"Is that… Cerberus?"
Rias's voice trembled with disbelief as she stared at the monstrous three-headed beasts. Her lips parted, eyes wide. "He actually dragged the Underworld's gatekeepers into the human world. Kokabiel, you really don't know when to quit."
She snapped into action, her command sharp and decisive. "Koneko, Akeno, Kiyome—move!"
"Understood!" The trio answered as one.
"Sona, I need you to set up the barrier!"
"Already on it!" Sona flashed a confident smile, rallying her peerage. "This enemy's no joke. Let's keep the civilians safe—barrier team, with me!"
"Roger!"
"Let's get started!"
Tsubaki and the others sprang into motion, weaving shimmering walls of magic around the battlefield.
Sona shot Shuo a quick, meaningful glance. He caught it, grinned, and offered a reassuring nod. "Feeling left out watching Rias's squad take center stage? Don't worry. Once this is over, I'll personally help level you all up."
Sona's smile softened, her earlier frustration melting away. "I'll hold you to that."
Before they could say more, Rias's voice cut through the moment. "Yuuto, wait—deal with the hellhounds first!"
She grabbed Kiba's arm, holding him back from charging at Balpa. Shuo stepped in, voice steady. "It's okay, Rias. Let him go."
He met Kiba's gaze, speaking with quiet conviction. "Kiba, it's your fight. I promised—Balpa is yours. End it. End your past."
Gratitude flickered across Kiba's face. He gripped his sword, fury burning in his eyes, and launched himself at Balpa—a missile primed for vengeance.
Rias hesitated, looking to Shuo. "You're sure…?"
Shuo's tone was gentle but firm. "Trust me. Kiba's more than ready. This is his closure."
Rias relaxed, offering Shuo a grateful smile. "If he can do it… That's all I want."
She turned, determination blazing, and sprinted to join her team. "Kokabiel's yours, Shuo. I'll back up Koneko and the others."
"Go. I've got this."
Irina and Xenovia lingered, eyes flickering between the chaos and Shuo, uncertain whether to join the fray or wait for their moment.
Kokabiel, perched above the battlefield, watched the scene unfold with predatory interest. "So, you're just going to stand there and watch? I thought you were allies. And you—Gremory's little fiancé, right? Don't you care what happens to her?"
Shuo met Kokabiel's gaze, a smirk playing on his lips. "You clearly missed the last Rating Game. If you had, you'd know better than to bet against my women. Cerberus or not, they'll tear your pets apart."
Kokabiel's expression faltered, the truth stinging. He'd been busy stealing Holy Swords during that match, blind to Rias's team's true strength.
He recovered with a sneer. "Devil games bore me. But since you're so confident, let's see if they live up to your hype."
Shuo shrugged, letting Kokabiel talk. Inside, he was already plotting the Fallen Angel's downfall.
Keep posturing, Kokabiel. Your reckoning's coming soon.
The battlefield erupted.
Balpa had summoned a swarm of stray priests, but Kiba cut through them, sword flashing, rage fueling every strike.
On the other side, Rias, Akeno, and their squad faced down the hellhounds—each fighter unleashing their unique style.
…
Kiyome's eyes sparkled with excitement as she sized up the Cerberus pack. Even Koneko looked faintly amused at her enthusiasm.
"Heh, I barely got to show off last time. Now's my chance to shine."
She raised her hand. "Come forth—Three-Eyed Golden Wolf!"
A massive golden wolf materialized, three eyes gleaming with intelligence and power.
The nearest hellhound hesitated, wary, then roared and lunged. The Golden Wolf met it head-on, moving with speed and force that dwarfed its opponent. Enhanced by Shuo's training, it was a class above—devouring the hellhound's attacks, striking with brutal efficiency.
The hellhound fought back desperately, but the Golden Wolf's paw sent it flying. With a howl, the wolf leapt, magic gathering in its claws, and crashed down on the beast.
"ROOOAR!"
Two heads crumpled under the impact, bone and flame shattered. The wolf opened its maw, unleashing a golden beam that pierced the last head clean through. The hellhound collapsed, lifeless.
Kiyome pumped her fist. "That's my ace! Beautiful job, Golden Wolf!"
Akeno watched, laughter bubbling up. "Ara ara, Kiyome-chan's already finished hers. Looks like we can't let her steal the spotlight, right, Rias?"
Rias grinned, eyes sparkling. "Of course, Akeno. Let's show them what real power looks like."
Red destruction magic flared around her, a lance of energy slicing through the air—one hellhound vanished in a flash, vaporized before it could even scream.
Akeno followed suit, cold air swirling from her fingertips, freezing another hellhound in place. Lightning crackled overhead, purple bolts raining down, shattering the frozen beast into shards of ice.
Now, only one hellhound remained—locked in a standoff with Koneko.
But the real show was just beginning…
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