● ○ —

Hours after the operation involving the True Satans Faction, the [Malebranche] regrouped at their base, and an undeniable silence enveloped the area.

The dwindling [Malebranche] ranks now consisted of Alichino the Harlequin, Calcabrina the Grace Stomper and Frost Trampler, Ciriatto the Wild Hog King, and Scarmiglione the Troublemaker. With both their leader and deputy leader having met their demise, these four remained, the sole survivors.

The stifling silence was abruptly shattered by Scarmiglione, whose laughter echoed uncontrollably. His fellow [Malebranche] looked on, perplexed by his bizarre reaction.

[What's so funny, Troublemaker?] Ciriatto inquired, seeking clarification.

[Our two leaders are gone, right? So that means we're finally free to do whatever we want! In that case, I'm outta here, doing things my own way. See ya~!] Scarmiglione exclaimed before disappearing from their base.

In truth, Scarmiglione had made a valid point. The absence of their fallen leaders meant they were no longer constrained by Malacoda's oppressive presence, which had previously compelled them to work alongside him. Malacoda, the most formidable among them, had maintained their compliance, even if it meant suppressing their individual desires. With his absence, they were now at liberty to act as they pleased, with no authority figure to curb their autonomy.

Alichino also decided to make her exit. [I'm leaving too. If we ever cross paths again, we shall engage in a battle,] she declared before vanishing from sight.

This left only Calcabrina and Ciriatto in the room. They exchanged a brief, intense gaze before Calcabrina, the sole female among the [Malebranche], turned away and started heading out.

[My intention is to rejoin the ranks of the Khas Order. This era both excites and bores me. If they have any future operations planned, I wish to be a part of it. Fleeing from the battlefield without an honorable end fills me with a sense of disgust and guilt,] she expressed, explaining her decision to depart.

[Hmph, seeking an honorable death, are we? My pride has been tarnished by my own retreat as well. I'll join the next operation they have and aim to redeem myself by taking the life of a member of the DxD Alliance,] muttered Ciriatto before vanishing from the room.

— ○ ● ○ —

[This is not the honorable death I wanted,] Ciriatto muttered with a sense of disappointment, closing his eyes.

"Honorable? No, not at all," said Zeno, his tone holding a hint of mockery. "However, we aren't ending your life right here and now, as I mentioned earlier. Young Master Aaron has his own plans for you, hohoho~"

Before Ciriatto could formulate a response, an overwhelming darkness surged through his thoughts, causing him to lose consciousness. Silva swiftly applied a sleeping spell to him, ensuring he remained in a slumber, and then bound him with anti-magic cuffs.

Their one-sided skirmish against Ciriatto had come to an end. The three women who had stayed behind to confront the [Malebranche] materialized, standing alongside Zeno and Silva.

"Lady Zorya, are you feeling better now? If not, we have some Slime Pills that can help. This offer extends to both of you as well, young Medusa and Valentina," Zeno kindly suggested with a warm smile.

"Thank you," the goddess replied as she accepted the Slime Pill and promptly consumed it. "Will you take him to...?"

"We'll handle that. You three have the choice to either join the others in a different country or take the rest of the day off. The decision is entirely up to you," Zeno informed them.

Medusa and Valentina accepted the Slime Pills, and they quickly consumed them. However, the bitterness of their faces was evident, given their perceived ineffectiveness in the face of Ciriatto's arrival to assist their enemies.

For Valentina, the ordeal had been particularly harrowing, nearly costing her life, and the experience left her feeling somewhat dejected. She had always considered herself a formidable figure, though not on par with the likes of dragon gods or true gods, she saw herself as an Ultimate to Satan-class power, a status of considerable significance in her eyes.

Yet, today's events served as a stark reminder of her relative smallness in the grand scheme of things. She resolved to become stronger so that such a situation would not recur. She knew precisely where to turn for that strength, and after this operation, she would seek the assistance of the one person who could aid her in her quest for power.

Silva noticed her contemplation and inquired, "Is something troubling you, Lady Valentina?"

Valentina met his gaze and replied, "I intend to approach Jin about enhancing my strength through rigorous training. I've heard that many members of [DxD] have been trained by him and his associates. After today's events, I am determined to grow stronger to ensure that I don't find myself in a similar predicament in the future."

A faint smile crossed Zeno's lips as he spoke, "That can certainly be arranged, Lady Valentina. I would recommend visiting Young Master Aaron's residence once this operation has concluded. We shall take our leave for now, and until we meet again later today."

"I'm planning to rejoin [DxD] in Kyoto. What about you two?" Zorya inquired, turning her attention to Medusa and Valentina.

Valentina replied, "I'm heading to Romania to reconnect with the family I left behind. Afterward, I intend to visit Jin's home." She then made her exit.

Medusa, on the other hand, seemed deeply troubled. She stared at the ground, clenching her fists so tightly that her nails drew blood. Zorya could see the frustration etched across her face but wasn't sure how to address it.

"Even after spending months training under him and the others, I couldn't do anything against a [Malebranche]?" Medusa muttered bitterly.

Zorya tried to offer some reassurance. "Remember, Medusa, they're formidable foes. Aaron mentioned that they received enhancements from the Evie, Phantasma, and Zaorama Nebiros last year and even further this year. That's what made them so powerful. But you performed admirably—"

Medusa cut her off, her voice laced with frustration. "Performed admirably? I was merely a plaything to him... If I'm to stand a chance when I join [DxD] in Phantasma and Evie's universe, I'll need to get stronger. I'm returning to Kuoh for training. Please convey my message to Aaron if you see him." With that, Medusa bowed and teleported away.

Zorya let out a sigh of relief as she found herself alone after her teammates had departed. However, her feelings mirrored those of Medusa, as she couldn't shake the sense of powerlessness she had experienced when confronted by Ciriatto. If it weren't for the timely intervention of Zeno and Silva, she could have been killed by the powerful enemy.

Feeling the weight of her own vulnerability, she mumbled to herself, "I need to become stronger. After all, Aaron appreciates strong women, doesn't he? I don't want to remain helpless..." With a determined mindset, she summoned her teleportation magic and returned to Kyoto.

— ○ ● ○ —

Akeno couldn't help but giggle as she gracefully evaded a relentless barrage of thunderbolts and lightning bolts unleashed by Summanus, the Roman god.

The deity found himself in a less-than-ideal situation, sporting an array of painful bruises and injuries. Clearly, he had grossly underestimated the strength of Akeno and Raynare. As Summanus skillfully sidestepped a hail of light spears thrown by Raynare, he couldn't shake off the fact that some of the enchanted projectiles continued to pursue him relentlessly.

Amidst the ongoing fierce combat, Summanus couldn't help but notice the very fabric of reality distorting around them, thanks to the formidable abilities of Akeno and Raynare. The once-confident god found himself growing increasingly wary of his opponents.

'Allowing him and his consorts to survive might have been an unfortunate choice,' Summanus thought, reflecting on the dire circumstances he now found himself in.

Nonetheless, the god hadn't unleashed his full power yet, showing a certain level of concern for humans in his own unique manner. However, he was convinced that the world would be vastly improved without the presence of [DxD], the Sacred Gears, or any other third party. In his perspective, the world ought to be governed by the gods and entities resembling them.

Akeno unleashed a series of snake-like lightning bolts, each crackling with electric energy, aimed directly at Summanus. He had no choice but to react swiftly, countering her attack with his own black thunderbolts. As their attacks collided, a cacophony of thunder and lightning erupted, lighting up the battleground.

Summanus, a god of nocturnal night, lifted his arm high, conjuring multiple menacing black tornadoes within the vicinity using his mastery over other elements too. With precision, he directed these dark whirlwinds towards both Raynare and Akeno, intending to strike them down.

Akeno, despite the impending danger, retained her composure. She rested a hand on her cheek, a hint of amusement in her voice as she spoke, "I suppose I expected more from a god." She muttered teasingly, "This spectacle is a bit... underwhelming."

She was attempting to taunt the god, testing his patience. However, Summanus remained steadfast, fully aware of her intentions, and chose to ignore her provocations.

"Ara~? It's not working, how sad," Akeno said mockingly. Lightning crackled around her body, swiftly forming into the shape of an Eastern dragon. With precision, she aimed her attack at the oncoming black tornadoes, and in a brilliant display of power, her strikes obliterated the swirling dark maelstroms conjured by Summanus, causing the god to click his tongue in irritation.

"Provoking him won't be easy, Akeno. Also, shouldn't we hurry this up and join the others in the dimension that Georg created?" Raynare inquired, her concern evident.

"Everyone inside that dimension can handle things there. Right now, the rest of us should remain here on Earth to eliminate the other threats targeting various countries, including Kyoto. King Enma lent a hand in delaying them," Akeno replied confidently, her movements in the air reminiscent of a graceful dance as she elegantly evaded Summanus' continued attacks.

Summanus let out a roar of frustration. "So, he was leading us on all along! That two-faced god! Once I'm through with you, I'll personally invade his domain and reduce it to ruins!" His anger and determination were palpable in his voice as he vowed revenge.

"Fufu, if only that were possible," Akeno chuckled playfully as she swiftly darted behind Summanus, her movements like a shadow in the night. Without hesitation, she delivered a powerful holy lightning-infused kick to his back, sending the God of Nocturnal Night crashing down to the earth below.

