An experiment, huh?
Hearing Xenovia mention that, Yoru couldn't help but recall Shirou Shigen, the man he'd killed just the night before. That guy must've been one of those so-called experimental creations, right?
To allow a demon to wield a Holy Sword freely—that was a terrifyingly advanced technology, almost beyond imagination.
"Not long ago, we also sent in priests and exorcists secretly, but they were all eliminated."
So, judging by Xenovia's words, the poor priest who was killed by Shirou Shigen last night must've been one of theirs.
"So... you're here asking for help?"
But things turned out the complete opposite of what Rias expected. Xenovia clearly stated:
"Our mission—no, our demand—is that the demons residing in this town do not interfere in our battle with the Fallen Angels over the Excalibur fragments. In other words—we're here to warn you not to get involved."
Hearing that, Rias raised an eyebrow.
"That's awfully arrogant of you. Are you trying to keep us in check? Don't tell me you think we're conspiring with the Fallen Angels to get the Holy Swords?"
"Our superiors believe that's a possibility."
Rias's eyes flashed with a cold gleam—she was clearly furious!
They had stepped right into her territory, demanding that she not interfere, acting however they pleased, and even warning her not to ally with another group. To someone like Rias Gremory, a high-class devil with pride, this was absolutely intolerable.
"Our leadership doesn't trust devils or Fallen Angels. If the Holy Swords were removed from God's faction, wouldn't that benefit the devils as well? This situation is advantageous to both you and the Fallen Angels. So even if you cooperated, it wouldn't be strange. That's why we're issuing this preemptive warning—if you team up with the Fallen Angels, we'll wipe you out. Even if you're the sister of a Maou—it makes no difference. Those were my superior's words."
Xenovia stared directly at Rias, her tone calm and fearless.
"If you know I'm the Maou's sister, that means you're connected to someone quite high up. In that case, let me be clear: I will never cooperate with the Fallen Angels. Absolutely not. I swear on the name of Gremory that I will never do anything to disgrace the Maou!"
A heavy silence fell between them.
Then Xenovia chuckled softly.
"That's all we needed to hear. In any case, we're here to inform you that the Fallen Angels have infiltrated this town with three—no, now it should be two—Excalibur fragments. If anything goes wrong, both I and the Church headquarters will face serious backlash. So spare us your cooperation. Even if you were to temporarily side with the Church, it would upset the delicate three-way balance between factions. And let's not forget—you're the Maou's sister."
Hearing this, Rias's expression softened a little. She let out a sigh.
"What about the agents sent by the main Church?"
"They're not getting involved for now. They probably think that if Irina and I fail to retrieve the swords, they'll just defend the last one with everything they have."
"So it's just the two of you? You seriously plan to take on the Fallen Angel executives and recover the Excalibur fragments with just two people? That's reckless—you're asking to die."
Rias sounded unimpressed, but both Irina Shidou and Xenovia responded with determined eyes:
"That's right."
"I feel the same as Irina. Though if possible, I'd rather not die."
"You came to Japan prepared to die? Your faith is still as insane as ever."
"Please don't underestimate our faith, Rias Gremory. Right, Xenovia?"
"Exactly. Besides, the Church has already decided—rather than let the Excalibur fall into the hands of the Fallen Angels, we'd rather destroy them all. Our mission is to eliminate the Excalibur fragments currently held by the Fallen Angels. If we have to die to fulfill that, so be it. The only thing that can counter Excalibur... is another Excalibur."
"Can the two of you really pull that off?"
"Of course. I don't plan on dying meaninglessly."
Xenovia replied with fearless confidence.
"Sounds like you're pretty sure of yourself. Got a secret weapon?"
"Well, think whatever you want."
After that back-and-forth, both sides simply stared at each other, and the conversation ended.
Irina and Xenovia exchanged a glance and stood up.
"Well then, it's time we took our leave. Irina, let's go."
"Oh? Not even staying for tea? At least have some snacks."
"No thanks. If I stay one more second, I might not be able to stop myself from killing him."
Xenovia waved a hand, her eyes briefly passing over Yoru, and flatly rejected Rias's offer.
"…What exactly did I do to offend you?" Yoru asked with a wry smile. He really couldn't figure out why Irina seemed to hate him so much.
"It can't be helped. You're just too dangerous. If left unchecked, you'll eventually become a threat to the entire Church. That's not my opinion—it's what the angels themselves said."
"Oh? So even the angels are aware of Yoru now?" Rias said, sounding somewhat surprised. Though judging from her expression, she seemed more proud than worried.
"Don't worry. Since we've reached an agreement, I won't harm any devils in this town. Of course, if the chance arises in the future, I'll kill your soldiers in a fair duel. I'll show the entire Underworld that compared to the new generation of the Church, your fledgling devils are completely outclassed."
Yoru raised an eyebrow. Now he was starting to wonder if this girl's full name was Xenovia Mary Sue. Seriously? You've been showing off non-stop since last night.
I've endured you long enough. Don't make me get serious.
But just as Yoru was thinking that—before he could act on it—a sudden clang of metal rang out through the clubroom.
"What do you think you're doing?" Irina asked, frowning as she blocked the sudden attack with her imitation Holy Sword.
"Take back what you just said."
With his blade pointed directly at Xenovia, Yuuto Kiba spoke with an icy tone.
Maybe he'd been holding back all this time for Rias's sake, but hearing that Holy Sword user insult all of them like that—he'd had enough.
The "new generation" Xenovia referred to didn't just mean Yoru—it meant all of them, Rias included.
"And who are you supposed to be?" Xenovia asked coldly.
"Yuuto Kiba, Knight of the Gremory family—and formerly one of your own. Though I was discarded as a failed experiment," he said.
The moment he spoke those words, a countless number of ominous demonic swords materialized throughout the clubroom.
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