The magical barrier surrounding Kuoh Academy's grounds shimmered with residual energy as draconic power clashed against draconic power. Issei, in his Scale Mail armor, pressed his attack against Vali's Divine Dividing form, their battle shaking the very air with each collision.
"Boost! Boost! Boost!" Ddraig's voice echoed as crimson energy spiraled around Issei's armored form.
"Divide! Divide! Divide!" Albion's response was equally thunderous as Vali's white draconic wings spread wider, his speed increasing exponentially.
The two Heavenly Dragons' wielders moved like streaks of light across the academy grounds, their battle a deadly dance of power and technique. Each strike from Issei carried enough force to level buildings, while Vali's counterattacks came with supernatural speed that made him nearly impossible to track.
"Is this really all you've learned, Red Dragon Emperor?" Vali taunted as he effortlessly dodged another of Issei's powerful strikes. "Your form has improved, but your technique remains as crude as ever."
"Shut up!" Issei roared, launching himself forward with rocket-like propulsion. "Dragon Shot!"
The crimson beam of concentrated draconic energy tore through the air, but Vali was already gone, having used his light-speed movement to appear behind his opponent.
"Too slow," Vali said coldly, delivering a devastating kick that sent Issei crashing into the academy's outer wall.
From their positions around the magical barrier, the assembled supernatural leaders watched with varying degrees of concern and interest. Rias clutched her hands to her chest, worry evident in her expression, while her peerage stood ready to intervene if necessary.
"Should we stop this?" Rias asked, looking toward her brother and the other leaders.
"Not yet," Sirzechs replied, though his tone carried obvious concern. "Issei needs to face this challenge, but we'll intervene if it becomes too dangerous."
Azazel watched the battle with calculating eyes, analyzing every technique and power fluctuation. "Vali's holding back," he observed. "He could end this fight immediately if he wanted to."
"Then why doesn't he?" Michael asked, still trying to understand the complex dynamics between the two Dragon Emperors.
"Because he's proving a point," Azazel replied grimly. "He wants to demonstrate exactly how outclassed Issei really is."
On the battlefield, Issei struggled to his feet, his Scale Mail armor showing visible damage from Vali's assault. "I'm not done yet!" he declared, raising his left gauntlet. "Promotion! Queen!"
His armor shifted, taking on the characteristics of the strongest chess piece as his power increased dramatically. But even with the enhancement, Vali seemed entirely unimpressed.
"Queen promotion," Vali mused, circling his opponent like a predator. "A useful technique, but it won't close the fundamental gap between us."
"We'll see about that!" Issei launched himself forward again, his speed notably increased by the promotion's effects.
This time, he managed to land a glancing blow on Vali's shoulder, earning a grunt of mild surprise from the White Dragon Emperor.
"Better," Vali acknowledged, but his tone remained condescending. "Though still pathetically inadequate."
Before Issei could respond, a purple magic circle materialized between the two combatants, forcing them to break apart as three figures emerged from the teleportation.
"Yo, Vali!" Bikou called out cheerfully, spinning his Ruyi Jingu Bang with practiced ease. "Hope we're not interrupting your dramatic monologue!"
Kuroka stretched languidly beside him, her cat ears twitching as she surveyed the battle-damaged academy grounds. "My, my, you boys certainly made a mess, nya."
The third figure was someone none of the assembled group recognized—a tall man with silver hair and cold eyes that seemed to assess everyone present as potential threats.
Vali landed gracefully, his white wings folding as he turned to address his companions. "Your timing is impeccable as always. I was just demonstrating to the Red Dragon Emperor exactly how far he has to go."
"Demonstrating?" Bikou laughed. "Looked more like bullying to me. Though I guess that's basically the same thing."
Issei remained in his combat stance, his armor's energy fluctuating as he tried to process this new development. "Who are these people, Vali?"
"My new allies," Vali replied with obvious satisfaction. "As of today, I'm no longer bound by the Grigori's limitations. I've accepted an invitation to join the Khaos Brigade."
The announcement hit the assembled group like a thunderbolt. Azazel stepped forward, his expression a mixture of anger and disappointment.
"Vali, you fool," he said, his voice carrying genuine pain. "Do you have any idea what you're doing? The Khaos Brigade isn't some liberation movement—they're extremists who want to destroy everything we've worked to build."
"Are they?" Vali asked with mock curiosity. "And tell me, Azazel, what exactly have we built? A stagnant peace maintained through fear and political maneuvering? A system that keeps true power shackled by outdated treaties?"
"We've built a world where the three factions aren't constantly at war!" Michael interjected, his normally calm demeanor showing cracks. "Where children can grow up without fearing supernatural conflicts!"
"A world of mediocrity," Vali countered coldly. "A world where power is wasted on maintaining the status quo instead of pushing the boundaries of what's possible."
Issei's armor flared with renewed energy as anger overrode his exhaustion. "So you're abandoning everything? Everyone who believed in you?"
