[Kiba Side]
We couldn't comprehend what just happened.
Vali, Sairaorg Bael, and even Cao Cao, mid-battle, widened their eyes in shock.
The moment Cao Cao's holy spear pierced Issei-kun, his body dissolved into red particles and vanished.
Issei-kun… disappeared?
But it wasn't like a devil being erased by holy power.
Cao Cao's expression confirmed that.
So where did Issei-kun go…?
As we scanned the area—
"!"
Vali let out a gasp.
His gaze fixed on Cao Cao's back.
There, the red particles were gathering, forming something.
And then—
"RAAAAAHHH!!"
Issei-kun, in his human form, drew Ascalon from his gauntlet and slashed at Cao Cao!
Caught off-guard, Cao Cao couldn't react in time, and the blade struck, blood spraying into the air!
Cao Cao, for the first time in this fight, took a serious wound!
"Guh…! Damn it!" Cao Cao grunted, manipulating a sphere to counter.
But Issei-kun grabbed his collar and slammed a headbutt into him!
The dull thud echoed to us.
And then—
Issei-kun's full-force left fist rocketed toward Cao Cao's face.
[Kiba Side Out]
BOOM!!
The rooftop of a building collapsed, the ground shaking with a massive tremor.
"Hah… hah… hah…"
Panting heavily, shoulders heaving, I watched the scene.
The exhaustion was unreal.
Not only did my Celestial Aeos deactivate, but my entire Forbidden Hand did too.
I wanted a break, but there was no time.
I had to chase Cao Cao.
Descending to the building where I'd slammed him, I found Cao Cao buried in rubble.
A deep gash ran from his left shoulder to his abdomen, bleeding profusely.
The feedback from Ascalon told me it reached bone.
His right eye, bloodied, was completely crushed.
That Medusa's eye was too dangerous, so I aimed for it.
"Gah… what was that…!?" Cao Cao spat, coughing up blood as he struggled to sit up.
Despite the pain, he was clearly analyzing what just happened.
He probably wouldn't figure it out.
Meeting his gaze, I answered his question.
"I sublimated my entire being into aura, breaking down my body once. Call it 'Quantization,' I guess."
"No way…!? That's… even if possible, it's…!" Cao Cao's face was disbelief.
Understandable, given the mechanics.
What I did was practically suicide.
One mistake, and my body wouldn't reform—I'd be gone for good.
But I had confidence in something.
"The Third Layer—Celestial Aeos's traits are maximizing my sword Ignis's power, enabling integrated offense and defense, and… pushing aura control to its absolute limit."
It's a technique that drains me physically and mentally.
Even in Celestial Aeos, I can only use it in critical moments.
Like Longinus Riser, I can't spam it.
"Even so, actually doing that is insane," Cao Cao said.
"When you're certain, it's different," I replied. "Plus, when she's crying like that, I had to do it. I can't die, you know."
Miu's tearful plea not to die pushed me.
A little risk was nothing compared to that.
I pointed Ascalon at Cao Cao. "So, what now? Got Phoenix Tears? I know you do. My injuries are already healed."
During Quantization, I rebuilt my body, fixing the damage.
I'm exhausted, but the pain's gone.
"You're beyond extraordinary," Cao Cao said. "Even with Phoenix Tears, I've lost too much blood. In a straight fight, you'd overpower me."
He used his spear as a crutch to stand.
Yeah, makes sense.
With that blood loss, even sealing the wound wouldn't let him fight properly.
My Forbidden Hand's down from Quantization, but I could manage a base Forbidden Hand… for a few minutes, tops.
"Then… 'Radiant Dominion True-Idea,'" Cao Cao declared.
—!
His words shocked me.
"If you pulled off a miracle, I'll show you one too."
Trembling, Cao Cao raised his spear and chanted, "O spear, the true spear that pierces gods—draw up the ideals of the hegemon within me, tear through the boundary of blessing and destruction. Speak your will and become radiance—"
As he chanted, the spear's tip opened wide, radiating immense light.
