[Kiba Side]

"My apologies for worrying everyone."

On the floor of the Gremory estate, I bowed deeply to Rias-buchou and the others.

During my battle with Siegfried, I'd sustained near-fatal injuries. Fortunately, Buchou and the team found me, and Asia's healing saved my life.

But I'd lost so much blood that we had to return to Gremory Castle for recovery.

Buchou placed a hand on my shoulder, shaking her head. "It's fine. You defeated Siegfried, after all. Plus, we've mostly cleared out the Old Demon Faction in that area, so there's no issue. …Your body's okay now, right?"

"Yes, no problems here," I replied.

"Good. We're heading to the capital next. Can you prepare accordingly?"

"Understood."

Just as I turned to follow Buchou's orders, I sensed multiple presences approaching.

"Sorry we're late," came a voice.

It was Xenovia, Irina, and Reyna.

Xenovia carried a long object wrapped in cloth, inscribed with magical runes and heavenly script.

—That must be the repaired Ex-Durandal.

Irina, too, had a new sword at her hip, radiating an intense, powerful aura.

…What kind of sword is that?

Curiosity tugged at me, but I pushed it aside to ask Reyna, "Weren't you with Azazel-sensei?"

"The Governor headed to the Underworld with Sirzechs-sama to keep an eye on Hades, the God of the Dead, and ensure he doesn't interfere during this crisis," Reyna explained. "I was ordered to join you all here."

I see.

The Old Demon Faction deployed a ton of Reapers in that pseudo-space, and they're tied to the Hero Faction. It's entirely possible Hades might meddle during the Underworld's crisis.

Xenovia turned to Buchou. "Buchou, have you heard anything about Issei? He still hasn't returned?"

"No… but I believe he's safe. It's Issei, after all."

"Yeah," Xenovia nodded. "No way that guy goes down easily. He's probably pining for our chests right now. He'll be back soon enough."

Xenovia's faith in Issei's return was unshakable.

Pining for our chests… Yeah, that sounds like him.

Irina chimed in, "So, what's the plan?"

Buchou switched on the large TV in the room. The screen flickered to life, showing massive magbeasts rampaging across Underworld territories, clashing with devils and allied warriors.

"Take a look! Lord Ajuka Beelzebub and his familia have developed a counter-spell! The magic arrays are dealing damage to the 'Beastfiends'!"

A reporter's excited voice narrated the scene from above. It seemed Ajuka Beelzebub and his team had crafted a spell program that was slowing the ferocious magbeasts, steadily wearing them down.

"It's a kaiju battle against Levi-tan!"

The channel switched, revealing Serafall Leviathan-sama.

…Wasn't she supposed to hold back from fighting?

Given the Hero Faction's involvement—especially Cao Cao—the Demon Lords and allied gods were meant to stay out of direct combat. If even one leader were pierced by the Holy Spear, it'd be catastrophic.

Buchou sighed. "She couldn't sit still during the Underworld's crisis. She took her familia and rushed out to the Demon Lord territories."

…Haha, that's so like her.

Immense icy magic filled the screen, transforming a vast wasteland into a frozen realm—Serafall Leviathan-sama's signature power. The "Beastfiend" caught in it was half-frozen, unable to move.

That's the might of Demon Lord Leviathan… Her magic is on another level.

Another channel showed Tannin-sama and his dragon familia cornering a "Beastfiend." With the counter-spell in play, even a beast like that couldn't withstand his flames.

"Go, Mother!"

The channel flipped again, revealing a nine-tailed fox unleashing massive flames on a "Beastfiend."

That's—Yasaka-san from Kyoto!

Behind her was Kunou-chan in miko attire, leading a horde of youkai in a wild rampage.

Kyoto's youkai forces had come to aid the Underworld. Issei would be thrilled to hear this.

"And there it is! One of the giant 'Beastfiends' has finally been taken down!"

