Kazuki Fuwa once pointed this out to Yumi during their morning training.
Ever since then, she had been exploring uses for her [Sword Birth] ability beyond its Balance Breaker form.
Then, one day, Yumi and Kazuki watched an anime together.
Inspired by a technique used by one of the characters, she developed [Sword Birth Meteor: Sword Birth Me-teor].
Her [Sword Birth] ability allowed her to create devilic swords. Creating them in her hand was the simplest method, but she had always been able to create multiple swords from the ground to attack her enemies.
So, she theorized that she could also create and launch swords from a designated location. After much training, she had finally mastered the technique.
The maximum number of swords she could currently create at once was eight. The number was still small, and her control was imperfect, but she could continue the attack as long as her magical energy held out.
Most importantly, it was a significant evolution for her, who had previously only been capable of close-range combat, to now possess a long-range attack option.
"—I've been defeated. As frustrating as it is, I shall withdraw. Should the opportunity arise, let us have a rematch…"
After uttering those parting words, Shinra Tsubaki fled. It was regrettable, but there was nothing for it.
Right now—
"Xenovia!?"
By the time Yumi turned around, Xenovia was already fading into a pillar of light.
"————"
She gave Yumi a firm, confident nod, then vanished into the light with a smile.
[Rias Gremory-sama's Knight, one retired.]
An announcement echoed through the parking lot, where Yumi now stood alone.
"...Another reason I can't afford to lose has been added."
Clenching her fist tightly, she resumed her advance.
Having taken down Saji, Issei and Koneko resumed their advance.
That was fine, but there was one concerning issue: the black line connected to Issei's right arm wouldn't disappear.
Even though Saji, the one who created it, was defeated, the sinister black line remained, stretching deep into the shopping mall. It was seriously fucking creepy.
Since even Koneko's power couldn't snap it, they concluded they'd need to meet up with Yumi or Xenovia to have it severed by a Holy Sword.
Right then, an announcement declared that one of their Knights and Sitri's Knight and Rook had retired. Taking out two enemies was good news, but they'd also suffered a loss.
'Which one is it?' Issei thought.
"Most likely, it was Xenovia-senpai..."
'Yeah,' he thought so too.
Yumi had survived until the end in the Rating Game against Riser, and lately, she had been getting strong at an insane rate. Honestly, it was hard to imagine Yumi being taken out.
If that was the case, Xenovia must be pissed. She was so pumped for her first game too...
"Offense team, can you hear me? I'm issuing instructions for our next strategy."
As Issei was pondering this, a communication from Rias came through.
The game was finally entering its climax.
At the center of the shopping mall was an open area like a plaza. There, President Sona, shrouded in a defensive barrier, stood silently.
Maintaining the barrier were the two 'Bishops,' second-year students Momo Hanakai and Reya Kusaka. And the sinister black line connected to Issei was extending from a bag held by Hanakai.
"Good afternoon, Issei Hyoudou-kun, Koneko Toujou-san. ...I see. So it was you two who defeated Saji and Ruruko."
President Sona's cold, analytical gaze pierced through Koneko and Issei. Then, seemingly appearing from nowhere, Vice-President Shinra Tsubaki landed beside the President, raising her longsword into a ready stance.
According to the message from the club president, she should have been seriously wounded from her fight with Yumi, yet Shinra showed no signs of injury. That could only mean the President had used a 'Phoenix Tear' on her.
"How unusual, Sona. For someone as cautious as you to appear on the front lines yourself."
From behind Koneko and Issei, Rias, Akeno, Asia, and Kuroka revealed themselves.
Furthermore, Yumi appeared from the opposite direction, completely encircling Sona and her group.
"You're still as proactive as ever, Rias."
"This game is reaching its conclusion regardless. Besides, if the 'King' does not move, the servants will not follow."
"Heh, you haven't changed your philosophy, I see... Very well, let us settle this."
Just as the final battle was about to commence, Issei Hyoudou staggered, dropping to one knee.
Asia hurriedly tried to heal him, but it had no effect. It was then that Koneko realized Issei's life force was rapidly draining away.
"It's useless, Rias. The power of the Red Dragon Emperor is indeed a threat. But more troublesome than anything is Issei Hyoudou himself. The sheer 'guts' he showed in the Riser match, never giving up, and the 'explosive power' he displayed against the White Dragon Emperor... even in defeat, he would inspire all of you. Therefore, he will be removed from play before he can accomplish anything. Saji laid the groundwork for this perfectly."
Hanakai pulled out the object connected to the line from her bag—'was that a blood pack?'
'They'd been had! That damn line had been siphoning Issei-senpai's blood the entire time!' Koneko thought.
Losing half his blood volume would be a lethal amount. In that state, he'd be judged incapacitated and forcibly teleported out. All that stalling was for this!
Yumi created a dagger and severed the line, but it was too late. Blood sprayed from the severed line, painting the surroundings crimson.
"Sh-shit...!"
Issei collapsed into the expanding pool of his own blood, emitted a faint light, and vanished.
[Rias Gremory-sama's Pawn, one retired.]
A cold, merciless announcement echoed through the area.
They had been completely and utterly outplayed. 'If only I had noticed Issei-senpai's dwindling life force sooner! Nee-sama would have surely noticed.' Fury at Koneko's own inadequacy burned within her.
"...You've done it now, Sona!"
Rias glared at the President, her voice trembling with rage. The President, however, met her gaze with the same cold, analytical eyes, a faint, condescending smirk playing on her lips.
"Heh, you never change, Rias. Your deep affection for your servants is one of your strengths, but in a Rating Game, it becomes a weakness. A 'King' must always remain calm."
"...You're right. But I wonder, can you stay calm when you're the one cornered?"
"What do you mean...!!?"
At that moment, a look of sheer astonishment flashed across the face of the always-composed Sona.
"Impossible... Why are you here, Akeno...!?"
At the President's words, the expressions of the Sitri peerage members present shifted dramatically.
Simultaneously, the figures of Rias, Akeno, and Kuroka that were standing there flickered and dissolved into nothingness.
"An illusion...!?"
"That's right. The Rias, Akeno, and Kuroka you saw there were illusions created by magic. Kuroka's techniques are quite impressive, wouldn't you agree?"
The sound of Rias's voice coming from Asia's communication device made the Sitri twist their faces in bitter frustration.
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