"Yaegaki-kun...! You...!"
Touji-san, his face twisted in agony from the poison coursing through him, lifted his head.
Yaegaki-san was pointing the blade of the Ame no Murakumo directly at Rizevim.
It was a move no one on this battlefield had anticipated.
And Rizevim himself was no exception. Tilting his head in exaggerated confusion, he addressed Yaegaki-san.
"Hehh? So I'm your enemy? Then what about that priest over there? Isn't he the hated foe who stole the woman you loved? Surely he is your real enemy. Look, he's writhing in pain from the poison. It's the perfect chance to finish him off, don't you think?"
Rizevim pointed a finger at Touji-san, trying to fan the flames of Yaegaki-san's vengeance.
Yaegaki-san narrowed his eyes, shifting his gaze solely to Touji-san.
...His resentment toward Touji-san likely hasn't vanished. He admitted earlier that he still holds hatred for the Church and the Devils of the Old Satan Faction.
Yet, he kept his blade trained on Rizevim.
"It is true that I hate the Director. I doubt I will ever be able to forgive him, no matter how many years pass."
"Then kill him already♪ One stab with that sword and it's over, right? If the others try to get in your way, Uncle will hold them back for you."
Rizevim spoke in that grating, playful tone.
In this situation, if he really wanted to stall us, he could. He could easily buy Yaegaki-san enough time to kill Touji-san.
However, Yaegaki-san closed his eyes and shook his head.
"No. I have decided not to kill him... Death is instant. That simply won't do. The Director must live on. He must continue to remember what he did to us for the rest of his days. Besides..."
Yaegaki-san turned his gaze toward me and Irina, where we lay battered on the ground.
And then, he smiled.
"She and I were never united. The era we lived in did not allow it. But these two... they live in an era where it is permitted."
"Then shouldn't you hate them even more? Isn't jealousy the normal reaction?"
"Indeed, I envy this era where they are accepted. I have thought countless times: if only we had been a little later. Honestly, it is frustrating. But... no, because of that frustration, I have decided to watch over them living in this age."
—I could not protect the one I loved.
—Can you truly protect her to the very end?
Yaegaki-san's eyes seemed to be asking me that. That was the weight I felt in his gaze.
We live in a turbulent era. Behind the peace treaties of the various mythologies, schemes and agendas fly back and forth. Malice we never expected could strike us from blind spots at any moment.
When that happens, can I really protect the people I cherish?
"You changed your mind pretty fast."
"I think so, too."
Rizevim snorted, and Yaegaki-san gave a self-deprecating smile in return.
The Ame no Murakumo began to cloak its blade in light—a holy aura. The malice of the Yamata no Orochi was gone; perhaps the sword had regained its original power.
"A Holy Sword born from an Evil Dragon, fallen to darkness. And I, a believer of the Church, reduced to an avenger. Yet now, the fallen sword has reclaimed its true power, and here I am, a former warrior of the Church, facing down the son of the Original Lucifer. Perhaps this sword and I make a good pair after all."
With those words, Yaegaki-san launched himself forward!
Unleashing a wave of holy energy from the blade, he charged straight at Rizevim!
"A fallen Holy Sword and a former Church warrior coming at me? And here I went to the trouble of bringing you back to life. You really think you can beat me?"
Rizevim fired several magic bullets at the approaching Yaegaki-san.
The dense, compressed magic sought to pierce him through.
But then, the holy aura leaking from the Ame no Murakumo swelled, swallowing Rizevim's magic whole.
Rizevim let out a voice of genuine shock.
"The holy aura took the shape of a dragon? And... eight heads? You've got to be kidding me."
The aura coating the blade had formed a dragon with eight necks.
It was the Yamata no Orochi, shining with divine brilliance.
Yaegaki-san spoke as he swung the sword.
"The evil chi of the Yamata no Orochi is gone. But it seems the Ame no Murakumo remembers."
The sword learned from the time the Orochi dwelled within it...? It's acting as a dragon wielding holy power?
I'm terrible with the technical stuff, so I don't know the logic...
But as he released the holy wave, the eight heads lunged at Rizevim in unison.
Rizevim blasted away a head with magic, but it regenerated instantly. When he tried to move into a blind spot, another head snapped at him, refusing to let him escape.
It was just like when we fought it.
A holy dragon chasing down the son of the Devil King.
"This is amazing. It just keeps coming. Even Uncle is having a hard time. —However. A fallen sword and its master aren't enough to take me down."
Rizevim slipped through the gaps between the eight heads and closed the distance to Yaegaki-san!
He grabbed the hand holding the sword, pinning it, and drove a palm strike into Yaegaki's chin!
Yaegaki-san was launched upward.
Floating in mid-air, he was defenseless as Rizevim's kick buried itself deep into his gut!
"Gah...!"
He bounced across the ground several times, vomiting blood as he rolled.
That single blow must have been devastating.
Even if resurrected by the Grail, he is still human. A direct hit from the son of a Maou, a 'Transcendent', is fatal.
