[Kiba Side]

Descending the underground stairs, we faced only two minor skirmishes, reaching this point with ease.

Outside, battle sounds intensified, stray attacks damaging the castle.

"No stray shots down here, though," Azazel said with a wry smile.

Earlier, a stray projectile crashed through a window as we moved through a corridor. Close call.

Reaching the first underground level, we found an open, brightly lit space.

Ahead—dozens of vampire soldiers, armored, wielding swords and spears, their red eyes radiating killing intent. At least a hundred, former humans with shadows and lively skin, but high physical prowess despite weaker vampire traits.

Azazel conjured a light spear. "Who's up? There's a lot. With tougher foes ahead, we shouldn't waste energy here."

"Azel, you've got work later. Don't burn out now," Akeno said.

Only Azazel could handle the Grail, a delicate Longinus, requiring his expertise to save Valerie.

"As supervisor, you should command from the rear in group battles," Reina added.

Azazel grinned. "Alright, I'll leave it to the young ones."

Xenovia hefted Durandal. "I'd love to start with Durandal's aura, but that's unwise, right?"

Rias nodded. "It's not for spamming. Save it for evil dragons."

"Xenovia, think a bit! I thought you'd learned some finesse, but it's all power with you!" Irina teased.

Xenovia tilted her head. "With Kiba here, I feel like I don't need to bother with finesse."

That's not how it works, Xenovia! You're a 'Knight' too—don't dump technique on me!

Sigh…

"Yuto-senpai, do your best," Koneko encouraged.

Thanks, Koneko. I'll try.

Irina apologized. "Sorry, Kiba-kun. Xenovia's always been like this. She fills gaps when needed, but when we're covered, she slacks off."

So that's why her cool image faded. Got it.

Xenovia pouted, twitching. "Rude! I think every day!"

Such unconvincing words! The old Xenovia had dignity, but now?

Miu asked, "What do you think about?"

"How to make good kids with Issei," Xenovia replied.

Knew it—no real thinking!

Rias rubbed her forehead. "What now? Individual takedowns? This number will take time."

Two figures stepped forward.

"No problem," Lougar said.

"Let us handle it," Bennia added.

They'll take on this crowd?

I haven't seen them fight, so I don't know their strength.

Bennia summoned a scythe taller than herself from subspace. "Gotta earn my keep."

With a casual tone, she glided forward, slicing into the vampires.

"Here comes the reaper girl!" she taunted, creating afterimages with her speed, confusing the vampires.

They slashed at her, hitting only afterimages, unable to touch her.

Those aren't magical illusions—just pure speed.

"See me, and you're done for," Bennia said, cutting down soldiers. No visible wounds, but they collapsed instantly.

Azazel explained, "Her scythe, Deathscythe, reaps souls without physical damage. The soul damage depends on skill, but downing enhanced vampires in one strike? Bennia's no joke. Top-tier reaper's daughter, indeed."

We've fought reapers before—Hades's minions during the Hero Faction's attack. Bennia's clearly stronger, with sharp, swift strikes boosted by her 'Knight' piece.

"Good match with her piece. Study her, Xenovia," Azazel said.

"Is that sarcasm?" Xenovia asked.

Haha… Xenovia's fast, but…

As Bennia carved through, Lougar shed his coat, revealing a chiseled physique.

"Let's go," he muttered, his body pulsing and bulging, tearing his clothes.

Fangs grew, his face became beastly, claws extended, and gray fur sprouted.

ROOOOAR!

A beast's roar echoed. He's a werewolf.

Vampires gasped. "A werewolf!?"

"A devil-reborn werewolf!?"

Vampires and werewolves are ancient rivals—natural enemies. No wonder they're shaken.

"I'm used to vampires. No mercy," Lougar growled, charging and shredding them with claws.

Their weapons didn't scratch him; their blades chipped instead.

Werewolves are top-tier beastmen, with high strength and durability, enhanced by his 'Rook' piece.

Bennia added, "Lougar's no ordinary werewolf."

Magic circles glowed on his arms, conjuring flames he used to pummel vampires.

He uses magic too!?

Bennia grinned. "He's a hybrid of a famed witch and a renowned gray-furred werewolf clan. A cheat wolf guy."

Incredible.

