"Are you part of the Khaos Brigade? Then, what are your reasons for these assaults?"
"Yes, I had myself become part of the Khaos Brigade right now. There are several reasons for our assaults. The reason why the Magicians assaulted all of you is because of their curiosity. The ones who originally belong to the Khaos Brigade—."
Kaichou continued after the man.
"They made an alliance with the groups of Stray Magicians, correct? Those Magicians from before are a team made up of a mixture of the Magicians who were exiled from the association and the Magicians that belong to the Khaos Brigade. After all, the spells they used had identical symbols on their magic circle with those Magicians who interfered in the peace meeting of the Three Great Powers."
"Yes, it seems like they were interacting with each other quite often."
"Does the assault also have to do with the ratings of the youth Devils that the association announced? I hear that the Magicians that assaulted Hyoudou Issei-kun were attacking him while referring to the rankings, and they were also taking great interest in our powers in the group battle just now."
"Fufufu, looks like I don't have to explain myself. Yes, that is correct. It seems like they were interested in the rankings that the association announced for the young Devils, and it seems like they wanted to test whether their powers will work against you all."
The ratings given by the association where Mephisto Pheles-san was working as their chairman. So they assaulted us because they became interested in it... I know it was too late for me to say this, but they were too selfish! The man continued.
"Since there are many young Magicians on our side, they can't control themselves that well."
Kaichou agreed by saying, 'Ah, I see'.
"The Old Maou Faction was the biggest faction within the Khaos Brigade, and the Hero Faction that stood at the top after them. With these two great factions now gone, the organisation structure fell into a mess, and it became easier for their opinions to go through, correct?"
"Yes, that is correct. Now that Shalba Beelzebub and Cao Cao, who had influence and power, are gone, I am leading one part of their organisation...but this is quite difficult. So this incident occurred because we allowed their selfishness. It's also because there were many comments from the top where they said 'First of all, let them do what they like'."
...That was the reason!? So we were dragged into the Magicians' fuss? This wasn't a joke! ...Wait, the top? I see, so there was a person who the man in front of me was obeying. So was that the person that was leading the remnants of the Khaos Brigade that Sensei spoke of? The man continued to talk.
"That is one of the reasons for this assault, and the second reason is this."
The man clicked his fingers. Then, the wall at the right side moved and sank down. I could see the other side of the wall. What's over there was...a scenery which looked like an experiment room where there were many capsules. The many capsules were connected to a device. And inside...there was something. Ravel looked away. When we observed inside...it was filled with liquids, and was that a person which was floating inside...? We found it suspicious. The man then said.
"Do you know the methods of how Phoenix Tears are produced? The Pure-Bloods from the House of Phoenix go inside the magic circle which went through a special ritual, they also prepare a cup which went through a special ritual, and they drop their own tear inside that cup which is filled with water. The water inside the cup which has the teardrop added turns into Phoenix Tears. During that procedure, they say that it won't become a Phoenix Tear if it isn't a tear shed while having an empty mind. It seems like tears with emotions are 'that person's own tears'. So there won't be any effects if it's tears they shed for themselves or others."
The man pointed at the capsules.
"The reason why I said this place is a 'factory' is because the magicians were mass-producing them. They created many clones of the High-class Devils Phoenix, and they produce Phoenix Tears inside the capsules. Since it's planned for this 'factory' to be abandoned, those inside have stopped functioning."
The ones inside were the clones of High-class Devil Phoenix!? Hey, hey, what kind of things did you guys make!? The fake Tears, they were produced by using these clones! So Ravel was shown this! That's why she looked so depressed! She was the daughter of the House of Phoenix, you know!? And you guys abandoned it...! Of course she would be depressed after seeing this...! Kaichou narrowed her eyes and spoke with disgust.
"...So they have been sending the things they have produced here to the black market to gather enormous funds. The idea itself is repulsive. So the reason why your people were laying your hands on those from the House of Phoenix was to improve the accuracy of its production, correct?"
"It's helpful that you can understand the situation quickly, heiress of the House of Sitri. It seems like there are limits of copying the traits of the Phoenix even with use of the Magicians' studies, so they used the last resort of kidnapping those related to the Phoenix and taking the information directly from them. In the end, it seems like there were things they can only obtain directly from those carrying the blood of Phoenix, so that's why they kidnapped Ravel Phoenix. Ah, you don't have to worry. We didn't do anything to Ravel Phoenix's body. We only took detailed data of her demonic power to improve the accuracy of the Tears."
But these guys hurt Ravel's heart...!
"...It's horrible... It's so horrible... Why...why did you make something like clones...?"
Ravel, who was staring at the capsule, was shedding tears while looking sad. ...Seriously, what on earth had they done...!? So the guys who had been getting Tears in the shadows had started researching on their own because the distribution of them was stopped. The man then spoke in a disinterested tone.
"The information regarding Gasper Vladi was something we didn't expect."
His words had been bland since before. Even though he talked long about it, there was no emotion in his words. He was speaking as though it wasn't his problem. The man wearing the robe turned around, and said it with a different vibe.
"Now, for the last demand we are seeking from all of you. There is a certain someone that wishes to fight strong people like you, so can you become his opponent? The truth is, this is the main objective for this assault. The reason why I granted the wish of the Magicians was just an extra for this."
