To wield a Holy Sword, your soul needs a rare, peculiar factor—Balba had found it, and he'd weaponized it, ripping it from human souls with his twisted technology.
Last time, in the fallen angel's alternate dimension, Number Two had been the prototype. Now, Number One was the finished product—faster, stronger, deadlier. Even Number Two's incomplete attacks had forced Draconis to use the Divine Lament Shield's absolute defense. Now, that shield was still protecting Rias's team. Through his duplicate's senses, Draconis could feel just how hard Rias, Akeno, and Koneko were struggling. If he pulled his duplicate and the shield away, they'd be in serious danger. Even Koneko, boosted by her Rook piece, couldn't survive a direct hit from Kokabiel.
The shield couldn't be spared. That left Draconis in a bind.
His mind raced, searching for options.
Xenovia pressed her attack, Durandal blazing as she traded blows with Number One. But the girl's power kept climbing, fueled by burning soul energy. Xenovia was holding her own—for now—but the stalemate wouldn't last.
Number One's strength was peaking, the air crackling as she readied her final strike. Draconis hammered her with relentless attacks, desperate to throw her off balance. Something was wrong. Even after being hit by the suppression sigil, she was still this strong?
Draconis's eyes narrowed, locking onto the fused Holy Sword. What had Balba done to make this weapon so lethal?
Then the answer hit him. If the sword was the source—destroying it might end this.
"Xenovia! How was the Regalia Blade shattered before? Can Durandal do it?"
Xenovia caught on instantly. "If I hit hard enough, yes. Durandal was made for destruction."
"Perfect," Draconis said, gripping the Regalia Blade. "I'll keep her pinned. You break that sword."
"Got it!"
They moved as one—Draconis surging forward, Xenovia slipping into position. For first-time partners, their teamwork felt effortless.
Clang!
Regalia Blade crashed against the fused Holy Sword, demonic and holy power colliding in a storm of light. Draconis pushed harder, magic flaring as he blurred with speed.
Number One matched him blow for blow, her movements supercharged by soul-burning and the Rapidly sword's effect. Their duel tore across the courtyard, sparks and flame streaking in their wake.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Their speed left afterimages everywhere, the ground scorched and battered. Xenovia, a step slower, timed her strikes perfectly, harrying Number One whenever she faltered.
Draconis poured everything into Regalia Blade, pushing its power to the absolute limit.
Boom!
He brought the sword down in a crushing arc. Number One blocked, but the force blasted a crater beneath her feet. They locked in a brief deadlock.
Xenovia saw her chance.
Durandal flashed, cold and merciless. Xenovia lunged, closing the gap in an instant.
Strike!
Draconis broke away, leaving Number One exposed. She barely managed to parry Durandal with the fused sword.
Crack!
Xenovia's attack shattered the fused Holy Sword. Blue-white flames erupted as the blade splintered, fragments raining down.
"Aah!!"
For the first time, Number One screamed—a raw, agonized cry. Her long hair whipped wildly, her body wracked with wounds as her power spun out of control.
Draconis returned, Regalia Blade poised. He drove the sword straight through her heart.
Number One froze, eyes wide. For a moment, her gaze cleared—a flicker of peace, a silent thank you.
She tried to speak, but blood filled her mouth. Her eyes faded, and she slumped, lifeless.
Draconis withdrew the blade, crimson staining the metal. It trembled in his grip, as if mourning.
She'd been innocent—just a girl. Regalia Blade was meant to protect, not kill.
He laid her body gently in the crater, then swept his sword to cover her with earth.
Draconis turned, eyes burning, and vanished—appearing beside Balba in a blink.
He looked at the wretched old man, then ran his sword through Balba's chest, hoisting him into the air.
"Do you really believe the soul is immortal?" Draconis asked, voice cold. This man had toyed with souls—unforgivable, even to a devil.
Balba's face twisted in pain and fear. "No—please, spare me! I only wanted knowledge! I did this for humanity! I gave people power, isn't that good?"
Draconis stared at him, silent.
"…Irredeemable."
He twisted the blade, ready to end it—then, without hesitation, pulled the sword free and jumped away.
Boom!
A spear of light struck where he'd stood. Draconis was gone; only Balba remained, instantly incinerated by divine power.
Draconis looked up, calm, meeting Kokabiel's gaze.
"You think I'd fall for the same trick twice?"
Last time, in the alternate dimension, Kokabiel had caught him off guard. Not this time. He'd been watching, every move tracked by his duplicate.
Kokabiel chuckled. "Impressive. I didn't expect you to get this far. Rias, you've picked a remarkable servant."
Rias's reply was ice. "Thanks for the compliment."
With all distractions cleared, everyone knew what came next.
It was Kokabiel's turn.
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