At the base of the high wall marking the forest's edge, Akeno and the rest of Rias's peerage had gathered, tension running quietly through the group.
A flutter of wings broke the silence—a swarm of bats swooped in from the shadows, coalescing midair until they reformed into Gasper's familiar figure.
"Gasper, what's the situation out there?" Akeno asked, stepping forward.
With Rias in standby, unable to command her team, Akeno had naturally assumed the role of Queen. The moment they'd arrived via teleportation, she'd sent Gasper scouting, relying on his vampire instincts to sniff out any threats.
"Senpai, the forest's clear. No monsters, no traps—nothing dangerous nearby," Gasper reported, his voice a little shaky but earnest.
"So our only obstacle between here and the battle arena is Yubelluna's team..." Akeno mused, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Irina, already suited up and brimming with energy, thrust a fist skyward. "Then let's fly straight there! With our strength, Yubelluna's group won't stand a chance!"
Xenovia nodded in agreement, practically bouncing on her toes.
"Tsubaki and the others won't lose."
Sona gave him a cool, dismissive look, her attention already back on her peerage's image.
He smirked, then glanced at Sona, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, Sona—what if my team wipes out Tsubaki's group and you're forced to forfeit? Wouldn't that be a fun twist?"
"Tch. Why is everyone so fired up about beating me? I'm not some evil final boss, you know."
At the battle arena's center, Tenra, Rias, and Sona remained in standby, watching their peerages' progress on the projection screens.
With Tsubaki's order, the team sprang into action, disappearing into the forest's depths.
"Move out!"
"Yes!"
"We will break through, reunite with Sona-sama, and defeat Tenra!"
"Here!" The girls' voices were sharp, ready.
"Everyone."
Tsubaki straightened, her usual icy composure returning.
Their trust was a force all its own. The pain and doubt melted away, replaced by a surge of strength. So this was what Sona felt—the power to lead, not because she had to, but because her friends believed in her.
Fists clenched, eyes shining, every girl looked to her for guidance.
"Tsubaki-sama, you're our Queen. Don't hold back—command us. We believe in you!"
"Ruruko, Tsubasa, Momo, Reya..." Tsubaki felt warmth flood her chest. She looked up, blinking away tears.
Their voices overlapped, gentle and fierce, comforting Tsubaki and rallying each other.
"Let's do this! Together!"
"It's tough, but as you said, if even one of us makes it, we win!"
"Me too!"
"Tsubaki-sama, lift your head. I'll follow your orders."
Then, one by one—
Silence settled over the group.
But now, Tsubaki realized, Sona must have faced these moments too—forced to make cold, necessary choices, even when her heart rebelled.
For a moment, Tsubaki longed for the old days, when all she had to do was follow Sona's lead. Sona's decisions were always right; there was never any doubt, never any need to shoulder this kind of burden.
Her meaning was clear: sacrifice some for the hope that others might break through. It was a harsh, almost cruel command—but she couldn't see another way.
She bowed her head, pain flickering in her eyes. "I'm sorry, everyone. It's a selfish order, but please trust me. When the match is over, I'll answer to Sona-sama."
"I know it's dangerous. But it's our only chance. Even if most of us fall, as long as one of us reaches the arena, we succeed."
Others—Tsubasa, Momo, Reya—looked uneasy as well. They were already the underdogs; scattering would make them even more vulnerable.
Ruruko hesitated. "Tsubaki-sama, isn't splitting up too risky?"
Tsubaki surveyed her companions, then continued, "We have thirty minutes to reach the battle arena. Tenra's peerage will be waiting for us, no doubt. We'll move together, but if we're ambushed or separated, split up and head for the arena alone."
They all understood: their strength lay in precision and teamwork, not brute force. In a straight fight, both Rias's and Tenra's teams had them outmatched.
Her tone was grave, and the girls responded in unison: "Yes, Tsubaki-sama!"
"Tenra's peerage knows our tactics inside out. I'm certain they'll focus their ambush on us. Be ready."
"Listen, everyone. Without Sona-sama's commands, our greatest weapon—strategy—is out of reach. This match will be a real test for us."
—perfect for gathering intel and sniffing out danger. With the forest confirmed safe, Tsubaki allowed herself a brief, quiet breath.Masquerade of the PhantasmsAs Sona's Bishop, Ruruko wielded the Artificial Sacred Gear
"Good work, Ruruko." Tsubaki nodded, her praise gentle but sincere.
"Tsubaki-sama, the masks say the forest is safe. No threats detected," Ruruko reported, dismissing the masks with a graceful flick.
Suddenly, a handful of masks drifted out of the trees, circling around Ruruko Nimura. They whispered in silent language only she understood.
Elsewhere, deep within the forest, Sona's peerage was assembled under Tsubaki Shinra's quiet leadership. The girls kept close, eyes darting warily through the shadows, waiting for any sign of trouble.
"Understood!" came the chorus, resolve sharpening in every voice.
"Alright, everyone—move out! We'll reach the battle arena, reunite with our King, and take Tenra down!"
"Looks like we'll have to do this the old-fashioned way," Akeno sighed, glancing up at the giant countdown ticking away above the trees. Every second lost was precious.
Akeno and the others tried their own magic and wings, but nothing worked. Even demonic flight was suppressed. Only Gasper, in bat form, seemed immune—he could flit about freely, unbothered by the barrier.
Rossweisse, clad in her Valkyrie armor, tried to take off—but her feet barely left the ground before she dropped back down. "No good. There's an anti-flight barrier over this forest."
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