Raynare sighed, her irritation evident, but she unleashed a relentless barrage of light bullets, complementing her attack with flame arrows and water blades. The divine magic manifested through her actions created a dazzling and deadly spectacle.

Summanus reacted quickly, spinning around and summoning a defensive magic circle to ward off Raynare's attacks. However, despite his efforts, a searing pain persisted on his back. Glancing over his shoulder, he discovered a sizable lightning-shaped mark etched into his flesh.

Akeno giggled mischievously from her elevated vantage point and explained, "That mark can't be removed unless I choose to dispel it. It's an idea I developed during my training, something I hope to utilize in the main tournament."

The lightning mark she had devised served a unique purpose. It continuously delivered an astonishing 500 million amperes per second to the marked target.

For context, the largest electrical current ever recorded in the world took place in April 1996 when scientists at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States achieved a current of 2 million amperes per square centimeter down a superconducting wire. Standard household wires, in comparison, are typically rated to carry a current of less than 1,000 amperes per square centimeter.

Most humans, even those intertwined with the supernatural, would find themselves perishing instantly under the immense electrical current coursing through their bodies. It was an extraordinary feat that Summanus, a god of impressive caliber, not only withstood the shock but managed to maintain some semblance of mobility.

"This... is nothing... to me...!" he gasped, evident pain etched across his features. Unbeknownst to Summanus, Akeno had yet to push the boundaries of her mark's full potential. The current coursing through her target now was just a fraction of its maximum output, as she had reserved it to test her powers on a different adversary, one other than Crom Cruach.

"Oh, is that so?" Akeno's tone was eerily calm as she materialized behind Summanus, her presence haunting. "Holy Lightning..." she murmured softly, delivering another devastating bolt that elicited a spine-chilling scream of anguish from the god. Her onslaught did not end there. With precise brutality, she thrust her fist into his face, propelling the divine entity violently away.

Observing this relentless spectacle from a distance, Raynare heaved a heavy sigh of concern. "I fear her obsession on Aaron is growing rather unhealthy... though she's not the only one. 'He got in his way, so I'm going to beat him to near death,' doesn't seem like a normal response," the fallen angel muttered, troubled by the extent of Akeno's obsession.

Suddenly, an immense surge of power erupted from the point of Summanus' impact. Black lightning, thunder, wind, and water violently swirled around the area, creating a menacing tempest. The god's glowing, wrathful eyes fixated on Akeno and Raynare.

"Looks like we made him angry~," Akeno chimed with a playful tone, a mischievous giggle escaping her lips.

"Please, Akeno, let's start taking this seriously," Raynare replied, her voice laced with concern. She couldn't help but glance back at the powerful god. His aura and abilities were converging to form an enormous pillar of energy, growing larger with each passing moment. The situation was rapidly becoming more dire, and they needed to prepare for the impending clash.

"Well—"

"We must also ensure he remains alive, as the leaders of the alliance have expressed their desire to preserve any significant god or being. The rest... well, they can be considered collateral damage," Raynare interjected, reiterating their strategy.

"Yes, yes, I understand, Raynare," Akeno responded, her expression taking on a more serious tone.

As their conversation neared its conclusion, a colossal hand composed of lightning, thunder, and wind surged toward them. Yet, both Akeno and Raynare remained vigilant, swiftly identifying the danger and deftly evading the onslaught. Raynare quickly conjured a sword of light and sliced through the incoming threat.

However, their respite was short-lived as moments later, a barrage of hundreds of identical hands emerged from Summanus' direction, closing in on the two determined women. They retaliated with unyielding resolve, but they soon noticed that an additional hundred of these menacing hands were unleashed in various directions, each set on attacking other members of the [DxD] team.

"I'll go and take care of the other hands, Akeno. I'll leave Summanus to you since he seems more agitated with you," Raynare announced before vanishing from sight.

"Ufufu, leave it to me~!" Akeno responded cheerfully. She then summoned her latest familiar and the group of small Oni she had in her service before forming a plan of attack.

"Oya? I didn't anticipate you would call upon me, Akeno. I've been aware of the ongoing conflict in the human world, but to think you'd face a god singlehandedly. I may not be that useful, you know?" said the woman who had become her most recent "familiar."

This new alliance Akeno had formed was with none other than Shuten Doji. However, it wasn't a typical master-servant relationship. It had the feel of a partnership, much like the pacts between devils and magicians.

"Fufu, don't worry, Shuten-sama. I've already prepared for that, although it's only a temporary power boost for you~," Akeno assured her as she gracefully floated over to Shuten. "Little ones, please protect us," she commanded her small Oni.

The smaller Oni, gathered in a sizable group, surged forward, directly engaging Summanus' elemental hands. They unleashed a barrage of elemental attacks that, to Summanus' astonishment, not only managed to intercept his attacks but also matched their power.

"Ara? When did these little ones grow so strong? I'm beginning to fear they might even surpass me in power," Shuten commented after witnessing the remarkable performance of the small Oni as they defended them.

"Fufu, we did train together," Akeno remarked, a playful tone in her voice. She reached into her belongings and retrieved a bracelet, offering it to Shuten. "Here, Shuten-sama. If you wear this, it will temporarily boost your power to match mine. But be warned, once I unsummon you, the bracelet will shatter and vanish. Aaron created this piece of magic."

Shuten accepted the bracelet and examined it with a hint of curiosity. "I was already aware of his unbelievably absurd powers, especially after your recent visit to our realm. However, to think he'd offer something like this so casually... Well, it was part of our partnership agreement, so I'm not going to complain," she explained, her tone calm and contemplative.

Akeno couldn't resist teasing her further. "And what if you did something that might irk Raiko if she found out?"

Upon hearing this, Shuten's face paled slightly, and she froze. She turned to Akeno, her voice hushed. "You promised to keep that a secret. If that woman with udders for breasts ever found out, it would just give me a massive headache."

Akeno responded with a mischievous grin. "Ufufufu~ Help me have a little fun with this god, and I'll reconsider my silence."

Shuten sighed, shaking her head. "You're quite the handful, you know that? But all right, considering you summoned me, I'll put on the bracelet." She slid the bracelet onto her left wrist, and in an instant, she felt a surge of newfound power. Shuten gazed at the bracelet in amazement. "So that's how it works, huh? Very intriguing and somewhat terrifying..."

Akeno giggled once more and commanded the smaller Oni to return to their realm, and with a graceful gesture, she unsummoned them. "Shall we go then?" she asked, her eyes filled with determination. Shuten, the leader of the Oni, nodded in agreement.

Summoned by her magic, Shuten materialized beside Summanus, her massive sword held high. With a fierce battle cry, she swung the blade down at the god, intending to strike him down. However, much to her surprise, Summanus' body was enveloped by swirling elemental forces that deflected her attack with ease.

She quickly withdrew, narrowly evading the retaliatory attack as Summanus directed several vortexes of malevolent black wind towards her. The sinister tempests pursued Shuten relentlessly, challenging her agility and resolve.

"Shuten-sama, please remember your power is on par with mine, so those things won't harm you. Don't be afraid to be a bit reckless~," Akeno offered a reassuring reminder to her partner.

With a nod of agreement, Shuten propelled herself toward the enemy. Employing her youjutsu, she conjured hundreds of thousands of blazing wheels that encircled her, forming a formidable fiery barrier.

She then unleashed this blazing array, directing it toward Summanus' powerful attacks. The two sets of attacks rapidly converged, resulting in a cataclysmic explosion. Seizing the smokescreen created by the explosion to her advantage, Shuten reappeared behind Summanus, her sword poised for a decisive strike.

Her blade connected with the god's shoulder, cleaving a vicious gash. In an instinctive retaliation, Summanus swirled around and unleashed a barrage of hundreds of black wind blades toward Shuten. Yet, Akeno intervened, summoning a protective barrier that enveloped Shuten, deflecting the ferocious attack.

Eager to assist her partner, Akeno entered the fray with determination. She conjured a whip forged from lightning and thunder, then swung it toward Summanus, delivering a resounding crack as it struck the god's back. Activating her mark again, she unleashed an electrifying surge, surging through Summanus' form hundreds of times over, causing him to writhe and convulse in agony.

"Aaaaaaaaghhhh!! Daaaaaaamn yooooooooou wretched hybrid freaaaaaaak!" Summanus bellowed with a ferocity that seemed to rend the very fabric of the cosmos. His fury, an elemental storm, manifested in a relentless barrage of cataclysmic forces, all aimed at the two women who had become the unwitting focal point of his wrath.

But amid the chaos and tumult of this unearthly showdown, Akeno remained an oasis of serenity, her countenance unwavering, though her soul bore the scars of a painful epithet—"Hybrid freak." Those two words, uttered with such venom, evoked a harrowing recollection, a memory that had long since lain dormant but now surged back with the fury of a tempest, threatening to drown her in a maelstrom of sorrow, anger, and regret.

Her reaction, however, was not what anyone anticipated. It was not the frenzy or irrational anger that Summanus had hoped to incite. Instead, Akeno's dark eyes gleamed with an unsettling resolve, her gaze piercing the tumultuous night like a beacon of unwavering determination.

