FBBH 98

I knew things would be chaotic this year... I hate that I was right. Hope you enjoy the chapter as we are marching closer to chapter 100 Turning Point which has been planned years in advance. After it there will be a couple of DxD plotlines from the novel which shall be wrapped up, a certain fight on a certain tournament that has been a bit neglected because a lot of things are happening in a short space of time, and after that most if not all content is going to be original with the works of Fate and DxD fully matched in an event that I like to call Holy Grail World War.

And we aren't even clsoe to the end so I hope you all enjoy the ride.

Fate/Bonds Beyond Humanity

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98- Those Who Inherit A Name

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Sirzechs was sitting on his office’s desk as he finished the last paperwork of the day. To say he was stressed would be an understatement even if there was no trace of it in his face. In fact he was as elegant as always even as his maid, Queen and wife dropped another document in front of him.

It took a titanic effort for him to not groan in frustration. “We are almost done, Sirzechs-sama.” Grayfia pointed out with a gentle voice because she could see his emotions plainly even if nobody else could. “Everything from the tournament of Leviathan is settled and the nobles stamped their approval.” A good thing they did because Sirzechs Lucifer was tempted to kill a few people if they were going to demand another rubber stamp. “Now we can turn our focus back to the Youth Devil Tournament.”

“It has been delayed too much, I suppose but we can only blame the Khaos Brigade for it. No, the Old Satan Faction.” The distinction felt paradoxically necessary and unnecessary. While the terrorist organization was made from many parts, the ones who attacked the Underworld on that occasion were devils. “What do you think? Will they act again?”

“Probably not. If Kiritsugu-sama’s intel is correct the Old Satan Faction is far too crippled to be a threat.” Grayfia also knew their own spies confirmed the same things, wherever they could. Except there was a huge problem not everyone knew about. “Yet we still need to deal with Leviathan, do we not?”

A wave of stress dropped on Sirzechs’ shoulders, identified only by a minuscule movement from his forehead. “Or maybe we are going to deal with worse.” A possibility Ajuka and Falbium agreed was pretty much fact. The latter, despite his laziness, even increased his training and began preparations for a fight he already foresaw had to happen. “Even if they aren’t the Originals in truth and that is all some sort of trick there is no denying Leviathan is dangerous. Without a doubt she wasn’t Katerea, at least… How did Rizevim do it?”

Considering his confrontation with the woman after her fight with Serafall, the former Heir of Gremory knew that the Original Leviathan was back. The ‘how’ kept haunting him every other day since then. Not only him but Ajuka as well who couldn’t figure out how her resurrection was possible for starters.

‘No other devil has ever been resurrected in History… then again, she is a maou.’

What they deduced was that Katerea was used as a sacrifice of a sort which meant that the others also could return for two of their descendants were in the battlefield that day and were rescued by Rizevim’s agents.

He also knew the Son of Lucifer would never sacrifice himself to resurrect his father so all that wasn’t a scheme of the Original nor it was for his benefit. In fact Sirzechs was the first to say whatever Rizevim was doing could only benefit himself in the end. Which actually scared him.

‘If the resurrection of the maous isn't the end goal then what is?’ Immediately he took a sip of tea before resuming his work, trying to not think about whatever his rival was planning. For yes, he recognized the other Super Devil as his rival in power if nothing else.

Mindlessly he finished the last document and once he was done Grayfia reported, ”We finally received a message from Asgard.” Sirzechs tilted his head, listening intently. “King Balder agreed to a meeting, not in person but a direct call.”

Her husband caressed his table, his mana ready to be poured on the various magical arrays sculpted on it. “Today?” He surely hoped not.

To his relief the Queen said, “No, you already have another appointment and so did he. A meeting between Kings is either a gruesome affair or a troublesome mess, remember?”

Even if her face was stoic, Sirzechs couldn’t help but smile because he felt her humor roll on his shoulders. “Yes, I remember.” The red tape and paperwork required for two kings meeting wasn’t an easy thing regardless. “Humans had rights on that one, at least. Just have a special phone in the office.” He waved to a statue of Rias he had on the corner of his table, more precisely to its side. “It could sit right here and we could call anybody important.”

“It would obviously be red.” Grayfia’s expression didn’t change but to him she was giggling like she used to one they first met. “Unfortunately dimensional phone calls are still something beyond even our means.” Her eyes narrowed and she looked at the double doors at the other side of the room. “My King, your last appointment of the day is here.”

Considering it was still early, they only had breakfast two hours prior, that shouldn’t be his last appointment yet both devils knew the redhead would be too busy and tired for anything else depending on how things played out.

Nevertheless Sirzechs had already agreed to that meeting, in fact he felt obligated to do it both as a favor to his sister and as a reward to someone he shouldn’t offer any to. Yet the Super Devil also held hope things would improve if he played his cards right and didn’t falter on his step.

Already his muscles tensed up and he narrowed his eyes. “Let them come in.” His Queen was on the door in an instant, opening the right side as the redhead stood up and a joyful smile took over his face. “Good morning Ria-tan!”

“Onii-sama, this is hardly the time for your antics.” The Heiress commented with a blush while her gaze darted towards the person to her left who strode inside the room without a care despite being in the center of enemy territory.

Sure enough thanks to prior arrangements the four of them were the only ones on that floor but that was no reason for the silver haired man to just walk around like he owned the place and not because that could have been his castle in a different life.

No, it wasn’t arrogance or legacy that fueled his actions, just ego.

“Nice office.” Vali commented while looking around making Rias’ blush more intense while Sirzechs’ smile grew wilder because of the decor. “I have to say that you have a… peculiar taste for art.”

Because the office’s walls were layered with all sorts of classical paintings one would find in a museum except they weren’t famous portraits or anything of the like. What they did show were several images of the core Gremory Clan on various occasions going from dinners to playing games.

However the center pieces were obviously dedicated to two people more than anyone else and their presence could be noticed even in the ones where other family members should be the protagonists.

Indeed most of the paintings always had Rias or Millicas, one or the other or both, somewhere. “Thank you. I am very proud of those.” Sirzechs stood up from his desk with a huge grin on his face. “Some of those are special pieces made with magic but a few, the real special ones, were commissioned by some of the greatest artists in the Underworld.”

“Really? I can’t tell.” Vali commented while leaning forward to check out a portrait of Rias, Zeoticus and Venelana. The Heiress herself was a child in that picture, somewhere around four or five years old by his estimation. “But I never cared that much about art anyway. Until recently, at least. A couple of friends introduced me to all new sorts of music.”

“That is excellent. I am a sort of composer myself.”

“Oho. A man of many talents.” Vali looked at the two huge portraits of Rias and Millicas behind the man’s desk. They were current with the Heiress having posed for it during her training with Kiritsugu while Millicas’ was even more recent as it was the newest piece in the office. “Did you paint any of these too?”

Sirzechs shook his head with a pout which made the hybrid do a double take in surprise. “Unfortunately the only paintings I can draw are with stick figures at best.” He then leaned right and embraced a portrait of Rias and Millicas together which embarrassed his sister. “Oh but if I could. If I could draw some of my memories I would-”

“Ahem. Onii-sama, please control yourself.” Rias requested while wishing the ground would swallow her.

A feeling which grew worse when Vali commented, “Let the man have his hobbies. Isn’t that the Love of Gremory I heard so much about.” Suddenly both siblings grew still and the silver haired man found himself almost tripping on a mine. “By the way, I notice there aren't any pictures of your wife around.” He waved to the maid, changing the subject. “Nice to see you again, Grayfia Lucifuge. Are you going to join us in the spar.”

“Lucifer,” she bowed her head respectfully but her tone was far from reverent, “Lady Rias’ favor will occupy my King for a few hours and someone must make sure things stay the course while the Maou is busy.”

“Huhuhu. No need to be so stiff, I ain’t here to take over the Underworld or anything.” Vali stepped to the side and sat up on one of six random desks, three on each side of the room, that belonged to Sirzechs’ secretaries. However none of them could be present with a terrorist around both for their safety and plausible deniability. “Never really cared about that Maou business. Not until a real maou showed up. Any news on that front?”

He was probing them, trying to coax the three devils to ask anything about Leviathan. “Not at all.” Sirzechs replied simply. “In any case, you didn’t come here for it, did you? I can feel your power almost jumping from your skin. Do at least try to hold back your aura and bloodlust.”

“Trust me this is just excitement. Your sister insisted that we don’t kill each other.”

“Here is the contract.” Rias presented her brother with the Geas which the man quickly read. “Thanks for doing this, Onii-sama.”

The tall redhead shook his head. “Not at all. If anything this fight serves my purposes as well. Especially since we won’t kill each other.”

Vali raised a brow at the older man’s wording. “Don’t you see me as your enemy?”

“Not for the moment. You did help the Underworld once and saved my former Clan’s Magician twice now.” Sirzechs passed the Geas to Grayfia who stored it in a magic circle. “Truthfully, were you not a part of the Khaos Brigade we would have already trained together. Perhaps if you-”

“If you want to say something about my family, save it.” The Vanishing Dragon basically ordered earning a frown from the women. “I heard about your new laws from your sister, how you made my ‘Clan’ illegal.” He chuckled amusedly. “Good riddance. I couldn’t care less about the name Lucifer.” Stepping closer to the older man, he was almost on redhead’s face. “My only goal is to be the Strongest. Just because you are walking away alive today doesn’t mean I won’t imprint that fact in your skull.”

Grayfia was about to step between the men but her King stopped her with a hand. “If killing is not required you shouldn’t have joined the Khaos Brigade.”

A scowl took over the younger man’s face who stepped back. “Believe me when I say I already have plenty of buyer's remorse. Even if some people only fight for real to the death, something else could be arranged. Like having your sister offer the fight.” With a smile he waved to the Heiress. “I tried to mend things to be more than a spar but she assured me that a spar is more than enough for me to face your true power. So Sirzechs Lucifer, please don’t disappoint her.”

“I always try not to.” While failing more often than not in recent months, the man was proud of doing his best for his sister or any of his family. Case in point was a cardboard box just big enough which he quickly retrieved from a magic circle. “Here you go, Rias.”

“What the- what is that?” Vali questioned upon feeling a powerful presence from a simple cardboard box. “Noble Phantasm?”

Rias took her delivery with a smile. “Oh yes it is. One that I can use.”

“That possibility is still uncertain.” Grayfia warned. “Ignoring that devils can’t use most Noble Phantasms and considering the output this one demands from most people, it isn't the best weapon for anyone since even the average devil can cause more damage while spending less energy.”

Rias could barely contain her excitement. “Unless one uses its full power.”

“Unlikely for most devils, regardless.” Her sister in law insisted.

“Of the few Noble Phantasms we have access to, that one is the most wild and stubborn.” Sirzechs added with a smile. “Perfect for you since you improved your control. But I recommend you be careful. Sure we can use several sorts of Noble Phantasms but I don’t believe that is one of them.”

The Princess of Ruin nodded in agreement. “Which is why I won’t try to use this thing until it has been properly modified.”

Everyone quickly knew who was going to modify the Noble Phantasm. “Isn’t that a Crystallized Legend?” Vali questioned with interest.

“Like Durandal, an indestructible, and therefore unchangeable sword. And Shiro worked around it.”

“But this one isn’t a sword.” Grayfia felt the need to mention.

Rias turned around to leave. “We won’t know until we try.” Upon reaching the door she held the handle for a second before turning around. “Vali, I trust Grayfia can take you back to Fuyuki so please, behave… Good luck, Onii-sama.”

“I am certain I shall need it, Ria-tan.”

She gave him a small glare at the nickname before sighing. “No, you don’t.” With that the Heiress left.

Missing when Vali turned and asked. “Some tension in there or was it just my imagination.”

“Sibling issues.” They were still dealing with their new dynamic where Rias realized his love for her would be secondary to the Underworld because of his love for Grayfia. Regardless, the redhead couldn’t help but be pleased she asked for his assistance. “I don’t suppose you know anything about it.”

“Heh, don’t worry. As far as I know there are just three people carrying the name Lucifer right now; me, you and the old man Rizevim.”

“Hmm, you sure? What about your father?” Absolute hatred filled the younger man’s face before it vanished like nothing. “I see…”

“Don’t feel bad for it. I would have ripped his head off if I had ever managed to get my hands on him.” The silver haired man chuckled. “But I am just happy he died like a dog just because he annoyed Rizevim one too many times.”

[We could have done so much better than just decapitation. Feeding his own genitals sounded like a good start in my opinion.] Albion spoke telepathically in support.

Neither Sirzechs or Grayfia could hear but by the amusement on the hybrid’s face, they could guess his thoughts. “Good for you then. Grayfia, we shall be going.”

“Of course, my King. Have fun.” The maid snapped her fingers to fix his desk while preparing a pile of documents which she would work on.

However Vali stopped paying attention to the Queen, his sole focus directed to the Maou who was walking towards his window. “Are we going somewhere? Can’t we use a magic circle if you want to change the stage of our fight?”

“Not a fight, a spar.”

“Semantics.” Which he hated even as he began following the other man. He didn’t even bother asking about an arena or pocket dimension.

Unless they had something similar to Dimension Lost then creating a place like that even privately would cost too much to not attract attention. Not even mentioning the need to monitor the place so it wouldn't drift in the Dimensional Gap and be lost forever.

“Regardless, the Underworld is connected by several networks of magic circles allowing a registry of everyone using them. We have towers with samples of everybody’s mana smoothing the process.” Sirzechs began explaining proudly before opening his bat-like wings. Since they were close to each other, Vali noticed the power around them even if they didn’t look that different from the average devil’s. “While there are some… holes, like my magic circle connecting to Rias’ base in Kuoh among others, we can’t leave any evidence that you paid us a visit. You are, after all, still a terrorist.”

Understanding dawn upon Vali who grunted. “Rub it in, will you.” Divine Dividing emerged from his back making the older man raise a brow. “Blame Shirou. He pretty much ripped off all my wings except this pair.”

“How does one ‘pretty much’ rips all-”

“There are leftovers but it isn’t like they will grow back again, will they?”

A chuckle escaped the older man. “Miracles happen.”

“A devil saying that. My Ancestor must be rolling in his grave.” Vali smirked when Sirzechs laughed. “So, where are we going?”

“Just follow me… And try to keep up.” An aura of deep red covered the man before he easily broke the sound barrier and flew out of his office. Magic kept everything in place but the move impressed the White Dragon Emperor who took that as a challenge.

One which he responded with gusto by quickly powering up chasing the devil with greater speed, closing the gap between them in less than a second. When he began slowing down he realized a few things about the path they were taking; first they were out of Zekram, the temporary capital of the government.

Second he noticed they were making a straight line towards a couple of mountains where the boundary field around the city flickered and allowed them passage, completely out of the way from Goetia’s Road.

It was obvious that Sirzechs took that office with the explicit purpose of moving around without worries for the zone they went through was mostly inhospitable even to devils thanks to the rough terrain.

From there Vali waited for the devil to give him any indications or directions but the redhead just gave him a look before shouting. “I am speeding up!!!”

“Go for it!!!” The hybrid retorted just as loudly. ‘How fast can he really-’ Suddenly the man was once again several kilometers ahead of him. ‘Well, well, well…’

[Not as fast as Emiya Shirou but still considerably fast. And guess what, he is still holding back.] Albion commented with certainty before pondering. [Had it not been for the Geas on his sister, he could have easily been taking us to a trap. He still could, I wouldn’t underestimate him.]

‘That only makes this more fun!’ Vali felt his power flowing before his speed went up by several notches as he tried to catch up. In a few instances he quickly noticed it wouldn’t be that easy as he barely closed the gap. ‘Hmm?’

Adjusting his wings and filling his sacred gear with mana, Albion prepared his Balance Breaker. [Scale Mail!]

Sirzechs felt the power spike behind him and for a brief instant thought they were about to start fighting only to instead see the Vanishing Dragon pass by him with an aura of smugness complementing his white aura.

By the looks of things the dragon looked ready to fight then and there, something he made more evident by turning around with a wave calling the redhead to strike first. Yet the older man smiled instead of raising to the bait and pointed forward prompting the younger man to turn around, noticing a boundary field.

It was another city, one of many they came across on their flight as Sizechs directed the younger man to fly higher so they could avoid disturbing Underworld’s citizens. While the power output both of them had was considerable, they were moving so fast most devils wouldn’t even realize their presence until they were gone.

And they kept up that speed for a few minutes while clearing the civilized part of the Underworld. “We are approaching the Frontier!!!” Sirzechs said quickly. “There we-”

“Send the criminals to explore the rest of the Underworld!!! I know!!!” He had already been informed by members of the Old Satan Factions who had already died. “Are we fighting there?!!!”

“Someone is excited!!!” The redhead joked as they crossed smaller cities, pretty much fortressed made of stone with huge walls and more visible boundary fields. Visible but not stronger, the Vanishing Dragon noticed. “But no!!! We are fighting deep in the Wilds where nobody can feel us!!!” He smiled playfully. “And we can really let loose!!!”

“I couldn’t ask for more!!!” Vali’s excitement reached its peak and he sped up further, impressing the Maou who actually had to put his best effort to remain close and he had a feeling the younger man knew that because a few seconds later the White One slowed down. “We close?!!! We must be on the other side of the Underworld by now!!!”

Sirzechs couldn't disagree and was surprised the hybrid noticed. “You have a good spatial awareness to notice that!!! Most get lost without stars or an ocean!!!” But not him thanks to his younger years exploring with Ajuka and later fighting in the rebellion. Knowing how to navigate the Underworld’s darkness was pretty much second nature to the current Lucifer by that point. “There!!!”

A burst of red later and the pureblood devil was landing on a sort of mountain side followed by the True Hybrid who landed a few meters away from him noticing how the area was close to a volcano.

Lifting his feet, he noticed it was also quite unstable. “Dangerous place. I like it!”

“I thought you would. As you estimated, we are more or less on the other side of the globe with some many boundary fields, creatures and probably secret criminal facilities between us and civilization that nobody will notice us.”

“And if they do, then they shouldn’t be here in the first place.” The Vanishing Dragon deduced.

Correctly by the smile on Sirzechs’ face. “If everything goes perfectly, we will be settling around this area in four hundred years or so.” When he said ‘perfectly’ he meant it. Too many things already went wrong so the schedule was already worse and there was nothing the redhead could do. “About the rules of the spar, we can fight until you surrender or you are satisfied.”

The armored dragon tilted his head curiously. “You make it sound like you won’t surrender.”