The man who just said that created a gigantic circle between us. The light run through the floor, and it glowed while forming a circle. Wait, our opponent? Who was he trying to make us fight? And this was their main objective... So the reason why he made us come here was mainly for this! ...Rather, that magic circle, I had seen it before. Yeah, it was identical to the thing we used to summon the gigantic Dragon King, Midgardsormr. Saji muttered.
"...The Dragon Gate?"
Yeah, it was the Dragon Gate! The one which called the powerful Dragons! When I remained in the Dimensional Gap, I was originally meant to be summoned through this! The Dragon Gate was emitting a green colour. Didn't the Dragon Gate give out the colour of the Dragon which was being summoned? I heard that Ddraig was red, Albion was white, Vritra was black, Fafnir was gold, Yu-Long was green, Midgardsormr was grey, Tiamat was blue, and old man Tannin was purple.
"...Ehm, green? If I remember right, the Dragon that governs green is one of the Five Great Dragons, Yu-Long! Why is Yu-Long here!?"
The easy-going Dragon King that I met in Kyoto! The aura around him was green! Then, the one who was going to appear from there was Yu-Long? W-Why? I became suspicious, but Kaichou shook her head.
"...No, that colour isn't green... It's a darker...green colour..."
It certainly was dark. It was dark green. ..It wasn't Yu-Long?
"Was there a Dragon that governs dark green...?"
Irina muttered.
"There was. In the past, there was a Dragon which represented dark green."
The man wearing the silver robe said that. Then, the glow from the Dragon Gate got brighter, and then spread!
Guoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!
The sound,a roar, which shook the whole white field came out from the mouth of the thing. What appeared in front of us was a gigantic monster with darkish scales which was standing on two legs. Thick arms and legs. Sharp claws, fangs and horns. It was spreading its enormously large wings, and it had a thick and long tail. Maybe it was more accurate to say that it was a giant which had the features of a Dragon. A form which was close to a human. But it had wings, a tail, and its head was completely that of a Dragon.
"—The legendary Dragon, Crime Force Dragon Grendel."
The man wearing the robe said that, and the giant Dragon with sharp fangs opened its jaw. Its eyes glowing in silver colour were bright and sharp, and they were filled with hostility and killing intent.
[Guhahahaha. It's been a while since going through the Dragon Gate! So, who is my opponent? He's here, right? The insanely strong guy that I love so much!]
We became speechless at the sudden appearance of the mysterious Dragon. The size of its body rivaled that of old man Tannin. Except, there was a major difference with old man Tannin. It wasn't about its appearance. The quality of the aura around its body was very ominous. It had a black aura where you could see its evilness from just one look. A human-size black snake, Vritra, appeared from Saji's shadow. Vritra made the brightness of its iris darker, and released a shocking voice.
[...! Grendel...!?]
Yeah, I remembered now. Sensei spoke of this guy few days ago. B-But...I was told that he was already terminated...! What's going on...? Vritra continued.
[...Impossible. This guy was terminated by the first Beowulf where there was nothing left after ending its tyranny.]
The giant Dragon, Grendel, looked at me and Vritra.
[——! This is interesting. The Heavenly Dragon, the red one! Vritra is also here! What's with that look?]
The Dragon narrowed its silver eyes while taking interest.
"The Two Heavenly Dragons have already been terminated, and are now sealed into the Sacred Gears."
Hearing the words of the man wearing the robe, the Dragon laughed loudly.
[Guhahahahahaha! What the, so you guys were taken down as well! Pitiful! Pitiful indeed! Heavenly Dragons, my ass! You guys were also terminated! Oh well, this certainly is it! An opponent who is good for my awakening!]
The Dragon spread its wings to the side after making a laugh and lowered its posture! H-He was coming...! This was bad! The quality of its aura was that of a Dragon with quite a threat! I wasn't in my usual state, and we didn't have all our members here! Xenovia and Irina made a stance with their swords.
"...Are we fighting him?"
"B-But, it's my first time fighting a legendary Dragon!"
"It's the same for me. I fought against those fake Midgardsormrs and baby Fenrirs in the battle against Loki...but no matter how you look at him, he is Dragon King-class or higher!"
Yeah, it was exactly like what Xenovia said. This Dragon, it was emitting an aura of a Dragon King or higher. The man wearing the robe said it under this tense atmosphere.
"...Sekiryuutei, are you not going to wear your armour?"
"Sorry. I'm not feeling well."
"...This is a problem. One of the main objectives is the battle between you and Grendel."
E-Even if you say that... I also want to use it if I can! No, I should try call calling Ddraig again.
"...Ddraig. Can you hear me, Ddraig? It seems like we have a little problem here. The Dragon called Grendel is our opponent. Hey, Ddraig!"
I shouted towards the jewel. ...There was no response. Was he still sleeping? When I thought like that—
[...]
Oh, somehow, it seemed like there was a response.
"Ddraig, hey, what's wrong?"
I asked once again. And then—
[...Onii-chan, who are you?]
...Huh? I thought I heard a weird phrase with Ddraig's voice...
"...D-Ddraig-san...?"
I asked once again. Then, he replied like this.
[Yup, my name is Ddraig. I'm a baby Dragon.]
...
Eh.
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?"
My eyes popped out, and I could only scream at this! What's with the 'My name is Ddraig, I'm a baby Dragon'!? What happened!? What occurred!? Kaichou then said it to me who was confused. Ah, so everyone heard what Ddraig said just now.
"...Perhaps."
"Sona-kaichou, do you know what's happening?"
Sona-kaichou answered Akeno-san's question.