Furthermore, he had already lost significant stamina fighting Xenovia and Irina. His body must have long since passed its limit.
"Sorry to cut the touching reunion short. But you weren't even a warm-up exercise for Uncle! Hyahyakhyakhya!"
His laugh still grates on my nerves...!
With that unpleasant cackle, Rizevim shifted his gaze to Asia.
"So, what about that young lady over there? Want to play with Uncle?"
He approached her, looking like he was having the time of his life.
But a golden dragon blocked his path—Fafnir.
『Asia-tan. Protect.』
"Oho? The Dragon King. Standing in my way? That looks fun, too. Want to have a go?"
Rizevim fired a magic bullet at Fafnir.
Fafnir didn't even try to dodge. He became Asia's shield, taking the blow head-on.
Dragon scales are hard. Even more so for a Dragon King.
But the blow from the Maou's son was potent; the impact site burst open, spraying blood.
"Fafnir-san!"
Asia immediately began healing the wound.
Rizevim seemed to find Fafnir's behavior amusing. Just like he did with me, he began firing magic bullets in rapid succession!
Fafnir's flesh burst with every impact, blood spraying into the air. Smoke rose from his entire body as he took heavy damage.
Yet, Fafnir did not retreat a single step.
—Because Asia is behind him.
Asia tried to jump in front to protect him. But Fafnir used his tail to gently cover her, refusing to let her pass.
If Asia came out, it was obvious Rizevim would gleefully target her. Fafnir understood that.
"Fafnir-san! Please run! At this rate you'll...!"
『Is okay. Me, protect Asia-tan. Absolutely, protect.』
Fafnir spoke to the weeping Asia as if to reassure her.
Even as he fell to his knees from the damage, he did not collapse.
No matter what, he would protect Asia to the end.
Rizevim roared with laughter at the sight.
"Hyahyakhyakhya! To think the Dragon King would put his body on the line to protect his little master! Seeing that just makes Uncle enjoy this even more! I want to hurt you more!"
His magical assault grew even more fierce!
Every shot became heavier, gouging deeper into Fafnir's body!
Suddenly, a dragon formed of holy aura appeared from the side, opening its massive jaws to swallow Rizevim.
"Hmm? Uncle is having fun over here, don't interrupt♪"
Rizevim dispelled it with a casual wave of one hand!
"Damn it...!"
Yaegaki-san cursed as his desperate attack was brushed aside effortlessly.
"Please stop! Why... why are you doing this...!? Fafnir-san!"
Asia screamed.
Bathed in a storm of magic bullets, Fafnir spoke.
『...Girl who smiled at me. Asia-tan was first. —So, protect. Me, living so I can die for Asia-tan anytime.』
"...!"
Asia covered her mouth, her eyes wide.
Fafnir continued, coughing up blood.
『...Me, just have big sturdy body. Just stronger than other dragons. Before I knew it, was Dragon King. Don't understand pride. But, one girl—Asia-tan, I can protect. I think, that is my pride.』
Fafnir... you... with that kind of resolve...
You're usually such a weirdo, but... you stayed by Asia's side with that kind of determination...?!
Asia sobbed, overwhelmed by the blood-soaked dragon's vow.
"...I beg you. Don't stand up anymore... Please run away... Please..."
No matter how many times Asia begged, Fafnir would not listen. He continued to shield her from Rizevim's attacks.
Unable to bear it any longer, Asia finally forced her way past Fafnir's tail and stood before Rizevim.
She spread her arms, shielding Fafnir this time.
"Please, stop this...! Why do you do such cruel things...?"
"I'm the son of the Devil King, you know? Doing bad things is only natural."
"...I, and Ise-san, and everyone... we just want to live in peace...!"
"Yeah, yeah, sure. Everyone wants to live in peace. So what?"
Slap.
A dry, sharp crack echoed through the air.
Rizevim had struck Asia.
"Kyah!"
Asia fell to the ground.
That sight... that was the one thing, the absolute one thing, that neither I... nor any of us could forgive.
...That bastard. He hit Asia... He hit Asia.
Me, Xenovia, Irina... we were all broken and battered.
But did we stay down? Hell no.
"Rizevim...! You piece of...!"
"How dare you hurt Asia!"
"I won't forgive you...!"
The three of us stood up, driven by Asia's danger.
Rizevim just laughed at us.
"Whoa, scary murderous intent. Did you snap because I hit the group mascot? Then, what happens if I do thiiis?"
Rizevim aimed his palm at the fallen Asia.
I ignored my screaming body and lunged forward!
I won't let you...!
I won't let you do it...!
Asia is my family...!
"I won't let yoooooooooooou!"
It was the moment I roared—
『...Unforgivable.』
Terrifying... A killing intent so potent it made the air tremble filled the surroundings.
A dangerous aura flooded my vision.
The blood-soaked golden dragon stood up, glaring at Rizevim with intensity that defied logic.