“If I surrender too soon then the contract will punish my sister.” The older man opened his cape and unbuckled the right side making it hang only over his left shoulder. “So of course we fight until you say so. Just expect my input when inevitably things get too hairy.”

“Fufufu, ‘inevitably’.” Vali didn’t bother to hold back his eagerness and glee while opening his wings and arms to unleash his power while laughing. His blue and white aura began to shake the earth, increasing the volcano’s smoke as the place grew more unstable. “Yeah. You don’t need to worry about that!! I know how to hold back!!!”

“Huhuhu. Say that when you are not letting out enough power to sink an island.” Looking at the volcano’s mouth, he chuckled again. “Maybe I should have chosen a different location. Oh well…” His own power began scaling as he prepared to fight. “Start whenever you feel like it, Vali Lucifer!”

“I will take that offer, Sirzechs LUCIFER!!!” His footing exploded as he flew straight towards the older man whose gaze shifted to a more cautious one. A red magic circle was between the two for the dragon to crash into only for him to suddenly fly up while creating his own magic circles. “Try this!!!”

A bombardment followed soon after, an opening salvo for their fight which ripped the ground asunder and started to move north where Sirzechs started flying backwards before turning around with that previous magic circle in his hands.

It pulsed once before unleashing a laser of red and black energy towards Vali. The Vanishing Dragon felt the attack coming and barely dodged to the right, still losing his armor’s shoulder. His attack also stopped as the hybrid evaluated his adversary’s power, a grin growing in his face.

Deep inside his soul, Albion stirred. [Control your emotions, otherwise you are going to lose this ‘spar’ before it even starts for real.]

“Just measuring him.” Vali dropped on the ground and slammed his hand on the earth before taking an upward swipe that unleashed an azure wave of mana. “The fun is about to start!!”

Ignoring the attack, Sizechs focused on the White Dragon Emperor’s presence while casually raising a magic circle and sending a blast to clash against the wave. His attack was thinner but more precise, cutting through the younger man’s mana with ease and forcing the hybrid to dive left.

The Vanishing Dragon laughed before mana flared in his hands which crystallized into Light. “Blade of Lucifer!!” His weapons were as tall as his wings so he only needed a couple of steps before throwing a swing that almost hit. It only didn’t do so because the redhead returned to the skies while surrounding his body with deep red mana. “Come on! Show me the power of a Super Devil!!!”

Vali charged at the older man, his left sword transforming into a spear which he threw like a javelin before bringing his hand to join with the right. The redhead didn’t bother countering, turning his body right and allowing the attack to move past him harmlessly while creating a magic circle on his left hand.

In the blink of an eye the White Dragon Emperor was on range again throwing a mighty swing but Sirzechs raised a magic circle on his wrist to block the blow before pulling his other hand forward to reveal a ball of Destruction.

Both Vanishing Dragons moved Divine Dividing in front of themselves to take the blow, the sacred gear shattering in an instant under the heavy concentration of Bael’s Power. However the current Lucifer wasn’t done with his attack as his wings pushed him closer to the hybrid, allowing him to create a magic circle right below the White One’s chin.

The blast followed by a huge explosion unleashed a powerful shockwave that leveled some of the area and sent Vali flying to the ground a few kilometers from where they started. On his back for a couple of instant, he noticed how his Balance Breaker had fallen apart almost completely before feeling blood dripping from his forehead.

[Sirzechs Lucifer… rumors didn’t do him justice. He is stronger than I expected.] Of course Albion’s words only fuelled his Partner’s spirit. [He managed to avoid our wings as well. We still haven’t built a connection.]

Jumping to his feet, Vali replied, “Good. Means the fight won’t end any time soon.”

[I would like to get back before dinner if you don’t mind.] The Original Vanishing Dragon pointed out with huff. [We won’t be enjoying the Mage’s food after today and it will be a good reward for beating up a Maou.] He was also somewhat bitter that Rias restricted them from sampling more delicacies except that day. Almost enough to start a fight then and there. [But Partner, careful. He isn’t going all out yet.]

Licking some of his own blood, Vali spit it out on the ground before restoring his Scale Mail. “Neither are we!” White aura exploded around his body and he was back where the spar started where Sirzechs was waiting patiently. The man quickly made a magic circle with his right hand but the hybrid still attacked first. “Blades of Lucifer!!!”

Six weapons of Light the size of normal swords appeared around the silver haired man who sent them forward with a beat of his wings. Surprise colored the redhead’s face but it vanished in the next millisecond before he made just as many magic circles to shoot down the azure projectiles.

Their powers collided in the sky unleashing just as many explosions as hybrid advanced, meanwhile doing so he swung his arm to the side for a new volley of blades. Obviously the devil answered immediately by moving his magic circles to repeat his previous feat. But when the attacks collided the explosions were too close for comfort.

At least for the redhead who began accelerating backwards while focusing on several dozen magic circles because Vali wasn’t willing to let him retreat. Evidence of that were almost one hundred azure blades darting towards the Maou who began throwing his arms around to create magic circles in rapid succession.

Unfortunately he couldn’t keep up with the dragon’s pace naturally but his movements saved his skin because while firing back he waved around the attacks. As a devil he realized the Light of Lucifer would be crippling to his body so while dodging he also began preparing measures for a follow up.

Which proved itself to be more of the same when the Vanishing Dragon created two huge spears and accelerated towards his target. Realizing that the younger man wanted to turn their spar into a brawl, Sirzechs moved his arms in a circle to create a magic circle taller than himself.

“Blight of Armies!!” A wave of Destruction, an all encompassing attack, burst forth and began decimating not only the Light but also much of the volcano’s side.

There were no explosions either, the area suddenly turning to dust as the attack devoured everything until it reached the Vanishing Dragon who repositioned and quickly threw one of his spears at the spell.

It was then Sirzechs realized he had been played since his army killer suddenly began opening a path towards himself. ‘Someone taught him about how I fight.’ Not surprising since he used similar attacks during the rebellion and Vali was Lucifer’s Heir, technically. ‘But it wouldn’t be enough.’

Thrusting his right hand into his magic circle, the devil took hold of the Power of Destruction and allowed it to envelop his arm just before the spear hit its target. A powerful backhand changed the Light’s trajectory but the redhead didn’t pay any more attention to it since he had a bigger problem.

A huge, armored and powerful problem carrying another spear of Light aimed to his face.

Sirzechs almost had no time to react but managed to use his covered hand to stop a fatal strike, only to realize far too late it was only a feint. For all his eagerness, Vali wasn’t really aiming for the kill but he knew the redhead would have no choice but to defend. Which he did, his right hand busied itself holding the weapon back leaving him open for a swipe.

Only his left arm was quickly raised to block the new hit and Vali almost taunted the man with the ability of his sacred gear only to notice, “Magic circles?” Impressively the redhead had made a ‘net’ to protect his arm. Both from the hit and his ability. “Here I thought your sister got creative by herself.”

“She found her own creativity.” He stated pridefully. “Also, she never saw me fight for real.”

“‘For real’?”

“A few spars and skirmishes here and there.” The magic circles began pulsing with Power of Destruction, creating another ‘glove’. “It is just… when she is around I never get violent.”

Sirzechs then created another circle in front of his chest and blasted Vali off, freeing his hands which quickly came forward to unleash their own blast to push him away just a little further.

Enough that the redhead could kick his head with his magic covered right leg which released a ball of Destruction which erased the white helmet and stunned the younger man. But the devil was far from over since his hands were already making another circle above the younger, dropping a third blast in rapid succession over the exposed hybrid.

Albion reacted quickly, reforming the helmet just as the energy was about to strike them. Thankfully it wasn’t the Power of Destruction either, just raw mana that wasn’t enough to damage the Vanishing Dragon’s scales. It was still a powerful blow that slammed them down on the ground which the young man himself had opened with a previous attack.

Right into a stream of lava. [That was impressive. His control far surpasses his sister’s.]

‘No, he is geared towards a different use. More physical? No, that is improvisation.’ Vali deduced while still hearing the ringing of bells in his head from the kick. ‘Martial prowess aside he is also-’

His train of thought was cut short when several streams of energy began cutting through the magma and hitting his body, pushing him to the bottom. A very dangerous predicament because both knew the hybrid wasn’t strong enough to survive down there by himself if his armor broke.

Prompting the young man to raise several shields, especially since the redhead wasn’t using Destruction in that moment. Once he did the attacks stopped giving the dragon time to think. [This isn’t a spar! It is an assassination attempt!]

‘Don’t be dramatic.’ Vali began gathering his Light only to freeze for a second upon feeling a huge spike of energy. ‘Maybe you are right.’

Soon enough the area they were in was enveloped with the Power of Destruction, capturing the dragon and the lava together. In that position both saw Sirzechs floating with his right hand up and a crimson magic circle floating above his hand which obviously was manipulating their prison.

Then the Maou calmly announced, “Ruin the Extinct.”

His spell power suddenly increased to levels the Vanishing Dragon didn’t expect and both of them raised their defenses to the max as the sphere compressed to erase everything inside it before vanishing.

Once it did the silver haired man pushed himself to fly away from the lava which began to refill the area because Sirzechs attack had Destroyed gallons of it. Not only that but his Balance Breaker also fell victim to the devil’s Power, his wings the last remains of it while his body was mostly intact.

Something Vali noticed. “Did you… you could have killed me there.”

“But I didn’t.” Sirzechs pointed out the obvious before sadness filled his eyes. “I am sorry but I was under the impression you wanted me to fight at my best-”

“Don’t apologize for that! I was just surprised!!” A chuckle escaped Vali. His Balance Breaker returned a second later while they talked. “The way you use Destruction, your aura as well… Is that why they call you Crimson Satan?”

“A Title I earned after fighting Rizevim. From those who saw my true power.” Upon seeing the young man was still eager, his apprehension vanished. ‘Even if I held back, most Ultimate Class devils would have lost a limb or two in that position.’ After all, even holding back he was still stronger than 99.9% of his race. “Do you wish to continue?”

Flying higher than his opponent, Vali adjusted his posture. “I still haven’t shown you everything I got.” His aura grew stronger again and his wings taller. “Let’s do this, Albion!!”

[Half Dimension!] Divine Dividing’s energy began spreading and enveloping everything in a huge radius.

Everything but Sirzechs which was unsurprising. “Since you can’t touch me, you finally decided to use everything else.”

“Unlike Shirou you can’t sever my connections.” Vali commented, remembering how the Mage and his pegasus frustrated that strategy back in their first fight. Something wouldn’t happen again. “Playtime is over! Albion!!!”

[Divide!] The dragon didn’t hesitate to take power from the environment, raising his Partner’s own considerably. Consequently the stones around the place shrunk while the lava lost heat and nature’s mana in the area vanished. [Divide!]

When the second call was made Sirzechs was caught off guard because the vale they had created during their clashes began trying to squish him. The Crimson Satan reacted quickly, spreading his arms to hold its walls-

[Divide!]

-only for the space to feel as if the very earth was trying to crush him with its ‘fingers’. And it was just him because the Vanishing Dragon floated in place peacefully as his power grew.

Comparing Half Dimension with normal Dividing wasn’t really fair because while it was a powerful technique it was many times weaker than its base form. When just using Divide against an opponent not only the Vanishing Dragon was making them weaker and himself stronger but the power was easier to take.

Depending on how strong the opponent was Vali’s power could double or even triple from the get go.

Sure enough, using the Half Dimension for long enough could have similar results but at a much slower rate since the connection he had with a specific place was generic, almost as if he was trying to suck power with a very inefficient vacuum.

However the hybrid proved his skill by controlling the effects in ways no other Vanishing Dragon ever attempted. “One more!”

[Divide!]

The captured Sirzechs found it fascinating how the young man wasn’t actually moving the ground but actually bending space to erase the fissure he previously created. Regardless it was still just piles of rock and dirt, easy for him to rip apart with his bare hands.

[Divide!]

Exactly what the White Dragon intended, as he moved above the area and began descending while shooting several blasts of mana towards the redhead who nevertheless remained unphased.

Because he also predicted his opponent’s actions and had already created a magic circle on his back to blast a small opening to evade the attacks. Spread around as they were, Vali’s blasts weren’t strong enough to break the volcano’s side immediately. A problem he soon corrected by stopping on the air and joining his hands.

After all they were deep in the wilderness away from everything.

Nobody was going to complain if he redrew the map a little.

“White Lighting!!!”

An explosion followed by an earthquake followed his spell and the volcano where the fight was taking place lost much of its surface. Much of the mountain vanished, exposing Sirzechs to the blow even if the redhead already had barriers in place. His crimson mana was still lost in a sea of white as the energy spread.

From above Vali watched his handwork with a huge grin beneath his helmet. ‘Damn. When was the last time we really let loose, Albion?’

[Against Juggernaut Drive? No, we still focused on just the Red One… for the most part.] Lilith had already been destroyed so nobody could criticize their work, much to the dragon’s amusement.

“Now where is he?” Despite asking it was easy for Vali to find Sirzechs since his power was so big the excess of mana in the area wasn’t enough to hide him. “Top me off, Albion!”

[Divide!]

In the next instant much of the white and blue mana the Vanishing Dragon had wasted on his attack returned to its owner with considerable loss. Despite that the latter was compensated by the energy he took from the environment itself even if it didn’t include his opponent’s own power.

Regardless, the combination of Vali’s control, sacred gear and the Light of Lucifer’s efficiency made the True Hybrid a perpetual machine of destruction that could fight for hours upon hours without tiring while destroying cities with every breath.

So long he managed his stamina. ‘What a frightening kid.’ All that were things that Sirzechs realized as he examined both the creator he was standing on and the White Dragon Emperor. “And he isn’t even going all out yet. That won’t-”

[Divide!Divide!Divide!Divide!Divide!]

Suddenly the redhead felt a shift on the ground as the volcano itself and the whole area started shrinking at a rapid pace. “Not good.” The older man took flight while joining his hands into a small magic circle which quickly grew in size. Once it was fully formed, Destruction itself flew from it and began surrounding Vali for the second time. “Ruin the-”

But the hybrid didn’t wait for the spell to be concluded and burst forth from his prison like a comet aiming straight at his opponent. Sirzechs realized the extra power wasn’t enough for a clean get away because the Scale Mail was still falling apart. At least for a second before it was fully restored and the Vanishing Dragon placed his hands above his head.

“White Lighting!!!” Another blast descended from the heavens, one too fast for the older man to dodge in his position. With that in mind he repurposed the magic circle and the leftovers of Ruin the Extinct to fire a stream of Destruction for defense.

Both powers clashed and the redhead knew he was winning because his Power could devour the Light from the hybrid as it could anything else. He kept the attack going for a few instants, his eyes trying to find the escaping young man who must have realized who was the most capable magic user.

His senses were so overwhelmed by the mana clash that he didn’t immediately realize Vali didn’t run away but instead enveloped his body with azure Light to create a shell capable of piercing Destruction.

Essentially the comet shaped dragon had created a trail as if entering an atmosphere with his power actively producing more energy as it was devoured. His advantage was that he wasn’t fighting all of it, just the portions trying to eat his body so he could use the pureblood devil’s Power to hide.

Which worked almost perfectly, Sirzechs’ senses were fooled but his eyes were not and the Light of Heaven’s Pride was bright enough that it could shine even in Destruction so eventually he noticed a small dot among the darkness.

Just as Vali emerged from the stream of energy with his right hand extended to grab the redhead’s arm. The trip wasn’t without a price as his flesh was exposed and Scale Mail almost falling into pieces. Destruction took its due and every lapse of concentration damaged the Vanishing Dragon’s body considerably to the point he had several wounds.

However every single one of them was small and none could impede him from fighting.

Sirzechs jumped backwards at the last possible moment not by choice but instinct as his mind barely processed Vali just about to grab him. Both their eyes met, the white helmet missing most of its left side, and started repositioning. The Vanishing Dragon brought his left arm up to while pushing his shoulder, a move the Crimson Satan mirrored.

With different effects because while the hybrid had aimed to grab the devil the latter used a strong magic circle to intercept the limb-

[Divide!]

-which was once again covered in white armor as Vali pulled more energy from the environment to recover some of the power he wasted during his charge.

His claws shattered the magic circle and were about to scratch Sirzechs’ armor but the redhead had overextended his left to bring his cape forward. After all he was a devil and his clothes, armor, cape and undershirt, were all made with special materials. Only the best for King of the Underworld.

So just as the Vanishing Dragon was about to connect with the devil his cape moved alone and wrapped itself around the White One’s arm, surprising the hybrid who needed a millisecond to process what happened.

Instinctively he tried to rip off the accessory into pieces but the cape fought back, guided by miniscule magic circles on Sirzechs’ indicator and middle fingers. “I still got you!”

[Divide-]

“Did you?” Sirzechs stepped back revealing that his cloak no longer was worn by the man meaning Vali’s sacred gear failed to work, its effect fizzling as they stood on bare land. But just because he didn’t have contact didn’t mean the Crimson Satan had fully discarded his cloak as five miniscule magic circles surged on his fingers unleashing mana wires. “You have yet to learn,” he pulled his arm to the side, forcing Vali to do the same, “to not trust your eyes.”

Trusting his right hand forward, the Vanishing Dragon only had time to register the magic circle the size of the other man’s palm before it unleashed a wave of red mana that began tearing his armor apart.

It wasn’t an all powerful blast nor it carried the Power of Destruction so the hybrid didn’t instantly die on impact. In fact his scales also didn’t break immediately and held pretty well despite his opponent being a Maou. But that was only the case because Sirzechs wasn’t trying to kill him.

No, he was weakening the younger man’s power because once he started taking damage his reaction was pretty much instinctive: fix the Scale Mail while pushing out enough aura to fight back.

Such habits were something ingrained from hundreds of hours training to survive even if barely conscious and Vali was particularly skilled with mana as the redhead observed when the hybrid managed to break through his previous attack almost caughting him

And also because he never forgot the fight between the Vanishing Dragon and Medusa’s Champion. Adding the chaotic skirmish against the Raging Red Dragon and Sirzechs had watched the Vanishing Dragon’s skill enough times to know what to expect. Enough to neutralize the young man and secure a real advantage. 

A spar or not, getting a clean hit like that should mean the Super Devil had won. Especially when he converted his wave of mana into a laser beam covering his adversary torso. The attack had already reached the Vali’s flesh which was evident by the burning smell.

But he was facing a True Hybrid, another being as rare as he was, so the Crimson Satan knew there was a chance the younger man could fight back.

