Because Rosen had already suppressed his aura, to Kokabiel he looked like an utterly ordinary human.
After some thought Kokabiel concluded that Rosen was probably a newly recruited human underling who hadn't yet been turned into a Familia member.
"Kokabiel, it's not too late to stop. Don't you realize this will trigger a new war among the Three Factions?"
Although she knew Rosen could crush Kokabiel, as the person concerned—and lord of Kuoh Town—Rias had to say her piece.
"Heh, wouldn't that make things interesting? This world is far too peaceful, too dull—nothing like the thrill of a thousand years ago. I'll kill you, steal the Excalibur, and draw the attention of devils and angels alike. Then Michael and Sergeks will have to step in!"
At this Kokabiel burst into wild laughter.
He believed his plan was flawless.
The Excalibur was the Church's greatest treasure, and Rias was Lucifer's sister; success would inevitably set the Three Factions at each other's throats.
Azazel!—@
You've stayed in the Governor's seat far too long!
Even if you don't want war, once they see a fallen-angel cadre like me, they'll declare war on us Fallen Angels again!
Just like a thousand years ago when that great one declared war on the two powers!
Kokabiel's mad laughter echoed through the forest, sending flocks of birds and beasts fleeing in panic.
The frenzy in his eyes only intensified.
Sensing the pressure radiating from the fallen angel, Himejima Akeno and Koneko braced themselves, palms slick with sweat, a chill racing from their spines to their limbs.
This was the first time they'd faced such a terrifying opponent.
Compared with the fallen angel Raynare they'd fought last time, the difference was like heaven and earth.
Rosen, however, remained unperturbed.
Instead of acting immediately, he turned to Rias and asked, "Want to try fighting him? It's a rare experience."
"You want me to fight Kokabiel—seriously?"
Rias looked back at Rosen in surprise.
"Don't worry; with me here nothing will go wrong."
Rosen said with a light smile.
"Fine."
Rias nodded, choosing to trust Rosen. After all, the last time they'd fought the Darkness Devil, Rosen had stepped in and saved them all. Now, facing Kokabiel—who was weaker than that devil—she had no reason to be afraid.
With her mind made up, Rias looked to Himejima Akeno and Koneko.
"Akeno, Koneko, let's stop him together!"
The moment the words left her mouth, Rias summoned every ounce of her Destruction magic. Deep-crimson energy flared around her like living flame.
The surge of power made Akeno and Koneko's skin tingle.
They stared at her in shock, wondering how the President had suddenly become so strong.
They'd fought beside her before, but even when they'd faced those Fallen Angels led by Raynare, she hadn't been this powerful.
And more importantly—why were they the ones attacking?
Hadn't they agreed to let the helper handle it?
Even so, with Rias's order given, the two of them quickly readied themselves.
Seeing their resolve, Kokabiel burst into heartfelt laughter at the sight of Rias's blazing Battle Intent.
"Hahahaha! Magnificent! That magical pulse—I feel the mana of a top-tier devil, one step shy of Devil King! Rias Gremory, your gifts rival your brother's!"
The girl's aura thrilled the war-loving Kokabiel.
Rias had no patience for his chatter.
"Turn to ash!"
She condensed a colossal sphere of Destruction magic and fired it like an artillery shell.
The full-power blow shook the very ground.
Wind ripped the earth up along its path.
Compared with the original story, where she never won a single major fight, Rias's strength had soared thanks to point-boosts.
Kokabiel's expression turned grave.
He knew Destruction's nature—one direct hit would devour even his body in an instant.
But a devil who wasn't even a Devil King could never beat him!
Gathering light in both hands, he caught the blast head-on… and the attack that could shatter mountain ranges dispersed in frustration.
Yet Kokabiel looked no better off.
His black robe hung in tatters, blood dripped from both arms, and sweat beaded on his pale face.
Rias's power had surpassed his expectations.
He'd blocked it for show and paid dearly.
Now Kokabiel's killing intent flared—this woman must not be allowed to grow!
"Lightning!"
A fierce bolt crashed from the sky, striking Kokabiel squarely.
The Fallen Angel merely flicked a wing and scattered the thunder.
"You dare interfere, girl who carries Barakiel's blood?"
"Don't lump me with that man!"
As if someone had trodden on her tail, Himejima Akeno hissed, hurling fierce bolts one after another—all casually deflected by Kokabiel.
Compared with Rias's Destruction, Akeno's lightning was far weaker—barely Intermediate-devil level.
"Barakiel's daughter turned demon—how delightfully amusing!"
Koneko struck next.
Her method was simple: she uprooted a tree and hurled it at Kokabiel.
It accomplished nothing.
Apart from Rias, they were no match for him.
But after that blast Rias needed time to recover; she couldn't fire a second equal shot so soon.
Akeno glared while Koneko looked to Rias, awaiting orders.
"Since you've finished your little struggle, I'll end this game. Did you really think you could win?"
Kokabiel declared, pride swelling in his voice.
"I am a Fallen Angel who has crossed blades with God Himself."