"...This is just my assumption, but Sekiryuutei Ddraig was mentally cornered by the influence of Ise-kun's Oppai Dragon and things related to it. On top of that, Ddraig used his power to resurrect Ise-kun back in the incident with monsters, and therefore has started to sleep more often. As the result of using too much of his powers, he hasn't healed completely, and therefore might have reverted back to being a child."
Reverted back to being a child...!? Was that those things which come up quite often in manga and television!? Koneko-chan then said.
"...It seems like he simply reverted back to being a child because of the oppai-related things of Ise-senpai..."
Seriously!? So Ddraig, who was all worn-out because of my Oppai Dragon thing...made his mentality go back to that of a child? Suddenly, Ddraig made a shivering sound.
[...Oppai...oppai, I'm so scared...]
—He's scared of the keyword Oppai! How can this be!? That much!? Do you hate oppai that much!? Did you run away from reality because you hate oppai!? I say it to calm him down.
"Ddraig! No, Ddraig-kun! Oppai aren't scary! Oppai are something which is very soft and good!"
Yes, Oppai were miracles! Yeah, we were saved many times thanks to them!
[...Zoom zoom iyaan, that phrase is burned deep into my heart...]
It was horrible! His trauma was too horrible! Something outrageous was going on!
"The Heavenly Dragon reverted back to being a child!? What the heck does that mean!? Just what do you have to do in order to corner the legendary Dragon to that state!?"
It seemed like Saji was in shock. No, I was the one who wanted to ask him that! What was this!? What was I supposed to do!?
"Vritra, can you do something about it?"
Saji asked. The black Dragon King answered like this.
[If there was another Dragon King, then we might be able to bring Ddraig's consciousness back.]
Another Dragon King? There was the guy in front of us who seemed to be in the same level, but he didn't seem like he would help us.
[Hey, I still can't fight? Rather, what happened to that shit, Ddraig?]
Grendel asked the man wearing the robe.
"Heavenly Dragons must also feel difficulty at living sometimes. Let's see how it will go for now."
Heavenly Dragons feeling difficulty to continue living! Don't take it like that! It's all my fault!
"Please leave it to me!"
We were all puzzled, but someone unexpected stepped forward. It was Asia. Kaichou said it while looking at Asia, who seemed to have made up her mind.
"Looks like Asia-san's preparations are all set. Then, I will leave it to you, Asia-san."
...What did she mean? Asia, did she learn something? While I was finding this suspicious, Asia started to make powerful chants! A golden magic circle appeared in front of Asia!
"—Answer my voice, Golden King. Crawl on the ground, and you shall receive my reward."
With that chant, the golden magic circle glowed even stronger! The Dragon Gate opened once again. I had seen that golden glow before!
"Please come out! Gigantis Dragon! Fafnir-san!"
The moment Asia finished her chants, the one who responded to her call appeared! The one who appeared from the golden magic circle was...a giant four-legged Dragon with golden scales. It was emitting a magnificent aura from its body. This one here was also more than ten meters tall, just like Grendel. It was a Dragon without any wings. ...There was something which looked like a cloth wrapped around its horn... Was it some kind of charm? ...Wait, Fafnir!? Fafnir, you mean that Dragon King who was one of the Five Great Dragon Kings who made a pact with Sensei and had the form of an armour!? It was natural for me to be familiar with that golden glow! Kaichou explained it to me, who was in shock.
"Azazel-sensei did step back from the front lines after all. It seems like he cancelled his pact with the Dragon King. Except, he thought it would be a waste, so he urged a pact with Asia-san."
...I did hear about Sensei stepping back from the front lines. But I never thought he would hand Fafnir to Asia! I see, Sensei did certainly pay attention to Asia's talent as a monster tamer. He did give her advice to make a pact with legendary creatures. He said she should prepare someone to act as her shield, so it would be okay even if she was to be targeted by the enemy when she is healing. But a Dragon King!? Kaichou continued.
"Just like what I heard from Rias, it seems like she was able to make a pact. I can understand why she got a blessing from the Dragon God Ophis as well."
"...Ophis's blessing? Ah! Sensei did say that before leaving!"
Yeah, Sensei certainly said something like that to Asia and Ophis! So, this was the reason why Asia had been talking to Ophis in secret lately! Kaichou shook her head.
"It seems like Asia-san's aura has started to show Ophis's divine power. After checking her, she didn't have any direct enhancement of her ability, but her luck and compatibility with Dragons has increased greatly because of the blessing. It seems like Ophis herself doesn't notice that she gave her blessing to her, so she must have sent her gratitude to Asia-san without realising it. Likewise, Irina-san is also receiving a blessing from her."
"My luck has increased! Last time, I got the second prize in a lottery!"
Irina put her thumb up! The second prize was kinda awkward!
"Kaichou, do I also have a blessing from Ophis...? Isn't she giving me one even though she always follows behind me?"
"...In your case, it would be more accurate to say that you have been possessed. Most likely, you have shouldered a karma that no God can purify."
So it went past her being attached to me, to the point that I was possessed!? And even a God couldn't purify it!
"With Ophis acting as the mediator, Fafnir made a pact with Asia-san. He's a legendary Dragon that has been gathering treasures from the world for his collection. Asia-san needed to prepare a treasure which was enough to satisfy him to complete the pact. ...It seems the price she paid was great."
"What did she have to pay in order to complete the pact?"
"...T-That is... It's a bit too strong for me to say..."