“Blade of Lucifer!!” He wasn’t disappointed when Vali bit back the pain and channeled enough energy on his right hand to call off his weapon. The devil’s cape couldn’t survive the azure sword and was torn to pieces. “Hyaaaaahhhhhh!!!”

His body would have suffered the same fate but Sirzechs leaned back and avoided the hit which infuriated Vali. While he was unable to connect for Divine Dividing, the young man wasn’t the sort of person who stayed on the defensive and he realized something: he had yet to get a clean hit.

With that in mind he pushed forward with a fast sequence of slashes, pursuing the devil when he took flight again. One overextended thrust from the azure sword forced the redhead to dodge a little too much right, giving the Vanishing Dragon the chance of making contact with his wing.

However a magic circle twice as tall as both of them stopped the hit and locked both in place. “You were fighting better when using just magic.” Vali went for a side elbow but Sirzechs fully disengaged. “Not exactly an amateur with swords but it is clear that isn’t where your focus lies.”

Pride burned in the hybrid’s chest as the devil belittled his skills which he sharpened with Arthur, Artoria and Bikou’s assistance. “And what would you know!” A fast charge followed the roar as several blades appeared around his armor to fly towards the redhead.

Eyes wide, the Crimson Satan created several small magic circles which were easily destroyed allowing Vali to close the distance between the two safely as he pulled his arm up and descended with a powerful slash with all his strength.

When he finally collided with something the hybrid half expected another magic circle and began moving his body to the side only to find himself being pushed back by a bright red mana sword.

“What?” A second later the silver haired man fixed his wings to retain his position, his helmet’s eyes meeting with Sirzechs’. “You-”

“I know a thing or two about fighting with a sword.” The Maou commented playfully, his right fist closed with a magic circle above his knuckles that powered a blade of pure energy. It was unstable, not really a blade but flames of mana taking the shape of a longsword. “Unfortunately your upbringing wasn’t ideal so you didn’t know most of Clan Heirs learn to fight with a weapon or another just in case or for leisure depending on the family. Also my Knight is one of the best swordsmen Japan ever produced so I had who to practice with!!”

Finishing that sentence with a roar of his own, Sirzechs went into the offensive while Vali laughed and used his Light to parry the devil’s blows. “Hahahaha! Are you for real?!! And here I thought,” both blades crashed into a dangerous dance, five blows being traded in the span of a second, “that you would,” another eight blows, azure pushing red to the side, “spend the whole day,” the dragon tried to advance but the red blade returned faster than expected and almost got his chest, “in an office!!!”

Both blades of energy clashed and sparks of mana began to hit both combatants. Despite being on the air, the power being released was enough that the ground began cracking. Dust and stone began floating as their powers combined were enough to start creating huge gusts, preluding a storm.

Frustrating Vali who couldn’t believe that, ‘How is his demonic power not breaking under my Light?’ Another two fast clashes had them locked again.

Which was when Albion chose to talk, [Because it is. He is just remaking that ‘sword’ too fast for you to notice!] The dragon’s words revealed the truth, much to his Partner’s shock. [It isn’t like we really are breaking his weapon in half or something. First, we can’t. That is mana given form, forced into a form, and not like the Mage uses.] Both sides floated back before dashing forward to slash the other at rapid speeds. At least the Vanishing Dragon did, the devil was more focused on parrying. [He is fixing his weapon just as fast as we damage it. His control is league’s above his sister even if in a more crude fashion.]

Frustration couldn’t begin to describe what Vali was feeling. ‘And how can he keep up like that if we are ‘breaking’ his weapon constantly. The focus alone should distract him.’

Once again the hybrid had to remind himself that Sirzechs Lucifer was supposed to be a spellcaster, a Wizard Type for devil’s standards if Power Type wasn’t a better descriptor to the sort of being he was.

Yet there was the redhead matching him blow for blow, avoiding the white gauntlet and the odd kick that Vali threw at him to build a connection. There and then the silver haired man started to see his own flaws; he just picked the sword recently and wasn’t used to throwing kicks or even punches.

Fact was that a True Hybrid like him was used to being the strongest guy in the room barring a few exceptions and even those looked at him with caution. Sirzechs was one of those exceptions, something he proved more than once since the spar started by keeping the younger man on the back foot.

But the worst part for both Vanishing Dragons was when they noticed the lack of effort on the redhead’s face.

‘He is holding back.’ [He is holding back.]

Both concluded at the same time with anger, their wounded pride demanding some sort of immediate restitution resulting in a wide swing that Sirzechs easily avoided but placed himself in a position close to Vali’s back.

So the hybrid tried to shoulder check his opponent only for a magic circle for a wall, his path allowing the devil to bring his blade around for a stab. Seeing his gamble left himself vulnerable, flames burst from the White Dragon Emperor’s mouth which caught the devil off guard, pushing him back.

After getting some room Vali wasted no time in throwing his sword at the devil while making a few dozen more azure blades. They flew straight towards Sirzechs who was falling faster than the hybrid calculated he should. An instant later he understood why when a magic circle unleashed a barrage of Destruction missiles to greet his Light.

‘Not enough!’ The younger man took a deep breath to activate his ability once again. “Albion!!”

[Half Dimension!!]

Since they were on the air far from where the fight began it stood to reason they had more energy to take from the environment. Mana transported from the air, the air itself, the barely existing clouds which persisted despite the Underworld's harsh climate. Anything and everything existed to feed the White Dragon of Supremacy.

[Divide!]

Unleashing as much power as he could, the Vanishing Dragon took hold of the atmosphere itself, reaching for more things to Divide and more power to take. While the Underworld was different from Earth, they shared similarities like the presence of microorganisms and the different spectrums of light.

Each of those things existed beyond the naked eye and it took Vali an extra effort to connect with any of them.

[Divide!!!]

He took them all in, absorbing the power of everything that couldn’t fight back in an area equivalent to a city. From the tallest tree at the distance to the embers of the volcano far below his feet, all were forced to give him power. His aura grew in magnitude as feathers began falling from his sacred gear.

In that moment the hybrid reached the limit of all he could take, marking it time to strike.

“White Lighting!!!” The roar echoed in the sky making whatever was left of the air tremble before Vali unleashed a steam gigantic stream of mana easily dwarfing the Everest.

Sirzechs knew dodging was a horrible idea. ‘That sort of attack won’t just devastate the immediate area. The energy will spread around and maybe even reach the Frontier.’ Considering how far in the Wild they were, that was impressive to the redhead. Regardless he knew defending alone also wasn’t enough, he needed to contain the blast. ‘Ajuka, I am borrowing your spell again.’

Acting quickly once he resolved his course of action, in reality the Super Devil only had time to take a deep breath before needing to move since if he took too long then the attack would be quite painful.

Raising his arms, the redhead built a huge magic circle, the biggest one he ever had in his life. But it was more than warranted since the devil wanted something sturdy enough to survive the White Lighting as well as hold it back. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to just make a circle and call it a wall, to hold something like that he needed to make a barrier.

A process he only started when the attack first made contact and it was a close call since the area was pretty much terraformed for a second time before the redhead contained the rest of the spell.

‘Is this some sort of joke?!’ Vali was in disbelief at Sirzechs’ deed of holding his power. Mostly because it cemented his doubts. ‘Am I really that weak compared to him?’

[Focus on your magic, Partner! This fight is far from over!!] Albion’s reassurance strengthened Vali’s resolve and he redoubled his efforts. [That is it! Keep going!! We are going to crush him under his own spell!!]

‘No! That won’t work!’ It annoyed Vali to no end but the hybrid had to admit there was no victory in that strategy.

Both sides were clashing and trading energy for attack or defense yet the younger man realized the older had more to give. It was bitterness he understood that even after taking the power of everything around them in hundreds of kilometers, Sirzechs was still by far the strongest.

He was also more efficient and someone as skilled as Vali could recognize how the devil was containing him with minimal loss of energy. If their clash kept going like that then the Vanishing Dragon would run out of steam first. Forcing any change on the situation also wouldn’t give him a win either, his opponent’s defense was too tough.

But he could try to at least do some damage by doing something unexpected. “Let’s see how you handle this!”

First Vali sent a large push of mana in his spell making it grow larger for a second. Sirzechs saw it coming and fortified the magic circle itself, neglecting the barrier for an instant. It was all the hybrid needed and so he separated his hands and forcefully broke his own spell.

The explosion was enough to deafen his laughter but the Vanishing Dragon couldn’t stop himself from imagining the Maou’s face when his spell exploded despite the latter’s efforts to contain it.

Unfortunately his humor soured as soon as the dust and smoke settled to reveal a mostly unharmed devil who had surrounded himself with mana at the very last moment. Sure there were some wounds, a small burn on his face from what Vali could make out despite the distance, yet anybody else would have been crippled from that explosion.

At least they would be bleeding which Sirzechs wasn’t.

“Tch.” Vali descended from the heavens while inspecting his handwork, a crater so big that it was almost as if the volcano which once resided in the area had been turned upside down.

Luckily for him that chance brought out some positives as well since there were veins of lava and new stones from him to take power from when he eventually did it. Not only that but both his and Sirzechs’ used mana filled the area to the brim with energy meaning he could recover some of it.

[Divide!]

Which he did just before floating down until he was in front of the devil’s eye level. “You certainly didn’t need to go that far.” Sirzechs chastised making Vali click his tongue again. “Just because you have enough power to sink continents, doesn’t mean you should. It is a waste. Not to mention someone on the Frontier could have felt that.”

It was advice but still annoying to the Vanishing Dragon. “I had everything under control. If the energy had gone too far, I would have Divided it.”

“... So you say but by that point the Underworld itself would have suffered-”

“I didn’t come here for a lesson.” Power surrounded the hybrid once again.

Yet Sirzechs wasn’t disturbed. “This is a spar. Usually the goal of those is for both fighters to exercise their power in a controlled environment and gain a better grasp of it.” The devil stated calmly, not moving a muscle as he watched the younger man getting ready for the next round. “... Tell me, do you understand my words?”

“Yeah, yeah. I get the lesson but it isn’t what I want.” Vali was about to say something else but was interrupted.

“Do you understand me now?” Because he was paying attention to his opponent, he noticed the redhead’s lips didn’t match the sound. After a moment of silence, the redhead questioned again, “Well, do you?”

“Why are you speaking another language?” A moment of silence passed and the Vanishing Dragon grumbled something but chose to indulge the devil. “Yeah. I understand you just fine. Why is that important?”

“Just trying to discern the ways a hybrid is different from a devil.” The answer was surprising for the younger man and the redhead quickly added. “During the Civil War we used human language to trade messages so they weren’t intercepted. All devils inherently comprehend every language and our words are understood by all… Except when another devil speaks to them. In that case we have to learn-”

[Divide!]

“Is this some sort of joke!” Vali’s aura grew stronger, his presence more hostile. “I don’t care about these sorts of trivialities! I came here for a fight and you are holding back!!” He swung his right arm with fury, he added, “You may be one of the Strongest but there is no point in this fight if you are just going to be playing around!!”

Sirzechs let out a sigh before commenting. “You are holding back as well… But I suppose that unlike me, you are itching to use your full power.”

Something in his words pleased Vali. “You can bet I am.”

“Very well. Use it.” Sirzechs surprised the hybrid whose aura retreated in his surprise. “Go ahead. If you can contain it enough that the whole Underworld doesn’t feel its advent, use it.”

[Are you underestimating us, Sirzechs Gremory?] Albion’s voice emerged with fury and distaste. [You think yourself superior because you are pushing my Partner around a bit? Did you forget the pecking order? Or how you hid in the back when my Rival went berserker. Unless…] Hatred and loathing began pouring around Vali’s form, none of which his own. [You are implying I am weaker than the Red One?]

“Calm down, Albion.” Vali moved to control the situation, reining in the dragon’s wrath while glaring at the devil. “And you… Are you sure what you are asking?”

Taking a few seconds to choose his words, the redhead first said. “I am not saying that I am stronger than you, Albion. Truly, I meant no offense.” His eyes began shining a dark red rue. “But this is for Vali’s sake.” Clearly the hybrid expected something like that and he leaned forward in anticipation. “You wouldn’t be satisfied with this spar otherwise.”

“I would prefer a fight.”

“Yes, I know.” Sirzechs opened his arms invitingly. “But to you, even a fight needs a satisfying conclusion, else you would strike me now.”

The offer rang true which made the Vanishing Dragon chuckle. “One can have a fight and play fairly. Isn’t it what they call honor?”

After a minute, Sirzechs lowered his arms. “You can either keep playing by the rules or destroy everything for your desires. But Vali, you aren’t a bad person.” The statement caught the younger man off guard. “Sure you didn’t help your case back then during the Peace Talks but just recently you helped our people and saved my sister.”

Choosing to not deny the devil’s words, Vali played with them. “Heh. Yeah, I saved her alright. And that got us here. Me against you.” He started laughing slightly, making a show of it by shaking his shoulders despite the low tone. “Maybe I should run charities more often.”

“Call it whatever you wish, this spar won’t be satisfactory unless we go at it with our full strength.” Sirzechs declared resolutely and the Vanishing Dragon was forced to admit he was right. “Didn’t you join the Khaos Brigade for exactly this? Go all out, Vali Lucifer, only then you will be departing without regrets.”

The younger man chuckled as he felt the weight of his words. “You are right. You are absolutely right. I joined that mess to fight the kind of fights against the powerful with my life on the line.” It was obvious but saying it made him feel all the better. “To prove myself as the Strongest… Or take that throne.” His aura returned in a more steady fashion as the dragon prepared to soar. “So don’t feel too bad once we crush all your bones.”

After a nod, Sirzechs replied. “If it happens, it happens.” Red aura began surrounding his body. A colour which annoyed the already frustrated Albion making the White Dragon Emperor’s power suddenly spike. “Show me all you got but remember; keep it contained.” It was both a request and a condition for the spar to proceed. “All power in the world is worthless without control. It and precision are the tools one must always have at hand to protect their loved ones.”

“‘Loved ones’? Haha! I think you are confusing me for someone else!!” His power began to grow erratically, a hint of danger far greater than before painting his aura. “All I want is to fight. To be the Strongest.”

“Huhuhu. I don’t think you believe that.” Sirzechs words had no effect, at least none he could see.

Instead he just heard, “I, who am about to awaken.” A power spike followed the first line. The land shaking renewed and the leftover lava began bubbling. “Am the Heavenly Dragon who lost all to the principles of Supremacy.”

However it was clear that Vali heard Sirzechs advice so the redhead could feel how controlled his power was. Clearly the younger man wanted no one to interfere in their fight and was taking measures to keep his power mostly around. Yet that was having the side effect of devastating the land even further.

So much so that the Maou was sure even if devilkind’s efforts of expansion ever managed to reach that area nobody would want to claim the territory as their own until the place was somewhat fixed.

Because no plant life would be able to survive there, the volcano was also being rendered useless and the crater was growing larger by the second. Whatever animals once called that place home, the fire salamanders, rock komodos and other dangerous creatures, had long since departed or died.

Yes, as Sirzechs Lucifer, the man knew their battlefield lost all its value during their fight.

“I Envy Infinity and I pursue the Dream!”

He had no time to ponder that, his eyes locked on the Vanishing Dragon as his armor expanded and his form began changing slightly. Reports and his own experience from previous events told the devil such transformation started slowly before its last steps where a sudden shift occurred completing the form.

If he paid close attention, the redhead could hear the odd whisper from his young adversary’s wings which were crushed and silenced by the hybrid’s power. A power that kept growing as he gained more access to Albion’s. One so great that there wasn’t a single devil alive who could compete against it.

“I Shall Become the White Dragon of Supremacy!!”

Nevertheless Sirzechs also began preparing himself but his method was completely different. Where Vali’s aura was going outwards and imposing its existence in the Underworld, the devil’s power within himself as he steadied his breathing. A veil of red covered him for an instant before he exhaled and the mana was gone.

Except it wasn’t and anybody who watched the redhead in that moment could tell his power was rising even if there wasn’t any visible indication. Indeed they would still feel his presence growing heavier as his power grew silently but steadily.

Still it was nothing compared to the Vanishing Dragon’s whose presence enveloped everything. Even the most skilled sages and mystics would find it difficult feeling anything other than Albion’s power which was so great it had a gravity of its own. With Vali keeping it in check the land began to rise as his energy reached its peak.

“And I shall take you to the limits of Innocence!!!”

When the transformation was done a shockwave of titanic proportions turned all the stone Vali had raised by sheer might alone into dust leaving only two in the air. Sirzechs actually had to raise his arms and a barrier to remain steady or else he also would be sent flying.

‘There he is.’ The devil couldn’t help but think with a shiver as he felt the mass of power that was Albion.

Once again the Underworld was graced with the view of the Vanishing Dragon’s Host in his full glory. Like previous transformations his armor was bulkier, several new gems covered his torso and arms while his huge claws commanded respect and fear.

“Juggernaut Drive. I hope you are ready, Sirzechs Lucifer.” Vali announced with a challenge as he glared at his opponent. His taller, more bestial, form eagerly ready to pounce. “If you don’t take me seriously now, you will lose a limb or two.”

“Vali, I have been taking you seriously since the beginning.” Sirzechs confessed, surprising the young man. “However, I can understand your confusion. I haven’t necessarily made a show of being one of the Strongest.”

The hybrid couldn’t help but nod with his longer neck. “Indeed. So far you proved yourself to be weaker than Fenrir.”

[Huh. Shows who ever claimed you as the one of the Strongest either missed the mark… or you have more to show us. So now I turn your words back to you; do it now, Sirzechs Lucifer. Show us the power of the Underworld’s King or else it will have to look for another new Maou in the next few minutes.]

Sirzechs’ gaze grew sharper with mild anger. “You better not joke about that, Albion.”

[It isn’t a joke but a fact.]

“I have to agree with my Partner.” A huge azure sword appeared on the hybrid’s right hand. He pointed it at his adversary aggressively. “You better entertain us since we went so far as to get properly dressed. Unless your plan is to exhaust me by running away while Juggernaut Drive runs its course.” The redhead had a feeling the younger man was smirking. “In that case I should warn you that I can last a whole day with it. Not to mention the energy I can take from the whole Underworld, starting with your precious Frontier.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Sirzechs said with a dismissive tone as the air around him shifted. The change was subtle but some instinct warned both Vali and Albion of the change. That something was deeply wrong in a disturbing fashion. “Hehe. Unfortunately I don’t have a chant nor a grand transformation like yourselves. No, actually calling it a transformation would be a misnomer.” Slowly the redhead’s hand reached his face, completely covering it. “If anything this is a sort of reveal.”

