When Tenra stole the [Divine Dividing] from Vali, it triggered something new in the Silver-Haired Devil—Vali awakened the power to nullify Sacred Gears. The root of that ability? His infamous grandfather, Rizevim.
Not a single member of Sirzechs's household, Grayfia included, possessed a Sacred Gear. That was no accident; it was a calculated move, all to counter Rizevim's terrifying power.
It didn't matter whether the artifact was common, legendary, or even a God-slaying Longinus—before Rizevim, every Sacred Gear became useless. No logic, no loopholes. Just absolute negation.
Facing an opponent who could perfectly shut down his own power, Tenra felt a headache coming on.
But only a headache—nothing more.
Grayfia watched him carefully, brows drawn.
"Rizevim's power completely counters yours. You don't seem worried at all."
Tenra's lips curled in a cocky smile.
"Why should I be worried?"
"His ability does counter mine. But that doesn't mean I'll lose to him."
For all Rizevim's reputation, Tenra knew his ability had limits. Push past those boundaries, and even Rizevim could be struck down by Sacred Gear attacks.
He remembered the canon battle—Issei Hyoudou, the original Red Dragon Emperor, had used his deified, infinite power to break through Rizevim's immunity and defeat him. Sure, Tenra couldn't achieve deification, nor wield Ophis's infinite might, but even Issei's "God Mode" only barely reached the level of a Transcendent, and it could only last for a fleeting moment. A bootleg version at best.
Tenra, though, was the real deal—a true Transcendent. If Issei could pull it off, there was no reason Tenra couldn't do the same.
So yes, Rizevim was a headache. But fear? Not a chance.
If they ever met, and Rizevim dared to stand against him—Tenra would be more than happy to settle things the old-fashioned way.
"This intel is solid, Grayfia. Nicely done."
He grinned, a wicked glint in his eye.
"Now, time for your reward."
Before Grayfia could protest, Tenra swept her off her feet, cradling her in his arms as he strode into the bedroom.
"I don't want your reward!"
Grayfia's icy beauty was tinged with embarrassment and fury—she knew exactly what he had in mind.
Tenra just chuckled.
"My lovely maid, you don't get a choice. Want it or not, you're getting it."
He laid her gently on the bed, stroked her cheek—
—and tore her clothes away.
"DXD: Infinite Loot System"The next morning.
"Tenra-sama, are we going to rescue Valerie today?"
Gasper was practically vibrating with excitement, fists clenched and eyes shining.
Tenra patted his shoulder.
"Get ready. We're heading out."
He'd already pieced together the situation in Tepes territory. No point wasting time. If the vampires refused to bring them to Valerie, they'd just go themselves.
Tenra, Gasper, Yubelluna, and the rest of the girls strode out of the embassy, fully prepared.
"Red Dragon Emperor, may I ask where you're headed?"
Until now, only Yubelluna's group had been moving around. Tenra's appearance sent a ripple of panic through the vampires posted outside—they rushed to block his path.
Tenra's smile was cold.
"Do I need to report my itinerary to you?"
Without waiting for a reply, he led his group forward.
The vampires hesitated, faces darkening. They weren't afraid of battle or death—but they weren't stupid enough to charge headlong into a massacre.
"Damn Red Dragon Emperor! Someone report to Lord Marius, now!"
Tenra's group marched through the streets, their presence radiating power. Vampires glared from every doorway and alley, but none dared step forward. The aura Tenra and his retainers gave off was enough to keep even the boldest at bay.
Soon, the royal palace loomed before them.
"Halt! Trespassers will be executed!"
A thunderous shout rang out. Hundreds of vampire soldiers formed a wall, blocking the palace gates.
"I'm here to see Queen Valerie," Tenra announced.
The lead vampire sneered.
"Her Majesty isn't someone you can just meet, Red Dragon Emperor. This isn't your Underworld. Take another step and you die."
Tenra's gaze sharpened.
"You know who I am, and you still run your mouth? Impressive."
He shrugged.
"Fine. You've had your chance."
He let loose his spiritual energy—a tidal wave that crashed into the vampire ranks like a living storm.
Screams erupted as bodies flew. Nearly half the soldiers were slammed into the palace walls, reduced to bloody pulp; the survivors lay groaning, broken and battered.
Sheila and Isabella stepped forward, exchanged a look, and kicked out together.
BOOM!
Twin explosions shattered the ornate palace gates, sending fragments of demon-carved stone flying.
The captain of the guards, blood streaming from his mouth, glared up at Tenra with a mix of rage and terror.
"Red Dragon Emperor! How dare you storm the palace of Tepes! You're dead! You're—"
A spear of light punched through his chest, obliterating his heart. He died before he could finish the threat.
Tenra sighed.
"Raynare, you could at least let them finish their sentences."
Raynare just grinned, eyes alight with bloodlust.
"Maybe next time."
She finished off another wounded vampire with a casual thrust, then followed Tenra inside.
Tenra didn't bother to scold her further. He led Gasper and the rest into the palace, the girls flanking him like a royal procession.
They hadn't gone far before another wave of vampire guards rushed to intercept. Yubelluna and the others readied themselves, but the new group quickly called out:
"Wait!"
Tenra raised an eyebrow, but halted.
"Red Dragon Emperor, Her Majesty Valerie will receive you. Please, follow us inside."
The lead vampire looked relieved—no one wanted to test Tenra's patience any further.
Tenra couldn't help but laugh. When he'd asked politely for an audience, they'd ignored him; now that he'd kicked down the doors, they were falling over themselves to be courteous. Vampires really were a shameless bunch.
"Lead the way."
Tenra, for all his power, preferred diplomacy over bloodshed. If they were willing to talk, he'd oblige.
"Yes, of course…"
The vampires hurried ahead, guiding Tenra's group through the ruined gates. Rage and resentment simmered beneath their polite facade, but for now, they kept it buried deep.
Damn Red Dragon Emperor. One day, you'll pay for this. One day!
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