Chapter 68: The Crimson Dawn of Power

[Kiba Side]

For a moment, we couldn't comprehend what had happened.

Even now, it's still a blur.

Issei-kun had defeated Diodora Astaroth, and Miu-san destroyed the God-Slaying Device, securing Asia-san's rescue. We were supposed to retreat from this place.

But in that instant, as Issei-kun shielded Asia-san with incredible speed, the two vanished into a blinding light.

He'd told Miu-san, "Take care of everyone," but honestly, I still don't understand what he meant.

"A barrier crafted by a God-Slaying Device, broken by a mere human…" an unfamiliar voice sneered. "Mist-Wielder, you held back. We'll need to rework the plan."

Before us stood hundreds of demons from the Old Satan Faction. Most were high-class demons, but a few radiated the aura of top-tier demon lords.

At their forefront floated two figures, clad in light armor and flowing capes.

…What was this chilling aura, seeping into my very core?

Buchou spoke up. "Who are you?"

"A pleasure to meet you, accursed sister of the false Satan," one said. "I am Shalba Beelzebub, rightful heir to the true Demon Lord Beelzebub."

"And I am Creuserey Asmodeus, rightful heir to the true Demon Lord Asmodeus," the other added.

The Old Beelzebub and Old Asmodeus—Azazel-sensei had warned us about the masterminds behind this scheme.

Diodora Astaroth, battered and broken, turned a pleading gaze to Shalba. "Sh-Shalba… help me… Together, we can kill them… The Old Satans and the current ones, united—"

Zip!

A beam from Shalba's hand pierced Diodora's chest without mercy.

"Fool," Shalba scoffed. "I told you the power of that girl's Sacred Gear, and you still failed. Defeated by a mere Red Dragon Emperor without even using his Sacred Gear? Pathetic."

With a mocking laugh, Shalba spat his words. Diodora didn't collapse—he crumbled to dust and vanished.

Was that… the power of light?

Something akin to an angel or fallen angel's ability?

My eyes caught a strange device on Shalba's arm. Could that be the source of the light?

The Khaos Brigade is said to be a coalition of rogue elements from the Three Factions. Perhaps an angel or fallen angel collaborator supplied it…

"Now, sister of Sirzechs," Creuserey said coldly, his eyes burning with hatred. "I'm afraid you must die. You know why, don't you?"

The resentment toward the current Demon Lords was palpable. They despised being branded "Old" and losing their claim to the throne.

"So, after Griselabolas and Astaroth, you're coming for me," Buchou said.

Shalba's eyes narrowed. "Precisely. It's insufferable that we, the true bloodline, are called 'Old' by your ilk. Thus, we've resolved to eradicate the current Demon Lords' kin. Die, sister of Sirzechs."

"What did you do to Issei and Asia!?" Buchou demanded, her crimson aura erupting around her.

Shalba sighed. "That red filth and the fallen saint? I sent them to the far reaches of the Dimensional Gap. Even the Red Dragon Emperor can't survive the 'Void' there. They're gone—dead."

Creuserey continued, "We came prepared for the Red Dragon Emperor, bringing this army… but it seems unnecessary. A pleasant miscalculation. Hmph, what a fool. Had he not shielded that girl, he might've lived a bit longer. Just a vulgar reincarnated demon, after all."

Grit.

Rage surged within me, a burning desire to tear these demons apart for mocking my best friend.

The others felt it too. Tears streamed down their faces, but their glares at Shalba and Creuserey were razor-sharp.

Of course. They'd killed our precious comrades—Asia-san and Issei-kun!

"I won't forgive you… I'll cut you down!" Xenovia roared, tears streaming as she gripped Durandal and Ascalon, charging at Shalba.

But Miu-san stopped her.

"Calm down, Xenovia-san. Rushing in now plays right into their hands."

"They killed Asia and Issei!" Xenovia shouted, grabbing Miu-san. "Can you just let that go!?"

I understood Xenovia's fury. Losing a dear friend and someone she loved—it was unbearable. I felt the same.

But how was Miu-san so calm? She adored Issei-kun, perhaps more than anyone. How could she stay composed?

As I wrestled with the question, Miu-san placed her hand over Xenovia's and spoke.

"Do you really believe Onii-chan and Asia-san are dead?"

My thoughts froze.

"Do you all really think Issei would die so easily?" she continued. "He's not the kind of person to abandon us. And Asia-san's safe as long as he's with her."

Releasing Xenovia's hand, Miu-san turned her gaze to Shalba and Creuserey, stepping forward.

"Issei will come back. Until then, I'll protect everyone."

A tremendous aura radiated from her, surpassing that of a high-class demon. Was this Miu-san's true power? She'd seemed exhausted from her earlier magic, yet where was this strength coming from?