The reporter's voice echoed as the screen showed a humanoid "Beastfiend" collapse, its body shattered beyond regeneration.

Nearby stood three women.

Miu and her team were the first to take down a "Beastfiend"!

Tiamat had mentioned knowing Ajuka Beelzebub. They must've gotten the counter-spell from him. Still, for just three of them to defeat a "Beastfiend"…

If Issei becomes a High-Class Devil and Miu and Alice join his familia, their team could rival the top tiers in the Rating Games. Or maybe I'm overthinking it?

Buchou groaned, watching the footage. "Impressive, as expected… At this rate, the remaining 'Beastfiends' will be dealt with in half a day. The real problem is—"

"The 'Super Beastfiend' heading for the capital, right?" a familiar voice interrupted.

I turned to see Rossweisse, clad in Valkyrie armor!

"Rossweisse!"

"Just got back from the Norse realms, Rias-san," she said.

She's back!

Rossweisse's expression turned serious. "I heard about Issei-kun. But I doubt he'd die so easily. He's probably chasing after everyone's chests and will show up soon."

…Even Rossweisse is saying that, Issei-kun.

Maybe the entire Gremory familia—no, all the girls in the Occult Research Club—think that way.

Honestly, I do too.

Siegfried mentioned Shalba had arrows coated with Samael's blood, which worried me, but Issei-kun's too cautious in battle to get hit by something like that.

So why hasn't he returned? What kind of accident could've happened?

For now, we just need Gasper, who's at Grigori's research facility, to rejoin us. Is he still there?

"Everyone! It's urgent!" Ravel's voice rang out as she rushed onto the floor.

She'd gone to fetch tea for us, but her face was grim as she reported, "The Sona familia, while escorting civilian evacuations in the capital… they've engaged in combat with members of the Khaos Brigade!"

—!

The news tightened everyone's expressions.

Buchou scanned us and said, "Let's go."

The capital of the Demon Lord territories—Lilith.

A sprawling metropolis in the Underworld, lined with skyscrapers and advanced transit systems.

An oversized magbeast, the "Super Beastfiend," was approaching. If it reached the city, the devastation would cripple Lilith's functions, sending shockwaves across the Underworld.

Currently, Lucifer's familia—led by Grayfia-sama—was holding the "Super Beastfiend" at bay, managing to stall it for now.

The news footage showed Grayfia-sama unleashing a wave of magic so immense it obliterated entire landscapes.

The "Silver-Haired Queen of Annihilation," the only female devil to rival Demon Lord Serafall Leviathan, and Demon Lord Sirzechs Lucifer's wife.

It's no wonder Buchou holds her sister-in-law in such awe.

Yet even Grayfia-sama's Lucifer familia hadn't landed a decisive blow.

What kind of grudge could create a monster like that?

Thanks to their efforts, civilian evacuations were nearly complete. The Sona familia and other young devils were checking for stragglers, while Sairaorg Bael was reportedly taking on the Old Demon Faction in the capital.

After contacting Miu's team, we—Gremory familia, Irina, and Reyna—teleported via the large magic array beneath Gremory Castle to the rooftop of a skyscraper in Lilith's northwest district.

Miu's team was heading to fight the "Super Beastfiend" alongside Lucifer's familia—a reassuring boost.

We left Ravel at the castle. As a guest, we couldn't involve her in combat.

…Though, what about Miu and Alice? Tiamat's a familiar, but those two are… Issei's relatives? Associates? Future familia members? They're already fighting, so it's a moot point.

Ravel reluctantly agreed to stay, though she was visibly frustrated at not being able to help.

"We'll head to Sona's group first," Buchou said.

We nodded and prepared to move when—

"Everyone! Thank goodness!" a voice called out.

It was Gasper!

"I was told I'd find you here by the Fallen Angels, but you took so long… I was lonely, but I'm so glad you're here!" he said, teary-eyed.

Finally, we'd reunited with him. Now only Issei was missing.

