"They're here."
At Yoru's words, everyone turned their eyes toward the mist. From within, silhouettes began to emerge, slowly becoming distinct as they approached.
"First time meeting you—Governor Azazel, Maou Leviathan, Seraph Gabriel, and…" The man's casual greeting trailed off as his gaze finally settled on Yoru.
"So, you're the soldier Vali is always raving about?"
Yoru narrowed his eyes slightly. The speaker was a black-haired young man in a school uniform, with a robe resembling a hanfu draped over it.
In his hand was a spear—holy yet radiating an oppressive aura.
The youth looked no older than a high school student. Around him stood several other young men and women, also in similar uniforms.
Though they appeared ordinary at first glance, each radiated a pressure on par with angels, devils, or dragons—human wielders of powerful Sacred Gears.
"My name is Cao Cao. I've long wanted to meet you all," the young man said.
Azazel stepped forward, face grim. "Cao Cao? So you are indeed the so-called Hero Faction?"
"That's right. We're all descendants of heroes and warriors. If we didn't inherit our forebears' will to slay dragons and demons, we wouldn't be worthy of the name 'hero.'"
Cao Cao's tone was almost wistful.
"Tch, self-satisfied fools… Listen up, everyone—be on your guard against that spear in his hands. That's the strongest Longinus: the 'True Longinus.' They say it can pierce even God Himself—it's the very definition of a God-Slaying Tool. It's been a long time since I've seen it, but even with prior intel, I can't help but feel uneasy," Azazel warned.
Aside from Yoru, everyone's eyes were fixed in shock on the silver spear resting on Cao Cao's shoulder.
The True Longinus—legend says it was the spear that pierced Jesus Christ. No one could deny its status as the mightiest of all Sacred Gears.
"An equipment advantage, huh? Still…" Yoru gave a small shrug. The aura from the spear was unpleasant, yes, but nowhere near as terrifying as the others made it out to be.
Just then, the little fox Kuzuha, undaunted, stepped out from behind Yoru and glared at the spear-wielding youth.
"You there! I have something to ask you!"
"My, my… Such a tiny princess. What is it? If it's within my power, I'll answer anything," Cao Cao said lightly, though his tone hinted he knew exactly what she meant.
"Was it you who kidnapped my mother?!"
"It was," Cao Cao answered without hesitation.
"What do you want with her?!"
"I'd like your esteemed mother to assist in our experiment."
"Experiment? What are you planning?!"
"To fulfill the wishes of our sponsor—that's our objective."
At those words, Kuzuha bared her small fangs, her eyes brimming with tears. Not only had they taken her mother, but now they were subjecting her to some vague, ominous experiment.
"The sponsor… Ophis? What is the Khaos Brigade plotting this time?!" Azazel's voice was sharp, his aura flaring.
"You'll know soon enough. We're not hiding anything. In fact, it was Ophis herself who wanted you to come here," Cao Cao replied.
"Let's keep it simple, then. Return the Nine-Tails to us. We've got work to do with the youkai here," Azazel said firmly.
As his words fell, both sides readied themselves. The opponent was a key figure among the Hero Faction, and they were no less wary in return.
"Devils, youkai, and angels… How convenient. We heroes and warriors have always aimed for your kind. Leonardo—take care of the monsters for me," Cao Cao ordered.
The boy he addressed—looking no older than a middle schooler—gave a silent nod.
Immediately, a foul shadow spread beneath his feet, rapidly expanding.
Kuzuha instinctively shrank behind Yoru. Though she had been full of fire a moment ago, the reality of battle made her uneasy—especially knowing her power was too meager to help.
From the shadows, writhing shapes began to emerge, swelling and forming limbs, heads, and eyes. Mouths split open into toothy maws.
Not one, not ten—but over a hundred.
With a deafening boom, the creatures fully emerged from the darkness. They stood on two legs, skin black as pitch, bodies muscular and armored with hide, claws and fangs bared—forming a massive battle line.
"W-what are these things…?"
"Another high-tier Longinus: 'Annihilation Maker,'" someone explained.
"Correct," Cao Cao said with a smile, patting the boy's head. "This child wields one of the Sacred Gears. Different from my True Longinus, but no less dangerous—one of the most lethal."
"Not bad. But if we defeat the wielder, these monsters vanish, right? Do you really think this trash can stop three Maou-class fighters on our side?" Yoru asked.
"Hey, don't make it sound that easy," Azazel protested. "We're not just fighting these monsters—Cao Cao's team is packed with other Sacred Gear users, each with their own dangerous abilities!"
"What's wrong, Governor? Don't tell me the leader of the Fallen Angels is scared? They're just trash—nothing to be afraid of." Yoru's voice was casual, almost bored.
Azazel gave a helpless laugh, but there was no way he could back down now. "Fine. We'll take care of these ones. You deal with Cao Cao."
"That's more like it. That's the spirit a Governor should have," Yoru said with a grin before raising his eyes to the Hero Faction arrayed before him.
"I hope… you won't disappoint me."
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