Chapter 37: The Kokabiel Incident (IV)
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"What a compelling form you've assumed," Kokabiel commented, sniffing the air around him a little. "And that scent, that's the power of a Dragon isn't it?"
"Spot on," Takauji beamed. "A Dragon King, to be precise."
The Darkness Mage was now covered from head to toe in golden-colored scale mail. Violet jewels embedded into parts of its surface, and four pairs of lenses to see through, two primary ones, and two smaller ones below.
["Three minutes, remember that."]
I won't even need half that amount of time. Trust me.
Protruding from his back were ten wings created entirely from Darkness Mana, giving them an almost ethereal presence as energy coursed through them like a raging rapid.
His blade had now changed forms, the alloy having a slight curve to it and the length extending to over a meter. However, even though it looked like it weighed a lot, it felt light as a feather in Takauji's hand.
This was the [Pseudo-Balance Breaker] granted to him by Azazel's Artificial Sacred Gear; [𝔻𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝔽𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝔻𝕣𝕒𝕘𝕠𝕟 𝔸𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝔸𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕣]. His power shot up from Low Ultimate-Class, to at least High Ultimate-Class.
"A Dragon King? If Azazel's the one who made it, then I can only presume that he did it with Fafnir's help."
"Correct again."
["From experience, I'd say this guy's mostly at fault for Raynare's stupidity. So make sure you give him a good beating for me will you? I loathe adults who pose as bad role models for the youth."]
Raynare's more than forty times my age, how come she gets the parental treatment and I don't?
["Age doesn't always equate to wisdom. It's the upbringing that matters."]
Is that a compliment?
["No, you are also one of those bad role models. I'm only collaborating with you because Azazel wants me to."]
Sheesh, Azazel this, Azazel that. It's like the entire world has started to revolve around him.
["As it should."]
Takauji clasped the hilt of his sword firmly, allowing Fafnir to imbue the metal with his golden flames and increase his destructive power.
"Go on then, show me the combined power of you and the Great Dragon King Fafnir. I'll thoroughly enjoy crushing it underfoot."
WHOOSH!
The Mage swung his blade, putting all the force he could muster into the motion. The air around the two Ultimate-Class opponents started to singe, Kokabiel sporting a manic grin as he prepared a defensive circle in front of him. Intent on taking the attack head-on.
["How arrogant, just what does he take my flames for?"]
BOOM!
The entirety of the Cadre's figure was engulfed in fiery wrath, Takauji using [Mana Sense] to peer past the wall of flames hiding Kokabiel's figure from him.
"SPLENDID!" The Fallen Angel roared cheerfully. His body was covered in bruises, with no significant damage visible to the Mage. "If you weren't capable of that much then there would be no meaning in fighting you! Well done!" He praised Takauji, his wounds already beginning to heal.
So much for the Great Dragon King's flames.
["Hmph, if Azazel was using me then it would've worked."]
Sure. However there's still something we can do, just follow my lead.
"You really must love the sound of your own voice," he used [Vanishing Step]. Immediately causing a set of after-images to appear around Kokabiel in all directions.
"Another illusion? How inexperienced you are."
All of a sudden, the flames coating Takauji's blade started to change form. Their golden radiance started to dim, the embers turning black as they crackled ominously.
CLANG!
Takauji's curved sword met with Kokabiel's [Light Sword], the latter's eyes widened as he noticed a strange phenomenon starting to occur.
"Your flames are disrupting the flow of my Mana. Good work!" The corners of his mouth stretched even further, revealing his fang-like teeth.
The Mage had combined the power of his [Contamination] with Fafnir's flames. Joining the Dragon King and Demon King's power as one.
In response, Kokabiel called upon his wealth of Mana. Continuously imbuing his sword with energy so as to not let it crumble under Takauji's troublesome ability.
They exchanged a flurry of blows, and even though Kokabiel couldn't keep up with his speed, the Cadre's regeneration and raw durability allowed him to endure some of the Mage's more shallow blows.
Moreover, like Raynare he made use of his wings in a defensive capacity. Keeping his back fully covered with all ten of his wings instead of a measly two, if Takauji so much as made an attempt to go for his back he would be countered immediately. He knew that.
