Just as Yoru was about to shout, "I've tolerated you long enough!" and lash out to deflate Genova's arrogance, Kiba Yuuto beat him to it—saying the very words Yoru had wanted to speak.
"So that's how it is. One of the survivors left over from that project, huh?" Genova slightly furrowed her brows upon hearing Kiba's words.
"You people are messengers of God, right? Then let me ask you—just because we didn't resonate with the Holy Swords, you killed us all? What kind of logic is that?!" Kiba roared, his longsword pointed directly at Genova.
"That incident was indeed a failure on the Church's part," Genova replied. "Both Irina and I deeply abhorred that project. All those involved who remained were exiled."
"Hah... Exile? How noble. So after killing countless innocent children, you simply exile the perpetrators and all sins are forgiven? You think that'll erase everyone's hatred? What a face you have, hiding behind the light while showing your ugliness."
"Kiba, stand down! You're being impulsive!" Rias's displeased voice rang out.
"No, President. I am perfectly calm. This challenge isn't about Excalibur—it's because she insulted all of us. As a member of the so-called 'new generation of devils,' I must make her pay for her words," Kiba declared slowly.
"Hmph, a challenge? We of the Church have no fear of devils," Genova responded sharply, realizing Kiba was referring to her.
"Tch... seriously," Rias sighed, clearly troubled by Kiba's decision.
That deep-seated hatred had been festering in Kiba's heart for a long time. Maybe letting it out now was for the best?
—
At the schoolyard:
Because school had long since ended, the campus was naturally deserted.
A dark red barrier rose before them, and within it stood Kiba and Genova, facing each other.
Genova had taken off her white robe, revealing a tight black combat suit beneath. The outfit perfectly outlined her lithe figure, accentuating her valiant and elegant aura.
In her hand was the Destruction Holy Sword, a massive weapon she'd brought from the Church. Its overwhelming size was completely disproportionate to her small frame.
"What are Kiba's chances of winning?" Rias asked quietly.
"Very low," Yoru shook his head. "Genova is wielding a Holy Sword. The disadvantage is too great."
Unpleasant as it sounded, both Genova and Irina truly stood at the top of their generation. The Holy Swords in their hands posed an overwhelming threat to devils.
"Very low, huh..." Rias looked toward the field, concern on her face.
A devil's body absolutely could not come into contact with a Holy Sword. Even the slightest scratch would instantly spread across the entire body and incinerate the devil.
Kiba had already activated his Sacred Gear, several magic swords hovering around him.
"'Sword Birth,' huh? A Sacred Gear that allows one to create magic swords visualized in the mind. Even among sword-type Sacred Gears, it's a special one," Genova commented, perhaps with some admiration.
"But… since they're magic swords, they'll be utterly powerless against Excalibur!" Genova said coldly as she suddenly charged, dragging her enormous sword behind her.
Kiba spun his body, several magic swords appearing before him, which he then kicked forward like missiles.
Genova, unfazed by the oncoming blades, simply swung her Excalibur, shattering each and every sword that sought to block her path.
"My sword is enhanced specifically for destruction. There is nothing in this world I cannot cut!" The dashing girl closed the distance to Kiba in an instant, brandishing her giant sword.
Kiba clenched his teeth—the wind pressure alone from her swing burned his skin. If he were struck directly, he'd likely be completely incapacitated.
Genova's attack was bold and heavy. Her raised sword came crashing down toward Kiba.
Kiba didn't try to block it. Instead, he narrowly dodged backwards, avoiding her blow by a hair's breadth.
Her Holy Sword struck the ground with a thunderous crash. The entire field trembled, dust clouding the area, and pebbles struck the barrier like bullets.
When the dust cleared, a massive crater resembling a volcanic pit had opened between Genova and Kiba.
"This is my Excalibur. It can destroy anything. The 'Holy Sword of Destruction' is no mere title." With a graceful flourish, Genova swung her sword into a stylish pose, holding it confidently behind her.
Kiba looked on bitterly.
The gap in weaponry was just too great. Even the simplest clash was fatal. Talk of victory seemed almost laughable.
And there were seven Excaliburs in total. Was destroying them all truly a path of carnage?
Still… how could he just give up here? If it was a matter of destructive power...
"UAAAAHHH!!" Kiba roared, and from his hand emerged a massive, roughly formed weapon—something so large and crude, it was questionable whether it could even be called a sword.
"Let's decide this once and for all! Your Holy Sword's destructive power versus my magic sword's destructive power—this one strike will determine the victor!" With both hands, Kiba gripped the massive weapon and charged at Genova with tragic determination.
Kiba swung the sword toward her. But Genova sighed, seemingly disappointed.
"Too bad. You made the wrong choice," she said coldly.
CRASH!!!
A loud metallic clang echoed out. Kiba's massive sword spun through the air, broken in an instant.
Genova's Excalibur was completely unharmed. She had effortlessly destroyed his magic weapon.
"Your strengths lie in your diverse magic swords and speed. Wielding a giant sword like that restricts your agility, and your arms lack the power for it. You sought destructive power? Based on your abilities, that's entirely unnecessary. Can't you even understand that much?"
"This next strike… will leave you unable to move!"
With those words, Genova reversed her grip and mercilessly struck Kiba with the pommel of her sword.
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