“‘Reveal’?” Vali chuckled with amusement. “You have my attention. So, go ahead. What is this reveal?”

A deep blue eye covered in red peaked from between Sirzechs’ fingers. “The reveal of my true self.”

Suddenly the Vanishing Dragon heard something odd. [What was that crack?]

‘Something is breaking?’ The hybrid’s attention shifted. ‘His armor?’ Yet the equipment remained as pristine if a little dirty because of their fight.

Then they heard it again, like if a jar or vase had suddenly started falling apart even if there was nothing around capable of such a noise. All around them was a desert of black stone and veins of magma barely reaching the surface. After looking around a little more, the silver haired man reached a conclusion.

‘What are you up, Sirzechs?’ His attention fully settled on the older man which was when he saw his hand starting to fall apart. “What the-” The noise kept going, constant cracks and pops that made him feel like he was stuck in a mirror house during an earthquake. “Is this some sort of spell?”

“No. I already said it was a ‘reveal’.” Lowering his hand Sirzechs revealed his face which also had a huge crack going over it. “Don’t worry, this is normal for us, Super Devils, when we show our other face.”

Red light began pouring out from the cracks on his face and hands revealing the same thing from his neck. It was easy to estimate the same phenomenon was happening beneath the older man’s armor as the Vanishing Dragon could catch glimpses from its openings. He wouldn’t be surprised if his whole torso was ‘broken’.

“Ahhh.” A small shout, something simple to show effort, and then Sirzechs body exploded.

Surely enough Vali didn’t expect blood and gore, everything was too deliberate.

However it couldn’t be called natural because what emerged from the man’s shell was some sort of monstrosity in the Vanishing Dragon’s view. Not an abomination but too odd to be human and too flawless to be an animal.

Armor-like dark but bright red skin emerged from the formerly handsome man and he was sure it was skin, watching how it moved with the devil as he stretched his shoulders. It also couldn't be armor for there were just two layers: the chest and upper torso which were a lighter shade of red and dark crimson everywhere else.

Sirzechs was also taller, if the man before had two meters and some it had changed to almost if not three meters of height. He was also slightly bulkier, with a larger and more imposing frame. On the center of his chest was the magic circle of Gremory, carved with the same color of his arms and legs.

And his head because even that had changed. No longer the Maou had a bright mane of hair, or any hair at all. Instead his face was like a helmet, his mouth replaced by a faceplate almost white colored but still painted in red. The only colour apart from red were from his eyes, two deep pools of blue and without irises or pupils.

Vali didn’t see them at first, neither did Albion to be fair, both were too focused on the pair of horns growing on the devil’s forehead similar to a goat or better yet a saola, an even rarer animal more fitting to Sirzechs Lucifer.

For his horns were majestic: a red ruby crow that protected his forehead, just barely tall enough to have a presence without being cumbersome while carrying an air of danger.

As if their tips were ready to spear someone's chest if necessary.

After taking a second to process Sirzechs form, Vali commented. “Is that why they call you Crimson Satan?” When he heard the devil chuckle, he felt unsettled because the man had no lips but the faceplate was his ‘mouth’. ‘This is weird. I am not the only one thinking this is weird, right, Albion?’

[Not really. I have seen all sorts of creatures in my life. The only reason you find his real appearance off putting is because he looks too ‘inhuman’ unlike every other modern devil.]

“Believe it or not, only ten people have ever seen this form.” Sirzechs interrupted their discussion unknowingly while still stretching his shoulders. Eventually he began pulling them with his arms for some light exercise. “That makes you the eleventh. My Title comes from many places but I like to think it is because of my hair which is why Rias also has a similar one.” Wishful thinking for his part.

“So you fought only eleven people like that? I am flattered.”

“Hmm? Fight them? Yes, I believe I did fight one or two of those, if you can call the fight against the former Lord Beelzebub a fight. But the others were my friends and family and we didn’t have any reason to fight.”

Indeed Sirzechs had shown that form to his parents when he was younger and was understanding his powers, his sister when she wanted to see how strong he really was, his wife before they were married when on different sides of the civil war and finally his son to see if the boy had something similar.

Because he was unique, in a sense. “You could say this appearance is why I am a Super Devil. Or I am a Super Devil because I can reach this state.” Sirzechs explained with a hand above his Clan’s symbol. “In this form, let's call it that, I can fight with my full potential in ways most devils can’t.” Turning around, he showed the hybrid his back. “Can you see it?”

More precisely he was asking what Vali couldn’t see. “Your wings are gone.”

“Correct.” The red creature turned back around. “Devils need wings to fly properly but to a Super Devil, gravity is merely a suggestion.”

“Huhuhu. Are you comparing yourself to gods? Or maybe… the Original maous?” Vali suggested playfully and didn’t flinch when the older man chuckled again. Still, the information was concerning. “Are you claiming every Super Devil has this more demonic state?”

Sirzechs knew exactly why he was asking. “Yes, both Ajuka and Rizevim have their own forms. Equal but different in many ways. Almost like we were built from the same blueprint.”

‘Interesting.’ The Vanishing Dragon couldn’t help but shiver before full blown laughter emerged from his throat. “Hahahahahaha! Regardless, this makes me happy. You are finally taking me seriously enough to show me your true form.”

A sigh left Sirzechs. “Didn’t you hear me before? I was always taking you seriously.”

“But you were pulling your punches.” Despite his pride being offended over the fact, Vali only knew glee for the moment.

With how his eyes looked it was hard to tell but Sirzechs definitively rolled them if his neck movements were any indication. [You are certainly more expressive. That is without a shadow of a doubt your real self.]

‘More expressive when you lack expressions. Super Devils are fascinating.’ It almost made him regret being born a hybrid.

“This is my true self but both are my true forms.” Sirzechs revealed with a serious if annoyed tone. “Same with Ajuka. We can trade our faces with some effort, both are real, both have some perks and detriments.”

“Rizevim as well?”

“I cannot speak for him when we never had a proper conversation. I can only assure you he is also a Super Devil because when we fought, he also showed me his other face.”

“Interesting. So very interesting.” Vali could feel his excitement boiling over. His wings opened to their full length as he lowered his posture. “Show me more, Sirzechs!!”

The Vanishing Dragon disappeared from the devil’s sight for just a moment which he didn’t waste by raising a barrier around himself. A good thing too because the Crimson Satan would have been severed in half. As things stood his life was still in danger for Light began cutting his barrier and was about to reach his waist.

But Sirzechs was already moving the moment he lost line of sight. Sure he couldn’t dodge left or right but retreating was an option and he started leaving his barrier from the back.

“Still going like that? You aren’t getting away!” Vali noticed the maneuver fast enough and began charging while extracting his sword. Yet a movement of the devil’s hands caught his eye despite the lack of a magic circle. ‘He is preparing something-’

Only for his sides to be stabbed by the remains of Sirzechs’ barrier which had become shaped like the leftovers of a broken mirror to strike his hybrid. Not only that but the rest of the barrier also fell apart into dozens of fragments, all aimed at the Vanishing Dragon’s vitals.

Vali saw no choice but to answer with a barrier of his own. “Do you think it is going to be that easy?!” He watched the devil fly upwards once again with a glare. “So much for a new form! You are still running!!”

“Letting you touch me isn’t recommended.” Sirzechs replied casually while turning around. He noted the younger man dismissing his swords and charging with shields up. “Your ability is still quite problematic and unfortunately I don’t have Shirou’s ability to counter it”

The devil moved his arms in a circle which created two different magic circles by his sides which began firing missiles between both fighters. Vali didn’t care about them, his barrier absorbing every hit rather easily as he caught up with the Super Devil. He pulled an arm back and prepared a blast while opening his mouth to release his flames.

Sirzechs’ magic circle on his chest pulsed and fired a stream of Destruction right on the Vanishing Dragon’s face which completely caught him off guard. His second attack was still in motion and he released a huge bomb of Light at the devil who flew around it while the hybrid was distracted.

Bringing both of his arms forward, the Crimson Satan reproduced Vali’s posture, “Red Lighting!!” Power of Destruction left his hands and hit Albion’s Host right in the chest pushing him back. But just a little as the young man roared in fury and threw a counter that hit the elder’s left side. ‘As expected of Juggernaut Drive. He shrugged off my improvised spell like it was nothing.’

Vali recovered first and began gathering mana in his hands. [Where are his magic circles?] His Partner’s question almost snapped his concentration but the hybrid pushed through. He was considerably angry because someone dared to imitate his attack and wanted to pay the man back. [That blast was too fast and there was little mana movement. I don’t believe his chest was responsible for it either.]

‘Only one way to get more information.’ The hybrid threw his arms forward. ‘Pilling up the pressure!’ “White Lighting!!!”

The real attack was far superior to the imitation, the Underworld’s eternal night ending for a second as the white mana blazed across the sky aiming to make Super Devils even rarer by turning the Crimson Satan into dust.

Sirzechs knew no barrier he raised would be strong enough to stop that blast which was several times faster than any of the previous ones Vali had used. That in mind the devil pushed both of his arms forward and unleashed hundreds of bolts made with Destruction to clash against the Light.

It was the inverse of what happened before where the hybrid used his Light to break the devil’s spell. Destruction could only be truly countered by pure power so every drop of mana invested on that Power took a gallon from almost any opposite force. Lucifer’s Light was one of the few exceptions, however.

Once the greatest weapon from Heaven, Lucifer’s natural capability was too powerful and efficient for the trade to truly be in Sirzechs' favor even if the power was being used by one of his descendants.

Light usually triumphed over demonic forces anyway but the Pride of Heaven’s bloodline was blessed with his special Light making them far more dangerous. Since he fought Rizevim the Maou knew Destruction wasn’t really capable of overwhelming that particular power as it would any other.

All that only meant he had to use more energy which took the shape of hundreds of blasts all at once, clashing against the White Lighting as an ocean facing a dam. The attack didn’t slow down but lost much of its fuel, shrinking considerably. Instead of a whole stadium, the devil only had to dodge a building.

He managed to do it but not cleanly, his right hand was wounded with severe burns. ‘He isn’t on his grandfa- Rizevim’s level but his power has another edge which makes him just as dangerous.’ It has been a long time since Sirzechs had been wounded by any means. When he faced the older descendant of Lucifer. ‘Albion’s power isn’t a joke either but this is manageable.’

Expanding his attention outwards his blue eyes caught a glimpse of the Vanishing Dragon advancing menacingly from his right side. The young man had seen the wound and sought to capitalize by attacking that side. A logical tactic but predictable as the older man proved by channeling mana on his chest and firing on the location Vali planned to attack.

Just as the White Dragon Emperor arrived in that spot. “Argh!!”

[He anticipated- Look out!!]

Demonic energy flowed from Sirzechs’ chest before unleashing a blast tall enough to envelop his opponent’s body in full. Vali fought back, once again pushing forward against the storm only to see the devil’s hands channeling Destruction in a familiar way. Familiar but different because there was no magic circle on his view.

Yet the Power of Destruction began taking shape around the Vanishing Dragon faster than he could react. “Ruin the Extinct.” Destruction fully surrounded Vali but unlike the last few times the attack didn’t have an immediate effect. “The White Dragon Emperor's power… is really terrifying.”

“You only realized that now, Sirzechs?” Raising his head inside the energy trying to consume him, Vali appeared to be at ease. “You should stop underestimating us!!!”

Opening his wings with a roar, the Power of Destruction broke and the White Dragon Emperor unleashed a torrent of flame wider than most waterfalls. However Sirzechs was moving before his signature technique fell and had flown back down as quickly as he could.

“I am growing tired,” Vali’s power began to grow even larger with annoyance, “of this chase. Blade of Lucifer!!!” An azure sword taller than him manifested on his hands. Instead of using it directly, the hybrid manipulated his Light and broke it apart until his huge claws were enveloped with his Element making them twice as large. “This will do.”

Preparations complete the Vanishing Dragon resumed his hunt but didn’t actually reach the ground level where Sirzechs was waiting. The devil had already set up several magic circles and each of them was pulsing with mana. So many of them were ready to burst with energy that the silver haired man chose to not approach.

‘What is he planning now?’ The Crimson Satan observed his opponent flying around in a circle, turning his body to keep an eye on the younger man. ‘I have filled the ground with traps. There are no openings for you to exploit. Your best chance is to blow up everything to kingdom come and once you do it, I will use Ruin the Extinct again.’

Because Sirzechs knew Destruction had damaged Juggernaut Drive even if only slightly. It wasn’t his main means of victory but a way for him to force the younger man to waste energy. At least his spell was more efficient than just throwing around Destruction everywhere with little result.

Also it was a tactic more suited to face the White One instead of the Red because, so long as he wasn’t touched, Vali had little means to gain enough power for his ability to be relevant in their match.

Something the hybrid knew as well, not even bothering with Half Dimension since unleashing Juggernaut Drive. [We are faster and stronger. One touch. One touch and we win.]

‘He knows that which is the problem.’ Despite the annoyance he felt, Vali couldn’t help but smile. ‘Let’s show them why we are the Strongest, Albion!’

[Ha! Do it, Vali! Scar this land and prove that the White Dragon Emperor is at the peak of the food chain!!] White and blue aura blazed around the hybrid as he began a long turn before flying away.

Sirzechs was shocked by the maneuver on many levels. ‘Is he planning to get power from somewhere? No, we are in the middle of nowhere and there is nothing strong enough. He also wouldn’t want anyone interfering.’ His armor-like face had no eyebrows to raise yet it was clear his eyes were wide. ‘That means he can only be preparing something different!’

Red mana pulsed and moved, the magic circles on the ground stacking with each other forming a wall a sort of octagonal shape. Immediately the devil’s creation began firing enough load to sink down the world’s biggest battlefleet, not even considering the power of each blast.

With that many nations could become islands and islands would be decimated.

Nothing for the Vanishing Dragon. ‘Here something I learned from my Rival and Fenrir.’ He thought with amusement before pulling his right arm back. Light began to spread from his claws until it reached his shoulder taking the shape of a giant dragon’s arm.

The attack itself was based on Ise’s Scarlet Mail but the idea really took root during his fight with Fenrir. Watching how the Wolf of Ragnarok manipulated his size gave the hybrid an idea: what if I can do the same with mana?

Because the man knew he wasn’t capable of shapeshifting or messing with his size and from what he learned from Akeno neither could the other True Hybrid. What he learned from her were just new ideas of how to implement his energy, an avenue he was already exploring since his fight with Shirou.

Once he heard the ravenhead go on and on about the benefits of chains and whips it made him wonder if he could do more than just swords or spears. Fairly enough his presumption of the contrary had a foundation, that was how angels and fallen angels fought and before being a maou Lucifer was a fallen angel.

The end result was something he could be proud of. “Claw of Albion!!”

Five ‘blades’ of Light cut through the darkness with a slash of his arm. Those claws easily ripped off the ground and Sirzechs’ magic circles into pieces. The Crimson Satan managed to avoid them by turning to his side and standing between two claws as they made a way into the crater.

Enveloping his body with red aura, the devil followed the claws in an attempt to avoid their creator who was already swinging with his other arm. Every single instinct and logic on his brain warned the former Heir that he needed to do something or lose an arm. So he raised said arm to channel a huge stream of Destruction.

Despite his best attempts it wasn’t enough to fully stop the claws and the Power of Bael found itself lacking. No matter how much he pushed, his output wasn’t enough to compete against the power of the White Dragon Emperor optimized by a True Hybrid’s skill. Even if mana was Destroyed, there was too much of it in an extremely consistent form.

Fortunately Sirzechs wasn’t a fool so he concentrated his Power into weakening one of the claws before turning his body once again. The four other attacks moved by him harmlessly while the last one managed to hit his shoulder. Blood, pain and burns assaulted the devil as his defenses failed.

Nevertheless he managed to reach the crater while still being pursued. ‘No magic circle.’ Vali thought with a chuckle as Albion’s moved their wings closer to his back for a more aerodynamic form so they could accelerate. ‘Not that it matters. Did you see him bleed, Albion?’

[I saw what you saw. Maybe that form isn’t as strong as we thought.] An instant later they were on the crater only to be hit by a pillar of Destruction. [Growing desperate, Sirzechs Lucifer?]

A huge sphere of Destruction threatened the Vanishing Dragon’s left side but was countered by a beam of Light. Vali’s eyes locked on the Crimson Satan who was gathering energy between his hands. More precisely he was focusing on his torso and the area above it, the magic circle in his chest shining brightly.

“Blade of Lucifer!” Calling forth his weapon the hybrid quickly converted it into a spear and pulled back for a throw.

Only for his opponent to raise his left hand and a magic circle to suddenly shine beneath his feet. “Ruin the Extinct.”

Destruction itself tried to imprison the young man who lost his focus for a moment. Light slipped from his fingers as both Vanishing Dragons needed to raise their defense against Sirzechs’ Power or risk it eating their scales. It was just for a second, even less than that, but enough for the Super Devil.

Because his real attack was ready. “Take this, Vali! An acknowledgment of your power!! Red Root Rebellion!!!”

An attack akin to natural Lightning, a beam of dark red energy with several branches, left the Super Devil’s chest and converged just before slamming into the hybrid just after he broke free from the previous attack.

The explosion that followed it opened a crater into the previous one side. It wasn’t as big as the original landmark but nevertheless it was distinct.

And floating above it was a wounded Vali who felt his blood dripping from his chest and other small wounds around his body. ‘Even if I blocked, the impact-’

[Partner!] Albion’s warning was too late because Sirzechs was already a meter or so above them with both hands raised towards the younger man. Mana was already prepared to unleash something devastating as the Vanishing Dragon noticed, [Magic circles-]

‘-carved in his palms.’ Vali concluded the thought with surprise as the energy took the shape of small nails in the center of the circle.

“Destruction Bullets!” Of course he could use one of Rias’ spells. He paid so close attention to them, and watched her on repeat once or twice, enough to come up with his own version. 

Unlike his sister, Sirzechs neither needed nor bothered with Stand or guns, his control was so great that he could use a point in any magic circle to create the bullets. Even that spell wasn’t really necessary because with his skill he could easily channel Destruction into similar shapes with some effort.

Their real advantage however came from the fact that Rias, his sister, invented the spell, which made the image in his mind much clearer. Not only that but if properly made the bullets would be far stronger and more efficient than normal spells because he believed it would be better.

