Neither of them spoke first, but instead, with a tacit understanding, stood shoulder to shoulder, watching the scene within the barrier.
Inside the barrier were the Holy Sword users who had lost their will to fight, the injured Rias and others, and the Red Dragon Emperor, Issei, whom Vali was currently interested in.
Vali's gaze fell upon Issei in the crater. Such a weak person was not worthy of being his opponent.
Abel asked, "Vali, what are your thoughts on your fated rival?"
Vali spoke with disdain, "Too weak."
Issei was indeed too weak right now. He sacrificed an arm and still couldn't defeat Kokabiel.
Abel smiled. "Vali, don't underestimate that kid. Otherwise..."
"Otherwise what?"
"Something very interesting will happen."
Listening to Abel's words, for some reason, Vali felt a chill run down his spine. However, with Abel saying that, he became interested in Issei. After all, to gain his approval, the guy in front of him must have something special.
In short, many years later, Vali would definitely regret his decision, because he gained a persistent guy behind him who always wanted to fight him. Of course, that's a story for later.
Vali looked at Kokabiel inside. His goal in coming here this time was to follow his foster father's orders to bring him back and imprison him for punishment. Freed was also supposed to be brought back, but unfortunately, he was cut down.
"Do you need help?"
Vali looked at Rias and the others. "They're about to collapse."
Abel shook his head. "No need, just watch. It's not too late for you to help when they truly can't hold on anymore. How about we just watch the show?"
"Alright."
...
The Holy Sword user was listless, Issei was lying flat, Yuuto was exhausted and Rias and the others hadn't recovered yet.
Among those present, only Miko and her group could still fight.
"Can you still fight? Otherwise, I'll start destroying the city." Kokabiel said playfully.
Then he raised his right hand, activating the magic to destroy the town.
Feeling the power emanating from the magic circle, Miko sighed. Her master was truly something, he was right next to them, yet he wasn't helping.
Then she looked at Rias and the others. "Rias, do you still remember the protection?"
"Of course... Oh."
Rias thought of something.
Sona and Akeno also remembered.
Abel's protection. They could borrow Abel's power. So, this beating was for nothing.
Miko looked at the people present with some helplessness. Some were injured, some were unconscious, and only Miko and others could fight now.
She turned to Hana. "Hana, I'm counting on you."
"Understood."
Hana nodded, then clenched her hand into a fist and placed it over her heart.
"Pawn Promotion: Bishop!"
"I will bring a victory to the King where no one is harmed!"
As she finished speaking, Hana glowed. Her pawn piece transformed into a bishop, and at the same time, a robe appeared on her body.
Watching Hana's transformation, Kokabiel frowned slightly.
The Godslayer's power was still there. It seemed Voban hadn't dealt with that brat yet.
He shouldn't be dead, right?
Hana closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and her life energy emanated outwards.
Life Share!
The golden light from Hana enveloped everyone except Kokabiel.
This was Hana's own innate skill. Its effect was that all received injuries would be offset by her life energy, and it wouldn't consume her own vitality, she only needed to eat to replenish it.
A remarkably powerful support.
Asia felt the warmth, this feeling was very comfortable. However, she felt a bit bitter inside. Her Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing, seemed to be inferior to Hana's.
Gasper, who had fainted, slowly regained consciousness.
Yuuto, who had been exhausted, also recovered.
Issei, who had eaten a senzu bean in the crater, likewise opened his eyes.
The three of them approached Rias.
Rias and the others looked at Kokabiel in the sky with grim expressions.
"President, I..."
Facing Issei's apology, Rias didn't mind and comforted him, "It's alright. After all, he isn't that easy to deal with."
Their current target was only Kokabiel in the sky.
"Any ideas?" Miko asked.
Rias fell into thought.
Sona pushed up her glasses and said, "Yes, but it requires some deployment."
"Alright, I'll leave the deployment to you, Sona." Rias said.
Sona nodded.
Next was her deployment time.
"Interesting ability." Kokabiel said playfully.
To him, this battle was like a cat playing with a mouse. Unless the mouse turned into an elephant, none of these guys present could defeat him.
"Devils, I'll wait for you to set up your tactics. I hope you can give me an enjoyable battle." Kokabiel said with a disdainful smile.
Rias and the others ignored him and listened to Sona's deployment.
Front line, control, output.
Those were the main points.
After a while, everyone understood their respective roles.
"For Abel (the King), bring overwhelming victory!"
As they spoke, white light emanated from everyone except Yuuto, Issei. Shinobu, Koneko, and Tsubaki.
Abel's protection was fully activated at this moment. Their attire changed, transforming into forms suitable for each of them.
"Let's go!"
"Mm!"
With those words, Yuuto and Shinobu were the first to rush forward with their swords, followed closely by Koneko.
Tsubaki took a deep breath, then summoned Mirror Alice.
Outside, Abel smiled slightly. It seemed this girl was preparing to activate her Balance Breaker, so he would lend her a hand.
Oh, wind. Carry my blessing and deliver it to her.
Tsubaki felt gentle breezes blowing, carrying blessings. Then her eyes sharpened.
"Answer my expectations!"
Mirror Alice continuously emitted light.
Balance Breaker!
Nostalgia Mad Tea Party!
As the Mirror Alice opened, monsters emerged from within, one by one.
"Then..."
Tsubaki Shinra said, drawing the long blade from her hand, "It begins!"
With those words, she followed closely behind the three in front.
Behind her, hordes of monsters appeared from the mirror, one after another. They also joined Tsubaki in battle.
(End of Chapter)
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