"Sona picked a gem for her 'Rook,'" Rias said, impressed.

Strong attacks, tough body, magic, and agile speed. Bennia's no slouch either, mopping up Lougar's leftovers.

Sona scored amazing talent.

Footsteps echoed from behind.

"Reinforcements? Annoying timing," Azazel cursed.

Miu raised her hand toward the door, deploying a massive magic circle.

"Gah! What's this!?" vampires groaned, immobilized.

"Gravity magic to stop them. Won't last long—I'm saving power," Miu said with a wink.

"Well done. Your magic's handy. Bennia, Lougar, can we leave this to you?" Azazel asked.

"Of course. It's why we're here," Bennia replied, swinging her scythe.

"Sona's orders are strict. Time to adapt to devil battles," Lougar said, tearing through vampires.

We nodded, weaving through the fight to the next staircase.

Rias turned back. "We're counting on you, Bennia, Lougar!"

They gave thumbs-ups—reliable allies.

Leaving the floor to Sitri's newcomers, we descended.

[Kiba Side Out]

Summoning Tiamat, I ran through the town with Alice and Tiamat.

And…

Elmenhilde glared at me, red-faced and teary.

"D-Don't stare…" I said. I didn't expect her to fall from above!

"Sorry?" I offered.

Silence, just a fiercer glare.

I'm not at fault, right? She fell!

Better not say that—she's a victim too. Bennia teleported her. I'll lecture Bennia later.

I gave a wry smile. "That bear's cute, huh?"

"Gah!" Her face reddened—she's pissed.

Alice snickered. "Bear panties? So cute for someone so haughty!"

"Hey, don't tease now!" I said.

Elmenhilde shouted, "What's wrong with my underwear!?"

"I didn't say it's bad! Just… kid panties for someone so high-and-mighty," Alice giggled.

"Stop laughing!" Elmenhilde snapped.

She's acting her age now—way cuter than her lofty attitude.

Bear panties are fine by me. Thanks for the view; the sensation lingers.

"Red Dragon Emperor! Forget what happened!" Elmenhilde demanded.

Forget? Those bears are burned in my mind.

Alice sighed. "Pointless. He's probably reliving your thighs right now."

She's sharp! Elmenhilde's cool, smooth thighs were divine—thanks!

"That's how it is. Falling on Issei was your bad luck," Alice said.

"That's harsh!" Elmenhilde cried.

It's tough for her, but that was too much, Alice!

Ignis mused, "Hmm…"

Rare for her to be so deep in thought. Asem's bothering her?

"It's serious," Ignis said. "Your attributes are multiplying."

"What?"

"Siscon, oppai, kemomimi, sadist, and now lucky pervert. More attributes, and your character won't settle!"

You're worried about that!? You made me a sadist with your project!

"Lucky pervert was always there, but face-sitting? Unexpected. You've got talent," Ignis continued.

Lucky pervert talent? Is that a thing?

"I've decided! Back in Japan, lucky pervert training! Embrace all attributes to become Harem King!"

No such thing as lucky pervert training! It's not lucky if it's planned!

This carefree goddess!

"You guys never change," Tiamat sighed.

Sorry for ruining the mood!

"Bear paaants!" Alice teased.

"Stop it!" Elmenhilde yelled.

Enough, Alice! Bear panties are cute—a surprising combo for a noble!

"Elmenhilde, I think bear panties are great!" I said.

"Don't shout it! I'll cry!" she wailed, covering her face.

Tiamat scolded us. "Alice, underwear's personal. Issei, don't yell about girls' panties."

"Sorry…" we said.

She's right—shouting about bears in public is bad.

I nodded, but Tiamat raised a finger, deadpan. "By the way, I'm not wearing any."

"What!?" we all shouted.

Seriously!? No panties!?

That bombshell in this situation!?

Say it's a lie, Tiamat!

"Joking," she said.

"Really!?"

"Just kidding."

"Which is it!?"

She smirked coolly.

Clarify, please!

Tiamat's teasing now—our last bastion of sanity!

Enough! I'll shift gears.

"Elmenhilde, any shortcuts to the castle? Miu said they're heading underground."

"There's a hidden passage nearby. It'll get us there fast," she replied.

"Got it. Lead the way!"

We dashed through the war-torn town.

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