As if choreographed by some otherworldly conductor, her lithe form danced gracefully through the tempest of elemental attacks, evading each attack with a fluid grace that defied the chaos of the moment. It was a silent ballet of survival and poise, a testament to her mastery over the elements and her control over the tempest of emotions that raged within her.

And then, with a gesture as powerful as it was silent, she raised her right arm, lightning crackling around her fingertips. In that electrifying moment, she channeled her inner strength and resolve, transmuting it into a bolt of pure, unadulterated lightning. It was no ordinary lightning, for its raw power and intensity defied the natural order. The very heavens seemed to shudder as the energy coalesced.

When she released that torrent of electrifying power, it was as if the universe itself held its breath. The energy surged forth, not just as a bolt of lightning, but as a cataclysmic force of nature. The shockwave it generated was felt far and wide, sending reverberations through the very essence of the world. For a moment, time itself seemed to pause, and the earth quaked with the aftershocks of the attack.

As the incandescent energy struck Summanus, it was as if a second sun had ignited in the heavens, casting an ethereal, golden glow upon the battleground. The sheer force of the lightning's impact was enough to momentarily stun those who lacked the strength to withstand its fury, casting them into a surreal and electrifying tableau.

In the midst of this electrifying spectacle, Akeno remained resolute, her eyes locked onto the figure before her. The epithet that had wounded her heart now transformed into a source of empowerment, a testament to her indomitable spirit and mastery over her own destiny.

She stood as an embodiment of inner strength, and in that moment, she was not just a hybrid, but a force of nature, a goddess in her own right, and an eternal symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.

In the aftermath of Akeno's devastating attack, a profound stillness blanketed the battleground, and the once-mighty God of Nocturnal Night lay supine, a stark contrast to his earlier aggression. The destructive energies that had surged with malevolence, endangering the lives of countless members of Team [DxD], dissipated as swiftly as they had emerged, leaving no trace of the menace they once held.

Amidst the eerie calm that followed, Shuten Doji and Raynare, both witnesses to the incredible spectacle, found themselves standing in stupefied silence. Their astonishment was palpable, etched across their faces like a haunting tableau of disbelief.

The tempestuous emotions that had surged through them had now given way to a profound sense of perplexity and uncertainty. In the wake of such a cataclysmic display of power, they grappled with the daunting challenge of reconciling the reality before them with their preconceived notions.

In the broader scope of the battlefield, a hush had fallen upon the chaos that had previously reigned. Akeno's display of formidable prowess had acted as a temporal quiescence in the tumult of battle.

It was as though the very heavens themselves had momentarily paused to acknowledge the electrifying display of might. Warriors, both human and supernatural, paused in their struggles, their gazes drawn to the breathtaking vista of power and skill unfurled before them.

For Shuten Doji and Raynare, the moment was as surreal as it was transformative. They found themselves at the precipice of understanding, their beliefs and certainties shaken to their core.

In the throes of their respective internal dilemmas, neither could find the right words to express their thoughts, nor a course of action to take in the face of the irrefutable testament to Akeno's unparalleled might.

"Y-yay?" stammered Raynare, attempting to diffuse the palpable tension that hung in the air.

"Y-yay!" Shuten Doji echoed, making an effort to match Raynare's enthusiasm.

Akeno turned to both of them, her usual smile gracing her lips, albeit with a very slight hint of strain. "Fufu, there's no need to be so tense, you two. Let's go and assist the rest of our team, shall we? Ah, Shuten-sama, I'd appreciate it if you stayed with us a bit longer," Akeno suggested.

"Of course, my services extend beyond a single battle. I will accompany you until this is resolved," Shuten replied, offering reassurance to Akeno.

"Thank you very much. Raynare, let's move," Akeno said before taking off, leaving Raynare to catch up.

"I'll go and... retrieve the incapacitated god," Raynare mumbled to herself. "Shuten Doji-sama, may I ask you to look after her for a while? She's clearly upset by what Summanus said."

"I will do so. Good luck with your task, and make sure you get him to where you need to bring him," Shuten assured her, trailing behind Akeno.

Raynare landed beside the scorched and crisped god, releasing a sigh of exasperation. "Aaron, you really need to address this situation with her. That bastard just had to provoke her," she muttered in irritation.

— ○ ● ○ —

In the other dimension of [Dimension Lost], Aaron's visage contorted into a deep frown, his dissatisfaction echoing in the other worldly space. "Damn everything; I'm going to torture that dick head," he seethed in a hushed whisper. His aura grew increasingly ominous and imposing, causing even the god Tartarus to involuntarily retreat.

The other beings within the dimension were keenly aware of the turmoil unfolding beyond their vicinity. Aaron's intense aura was not lost on them, serving as an unspoken signal that something had gone awry, and he was not in a good mood.

Aaron redirected his attention toward Tartarus, his narrowed pupils radiating a palpable intensity. "Let's get this gone and over with, you giant ball sack. I have other pressing matters to attend to and someone dear to comfort," he snarled with an air of utter venom.

[You dare—!] Tartarus began to retort, but his words were abruptly cut off as Aaron sprang into action.

In an explosive blur of motion, he delivered a devastating punch, striking the massive god in his core. Tartarus was hurled violently toward the far reaches of the dimension, incapacitated by the powerful blow. Simultaneously, Aaron executed a sealing technique, restraining some of the god's abilities.

Tartarus, along with a select few others, had been the instigators of the recent tumultuous events. The incident involving Akeno had significantly dampened Aaron's spirits, and his fury extended far beyond mere victory; he intended to exact his own brand of retribution upon Tartarus.

As Aaron teleported to stand directly before the incapacitated Primordial God, he muttered with chilling resolve, <<I'm going to relish every moment of this.>>

— ○ ● ○ —

[Khhh! Damn you! How can a mere human fight me on equal terms!?]

In a ferocious clash, Calcabrina the Grace Stomper and Frost Trampler, a formidable [Malebranche], found herself locked in an intense battle with a formidable opponent: the Lance Maiden, Lianne Sandlot. However, the fierce contest was heavily lopsided, with Calcabrina struggling immensely.

Despite the fact that Lianne Sandlot had been intentionally holding back her strength and providing guidance to the [Malebranche], Calcabrina was yet to grasp the true extent of this lesson being taught to her.

"I am not just a mere human, Calcabrina," replied Lianne. "I am…an [Electa]."

Calcabrina stood tall, a commanding presence at 5 feet and 11 inches in height. Her long, obsidian hair cascaded in luxurious waves, contrasting strikingly with her shimmering sapphire eyes. A mask adorned her face, concealing the lower half but revealing an air of mystery.

Around her neck, she wrapped a black scarf, its fabric gracefully draping in stark contrast to her dark armor. Her attire was predominantly obsidian, and it bore a mesmerizing centerpiece: a vivid, sapphire-blue flame that danced near her bellybutton, casting an entrancing glow.

Her armguards were an elegant fusion of black and silver, stretching from her hands all the way up her arms and enveloping her shoulders in a protective embrace. Silvery-black armor graced her thighs and extended to her shoes, crafting a seamless, imposing silhouette. In her skilled hands rested two swords, their blades aglow with blue flames and lightning, an impressive and awe-inspiring sight.

[Those things that work for the Middleman!? No wonder you're strong! Then I don't want to fight a [Longinus] wielder, I'll settle for you since you're one thousand times better!] she declared with excitement in her eyes.

Lianne let out a sigh as she skillfully parried the relentless flurry of slashes sent her way by Calcabrina. Presently, both combatants, along with the Stahlritter and an assortment of adversaries affiliated with the Gods of Darkness, were entangled in a fierce battle. This showdown unfolded in the heart of Finland, to be more precise, in the city of Oulu.

"What a rude fellow, who dares call Master a 'thing'? I won't let her get away with it," Duvalie complained as she gracefully dodged a strike from an enemy. With a swift maneuver, she retaliated, eliminating her opponent with a single decisive move.

"Fufu, you shouldn't focus too much on Master, Duvalie, or you might get injured~," Ennea cautioned, expertly piercing an enemy with her bow and arrow.

"She's right, Duvalie. If you let your mind wander," Ines began, her halberd slicing an opponent in two with a single powerful swing. "You'll get injured." In a playful manner, she then swung her weapon at Duvalie, forcing their leader to leap out of harm's way.

Duvalie couldn't contain her frustration with her companions. "What the hell is wrong with you two!? I'll tell Aaron-sama!" she shouted, her irritation intensifying with each passing moment.

"Fufu, did you hear that? Duvalie will tell Aaron-sama~?" Ennea teased with a mischievous grin.

Ines, in her typical monotone manner, placed her hand in front of her face and let out a soft chuckle. "Oh, she'll tell Aaron-sama..."

Duvalie, about to lose her patience, suddenly turned her attention to an approaching horde of enemies and unleashed a powerful slash that effectively eliminated the entire group. Regaining her composure, she pointed her sword at Ennea and issued a stern proclamation, "I saw what you did with Aaron-sama. If you don't want me to spill the beans, you better apologize!"

Ennea was caught off guard, her laughter quickly giving way to nervous chuckles. "W-what are you talking about, Duvalie? Your little bluffs won't—"

"Bathroom. Night. Lewd noises," Duvalie stated in a robotic voice. This revelation caused a noticeable blush to spread across Ennea's face, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Perplexed by the unfolding situation, Ines chimed in, "What?"