With the short distance between them, Vali had no time to react against the first volley and several bullets broke through Albion’s scales. Since he was using only his magic circles, the output of bullets depended exclusively on Sirzechs’ skills. Skills sharpened by war and polished during several years of peace.

After all he was the Maou Lucifer, leader of a society which praised power above everything.

Of course he had time to train in his schedule, all Maou did so as enshrined by law.

“Shit!!” Vali couldn’t help but curse as thirteen bullets managed to hit his body through Juggernaut Drive. The attack didn’t stop either and the only reason he didn’t get more wounded was because he finally managed to raise his aura defensively. “Bastard!!!”

Swinging one his wings forward the hybrid missed because Sirzechs was still in motion from his initial charge, going around the White Dragon Emperor and positioning himself behind the younger man to unleash a second volley.

Albion tried to support his Partner by twisting his wings and moving him out of the way but he was still shot in the back and his left shoulder while making the turn. Vali couldn’t help himself much because he was focusing on his right, creating a blade of Light before breaking it apart into his claws.

Compared to when he first used the spell the attack was much weaker but Sirzechs being so close was an advantage for both sides. “Claws of Albion!” Called out Vali while throwing an upward slash with his right.

The devil felt the energy building up before the turn was complete and ceased fire fast enough to raise a mediocre defense. Mediocre against the Heaven’s Light which broke through it easily yet once again he was saved by his foresight that kept him moving which was enough for him to mostly dodge.

Helped by the fact Vali’s attack was unleashed from a bad position and improperly prepared meaning which gave the Super Devil room to work against it. Regardless, those Claws easily broke through the Maou’s armor-like skin, marking his chest and his family’s magic circle with bleeding cuts.

Neither man stopped by that point, the devil firing another wave of bullets while the hybrid brought his left arm back to unleash a wave of Light badly formed that consumed the Destruction with pure brute force.

It also sent Sirzechs flying but mostly because the devil allowed it. “Hmm…” The Crimson Satan turned his body and landed on his feet outside the crater while the Vanishing Dragon called for more azure blades. “Ruin the Extinct.”

Yet the younger man’s concentration was broken once more. “Again with this! Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!” Opening his wings and expanding his power, Vali destroyed the prison before it did too much damage before bringing his arms up. “White Lighting!!!”

The concentrated blast of Light flew towards Sirzechs who dashed right, allowing it to sail forth unimpeded, creating a fissure in the area and barely stopping before reaching a forest.

In a moment Vali would have missed if he blinked, the devil was above him again albeit at a much farther distance where he created a new wall of magic circles blocking the skies. For a second the hybrid thought about counter attacking but his legs and arms felt heavy, his reaction slow.

However, not slow enough to stop him from dodging the rain of death falling on his path, his wings carrying him away as the hybrid fought to move them properly. ‘Albion, was the damage in my back that bad?’

[Nothing crippling but he literally opened holes in your muscles.] Not only on his back but he also had been shot five times on his legs, four in his torso and three on his shoulder, with a few scratching him before he neutralized them. [With Rias Gremory’s spell in his arsenal, we can’t risk keeping this going without an alternative power source.]

‘There is nothing else left. Nothing else but him.’ Raising his wings the young man used them as a shield while glaring at the Super Devil bombarding his position. He took several deep breaths, focusing his energy and brushing off the wounds. ‘So much for one touch, huh? As expected of Sirzechs Lucifer, the Strongest Devil.’

Albion couldn’t help but hum in agreement even if he said, [Is he still classified as a devil? While not a hybrid, his existence is more than a simple devil. That form is proof of it.] Yet he couldn’t think of any other way to call the Maou other than, [Mayhaps Super Devil is an appropriate name.]

Vali chuckled at his Partner comment, feeling his heartbeat increase. “Hehehe. That is excellent. Let’s break this Super Devil, Albion!” Their tactic didn’t need to change since they could win with a single touch. He only needed to make it happen. ‘Focus completely on my wings and speed, ignore the damage on my muscles and move them as you need, I can take it.’

Upon his request the dragon began directing much of their powers to the core of Divine Dividing. The already beautiful wings began glowing with his Light which changed them as his emotions and power affected the sacred gear. With Albion’s guidance the huge pair actually shrunk in size but grew in length, their form almost like a jet’s wings.

Unfortunately that meant they were no longer of use defensively but Vali threw his arms forward to solve that problem, “White Lighting!!” by just breaking through Sirzechs attack and forcing the devil to change tactics. Meanwhile his opponent adapted, the Vanishing Dragon advanced. ‘Full speed ahead!!!’

All his aura propelled the young man up so fast his speed was actually compared to a certain Mage when using the power of a certain Legendary Mount. Indeed the hybrid managed to surpass his own limits and break the barrier between himself and the speed beyond light albeit for just a few moments.

However that state was not enough as even when he managed to reach the Super Devil, the red being was already in motion and managed to dodge the attack. With a click of his tongue the White Dragon Emperor stopped in the air and began turning again but something went wrong and blood exploded from his back.

Much to Albion’s horror. [Partner!!]

And they didn’t have time to talk either. “You overreached.” Sirzechs declared behind the younger man, another attack already in his hands. “This body of yours is already reaching its limit.”

The red mana shoved the White Dragon Emperor down but he flipped in the air and recovered his balance only to suffer five more hits until his body made contact with the ground.

Vali was furious and frustrated but wasn’t done, his right hand gathering a lot of energy before he fired back. “Take this!!” The azure white energy was about to hit the devil only to miss when he turned to the side. It was enough for the young man who opened his wings again and rebuilt the scales in his back before taking flight once more. “You are still looking down on me!!!”

Light gathered on the hybrid’s hands as he pulled both to his right before unleashing a wave towards the sky. Sirzechs fired back with a strong blast of Destruction, effectively opening a wall on the younger man’s attack.

“No, you are overestimating yourself.” Despite declaring that the Crimson Satan immediately dashed backwards to avoid the Vanishing Dragon’s claws. The dragon turned towards him and breathed his fire which was blocked by several magic circles in a line. “Your body is superior to a devil’s, maybe even superior to my own,” he quickly moved right as his shields fell to a shoulder slam, “but it isn’t invincible even if it is almost perfect.”

“Blade of Lucifer!” Vali called the spell and threw a slash at the devil’s neck whoducked under it.

Because while he wasn’t as fast or strong as the White Dragon of Supremacy, Sirzechs was close enough he could see the ceiling of his power. For he was also one of the Strongest, judged by the world to be in the 9th position shared with his fellow Maou Ajuka Beelzebub.

Many places apart from the mighty Albion, which infuriated the dragon immensely. [You are growing arrogant, devil.]

“And you are as prideful as a dragon’s stereotype.” Sirzechs replied calmly while raising his arms. “Destruction Bullets!!”

Vali used his sword to block as many attacks as he could but his arms were hit again. “Hahahaha! This is so fun! Keep going!!”

To his displeasure the devil actually stopped. “You aren’t a masochist-” And dove to the left just in time to avoid the dragon’s tail. “-nor I am a fool to ignore something so big.”

“That is what your mother said.” Vali retorted petulantly in an attempt to mimic Bikou and break his opponent’s composure before turning his sword for a stab.

His plan failed when Sirzechs kept enough distance to not be hit and prepared the magic circles in his hands for a devastating attack. “... That sounded unnatural to you. Perhaps you are not good at trash talk.” Joining his hands he unleashed a blast of Destruction that actually broke some of the hybrid’s armor. “Do you still want to keep going? I think this spar has run its course.”

After taking a few breaths, his chest and neck exposed as the armor repaired itself, Vali replied. “A fight isn’t over… until there is a winner.”

“Trust me, that is far from the truth.” Clapping his hands, the devil tried to use the magic circle on his chest for another big spell yet his wounds kept it from working properly. He could easily compensate by making one just above it to help the process. “Ruin the Extinct!!” Just before Destruction imprisoned him again, the hybrid vanished before the devil’s eyes.

Instead of looking for his opponent the Crimson Satan moved as fast as he could to the left, barely avoiding the giant form of the Vanishing Dragon who didn’t stop his dash and tried to make a forceful turn.

However the fast turn of his wings made Vali’s back bleed more, enough so that the hybrid started feeling the wound which in turn made him flinch. “Damn it…”

“You are really starting to feel it, aren’t you? This is what, the second time it happened?”

“What are you talking about Sirzechs?” Vali was actually in denial, he knew exactly what the problem was.

[Partner, Juggernaut Drive is numbing the pain but your body is-]

“Not now, Albion!! We are so close! Once we defeat him, we will be one step closer to our dream!” Vali was forced to stop and breathe once again as his reserves started to run dry. Worst yet was that with his energy on the low, his predecessors’ whispers returned. “Shit. Am I really that exhausted?”

[Yes, you are! The voices, the hate, it is starting to push back!!] It was easy to hear Albion’s panic, less for the voices and more because of his Partner’s condition. Ever since they first controlled Juggernaut Drive he never felt unease using it.

But a bad feeling grew in both their chests which was compounded by Sirzechs’ words. “To tell you the truth this fight really proved to me that I am not close to Albion’s full power. The Heavenly Dragons deserve to be called the 5th Strongest Creatures.”

[Grr… I hate that rank.]

“You shouldn’t. Of all things between Heaven and Earth you are still one of the Strongest, few can challenge you and I am not even close to being one of them.” Sirzechs’ aura diminished as he relaxed his shoulders. Opposite to Vali’s which grew stronger even if it was flickering, clearly wishing to keep going. “Like I said in the beginning, I know I am not stronger than you, Albion… But I am not fighting you.”

“No, you aren’t.” Vali couldn’t deny the truth any longer.

Much to his Partner’s chagrin. [What are you two talking about?]

“That there is a difference between the White Dragon Emperor and a hybrid with his power.” Said hybrid couldn’t help but wince in pain. “I played the part of a fool!”

Sirzechs shook his head vehemently. “Not a fool really, you fought well. But you were overconfident.” His statement was honest and his tone sincere. Quite odd considering he was still in a monstrous form that made the Vanishing Dragon unease. “To be honest, in different circumstances most of my strategy would have failed. Ironically it would definitively backfire if he was the Red Dragon Emperor instead of the White One.” Feeling a bolt of rage from the wings, he quickly questioned, “Where are we, Albion?”

[How the hell should I know? The middle of nowhere?!] Disregarding the implications that he was weaker than his Rival, the dragon forced himself to calm down. [You claimed it was the other side of the Underworld.]

“It is. But what you two forget is that the Underworld is bigger than Earth and the ‘other side’ is actually far larger than one might expect. Enough to have all sorts of landscapes.”

[... Including more habitable ones with forests and creatures…] Albion began to understand the strategy in place.

The first domino which led to Sirzechs’ victory.

“Correct. Places where your Divide would be far more devastating. While it is true that everything has energy, it is undeniable that the energy from living beings is far more potent.” The Super Devil opened his arms, presenting the former volcano and mountains. “Not like what was presented here. The most you could get was a little extra power from the lava and the odd vermin, if that much.”

“Making Divide not worthwhile. Even Half Dimension felt more draining than rewarding.” Sure Vali got extra power but as the fight dragged it started taking a toll on his stamina. Especially when everything was drained and he only got the dregs or the mana he threw around. “By dragging us here, our ability grew limited.”

Sirzechs nodded in agreement. “Both of you can see how that sort of trick wouldn’t work against the Red Dragon Emperor. His power is essentially independent, individual. The ability to raise himself above everything.” He pointed towards the White Dragon Emperor. “Yours is the opposite: collective and social. Have ever tried to take the power that your allies offer willingly?” The question surprised both Vanishing Dragons. “I bet the quality of energy would improve greatly. Same way with Ddraig’s Gift. He can double anything, making them stronger despite his Boost being individual.”

Naturally what one dragon could do the other could match with its opposite, that was the Heavenly Dragon’s relationship since they first emerged because of Merlin’s schemes, eventually resulting in their deaths.

Which was why fighting the Red Dragon Emperor in Juggernaut Drive was completely different from facing the White One, it was the reason why Sirzechs didn’t even dare to try or risk his realm and people.

However had Ise been the White Dragon Emperor in that instance the devil would have evacuated everyone and then confronted the young man in a desert area without hesitation much like he did with Vali.

Yet that was just the most surface layer of his strategy. “Another thing you need to remember is this; I am not a dragon and I would never fight you directly given the choice.” Sirzechs began tapping his finger on his forehead, right between his horns. “Divide is a devastating ability. By itself I dare to say it is stronger than Boost. Yet its weakness is far more apparent.”

“I haven’t touched you once.”

“Even in the office I didn’t offer a handshake nor would ever risk such. That is just how fearsome ‘Divide’ is.” Unlike his fellow Super Devil who bragged about being able to counter any sacred gear, Sirzechs didn’t have the same skill. And he knew Rizevim was telling the truth, the man too proud to do so otherwise. “But my main characteristic as a Super Devil, something neither Ajuka or Rizevim have; magic circles in my own flesh.” He opened his hand, revealing how the palm pulsed with power even when he wasn’t trying to use it. “In this form my full potential is unleashed and my control increases so much that I can level a country with a third of the strength than I would otherwise.”

[We aren’t winning a stamina contest against you. Not unless we can use Divide.] Albion acknowledged with a grunt. [More than that, you are a ranged specialist. Touching you is the toughest part of this fight.]

The devil nodded again. “There is a misunderstanding about how the Strongest were chosen. Sure some of us are absolute power houses capable of destroying the world but-”

“‘Power is worthless without control’.” Vali remembered the conversation they had a few minutes prior with annoyance. “Was all that some sort of lesson? Still treating this as a spar?”

“But Vali, spar or not, you can’t claim I didn’t give you my full attention. Truthfully, I took you seriously from the start.” Sirzechs pointed out, making the hybrid freeze.

Before a booming laugh left his mouth. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! YOU ARE RIGHT!!!! Hell, you are definitely right!! Really, I have been an idiot! Unlike you, I came to this fight without any sort of plan!!” He pointed at the devil in the distance. “On the other hand, you came here ready to go for the kill even if that wasn’t your intent. You outplayed and outsmarted me from the start because I didn’t realize how dangerous this spar could be.”

“If this was a real fight, my chances of killing you would be quite high.” The devil admitted.

“If this was a real fight, I could just run away and find some settlement to gain more power… Except I never would.” Vali knew himself enough to understand that would never be an option because, “My pride would never allow me to involve anybody in this fight. My dream wouldn’t allow me to win like that.”

Sirzechs wasn’t even considering that hypothesis since it was a spar but couldn’t stop himself from saying, “It is a naive outlook. When it comes to surviving or protecting your allies, you must be ready to make compromises.”

Vali decided to take the advice for what it was worth before asking. “How did you know that I wouldn't catch you? A single touch and you would be done.”

[True. With my power, my speed, we almost caught you several times over.]

“If I was facing you, Albion, I would be dead.” Sirzechs could recognize without hubris, understanding exactly where they stood as two of the Strongest. As the 5th and the 9th. “Skill and experience wise, I am better than you two. I fought a war and while not our strategist I can proudly say most of my plans went without a hitch whenever I had to make one.” Once again he touched his forehead between the horns. “That experience was the deciding factor of this fight: even if you are faster than me, there are just a couple of angles for you to attack depending on your goal. Knowing where you were coming from was essential to stay one step ahead even when we were flying.”

As a devil Sirzechs had fought more than his fair share of opponents in the air, from his friends when he was young to bloodthirsty soldiers during the air and people with powers equal to himself.

He had stood upon hundreds of battlefields, challenged beings as strong as gods and dared to rip apart the Old Order in the Underworld. Even if Vali spent most of his lifetime fighting he was considerably, hundreds of years, younger.

“When it comes to power and who is Strongest, Albion still has me beat.” Sirzechs reinforced the fact. “But I am not fighting Albion the Vanishing Dragon, I am fighting Vali, the True Hybrid.” His tone was gentle and kind. Despite that he still sounded like a general proclaiming his victory. “I can’t defeat the White Dragon Emperor but I can defeat you.”

[My Partner is the White Dragon Emperor.] Albion declared proudly, forcing more of their power out. [He reached heights no other had before, mastered Juggernaut Drive and even forced you to use your full power.]

“All true. Yet if I was facing you, most of my strategies wouldn’t have worked and you know that.” It was easy for the three of them to acknowledge the fact. “You both need to face Reality; while Vali Lucifer is the most accomplished and powerful Vanishing Dragon of all time, he still isn’t complete. You lack your own Balance Breaker and are just using Albion’s.”

A nod of agreement was Vali’s initial response. “You know everything about the base Divine Dividing. Hell, you probably know all I can do with Scale Mail as well.”

“Azazel shared his research with the Underworld but even if he didn’t, knowledge of Albion’s capabilities is well known.” Another bitter truth for the White One to swallow. Especially when the devil reminded him of his own skills. “Not once during our fight did you use Reflect.”

A growl so feral that it escaped his contained left Albion. [You dare to lecture me about my own power?]

“Not a lecture, a reminder. Reflect is one of the strongest defensive abilities in the World. The one which gave you the Title of Strongest.” For one wasn’t judged so for power alone.

It took abilities so powerful that they could bend Reality by themselves; Fenrir was his God Slayer ‘poison’, Sirzechs had such potent mana he could surpass any devil without trying and Albion had a defense so formidable that only Ddraig was a competitor for he possessed an attack capable of breaking any defense.

Except Albion’s, that was what made them rivals in the first place

Unlike Fafnir it wasn’t something tied to his scales or blood. Sure those were strong too but not what he developed to defeat his Rival. During the times when their rivalry was at its most bloody, the Welsh Dragon sought to break whatever shield the White One could use. In turn the Vanishing Dragon improved his defense further making them part of the Strongest.

For both of them had gone beyond their basic abilities, Ddraig no longer just Boosted himself and Albion’s improved in his poison to also be able to absorb his enemy’s power. Such opposite powers kept their fights in check for one never managed to truly surpass the other.

Which didn’t stop them from trying and improving further creating techniques that suited them both far too much: the ultimate offense and the ultimate defense among dragons.

Albion’s real defense was the ability to Reflect: a shield that could envelop the White Dragon Emperor completely to throw an enemy’s attack back in its entirety without wasting energy or consuming mana beyond what sustained the shield.

