After a while.
"Please have some tea."
"Mm."
The First Elder picked up the teacup and took a light sip.
"It's been a long time since I've had this."
He put down the teacup and looked at Shuri. "Shuri, do you still remember the clan rules?"
Akeno said, "Himejima clan members are not allowed to intermarry with outsiders."
"Since you remember, why did you knowingly violate them?"
The First Elder's gaze was stern, while Shuri smiled faintly, her eyes full of tenderness and resolve.
So, this is love?
The First Elder sighed, looking at her with a serious expression. "Shuri, you are the pride of the clan, but your actions have touched the bottom line of the clan rules. The clan cannot stand idly by."
Shuri nodded. "I understand. I am willing to bear the consequences, but please spare Akeno, she is innocent."
The First Elder was silent for a moment.
This matter was impossible. If it were a matter of sacrificing the child to save her, there might be some hope.
"I'm sorry. If it were you, there might be a chance, but not for anything else."
"I see." Shuri said, smiling helplessly.
To increase the chances of Akeno's survival, she had to stall for time.
"Excuse me, old man."
"Come on, Shuri."
Flames mixed with lightning shot up into the sky, and thunder roared.
In the sky, the intertwining of lightning and fire exploded like a brilliant fireworks display.
Startled awake by the thunder, Akeno was a bit flustered. She found herself being carried away from the Himejima clan territory on her mother's demon's back.
She looked up at the lightning and flames in the sky. Although only eight years old, Akeno seemed to understand something and tears flowed uncontrollably.
Abel stood in the sky, arms crossed, quietly watching Akeno. Behind her were several Himejima clan members, but he did not intervene. After all, Rias had to be given a chance to show off.
Then he looked up in the direction where the fireworks were blooming.
"It's starting? I need to go."
Abel sent Akeno's current location to Grayfia, instructing her to bring Rias to seamlessly pick her up and take her back. Then he quickly rushed towards the battlefield.
Grayfia, who had received the message, smiled. "Rias, do you want a peerage member? I found a very promising child."
"Really, Grayfia-nee?"
"Of course."
"Then let's go."
After confirming, Grayfia reported to Ajuka and Sirzechs, then took Rias to the human world.
As for Abel, he was detained by Ajuka. In Ajuka's words, if he hadn't met his study goals for the day, how could he expect to go out and play?
Had he learned the Kankara Formula yet?
Not yet?
Then you, my brother, will study until you master it.
...
The situation on the mountaintop was quite intense at this moment.
The shrine was destroyed, the ground cracked, and the mountaintop was already a ruined mess.
In the rubble, many people lay unconscious on the ground, having been electrocuted. They could have been killed, yet they were spared. How merciful.
The other people who could still stand were throwing attacks at Shuri.
In the sky.
Shuri's lightning and the First Elder's flames continuously collided, exploding like beautiful fireworks.
Soon, Shuri lost consciousness and fell towards the ground.
The First Elder's face showed pity. He raised his right hand, and a huge fireball appeared, shooting towards Shuri.
This was considered his final mercy. The Himejima Clan, representing the Vermilion Bird, was reborn through fire and would similarly end by fire.
Bang!
Smoke and dust rose everywhere.
The Elder frowned. "Who's there?!"
As the smoke and dust cleared, a man was seen holding Shuri in a princess carry, smiling as he said, "That was close, I almost had to redo the mission."
This person was Abel.
Although he said it was close, it wouldn't have mattered if he hadn't made it in time. At worst, he could just reverse time and start over.
Abel scrutinized his mother-in-law, who looked exactly like Akeno.
"Sir, you intruded into the Himejima clan, aren't you afraid of offending the Himejima clan?!"
The elder said, then looked at Abel with a solemn expression, the flames on his body intensifying.
"I'm taking her with me today, let's see who dares to stop me."
Hearing Abel's words, the Himejima clansmen were enraged, thinking, 'Ignoring the Himejima clan, you'll surely not return alive!'
"Intruders into the family die!"
"Kill him!"
"For the family!"
"For the Vermilion Bird!"
Everyone cheered, then unleashed their spells at Abel.
Abel shook his head as he looked at this group, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. They were just a bunch of dead people who should have been buried long ago.
Time Stop!
The spells thrown at him hung suspended in mid-air. The people who used the spells were also frozen in place. Their faces bore expressions of anger and ferocity, as if they wanted to devour him.
Abel stood with his arms crossed, observing these people. Indeed, it was better for the Himejima clan's parasites to die.
He transferred his mother-in-law, who was in his arms, to the Kamui Dimension, then a katana appeared in his hand.
Abel quickly drew and sheathed the sword. As the sound of the sword returning to its sheath echoed, there seemed to be no change on those people.
Abel was very satisfied, then snapped his fingers.
Time began to flow.
"You bastard!"
"Die!"
...
The Himejima clansmen still wanted to say something, but just then, numerous lines appeared on their bodies, and then, before they could react, their bodies slid apart.
The next moment, blood splattered, and dismembered limbs were scattered everywhere.