"Why are you asking me this?" Takeyo asked between bites.
Arthur nodded, adjusting his glasses with practiced precision. "Your Excellency, when I saw the Holy Spear, I felt an inexplicable throbbing in my heart, just as I did when I first witnessed your Holy Sword. Le Fay experienced the same sensation."
That's what puzzled them. The holy sword Takeyo wielded had resonated with them before, but why did the blonde girl carrying a holy spear evoke identical feelings?
"Ah, her name's Artoria," Takeyo said casually, reaching for another skewer.
Artoria had originally been assigned as his personal guard. However, the opponent she wasn't was thrown out by The God. At the time, Takeyo could only resort to that particular method, informing Artoria that they were in Kyoto and... well, she'd been delighted at the opportunity to venture out and "fill the king's stomach."
"Artoria?" Arthur's expression shifted. "What's her surname?"
The name itself meant little. What mattered was the family line.
"Pendragon. Same as yours and Le Fay's."
Arthur's composed demeanor cracked slightly as understanding dawned. "I see. She carries Pendragon blood as well. But we've always been a single-inheritance line, how could there be an unknown branch?"
"Because your premise is wrong," Takeyo said, his tone matter-of-fact. "It's not that she's of Pendragon blood. Rather, the current Pendragon line descends from her."
Arthur's glasses nearly slipped from his face. The Pendragon line descended from her?
"Your Excellency, could you be more explicit?"
"I don't need to spell it out, it's exactly what you're thinking right now."
Takeyo could read Arthur's thoughts without even invoking Black Sky Krishna's power. The man's expression was that transparent.
"Oh, look over there! Things are really heating up!"
Despite the occasional shockwave from the battle surging toward them, Takeyo's omnipotent halo effortlessly deflected each one. He watched the aerial combat with genuine interest.
Following Takeyo's gesture, Arthur's eyes widened in surprise. "Vali actually activated that mode!"
He hadn't expected Issei's strength to improve so dramatically in such a short time.
Vali created distance between himself and Issei. The jewels embedded in the White Dragon Emperor's armor blazed with azure light.
[I, am the Awakened One, ]
[The White Dragon Emperor who has cast the Ultimate of Supremacy into the Abyss, ]
[Behold the Zenith of the Heavenly Dragons!]
[The Domination of the White Dragon!]
[We shall restrain infinity and devour all dreams!]
[Piercing through infinite disillusionment toward the breaking dawn, ]
[I, as the Emperor of the Unsullied Dragon, ]
The armor's appearance transformed radically, beginning to emit brilliant silver-white flashes.
[Lead you to the illusion of silver and the pinnacle of sorcery!]
[Empireo Juggernaut Overdrive!]
[Silver Suprem Dragon!]
A mode surpassing even Juggernaut Drive, the ultimate evolution Vali had developed for his Balance Breaker.
"Issei! Beat him for me!"
Takeyo's voice carried across the battlefield through the omnipotent halo's connection. This wasn't just any protective barrier, unlike his previous pseudo-celestial arrays, this was the genuine article. The current Heavenly Realm's array was flawed due to material limitations and user restrictions, but Takeyo faced no such constraints.
Even Albion's resurrection couldn't breach this formation. It was designed to withstand attacks at the secondary Dragon God level.
Hearing Takeyo's encouragement, Issei nodded fiercely. "Leave it to me, Boss!"
The red radiance surrounding him intensified, transforming into true crimson brilliance.
[I, ]
[Awakened as the Crimson Dragon Emperor who exalted the King's Truth to the Heavens, ]
[Holding infinite hope and immortal dreams, I walk the path of royalty, ]
[I, ]
[Become the Emperor of the Crimson Dragon, ]
[Guide you to the glorious paradise of true crimson!]
But this alone wasn't enough to match Vali's power.
"Promotion! Queen!"
[True Queen Mode!]
Both had completed their evolution beyond Juggernaut Drive's limitations.
"Hahaha! Now I understand why Takeyo arranged this match!" Vali's laughter rang across the sky. "I thought you were still far behind, Issei, but you've actually achieved this level of Sacred Gear evolution!"
"I, Vali, recognize you as my rival! Hyoudou Issei!"
"Of course! I'm the one who'll defeat you, Vali!"
Silver and crimson dragons collided again, their clash sending shockwaves rippling through the dimensional space.
"Their strength is essentially equal now. Is this why Your Excellency decided they should fight?" Arthur observed with genuine admiration. He hadn't anticipated Issei possessing the power to contend with Vali in this state.
"That's right, though this isn't their potential limit," Takeyo replied with a knowing smile.
While neither could compare to him, Vali and Issei were still remarkably powerful.
Beyond True Queen Mode, Issei still had access to the Diabolos Dragon God form, a state resonating with Ophis and Great Red's power simultaneously. Named "Diabolos Dragon God (DxD)," it represented one of Issei's ultimate transformations. Using this form, Issei could easily overwhelm transcendent-class opponents, reaching or even slightly surpassing that tier. He'd defeated the transcendent Rizevim Livan Lucifer and the Heavenly Dragon-class evil dragon Azi Dahaka with this power.
The form channeled Ophis and the Great Red Dragon God Emperor's essence, truly formidable.