“Vali, If you were capable of using Reflect, I would have lost this fight in the first five minutes.” Sirzechs said confidently. “My only chance was keeping you at range but if you had Reflect… What was I supposed to do?” Raising a hand he created a sphere of Destruction, one so tick the young man could only see darkness. “Would this be enough to break it? I doubt it. It would just be Reflected to me, as would everything else, according to Legend.”

“... Mostly energy.” The hybrid revealed with a chuckle.

[Vali, what are you doing? Don’t tell him that.] Albion couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

Which his Partner found amusing. “Relax, it makes no difference because he is correct. If I had Reflect then I could have used it from the beginning and avoided most of the damage that I took unless he insisted on just using Ruin the Extinct.” He chuckled again, shrugging his arms. “But that spell costs too much mana, even for him. So long as I sent everything else back and kept charging, I would have won.”

“If you had Reflect.” Sirzechs reminded the younger man.

“If…” Vali agreed whimsically. “But I don't, so I need to win in other ways.”

“Aren’t you satisfied yet?” Sirzechs retrieved his man and prepared himself to keep going.

[Didn’t you hear my Partner before? A fight needs a winner, or at least a conclusion.]

White and blue mana surrounded the hybrid’s body in a dangerous aura which began growing until it transformed in the shape of a dragon with a long neck. “And we aren’t done yet.” Vali declared focusing his power entirely in his armor. ‘Time for a change of tactics again.’

Suddenly Juggernaut Drive began shining brightly before its form began shrinking until he was back into Scale Mail. “What is the plan here?” Sirzechs asked with legitimate curiosity. “Your energy output hasn't diminished but you are obviously weaker.”

“Hehehe, you think so? Maybe I have another trick up my sleeve.” Vali leaned his body forward in preparation for a dash as the dragon made of aura roared silently. “All I need is one good hit.”

Sirzechs felt something was off and raised his arms with mana pulsing in his circles. “I wouldn’t recommend it. Your body must be at its limit.”

“I was worse after my fight with Shirou. And he also had the decency of getting me on the ground before demanding my surrender.” Be either adrenaline or instinct, the Crimson Satan knew the hybrid was confident.

“You weren’t really exhausted after that fight, just wounded. I have also thrown enough Destruction to eat a smaller dragon several times over…” Concern dripped from every word but the Vanishing Dragon would only go down fighting or not go down at all. As a man and as a devil, Sirzechs could respect that. “Very well! Then prepare yourself, Vali Lucifer!! This is our last clash!!!”

Because he was sure the younger man’s body couldn’t take much more punishment, not after having his reserves drained and the several holes in his flesh beneath the armor which just wasn’t covered with blood because of how many times he fixed Scale Mail.

“Show me what you got, Sirzechs!!!” Vali was still more than willing to give everything for the sake of victory, throwing his whole body into a mad dash.

His dragon marched ahead with its maw open to devour the Crimson Satan but Sirzechs wasn’t intimidated. While the hybrid had thrown most of his energy on that construct, it was just leftovers of Juggernaut Drive and not as strong as the Vanishing Dragon mightiest form.

It was born out of desperation and desire, something powerful but also not.

A real illusion trying to break the wall that was Sirzechs Lucifer, there was no expectation in the Super Devil’s mind of it working. ‘I could use Ruin the Extinct to lock him in place.’ Without Juggernaut Drive, there was no way for Vali to break his spell. ‘But that wouldn’t be a satisfactory end. What he wants is a clash of power and I shall deliver it!’

From both his hands the Maou unleashed huge blasts of Destruction that would be more than capable of annihilating the fake dragon. So assured he was of victory that for the first time since the fight began the devil didn’t prepare any extra plans and trusted only his strength to overwhelm the hybrid’s.

Perhaps that explained why he was so surprised when the white dragon suddenly broke down into four smaller ones made of energy and moved around his Power. They were also made with Lucifer’s Light making it considerably difficult for a devil to find where the Vanishing Dragon was hiding because of their color and brightness.

In fact Sirzechs was almost fully blind because Vali threw all his power in making his dragons shine like the universe's strongest spotlights. “That is what you were planning?!” Honestly he was more impressed than upset. It was a strategy unlike any the younger man implemented before which pleased him. ‘Already using what I was teaching? That is good.’ He was milliseconds from being hit by the four dragons. ‘But not enough.’

Destruction took form in his hands and the devil sent it to the construct flying above his previous attack. Bael’s Power shattered its form easily but there was no Vanishing Dragon to be found in that light. He quickly redirected both his arms down and aimed at the dragons advancing left and right, Destroying them with minimal effort.

Still no hybrid but there was only one hiding spot left. “It is over!!” Sirzechs declared before unleashing a wave of Destruction that ate the last dragon. He was ready to pull it back after confirming the hit but was surprised once again when Vali wasn’t found. “Where is-”

“ORAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!” The Vanishing Dragon revealed himself with a roar of fury as he dashed through Sirzechs first attack with barely any armor hanging on his body revealing the full extent of his wounds.

Most of his torso and arms were full of small holes from bullets with blood pouring everywhere including from his mouth which had a feral, almost deranged, grin as he charged with his right fist pulled back at a speed the devil almost couldn’t perceive.

Almost but not quite. “You are finished!” The Crimson Satan declared confidently before sending a blast of mana in Vali’s direction. The young man took the blow in full, his chest burning and getting ripped apart but he didn’t slow down. “Are you mad?!”

In a panic Sirzechs ceased his latest attack just in time for the silver haired hybrid’s fist connect to his face. The blow resonated in the air and spread a shockwave that resonated for miles. Yet that was all it did since as a Super Devil in his unleashed form there wasn’t any visible damage from the punch.

But damage had been done and Sirzechs couldn’t help but admit it. “That hurt.” If he had a mouth at that moment, he surely would have lost some teeth. Regardless the blow shook his body and made him bleed internally behind his ‘face mask’ but just enough for him to taste the blood. “What else do you-”

“Hey, look at that.” Vali couldn’t help with how weak he sounded. His tone was soft, his breathing heavy and his body was hurting everywhere. “Got you.”

Yet his pride was satisfied for even if defeat was inevitable he had managed to do something Sirzechs avoided from the very beginning: the Vanishing Dragon had made contact and established a connection.

Divine Dividing was ready to be used and there was no stopping it.

Sirzechs panicked a little and gathered a huge quantity of mana to finish the fight. ‘I have-’ Only to freeze upon Vali’s body resting on his own. “Vali?”

[He is unconscious.] Albion informed the devil as leftovers from Scale Mail fell from his Partner’s body leaving him covered in blood. Divine Dividing still lingered but only because the dragon was forcing it so. [I would deeply appreciate it if you used an EM or some Phoneix Tears right now.]

Still shocked from the sudden ending, Sirzechs lowered them to the ground and collected Shirou’s creation from the magic circle in his hand which he put immediately in use for the hybrid’s benefit.

In a couple seconds every wound on Vali’s body was closed thanks to his released state which allowed his energy to flow perfectly in every area required. When he was sure the young man’s life was no longer in danger he laid him down and turned the scalpel to himself to deal with his own wounds.

Albion took advantage of that to talk. [Thanks for indulging us.]

“You sound quite humble for a dragon… Reminds me of Tannin.” Sirzechs couldn’t help but feel sad before he shook his head to banish those feelings. “I did this for my sister anyway. Tell me, was the fight satisfactory?”

[Look at my Partner’s face and tell me what he thinks.] The devil did so and couldn’t help but chuckle at the peaceful smile the younger man had. [He doesn’t like the idea of becoming the Strongest by itself. Meeting strong opponents, surpassing them, that is what gives him the most pleasure.] It was Albion’s turn to chuckle. [Now he sees you as a wall and once we are stronger, we will demand a rematch.]

“I will look forward to it. So long he doesn’t attack or harm the Underworld in any fashion.” Sirzechs could deal with the White Dragon Emperor challenging him from time to time even if he outlawed his Clan. ‘Now that I think about it there is a chance here.’ “If he wants to become a citizen of the Underworld in a more permanent fashion, that is also available. The Lucifer Clan may be considered enemies but so far he helped us more than harmed. At least in the eyes of the people. They will love him if we reveal all his contributions.”

[Huhuhuhu. It helps that we haven’t attacked the Underworld directly, doesn’t it?]

“That goes without saying. As far as the people are concerned the White Dragon Emperor helped us in a time of strife when his Rival went berserk and not much else.” The attack on Lilith was Vali’s debut in the Underworld since not many knew about him in the first place. In fact only the aristocracy knew about Lucifer’s youngest descendant in detail. “So long as he renounces the Lucifer name, we can just claim him as the first True Hybrid born of a devil and leave it at that. Starting his own Clan also isn’t so far fetched considering his power.”

Not a Pillar, those only had 72 and so it would be until the end of time. But Lucifer Clan wasn’t one of the Pillars anyway. A little bit of politics, even help from those still loyal to the old guard, would assure Vali a life of luxury if he wanted.

Albion hummed amusedly. [While my Partner doesn’t mind you being Lucifer, he is attached to the name, despite claiming otherwise.] A secret only a few, especially the dragon, knew. [He is prideful, as prideful as any dragon. Giving it up isn’t in his plans.]

Still sizing the opportunity, Sirzechs expanded his argument. “Think about the benefits,” while having that talk with Vali would be best, if he could convince Albion then doing the same with the hybrid was only a matter of time, “he could partake in Rating Games and fight with the best of the best. Even if I am the Strongest and the most powerful individual devil, there are teams out there who could beat me and my peerage if given the chance.”

It would involve teamwork and coordination. His subordinates couldn’t afford to practice together but they would lose even if they could. There were some really strong devils in the Underworld which meant there were dozens of opponents Vali couldn’t fight so long he remained a criminal.

However, if that were to change, not only the Vanishing Dragon would be able to indulge in his passion, the Underworld would gain a powerful ally who would only grow stronger in the next few years.

Having existed as long as he did, Albion could see the political angle rather easily. [In that case instead of recruiting, perhaps you should kill us.] The White Dragon Emperor pointed out the obvious. Tension began filling the air as the devil finished healing and stared at the downed hybrid. [Would be rather easy, wouldn't it? You won fair and square as well so I would have no complaints.]

While that would mean failing on fulfilling his dream, Vali long accepted he could die against someone stronger and the young man had given his all in their match. The hybrid was content and suspected that, since he was a terrorist, there was a chance he wouldn’t wake up after the devil won.

Sirzechs body began glowing with his aura which expanded upwards in a demonstration of pure raw power. Yet instead of using it in a destructive fashion the mana gathered around his body like a cloak helping it shrink and his skin to grow softer. After a few seconds, standing before his defeated opponent was the redhead in his usual form.

“I wouldn’t do that.” His face grew soft with gentleness and regret. “Vali is still young. Sure he made a few… a lot of mistakes, but he is a good kid. Almost my son’s age.”

[Your son is five years younger if I recall correctly.]

“And what is that for beings like us who lived through centuries, Albion?”

[Good point… Also, what happened to your armor?] Because before him was the Sirzechs Lucifer most of the Underworld knew and loved.

A very naked Sirzechs Lucifer.

Who couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Well, I broke my body like a shell. Did you think it would have survived? That would have been convenient! Hahahaha!”

[Could you put on some pants? This angle is uncomfortable to ‘look’ up.] Albion commented for his Partner’s sake.

Much to Sirzechs amusement who regardless conceded the request and called for a pair of dark pants and a black shirt form a magic circle which quickly broke apart into mana before appearing in his body via Serafall’s spell.

Using it reminded him of his friend still in a coma and the woman who took her place, making him sigh. “You know, this was a good break as well. The new Leviathan has the whole administration running around because she wants to implement a lot of new ideas and I was a bit stressed.”

[Oho? You all chose a new one already? I thought there was supposed to be a tournament.] Albion wouldn’t know since Vali stopped receiving reports from the Old Satan Faction after its decimation.

“It is already over. Roygun Belphegor took the Throne and is now Roygun Leviathan.” Sirzechs saw no problem informing Vali and his group because he was sure the rest of the Khaos Brigade had to already know. In fact it gave him hope that the young man was indeed not really a terrorist and more like a stupid kid. “She is trying to show work by implementing new laws and since Sera was the face of the government she has more access than most. Problem is that she doesn’t have Sera’s charisma or patience so things are a bit hectic right now…” After a brief pause he asked, “Is there any way I can convince Vali to leave the Khaos Brigade?”

[Unfortunately not. Not because your offers weren’t generous but because there is someone in the organization that he can’t abandon. A friend of ours.] And since that friend was the centerpiece of the organization, the Ouroboros Dragon, odds were that they would stay until the bitter end. [Either case we will keep trying and not antagonize you or anyone anymore. This fight was a wake up call and my Partner will want to grow stronger before throwing challenges around again.]

“I sure recommend it. Just get into contact with Rias if he ever changes his mind.”

[... You are giving us too many chances so I suppose Vali wouldn’t mind if I give you a warning in return. To show our gratitude.] Sirzechs brows jumped with interest. [Careful with the angels in Heaven.] Immediately the devil felt uneasy. As if he wished the next words didn’t reach his ears. [They aren’t as squeaky clean as you all think.]

The implication was awful and concerning. “Are you implying that they can’t fall while in Heaven?”

[Oh? You already knew that?]

No he didn’t. “It was a theory. About a year ago an angel called Ariel went against Michael’s orders and tried to intervene in the Greek Pantheon’s business. During that event she came across a cursed sword that almost made her fall.” Or would make her fall if she hadn’t rushed back to Heaven, if Albion was telling the truth. “Her wings were swinging black and white but once she returned the phenomenon stopped. Just to make sure, Albion, are you-”

[Angels in Heaven cannot fall no matter what sort of sin they commit up there.] The dragon spoke clearly, leaving no room for uncertainty. [While that isn’t a place they can do much, they can still talk with people on Earth or even in other dimensions. Of that, I am sure.] He paused for the devil’s benefit before concluding with, [And some of them definitively told a few members of the Old Satan Faction about certain things like assuring Michael would be in a certain meeting or who would be where from their Faction.]

“Treason. Outright treason. And of the worst kind since otherwise they would be considered innocent without a shadow of doubt.” Between the Three Factions the pure angels were considered the most trustworthy agents, messengers, secret keepers and guardians.

In fact several relics and Noble Phantasms the Three Factions managed to guard over the years had been sequestered to Heaven for safekeeping, as a way to solidify their alliance while keeping it away from spies because it was the most secure headquarters of their Faction.

Only it wasn’t safe since the guardians beyond reproach could actually have been compromised. ‘I can’t blame Zekram for refusing to part with his treasures anymore.’ In particular a certain dagger but Sirzechs put it off his mind for the moment. “How sure are you of this? Did they just steal information? Can you give me any names?”

[Vali didn’t care and neither did I who betrayed Heaven. I can only assure you that someone did and there were several of them.] For the first time the White Dragon Emperor’s amusement irritated the redhead. [As for what they did, we didn’t care again. We know they shared some intel and if you check enough reports you probably are going to find a pattern or another.]

If it was just information then it was bad news but manageable. Problem was if some of the more dangerous relics were stolen from Heaven. Depending on what was missing, if something was missing and he sincerely hoped nothing wasn’t, that could only spell trouble.

‘I need to talk with Michael urgently.’ Asgard’s problems would have to be on the backburner for a few weeks at least but he couldn’t care about that. Not when there was a nightmare scenario happening right before his eyes. “Why?”

He was mostly lamenting the situation but Albion gave him a theory nonetheless. [From what I gathered a few angels started agreeing with Lucifer after God’s death. Others just disagree how things are going in general since Michael took charge. Mostly Heaven’s alliance with fallen angels and devils.]

“I thought you didn’t care.”

Albion laughed. [We didn’t but we overheard stuff here and there. Le Fay likes to keep an eye on things.]

“She sounds paranoid.” Sirzechs said in an attempt to relieve the tension.

That only he was feeling because Albion certainly wasn’t. [Well, warning given. If it is worth any salt. Honestly I don’t see the big deal.]

“You find the concept of spies irrelevant?” Sirzechs asked formally. “Because I can assure you, there is a reason humans made a saying: loose lips sink ships. Especially when on purpose.” The redhead couldn’t help but groan. “There is nothing worse for any organization than a spy and Heaven was supposed to have none. This changes things.”

It also was another conversation he didn’t want to have but unlike the one with Asgard’s, that one shouldn’t be put off for any reason. Fortunately he had the means to get into contact with Michael directly thanks to his desk. Once again he was going to praise Ajuka and Azazel for their creation.

[Not like you don’t have your own spies in the Khaos Brigade.] The man froze as he felt amusement rolling off the dragon’s wings. [What? It is rather obvious. Vali recognized some of the fallen angels walking around and we know how loyal they are to Azazel. Don’t worry, our lips won’t sink any ships. Kukuku.]

Which explained why Azazel had no troubles risking such people, he trusted Vali or perhaps was blind because of paternal love. ‘At least he doesn't know about Kiritsugu’s spies…’ Better to not bring that up. “Is there anything else you can tell me? Perhaps what the other parts of the Khaos Brigade are planning?” He couldn’t hide the concern in his tone. “Things have been rather quiet since they attacked us. Or we just don’t know what they are doing which is another concern and a half.”

Albion hummed before huffing. [We are sort of pariahs back there since Vali cut most contact with the Old Satan Faction. Most of what I know was because of contracts which demanded transparency and Le Fay’s familiars.] The Vanishing Dragon spoke honestly. [But what I can tell you is that there weren’t any big moves for the last few weeks. You are right, things are calm.]

“The calm before the storm.” Because Sirzechs was sure somebody back there was planning something big. And there was one faction in particular he was concerned about. “The Hero Faction… are they planning something?”

[Definitively but only they know what.]

“Any news about Emiya Illyasviel?” Sirzechs questioned using her proper family name out of respect for her father and mother.

[Einzbern? Oh, yes, she is Shirou’s sister. I almost forgot.] Albion retorted sarcastically. [If I had any news on her, I would have told the Mage when he asked.] Which was just before fighting Odin. [I will tell you what Altria- Artoria told him; we haven’t seen her in days.] Which could mean a lot of things but neither could really speculate. [Now if you could do me a favor and take Vali back, I hope he can wake up before dinner so we can savor the Mage of Swords’ ultimate skill.]

Breakfast had the dragon hooked and his eagerness was such that Sirzechs couldn’t help but chuckle. “Sure enough. I need to get you back before leaving school anyway so we better get going.” The devil put an arm around his neck and held Vali’s waist for balance. It was a more dignified way of carrying the young man, also slightly more problematic, so the dragon didn’t complain. “Ready to go?”