"They can do more than block you know?" Kokabiel unfolded two of his wings. Sharpening his feathers as they jabbed at Takauji, catching the inexperienced fighter off-guard as he received a cut on one of his smaller eyes.
Those feathers can go through your armor? You should've said something.
["They're only capable of piercing the coating around your eyes, it's the only weak spot of the scale mail."]
How annoying.
Takauji's body would need at least a day to regrow his eye back, granted the fact that it was capable of regrowing it at all was impressive to say the least.
Even though Takauji had an extraordinary reservoir of Mana to call upon, if he allowed the fight to proceed as it was, Kokabiel was certain to take control. He couldn't give the Fallen Angel time to get accustomed to the rhythm of their battle, as the more experienced fighter Kokabiel would certainly use it to his advantage.
Therefore, he switched to a hit and run tactic. Using [Vanishing Step] constantly to chip away at Kokabiel until he found an opening that was more to his liking, instead of trying to match him in a fair fight.
"Not bad, you're able to discern your strengths and weaknesses in a fight rather quickly." The Cadre complimented his efforts, making use of his superior defense to endure Takauji's barrage. "However, no matter how intelligent you are you'll never be able to bridge the gap in our combat experience."
The Mage's eyes widened, noticing an alarming amount of Mana starting to gather around Kokabiel.
["Light Repulsion!"]
A sphere of Light Mana exploded from Kokabiel, throwing Takauji's body into a nearby tree as his back was forced to absorb all the impact.
I think I broke something.
["That you did, I can help you numb the pain a little, but you're still going to experience a bit of weakness from this point onwards."]
Then that'll have to suffice.
"Did you really think that was all I had? You really are just a brat at your core."
By the time he had regained his footing, Kokabiel had already prepared a follow-up attack. Conjuring a bow and arrow made from his Light Mana, and pulling the string as far back as possible.
CLANG!
Takauji reacted as quickly as he could, barely managing to graze the arrow of light with the side of his blade, causing it to clash with the cheek section of his faceplating instead of his forehead.
That was close.
["No kidding."]
Blood started to drip down the side of his face onto his armor, but compared to what could have been it was a minor injury at best. Had he been even a split second slower, he would be missing his entire head.
"Impressive, I really thought I had you there." Kokabiel chucked confidently, certain that he had taken control over the flow of the battle. "Oh well, I guess I'll just have to finish you up close."
Taking advantage of the fact that Takauji was still somewhat staggered, the Cadre decided to rush in. Swinging his Light-Sword down with speed he had kept hidden until now, and preparing to decapitate the Mage in one blow.
Idiot, you underestimated how overconfident I can be.
Little did he know, closing the distance had been a fatal mistake. Instead, he should've remained at a distance and ended Takauji with a projectile barrage.
SLICE!
Takauji moved at the last moment, causing Kokabiel to detach his left arm from his shoulder, instead of chopping his head off. And from the Fallen Angel's face alone, one could tell that he had realized his error much too late.
"An arm's all your worth anyway." With his sword still clasped, Takauji used every last drop of strength he had to swing at Kokabiel, lodging part of his blade into the Fallen Angel's neck.
"Haha, it's been so long that I forgot how quick battles end at this level. Good job young Mage, you've earned this victory."
"Thanks," with a single movement. Takauji followed through on his swing, slicing Kokabiel's head right off his shoulders. "You weren't so bad yourself." He said, looking down at the lifeless corpse of his opponent. Alongside his detached arm.
["How long will that take to regrow?"]
Probably a week, two tops. This body is capable of so much that I keep learning new things about it everyday.
["Hmm. But what if you were to have your head removed or your heart pierced, would you still regenerate then?"]
Doubt it. But who knows? Maybe I'm stronger than I know.
With still about a minute left in his [Balance Breaker], Takauji turned around to face the Devils. Noticing that Freed had already been defeated, and Cerberus was on its last legs.
Might as well lend them a helping hand.
THUD!
One cut was all he needed, and the Mage decapitated Cerberus in a single strike. Shocking everyone who had been fighting the monster until now. But what was even more shocking, was the fact that Takauji was in front of them, and Kokabiel was not.