Once he's back, the Gremory familia will be complete!

"Gasper, I'm counting on the results of your training," Buchou said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Gasper looked down, his face pale. "…Y-Yes, I'll do my best… Wait, where's Issei-senpai?"

He started looking around for Issei.

He hasn't been told yet?

"Issei is—" Buchou began.

"Look!" Koneko-chan pointed in a direction.

We followed her gaze to see a massive black dragon wreathed in black flames, rampaging in the distance.

That's—Saji!

He's Dragon King-ified, fighting an opponent that strong!

We spread our wings and rushed to the scene.

We arrived at a wide boulevard lined with skyscrapers, now a battlefield. Buildings, roads, and public structures were heavily damaged, with fires blazing around us.

Thankfully, there were no signs of civilians. This area's evacuation seemed nearly complete.

"Rias-senpai!" a familiar voice called.

Turning, I saw the female members of the Sona familia protecting an overturned bus—filled with children.

I approached Meguri-san, one of Sona's Knights. "Meguri-san, what's going on?"

Tears in her eyes, she explained, "We were escorting this bus when we ran into the Hero Faction… They attacked the moment they saw us! The bus flipped from the impact, so we had to fight back… Kaichou, Fukukaichou, and Gen-chan are…!"

—!

Her words sent a jolt through us.

The Hero Faction!

For Saji to go Dragon King against such opponents…

"There!" Rossweisse shouted, pointing.

We looked to see Hercules, a Hero Faction member, gripping a bloodied Saji by the throat!

Nearby, Sona-kaichou lay on the ground, while Shinra-fukukaichou was locked in combat with Jeanne from the Hero Faction!

Hercules tossed Saji aside and stomped on Sona-kaichou's back.

"Guh!" she cried out.

Stomping on a fallen woman?!

Hercules sneered at Sona and Saji. "What's this? I heard you beat a Grand Duke in the Rating Games, but this is all you've got?"

"Don't mock us!" Shinra-fukukaichou shouted, tears streaming down her face. "You targeted a bus full of kids! Kaichou and Saji fought to protect them!"

Shinra-senpai, usually cooler than Kaichou, was so emotional. She must be furious.

The Hero Faction attacked a bus full of children? That's why Sona and Saji fought so desperately?

I couldn't hold back any longer.

"Demon Sword Creation…!" I called.

—!

I raised my hand toward Hercules and Jeanne, and countless holy-demonic swords erupted from the ground beneath them.

They leapt back, avoiding injury, but it forced them away from Saji and the others.

Drawing one sword, I stepped between Saji's group and the Hero Faction.

Jeanne's eyes widened at my weapon. "…Gram?! And those demonic swords at your waist…!"

"Yes, I defeated him," I said. "Gram and all of Siegfried's demonic swords chose me as their new master."

At my waist were Gram and every demonic sword Siegfried once wielded.

When I woke after passing out from our fight, his swords were stabbed into the ground around me. At first, I was shocked, but when I gripped them, I understood—they'd chosen me as their new master.

It's still surreal.

"Hah! If that guy lost to you, he was nothing special!" Hercules scoffed.

Seems camaraderie isn't strong among them.

"Don't underestimate him, Hercules. That's your bad habit," a voice said.

Mist swirled behind them, and a man appeared—Georg, the mist-user.

He glanced at us, sighing. "So, Siegfried's down too. If we keep tangling with the Gremory familia, we'll be wiped out."

Siegfried too…? Does that mean the "Beast Creation" boy is out of commission? Shalba Beelzebub did put him through some reckless spell in that pseudo-space.

Georg's gaze shifted to Saji, now under Buchou's protection, and he scowled. "Damn Vritra. Breaking those black flame curses took longer than expected. His curse and binding abilities live up to the legend."

"Hah! Taking down a Dragon King, even an immature one? That's a God-Killing Gear for you!" Hercules praised Georg.