This holy aura's output is insane…
Vali said it's close yet far from Juggernaut Drive.
I don't know its abilities, but if Juggernaut Drive is destruction incarnate with rampage risks, is Cao Cao's power similar—massive strength at the cost of losing control?
I gripped Ascalon, heightening my guard.
Then—
The spear's light began to fade.
The opened tip returned to normal.
Cao Cao stared, speechless. "…It didn't activate?"
A misfire?
The pressure from the spear diminished, and even Cao Cao's Forbidden Hand deactivated.
"So that's your 'Will,'" Cao Cao muttered. "It chose the Red Dragon Emperor over my ambitions."
"What's that mean?" I asked, confused.
He exhaled, explaining, "The 'Radiant Dominion' involves the Biblical God's 'Will.' It absorbs the wielder's ambitions and creates varied effects—miracles—based on the opponent's existence. It could be overwhelming destructive power or a blessing to win their heart. But against you, its answer was to observe… no, it stripped my power."
Stripped his power…
The holy spear rejected Cao Cao?
"So the spear acknowledged my victory?" I asked.
"Exactly," Cao Cao said. "If it wanted my ambitions to continue, it'd have healed me or unleashed immense power…"
Got it.
The Biblical God's 'Will' decided this fight's outcome.
From Cao Cao's words, he can't activate his Forbidden Hand now.
"One question," Cao Cao said, kneeling.
"What?"
"In Kyoto, I spoke of my view of heroes, and you rejected it outright. So, what's a hero to you?"
—The pinnacle of humanity, slaying mighty beasts. That's what heroes are, right?
Cao Cao's words from Kyoto.
What is a hero?
I completely denied his view.
It was wrong.
The heroes I've seen weren't like that.
"Have you ever been cheered for?" I asked.
"…?" Cao Cao frowned, puzzled.
I pressed further. "Has anyone called you a 'hero'?"
"—!" His eyes widened, words catching in his throat.
I continued, "To me, a hero isn't self-proclaimed. More than that, you don't become a hero by wanting to be one. I've been called a hero, but I've never thought of myself as one."
Take Asta Ard, for example.
Everyone called my deeds great, but I don't think they're a big deal.
Without everyone's help, we wouldn't have peace.
I got here because of them.
"Challenging the supernatural makes a hero? That's just the result. Heroes protect someone, defeating mighty foes. They don't wield power for themselves. The moment you seek to be a hero, you can't be one. Even if you're a hero's descendant."
"…Chosen by the holy spear, bearing heroic blood, I thought I had to be a hero," Cao Cao muttered, a self-deprecating smile forming. "That's why I lost to you. I was too obsessed with heroic lineage…"
At that moment, someone appeared.
A man in pure white armor—Vali—descended from the collapsed rooftop, looking down at Cao Cao.
"What's wrong, Cao Cao? You've lost your usual vigor," Vali said.
"Hey, Vali… your rival's the real deal. He broke my spirit completely," Cao Cao replied.
"I'm not finishing you off," Vali said. "Radiant Dominion failed, huh? You tried it earlier?"
"Yeah… the Biblical God's 'Will' in the spear chose Issei Hyoudou," Cao Cao said.
Vali laughed amusedly. "I see. I should've taken you out in that pseudo-space. Looks like the right to defeat the Red Dragon Emperor belongs to me."
"…I wanted to beat him," Cao Cao muttered.
Hey, stop with the bromance vibes, you two!
It's creepy!
I'll finish you both off!
"Yeah, I'll take down Issei Hyoudou," Vali added.
"My friend's super popular, huh?" Kiba chimed in.
Argh!?
Now it's getting even more bro-heavy!
Sairaorg and Kiba too!?
This is turning into a nightmare…
Why're you all giving me those intense stares!?
I wanna go home… to everyone.
To Miu and the others…
I just wanna hug Miu tight!