Ines felt utterly bewildered by what Duvalie had just said, and her friend's reaction only added to her confusion.

"She—"

Before she could finish her sentence, Ennea exploded, shouting, "Shut up!!" Her sudden outburst unleashed a powerful aura that sent shockwaves throughout the vicinity, obliterating most of their enemies.

Once again, Ines found herself struck dumb, staring at Ennea in astonishment. The roles had reversed, and Duvalie was now the one sporting a triumphant smirk. To add to the perplexing situation, it was Ennea who seemed to be blushing intensely, an uncommon sight given her usual role of teasing Duvalie.

"Well?" Duvalie inquired, her tone filled with smugness as she awaited an apology.

With her cheeks puffed out in a show of defiance, Ennea retorted, "…You sucked off Aaron-sama before."

A heavy silence descended upon the area, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had raged moments before. Duvalie's face turned an even deeper shade of red, and Ines, caught in the middle of this unexpected revelation, could only gape in astonishment.

"Y-y-y-you did the same thing, you whore!!" Duvalie bellowed back. "No! You did more than that! You let Aaron-sama shove it up your ass—"

Ennea lunged at Duvalie, and the two began pulling at each other's hair. Amid the ongoing skirmish, Ines remained expressionless and lifeless as she somberly moved around, eliminating any enemies who had resurfaced. The shocking revelation was a lot for her to process, rendering her face blank as she contemplated it. But her train of thought took an unexpected turn.

"…They both did lewd things with Aaron-sama already? …What about me? Am I a late bloomer…?" she mumbled to herself while she swung her halberd, swiftly dispatching another group of foes.

As she looked at her own hands and then at her chest, a strange wave of anxiety washed over her. "A-am I too ugly…!? Am I not good-looking enough!?" she whispered to herself in mounting distress.

The Stahlritter, as a collective group, found themselves grappling not with physical challenges but with a peculiar sort of insecurity and self-doubt.

— ○ ● ○ —

Returning to Lianne and Calcabrina, they had initiated another fierce clash of their formidable weaponry. This time, the battlefield they had chosen encompassed the entire Earth, transforming it into a vast arena for their epic confrontation.

They had progressed far beyond Finland's borders, now finding themselves suspended in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean. With both adversaries standing on the water's surface, the resounding impact of their weapons meeting echoed through the surroundings.

The ocean's surface below them quivered and undulated as their mighty strikes generated powerful shockwaves, sending ripples across the seascape. The marine life inhabiting the area prudently retreated, their natural instincts guiding them away from the tempestuous upheaval. Yet, amid this tumultuous battle, Calcabrina's elation and exhilaration only intensified.

Lianne, perceptive to her opponent's feelings, decided to join in the spirit of the contest. She recognized that this [Malebranche] was not only a battle enthusiast but also harbored a sense of responsibility towards minimizing collateral damage.

Drawing a parallel between her and the likes of Vali Lucifer, Lianne found amusement in this comparison. The exhilarating clash between the two powerful beings continued to play out on the grand stage they had chosen, with the Earth itself serving as the canvas for their combat.

With newfound swiftness and agility, Lianne thrust her lance toward Calcabrina with greater speed than before, striking the demoness squarely in the shoulder. The impact sent Calcabrina hurtling through the air, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake as the very water in front of her formed a miniature valley.

The sheer force of Lianne's blow left Calcabrina bewildered and dazed. As she finally managed to regain her composure and stabilize herself, her gaze was drawn back to Lianne, who now clutched a helmet in her hand.

The sudden change in Lianne's demeanor had caught Calcabrina off guard. She stared in astonishment, her usual bravado momentarily replaced by a sense of confusion and surprise.

"We shall now commence the second stage of your training," Lianne declared as she secured her helmet in place. A palpable air of superiority suddenly enveloped the surroundings, causing Calcabrina to feel a peculiar unease. It was the same type of uneasiness she had only experienced when in the presence of Malacoda, her former leader, and Lapis whenever their interactions were unavoidable.

[Second stage of training? Could you elaborate on that?] Calcabrina inquired, her face betraying her confusion.

Lianne's aura surged into the atmosphere, manifesting as a colossal, rising pillar, and the very Earth beneath them quivered in response. "Precisely. Throughout our time together, I have been conducting your training. You've proven to be a fast learner, yet it appears you may not have been fully aware of the training you've undergone," the Lance Maiden elucidated. "We are now moving on to the second stage, so brace yourself."

[Heh, bring it on then!] Calcabrina's defiant roar resounded through the Pacific Ocean as she too channeled her powers. Although her aura was undeniably potent, it paled in comparison to Lianne's formidable aura.

Without any further exchanges of words, they both vanished from their positions, colliding in a cataclysmic clash at the epicenter. The force of their meeting unleashed an even more potent shockwave that rippled across the entire world.

The ocean's surface beneath them was violently upended, and they plummeted toward the churning waters. However, as rapidly as the sea had been displaced, it began to converge back together, thwarted only by the unending conflict above.

Calcabrina, wielding swords adorned with ethereal blue lightning and flames, launched frenzied strikes at Lianne. The Lance Maiden met each of these blows with effortless finesse, a calm and unwavering presence.

Yet, this stoic response did not deter the [Malebranche] in the slightest; in fact, it only served to further fuel her determination. An exultant grin graced Calcabrina's face, and she continued her assault with unrelenting fervor. It was as though the outcome was irrelevant, and the act of combat itself was the ultimate prize.

Calcabrina suddenly manifested a giant avatar behind her. It a giant four-armed humanoid beast with swords identical of hers in each of its hands. It had a glowing eye in the middle of its chest and it shimmering brightly before it brought down all four swords in a single swing. Calcabrina also did the same thing but to her utter surprise it didn't even make Lianne move an inch.

[Ahahaha! You're really amazing, you know that, right!?] Calcabrina exclaimed, her excitement ringing out in her voice.

Lianne, clad in her helmet and armor, offered no verbal response. She maintained her unyielding focus on Calcabrina, her gaze unwavering through the eye sockets of her protective gear. Lianne's primary objective was to skillfully deflect, parry, and defend herself against the relentless onslaught launched by Calcabrina and her colossal avatar.

After several minutes of intense combat, their ferocious clash ultimately led them to the ocean's depths. Even there, beneath the surface of the sea, the battle raged on. The sheer force generated by their powerful strikes displaced the water around them, allowing for their continued engagement. The seafloor had become their arena, affording them the freedom to unleash their powerful abilities without concern for collateral damage to people or vital landscapes.

Calcabrina's avatar loomed ominously, surrounded by a sea of thousands of azure flames. With an abrupt and decisive motion, it unleashed these potent blue flames, each possessing the destructive potential to harm even gods. As this fiery onslaught hurtled toward Lianne, there was a moment of impending danger.

However, with a series of delicate pokes into the air before her, Lianne masterfully extinguished the oncoming flames. An air of disbelief enveloped Calcabrina as it inquired, [Wha—!? What the hell was that!?]

Maintaining her composure, Lianne responded in a composed tone, "Magic negation is already a formidable ability. Imagine the potency of having the power to nullify abilities in their entirety. It's a powerful ability, isn't it? Those who seek to engage me in combat will be restricted to using only their physical prowess and techniques honed through practice."

Lianne's concealed eyes shone mysteriously within her helmet as she added, "Any attempt to employ your abilities, particularly projectile-based ones, will be met with nullification and negation, rendering them entirely impotent. Show me the zenith of your skills with those swords, Calcabrina."

A broader grin emerged on Calcabrina's lips, even though her facial features remained hidden by the mask. However, Lianne could discern the elation in her eyes, which gleamed even more intensely.

Without uttering a single word, Calcabrina initiated an unrelenting onslaught, relentlessly swinging her swords at Lianne. These strikes not only involved her physical form but also engaged her avatar, leading to the destruction of numerous underwater hills and mountains during their fierce confrontation.

As they clashed, they passed near a particular wreck that had gained notoriety from a famous movie. When their blades met once more, the residual debris from the wreckage was blasted into oblivion. Fueled by determination, Lianne chose to take the offensive.

She thrust her lance squarely into Calcabrina's abdomen, delivering a force so formidable that it propelled Calcabrina backward, sending her crashing into an underwater mountain. The sheer power of the impact caused not only the mountain to disintegrate but also sent shockwaves racing through the surrounding terrain, shaking the lands above them.

Calcabrina leaned on her avatar to regain her balance, her movements momentarily unsteady. Without hesitation, she propelled herself toward Lianne, who remained poised, a steadfast figure. Her advance was a blur of speed and determination as she thrust all her blades at Lianne, aiming for a decisive strike.

In a swift, graceful sidestep, Lianne nimbly evaded Calcabrina's rapid attack. Their eyes locked, and for that fleeting instant, it felt as if time itself had slowed to a crawl. But the illusion of tranquility didn't last. Calcabrina's world was suddenly upended as a powerful force slammed into her abdomen, leaving her breathless.