"He's over there if you're curious." He pointed to Kokabiel's corpse with the tip of his elongated sword, a round of gasps going around those who looked at it.
"Your arm!" Akeno was the first to notice, covering her mouth with her hands as she watched his left sleeve flutter in the wind.
"Calm down, I'll get it back eventually." He nonchalantly waved her concerns off. "Anyhow, now that Kokabiel's dead I'll be going back home to get some much deserved shut-eye. Goodnight."
Feeling the need for any further conversation unnecessary, Takauji simply yawned and deactivated his [Balance Breaker]. Putting Fafnir back into [Vacio] as he started to walk away from the group.
"Wait," Rias called out to him.
"What is it?" He raised a brow.
"Kokabiel said you were collaborating with Azazel, the leader of the Fallen Angels. Was he telling the truth?" She asked in an accusatory manner. "And that Sacred Gear, he called it artificial didn't he? He also called it Azazel's creation."
Takauji remained silent, staring at her with a blank expression.
"Rias, obviously Kokabiel was just spreading lies for his own sick pleasure. Isn't that right, Taka?" Akeno decided to come to his defense.
However, the Mage continued his silence. Worrying the Queen even more.
"What would be the point in that Akeno? It's not like Kokabiel knew he was my contracted Magician."
Akeno wasn't sure how to respond, looking at Takauji with pleading eyes.
"Taka, please say something."
He sighed.
"Answer me this Rias, if I were working with the Fallen Angels then why would I kill Kokabiel? You said it yourself, there was no way Azazel and Kokabiel weren't on the same side."
She deliberated for a moment, remembering how Kokabiel claimed she was ignorant when she brought up the matter.
"To be fair, you haven't exactly been truthful with me as of late. First your strange evolution, then Kokabiel's claims, and even that Sacred Gear. Nothing's adding up, so what choice do I have other than to doubt you? You were just an ordinary human a few weeks ago, I don't find it outlandish to think that you were receiving outside help. However, I really don't want to believe that you're getting it from Azazel of all people. So if you have any evidence to support your innocence, I'd like to receive it now."
"Rias!"
"Stay out of this Akeno. This is between me and my contracted Magician."
Takauji only exhaled in response, bemused by Rias's first showing of any actual competence, and how humorous the timing of it was. Which only put a frown on his contractor's face.
"If you suspect me, then there really isn't a need for words is there? You know what you have to do."
Rias's mood continued to sour.
"And what would that be?"
"The contract, break it. It is your right as the holder."
"Wait–!"
"I told you to stay out of it didn't I?" Rias summoned the contract they had assigned. "Also, if you think you can corner me with a bluff, then you'll be sorely mistaken." She placed her fingers in a position to tear the piece of paper.
"Do it, I'm not bluffing." She couldn't read a single ounce of emotion on his face.
"I don't understand," Rias hesitated. "What do you have to gain by losing your contract with me? Are you really working with the Fallen Angels after all?" She didn't want to believe it, but his lack of expressiveness implied otherwise.
"Even if I was, do you think I'd tell you of all people? Break the contract, Rias Gremory." He pushed her again, leaving her no other choice lest she wanted to appear like a coward.
TEAR!
Akeno couldn't believe her eyes, watching in horror as the shreds of paper fell to the ground.
"There, from this day onwards you are no longer my contracted Magician. Ashikaga Takauji." In spite of the boldness of her words, there wasn't even a bit of confidence in them.
"Good. A High-Class Devil like you has no business having an Ultimate-Class Mage as a servant anyways." Takauji turned his back to her, continuing to walk away. "Farewell."
Perfect! Absolutely perfect! Thank you Kokabiel, now I'll be able to move forward with Azazel sooner than I anticipated.
"What just happened?" Issei felt the need to blurt out.
"I don't know, I seriously don't know." Kiba replied.
The final shackle on Takauji's growth, had been removed.
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As promised, this is the end of the Kokabiel incident, and now Taka's also been freed from his contract with Rias as he had hoped. Which means it's Azazel time woo-hoo.
Wonder how Taka's going to act now that there aren't any chains on him. Demon King go brrrrrr.
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Discord Link: KQAtTw9u7x
Word Count: 2386
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