"I'm evolving beyond artificial limitations," Vali replied, his attention returning to his former rival. "The question is whether you'll do the same, or remain trapped in your current pathetic state forever."
"Pathetic?" Issei's voice cracked with hurt and rage. "I've been getting stronger! I've been training, fighting, protecting people—"
"And yet you're still the same perverted fool you always were," Vali interrupted mercilessly. "Tell me, Red Dragon Emperor, how do you measure up against someone like Akira?"
The mention of the name caused an immediate shift in the group's dynamic. Rias's expression immediately softened with concern, while Sirzechs smiled despite the tense situation. Azazel's eyes lit up with scientific curiosity, and only Michael looked confused.
"Akira?" Michael asked quietly. "Who is this person?"
Before anyone could respond, Bikou interjected with his characteristic cheerfulness. "Oh, speaking of Akira, you guys might be interested to know—he just completely demolished the Hero Faction!"
The casual way he delivered this information sent shockwaves through the assembled group. Even Vali's confident expression showed a flicker of surprise.
"What do you mean, demolished?" Azazel demanded, stepping closer to the barrier's edge. "The Hero Faction had Cao Cao with the True Longinus, Georg with Dimension Lost—"
"Yeah, about that," Bikou continued, apparently oblivious to the gravity of his words. "Turns out legendary spears aren't so legendary when you know how to break them. Akira pretty much took apart their entire assault force single-handedly."
Kuroka nodded nervously, her tail betraying her apparent calm. "It's true, nya. We were monitoring the situation from a safe distance, and... well, let's just say the Hero Faction won't be causing problems anymore, nya."
"You witnessed the battle?" Sirzechs asked sharply. "What exactly did you see?"
Kuroka's nervous energy became more apparent as all eyes focused on her. "Everything, nya. Including Akira destroying the True Longinus with his bare hands, nya."
The silence that followed was absolute. Even the ambient magical energy seemed to still as the implications of her words sank in.
"That's impossible," Michael whispered, his composure finally cracking completely. "The True Longinus is one of the most sacred artifacts in existence. It cannot be destroyed by any mortal power."
"Yeah, well, nobody told Akira that," Bikou said with a grin. "Just grabbed it and crushed it like it was made of cheap plastic. Pretty impressive, really."
Azazel was staring at the group with an expression of scientific fascination mixed with disbelief. "Are you absolutely certain about what you witnessed? The destruction of a Longinus should have caused massive conceptual backlash—"
"Oh, it did, nya," Kuroka confirmed, her voice growing smaller. "Half the vampire guards collapsed just from witnessing it, nya. The supernatural disturbances were unlike anything I've ever felt."
"Conceptual backlash," Sirzechs murmured thoughtfully. "That suggests he didn't just overpower the artifact—he negated its fundamental nature entirely."
Michael looked genuinely shaken. "To destroy something that operates on divine authority itself would require..." He trailed off, unable to complete the thought.
"Would require someone who exists outside the frameworks that give divine authority meaning," Azazel finished quietly, his scientific mind racing through the implications.
Vali had been listening to this exchange in silence, his expression cycling through surprise, calculation, and what looked almost like excitement. Now he laughed, the sound carrying genuine enthusiasm for the first time since his arrival.
"You know what?" he said, his voice filled with something approaching joy. "This is perfect. Better than I could have hoped for."
"Better?" Issei asked incredulously, his armor flickering with confusion and hurt. "How is any of this better?"
"Because now I have a goal that's actually worth pursuing," Vali replied, turning to face his former rival directly. "I wasted years waiting for you to become worthy opposition, Red Dragon Emperor. But you were never the real challenge, were you? You were just a stepping stone."
The words hit Issei like physical blows, each one designed to cut deep. "A stepping stone? Is that all I ever was to you?"
"What did you expect?" Vali asked, not without some sympathy. "You have potential, but you lack the understanding necessary to transcend your limitations. Akira has both—power that operates beyond known principles, and the wisdom to wield it effectively."
"So that's it?" Issei's voice cracked with pain. "You're just abandoning our rivalry? Everything we've worked toward?"
"I'm evolving beyond it," Vali corrected. "Whether you do the same or remain trapped in mediocrity is entirely up to you."
Kuroka was already weaving another teleportation circle, the purple energy crackling with her nervous energy. "We should leave, nya. There are other people we need to contact, and staying in one place makes me nervous, nya."
"One final piece of advice," Vali said, addressing Issei directly as the teleportation circle stabilized. "If you truly want to become stronger, stop relying on raw emotion and instinct. Akira didn't defeat the Hero Faction through superior firepower—he did it through complete understanding of his opponents and their techniques. Learn what that means, or accept that you'll always be exactly what you are now."
The purple light flared, and the three figures began to fade from view.
"Until we meet again," Vali called out as they vanished, leaving only the scent of ozone and the echo of dimensional displacement.