Lianne's perfectly timed kick, delivered with incredible force, had struck Calcabrina's midsection, propelling the female [Malebranche] skyward. The impact of Lianne's attack generated a shockwave, compelling the water around them to part forcefully. A massive, watery chasm emerged, creating a path for Calcabrina to ascend back to the Earth's surface.

In relentless pursuit, Lianne swiftly followed, lunging forward to impale Calcabrina through the stomach with her lethal lance. An agonized moan escaped Calcabrina's lips as she coughed up crimson, her strength waning. With a calculated spin, the Lance Maiden flung her adversary across the vast expanse, and Calcabrina landed on another continent—this time, in Africa. The specific location was Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

Lianne landed in Nairobi right after Calcabrina, who was already on her feet despite clutching her wounded stomach. She applied her fire magic to cauterize the painful injury. An expression of agony contorted her face as she worked on the wound. Lianne patiently waited for Calcabrina to complete the painful process.

After Calcabrina had finished cauterizing her wound, she breathed a sigh of relief, believing the worst was behind her. However, she couldn't have been more wrong. Lianne, instead of showing mercy, reappeared right in front of Calcabrina. In a shocking turn of events, Lianne thrust her lance into the very same wound that had just been painfully sealed.

The intensity of the pain was beyond Calcabrina's capacity to endure silently. [Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!] She unleashed a piercing scream that echoed through the surroundings.

This level of brutality had taken her by surprise. In her desperate attempt to retaliate, she ordered her avatar to attack Lianne. This forced Lianne to leap away, but she responded by amplifying her own speed to match that of light.

Lianne, now as swift as light, executed a relentless series of thrusts aimed at Calcabrina. Each precise strike hit her at multiple points—shoulder, stomach (the very spot she had just cauterized), thigh, and leg. With each strike, a large chunk of flesh was ripped away, except for the previous wound on her stomach.

Only when the flurry of attacks ceased did Calcabrina's consciousness fully catch up to the devastating reality. She let out another piercing shriek, this time a symphony of agony, before collapsing onto the ground. With just one functional leg, she found it impossible to rise to her feet properly, the brutal assault leaving her incapacitated.

"Calcabrina, you've performed admirably, and you've successfully passed the second test," Lianne exclaimed with warmth in her voice. Her helmet came off, revealing a friendly smile that was intended to convey praise. However, from the perspective of Calcabrina, a member of the [Malebranche], this expression had a different impact—it struck terror into her heart.

The kind smile from Lianne seemed to transform the angelic woman into a demonic figure, a presence more fearsome than Calcabrina herself. The overwhelming dread she experienced was unlike anything she had ever felt before.

'That unease I felt earlier… was it because of her...? Has this woman always been this terrifying...!?' Calcabrina wondered, her anxiety growing by the second.

With a determined stance, Lianne raised her gleaming lance high above her head, its tip glistening in the radiant sunlight. She spoke with an air of authority, her words cutting through the still air like a clarion call.

"And with this," she announced, her voice carrying a sense of finality, "our lesson has drawn to a close, and here begins the inception of the third and final part of your evaluation."

[Wait—!] Calcabrina tried to interject, but before she could utter a word, the lance was brought down upon her head with a force that instantly rendered her unconscious. Lianne then cast a sleeping spell to keep her in slumber until they reached the prisons of the alliance.

Lianne gave a confirming nod to herself before gently gathering up the unconscious Calcabrina. With her expert healing abilities, Lianne tended to the injured [Malebranche], mending her injuries with care. When Calcabrina's wounds were fully healed, Lianne cast a teleportation spell that whisked her back to Oulu.

Upon her return, Lianne was met with a perplexing scene. Her team, the Stahlritter, was in the midst of a tumultuous battle, and there was an exception—Ines, who seemed to be the only one not involved in the fray.

Amidst the chaos, Duvalie and Ennea, both adorned with disheveled hair, stood locked in an intense altercation of pulling hair and mouths. Tears streamed down their faces as they continued their relentless exchange of shouts, each demanding the other to "Apologize!" Yet, despite the impassioned pleas, neither of them showed any sign of relenting.

Lianne approached Ines with a curious expression etched across her features. "What is happening here?" she inquired, casting a concerned gaze at her subordinate.

Ines hesitated momentarily, her voice tinged with a hollow quality as she replied, "It's a long story, Master. Would you like the full story or a summarized version?"

Lianne deliberated for a brief moment before opting for the complete account. "Explain in detail," she requested as she took a seat beside Ines, ready to listen intently. The atmosphere brimmed with anticipation.

Ines embarked on the comprehensive narrative, recounting every detail, from the very beginning when the heated argument had erupted among the team members, to the shocking revelations about her two fellow teammates. Throughout her recollection, Ines couldn't help but cradle her face in her hands, overwhelmed by a potent mixture of embarrassment and shame.

As Ines bared her soul to her Master, she also shared her own concerns and anxieties, especially after learning about the intimate interactions her teammates had had with their Master and Creator, Aaron.

"You need not worry, Ines," Lianne assured with a reassuring tone. Her words carried the weight of experience and wisdom. "I, too, have shared various moments with him. Your time will come."

Ines found herself at a loss for words. Her Master's comforting words provided a glimmer of hope, and yet, they also compounded her feelings of despair. The realization that even Lianne Sandlot, the Lance Maiden, had been involved in such intimate moments with Aaron left her feeling even more disheartened.

"I-I see, t-thank you… Master," Ines replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion. The two of them exchanged a knowing look and silently resolved to bide their time, waiting for Ennea and Duvalie to conclude their heated disagreement rather than interjecting.

Ten minutes had passed, and the intense argument finally drew to a close. Both participants in the dispute bore disheveled appearances, as their fervent exchange had left their hair tousled and their tempers flared. However, the resolution of their disagreement came at a cost—a challenge posed to Aaron Toole, their Master and Creator. This challenge would be undertaken by none other than Duvalie and Ennea.

— ○ ● ○ —

In the skies of China, the aftermath of countless battles still raged on, even after the defeat of the King of Ghosts, Zhong Kui. Amid this chaotic battlefield, two individuals were confronted by their own past. Zhang Mei and Rixia Mao found themselves entangled in a reunion neither had expected.

A man, his pale blue eyes accentuated by his short silver hair, called out to Zhang Mei, dressed in a black three-piece suit and fedora hat, with a cigarette hanging from his mouth. "Come back to us, Shizuna!" he implored. "We admit we were wrong. So, return to us and let us flourish under your care!"

Zhang Mei's response was fierce. "Don't you dare utter that name! I discarded it years ago because of the likes of you scoundrels. I am Zhang Mei, and I've long forsaken that name!"

The aura surrounding Zhang Mei intensified with her growing fury towards the man. Seeing him was provocation enough to unleash her wrath, but his words only kindled her loathing.

"It was an honest mistake, Shizuna," he continued, his tone tinged with a hint of mockery. "We're willing to make amends. We'll even employ our clan's resurrection technique to bring your parents back to life, so you can have the family you've always desired."

Despite his attempt to sound sincere, the undertones of deceit and manipulation were not lost on Zhang Mei.

Fueled by anger and determination, Zhang Mei swiftly lunged toward the man and swung her sword down. However, her target proved equally adept and brought his own blade up in time, parrying her attack.

"You're as emotional and reactive as your parents!" he barked back, his voice dripping with disdain. "This is why they died! They were fools for believing in such things back then!"

"Don't you dare say their names with your filthy mouth!!" Zhang Mei roared, her fury unrelenting. She quickly spun around and landed a powerful kick on the man's side, sending him sprawling away. Without a moment's hesitation, she pursued him, launching a relentless barrage of aura-infused slashes in his direction.

The man in question was Rokuro Misurugi, a member of the Misurugi clan hailing from Kagoshima, situated in the Kagoshima Prefecture at the southwestern tip of Kyushu Island. While not a widely recognized clan, the Misurugi clan had a rich history, once flourishing as worshippers of Hikohohodemi no Mikoto, also known as Hoori.

This deity was the third and youngest son of Ninigi-no-Mikoto and the divine blossom princess Konohanasakuya-hime. Hoori played a pivotal role in the lineage of Japan's emperors, serving as the grandfather of Emperor Jimmu.

The clan even developed a unique sword style in honor of their revered deity. However, the Misurugi clan's prosperity took a dark turn due to a fateful incident from the past, involving Hikohohodemi no Mikoto and Takemikazuchi, the thunder and sword god.

Following the demise of Hikohohodemi no Mikoto, the clan faced hardships and never fully recovered, enduring ongoing struggles to make ends meet.

Originally, the Misurugi clan had been destined to relocate to Kyoto, with the potential to join the ranks of the Five Principal Clans, creating a new "Sixth Clan."

However, fate had other plans. An error in judgment by the previous clan head, along with the current elders and executives, led to the tragic demise of Zhang Mei's family, leaving only Zhang Mei herself as the lone survivor. The circumstances surrounding the tragedy remained shrouded in mystery, with Zhang Mei harboring suspicions that the event had been intentional.

The Misurugi clan's path to restoration and power had taken a grievous and tragic turn, marked by betrayal and heartache. Zhang Mei, once known as Shizuna Rem Misurugi, now carried the weight of her family's legacy, as well as a burning desire for justice and vengeance.

