To become a true Holy Sword wielder, one's soul had to contain a rare, mysterious factor—and Valper had found a way to extract it.
Using forbidden technology, he refined that essence while also ripping away human souls in the process.
Back in that fallen angel's dimensional lab, Ryuichi had faced "Number Two," the previous test subject. The girl now standing before him—Number One—was clearly the perfected version.
Even that incomplete prototype had once forced Ryuichi to rely on the Divine Cry Shield's absolute defense. But now, that same Shield was busy protecting Rias's team.
Through his shared link with his clone, Ryuichi could sense how desperately they were struggling. If he recalled his clone or the Shield now, Rias's group would be defenseless. Even Koneko, with her heightened strength, wouldn't survive a direct blow from Kokabiel.
He clenched his jaw. Without that Shield, things were getting dangerously bad on both fronts.
This isn't good... I need a way out of this fast.
Xenovia swung Durandal, locking swords with Number One. Even fueled by the burning of her soul, the girl couldn't easily break through—but the duel was rapidly intensifying, and her power kept climbing.
Her aura flared, unstable but growing stronger by the second. Ryuichi knew what that meant—she was about to unleash a final, suicidal attack.
He darted around her, striking hard to keep her from focusing. His thoughts raced behind the exchange of blades.
This is insane. Even with the sealing mark on her, she's this strong?
His gaze fixed on the fused Holy Sword. So that was it—the key wasn't her body at all. It was the sword.
If that weapon's power was what kept her alive… then maybe the only way to stop her was—
—to destroy it.
"Xenovia!" he shouted over the sound of clashing steel. "How was the Sword of Kings broken in the past? Can you do it again?"
The Holy Sword wielder instantly understood.
"Yes! As long as I have enough power. And you're in luck—Durandal was born for destruction."
"Perfect." Ryuichi's grip tightened on the Sword of Kings. "I'll hold her off. You take the shot when you see an opening."
"Got it!"
They switched seamlessly—an unspoken rhythm forming between them. Though they'd never fought side by side before, their coordination was flawless, as if forged by instinct.
Their swords crossed, sparks erupting as divine and demonic energies collided.
Ryuichi poured everything into his blade, his body blurring with lightning‑speed movements. Number One matched him blow for blow, her blazing aura and the Heavenly Flash Sword's speed enhancement making her a deadly mirror of his own.
The two of them slashed across the field, streaks of light exploding wherever they passed. Magic and divine power tore the air apart, leaving deep gouges and burning craters in their wake.
Xenovia trailed slightly behind, watching closely—then striking with precise timing, forcing Number One to react.
Ryuichi felt his power surge to its peak. He let out a breath—a roar, almost—and unleashed the Sword of Kings at full force.
An explosion split the night.
Number One met his descending strike head‑on, blocking desperately. The ground beneath her cratered, cracks spider‑webbing outward. For a heartbeat, they remained locked in that clash of strength and will.
Xenovia's eyes sharpened. Now!
Durandal blazed with holy light. Chains of spiritual energy coiled and snapped as she threw herself forward in a single, decisive leap.
"—Strike!"
Ryuichi pulled back in sync, clearing the way.
Number One tried to react, but her strength was spent. She barely managed to raise her weapon in time to block—
CRACK!
The fused Holy Sword shattered, fragments scattering through the air like shards of blue‑white flame.
"Ahhh!!"
A scream—her first sound of pain—tore from the girl's throat. Her long hair whipped wildly as her unstable energy turned on itself. Cracks bloomed across her pale skin as power raged out of control.
Ryuichi didn't hesitate. He thrust forward, and the Sword of Kings pierced clean through her heart.
She froze.
Their eyes met. For a brief instant, the madness faded. Clarity returned to her gaze—a soft, fragile light, almost peaceful.
A faint smile touched her lips. She tried to speak…but blood welled up from them instead.
Her eyes dimmed.
Ryuichi said nothing. Slowly, he drew his sword free, watching crimson drip along its edge. The blade trembled faintly in his grasp, as if mourning.
She had only ever been an innocent girl. And the Sword of Kings—a weapon meant to protect—had taken her life.
He knelt beside her still form, lowering her into the crater's center. With one sweep of his blade, he moved the earth, covering her gently until her body was laid to rest.
When he straightened, his expression had hardened with cold fury.
Valper.
The true monster wasn't that girl—it was him.
Ryuichi vanished from sight and reappeared before Valper in a flash.
Before the man could react, Ryuichi's sword drove straight through his chest, lifting him into the air.
"Tell me," Ryuichi said quietly, his gaze like ice. "Do you really believe souls are eternal?"
The old man trembled, gasping. He could feel death closing in.
"Mercy—please! I only sought knowledge! Everything I did was for humanity's advancement! I gave powerless humans the might of the Holy Swords—how is that a crime!?"
His words came out half‑gasp, half‑plea, the pain robbing him of air.
Ryuichi only stared, silent and unreadable.
Then his voice dropped, low and final. "You're beyond saving."
He twisted the blade.
Valper screamed—then, in an instant, Ryuichi withdrew his sword and leapt back.
A lance of light slammed into the ground where he'd stood, turning the spot—and Valper—into ash.
Ryuichi landed lightly, lifting his head toward the sky.
"You're not going to catch me the same way twice," he said flatly.
High above, Kokabiel laughed from his throne of darkness.
"Interesting. I didn't think you had it in you. Lady Rias, you've chosen quite the capable servant."
"Thanks for the compliment," Rias replied coldly, her expression hard.
Now that Ryuichi had cleared the field, every eye turned skyward.
The last battle, the true one, was about to begin—against the Fallen Angel general himself.