Kaichou became hesitant to say it when I asked her. W-Why? Was it something she couldn't say?
"No, I'm worried about it! I want to know what my important family member had to sacrifice to make a pact with a Dragon King! I must ask her!"
You know she's my important Asia, right? What did Asia have to give in order to make herself stronger!? Since she was my family, I had to ask! Kaichou muttered it embarrassingly while making her cheek go red.
"...nties..."
I couldn't hear her! I asked her once again.
"Eh? I can't hear you! Please say it more clearly!"
Then, Asia shouted very embarrassingly!
"My panties!"
...
...Whaaat!? I immediately realised what the cloth wrapped around its horn was! Those were panties! A girl's panties! Fafnir opened its heavy jaw.
[——Treasure, O-panties, I have received. I, panties, happy.]
——O-panties. ...Ah, how could this be? This guy was a perv...! A Dragon King that responded to a pact by having panties as a price!? Hold on! Then, what kind of pact did Sensei have in order to make a pact with this O-pantsu Dragon!? Pants!? Did Sensei also bring some panties from somewhere?
"I think Sensei gave him a proper treasure."
Kaichou said it as if she guessed my suspicions. I-I see~! So that made me an idiot for thinking that it had to be panties! My impression of Fafnir was horrible! He turned into Sensei's cool looking armour, but he happened to be like this...! While enduring embarrassment, Asia asked the Panties Dragon King.
"Fafnir-san! Ddraig-san's mentality is weakening! As the fellow legendary Dragon King, is there any way for you to help him!?"
[...I can.]
Oh, seriously? Asia begged.
"——! Is that true!? Please! Please return Ddraig-san back to normal!"
[Treasure, give me.]
——! He started begging for it!
"...I-I understand. It's the price for the pact..."
While enduring such embarrassment, Asia took out a cute-looking light blue-coloured panty from her pocket. Seeing that, Xenovia and Irina shouted!
"T-That is Asia's favourite panty!"
"Asia-san, you are going to give that to him!?"
It seemed like it was her favourite one!
"Stop, Asia! There's no reason for you to go that far! Hey, Dragon King! What do you want panties for!?"
I asked! He answered without changing his expression.
[O-panties, treasure.]
——I know that! It certainly is treasure! It's too much of a treasure!
"Hey, Vritra! You are the same Dragon King as him! Do something! Persuade this guy!"
Vritra-san! Please do something about this panties bastard!
[Not my problem.]
You will just ignore it!? Xenovia shouted.
"Wait! There's no reason for Asia to give him that! I will give you mine!"
Irina tried to stop Xenovia.
"What are you saying, Xenovia!? You aren't wear any panties under that battle costume!"
"Ku...! Fafnir! Is my battle costume not enough!?"
Xenovia was trying to take her battle costume off! Xenovia's friendship towards Asia was great! She must be thinking it was better than having Asia give her panties to this Dragon.
[I, prefer blonde beauty's panties. I want the treasure of Panties Sister.]
"Our Asia-chan isn't a Panties Sister!"
I approached Fafnir and smacked his head! Though he didn't flinch! I couldn't forgive this Dragon King! He called our Asia-chan a Panties Sister! Shit! Rias was the Switch Princess, and Asia was the Panties Sister! What the hell!? The giant Dragon asked the man wearing the robe.
[Hey, what's going on? Is Fafnir my opponent? Can I start my attack now?]
"No, please wait a bit. The Two Heavenly Dragons and their comrades go through irregular evolution with woman's breasts and buttocks. They have entered their preparation phase. The real battle starts from here."
Don't answer him so seriously! What's with that phrase filled with anticipation!? Rather, the Vali Team are thought to be the same as us! Please don't bully Albion as well!
"I will give it to you!"
Asia's face became red, and she put the light blue-coloured panties on the horn located on the Dragon's nose. Upon seeing that, her best friends, Xenovia and Irina, cried.
"Uu, Asia! What amazing resolution...!"
"Ah, lord! Please give your blessing to Asia-san who has sacrificed herself!"
While having her best friends watch over her, the ritual of handing out the offering ended. At that moment...the golden Dragon expanded its nostrils and breathed in! Was it trying to release its Dragon's power by taking a breath...!? While watching him with anticipation, the golden Dragon King——
[Asia-tan's panties, sniff sniff.]
It started to sniff hard on the smell of the panties...
"Don't sniff sniiiiiiiiiff!"
I said it back to him! It was my second time talking back to this Dragon King! And you can't call her 'Asia-tan'~! This guy was really enjoying Asia's panties which were on its horn! He was greatly enjoying the smell of it! What a Dragon! What a perverted bastard!
"I can't become a bride anymore!"
Asia, who couldn't endure this embarrassment, could only scream by covering her face with both her hands.
[O-panties, I have received. Ddraig, heal!]
Fafnir released a golden aura towards my gauntlet.
[Ku! Such embarrassment!]
Responding to Fafnir's aura, Vritra also released its black aura to my gauntlet while complaining. After a pause, my gauntlet started to emit the usual red glow.
[——! ...Huh! W-What was I doing!? Ah, partner!]
Aaaaaaah, it's Ddraig! The usual Ddraig has returned!
"Uu, I'm so glad you came back, Ddraig... The sacrifice we paid in order to bring you back was too great...!"
Asia...lost her panties and something important...! You came back from the power of her panties! But I couldn't tell that to the delicate Ddraig! I couldn't tell him that at all! I shouted towards Asia!