Rokuro's eye gleamed brightly, radiating a fierce red glow. Swiftly, he deflected and parried the aura slashes that had been directed toward him. With quick movements, he closed the gap between him and Zhang Mei. However, to his shock, her eyes had taken on a gleaming golden hue, and in one fluid motion, she severed his arm and shattered his sword into pieces.

An agonized scream escaped Rokuro's lips as he clutched his severed arm, trying to perform some rudimentary healing magic to alleviate the pain and mend the wound. Unfortunately, his efforts did little to relieve his suffering or heal the wound.

When Rokuro glanced back up, all he saw was Zhang Mei's foot hurtling toward his face. The force of her kick sent him flying back to a rural village in China. Zhang Mei teleported beside him, her movements swift and deliberate.

Without hesitation, she ran toward him and delivered another blow, this time aiming her foot at his head. She then picked up his injured head and conjured an ice knife, which she dragged across his face.

Rokuro, who had been knocked unconscious by the relentless attack earlier, suddenly jolted awake and screamed in agony. His cry, however, was short-lived as Zhang Mei shoved the ice knife into his mouth, silencing him with a shiver-inducing coldness.

"Shut up and listen, do you hear me?" Zhang Mei demanded, her pupils narrowing as she stared at the older man. Rokuro managed to nod slightly in response.

"Tell that wretched clan of ours that I'm coming for my revenge—I'll wipe the Misurugi clan off the face of this Earth before my life ends!" With that ominous threat, Zhang Mei pulled out Rokuro's tongue and severed it with her ice knife. Then, with a swift spin, she delivered a powerful kick to his face, sending him hurtling away from her.

This seemed to conclude the violent encounter. However, to Zhang Mei's surprise, an ominous black and purple aura erupted from the place where Rokuro had crashed. She turned her attention back to the now maniacally laughing man, her eyes filled with suspicion.

"That's something new. We didn't have any technique like that before I left... unless they received it from the Khaos Order—assuming they joined or at least cooperated with them to achieve something in return for their services," Zhang Mei mumbled, squinting her eyes as she observed Rokuro.

The man vanished from his spot with an abrupt flicker, causing Zhang Mei to react quickly by dodging, leaning back to avoid his attack. As she leaned back, her eyes caught sight of a new sword in Rokuro's hands as he sped past her. Reacting swiftly, she got back on her feet and prepared herself, her golden eyes shimmering once again.

Rokuro moved like lightning, closing the distance with remarkable speed. He slammed his sword into Zhang Mei's, forcing her back, much to her surprise.

"Surprised!? We achieved this thanks to the Khaos Order's help!" he screamed. "If we lost our god, and we weren't allowed to join the great families of Japan, then we may as well take them down another way!" A wide grin stretched across his face as he explained this to Zhang Mei.

"…You! You were the ones leaking the information to them!? How!? They don't let outsiders into their ranks that easily!" Zhang Mei exclaimed in disbelief.

An even wider smirk appeared on Rokuro's face. "Well…all we had to do was marry into each clan with several of our own and bam~ we could gain any information we want. Of course, many of those infiltrators are high-ranking members now too, fufu~."

This revelation left Zhang Mei in shock. 'So that's how some of our information was leaked to them! These scummy infiltrators!' Before her thoughts could fully process, she felt a foot landing on her stomach and she was sent flying. Zhang Mei crashed through several hills and trees before she could come to a halt.

'How did he become this much more powerful? What did they do to him?' she wondered as she stood up. Although she didn't suffer severe damage, the spot where she was kicked was a bit sore.

Rokuro reappeared in front of Zhang Mei, his sword poised for another strike. This time, the blade was infused with touki. Zhang Mei, however, swiftly deflected his attack. She was far from defenseless.

"You may have been blessed with the highest form of our clan's powers, but ours were enchanted by the Khaos Order. Now, everyone in our order wields the same power output as you!" Rokuro declared boldly.

"Enchanted!? What do you mean!?" Zhang Mei demanded, her aura intensifying even more. She stomped her foot into the ground, causing blades of ice to shoot out from the earth and head straight for Rokuro. He leaped away just in time to evade the icy assault.

"Your golden eyes are now equal to our red! And it seems like you haven't been able to evolve your eyes at all these past few years, meaning you've been slacking in your training! If you stayed, you could have been our savior! You could have been proclaimed a goddess!" said Rokuro.

In the Misurugi clan, every member of the clan was born with powerful eyes. These special abilities were first activated by strong emotions. Depending on the color of one's eyes, the person was then assigned to a group within the clan that shared the same eye color, and they would be trained from a young age.

A list was created by the higher-ups, which went like this:

— ○ ● ○ —

Silver Eyes

Golden Eyes

Red Eyes

Green Eyes

Purple Eyes

Blue Eyes

— ○ ● ○ —

In their clan, most individuals were born with either blue or purple eyes. The more gifted among them possessed green eyes, while those with remarkable talent were born with red eyes. However, individuals with golden and silver eyes were exceptionally rare within the clan, with only three such births ever being recorded.

The first case was a baby boy who was born with shimmering golden eyes. However, his unique ability had been activated immediately upon birth, and the strain proved too much for his fragile infant body to bear. Tragically, he did not survive. The second case involved another boy born with silver eyes, but like the previous baby, the amplified strength associated with their unique eye color led to their untimely demise.

Finally, the third occurrence was the birth of Zhang Mei, also known as Shizuna Rem Misurugi. She was born with shimmering golden eyes and, remarkably, managed to survive. Within the clan, she was treated with the utmost care and reverence, although her parents wisely chose not to pamper her excessively, instead opting to raise her fairly and on par with the other infants in the clan.

Shizuna displayed excellent behavior throughout her childhood. Even when spoiled, she never became arrogant or attempted to wield her power to make people bow before her. She was acutely aware of her position and diligently strived to meet everyone's expectations. She consistently exceeded all expectations placed upon her, but the clan's elders and executives demanded even more.

In addition to the pressure from the clan, Shizuna had to contend with the resentment of her own generation. Her distinctive golden eyes set her apart from her peers, further isolating her. Her only genuine source of solace was her family, which was tragically taken from her by the clan's elders.

A particular "accident" occurred when she was a young teenager, leading to the untimely death of her parents. They had been sent on a seemingly routine mission by the clan, but Shizuna suspected that the elders, particularly her parents, held disdain for her family, and she believed that they were somehow responsible for the tragedy. Following this incident, she decided to leave the clan, leaving behind everything she had ever known, including her name.

After wandering for some time, Shizuna found herself in China. There, Rixia approached her after trailing her for a few days, and Shizuna ultimately joined their pantheon. She was given a new name, "Zhang Mei," signifying a fresh start in her life.

Zhang Mei retorted, "That doesn't mean anything! Even if you enhance them with whatever drug was given to you, natural strength will always prevail!"

Much to Rokuro's astonishment, he found himself being pushed back, overwhelmed by Zhang Mei's surging powers. What caught him off guard even more was the sudden transformation in Zhang Mei's eyes – they briefly flickered to silver before returning to their usual gold hue.

"You damn monsters! I'll take you down now, even if it means killing myself! If you won't join us, then we don't need you to stay alive any further!" he shouted before his body began to undergo a drastic transformation.

Zhang Mei found herself utterly astounded by the sudden and startling transformation that overtook Rokuro. This astonishing metamorphosis not only left her in awe but also compelled her to swiftly take defensive action. It was as if an otherworldly power surged through him, unleashing a barrage of immense crescent moon energy attacks, which emanated from his transformed body.

Rokuro's physical proportions underwent a dramatic shift, his stature expanding significantly. As part of this mysterious alteration, he sprouted additional arms on his sides. These newfound limbs conjured fleshy, blade-like swords, each adorned with unblinking, eerie eyes.

His mouth underwent a surreal transformation, morphing into a bird's beak, a surreal and unsettling feature. Simultaneously, his once-familiar human feet took on an amphibian-like quality, further accentuating the surreal nature of this metamorphosis.

His eyes, too, underwent a chameleon-like transformation, enabling them to dart and survey the surrounding environment with an uncanny vigilance.

"W-what the hell? What did you do to yourselves!?" Zhang Mei asked in utter astonishment, her eyes wide and her voice trembling with shock.

However, Rokuro didn't let Zhang Mei's shock deter him. Instead, he found it amusing and let out a hearty laugh, the sound echoing around the vicinity. He raised all his swords, each infused with touki, and unleashed a series of aura slashes that sliced through the air, hurtling toward Zhang Mei.

As if that wasn't enough, he started screeching loudly, the high-pitched sound assaulting her ears. The combined assault left Zhang Mei disoriented and desperate to cover her ears to block out the painful noise.

'Dammit, my ears are going to start bleeding if I don't find a way to stop that noise,' she thought in frustration. She leaped back, creating magical circles behind her and launched attacks at Rokuro, hoping to disrupt his attacks.

To her surprise, Rokuro didn't dodge her counterattacks. He willingly accepted the onslaught, and small explosions rocked his body as her magical attacks struck. Zhang Mei watched in disbelief as powerful regeneration abilities kicked in, rapidly repairing the injuries he had just sustained.

"Resilient skin, rapid regeneration, extra arms, and he still has the power from our eyes? This guy is a piece of work. How in the hell am I supposed to beat him?" she muttered to herself, her annoyance growing as the battle raged on.