[Why are you asking? I am a soul stuck into Divine metal. I won’t feel a thing.”

“I was just being polite.” Sirzechs took flight while turning in the direction of his temporary office only to suddenly stop.

When the redhead began looking around, the dragon asked, [Something of the matter?]

“Just had a feeling like we are being watched.” And so deep inside the wild that should be impossible. He paused for a few more seconds, trying to feel any sort of energy but found nothing. “Maybe it was just my imagination.”

…

It wasn’t for several kilometers north of the devil’s position there were two figures, one man sitting on the branch of a giant tree and a woman standing beside him, a hand on the former shoulder forcing his aura back.

“Why did you do it?” Asked Asmodeus with irritation and a small glare at his fellow maou.

Leviathan glared right back. “Because there is no point in killing him now.”

“You are protecting the man who took Lord Lucifer’s name and the traitor. That should be enough for an execution.”

“He is powerful enough to not bring shame to the name so I won’t have such a warrior perishing unless it is in proper combat.” Much like when she fought Serafall for her name, Leviathan saw it only proper that a member of the Lucifer Clan did the same. “Besides, he defeated Vali Lucifer-”

“A traitor… Or perhaps not considering the sort of man Rizevim is. A true devil, that one.” Asmodeus couldn’t help but chuckle as both watched the Super Devil leave the area. “But you are probably right. A man like that should die properly, right before he learns his place, kukukukuku.”

“I am happy you agree.” Leviathan smiled for a second before frowning. “We got lucky to witness that fight. If we weren’t already in the Frontier recruiting loyalists, nobody would know what happened here today. Just those two.”

A huge boon for the Original maous was that the Frontier was basically a huge prison where many would like revenge on the new government or follow them because beside the many criminals there were also plenty of those from the Old Satan Faction who survived previous skirmishes.

Or rebelled in other ways since the civil war, perfect for rebuilding their forces albeit not immediately since they were picky on who to recruit. They wished no cowards or those who could keep fighting but chose to submit. That meant recruitment was slow but nobody was in any rush.

There was much to be done.

“This sort of fight had to have a stage and a crowd. This wasn’t it.” Asmodeus finally found what he was looking for. “A waste. A huge waste.” He lamented before laughing and pulling something off his pocket. Unlike Creuserey whose body he took, the man was only wearing a long coat which revealed a more powerful physic than the devil had and a pair of pants, he was also barefoot. “Either way you saw it, right? That form was too close to a demon’s.”

Leviathan nodded with a frown. “Supposedly Rizevim has one as well… And neither of them knows exactly what it means.”

Asmodeus fetched a box full of candy and shoved some in his mouth. “Hehe, calling themselves Super Devils is so funny. Oh, how ignorant they grew without our guidance.”

“Like you were any sort of guide…Don’t tell Rizevim.” Leviathan warned. “We must tell Beelzebub that the contract is still valid and the original plan still in motion-”

“But is it, though?” The Lord of Lust questioned while munching. “Maybe they are just, what was the name again? Mutations, was it?”

“That is correct. I am surprised you know that term.”

“Bitch… Either case, maybe this is just a coincidence. There are just three Super Devils and from what I felt… Sirzechs Gremory only has a fraction of the power a proper demon would have even if his true form is what we envisioned when first making the Grand Pact.”

The Lady of Envy nodded in agreement. “It doesn't matter. No devil could ever be the Host for Ars Goetia. It just indicates that their existence hasn’t ceased. How else could devils evolve close to our Ideal.” Her smile grew feral and eager. “After all, only Ars Goetia can be called a demon and through them is that devils exist in the first place.”

“But if they are around, why not act? Or did they just become a spirit since Solomon’s body was decimated?” Asmodeus asked and the woman had no answer. “... We need Lucifer. He was the one who drew the Grand Pact with them and the Enemy.”

Both fell silent for a few moments as they felt Sirzechs’ presence grew more distant. “For now we must resume our mission. If we are to keep up with the other factions, we are going to need a new army since the old one was made of garbage.” She clicked her tongue in frustration. “If I was complete then I could-”

“If you were complete, you wouldn't be maou and wouldn’t need an army.”

“...I would need an army.” She clenched her fist in fury. “To teach this world a lesson for daring to forget me.”

“Hehehe. I always loved that hatred of yours. Say, want to spend the night-”

“In your dreams.” With that declaration both suddenly vanished from the area as Asmodeus laughed.

…..

“Tell me.”

“Already did.”

“No, you didn’t. That explanation was too short.”

“It is the truth. Ask your sister.”

“Nyah it's right! I am her sister. Her only sister.”

“Not what Koneko said. She and Yoruichi stick to the hip when she is-”

“Then tell me already!”

“I already said that I told you.”

“Tell me why Shirone cares about that Yoruichi woman already!” Kuroka demanded while stomping in place as Shirou showed Artoria, Le Fay and Arthur around where they looked at some swords. Each of them were the Mage’s creation which wasn’t surprising since they were in his workshop. “Come on. Come on. Tell me! Why is Shirone calling another nekomata sister?!! I want to know!!!”

“I am sorry.” Artoria apologized for the seventh time since Kuroka started trying to interrogate the Mage. She even stopped examining a small dagger and lowered her head in repentance. “If you want, I can take her outside.”

Shirou shook his head. “No worries. I am used to having an older sister pestering me.”

“I won’t be pestering you if you just tell me what that rich nekomata did to my sister.” The black haired woman dashed his side to better glare at the magus. “Did she buy her some expensive gift? Bribed her? Paid some expensive buffet to get Shirone in her debt?!!”

“... Why do all scenarios involve paying her somehow?”

“We were poor! That woman is filthy rich!! Makes sense, nya!!!”

It was Arthur’s turn to lower his head. “My apologies, Shirou. She really isn’t like that.” It was his third time apologizing for the woman who was only acting out because Koneko was in school. “Kuroka, why don’t you stay with Bikou. We are surrounded by very dangerous weaponry and you jumping around isn't safe.”

“Ahh, don’t be like that. She 's just worried. Kekeke- Ow! Ria, why? I was just joking.”

“Stop trying to throw fuel on the fire, Add. What Kuroka is doing is suffocating.”

“I honestly don’t mind.” The three blondes deadpanned in his direction which had Shirou chuckling. “Hehe, okay, I do. But I am-”

“Tell me more about her! What was Yoruichi doing here?! Isn’t she some sort of big shot?!!” The Stray Nekomata almost jumped on the former redhead’s arms who just managed to keep her at bay.

Still she was a bit too close and the Mage pushed her face back. “Look, as far as I know she was just there when Koneko needed her. That was it. She just wanted a sister.”

“I am her sister!”

“By the Root Kuroka, stop being so obnoxious.” Le Fay, who hasn't apologized for her friend even once, started losing her patience. She had just found what Shirou wanted her to look at: a familiar Muramasa forged not just by magic but steel and fire. “Truly did you make this?” It was on the corner of his workshop, not gathering dust but certainly forgotten. Not odd since the young man could Trace another rather easily. “I know several families that would kill to have any sort of Noble Phantasm, even if they didn’t use it. The ability to forge them would make you a very rich and powerful man.”

The other Pendragon siblings approached their sister while she slowly drew the sword from its sheath. Her motion was delicate but lacked skill, her size not helping matters with the blade scratching the floor a little. Fortunately it was reinforced so beside a spark there was nothing as the touch had been gentle.

Le Fay appraised the sword magically while Arthur couldn’t help but do the same physically. “It is stronger than the ones you make. I guess it is because of degradation from magecraft.”

“That would be correct. Even if it is the sword that I know best, just the fact it isn’t the Original means that my swords lose a little power.” He raised his hand, fingers apart by an inch. “Just a tad because I can forge a sword like that on my own. Even using poor metal.”

“Who cares about a piece of metal! Tell me about that other nekomata trying to steal my sister already!”

Shirou rolled his eyes. “She would never. I bet you two will get along swimmingly once you get to know her.” If his second lover wasn’t under scrutiny because of their previous actions he would have her in Fuyuki with a call the moment Odin was dealt with. “She is gentle- She is nice- She is a good woman who cares about Koneko very much!”

“... Why did you interrupt yourself, nya? What aren’t you telling me?”

“May I?” Artoria asked her sister and the Mage, both nodding even if the witch looked a bit reluctantly and the latter was busy trying to fend off Kuroka again. With a twitch of her wrist she grabbed the blade and began to go over a small set of katas which were better for a bastard sword. “It is heavier than it looks.”

Arthur wasn’t surprised. “You forget sister, most Japanese swords were made like that because while their techniques gave their weapons an efficient form this country’s metal was always poor.” She offered the sword and he easily accepted it with a frown. “Hmm, you are right. This is a little heavier than I expected.”

“Right? Considering who made it…” Both blondes turned to the Mage.

Nevertheless the older brother took a few swings himself to get a better feel of it, just to make sure. “Tell me Shirou, couldn’t you have made this Muramasa a little lighter?”

“Then it wouldn’t be Muramasa and stop being a Noble Phantasm because it isn’t a Muramasa.” The Mage pointed out while using a hand to hold Kuroka at bay. In frustration she started scratching his wrists, knowing he would heal regardless while Artoria was around but it was having little effect since he had a lot of pain tolerance. “I would show you some of my failed attempts but I melt them all to make other weapons. Recycling and whatnot.”

Artoria hummed and got the sword back from her brother before resuming her dance, it was too elegant to be called anything else. “Your efforts weren’t in vain. The balance and power are better than any standard sword even if it isn’t the strongest sword.”

“Thanks for the compliment but most of it are the perks of a Noble Phantasm.” The blonde nodded before finishing her set with a stab in the air where she held the blade up as her sister started studying it again.

Le Fay pulled out her wand to ask, “And you said that this sword is stronger than the Original one you got from the Rearguard?”

The Mage nodded. “Yes. While I had to keep it to a certain standard and forge in a certain way, I did use better quality steel.” Still used steel regardless because that was one of the conditions to forge a Muramasa. “Some more modern techniques also tied it better together and the effects stayed when it crystallized into a Noble Phantasm but its improvements were marginal at best.”

He didn’t know if it was because Muramasa was that much better of a smith than him or if there was another limitation he didn’t know about but his sword wasn’t that much stronger than the Muramasa he threw in the ocean after escaping Medusa’s island.

Regardless, after much trial and error, he managed to reforge it and then moved on to improve on it. That was why he knew Fuyuki Muramasa’s creation, while theoretical, was possible so long as he followed the proper steps. Or found the proper steps would be the proper wording since Muramasa, the man, had swordsmithing down to a science.

A science the Planet approved since all Muramasas were Noble Phantasms.

“Fascinating.” Le Fay commented while stepping back allowing her sister to move freely again. “Makes you wonder what makes a Noble Phantasm, doesn’t it? Certainly it isn’t magic as there are few bloodlines of magicians who managed to achieve one of their own.” The witch watched Artoria’s practice, her eyes never leaving the sword. “But that pales in comparison to the dozens of hundreds of people who achieved Noble Phantasms via deeds of courage and valour.”

“I thought it was all about the World’s acknowledgment.” Shirou pointed out.

Only for the woman to shake her head. “Humans, to the Planet, are small things. Perhaps it is Humanity recognizing its own potential instead of the World…”

Artoria stopped again to say, “Excalibur was made by the Planet,” before resuming her strikes in the air. “At least by fairies but they are part of the Planet in a way Humanity isn’t.”

“Which is what makes Muramasa’s case fascinating. Humanity acknowledged more of his works than the man but his swords aren’t just Noble Phantasms, they are replicable! If Shirou wished he could arm an army!” She began waving her hand before the Mage even spoke. “Yes, yes. You would never do it but the case still stands. How Muramasa did it is even more interesting! He didn’t just create one thing that became great. His Legend, his deed, was the act of making swords itself!!”

Arthur hummed and began scratching his chin. “So his Noble Phantasms aren't as much his swords as they are his methods?”

Kuroka stopped struggling and stepped back to cross her arms under her bosom. “Nyah? But didn’t his brood also make the swords? And weren’t they Noble Phantasms?”

“Not all.” Shirou retorted. “But they were around throughout History and did quite a bit of damage so plenty of them could have ascended to their own individual form of Noble Phantasm before being lost.”

“Exactly. But they were made by his children and students, much like you.” Le Fay commented while pointing at the Mage. “Even if indirectly you learned from his school. That is why you can officially make Muramasas. I imagine it is how you completed Fuyuki Muramasa as well.”

He shook his head. “I already told you it isn’t complete.”

It was Add who retorted. “After striking down a god, it is as complete as it gets. Even if the thing doesn’t really exist outside your head.”

Shirou couldn’t help but sigh. “The Holy Grail helped me cover a lot of ground that my skills couldn’t reach.” They all knew that but the reminder was for both his sake and theirs. Trusting him to make that sword again without the grail was out of question because, “I skipped too many steps and have no idea how to make it a reality. At least without my Reality Marble.” Sure he could Trace another version of it but compared to the weapon which struck down Loki, it would be a much inferior copy. It wasn’t just because of his lack of skill either. “Also the rage literally isn’t here anymore. Making a physical Fuyuki Muramasa is impossible for my current self.”

“But you can make something similar.” Artoria stopped and turned to him. “Like you said, it is a matter of skill. Take your time and who knows, maybe you will make something better.”

“A sword made of rage couldn't be what Muramasa intended.” Arthur pointed out and Shirou immediately agreed.

“He was a man more obsessed with perfection than anything and a perfect sword… will cut everything.”

“Well, either way you made something excellent here.” Add said after a beat. Artoria raised the weapon giving the cube the chance to inspect it more closely. “Not too heavy, extremely sharp, more durable than most of its peers even if it wasn’t a Noble Phantasm. Any knight would pay handsomely for the work and come back for more once it broke.”

“I can’t help but agree.” Artoria silently asked for the weapon’s scabbard which her sister delivered. Holding it by her waist, the blonde sheathed the blade with a reverse grip and the blade turned up. “Can’t help but notice there is no curse.”

“Oh, there is a curse. Trust me when I say I can be quite obsessive and I did put a lot of it in the sword.” As Muramasa once did with the original article.

“With what?” Kuroka questioned while tilting her head.

“Doing the right thing, I suppose.” The Mage confessed bitterly. ‘Or trying to… If I just killed Angelo then maybe Illya would have come back. If I was just a little more cruel.’ He shoved the thought aside and smiled at Artoria who watched him calmly. “If you weren’t feeling anything then you have a good control of your emotions. Or are outright immune.”

“A bit of column A, a bit of column B, probably a column C nobody knows about.” Add said with a chuckle, ignoring his owner’s trying to pitch his side. “Hehehe. Little Lioness can be downright- OW!!!!”

“Shut up, Add.” She ordered while crushing the cube between her fingers. Considering that it was a mystic code, and one made to hold one of the most powerful Noble Phantasms, that was a scary feat to Shirou and her brother.

However, someone didn’t have a notion of danger. “Nyahaha? What does he mean, Ria?”

Before the blonde could reply they all jumped in place when the door for the workshop opened quite explosively thanks to a kick. Rias strode inside with a package in her hands and a frown on her face which grew more pronounced when she saw everybody inside. It vanished with a sigh but her expressions made her displeasure clear.

“Shiro, workshops are supposed to be super secret and super secure. I can’t believe Rossweisse let you bring them here.”

Jokes about babysitter’s aside, the Mage felt his nerves acting up. “... To be fair, they aren’t doing anything…” He replied cautiously, knowing he was still on thin ice with his first lover. “Besides, they are trustworthy. You know that, Rias.”

“It is a matter of principle.” She brought a hand to massage her temples before adding. “But sure, let everybody get in here. Do I need to remind you they are terrorists?”

Artoria frowned as well. “We wouldn’t violate his trust like that. Nor yours.”

“What crawled in your ass and died, Gremory?” Kuroka questioned making Arthur move around to close his younger sister’s ears. A bit too late all things considering but the witch let her brother do as he wished for his sake. “Still mad with Shiro here? Not that I can blame you, he can be really frustrating to talk with, nya.”

“Just because you can’t accept my answers.” A part of him really wanted to pull her tails to see if the nekomata would actually shut up for once.

“And I don’t remind anyone giving you permission to call Shiro ‘Shiro’.” Rias approached a table to put the package on it before turning to them with her hands on her waist. “You four better get up and help Vali. He is completely out.”

The siblings and nekomata looked at each other with small smiles. “So your brother showed him the ropes?” Arthur questioned happily.

“If you can call ‘show the ropes’ beating him up then sure.” Just because Sirzechs healed didn’t stop him from explaining to Rias some of the wounds he inflicted on the hybrid. The man was extremely proud and happy of helping his sister. “One of you, Le Fay, should probably take a look.”

“Isn’t Asia taking care of him?” The witch speculated, suspecting the Heiress wouldn’t allow her guest to be unattended.

Rias decided to drop all pretense and just say, “I want to talk with Shiro alone so if you all could leave I would appreciate it.” It wasn’t a request.

“Nyaha? Why should I?” Kuroka asked defyantly as her tails danced. “He still needs to tell me about this Yoruichi.”

Artoria let out a sigh. “Kuroka, he already explained SEVERAL times that she is just a nekomata who helped Shirone in a time of need. If you want more details, ask your sister.”

“If she can stop suffocating her to ask anything in the first place.” Add joked but they all suspected the Stray Nekomata was afraid of asking too much. That or she didn’t want to pass as too overbearing.

At least when it came to Koneko. “I don’t care if she is the King of Kyoto or whatever! The Mage needs to explain what she was doing here in Fuyuki with Shirone!”

Le Fay groaned softly and began massaging her forehead. “You are being paranoid.”

“You four leave or else Shiro isn’t making dinner.” Rias declared and the room grew silent.

“Now, hold on Rias. We both agreed that I could cook again.” Shirou protested weakly as he knew she was still upset.

To his surprise she nodded in agreement. “We did but bad girls don’t get to eat good food.” She glared at Kuroka who shrunk. “Especially not bad cats. Now, you all leave so I can talk with Shiro or else…”

Feeling a bit of dread, the Mage tried to keep the group around. “Do we need the secrecy- Hey!” Tried because they were already at the door before he could finish the sentence. “Traitors.”

Artoria had the decency to stop and look back. “We shouldn’t get between a couple’s fight.”

“You just want the food.” He could see it in her eyes.