"Asiiiiiia! It's not like you can't become a bride anymore! I will take full responsibility, so rest assured!"
Asia cried out while putting her hand on her mouth.
"Uu, Ise-san! I'm inexperienced, but please take care of me!"
"Yeah, leave it to me! God damn it! It's such a cruel destiny!"
[Sniff sniff.]
Damn Panties Dragon, he was still enjoying the smell!
"I keep on telling you, stop sniffing, you perverted Draaaaaagon!"
Now, let's start since I was back to my usual self.
"I won't let Asia's sacrifice be in vain! Balance Break!"
[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!!!!!!!!]
The red aura that was wrapped around my body shaped into armour! ——! I realised it after doing Balance Break. I could Balance Break without any countdown! ...Was it the influence of Great Red and Ophis? Well, it was okay. This was good. I could fight without any time loss! I stood in front of the giant Dragon, Grendel, while wearing my armour.
[——! Grendel...? What's going on? This guy was supposed to have been terminated before I was.]
Ddraig made a shocked voice.
[Guhahaha, man, you look awful. Well, it's okay. Ou! Come, Ddraig. Shall we start a fight to the death again?]
The Dragon lifted its mouth while making a fearless smile. Ddraig asked.
[It seems like you weren't sealed into a Sacred Gear like I was... ...How did you come back to this world?]
[Let's leave the simple matter aside. The thing is, there is the strong me, and there is the strong you. Then, let's start killing each other!]
It lowered its posture once again, and Grendel was now set on attacking me.
[Partner, that guy is an insane Dragon that only thinks of going wild. ...If you are going to do it, go through it to the end. Don't feel even a bit of sympathy.]
I never thought Ddraig would say this. So it means he was that much of a crazy Dragon, huh. Hearing Ddraig's words, Grendel said it with joy.
[You sure can say it, you sure can say it indeed! Being called a Heavenly Dragon! There isn't Heaven, God or Truth among Dragons!]
Oh, scary. He had such an amazing intensity and pressure. It was different to the magnificent aura of old man Tannin.
[That's right. This will be the first time for you to be fighting a legendary-class Dragon for real.]
Yeah, I had a survival camp with old man Tannin, but I never had a real battle with him putting our life on the line. It was just training. Grendel then said.
[Hey, all of you, I changed my mind. Let me fight Ddraig one on one.]
...So that's how you wanted to play. But that would be good for me. I also...had something built up in me...! I could release it since I could finally wear this armour. The thing about Ravel, the thing about the assault at Kuoh Academy, I've already had enough!
"That's alright with me. Everyone, can you leave this to me?"
I asked everyone. Kaichou smiled.
"You are our greatest force. May I say it on behalf of Rias? ——Do it, Ise-kun!"
That's the best word for sending me off, Sona-kaichou! For this incident, you guided us on behalf of Rias! So please watch over me till the end over there! I will finish this! I spread my Dragon wings and went forward!
[Jet!!]
I went straight ahead at high speed. Grendel smiled happily when he saw me.
[Oho! That's iiiiiit! Head on, huh! Yeah, that's what I want!]
Grendel's enormous fist came flying at me! I could feel an aura which seemed like it would crush me down if I got hit by it! I wouldn't get hit with it! I changed my direction in the air and dodged his punch! Even though he had a huge fist, it was fast! So being Dragon King-class wasn't a joke, huh! I went within his range, and then changed the Evil Piece inside me!
[Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!!]
[Welsh Dragonic Rook!]
[Change Solid Impact!!!!]
The shape of my armour fattened and thickened, and the form of both my arms changed into something which specialised in both attacking and defending. I nailed my fist, which had increased its size, towards his face! Grendel got thrown back and was about to fall down, but he managed to stay on his feet! At the same time I landed on the ground, I deactivated Triana Rook to return my armour to the normal state and stepped back. Grendel, who was punched in his face from the front, stroke his cheek.
[...What was that? Hey, hey, hey.]
"——!?"
I was in shock. That was Triana Rook which specialised in attacking, you know? He got hit by it directly, but he seemed as if nothing happened. The only change was that there was a bit of his blue-coloured blood coming out from his mouth. That was the only damage I gave him? Grendel breathed violently from his nose, and then complained.
[Is this it? Isn't your host too weak? You were crazy strong before, Ddraig. Seriously, pitiful!]
...Oh man. So Triana won't work.
[Partner, let's transform into True Queen. I also can't ignore the words he said just now.]
Yeah, Ddraig. You are right. I still hadn't punched enough for Gasper, Ravel and Koneko-chan's sake! I then recited a powerful chant.
"...I, who is about to awaken, am the Sekiryuutei who holds the truth of King up high! Holding the infinite hopes and unbreakable dreams and walking the path of righteousness! I will become an Emperor of the Crimson dragon—"
If I lost here, I wouldn't be able to face my seniors who have perished! I couldn't continue to be beaten like this!
"And I will lead you to the path of Heaven glowing in deep crimson light!"
[Cardinal Crimson Full Drive!!!!]
Bright crimson aura enveloped my body, and it dyed my armour a deep crimson colour! Seeing the change in my armour, Grendel laughed once again.
[Crimson? What the? Interesting! That's really interesting, Ddraaaaig! You are clearly stronger than before!]