Using his superior speed, Rokuro appeared in front of Zhang Mei as she landed, startling her with his sudden presence. An evil grin crept onto his lips, and his eyes locked onto her.

"Checkmate," he muttered, a cruel satisfaction in his voice, before swinging all his swords toward her. Zhang Mei, in a futile attempt to defend herself, raised her sword and surrounded her body with touki, but it was in vain.

Her trusty blade shattered under the intense pressure of Rokuro's attack. She desperately tried to leap backward to avoid his strikes, but she was too slow.

Rokuro's swords struck her chest and stomach, causing her to cry out in pain as blood oozed from her wounds. As if that weren't enough, Rokuro created a small red beam in front of his beak, aiming it at the helpless Zhang Mei. She could only stand there, paralyzed by shock and fear, as the impending doom approached.

With a sinister smirk on his face, he unleashed the blast at point-blank range, creating a devastating explosion that obliterated everything in its path. Zhang Mei was flung away from the epicenter of the blast, her body mangled and ravaged by the impact.

A large chunk of her stomach was missing on the left side, her once-beautiful face was marred by burns, and her left arm barely clung to her body by a slender thread of flesh. The aftermath of Rokuro's assault left her in a state of unimaginable pain and agony.

As Zhang Mei lay there, slowly bleeding out, she clung desperately to the hope that someone would come to her aid. However, the battle in the skies of China raged on above her, leaving her all but forgotten.

The realization that no help was coming washed over her, and she began to accept her grim fate. She had harbored a burning desire for revenge against her own clan, and now, it seemed that revenge would forever remain out of reach.

She yearned to meet her parents in the afterlife and tell them that she had avenged their deaths, but that dream was slipping away. Sorrow and rage surged through her heart, but she was powerless to change her circumstances. Her gaze shifted to Rokuro, who had readied yet another red beam, ready to deliver the final blow.

"I guess you weren't so powerful, huh?" Rokuro taunted as he unleashed the beam. But then, as the world appeared to freeze, a familiar voice echoed in Zhang Mei's surroundings.

<<Are you going to let it end here?>> the voice asked.

Unable to rise from her prone position, Zhang Mei muttered, "I can't get up. Everything is so dull already."

<<That's not the Zhang Mei I know. She'd shrug this off and get up to keep on fighting,>> the voice continued.

"I want to, but I physically can't... cut me some slack, Jin," Zhang Mei whispered. The small pool of her blood beneath her was now more akin to a puddle.

Aaron knelt down beside her and touched her head, using his healing abilities to mend her wounds. However, he stopped short of a complete recovery.

<<Do you want to live? Do you want revenge? And once you've had your revenge, what will you do?>> he inquired.

Summoning a fraction of her remaining strength, Zhang Mei managed to roll onto her back and gaze up at the sky. "I...," she began to say, her voice weak. "I want to go on a date with you!"

A silence filled the air, pregnant with anticipation. Then, Aaron chuckled.

<<Is that all you want? It seems a bit strange, considering we haven't spent much time together,>> he remarked.

"Call it love at first sight then!" Zhang Mei declared, her cheeks flushing as she laughed at her own audacity.

<<Alright, Zhang Mei. Show me and your parents the power of Shizuna Rem Misurugi,>> Aaron encouraged.

"I won't run away anymore. I'll face them head-on and take them down if I have to," Zhang Mei declared with newfound determination. "I've always regretted throwing away my name... It felt like abandoning my parents too."

<<Then be reborn and kick his ass! I have to go back somewhere now,>> Aaron replied, hovering a small silvery-white ball above Zhang Mei's forehead.

"Yeah! That's fine, but I love you, so... I mean what I said earlier! Go on a date with me!" she exclaimed.

Aaron chuckled once more. <<Sure thing, Shizuna.>>

The silvery-white ball gently descended onto her head and entered her, enveloping her in an immense sphere of radiant light. Simultaneously, the world seemed to resume its flow, and time began to move again.

"W-what?!" Rokuro cried out. The destructive ball he had conjured had vanished, and Shizuna's body was now engulfed in brilliant light.

A burst of wind suddenly rippled from Shizuna's body, and with it, an intense light emanated, knocking Rokuro away. As he regained his footing, he looked back at Shizuna and was utterly shocked by her transformation. While not much about her physical appearance had changed, her most distinctive feature was her glowing silver eyes, which sent shivers down Rokuro's spine.

Instinctively, Rokuro took a step back, horrified at the sight before him. He couldn't comprehend the sudden change in her condition. "Impossible! How did you...? Where are your injuries? There was no data about you having healing abilities!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and concern.

A serene smile graced Shizuna's lips as she gazed at Rokuro, her eyes alight with a subtle assurance that needed no words to convey. Her very presence was a testament to her extraordinary talents. With a fluid, almost ethereal motion, she summoned forth two gleaming blades, forged not of steel but of silvery-white aura. They materialized in her grasp, radiant and pristine, their presence akin to manifestations of pure grace and power.

With the blades held before her, she formed a sacred, almost reverent cross. The symbolism was not lost on the observer. It was a gesture of silent reverence to a higher purpose, a ritual of sorts, one that marked the onset of a profound encounter. In that moment, Shizuna exuded an aura of solemnity and purpose, as if preparing for a communion with the unknown.

Then, with the swiftness of a phantom, she vanished from her original position. Her abrupt disappearance was an elegant yet unmistakable alert to Rokuro. The world around them seemed to hold its breath, the very air tingling with the presence of the extraordinary.

Shizuna's enigmatic departure set the stage for what was sure to be a remarkable display of her formidable abilities

"I can still fight; don't underestimate me! Just because you got a power-up doesn't mean I can't win! This isn't some anime where you get to run away!" Rokuro shouted defiantly, determined not to be outdone by her newfound abilities.

With swiftness that defied the very fabric of reality, Shizuna embarked on a breathless charge towards Rokuro, the man-chimera monster hybrid who remained blissfully unaware of her impending attack. Her lithe form moved with grace and intent, and in a single, fluid motion, she crossed both two silvery-white swords. Time seemed to bend around her, and the blades sliced through the air with a precision that could only be born of mastery.

Before Rokuro could react, Shizuna had already reappeared behind him, a phantom in the darkness. It was as if she had become a shadow, a manifestation of the night itself. Her silhouette was a stark contrast to the chaos that had enveloped her opponent.

And then, with an explosive burst of power, the man behind her erupted into a silhouette of shimmering silver and white. It was an awe-inspiring transformation, a breathtaking display of the forces she had harnessed. This radiant silhouette coalesced into a colossal silver-white cross, a symbol of power and redemption that seemed to shake the very foundations of the world.

The appearance of this monumental cross did not go unnoticed, for it heralded its presence with such grandeur that it transcended the boundaries of Earth itself. It pierced the celestial sphere, reaching out into the cosmos, its silvery radiance extending far into space. The enormity of her attack was such that even the moon, that distant celestial companion of Earth, could not escape its reverberations.

The lunar landscape trembled in response, as if paying homage to the incredible force unleashed on Earth below. In that fleeting instant, all across the world, from the ranks of Team [DxD] to their enemies, and to the leaders who gazed upon the spectacle in awe, a collective gasp of astonishment was drawn.

Shizuna let out a sigh, her body gradually returning to its usual state as the silvery-white aura that had enveloped her dissipated into the ether. Her ethereal blades, the very ones that had wreaked havoc just moments ago, also disappeared. She placed her hands on her hips and glanced back at the lifeless Rokuro, although even his lifeless form had been obliterated by the sheer force of her attack.

She playfully stuck out her tongue and remarked, "Looks like I came out on top in the end." A faint blush colored her cheeks, and she turned her attention to the space in front of her, her thoughts seemingly racing. "Wait, did I just... confess?" Her voice quivered with embarrassment as she questioned her own words. "Dammit! B-but it must have been the heat of the moment."

She groaned and shivered, clearly flustered. "Well, now that I've said it, I have to go through with it! I guess it's not all that bad." Shizuna came to terms with her accidental confession and began walking away, adding with a mix of embarrassment and excitement, "Besides, I did gain a new power-up from this. Just you wait for me, Jin!" She sang cheerfully as she leaped into the skies to rejoin her team.

— ○ ● ○ —

In the Rainforest of Xishuangbanna, nestled within the Yunnan Province of China, various shadowy figures darted swiftly through the lush, verdant landscape, resembling dark phantoms that danced in the daylight. Unbeknownst to most, an imposing barrier shrouded the entire forest, concealing it from the prying eyes of those who were not privy to its secrets.

Rixia Mao, the leader of the group known as the 8 Divas, found herself ensnared within this mystical forest, trapped by the barrier. Her predicament had resulted from her family's relentless pursuit. She had successfully evaded them for a considerable time, mainly due to the protection of Ningguang, the Jade Emperor, and Longwang, the Dragon King.

In this secluded corner of the supernatural world, Rixia's story unfolded. She hailed from a family renowned for their skills as assassins. Even from the moment of her birth, she was ingrained in the supernatural realm and subjected to rigorous training in the arts of assassination, a legacy passed down through generations. Unlike her peers, Rixia faced more significant expectations since she was the daughter of her family's current leaders.

