Half of Kuoh Academy lay in ruins from a single strike, and even Ryuichi himself was left speechless.
What exactly had he protected, anyway…?
Still, he couldn't help a wry grin. Accidentally destroying his own school—there was something darkly funny about achieving the dream every high school boy secretly entertained at least once. A childhood dream fulfilled… kind of, he thought, coughing awkwardly.
But no one had time to worry about the school right now.
Every gaze was fixed on Kokabiel, who lay unconscious amid the devastation.
Rias and her group were overwhelmed with disbelief and joy. Ryuichi had actually—actually—defeated Kokabiel!
It was something they'd barely dared to imagine.
He was still only a Mid-Class Devil.
If he ever advanced to a High-Class Devil—or even beyond—his power would be terrifying beyond measure.
Descending slowly from the sky, Ryuichi's jet-black devil wings folded away. Landing before Kokabiel, he lifted the King's Sword.
For a murderous Fallen Angel like this one, there would be no peace of mind until he was gone for good.
Then, a calm voice echoed from above.
"My friend, how about leaving the judgment of that criminal to me?"
Ryuichi frowned slightly and looked up.
In the space beneath the black, twisted heavens, within the domain of the ancient floating city, a figure clad in gleaming white armor hovered. His entire body radiated divine brilliance, the blue light-wings on his back slicing through the surrounding darkness with holy intensity.
Ryuichi narrowed his eyes. "And you are?"
"My name is Vali—the host of the White Dragon Emperor."
The declaration sent shock rippling through Rias and her team.
"The White Dragon Emperor!? You mean the wielder of the Divine Dividing—one of the legendary God-class Sacred Gears!?"
At those words, Ryuichi's gaze grew sharper. He knew that artifact. After living in this world for so long, he had made it a point to study all the known Sacred Gears.
They varied in power and purpose—some, like Asia's Twilight Healing (the Smile of the Holy Mother), were top-tier in support. Others held devastating destructive capabilities. The Divine Dividing was among the most feared—the kind of artifact said to be capable of slaying even gods themselves.
Of course, Ryuichi now knew there were no gods left alive in this world—so the appearance of a God-slaying artifact was somehow less surprising, if no less awe-inspiring.
He lowered his sword slightly, voice cautious but firm. "What's your purpose here?"
The armored youth's tone remained mild. "Don't misunderstand. I'm only here on someone's behalf. Kokabiel is, after all, a Fallen Angel. My… associate believes it's more appropriate for him to be judged by his own kind. Call it a matter of pride."
Ryuichi's eyes hardened. "So you're acting on the Fallen Angels' request? You think I'd hand my enemy back to his camp like some gullible fool?"
"You misunderstand again," Vali replied easily. "Azazel has no intention of letting him off. He plans to imprison Kokabiel in the deepest pits of the Underworld—eternally. A being with that much divine energy shouldn't go to waste, after all."
That name—Azazel—hung heavy in the air, making everyone stiffen.
The Governor General of the Fallen Angels—their counterpart to a Devil King.
Rias stepped forward, her red hair flashing in the wind. "Kokabiel is our prisoner of war. His fate should be decided by us!"
Her voice was icy with authority.
Ryuichi was her servant, and therefore, his achievements were her achievements. She wasn't about to let someone else take credit—or risk—away from her peerage. And as the younger sister of a Maou herself, she had no reason to defer to any Fallen Angel Governor.
Vali didn't seem offended. "Your Maou will be informed. Azazel said he owes your brother a favor—those were his exact words. By now, you should've already received a message from him."
Before anyone could respond, Akeno pulled out her communication crystal. It glowed briefly as she listened, then looked up.
"It's true. The Maou has confirmed the Fallen Angels' request."
Rias's expression softened. "If that's the case… then fine. We'll allow it."
Ryuichi had no objections either.
Sure, a part of him wanted to end Kokabiel's life right there, but handing him over to the Fallen Angels through Azazel could yield far greater benefits. His instincts told him this was the smarter move.
With an indifferent snort, Ryuichi swung a kick.
Thud! Kokabiel's unconscious body slid across the rubble, coming to a stop at Vali's feet.
"He's yours."
Vali chuckled. "Appreciated. If not for the current situation, I'd have liked to test myself against you. Anyone strong enough to defeat Kokabiel must have power worth measuring. You've exceeded my expectations, Ryuichi."
He raised his hand. A ripple of white magic surged from his palm, drawing Kokabiel's limp form upward. With a single hand, Vali caught him by the collar, dangling him like a dead animal.
"You're quite the battle fanatic," Ryuichi observed mildly.
Vali gave a short laugh. "Not a fanatic—just someone who enjoys a good fight. I'm nothing like this lunatic."
"There'll be chances later," Ryuichi replied evenly.
Vali nodded. "I'll look forward to it. But before I go, here's a parting favor—think of it as a thank-you. Be careful with that magic circle of his. Kokabiel's spell isn't so easily undone. What you're looking at is only the surface."
With that cryptic warning, Vali turned into a streak of white light and vanished into the sky.
Rias and the others immediately refocused on the massive magic circle still pulsing with energy in the distance. They had assumed defeating Kokabiel would stop it, but—
"It's still active?" Rias whispered.
"The Holy Swords' energy," Ryuichi explained calmly. "That fool Valper accidentally merged their power into the circle's structure. When the swords shattered, the circle absorbed everything."
He sighed. "Even Kokabiel might not have realized it. Or maybe he did and just wanted the biggest possible explosion."
He turned to the others. "Everyone, get back. I'll handle this while I still have some strength left."
Rias's eyes widened. "Are you sure? You've already pushed yourself past your limits today."
"It's fine," Ryuichi said with a small smile. "Worst case, I burn through a little life force. Not like it's the first time."
His tone was casual, but Rias and the others couldn't hide their worry. They knew he meant it—he would sacrifice a part of himself if it meant protecting them.
Even with Asia's Twilight Healing ready to restore him, their hearts still ached. Because no matter how strong Ryuichi was… he could still bleed, still feel pain.