So Georg led the attack that defeated Saji. With his magic prowess and God-Killing Gear, it makes sense he could overpower a Dragon King, especially with the Hero Faction targeting the kids' bus.

"Hold on!" Asia's gentle green aura enveloped Sona and Saji, healing their wounds.

"…Those kids were clinging to their Oppai Dragon dolls…" Saji muttered through his treatment. "If anything happened to them here… I'd never be able to chase his back again…"

Saji… you…!

I turned to Shinra-fukukaichou. "We'll handle this. Please focus on evacuating the kids."

"But…" she hesitated.

"Please. We'll pay them back for what they did to you and Saji. We've heard your feelings loud and clear."

"…Understood, Kiba-kun," she nodded, retreating to the bus.

Good. The kids should be safe now.

—All that's left is to cut these bastards down.

"Kiba-kun's showing off his princely charm to Fukukaichou-san! You're as bad as Issei-kun!" Irina teased, practically bouncing with excitement.

…Let's ignore that.

Georg studied me, narrowing his eyes. "Your aura's different from last time. That's how you beat Siegfried, isn't it? What did you do, Rias Gremory's Knight?"

"Let's just say the potential sleeping inside me woke up," I replied. "Or would you like me to show you? I'm so furious for what you did to my comrades, I might just cut you down right now."

"Interesting…" Georg smirked.

I summoned a holy-demonic sword, gripping it in a reverse stance and pointing it forward.

I wanted to slice them apart already, but first, I had questions.

"Why target that bus? And why are you in Lilith?"

Attacking kids didn't make sense. Even for the Old Demon Faction, targeting that specific bus seemed odd.

And why this city?

Siegfried said he was returning after failing to ally with Ajuka Beelzebub, but… could the Hero Faction have a hideout here?

Georg answered, "I'll start with the second question. We're just sightseeing."

"Sightseeing?" I echoed.

He nodded. "Cao Cao wanted to see how far that colossal 'Super Beastfiend' could invade, so we came to watch."

So they're here as Cao Cao's entourage?

…It's unsettling that Cao Cao himself is nowhere in sight. Is he watching from some vantage point?

"And the bus?" I pressed.

"We ran into it by chance," Georg said. "It just happened to have Vritra's Saji Genshirou and the Sona familia. They knew our faces, so combat was inevitable once we crossed paths."

…A chance encounter?

I could understand fighting after running into each other, but…

Hercules grinned provocatively. "I egged them on too. Watching magbeasts invade the city got boring, so I said, 'If you don't want us targeting the kids, fight.' And boom, battle started."

"I told him to hold back," Jeanne added.

"Did you?" Hercules laughed.

"Didn't I? Whatever, doesn't matter," Jeanne shrugged, both of them chuckling.

…They started a fight for such a frivolous reason?

And Saji fought to protect those kids…!

"You don't deserve to call yourselves heroes," I said, my anger reaching its peak.

Heroes, doing something so cowardly?

Don't make me laugh…

The heroes we know would never stoop so low!

A black-and-white aura from my holy-demonic swords enveloped me.

My clothes shifted into a black-based coat, and my sword morphed into a katana-like shape.

A dense, serene aura wrapped around me, holy and demonic powers surging in unison.

I swung my new holy-demonic sword, slicing through the raging wind—

"Forbidden Hand Second Layer—'Dual Sovereign Knight King.' I'll take you all on. Every last one of you will be cut down."

As I aimed my blade at them—

"Let me join in," a voice called.

A man stepped between us, accompanied by a massive lion cloaked in golden fur.

"I heard the Hero Faction was a group of heroes seeking to fight the supernatural, but it seems there's just a coward here. I'll take that big guy, Kiba Yuuto."

The man who defeated me, Xenovia, and Rossweisse with pure physical skill and went toe-to-toe with Issei-kun—

Sairaorg Bael had arrived.

[Kiba Side Out]

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