When the radiance faded and the sensation of solid ground returned beneath her feet, Jeanne found herself standing upon a boundless, flat plain.
But she easily recognized that this was no longer the human realm, but a magical dimension created through sorcery.
Looking around, Jeanne suddenly broke into a smile.
"Sending such a luxurious lineup to deal with me alone? I'm truly honored…"
Saying this, she lowered her gaze slightly.
"…Esteemed Evil Dragons."
The moment those words fell, the very atmosphere seemed to freeze. An immense pressure bore down heavily, as if the sky itself had collapsed upon her.
Monstrous forms emerged, encircling Jeanne from all sides.
Each beast emanated an overwhelming presence and power, stirring the air and darkening the skies.
"Hahaha! We meet again, human! Let's resume our last fight—I'm dying to continue!"
A dragon giant with black scales and silver eyes laughed wildly—none other than Grendel, the Tyrant Dragon of Sin, whom Jeanne had previously reduced to ashes.
"So, this is the Dragon Witch who slew Hades, the Greek god of the Underworld? She looks quite ordinary… Though, you did manage to shatter Grendel's scales. I wonder if you can break through my barriers and seals?"
Another Evil Dragon observed Jeanne curiously. Its body resembled a massive tree shaped into a dragon, with a great crack where its mouth should've been, and glowing red cavities serving as eyes.
This was Ladon, Guardian Dragon of the Golden Apples, child of the Greek monster Typhon and Echidna, famously killed by Heracles of legend.
"Just a mere human, yet…you look delicious."
A sinister voice filled with greed emanated from a serpentine dragon, its black-scaled body with sickly yellow underside dripping foul saliva incessantly. This was Nidhogg, the Malice Striker Dragon, the vile serpent gnawing at the roots of Yggdrasil in Norse myth, whose emergence heralded Ragnarök and the end of the world.
"The famed Dragon Witch who tamed the Two Heavenly Dragons and even captured Ophis's interest—I've long wished to meet you."
In front of Grendel, Ladon, and Nidhogg stood a handsome, dark-skinned young man in black priestly attire. Although humanoid, he was undoubtedly an Evil Dragon, exuding a more oppressive presence than the other three.
Apep, also called Apophis, the Primordial Eclipse Dragon—embodiment of chaos and darkness in Egyptian mythology, sworn enemy and twin brother of the sun god Ra, intent on plunging the world into eternal darkness.
Just then, a deafening roar reverberated through the sky, sending powerful gusts in all directions.
"ROOOOOOOAAAARRRR——!!"
In the sky, an enormous magic circle appeared, from which a massive black dragon emerged: first its three heads, then neck, body, wings, and finally its tail. It landed heavily before Jeanne.
"Hahaha! Human, we've come to play!"
"Let's have fun!"
"Don't bore us!"
Three heads spoke simultaneously—Aži Dahāka, the Diabolism Thousand Dragon, legendary Evil Dragon of Zoroastrianism. Described in the Avesta as the ultimate evil creature, servant of the evil god Angra Mainyu, said to be unkillable, capable of devouring a third of the world upon its release.
Five Evil Dragons in total.
Nearly all legendary Evil Dragons from various mythologies were gathered here!
This terrifyingly formidable group encircled Jeanne, their combined malicious auras solidifying into oppressive gravity, crushing the entire space.
Standing at the heart of this storm, Jeanne remained utterly calm, glancing upward.
"Five legendary Evil Dragons, this dimension created by Aži Dahāka's forbidden magic, plus Ladon's sealing barrier? Such extravagance, just to restrain me here."
Hearing Jeanne's words, Aži Dahāka's crimson eyes brightened with savage delight.
"You noticed already?"
"Yet you willingly jumped in."
"Is that foolishness or arrogance?"
"I must correct you on one point," the handsome Apep spoke calmly. "Our intent isn't merely to restrain you—we're here to eliminate you."
Jeanne tilted her head slightly and laughed mockingly.
"Eliminate me? With just you lot?"