Grendel jumped forward! Fast! It didn't seem like he had a huge body at all! He shortened the distance between us immediately, and slashed down with his claws! I flied and dodged it at high-speed, and nailed my right fist into his face as a counter! ...Shit! I also felt it before, but... The hit just now was perfect in terms of its impact and timing. However, it was heavy! It was thick! It was hard! What was it with this guy's defence...!? I didn't have any sensation where I could hit him away when my punch landed on him! It was thick and heavy! It made me think what his scales and skin were made from.
[Grendel had the hardest scales among the extinct Dragons. A half-hearted attack won't work, partner.]
"But on the other hand, we can't use Dragon Blaster or Crimson Blaster here."
They had high attack power, but they were attacks which could also blow away the surroundings right away. I wouldn't be able to shoot them here since I didn't know how strong this place is built. If I shot them without thinking, this field might perish.
[I'm sorry, but right now, you wouldn't be able to use them anyway. They may explode since I got my consciousness back.]
After all, the True Queen was still unstable to begin with. But I was in a situation where I wanted one powerful attack.
[Partner, what is installed in your left gauntlet?]
Having Ddraig say it, I remembered about that. ...Yeah, I had this. It was something too good for me, but it wouldn't be a waste to use it here!
[Here I coooome! Ddraig-chaaaan!]
When Grendel shouted that out, his stomach fattened! He was trying to spit out something! What Grendel spat out was—a huge fireball! Fire was a Dragon's special attack after all! I dodged it by spreading my wings and moving to the sides...but Grendel, who had moved to that spot out of nowhere, was present! This Dragon moved too fast! ...So the fireball was a bluff, huh! He put his fist towards me! And I didn't have the time to dodge it!
GOSU!
The strike from his giant fist hit my whole body! And the shock passed through my whole body...! Shit...what insane attack power...! It was just a normal punch, but it carried more power than Sairaorg-san when he was wearing the lion's armour...! I lost my balance up in the air, and Grendel swung his hand down to slam me to the ground! I got hit by it directly from my back, and I got slammed to the ground violently!
...Gaha...!
Because of the motion and force of being slammed down, I coughed blood from my helmet! Intense pain run throughout my body! ...Like I thought, his power was insane! T-This guy's strength wasn't just that of a Dragon King...!
[Guhahahahaha! Get squashed!]
I then saw a giant foot that was coming down at me! I would get squashed! I couldn't let that happen! I rolled my body to the side to avoid being stomped by the enemy, and fix my posture right away. The stomp from the giant body missed and cracked the ground, which then shook the whole field! I flied up to the sky immediately! Along with flying up to the sky, I kicked towards the enemy's jaw!
[Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!!]
I kicked Grendel's jaw really hard! It was a clean hit, and I felt some resistance. ...But the sensation I felt was hard and thick! He was so heavy that it was impossible to kick him away! This wasn't only because he was big! His defence is really high! And he had quick movements...!
[Dragons are the strongest creatures. Among them, the Dragon Kings and those in classes which surpass them are such powerful foes that they will become a threat. Don't forget that. ...Especially the Evil Dragons and those close to it are violent as well as being tough!]
Yeah, I really do think that is the case here, Ddraig!
Even after being hit on his jaw, Grendel continued to throw his punches normally! I blocked them by thickening the armour on my arms to the state of Welsh Dragonic Rook...but the force of his punches was overwhelming, and I got smashed to the wall! ...The damage on my back! Because of the pain of clashing to the wall, it was hard to breath! Rather, I had been receiving insane shock even through the armour!
[His attack power and defence are insanely high!]
You are exactly right, Ddraig...
Grendel and I then started a fist fight! This Dragon threw swift punches and kicks which you couldn't believe were coming from someone with a huge body! I couldn't let my guard down since he would attack me from the blind spot with his tail when he saw the chance! ...So being a giant-type Dragon allowed him to have this many movements, huh! There was an overwhelming difference in terms of our body size! Being hit by his heavy blow made me fall down like a fly being smacked down with a fly swatter! ...I could feel dull pain every time that happens.
[I'm enjoying this! You can exchange hits with me despite being small! I can't get enough of thiiiiiis!]
Having the expression of ecstasy on his huge face, he started to attack happily! ...I was attacking him with my best punches, kicks and Dragon Shots, but he was still coming ahead to me without feeling a thing!
[The damage is definitely going through to him, partner! However, that guy...was originally a broken Dragon who had nails missing in his head from the beginning. He even enjoys receiving damage!]
...It only makes me feel chills and creepiness, Ddraig...!
The one who fought equally against this armour was Sairaorg-san. The one who surpassed it was Cao Cao. This Grendel...I wonder how his power would rank. A bit higher rather than being equal to me, huh. He was more troublesome than Cao Cao in a different way. Rather than Cao Cao, who would go down after being hit, I started to get tired fighting this guy who seemed like he wouldn't be going down no matter how much I hit him... But I will return a hit which is strengthened to the max back to you. I can't be getting cornered one-sidedly after all! After taking a breath, I shortened the distance to Grendel! At the same time, I gather the Dragon's aura to the Ascalon that was installed in the left gauntlet! Dragon Slayer... No Dragon could withstand this! If it hit, then it was my win! Grendel repeatedly released the fireballs to me! Three shots! I dodged the first shot in the air, and I evaded the second one by flying in a low altitude close to the ground! The third one—
[Guhahahahaha! Here I come, Ddraig!]