Vali's path wasn't inferior. During the Evil Dragon War, Vali had confronted his inner demons in an illusory battlefield, confirmed his will, and acknowledged his true feelings, recognizing Azazel, not his biological father, as the one who truly mattered. He'd accepted the demonic blood he once despised, reclaimed Albion's original name, Gewebe, and recovered the primal ability to nullify all toxins.
Chanting incantations alongside Albion and Ophis, Vali could achieve his "Demonization" form, reaching transcendent-class power and defeating the Heavenly Dragon-tier opponent Azi Dahaka. Despite his complicated relationship with the Old Satan Faction, even Demon Lord Sirzechs Lucifer acknowledged Vali as someone who truly inherited Lucifer's name.
Takeyo felt that once they reached this power level, they could serve as competent cannon fodder in battles against other-world threats. This competitive yet mutually supportive relationship was precisely what he'd hoped to cultivate.
After several intense minutes, the outcome crystallized.
"Ah, just as I anticipated," Takeyo commented while sampling another grilled skewer.
Though Vali was undeniably powerful, Issei's raw desire and obsessive drive gave him the edge.
"Vali, looks like you're coming back with me after all," Takeyo said with an easy smile.
"The wager..." Vali managed after catching his breath. "I didn't technically lose the wager, did I?"
Arthur sighed. "Actually, you did lose, Vali."
Whether they'd continue following Vali formally or act independently, their future would differ significantly from their previous wandering existence.
"Arthur? What do you mean?"
"Remember what Takeyo originally said?"
Takeyo's smile widened. "My exact words were: 'As long as you can defeat Hyoudou Issei, I'll let you continue wandering for another year or two. However, if you fail to defeat him, you're coming back with me.'"
"It seems Hyoudou Issei wasn't defeated by you, was he?"
"Understood." Vali's wry smile acknowledged the truth.
Had Takeyo calculated this from the beginning? Had he believed in Issei's capability all along?
"We'll head back first. I'm leaving Issei here for you two to bond properly."
"Once you've recovered sufficiently, you can return together with Issei."
Before departing, Takeyo gave Issei an encouraging look, then left with The God and Grayfia.
The next part, ahem, he'd leave to Issei.
Back in his cabin, Takeyo yawned expansively.
"God, what's your assessment of those two?" he asked while continuing his research.
"They essentially meet my requirements for competent Sacred Gear wielders, capable of utilizing my Sacred Gears to their fullest potential," The God replied while assisting with his work. "However, achieving true excellence requires completely transcending the Sacred Gear itself."
That's right, the God of the Bible was personally assisting Takeyo. He was likely the only one who could receive such treatment. Of course, the reverse applied as well, probably only The God qualified to work alongside Takeyo at this level.
After all, completing that particular project had consumed considerable time. Creating more in a short period required The God's assistance.
"With my help, they might achieve it," Takeyo said confidently.
Issei's advancement required power from both the Infinite Dragon God and the Great Red Dragon God Emperor, resources Takeyo could provide. The same applied to Vali.
Only after successfully unlocking Diabolos Dragon God and Demonization would they qualify to participate in battles against otherworldly threats.
"That's certainly worth anticipating," The God said with a slight smile.
Takeyo truly was the most suitable partner for her. Ever since choosing to walk the path toward the future, she'd always felt this way.
"Crack, "
The door burst open moments later.
A blonde child rushed through the entrance.
"Mother!"
She launched herself directly at Yasaka, who lay resting on the bed.
Grayfia had informed Kunou about Yasaka's return, and the young fox hadn't hesitated for even a moment.
"This fulfills my agreement with Kunou," Takeyo said, gently touching the young girl's head.
Ahem, here, only little Kunou allowed him such casual head-patting privileges.
The God, while essentially his, wasn't particularly comfortable with such gestures. Grayfia, despite his care for her, couldn't accept this behavior due to her inherent personality.
At this moment, Kunou accepted Takeyo's touch, tears streaming from her eyes.
Big Brother really came through!
"Thank you, Your Excellency Takeyo," Yasaka said as she stirred awake.
Takeyo's healing magic was remarkably effective, normally, recovery from such injuries would require considerably more rest before regaining consciousness.
"Ah, no need for thanks. After all, Yasaka, you're still my landlord."
"'Landlord?'" Yasaka's meaningful smile suggested layers of interpretation. "Your Excellency is too kind. However, you're welcome to stay here as long as you desire."
Shortly after, Takeyo saw Yasaka and Kunou off.
"Her saying that, doesn't it imply she'll leave the door open for me tonight?" Takeyo mused aloud.
Ahem, this was merely an analysis based on microexpressions and psychological assessment. He couldn't be certain of the specific implications yet.
"Hiss, "
Takeyo felt considerable pressure on his elbow.
The God had noticed his playful expression and registered her disapproval.
So... The God was somewhat displeased.
"Never mind that. Grayfia, attend me today," Takeyo tactically cleared his throat. Well, he wouldn't be slipping out tonight after all.
"Yes, Lord Takeyo. What do you require?" Grayfia's heart skipped momentarily at the summons.
"Don't you want to know how to grow stronger? As your master, I can provide proper instruction after such a long absence."
Takeyo's meaningful smile promised interesting developments.