A blue glow spread across the ground as the teleportation circle activated. In an instant, Rias, Akeno, Shuri, and Baraquiel were transported to Grigori, the domain of the Fallen Angels.
Azazel greeted them with his usual relaxed smile — calm, sharp, and unreadable, as if he always knew more than he let on.
"Nice place you've got here," Rias remarked, her eyes tracing the floating energy crystals embedded in the metallic walls.
"Thanks," Azazel replied casually. "Built it with a lot of work… and a little magic."
"I can imagine. So, when do we begin the tests?"
"Right away. Follow me."
"Lead the way."
The two of them separated from the group, walking down a wide corridor toward one of Azazel's laboratories.
---
[From Rias's Perspective]
Azazel told me to follow him. I didn't like leaving Akeno behind, but this was part of our deal.
I'd offered him a pact, but he refused. I'm not sure if it's because he trusts me too much… or because he simply hates being tied down.
"We're here," he said, stopping in front of a heavy metal door.
When he opened it, a vast laboratory revealed itself — glowing vials, strange instruments, and a faint scent of ozone.
"You scientists really don't hold back on spending, do you?"
"I'll take that as a compliment."
He moved around the room with easy confidence, grabbing a tray filled with silver tools.
"It won't be much. I just need a small blood sample. Have a seat."
I nodded and sat down. He's probably going to regret this… Muzan's blood isn't something to mess with.
Still, I wasn't afraid of him uncovering my secrets. Even if someone tried to replicate my power, they'd fail. I'd face it all head-on — because I'm strong.
Azazel returned, holding an odd-looking syringe.
"Your skin looks quite resistant," he said, studying my arm. "Had to use a special needle for this one."
I could've given him blood directly by manipulating it… but whatever. Let him play scientist.
The needle pricked lightly — barely noticeable.
"All done," he said, pulling it out.
"Perfect. I'll go find Akeno-chan."
"Yeah, yeah… go ahead," he muttered, completely absorbed in the vial of crimson liquid.
I sighed. Scientists… always the same.
---
On my way back to the training field, a sudden surge of energy made me stop. It was powerful — familiar, yet dangerous.
When I arrived, I found Akeno facing a silver-haired boy with a confident smirk.
"Where's your master? I want to fight her!" he shouted.
"Rias-sama is with Azazel-sama… Oh—Rias-sama!" Akeno turned as I approached.
"Hey, Akeno. Who's this loudmouth?"
The boy turned toward me, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Finally. My name's Vali. I've heard you're strong. I want to challenge you to a duel."
"Oh? That confidence must come from your Sacred Gear, right?"
"Exactly. I'm the Hakuryuukou—the White Dragon Emperor."
Interesting.
"Fine," I said, crossing my arms. "But if I win, you owe me a favor."
"Deal!" he replied instantly.
The air grew tense. The training field, once calm, now buzzed with anticipation.
---
Vali charged first, shouting as he swung his fist at me.
I vanished from his sight, reappeared behind him, and kicked him square in the back.
BOOOOM!
The ground cracked under the impact.
I knew his Sacred Gear could divide my power, but honestly? I didn't care. Even weakened, I was stronger.
"Divide!" he shouted.
Immediately, I felt my energy drop — split in half.
"What an absurd ability…" I muttered. "But still not enough."
A sphere of pure destruction formed in my palm — small, dense, blazing like a crimson sun.
"Try dodging this, Vali-kun."
The orb shot through the air at inhuman — or rather, demonic — speed.
"Divide! Divide! Divide!"
But it didn't slow down. It didn't shrink. It kept flying straight toward him.
The explosion behind him shook the ground, sending shockwaves across the field.
Vali froze, sweat dripping down his face.
"Why didn't it shrink…?"
A deep voice echoed from within his armor.
"It's simple, partner," said Albion. "That orb holds so much compressed magic that even your division can't break it apart."
"So you're the White Dragon, huh?" I smiled faintly. "Not bad… for a talking lizard."
"Arrogant girl…" Albion growled. "Vali, without your Balance Breaker, you can't win."
"Tch… understood."
The air around him flared with white light.
"Vanishing Dragon! Balance Breaker!"
A magnificent white armor formed around his body.
Even I couldn't hide my surprise — mastering that form at his age was impressive.
"Well," I said, smiling, "this might be interesting after all."
Magic gathered around me, crimson light filling the sky. Ten… twenty… a hundred spheres of destruction formed and floated at my command.
"Let's see how you handle this."
"Divide! Divide! Divide!" he shouted desperately as he tried to weaken them.
The orbs shrank slightly — but not enough. I released them all at once.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Explosions filled the field like a storm of red suns. Vali soared upward, barely dodging the onslaught.
"Too close…" he muttered, panting.
"I'm right behind you," I whispered.
Before he could turn, my kick hit him again, slamming him into the ground.
"Vali, gather your energy!" Albion urged. "Attack or you'll lose!"
"I know that!"
Energy gathered in his hand, forming a sphere overloaded with light. He hurled it at me.
"Do you really think you can beat me by stealing my power?" I murmured, raising my hand. "Dissolve."
The sphere split — then split again, and again — until it vanished completely.
"Divide! Divide! Divide!" he shouted, his voice growing weaker.
The sensation of my power being drained was irritating.
"Enough. This ends now."
I traced an "X" in the air with my hand. A crimson flash sliced through the battlefield, hitting him dead center. His armor shattered like glass.
Vali collapsed, gasping for breath.
"Incredible… you weren't even serious, were you?" he muttered before losing consciousness.
I exhaled softly.
"That was exhausting. Even Baraquiel didn't push me that far."
I crouched beside him, channeling inverted demonic energy to heal his wounds.
"Good fight, Vali."
And thus ended my battle with the White Dragon Emperor.
To be continued…
Thank you for the support!
Captain: Psychokore
You can watch advance episodes here ---> [email protected]/Gatoferoz