"…Two Heavenly Dragons, the Lion King, the Holy-Demonic Sword… too much for me in this state. No, am I even able to fight anymore? Losing Leonardo already checkmated me. Or maybe messing with you all was my downfall…" Cao Cao said.
A familiar mist enveloped us.
A figure emerged—Georg, battered.
Missing an eye and arm, his left leg blackened.
Wounds from Gasper…
"Georg…" Cao Cao said.
"We weren't entirely wrong…" Georg began.
Cao Cao shook his head. "No, we were wrong from the start. We didn't truly understand what 'hero' means. That's why we lost."
"…I see," Georg replied.
Taking Cao Cao's hand, Georg activated a teleportation circle.
Sairaorg and Kiba moved to stop them, but the holy spear flashed blindingly, stealing our vision.
What… even after saying it rejected him, it still had that much power?
Sairaorg's punch cut through the air, slowed by the spear's light.
The hero's descendants were gone—
"Why didn't you chase Cao Cao?" Vali asked.
I sheathed Ascalon in my gauntlet, exhaling deeply. "He won't get up for a while. I broke his core."
"I see. But he's chosen by the holy spear. He might stand in your way again," Vali said.
"Then I'll punch him down again," I replied. "If he wields that power without understanding what a hero is, I'll make sure he never gets up."
I'm soft, I know…
Sorry, everyone, but if it comes to that, I'll take responsibility and finish him.
Vali just smirked at my words.
"Ddraig…" Albion said.
"Don't say it, Albion… I want to cry too… Why does he recover with breasts…!?" Ddraig wailed.
Hey!
Don't ruin the serious mood, Ddraig!
Sure, it was shocking for you, but still!
A new presence appeared.
Arthur, in gentlemanly attire, stepped from a teleportation circle.
"Vali, everyone's heading here. As planned, we caused a stir," Arthur said.
"Thanks," Vali replied, turning to leave.
Arthur glanced at Kiba. "Yuuto Kiba. You seem the most fitting swordsman for my Holy King Sword, Caliburn. When Vali settles things with Issei Hyoudou, I'll seek a duel with you. Until then, let's wish each other good health."
With that, Arthur left with Vali.
Kiba met his challenge with a bold smirk.
I looked at the demonic swords at Kiba's waist.
Seriously, how far will this guy's power grow in such a short time…?
Second Layer, new demonic swords…
I'll have to check them out later.
"I've kept my familia waiting," Sairaorg said, heading to the window. "Time to go."
"Thanks, Sairaorg-san. See you," I said.
"Hm. Next time we meet, will you be a High-Class Devil?" he asked.
"Haha… if I pass…" I replied.
"You'll be fine," Sairaorg said. "If you pass, come to Bael territory. We'll raise a toast."
With that, he leaped from the window.
"I'll get everyone," Kiba said, following him out.
Alone, I slumped to the ground. "Man… I'm beat…"
Quantization's made my body feel like lead.
"Obviously. Don't overuse that technique," Ddraig warned.
I know.
I don't want to use it much…
Right after returning, I pulled off Longinus Riser and Quantization.
Talk about overdoing it…
I'll wait here until Kiba brings everyone.
I don't wanna move if I can help it.
Leaning back to lie down, my head hit something soft…
"Good job," a voice said.
"Oh, Ignis? Giving me a lap pillow?" I asked.
"You'd get a headache lying on rubble," she replied.
"True," I agreed.
Ignis ran her fingers through my hair, smiling. "It's been a wild ride since the promotion exam. Non-stop battles."
"No kidding."
I just want to rest for a while.
The exam study, then these intense fights—it's been relentless.
And Ignis's prank with Ophis was no joke…
Maybe I should punish her?
"Red Dragon Emperor, sleeping?" a small hand touched mine.
Ophis was there, unnoticed.
"I'm awake, Ophis," I said.
Come to think of it, Ophis went along with Ignis's prank…
Yeah, I can't let Ignis near Ophis—it's dangerous.
She might teach her who-knows-what.