As a diligent child, she dutifully followed her family's commands, gradually rising to become the most formidable in her generation and surpassing her forebears. She inherited her parents' exceptional talents, rendering her a prodigious talent from the day she was born.

However, her heart did not align with her family's profession and upbringing. Her true passions were entirely different, and she was, at her core, a gentle soul. This realization dawned upon her at the tender age of twelve.

Her family remained oblivious to her true nature for several years, until an accidental discovery led to her capture. Subsequently, she underwent a year of relentless torture as her family sought to break her spirit. However, as a monstrous prodigy, she eventually broke free and fled. It was in her moment of desperation and exhaustion that Longwang, the Dragon King, came to her rescue.

He provided her with refuge, but he could not keep her as he had other obligations. Eventually, Rixia found herself under the care of Ningguang, who offered her a new path in life that allowed her to harness her innate talents. She became the leader of the 8 Divas and found solace in her new home. For years, she eluded her family's relentless pursuit, living in the protection of Ningguang.

However, the tide turned when an alliance formed between DxD and other supernatural factions, exposing her presence. In their desperate pursuit of reclaiming her, her family struck a sinister deal with the Khaos Order, leading to the unfolding of these events.

Amidst the tranquil, mystical forest, the voices of her pursuers echoed, a haunting reminder of her past and the familial bonds she had sought to leave behind.

"Come back to us, you foolish child!" echoed a female voice through the dense forest. The urgency in her tone was impossible to miss.

"You can't keep running away forever!" chimed in a male voice, the words filled with concern and a hint of frustration. The forest seemed to hold its breath as if anticipating a response.

Various magic attacks were hurled in Rixia's direction. She displayed remarkable agility, evading them with finesse while simultaneously launching her own magic to counter, each hitting their mark with pinpoint precision, resulting in agonized screams resonating in the distance.

The relentless attacks continued as an onslaught of kunai was sent hurtling her way. Rixia deftly avoided the initial barrage, but her attackers had more tricks up their sleeves. Through the use of intricate magic, the kunai's trajectories were altered mid-flight, and a duplication spell multiplied the number of blades attacking her, forcing Rixia to leap out of harm's way once again.

To her astonishment, a few of the enchanted kunai managed to land, striking her shoulder and eliciting a sharp gasp of pain. Clutching her injured shoulder, Rixia quickly assessed the situation.

'Invisible kunai? There's only one person in the clan capable of such a technique,' she thought, recognizing the signature technique of a particular clan member. Wincing through the pain, she extracted the hidden kunai and applied a restorative ointment to her wounds.

A swift and shadowy figure hurtled toward Rixia, her instincts kicking into action as she summoned her trusty sword to fend off the assailant. The newcomer proved to be a tall man, his long raven-black hair cascading straight down his back. His piercing blue eyes bore an unyielding determination, accentuated by his attire—a full, sleek black ninja suit, which seemed to blend effortlessly with the dim surroundings.

"Renzo," Rixia greeted, her voice carrying a hint of strain, not just from the physical exertion but also from the weight of the unexpected confrontation.

The ninja, identified as Renzo, answered in an emotionless, almost mechanical tone, "The head wishes to have you back, and as a member of the clan, I must obey their command." His obedience to the clan's directives was unwavering, and there was a palpable sense of detachment in his response, as though he were but an instrument of their will.

Renzo vanished from sight, becoming an elusive specter, while a relentless barrage of kunai was sent hurtling toward Rixia. With her swift reflexes and honed instincts, she danced gracefully around the projectiles, making their attempts to strike her appear almost comically futile. However, in the blink of an eye, Renzo reappeared beside her, his fist aimed squarely at Rixia's back. It seemed like the perfect moment to catch her off-guard.

But to Renzo's dismay, Rixia's agility and combat experience proved unparalleled. In a swift motion, she executed a leg sweep that swept him off his feet. Before he could react, her clenched fist collided with his face, propelling him away.

Undeterred by the throbbing pain, Renzo skillfully landed on a sturdy tree and promptly launched himself back into action. This time, he harnessed the power of shadow clones. Multiple doppelgängers materialized, each wielding a diverse array of weaponry. Some had magic circles drawn on their palms, brimming with destructive spells ready to be unleashed upon Rixia.

A formidable storm of kunai and magic attacks was unleashed upon Rixia. Renzo, with his unique ability to obscure his weaponry, incorporated invisible kunai and spells into the attack. Yet, Rixia remained unshaken.

She deftly balanced on one leg, spinning gracefully with her sword in hand. This seemingly choreographed maneuver allowed her to intercept the majority of the incoming kunai, even those concealed by invisibility.

Then, with a seamless transition, Rixia brandished a new weapon gifted to her by Aaron. She sprinted headlong toward the approaching magic attacks, slashing through them with unparalleled precision. In mere seconds, each of the devastating spells was bisected, sending sparks and magic energies scattering.

To Renzo's astonishment, Rixia's tactics changed once more. She closed the distance between them, appearing beside him as if by magic. Her knee struck with incredible force, catching him by surprise and sending him hurtling through the air.

Before he could recover, her heel found its mark, connecting with the side of his head. With a thunderous impact, Renzo was sent plummeting to the ground, his form contorted in pain and surprise.

Paralyzed, Renzo lay on the ground, staring up at Rixia, who had gracefully returned to the earth beside him. His face bore a bitter smile as he posed a question, his voice laced with curiosity and pain. "Was that move you just used part of the dance sequence you attempted all those years ago?"

A somber smile crept across Rixia's face as she gazed down at her friend. "You were the one who caught me practicing those moves back then," she replied softly. "To answer your question, yes, that was indeed part of it."

Renzo seemed to accept her response with a simple nod before a sudden, frantic dinging noise emanated from his body. Alert and instinctually wary, Rixia quickly leaped away from Renzo just as he, the man she had known since childhood, erupted into a catastrophic explosion.

Once she landed safely, Rixia cast a bewildered and horrified gaze at the spot where Renzo had been laying mere moments before. Her thoughts swirled in a chaotic whirlwind, all culminating in one pervasive question: Why? The baffling, abrupt nature of Renzo's demise left her utterly perplexed.

A voice, soft and measured, interrupted her tumultuous thoughts. "I can see it in your expression—the question on your mind. 'Why?'" the voice observed.

Rixia's eyes widened, recognition dawning as she spoke the name. "Miku? Is that you? But why did Renzo...?"

Miku, a woman clad in a daring ninja outfit, appeared before her. She had striking blue hair styled in twin tails, azure eyes, and a buxom figure. She extended a hand in a friendly wave. "Hey there, Rixia. It's been a while. How have you been?"

"Miku," Rixia muttered, her tone filled with sorrow and confusion.

Miku responded with a warm smile and went on to explain the unsettling truth. "We have an explosive magic spell implanted in our hearts. If we're defeated by you or your allies, it will activate, and we'll die. The only way to avoid this fate is for you to come back to us without further resistance."

With a bemused chuckle, Miku continued, "Although there's no guarantee things will unfold that smoothly, given how our leaders and his wife have been a bit unhinged for the past few years. Plus, the Khaos Order is behind this whole predicament, so the outcome is still very much up in the air."

"But—" Rixia began to protest.

"Even if you find a way to remove the spell, I won't switch sides," Miku interjected, her expression etched with a pained smile. "Our parents and siblings also have this spell on their hearts. If we switch sides, they'll just kill them too. So it's quite the predicament, isn't it?"

The whirlwind of emotions and choices left Rixia speechless. She wrestled with feelings of anger towards her own parents for the heartless burden they had imposed on her friends and their families. Despite being estranged from her clan for many years, she had never harbored resentment towards the few friends she had made among them.

Abruptly, Miku charged toward Rixia, tears streaming down her face as she implored, "Please, Rixia, come back with us! I don't want to die!"

"Then don't," interjected a different woman's voice, surprising everyone in the forest.

Miku came to a sudden halt, her path obstructed by a woman who emitted an eerie, pale light from her hand. With a flick of her fingers, she unleashed a pulse of energy that impacted everyone within the forest.

Rixia was bewildered by the unexpected appearance of the woman before her. Stammering slightly, she muttered, "Y-you're... Selene."

The Moon Dragon God, Selene, had graced them with her presence. She glanced back at Rixia, explaining, "I have been called upon by your concerns, young Mao. Although it was my Master who informed me of such matters." Her gaze shifted to the weapon that Aaron had bestowed upon Rixia.

Rixia, in turn, noticed Selene's attention to the weapon. An anxious thought raced through her mind, 'Did he find out from this...?' She gazed at the weapon, her worry intensifying, before urgently turning to Miku. "W-wait, if you defeat her, she'll—!"

Before she could finish her sentence, Selene interjected reassuringly, "No need to worry, Rixia Mao. I have lifted the spell from their hearts. The same applies to the affected families, as I dispatched one of my subordinates to address the matter, fufu." Her words left Rixia utterly flabbergasted.

Selene's eyes took on a draconic intensity as she continued, "Now then, shall we engage in more playful endeavors, followers of Mao?" A sly smirk graced her lips, sparking a sense of anticipation in the air.

— ○ ● ○ —

To view images of specific characters, kindly check the comments in the chapter.


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