Issei's Scale Mail armor finally failed, dissolving into motes of crimson light as he collapsed to his knees. The emotional impact of Vali's words had proven more devastating than any physical attack.
Immediately, Rias and her entire peerage rushed to his side, surrounding him with concerned voices and gentle touches.
"Issei!" Rias called out, dropping to her knees beside him and pulling him into a protective embrace. "Are you hurt? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Issei muttered, though his voice carried none of its usual energy. "Just... thinking about what he said."
"Don't listen to him," Rias said softly, taking his hand. "You've grown so much, not just in power but as a person."
"But what if he's right?" Issei asked, his voice small and uncertain. "What if I really am just fooling myself? What if I'll never be strong enough to matter?"
"That's not true," Rias said firmly, her crimson hair framing her face as she looked into his eyes. "You have something Vali will never understand—the ability to inspire others, to bring people together through genuine care and determination. That's a strength he'll never possess."
Meanwhile, the three supernatural leaders had moved to a more private area to discuss what they'd just learned.
"This changes everything," Michael said quietly, his normally serene features showing deep concern. "If what we just heard is accurate, we're dealing with someone whose capabilities exceed anything in recorded supernatural history."
He turned to look at both Azazel and Sirzechs. "Is this Akira someone we need to be concerned about? Someone we should prepare countermeasures against?"
Sirzechs immediately shook his head. "Akira isn't a threat to anyone who doesn't threaten those he protects. He saved this town, defended both my sister and Sona during the Kokabiel incident. Every interaction I've had with him has demonstrated honor and genuine care for others."
"But the destruction of a Longinus," Michael pressed, his voice tight with worry. "That level of power concentrated in any single individual is concerning, regardless of their current intentions."
Azazel wiped sweat from his forehead, his expression mixing concern with barely contained excitement. "Honestly? This just makes him more fascinating. I've been trying to understand his abilities for weeks, and every new piece of information just deepens the mystery."
"You sound excited about someone who just casually destroyed one of the most sacred artifacts in existence," Michael observed with alarm.
"Of course I'm excited!" Azazel replied enthusiastically. "Do you realize what we're dealing with? Someone who can negate divine authority, destroy legendary artifacts, and operate outside established supernatural frameworks. The research implications are staggering!"
"Are you listening to yourself?" Michael interrupted. "This is someone who demonstrated the ability to unmake divine artifacts with his bare hands. That kind of power could destabilize the entire supernatural world."
"But it won't," Sirzechs said confidently. "I've observed how Akira treats others, how he protects those under his care. He has no interest in conquest or domination—if anything, he seems to prefer avoiding attention."
"After today's events, avoiding attention may no longer be possible," Michael pointed out grimly. "Word of the True Longinus's destruction will spread through every supernatural faction within hours. Everyone will want answers."
Azazel's grin widened dangerously. "Which means I'll finally get the chance to study his techniques directly! I can't wait to see if he'll demonstrate how he managed to destroy a conceptual artifact. The theoretical possibilities—"
"Azazel," Sirzechs warned. "Remember that Akira is a friend, not a research subject."
"Of course, of course," Azazel replied, though his expression suggested complete fascination with the scientific possibilities. "But you have to admit, the opportunity to observe power operating at this level is unprecedented."
Michael sighed deeply. "I suppose a formal meeting will be necessary. At minimum, I should introduce myself to someone of such... significant capabilities."
"Just approach him with genuine respect," Sirzechs advised. "Akira responds well to honesty and directness, but he has no patience for political games or veiled threats."
As the leaders continued their discussion, none of them noticed that their conversation was being observed by forces that had their own plans for the mysterious individual who had just reshaped the supernatural world's power structure.
---
*Meanwhile, in a distant castle...*
Akira was seated casually on the ornate throne that had once belonged to Queen Carmilla, his posture relaxed but his presence commanding absolute attention.
Before him, bound with mystical restraints that glowed with soft silver light, knelt Queen Carmilla herself and Elmenhilde. Both vampires maintained their dignity despite their current circumstances, though the fear in their eyes was unmistakable.
Valerie stood to Queen's left, the legendary spear Chastiefol held steady in her hands, its tip positioned mere inches from Carmilla's throat. The Sephiroth Graal's power flowed through the weapon, making it capable of permanently destroying even vampire nobility.
Xenovia had the holy sword Durandal's blessed edge resting against Elmenhilde's neck. The young vampire's eyes were wide with terror, but she remained silent under her queen's steady gaze.
"Now then," Akira said conversationally, his voice carrying easily through the vast chamber. "Which one of you would like to meet your ancestors first?"
As he spoke, his right eye began to glow with an ominous red light, the iris shifting to display a white omega symbol that seemed to pulse with otherworldly power. The temperature in the room dropped seemed to drop several degrees as both vampires began to tremble despite their overwhelming pride.
. .
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