Rustle… BOOM BOOM BOOM!
Ni and Li darted through the forest, using every twist of terrain to launch relentless attacks at Kuroka. As true nekomata, their bodies were lightning-quick and deceptively strong—especially after mastering a slew of youjutsu and senjutsu under Kuroka's tutelage. Whether trading blows up close or hurling spells from afar, the sisters fought with uncanny synergy.
Kuroka sidestepped a barrage, lips curling into a lazy smile. "Hehehe… You've improved, nya, but don't get cocky. This isn't enough to beat me."
Frustrated but undeterred, Ni and Li sprang back, then vaulted high into the air.
"Take this, Big Sis! Let's see whose technique is better—yours or the ones you taught us!"
"We'll show you our power! Beat you, and we become the strongest cats around!"
They thrust their palms skyward. Spiritual energy spun from their hands, coalescing into twin wheels of light. With a shout, they hurled them straight at Kuroka.
Kuroka snorted. "You really think you can take me down…?"
She wasn't even angry—just amused. These two silly kittens had picked up a few tricks and suddenly thought they could dethrone their master? Time for a reality check.
Unlike Rias's sweeping victory, the other side was suffering a catastrophic defeat. The little princess of House Sitri and her peerage were lost in the fog, hunted down one by one by the enemy [Queen] and [Rooks]. If they were wiped out before their King even entered the fray… well, that would be something to see.
But Azazel's gaze shifted to the other battlefield, a sly grin creeping onto his face.
The crowd nodded in agreement; Akeno's team had proven their strength beyond doubt.
Azazel offered his analysis from the VIP seats. "Frankly, this was always the most likely outcome. Lightning priestess, holy sword wielders, Valkyrie, nekomata sisters, vampire, and a former holy maiden with a healing Sacred Gear—Rias's peerage is top tier among the new generation of devils."
Outside the alternate dimension, the host and audience erupted in cheers.
"Ohhh… Lady Rias's peerage broke through without breaking a sweat!"
After a quick rest, they set off for the heart of the forest, ready for the final showdown.
Despite the absence of the enemy's strongest [Queen] and two [Rooks], Akeno's squad had traded only light wounds for a string of retirements on Tenra's side—a rare, decisive victory.
"Let's go, everyone—time to regroup with Rias."
Akeno smiled. "Don't worry. We'll meet again soon."
"Tch, they got away." Xenovia gripped Durandal, frustration on her face.
Kalamaina and Siris slammed their broken blades into the ground, activating their Sacred Gears. Instantly, a forest of demonic and holy swords erupted from the earth, barring Akeno's path.
"Holy Eraser!"
"Sword Birth!"
"We won't let you escape!" Akeno's team surged forward, determined to finish the job.
Kalamaina nodded, reluctant but realistic. With only three left, they couldn't stop Rias's peerage. Pushing on would mean total annihilation.
Siris's face was grim. "Time to fall back. Tosca and the others are out."
A shadow dropped in beside them—Mira, clutching her battered iron staff, pale and breathless from her earlier clash with Akeno.
Another exchange left cracks running down Kalamaina's and Siris's swords. Sensing defeat, they retreated, putting distance between themselves and the Rias duo.
Crack…
CLANG CLANG!
Blades flashed, sword energy crackled, and trees fell all around them. At first, the battle was dead even—but gradually, Kalamaina and Siris began to falter. Against the true holy sword wielders, their edge dulled.
Elsewhere, Kalamaina and Siris were locked in a furious swordfight with Xenovia and Irina. Tenra had gifted Kalamaina and Siris the Sacred Gears [Sword Birth] and [Holy Eraser], but Xenovia and Irina wielded the legendary Durandal and Excalibur. The four had sparred countless times at home, each intimately familiar with the other's style.
BOOM!
CLANG CLANG CLANG!
"Two of Tenra-sama's [Pawns], retired!"
"Ahhh—!"
A dozen orbs of spiritual energy shot out, chasing Iru and Neru down and exploding around them.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh…
The twins dropped their chainsaws and bolted, but Koneko wasn't about to let them get away. She leapt after them, fist cocked.
"Run!"
"Where do you think you're going?!"
But Koneko's cat ears twitched—she was in full nekomata mode, and nothing got past her.
Deciding that discretion was the better part of valor, the twins tiptoed away, hoping to escape unnoticed.
"Yeah, yeah—let's bail! We'll come back when she's gone!"
"We can't beat her. Run for it?"
"Iru, what now? Koneko-chan's here."
Iru and Neru huddled together, whispering urgently.
Gasper clutched his heart, as if he'd taken ten thousand points of emotional damage.
"Waaaah… Koneko-chan's bullying me again!"
"…!"
"You're useless."
"What is it, Koneko-chan?" Gasper blinked up at her.
"Gasper-kun—"
Koneko landed lightly in front of him.
Gasper rubbed his head, then looked up—his face lit up with relief. "Koneko-chan!"
"Ow… That hurts…"
The impact sent all three flying, rolling across the ground in a tangled heap.
BOOM!
"Ahhh!" Gasper shrieked, scrambling to activate his Forbidden Balor View and freeze the chainsaw twins in their tracks—but before he could, a shadow streaked in from afar.
Iru and Neru finally cornered the panicked Gasper, chainsaws revving as they closed in with maniacal grins.
"Hold still, Gasper! Time for chop-chop!"
"Hahaha… Got you at last!"
"Two of Tenra-sama's [Pawns], retired!"
"We lost… nya…"
"Big Sis really is the best…"
Ni and Li coughed out black smoke, their dreams of toppling Big Sis smoldering in defeat.
Kuroka strolled over, stretching like she'd just finished a nap. "Now do you understand? You're still a long way off."
Three wheels collided midair, detonating in a blinding flash. Ni and Li were caught in the blast, tumbling out of the sky with yowls of pain.
BOOM!
With a casual flick, Kuroka conjured her own massive light wheel and sent it spinning to meet theirs.
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