7.

Amon looks at the Drama. About the Holy Sword research.

Even the idiot Issei understands, that Sacrifices had been necessary to produce Holy Sword wielders.

Kiba said with an angry voice. ("You murdered us all to extract that Holy Sword Factor?")Kiba growled, his voice murderous.

Valper said. ("Exactly. This orb here is from back then. I had four originally but gave three to Freed. This is the last one.")

Freed said. ("Hya-ha-ha! I'm the only one who was compatible with it!")Freed cried. ("The others all kicked in the bucket because they weren't! Heh, I guess that makes me special, huh?")

Valper said to Issei. ("You knew I was a tough one, didn't you, Issei?")

Issei said it. ("No, no, no. I'm not going to croak that easily!")("Don't read my mind, you psycho priest!")

Kiba said("…Valper Galilei. How many lives has your selfish research claimed?")Kiba's hands were trembling, his whole body enveloped in a powerful demonic aura.

Valper says. ("Hmm. If that's how you feel, then I'll give this crystalized Factor to you. My research has advanced to the point where I can mass-produce as much as I like later. But first things first: I'll help Kokabiel destroy this town. Then I'll gather every last Holy Sword from every corner of the world and mass-produce Holy Sword wielders to use the combined Excalibur to wage war against Michael and the Vatican. I'll show those foolish angels and their blind followers who condemned the fruits of my research!")

Amon looks at the three Kokabiel, Valper, and Freed, but the amazing thing is holy sword will be destroyed by me. If I interfere so. That is why wait for the time being.

As if having lost all interest in the Factor, Valper hurled it away. The little thing bounced across the ground before coming to a stop at Kiba's feet.

Kiba leaned down silently to pick it up, caressing it sadly, lovingly, dearly.

Kiba said. ("…Everyone…") Tears coursed down his cheeks. His expression was filled with sorrow, but at the same time, it held a look of unquenchable rage.

That's when it happened. The crystal began to emit a faint light.

It gradually spread and expanded until it enveloped the entirety of the school grounds.

Curiously, it then began to coalesce in various spots. After a moment, the light was forming the shapes of distinct people.

Before I knew it, Kiba was surrounded by boys and girls comprised seemingly entirely of that faint bluish-white light.

Could it be? Someone said

Akeno said. ("All the energy flowing across the battlefield must have released their souls from the Factor,")

Kiba stared at the figures, his face lighting up with sadness and nostalgia.

Kiba said. ("Everyone! I… I…!")

Looking at the light, I see children whose lives had been snatched away by the Holy Sword Project. Kiba was encircled by those who Valper had so casually disposed of Holy Sword Project.

Kiba says to the children Holy Sword Project. ("…I've always… I've always wondered. D-did I alone deserve to live…? But some of you loved life more than I did. Is it right for me to live comfortably in peace after you've all been denied that…?")

One of the spirits—a young boy—flashed Kiba a smile.

His lips moved, but being unable to lip-read, I couldn't make out what he was saying.

Akeno interpreted for me. ("He says, 'Don't worry about us anymore. Live your life.'")

Kiba clearly understood as water streamed from his eyes.

At that moment, the spirits began to move their lips together in rhythm.

Are they singing?

"It's a hymn," Asia whispered.

They were singing just as they used to… Still weeping, Kiba joined them.

Amid that cruel experiment, this chant had been their sole way of holding on to their hopes and dreams.

Its melody had been the only comfort they'd ever known in their brief, torturous lives.

Kiba and the many spirits all wore smiles of innocent joy as they intoned the song.

The children began to emit a glow. That powerful light quickly enveloped Kiba.

"We were no good alone."

"We didn't have enough of the Factor to handle a Holy Sword. But—"

"Together, we should be able to—"

Even I could hear their voices now.

I'd heard that hymns were supposed to be dangerous to demons. It didn't hurt at all, though, perhaps because of the sheer diversity of energy flowing through the schoolyard. The warmth of close friends, of dear allies… Before I knew it, I was crying as well.

"Take the Holy Sword—"

"Don't be afraid—"

"Even if there is no God—"

"Even if He isn't watching—"

"Our hearts will always be—"

"—One."

The children's souls rose to the heavens, then descended on Kiba as a single, radiant burst.

Amon look at Kiba, in my mind and said to me, Sacred Gears evolve in response to the emotions of their vessel. But there is a kind of transformation that can go beyond that. When a vessel's thoughts and wishes undergo a dramatic shift, one great enough to influence the wider world around them, that change reaches the Sacred Gear.

Kiba"POV"

All I wanted was to live.

My survival was the only thing on my mind as I fled the research facility alone. Blood oozed from my mouth as I dashed through the forest.

By the time I'd made it through the woods and encountered a certain high-class demon, the fire of my life was all but extinguished.

The demon red-haired girl asked me as she took me in her arms.

the red-haired girl said. ("What is it that you wish for?")

My vision blurring, I murmured weakly.

I said. ("Help me.")

My life. My friends. My future. My hopes. My strength. My talents. My—

All I wanted was to hold on to them all. Those were my final words as a human being.

"—I will keep on living as a demon. That was my master's wish and mine as well. I'd been content with that for a while. Unfortunately, I soon discovered that I couldn't cast aside my hatred for the Excaliburs or my resentment for those who'd murdered my friends. No, perhaps I could've forgotten my woes, but…"

But now, I had the best friends imaginable.

Issei, Koneko—you saved me from my quest for vengeance.

As I scoured the town for that Holy Sword wielder, I realized that I'd found friends who wouldn't hesitate to help me. Surely, that's enough, I thought.

The souls of my fallen brothers and sisters were crying out for revenge, however, and I found myself unwilling to let go of the hatred that fueled my Demon Swords.