Gotta plan some countermeasures…
"Let's go home, Ophis. To our house—with everyone," I said.
"I return to the Red Dragon Emperor's home," Ophis said, her cute smile lighting up.
It's over, for now.
Time to head back—
Oh… crap…
Midterms are coming up…
I teared up at the harsh reality.
[Azazel Side]
Hearing the report of the "Super Beastfiend" and "Mighty Beastfiend" defeats, the tension here was easing.
Serzechs, learning of the victory, dissipated his destructive magic, returning to normal.
When he heard of Issei's return, his destructive magic's wrath noticeably softened.
I felt the same, honestly…
Issei's return was dramatic, as always.
Declaring war on Hades? Didn't see that coming.
When Grayfia sent the footage, I was floored.
A pillar of light piercing the Underworld's sky.
Even from the video, it looked ten kilometers tall.
The power's wave reached us.
…It could easily erase a god-class being.
The God-Slaying Tool's true power unleashed.
Hades and his reapers were visibly shaken by the footage.
Other reapers aside, seeing Hades rattled was rare.
I wanted to record it and share it with every mythology's leaders.
Vali's team stirred things up and left smoothly.
Their efficiency's top-notch, as always.
I sent our Blade Dogs away too.
No need for them here anymore.
It's good we didn't have to erase Hades.
Rotten as he is, he's a necessary god of the Underworld.
His erasure would disrupt every world.
My real thoughts?
Obvious.
Die, you old skeleton.
But adults keep those thoughts locked away.
I endure.
As I prepared to give Hades a warning and leave, a reaper reported to him.
"Lord Hades, most reapers in the temple are frozen," he said.
"Your doing, Joker?" Hades's eye sockets gleamed dangerously.
Dulio rubbed his shoulder casually. "Well, had to do something, or Michael-sama would scold me. Meant to freeze just the shady reapers, but it was a hassle, so I froze everyone in the temple. Bad habit, sorry. Amen."
His carefree attitude and quips—
But he's strong.
Heaven's trump card, the Joker, lives up to his name.
We stopped Hades's interference before it began.
That old skeleton was definitely planning something.
Preventing it was a major win.
"We'll pursue the Samael matter later," I declared.
Hades didn't respond.
As we left, Serzechs spoke. "Lord Hades, we apologize for the sudden visit."
He bowed politely but unleashed intense pressure. "Let me be clear—there won't be a next time. If there is, I'll erase you."
"Hahaha, nice eyes. I'll remember that," Hades laughed.
Laugh all you want, skeleton.
Piss off our hero and red-haired Demon Lord, and they'll erase you without hesitation.
At the gate connecting the Underworld and Hades's realm, Dulio returned to Heaven, leaving just me and Serzechs.
"Gotta find a new job," I said.
Serzechs narrowed his eyes. "…So it's come to that."
"Yeah. Letting Ophis meet Issei and the others was a treaty violation. I'll be sacked. I'm stepping down as Governor."
"But Ophis coming here is a huge deal. A feat," Serzechs said.
"That's Issei's doing," I replied.
His ability to draw people in is astounding.
Nothing can ignore him now.
"But…" Serzechs started.
I held up a hand. "It's fine. I'm me. Just a title change. And I'm retiring from the front lines. Thanks to you and Michael, I've got great students. Watching over them is enough for my retirement."
With Issei's Occult Research Club and Vali's team, I don't need to fight.
I'll focus on supporting them.
Serzechs chuckled. "You sound like an old man all of a sudden."
"I look young, but I'm ancient. Older than you. Respect your elders, kid."
"Fair. I'll say that formally," Serzechs teased. "But, Azazel, before retiring, you should find a wife…"
"Shut up!!"
Every damn time we meet, it's "wife this, wife that"!
Why torment a bachelor!?
Tch, whatever!
This incident's over.
Maybe I'll take the idiots on a hot spring trip next.
No, wait—the promotion exam results come first.
Kiba and Akeno should be fine.
As for Issei… we'll see.
[Azazel Side Out]
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