"You're right," Buchou said, a smile breaking through. "Issei wouldn't die so easily. And with him, Asia's safe. Thank you, Miu. I'm calm now."

She was right. Issei-kun couldn't be dead. I had no proof, but somehow, I believed it.

The others' expressions shifted, their despair giving way to resolve. Miu-san smiled at the sight.

Buchou stood beside her. "Everyone, Issei and Asia will return to us! So we fight to survive!"

"Yes, Buchou!" we shouted.

Wiping my tears, I raised my sword against the formidable enemies before us.

[Kiba Side Out]

When I opened my eyes after being engulfed in light with Asia, I found myself in a bizarre place. The surroundings were a chaotic swirl of colors, like peering through a kaleidoscope.

Where… was this?

"This is the Dimensional Gap," a voice said.

The Dimensional Gap? Right, I'd passed through it on the Gremory train before. And… hadn't I seen something like this long ago, before I became a demon?

I couldn't remember.

Right now, my concern was Asia, unconscious in my arms, and Buchou and the others back there.

"Put on your armor," Ddraig warned. "Even for you, my partner, staying unarmored in the Dimensional Gap's 'Void' will lead to annihilation."

Seriously?! Tell me that sooner!

And Asia—she's in danger too!

"Wrap Asia Argento in your aura. That should protect her for a while."

Got it, Ddraig!

Following Ddraig's instructions, I donned my armor and synchronized my energy with Asia's, enveloping her in a thick layer of my crimson aura.

That should do for now.

I had to hurry back—the others were in danger. There were so many enemies, mostly high-class demons, with two seeming like Demon Lord-class and five top-tier demons.

"Five top-tier demons, to be precise," Ddraig added.

Against those odds, Buchou and the others surviving would be tough, especially with Miu exhausted.

"Ddraig, how do we get back?"

"Usually, it requires a special spell or device. Or… an immense burst of power."

Immense power, huh? With Asia here, I'd need to focus it precisely.

The bigger problem was what came after. Over a hundred enemies, including two Demon Lord-class demons—likely boosted by Ophis's snakes. Too many to handle. Even with Tenbu Zenon, a one-on-one powerhouse, I'd be at a disadvantage against a crowd.

"Then it's time for that to shine. Straight into battle without a test run, huh?"

Yeah, that's my style, isn't it? But I'm not stopping there.

"Oh? That's… reckless, you know. You could lose an arm."

Maybe. But I'll worry about that later. Right now, there's something more important.

"Fair enough. I'll do what I can to ease your burden, partner."

Thanks, Ddraig. I'm always relying on you.

"What are partners for? Lean on me."

Haha, you're the best, Ddraig!

Enough talk. Let's do this!

"Right! Show those Old Satan Faction fools who they've crossed!"

Got it!

I thrust my hand forward, crimson particles gathering into a shape.

"My friends are in danger. You're coming with me this time, Ignis!"

[Kiba Side]

Minutes into the battle with the Old Satan Faction, we fought while retreating, fending off relentless enemies. So far, we were all unscathed—thanks to Miu-san.

Her diverse magical attacks disrupted the demons, letting us strike. My Holy-Demonic Sword, Xenovia's holy swords, and Akeno-san's lightning—lethal to demons—kept them at bay.

But Miu-san was visibly exhausted, breathing heavily. We were all wearing down. One wrong move, and someone could fall.

"Die, wretched Gremory!" a demon roared, lunging at Buchou with a spear.

"Not on my watch!" Akeno-san's lightning struck, obliterating the demon.

"Durandal!" Xenovia unleashed a holy wave, cutting down multiple enemies.

Their attacks were formidable, effective even against stronger foes due to their holy power.

Then, Shalba and Creuserey appeared.

"Not bad, holding out against these numbers," Shalba said. "A pity you were born to the current Demon Lords. You could've been a fine demon otherwise."

"You cowards know nothing but dirty tricks!" Buchou retorted, unleashing a massive wave of destructive magic, joined by Akeno-san and Xenovia.

But Creuserey deflected it all, closing in on Buchou and gathering magic in his hand.

This was bad!

We moved to intervene, but other demons blocked us. Buchou fought back, but Creuserey's attacks overwhelmed her, cornering her.

"This is the end, Rias Gremory," he declared, unleashing a colossal blast of magic.

"Gaaah!" Creuserey screamed, clutching a severed arm, his attack never reaching Buchou.

What happened!?

Not just me—the Old Satan demons froze, stunned.

The answer came swiftly.

A figure in crimson dragon armor descended before Buchou, its wings unfurling wide. The armor was unlike any I'd seen.

But there was no mistaking it.

"Buchou, everyone, sorry I'm late. You okay?" Issei-kun said, holding Asia in his left arm and an unfamiliar greatsword in his right.

[Kiba Side Out]