Dohnaseek began to scrutinize the human before him more seriously.
"Must be a Sacred Gear wielder."
He could sense the breath of youth intertwined with some unfamiliar equipment deep within the human's body. It didn't resemble any Sacred Gear he recognized.
"But I have a Sacred Gear too!"
A smile crept across Dohnaseek's face.
A flash of white light revealed a red-and-white hilt and a slender blade glowing faintly in the candlelight.
"Human, remember my name—Dohnaseek. You should be honored. This Sacred Gear, a gift from Lord Azazel, will take your life."
"Lord Azazel!?"
Raynare's eyes widened in shock. No wonder he dared to challenge them openly—he was a subordinate of the Fallen Angel leader himself.
Xi Ye, however, wasn't impressed. He dismissed the weapon with a glance.
To him, it was just another toy built by that artifact-obsessed lunatic, Azazel.
"How naïve."
Too much time was being wasted. Xi Ye decided it was time to end the battle.
If Rias showed up, things would get complicated.
"Then—go to hell!"
Empowered by his Power Word, Xi Ye rose lightly into the air. In the blink of an eye, he crossed more than ten meters and appeared behind Dohnaseek.
"Wha… what…?"
Dohnaseek stared ahead—his target had vanished. Then, a chill pricked the back of his neck.
"Behind you, idiot."
Xi Ye clenched his fist, a blue halo wrapping around his arm. He drove a vicious uppercut into the back of Dohnaseek's skull.
BOOM!
The Fallen Angel's body soared in a parabolic arc, then slammed into the ground.
PFFT!
A mouthful of blood sprayed from his lips.
"Sturdier than expected."
Xi Ye relished the thrill of the Power Word's destructive force. It was like stepping into the anime battles he'd always admired.
"Damn, you're fast..."
Dohnaseek staggered to his feet, his vision spinning. His six black wings spread out in a show of force.
He had grossly underestimated this human.
"Erosion Magic."
Dohnaseek summoned a magic circle, conjuring a dark green energy bullet with corrosive properties. It shot toward Xi Ye.
"Magic Dispel."
With a calm voice, Xi Ye directed his energy into the projectile. His command triggered Astiel's Manuscript.
CLICK.
The magic bullet disintegrated on contact.
A second later, Xi Ye vanished—only to reappear directly in front of Dohnaseek. His fist was already cocked back.
"Don't hit the head!" Dohnaseek shouted in panic, the memory of the previous blow still vivid.
"Not your choice."
Then came the onslaught. Blow after blow rained down, suspending Dohnaseek's body midair like a grotesque performance art piece.
Finally, the last strike landed.
BOOM!
Dohnaseek's head separated from his body and crashed to the ground like a kicked football. His corpse followed.
Raynare stood frozen, eyes wide in horror.
That could've been her no, it would be her if she weren't careful.
She turned her gaze toward the narrow aisle—the only path of escape. Gritting her teeth, she prepared to flee.
But a figure stepped into her way.
"Trying to leave? This guy was your helper, wasn't he? You're not going anywhere."
Xi Ye hadn't originally intended to kill Raynare. Without Rias and her group involved, he was content to let her go.
But the fact that she brought someone to deal with him?
Unforgivable.
"M-My lord, I wasn't running. I—I brought you that nun, remember?"
Raynare's voice trembled as she clung to hope.
"She should be arriving soon. I made an appointment. It's almost time…"
Xi Ye's eyes remained cold.
"The nun? If she's coming on her own, why would I need you?"
He grabbed Raynare by the neck, lifting her effortlessly.
"I'm still useful!" she choked, twisting her face into a pitiful smile.
"I'm in better shape than that nun... I can serve you better!"
Xi Ye narrowed his eyes.
"I don't need a filthy traitor."
Raynare was cunning—too cunning. If he let her stay, she'd stab him in the back the moment it suited her.
And beyond that, he had no interest in a woman like her.
"Go to hell."
With a sharp twist, her neck snapped. Blood trickled from her ears, nose, and mouth. Her eyes bulged, then dimmed.
Xi Ye let her body fall and scanned the surroundings. No one else remained.
He walked over to Dohnaseek's weapon and picked it up.
"Artificial Sacred Gear... I wonder if it's worth any points."
After a quick sweep for anything valuable, Xi Ye departed. Better to leave before anyone else showed up.
Moments later, several figures arrived outside the church.
"The smell of blood is thick in the air," Sona muttered, frowning as she stared into the darkness.