While far-rear Serafall remained helplessly immersed in intimate contact—
Simultaneously, forward battlefield chaos erupted instantly with Fenrir and Jörmungandr's entry.
Jörmungandr hissed while extending its forked tongue. Five-to-six-hundred-meter colossal body coiled across earth like a self-aware Great Wall.
Fenrir released skyward howls capable of shaking the earth. From shoulder blade regions flanking its forelimbs, massive horns launched missile-like—wherever they passed, rock mountains shattered completely. Upon striking ground, transforming into two miniature "Fenrirs."
Clones?
No—wait...
Rias narrowed her eyes while observing carefully.
These two small wolves separating from Fenrir—though initially resembling shrunken mini-figures—closer observation revealed differences.
"Those are Fenrir's children: Hati and Sköll."
Just as the red-haired girl contemplated whether to probe first, silver-armored Valkyrie Rossweisse at the group's forefront called out loudly.
"Seems Lord Loki truly resolved to rebel against Lord Odin."
Fenrir's children, huh... Rias contemplated.
Though merely confirming identities, for her—needing to coordinate entire battle situations—this proved undoubtedly reassuring.
This ensured these two small wolves were independent entities rather than Fenrir's clones.
Clones might proliferate endlessly. But sons numbering two meant exactly two.
At minimum, eliminated scenarios where opponents continuously spawned reinforcements—dragging entire battles into stalemates.
In that case—
Rias turned, meeting eyes with Sona Sitri—similarly leading her peerage.
"Sona, we'll handle Loki!"
"Understood."
The black-haired girl pushed up glasses while responding calmly.
"Then my side will focus on restraining Fenrir. Though can't guarantee victory, temporarily stalling poses no problems. As for that Jörmungandr..."
"He's mine."
Before finishing, at this moment, a silver youth's silhouette streaked across overhead skies.
Vali. This time representing fallen angels alongside Azazel, naturally included in subjugation rosters.
Except dramatically different from White Dragon Emperor's usual image—this time, he charged purely in physical form. Entire body merely wrapped in magical armor blazing vigorously under intense fighting spirit. Transforming into a meteor rushing straight toward Jörmungandr.
Plus, behind him followed a certain monkey wielding Ruyi Jingu Bang while riding Kinto'un.
"Oi~ wait up! Don't leave me behind, buddy!"
"...Why are you following?"
Hearing the somewhat-familiar voice from behind during extreme-velocity flight, Vali turned briefly—glancing once before frowning slightly.
Though Vali's frown wasn't because some monkey had followed. Rather—discovering the opponent's speed actually exceeded his own. Within merely one-third breath's duration, closing from far behind to nearby rear proximity.
True, current him—lacking White Dragon Emperor light wings' enhancement—proved considerably weaker overall compared to previously. But absolutely not something any random scrub could challenge.
This monkey's legitimately skilled?
Swiftly catching up alongside Vali, Bikou appropriately slowed Kinto'un's velocity—appearing effortlessly relaxed while leaning forward slightly. Resting one elbow atop his bent knee like stepping on stairs, grinning widely.
"No particular reasons. Just seeing you all having such a blast made me want to join the fun. Other sides have too many people—can't squeeze in. So only option was coming to you~ Plus, spending these couple days together, you seem pretty interesting. Mm... at least more interesting than that Bokue Keikain bastard."
"..."
Being called "more interesting" than someone by a monkey—Vali didn't know whether accepting this praise or backhanding a slap across the opponent's face while loudly denouncing being mistaken for some comedian. Could only silently turn back forward.
"Weren't you old acquaintances with him?"
"Well~ old acquaintances are old acquaintances. But every time seeing me, he either immediately fights or immediately fights. Complete violence maniac."
Bikou loudly denounced grievances.
"Plus, calculating carefully—this is my first time facing dragon-type creatures! Battling dragons counts as our Sun family traditions! Let me get thoroughly involved too!"
Finishing, both charged directly forward—colliding heavily with already-prepared Jörmungandr. Explosive energy pillars erupted skyward.
❁❁❁❁
Under Vali and Bikou's engagement, Jörmungandr was swiftly diverted from the scene. Simultaneously, Rias's side erupted into imminent combat.
Including Nagisa—all flight-capable girls spread wings, ascending skyward. Completely surrounding evil god Loki within—magical energy charging high-lethality spells.
Still remaining groundside, Rossweisse watched everyone selecting respective battle targets—couldn't help gripping her Mistilteinn staff while falling into brief confusion.
"W-wait! How'd everyone suddenly decide already?! What am I supposed to do?!"
"Lady Rossweisse, please accompany me."
The golden Phoenix girl's voice transmitted. Ravel had somehow reached their rear—holding the small box containing Phoenix tears she'd previously displayed to Bokue at the palace. Shaking it gently while smiling faintly.
"This operation, House Phoenix specializes in full-field support and casualty treatment. However, when administering Phoenix tears, I'll be completely defenseless. At that time, please serve as my escort, Lady Rossweisse~"
"Ugh~ fine..."
Being a mighty Valkyrie yet completely indecisive—instead ordered around by devils no less—Rossweisse released embarrassed lamentations.
Still had no choice but spreading Valkyrie wings behind her—following Ravel skyward.
Thus, all flight-capable subjugation members had engaged combat.
Currently groundside: only Saeko Busujima remained alone.
Exhale~
The kendo girl released one light breath before drawing her waist-sheathed blade—the cursed tool commonly used when battling cursed spirits as a jujutsu sorcerer.
Merely an ordinary cursed implement. Beyond possessing power to slay cursed spirits, only slightly sharper than regular swords. Theoretically speaking, placing it amid this battlefield of gods and demons proved utterly inadequate.
Yet for Saeko Busujima—this sufficed completely.
Kendo never compared whose blade cost more or performed better. Rather—comparing practitioners' hearts.
As long as one's heart remained sufficiently pure and clear, even the cheapest blade—through repeated cutting—would never dull.
Moreover, during this recent period under Bokue's repeated "cultivation," both her power and mental fortitude had advanced tremendously. No longer that half-baked practitioner ashamed of her own abilities.
Now—the optimal opportunity to verify her recent growth!
Reaching this thought, the kendo girl positioned her katana horizontally before herself. One hand gripping the blade while drawing across—leaving thick crimson traces.
One blade shatters fortress gates; mind like still water, steady as mountains.
[Domain Expansion—Hassō-ryū: All-Severing]
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