He appeared before the third shot came at me, and he was flying above me. He also released flames from above me! A wide-range flame from above! And the third shot of the fireball which he released before was coming at me from the front! I put strength into my right arm, and shot out a large block of demonic power! Dragon Shot! The flames from above...seems like I had to fly into them! I would charge forward within the flames...and then defeat him! After my Dragon Shot cancelled the fireball which was coming from the front, I went flying above like that! I jumped into the flames which were coming from above me! A huge amount of flames burned me without mercy! Hooooot! I would have turned into dust if I didn't wear my armour!
[It's clearly more powerful than the one Grendel breathed out in the past!]
However, Ddraig! I just need to overcome this!
Grendel got happy from the bottom of his heart when he saw me charging forward within his flames!
[For real!? You, you really are the beeeest! I love idiots like yoooou!]
I passed through the flames!
"I will pay back the debts of my juniors to yoooooou!"
[Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!!]
I nailed my right fist, which had the power of Ascalon's Dragon Slayer ability working on it, to the stomach of Grendel, who had an expression of ecstasy on his face!
[Solid Impact Booster!!!!]
DOGON!
A low-ditch sound came from my heavy blow! That blow created a sound of collision which echoed throughout the field. Grendel, who received the blow directly, coughed a lot of blue blood from his mouth while falling on the ground. The whole field shook by the impact of having a giant body fall. ...I felt that the attack went through. I also used the ability of Dragon Slayer on it. With this... ...But an unbelievable thing happened before my eyes. —Grendel started to stand up. After taking a breath, he spat his blood on the ground, and then moved his neck while making noise. My blow of Welsh Dragonic Rook that had the power of Ascalon's Dragon Slayer...didn't have that much effect on him!? Grendel gave an evil smile to me, who was in shock.
[That hurts! It hurts to the maaaax! But, that was a good punch! Guhahahahaha! Interesting, it sure is interesting! This pain makes me realise that I am alive! The real thing will start from here! Fine! Fight to the death, fight to death I tell ya! You and I! Let's fight until one of us dies by having our body shattered! Ddraaaaaaaaaaig!]
...So this guy was this tough, huh...! Even I started to have sweat coming out from me. His toughness surpassed the word of being 'tough'...! Just how much did I have to do in order to defeat him!?
[He still stands with joy even with that damage he got right now!? Damn crazy Dragon...!]
Ddraig also said it with disgust. Then, Grendel made his stomach three times bigger! Another fireball! I became cautious, but the giant Dragon changed the direction of his body and—
[But before that, there's a change of plans! All of you, it's decided all of you will die!]
He shot several fireballs towards my comrades! Bastard! Wasn't this supposed to be one on one!?
"Ku!"
"I won't let you!"
Rossweisse-san stood at the front and made lots of defence-type magic-circles appear! Akeno-san also had the wings of a Fallen Angel appear, and created the thunder and light that had the shape of a Dragon!
"—Water."
Kaichou enveloped a silent, but a strong blue-coloured aura around her. Water appeared and gathers around her! Enormous amounts of water that Kaichou was controlling with her demonic power acted as a wall and covered our comrades. The fireball released by Grendel got stopped by Rossweisse-san's defence magic circle, and then got erased by Akeno-san's Raikouryuu! The explosion and heat spread throughout the field, but the wall of water that Sona-kaichou created blocked them! ——! There were still two fireballs left! The giant fireballs were heading towards my comrades once again!
"——Alright, let's begin! You will be fighting as well, Fafnir!"
Saji made a magic circle made from black flames appear in front of him that captured Grendel's fireball once it went into it!
"Vanish!"
He started to trim away the power of the fireball with Vritra's ability. The black flame was eating away Grendel's fireball and was trying to weaken its impact.
[Asia-tan, protect.]
Fafnir released a block of aura shining in gold from his mouth, and he completely erased Grendel's fireball that Saji was stopping! Wow, a combination attack between Dragon Kings! It was a bit regretful that I was feeling it was okay to leave Asia in Fafnir's hands who had just done a job which was worth the price! And, for the last fireball, the duo of Xenovia and Irina—
"I will cut it down with Durandal!"
She cut the Dragon's fireball with a single slash by combining the power of Destruction and Rapidly which enhanced its speed and power! She then continued to cut the fireball into pieces. Despite being cut into pieces, the force acting on Grendel's fireball hadn't died!
"Looks like I will be the one to finish it!"
To finish it, Irina used the mass-produced Holy Demonic Sword, which seemed to have the element of ice added to it, to freeze all of the fireball which had been cut into pieces. All of Grendel's fireballs which went heading towards my comrades have perished! He did take us by surprise, but he shouldn't look down on my comrades! But the action right now was such a cowardly act!
"You! You said this was a one on one! Why did you attack my comrades!?"
I punched his face while shouting that out, but he wiped the blood from his nose with his ,and then put on an evil grin.
[My bad, I just like killing after all. I can't maintain my tension if I don't kill every now and then. But, it looks like I failed. They are strong, your comrades that is. So I will kill all of you! Hit! Torment! Stomp! Bite! Then I will make all of you into asssssshes!]
...He was pissed to the max! His silver eyes were glowing so brutally with hostility and killing intent! Grendel's hostility was directed towards me and my comrades.
"Hyoudou-kun! We don't have to tag along with fighting him one-on-one anymore! Let's attack him together!"
It was just like Kaichou said. It was a different story if that guy didn't want to fight one-on-one. We would beat him together!
"Roger!"