『...You, made Asia-tan cry. ...You hurt Asia-tan! Unforgivable... Unforgivable!』
With the damage he had taken, he shouldn't have had any stamina left.
Yet, in that state, Fafnir launched himself forward.
He opened his massive jaws, his eyes burning with madness, and attacked the son of the Maou!
『Made Asia-tan cry...! Made Asia cry...!』
A small silhouette emerged from the shadow at Rizevim's feet.
It was Lilith, Ophis's clone.
Appearing now meant she was programmed to emerge when Rizevim was in danger.
Lilith stood before Rizevim and deployed a defensive barrier, but Fafnir crunched right through it!
Lilith tried to punch Fafnir directly in the face, but Fafnir ignored the blow completely and swatted Lilith away with his foreleg!
Even if she is a clone, Lilith is half of Ophis. Her power is leagues above the norm.
And he blew her away in one hit!
Fafnir unleashed a torrent of flames at Rizevim!
Rizevim erased it easily, but Fafnir didn't stop!
He leaped high into the sky and spewed countless weapons from his mouth! Every single one was a legendary armament!
"Hyahyakhyakhya! That's some serious pressure, hey!"
Rizevim smiled, preparing a massive magic bullet to intercept the charging Fafnir!
But—just before reaching him, Fafnir vanished.
"An illusion!?"
Rizevim's eyes widened.
From behind him, a massive shadow closed in!
Rizevim instantly deployed a defensive magic circle, but in that split second—
"...Tch! You're kidding... right!?"
Rizevim's left arm flew into the air.
Fafnir's jaws had shattered Rizevim's defense like glass and ripped his arm clean off.
—The Reverse Scale.
Azazel-sensei told us about it once.
You must never anger a dragon. Even a lower-class dragon... if you touch that scale, the consequences are catastrophic.
Rizevim had touched the Dragon King's Gekirin—his Reverse Scale.
He carelessly hurt the one thing he should never have touched.
That was his greatest mistake.
『Exactly. Logic doesn't matter. The desire to protect, and the rage that comes with it... Feelings unleash power that transcends logic. Rizevim doesn't understand that.』
『Yeah, you're right. So, what will you do, Partner? Your spirit is burning just as hot.』
I'm going to war.
Fafnir is fighting while falling apart.
So these wounds on me? They aren't an excuse to stay down anymore.
I walked over to Irina and Xenovia.
"Irina, Xenovia. I'm going to bring the hammer down on that shitty geezer. Lend me your power—lend me Hauteclere and Durandal."
"I don't mind, but what are you planning?"
"I'll take in the holy aura and collide it with my magic power inside me to create an explosion. By smashing conflicting powers together, the energy should skyrocket."
A while back, Azazel-sensei showed me an artificial Sacred Gear he made in the past.
One of them was the... Blade of Flash and Blazer Shining Darkness.
The name is... well, it's that, but the thing had serious destructive power. Apparently, it worked by generating high-output light and darkness attributes simultaneously and smashing them together.
I'm going to use that as a reference.
Normally, it would be a dangerous gamble, but with the Sky Wings armor, I can do it. It excels at power control.
And besides—
『Issei isn't utilizing the full power of the Sky Wings yet. That form has my power mixed in. If you were using it fully, you should be able to wield at least a fragment of my strength.』
That's what Ignis said.
If I can unlock the hidden power of Ignis within the Sky Wings right now, maybe...
"Understood."
"Use them. Fight for us, too."
"Yeah, leave it to me!"
I accepted Hauteclere and Durandal from them.
Then, Yaegaki-san stumbled over to me on shaky legs.
"...Use the Ame no Murakumo as well. It should be of some help."
Saying that, he offered me the blade.
Our gazes crossed.
"Thank you."
With that, I donned the Armor of Heavenly Wings—Ten'yoku. I equipped the Ame no Murakumo to my right gauntlet.
It felt the same as when I fused Ascalon into the gauntlet. Normally, the gauntlet is only on my left hand, and Ascalon is already stored there, so I can only do this while in Balance Breaker.
Durandal and Hauteclere in my hands.
Ascalon in the left gauntlet, Ame no Murakumo in the right.
Clad in the Sky Wings.
I stood before Rizevim once again.
Seeing me, he laughed.
"Hyahyakhyakhya! Holding Holy Swords won't help you, useless is useless!"
I ignored his cackling and spoke to him in a quiet voice.
"Do you enjoy breaking things that are precious to people?"
"Ah? Of course I do! When they cry, Uncle gets so happy!"
"...Is that so. ...Rizevim, you don't understand a damn thing about 'Feelings'."
"Hyahyakhyakhya! Feelings? What can you do with that! How stupid, Red Dragon Emperor kid!"
Rizevim sneered.
I took a step forward.
"—Don't underestimate the power of 'Feelings'."
The wings of light spread wide.
Usually, red particles would drift from the gaps in the feathers. But this time, it was different.
Instead, rainbow-colored particles poured out, filling the air around us.
—In that moment, I felt like I could hear everyone's voices.
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