The suite at the top of the inn was thick with tension. Tenra, Azazel, Rossweisse, and Serafall huddled around a map, voices low and urgent as they plotted their next move against the Hero Faction.
"Just got word—Hero Faction operatives are popping up all over Kyoto. We're stretched thin," Azazel reported, frowning.
"Other sectors are barely holding it together. No chance of reinforcements," Serafall added, her usual cheer replaced by grim resolve.
"I've received news too," Azazel continued. "Old Satan Faction remnants are rioting in Gremory territory. Rias and my peerage have gone to the Underworld to help. They won't make it back in time."
Serafall sighed. "Yare yare… Looks like it's just us."
After a round of debate, they settled on splitting into three teams.
Serafall would lead a mixed force—devils, angels, fallen angels, and youkai—to guard Kyoto's outskirts, cutting off enemy support and escape routes. Sona's peerage—Yura Tsubasa, Meguri Tomoe, Kusaka Reya, and Hankai Momo—would join her.
Azazel would command the remaining fighters, patrolling the skies above Kyoto, ready to respond to emergencies and intercept any Hero Faction members stirring up trouble.
The final group—Tenra and his girls—would head straight for Nijo Castle to stop whatever experiment Cao Cao had planned.
Azazel clapped Tenra on the shoulder, a teasing grin on his face. "Kid, you've got the toughest job and not enough hands, but if anyone can pull this off, it's you. We're counting on you."
Tenra smirked. He knew Azazel was counting not just on Asia, Rossweisse, and Renare, but also Katerea, the magicians, and even Tenra's second peerage—assets he hadn't revealed yet. If he faced Cao Cao's group with only his core team, they'd be outnumbered and outmatched.
"I'll deal with Cao Cao. But any Sacred Gear users we capture—hand them over to me," Tenra said, his tone firm.
Azazel waved him off. "Wouldn't dream of forgetting. Hahaha…"
With the plan set, everyone sprang into action. Azazel and Serafall left to deploy their forces. Tenra lingered—there were still loose ends to tie up.
By nightfall, Tenra and his group would inevitably clash with Cao Cao at Nijo Castle. Maybe all of Kyoto would become a battlefield. Kunou had returned to the Youkai District, organizing the evacuation of civilians to safety. As for the teachers and students on the school trip—Tenra's team would handle them.
Barriers alone wouldn't guarantee safety. Tenra had Rossweisse cast sleep magic on every teacher and student, then stowed them all in Sancta Diabolus—even the kendo club girls.
"President, I'm strong now! Let me help!" Kiryuu Aika clung to Tenra, pleading.
Her enthusiasm was admirable, but Tenra shook his head. "This isn't like fighting Kunou's youkai. These enemies are the real deal. Even a small fry could wipe you out a hundred times over. Get inside—and don't argue."
Ignoring her protests, Tenra tossed Kiryuu Aika into Sancta Diabolus with the others.
"That's everything. Let's move."
Night had fallen. Tenra and the girls finished their preparations and headed for Nijo Castle.
Tenra's crimson wings unfurled. He scooped up Asia and shot skyward. Renare shifted into her fallen angel form; Rossweisse donned her Valkyrie battle gear, flanking Tenra on either side.
Mid-flight, Tenra spotted Kunou approaching, wrapped in spiritual light.
"Kunou? What are you doing here?" He slowed, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Tenra-sama, please let me come with you." The fox princess hovered before him, voice trembling.
"I thought you were managing the youkai evacuation."
"I asked Aunt Fox Sage and Grandpa Crow Tengu to help. I want to rescue Mother with you."
"We'll be fighting. It'll be dangerous."
"I'll protect myself. Please, Tenra-sama." Her voice broke. "I'm so worried about Mother. I… I…"
Tears welled in Kunou's eyes. Asia reached out, her own eyes soft with sympathy. Tenra hesitated, then sighed.
"Fine. You can come—but you listen to me, understand?"
Kunou nodded fiercely. "I'll do whatever you say!"
With Kunou joining, the party of five soared toward Nijo Castle. They landed in the empty grounds—civilian evacuation had left the ancient fortress eerily silent.
Tenra raised a hand. Instantly, Katerea, dozens of female magicians, and fifteen battle nuns led by Semilia appeared, summoned and ready.
"Master."
"Tenra-sama."
Briefed in advance, the women showed no surprise. They bowed and took their places behind Tenra.
Rossweisse glanced around. "It's been ages and they still haven't shown. Is Cao Cao playing us?"
Tenra's lips curled. "No. They're here."
As he spoke, a thick mist rolled across the grounds. Silhouettes began to materialize—dozens, then hundreds—each one radiating power.
The Hero Faction.
At their head stood Cao Cao, holy spear slung over his shoulder, a cocky grin on his face.
"Sorry for the wait, Tenra Kamiyo. Had to prep a few things. Hope you weren't too bored."
"Mother!" Kunou's cry cut through the night.
Tenra followed her gaze. Standing beside Cao Cao was a striking woman in a kimono, fox ears and tail unmistakable—a mature, regal version of Kunou herself. Yasaka.
"Mother, it's me—Kunou! Wake up!" Kunou's voice cracked, but Yasaka stared ahead, vacant, unresponsive. Kunou's anger flared.
"What did you do to my mother, you monsters?!"
Cao Cao shrugged. "Sorry, Princess. We need your mother for a little experiment."
"Experiment? What kind?" Tenra's voice was icy.
Cao Cao's smile widened. "No harm telling you now. We're using the Nine-Tailed Leader as a medium for a massive ritual. The goal? Summon the legendary dragon—Great Red."
The words hung in the air. Even Rossweisse and the magicians froze in shock. Tenra's heart hammered.
Summon Great Red? These lunatics really have lost their minds.
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