...Even though I said that, I was at my limit at maintaining this crimson armour. It was a form where it was hard to stabilise its power to begin with. And since Ddraig had just come back, it seemed like it wouldn't last long...!
[Then let's start the second round, the red one. No, the crimson Ryuutei-chaaaaaan!]
It happened when Grendel spread his wings and was about to come at me. His body stopped. We came to know that reason right away. —That's because something that looked like a black shadow was wrapping itself around Grendel's foot. I became suspicious, and then I looked towards the shadow, no, I looked towards the place where the darkness was coming from. ...Gasper, who had creepy shadows appearing around him, was standing there. He had his red eyes glow bewitchingly, and his body looked powerless. The darkness wriggled and was heading towards Grendel. ...So that was Gasper's hidden power... He was emitting a very terrifying aura. The darkness spread even further, and it seemed like it was trying to devour this whole space.
[...What is that? Never mind. Is it okay for me to kill that as well? It's okay, right!? There are so many strong shitty brats here! This is a good era! It's worth destroying it!]
Grendel was taking this situation with great joy! Shit! Damn battle maniac! I won't let you lay a finger on my junior! It happened when I tried to get Grendel's attention back to me.
"——No, Grendel. Please stop right there. It seems the experiment has been a success. We could have had a better investigation if Kiba Yuuto was also here, but this should be enough."
The man wearing the robe stopped Grendel. Grendel then made a shout of dissatisfaction.
[Don't stop me! It starts from here! I will slaughter them all! The real thing starts when both sides become high to the max! Let me battle them! I'm going to discard my regret from back then! This time, I will finally eat, get eaten, break, get broken, and kill!]
...He really was brutal. So there was a Dragon like him, huh. It was my first time seeing a Dragon who was attached to battling this much. It made Vali look innocent instead! Not just to me, but he was also giving out hostility and killing intents to both his enemies and ally.
The man wearing the robe then said it to Grendel with cold words.
"Do you want to return to being a corpse? You are still in the tuning stage. If you overdo it..."
Grendel made a noise with his tongue when he heard that, and he put his fist down.
[...Chi, damn, can't help it then. Since you brought that up, then I only have the option to stop.]
...He put his fist down. ...'Corpse'? What did that mean? Tuning stage? There were so many questions... A communication-type magic circle appeared immediately near the ear of the man wearing the robe. The man listened to it, and then nodded his head.
"...Good news, Grendel. It seems like they are having a really tough time against the white one. Let's go to their side this time."
[Oho! So it's Albion this time! I can't get enough of this!]
Hearing the man wearing the robe, Grendel put on a grin.
Albion? White one? It's Vali! Don't tell me the reason why Kuroka wasn't at my house was because... Grendel pointed at me.
[Ddraig the shit, Vritra the gloomy, and the panty bastard. My playtime with you will be on hold. Next time. Next time, it's that. I will kill you all. I will kill all three of you together, okay? Guhahaha!]
The Dragon Gate opened, and it envelops Grendel while having the circle emit dark green colour. When the light stopped...the giant Dragon was gone. Confirming that, the man wearing the robe took off his hood.
The one who appeared under it was a youth with silver hair. However, the youth's face looked familiar. ...It seemed like I saw him somewhere before... I then remembered the face of the strongest Queen who always takes care of me. The silver-haired man then said.
"I am Lucifuge. Euclid Lucifuge."
——!
L-L-Lucifuge...!? What was that supposed to mean!? No, that was right! It was natural for him to look similar! He looked like Grayfia-san!
"You aren't their boss, right? Then, who is unifying the remnants of the Khaos Brigade!?"
Saji asked. The man just narrowed his eyes.
"You will come to know the identity of the current boss of the Khaos Brigade very soon."
It seemed like Kaichou realised something after hearing the man, Euclid.
"...I see, so the one who intruded into this town and brought the Magicians inside is you, correct? If it's someone with the same aura as Grayfia-sama, then it may not be weird for you to pass through the barrier."
Hearing that, Euclid said it with a cold voice.
"Please tell this to my elder sister, Grayfia Lucifuge, who went so low as to become a servant of the Gremory. 'If you are living as you like by abandoning the role of Lucifuge, then I also have the same right to do so'."
...Elder sister...? T-Then, this guy was... The man who named himself as Euclid Lucifuge disappeared within the teleportation magic circle. At the same time, this field started to collapse as if it had fulfilled its duty. The space crumbled as if a piece in a puzzle was missing. The kaleidoscope view which was a trait of the Dimensional Gap became visible. This place wouldn't last long. Gasper, who unleashed his mysterious power, had collapsed on the floor.
"It looks like this place will collapse! Let's evacuate through the teleportation magic circle!"
Under Sona-kaichou's command, Akeno-san activated a magic circle which would let us return to that underground space. Everyone gathered at the centre of the magic circle after retrieving Gasper. Then, Ravel activated a small magic circle in her hand and released it towards the capsule. The magic circle which was released hit the capsule, and then disappeared after making a single glow.
"...I will at least have myself do this."
She muttered something which I couldn't understand.
"I see. So that's what you mean."
It seemed like Kaichou noticed something when she saw that. She also did the same and released the magic circle towards the capsule. While finding their action suspicious, I also couldn't hide myself being disturbed at the identity of the man wearing the robe. ...Grayfia-san's brother and a Dragon that was supposed to be terminated. ...What was going on? What was about to happen, Grayfia-san...Sirzechs-sama...?
notes:Raikouryuu - Translates to "Thunder and Light Dragon"