When I told Issei that Kunou and I were currently in Kyoto, his shocked voice came through the phone.
"Wait, what!? You guys are in Kyoto!? You do realize we're inside the artificial Kyoto these guys created, right? Even if you can teleport to Kyoto, are you even able to get into this space!?"
"Yeah, I figured it'd be pretty tough. They went out of their way to throw us out, so I'm guessing this place has been heavily reinforced with Dimension Lost, probably sealed tight against outside interference. Forcing our way in might be difficult... but for this situation, I think we'll manage. I won't know until I try, but I should be able to get in. So for now, head to Nijō Castle on your end."
"...Got it. Just make sure you do get here!"
"Of course. There's no way I'm letting this whole thing end with me and Kunou left out of the loop."
Our top priority is rescuing Yasaka-san. If Issei and the others manage to resolve things before we arrive, that's fine. But if possible, I'd still like to give the Hero Faction a solid beating.
After ending the call with Issei, I turned my gaze to the side.
From that direction, a man was walking toward us, exuding clear hostility.
"Yo. Remember me? We fought back at that factory... though I got taken down first by that Holy Demonic Sword wielder back then."
I took a good look at his face and tried to recall.
"Oh, right! You're the 'guy with the rock in his hand!'"
"Exactly! But I'm not the same as I was then. With this newfound power, I'm going to, "
He started to monologue, but I wasn't in the mood to entertain him. I stomped lightly at my feet, preparing to teleport to Kyoto, but the teleportation didn't activate.
The guy laughed triumphantly.
"Ha ha ha! Nice try! I already set up a teleportation seal around here. You can't escape! Don't ignore me, I want a proper fight! And I even gave you a reason! You see, the teleport seal lifts only if you defeat me. So if you want to go to Kyoto... you'll have to beat me first! Now, come at me! I'll show you the power I've awakened, BALAAAAANCE... BREAKUUUUUUU, GUAAHH!?"
"Too long."
He was wasting time striking a dramatic and vaguely ninja-like pose, so I punched him square in the face mid-transformation. He fainted instantly.
I made sure he wouldn't wake up for a while and decided someone could pick him up later.
"Alright, time to head to Kyoto. And Kunou, remember this well. In real combat, there's usually no reason to wait for the enemy to finish transforming."
"Indeed. From my perspective, he was full of openings. If all the Hero Faction are as foolish as he, this mission may be easier than expected."
With Kunou's commentary in the background, we teleported to Kyoto.
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[Issei's POV]
After coordinating with Ikki, we defeated the Hero Faction members who had transformed using the Balance Breaker and gathered at the gates of the pseudo-Kyoto's Nijō Castle.
Looking around, I saw Yuuto, Xenovia, and Irina were already here. Rossweisse-san looked a bit unwell, but I assume it's because she'd just received healing from Ikki at the hotel, she seemed a lot worse earlier today.
"Issei-kun, Asia-san. Glad to see you two made it safely. Now we're just waiting for Ikki-kun and Kunou-san… If they're late, maybe they were targeted by someone with abilities focused on stalling."
Yeah, it makes sense. Only Asia and I know what happened to Ikki.
"Actually, everyone, Ikki and Kunou, were apparently teleported all the way to Kyoto. I couldn't believe it either, but... Ikki says he's got a way to enter this space. If it's him, I'm sure he'll get here soon."
"I see… Makes sense. Right now, Ikki-kun is easily our greatest asset. The enemy likely lured us into this space intentionally, but if Ikki showed up, he could throw off their entire plan. Which means… their top priority is completing their objective."
"But that also means they're underestimating the rest of us, that even if Ikki isn't here, we're not a threat. That pisses me off."
Xenovia's scowl made her irritation clear, and honestly, I felt the same. Since becoming a devil, the only serious victory I've had without Ikki's help was against Raynare, and even then, Ikki was fighting too. If I'm being honest, anyone from our original group could've won that battle. Sure, we needed everyone to save Asia, so it's not that simple... but still. It's time I stop being the one who always needs saving.
While I was getting fired up, I noticed Xenovia's new sword, it was shaped differently from the old Durandal. I'd heard it had been returned from Heaven and modified, but this must be the new one.
"Hm? Curious? Hehe, I've been itching to swing this thing!"
She looked like she was about to lick the blade. It was kinda scary.
As I was backing away from her slightly, the giant gates leading into Nijō Castle slowly creaked open.
"Looks like they're welcoming us. Alright, let's go, everyone!"
"Yeah!"
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