Also she was salivating, something she quickly noticed and corrected. “Yes, we want your food.” She confessed honestly before turning to Rias who nodded in reassurance she was going to get it. “See you at dinner.”

“Good luck~ Kakakaka!” They heard Add’s laugh until the workshop’s doors closed once again.

For a moment both lovers felt a tension in the air due to Shirou’s nerves and Rias’ feelings since neither of them knew how to act around each other. The former was cautious of starting a fight while the latter was still sorting things out within herself whilst dealing with work.

Either way both still loved each other, ““Look, I-”” They stopped and stared for a moment. ““I just want to say- You first. No, you first.”” Another moment passed as they stared at each other before Rias began giggling. “Whoa. Did that just happen? Maybe we should star in a romantic comedy, don’t you think?”

Shirou began scratching his head, trying to find the right words. “I am sorry.”

Rias smiled kindly. “I know you are but we both know you aren’t sorry about what you did.”

“... I knew you were going to stop me.” Her lover winced.

“Yes, we already had this conversation… You know how I hate repeating myself.” She approached him until they were only a few centimeters apart. “And you are right, I love you and I would burn the world for you. Letting Odin win, even if a little… If you could stay with me, would it be that bad?”

“Would that be me?” He questioned.

“... It wouldn’t be you if we somehow managed to convince you to fuse with Odin…”

“I am sorry.”

“Stop repeating that. I know you meant it but…” Rias bit her lip. “... What hurt the most was that you didn’t trust me. Even if I would hold you back, even if… it was the right decision, I wish you would have told me.” Her hand touched his face gently as she watched the conflict on his newly gray eyes. “Now here you are, scarred, wounded, your body damaged beyond even what Avalon can fix.”

Leaning on her touch, Shirou said. “It is just some colour, Rias.”

“It was our colour. We were both redheads… It was like the String of Fate from my hair connected with yours.” She began touching his white locks sadly.

“Quite cheesy, don’t you think?”

“Cheesy but I liked it.”

For a few moments they stood there, she felt his hair and he leaned forward to allow easier access. Their foreheads were almost touching but neither closed the final gap to make contact. Yet both found comfort in the moment, especially because they barely spent time with each other since Loki’s demise.

“... I knew what was getting in when you brought Medusa to Fuyuki.” Rias said, remembering when the goddess first set foot in Japan. It was a couple of hectic days nobody was ready for but she found herself missing them. “Feelings aside because I adore that annoying goddess to death-”

“You are still upset that she agrees with me.” Suddenly Shirou felt his cheek being pitched and pulled.

“Hush you.” Rias ordered with some irritation before sighing and letting go of his face. “I adore her, she is my friend, but realistically killing her would have been for the best. Keeping her alive, bringing her here… Aphrodite showed up because of that.” The Mage flinched, remembered what happened with Rin and blamed himself. She didn't want that and quickly added, “But it was the right thing to do. Medusa didn’t deserve her Fate and you saved her. As you would save me or anyone else.” Hands on his chest, she fully closed the distance, her forehead resting on his. Both closed their eyes and basked on each other’s warmth. “Not because it was easy but because it was right. That is the sort of man I fell in love with. That is why you rejected fortunes making swords, challenged Loki… And challenged me even when I was lost and needed to figure out who I was.”

“Rias-”

“Please, let me finish.” Rias gave him a moment but Shirou grew quiet and focused on her eyes. She did the same, missing their previous brown, almost gold, colour. “The man I fell in love with won’t sell his principles, that is one of the things I love about him the most. The most.” Leaning in his chest, she took a deep breath. “I knew what I was getting myself into with you even when we were just devil and magician but I just couldn’t help myself. Your spirit… It burns like a gentle fire promising safety and care. It is natural you extend it to others even if it is inconvenient. It is equally natural that it will still burn even when I am not tending to it.”

“If you weren’t tending to it, my fire would probably run out of fuel or burn myself away.” Shirou confessed as he embraced the redhead. “I am an idiot.”

“That you are.”

“Reckless.”

“Without a doubt.”

“The kind of fool who jumps in a situation without looking.”

“Fufufu. The Greatest of Fools. My Fool.” Rias said it proudly. “But I too can be accused of most of those things.”

“To a lesser extent.”

“Well, someone had to have reason in this relationship.” They separated by staying in each other’s arms. “Promise me to not do anything like that again? Or at least tell me if you do?”

For her sake, he couldn’t. “I promise to try.”

“Fufufu. Yes, I figured that out. My Shiro wouldn’t want to worry me. But if you die, I will too.”

“Rias, please don’t say that.”

“It will break me. I won’t have anything else-”

“You will have Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, Asia, Ise, Ravel, Luvia, Rin, Sona and everybody else who loves you.”

“Not like you love me. Not like how I love you.” The Love of Gremory, an absolute chain around her heart. “If I could give up my love for you, I wouldn’t anyway. I want to stay with you forever. To have children, my own family, to travel around with everyone in a trailer.”

“A trailer?” He couldn’t help but ask amusedly.

“... And a ship. And an airplane. And a camel. I don’t want to just see the world, I want to travel as everybody would and take everything in one minute at the time.” She smiled beautifully. “You, me… our child…”

Horror began growing on Shirou's face. “Are you-”

For a moment there was silence as the Mage stood there, frozen in place, watching his lover tender smile. His eyes began to widen and his arms began shaking as he tried to deal with what he just learned as her smile grew larger and larger. It was the most beautiful thing he ever saw.

Then the moment was over.

“Bwahahahaha!!!” Rias bended over and began holding her sides, laughing and joyfully for a full minute. Enough time for him to not have a heart attack. “No. Or not yet~” She added with glee. “Not like we are using protection either. And we won’t anyway so don’t even dare.” After chuckling a little, she separated from him and went to the table with her package. “I can never stop loving you, Shiro. Please don’t break my heart.”

“Never.” Shirou assured. “Rias, believe or not, no matter how… insane I am, you are my first priority and-”

“Stop. Just stop.” She held a hand up, her face hidden behind a curtain of red hair. “I know you love me but while you will always be there for me, holding you back from others would kill you.”

“But I can try.” He stepped close and held her hand. “If you want.”

“... I don’t want to break you.” Rias took a deep and long breath before letting out an equally long sigh. Then she surprised him by hitting the sides of her face and offering her most gorgeous smile. “You also are not a single man’s woman, mister.”

Seeing he had no defense, the Mage just coughed to the side. “It was your idea.”

“Yep. And don’t forget it to whom you owe those hot passionate nights to.” Blushing a little she whispered. “Not that I wouldn’t mind making it hotter…” She hit her face again. ‘Damn you Akeno for shoving those ideas in my head.’

“Rias?” Shirou watched in confusion as his lover began hitting her forehead repeatedly before shaking her head like she was getting rid of water.

Then she patted her cardboard box before announcing. “About this whole thing, I found the perfect way for me to forgive you.” She caressed the object in a lovely fashion, worrying the man. “I want you to make me one very special Noble Gear.”

“Did you find a Noble Phantasm that suits you?” He was pleased by the news. Anything to protect her when he couldn’t.

“Oh, I didn’t. In fact you did and your father had one of his men collect it.” Once again Shirou was confused and she couldn’t help but chuckle. “Remember the assassins that came after you a year ago? An archer, a werewolf… a certain pirate.”

With eagerness akin to a child opening a Christmas gift, Rias ripped the box apart revealing a smaller one made out of wood. It was a basic thing without marks or carvins which utterly failed to hide the power within it. The power he wasn’t feeling until then because his attention was on his lover but with his eyes on it a couple of smells began hitting his nose.

The smell of gunpowder and salt water, wood and the ocean. “Don’t tell that is… you talked with the old man?” The Magus Killer had confessed to having a subordinate in the area who collected the Noble Phantasm but the Mage never expected seeing it again.

“Your father is very disappointed in you for fighting a god… mostly because your mother was throwing a fit.” Rias’ smile grew as her lover shrunk with the fact. “Oh, you three are going to have so much to talk about next time they drop by Fuyuki.” He shivered and she laughed. “So much~”

“Damn it woman! That was just cruel… Well played.” Shirou was nervous, depressed and fearful but he respected that his lover knew exactly what buttons to push. All in good fun and a good sign. “I completely forgot about this… Even after he admitted about throwing me on the fire to make sure I could survive on my own-”

“Mostly letting you burn. Ruval was the one who made the contract, remember.”

Shirou glanced her way. “You better not be blaming yourself.”

“I am not! I swear it.” Rias opened the box allowing the Mage to see the flintlock that almost took his life once. “You know, compared to modern weaponry, it is rather heavy.” Looking at it, she tried to adjust her grip. Pretending to fire a couple of shots, she imagined her balance getting ruined after a shot or two. “Going to have to practice with this. It feels really stranger.”

“Hehe, be glad it is a Noble Phantasm or you wouldn’t be able to use it like that. The barrel is big because the bullets were huge balls and the need to reload gunpowder after every shot.” Shirou reminded her before collecting the Crystallized Legend. “Not that it is important. You are going to use mana anyway so reloading never is going to be an issue unless you are running dry. The problems are: number one, this is a Noble Phantasm and you are a devil so your demonic energy and it aren’t necessarily compatible.” Another reminder she didn’t really need because that was why she wanted him to make it into a Noble Gear. “Two: you don’t have a drop of Blackbeard’s blood in your veins to call his ship.”

While its own existence made the flintlock powerful its real value came from the Blackbeard’s ship whose Legend resided in the gun. In fact the gun itself was only special because it was the last gun Edward Teach used before he was captured and executed for crimes of piracy.

It was one of many since in those days it wasn’t strange for a man to carry around several flintlocks, a way they could shoot several times in a single battle without the need to reload.

That one in particular only held the privilege of being the last one used.

That gave it power and a stronger connection to Blackbeard’s Legend, one built in blood, tyranny and cruelty because he was feared by many, the boogeyman of the 18th century. A simple flintlock that ascended after its owner’s death which took the greatest treasure a pirate could have: his ship.

Queen Anne’s Revenge was a symbol of terror to scoundrels, merchants, marines and soldiers but for its crew it was hope, freedom and a home. Even if Blackbeard inspired fear, and was even cruel to his own crew, his ship still carried its duties until its bitter end making it one the few things he was remembered by.

After all nobody knew anything about his guns even back in the day but the name Queen Anne’s Revenge was enough to inspire terror in the hearts of the brave as it proudly opened the way for its capitan.

Later research on Heroic Spirits led Shirou to believe that if Blackbeard was summoned as a servant and his ship was his Noble Phantasm then it would be classified as an Anti-Army, capable of taking down a town and running away before a counter attack.

Because any good pirate ship would escape before they could be pursued.

If Rias could use it then he couldn’t imagine how powerful that ship could be when combined with the Power of Destruction. “That is why I want you to make it into a Noble Gear.” If the eagerness in her voice was anything to go by she really wanted to control that sort of power. As any devil she was a little power hungry. “Doesn’t need to be Blackbeard’s Noble Phantasm but Rias Gremory’s Noble Gear.”

“This isn’t a sword.” Shirou reminded her. “Maybe if it was Teach’s saber or something else I could but… this is a gun.” He held it, pointing up and keeping his mana far away from the thing. Even if empty, a Noble Phantasm like that could be dangerous if he made a mistake. “I never attempted anything like this… Well, I tried to make Kanshou and Bakuya into guns but that was mostly because they are in my Reality Marble and this,” he shook the weapon in frustration, “just doesn’t fit.”

“I know you can do it.” Rias stated confidently while laying her hands on his chest. “Didn’t you make a sword capable of taking down a god?”

Indeed he did. “Do you want me… to use the grail?”

“No. No, no, no, nope, no. No… No.” Rias added for good measure. “You already hid it, I don’t know where but I prefer it stays hidden. Also, don’t tell me!” She demanded before her expression softened. “Besides, it is just a clutch. I am sure that with enough time and experience you can make a sword like that by yourself. This is just something lesser.” Taking the gun from his hands, she held it gently. “A power source, something to be made into a Noble Gear. I don’t need to use it as my gun. I just need it to work with Born To Be Wild.”

“That is…” Shirou held his chin. He tried to come up with ideas to make her wish come true but only found troubles. “It is a Noble Phantasm with its own power but it isn’t like Medusa’s Gifts or a proper source. It is a gun. Its purpose is to shoot!”

“I hear you. I hear you. But~” Rias started in absolute playfulness. “But~ it is also a ship.”

Shirou gave her his best stare. “‘But it is also a ship’. That just makes things more difficult.”

She chuckled before approaching his ear. “Can it be done?” Her tone was way more sensual than it should be in her lover’s opinion yet she kept it up. “Come on, Shiro. Think about it. A ship can do a lot of things. Protect its crew, attack its enemies, travel everywhere and hold anything in its cargo.” She took a step back, pecked his lips and asked. “If you think like that, can’t a ship also be a source of power? The same way it was a source of fear.”

“Maybe. But it is really big maybe.” Still uncertain, he couldn’t fully deny the possibility once she raised it. “It would still be Queen Anne’s Revenge so maybe because of its connection with Blackbeard we can solidify its existence. The name is still famous, even more famous these days thanks to pop culture.” Once the possibility was concrete, the gears in his mind began spinning. “And anything can be considered cargo, for good or ill. No, wait, it isn’t like I can shove mana in the hold… Except it is a pirate ship so…” He looked at his lover with new eyes. “It will depend on its captain.”

“You got something~” And she was all too pleased about it.

Shirou grumbled, “It is still a real huge ‘maybe’ but it is possible because you are Rias Gremory and have more mana than you know what to do with it.” He chuckled in amusement before asking. “What do you think about being the powersource?”

“Say what now?”

“Not completely. As a Noble Phantasm, Queen Anne’s Revenge will sail by itself once unleashed… I hope so.” He whispered the last part. “But it will need a push. An extra kick compared to any other Noble Gear I have ever made.”

“Great!” Rias began clapping and almost skipping in place. “I love the idea. Do it!”

Shirou’s eyes grew in horror as he realized what he just agreed to. “Wait. Hold on, it isn't that simple. That still isn’t a sword. I don’t know how to do it. How to even start!”

Rias kissed her cheek and took a step back with a playful smile. “I have full confidence in your capabilities.” She spoke with so much confidence that he couldn't say anything.The Heiress knew that which was why she didn’t hesitate to turn around and leave the Noble Phantasm on the table before departing. “You don’t need to do it today. Take your time, see what it works and go with it. Isn’t that how the Mage of Swords does things?”

In the end all Shirou could do was shrug and accept the job. “Fine, I will do it.” He smiled sincerely before picking up Blackbeard’s Noble Phantasm. “Better you have this than anyone else. Making it work is going to be a pain but since the possibility is there I am going to do everything in my reach to make it happen.”

“That is the spirit!” Rias reached and looked back to offer him a smile. “Here is some motivation; If you get that working then I will completely forgive you for everything.”

“Hehe. Feels like a bribe but sure, I am going to take it.” Shirou looked around for his harmer as some combinations of metal as ideas crossed his mind. ‘I don’t think mixing up Divine blood with it is a good idea. Scratch that, better keep any sort of Divinity far away from this gun. Since this belonged to someone as cruel as Blackbeard I need to keep in mind there may be some of his lingering will in it. Messing it up means Rias is going to be in danger so I won’t take any chances-’

“Ah, I hope you manage to do it before going to Kyoto.” Rias’ words froze her lover. “I would really~ appreciate it if you did.”

“Hey! Are you- You got to be joking! That trip is in about a week!” Just a few days after he returned to Kuoh because of his ‘condition’. Regardless of his protests, she nodded eagerly. “I thought I had as much time as I needed.”

“You do. I will just reward you if you get it working earlier.” Her tone implied things he would really like. Unfortunately the rug was soon ripped from his feet. “Until then you don’t get to sleep with me or anyone else.”

“WHAT?!!!!” He saw himself in an island without any trees, surrounded by the ocean 

“I will also bar Xenovia from trying to get in your room since she thought it was a good idea to help you kill Loki and don’t tell me a thing.” Both knew the bluehead was going to fight that decision but most of Rias Peerage lived there so they could block the former Exorcist all day if needed.

“But- but- You are still mad, aren’t you?” Shirou lamented as his hopes died.

Especially when the Crimson Princess of Ruin nodded eagerly, a playful but dangerous smile on her face. “Yes. Really, really, really mad.” She tilted her head before adding, “But I love you too much to stay like this for long so try to get my Noble Gear working fast, for both our sakes, or else we will only get some fun when you get back from Kyoto.”

Shirou gulped but nodded, accepting his punishment as a man. “You really are a devil.” Yet he couldn’t help but say it.

Raising her hand in a finger gun, she ‘shoots’ him in the heart. “And you don’t forget it. See you at dinner.”

With that Rias was gone leaving the Mage of Swords with a titanic task he knew wouldn’t be done any time soon. ‘As far as punishments go I can’t call it cruel… Yes I can! It is cruel!’

Regardless he let out a sigh and found his hammer, selecting a random assortment of metals a second later. First he would try the same combination of alloys that worked with Xenovia and Akeno’s Noble Gears despite foresing failure on that front. A recipe or perhaps even something from zero would probably be his best bet for that Noble Phantasm.

‘Maybe I can ignore it and focus on the ship? No, that wouldn’t be practical.’ Shirou began hammering his first attempt. That was how it always started; the creation of a ‘shell’ to use as a basis for the Noble Gear which would be fine tuned several times until it was compatible with the source. ‘Portability can come later, I need to make it work first. It is going to be a pain in the ass.’

Looking  at the gun he remembered when the Noble Phantasm almost killed him. It wasn’t that long ago yet he felt like it was a different lifetime. In his mind he knew that his current self could have beaten the ‘pirate’ Liz had finished off easily. When she killed him and the werewolf, he was beyond shocked.

It was also an wake up call of how cruel the World truly was.

‘His name was Edward, right?’ It wasn’t easy for him to read the gun’s history but he couldn’t forget the name even if he tried. ‘... In Rias’ hands it will be better. Sure she will fight and kill but blood in her hands won’t ever be from any innocent.’

Confidence in his lover helped him forget about the gun’s old owners.

He stopped working to cook dinner, returning after Artoria and her friends carried Vali back wherever their hiding place was. He went to bed alone for the first time in a while, realizing how lonely it was and that irritated him a little. Yet he didn’t complain, using his free time to get back at work, calling Azazel and explaining his circumstances.

After the Cadre laughed because of his punishment the two got their heads together.

But the Mage of Swords already knew the job wouldn’t be done anytime soon.

…..