Instantly, tension thickened unbearably, as if storm clouds enveloped the sky. Apep's expression grew colder, voice dripping with hostility:
"Do you truly believe you can escape us today?"
"No, no, that's not what I meant," Jeanne casually waved, closing her eyes briefly.
She opened them again, and dazzling platinum-white divine brilliance erupted forth, sharp and unstoppable, piercing the oppressive darkness surrounding the Evil Dragons. Rays of sunlight spilled down from above, dispersing their evil aura.
"I meant…all of you here are trash."
"Escape? Don't make me laugh—I have no reason to run."
Facing the Evil Dragons' increasingly furious glares, Jeanne smiled confidently.
"I'll finish you all right here."
"Don't worry, it won't take long—I have people waiting for me outside. I can't waste too much time on you."
These creatures were legendary monsters, disasters incarnate feared even by gods: Grendel the battle-crazed tyrant, Ladon the guardian of golden apples, Nidhogg devourer of worlds, Apep lord of darkness, and Aži Dahāka ultimate evil of Zoroastrianism.
Their strength was undeniable. Yet Jeanne's mocking contempt ignited their pride, instantly sparking rage within them.
"—ROOOOAAAAAAARRRRRRRR—!!"
Roars of wrath echoed as if countless beasts screamed simultaneously. The furious shockwaves tore the ground asunder, and chilling murderous intent descended like the onset of Fimbulwinter itself.
Jeanne instinctively tensed, alertness skyrocketing.
Facing five legendary Evil Dragons simultaneously—even she felt immense pressure.
Yet no fear entered her blazing eyes.
Platinum-white divine flames enveloped Jeanne, a radiant sun burning away the darkness, dispelling their combined malice. Her form appeared tiny amidst the dragons, but she radiated an invincible strength capable of shaking the heavens.
---
Outside the dimensional space, at the Tepes Royal Castle.
Jeanne's sudden disappearance threw Rias and her companions into panic.
At this moment, Azazel stepped forward reassuringly.
"Relax. With her strength, we have nothing to fear. Truthfully, even if something happens to us, she'll be fine. Just when we think we've seen her limits, she always surprises us. Surely you don't think she's shown us everything yet?"
Azazel's comforting words calmed Rias and the others.
Indeed, they realized that their own safety was more precarious without Jeanne. While Ophis remained, there was no guarantee enemies wouldn't have another weapon like Samael.
Azazel himself was their strongest fighter besides Ophis—but any legendary Evil Dragon surpassed him, let alone the rest.
Yet they had no choice but to move forward.
Passing through the gates, they entered the grand medieval castle, splendid yet eerily empty.
Suddenly, in a lavish hall, fully armed vampire soldiers confronted them.
"What's the meaning of this?" Azazel demanded coldly. "Where is King Tepes? I want an explanation!"
"The king is long gone," a vampire commander replied arrogantly. "He clung stubbornly to outdated pride, refusing evolution—unfit to rule us vampires!"
"So, it wasn't King Tepes who allied with Khaos Brigade—it was you!" Azazel's expression darkened further.
"Exactly," the vampire smiled smugly. "We vampires are noble, elegant beings, yet shackled by weaknesses: sunlight, garlic, holy water… Evolution is necessary. King Tepes refused, so we staged a coup. We crowned Valerie Tepes—holder of the [Sephiroth Graal]—as our new queen."
Gasper trembled visibly at the mention of Valerie's name.
"And why tell us all this?" Azazel pressed.
"We don't intend hostility," the vampire shrugged. "This is an internal matter. Turn away now, and we'll let you leave safely."
"Internal matter? Are you serious?" Azazel sneered. "You've allied with terrorists, resurrected Evil Dragons, abducted our companion, and that Valerie Tepes is deeply connected to someone among us. How dare you say this doesn't involve us?"
Behind Azazel, Rias, Akeno, Issei, and the others visibly readied themselves for battle.
"That's your decision?" the vampire sighed. "Regrettable. You've chosen poorly."
"No," Azazel glanced toward the emotionless Ophis beside him, a faint smile appearing. "You're the ones who've made a grave mistake."