"No, no, no…"
Agnus's nervous stutter kicked in hard. He cowered in the corner, muttering "no" for what felt like forever. It wasn't until Nero had closed half the distance between them that he finally choked out, "Impossible!"
"What's impossible?" Nero asked, her tone sharp.
"Your power!" Agnus spat the words out one by one, his trembling finger pointing at her. "The Sparda blade's power—it's supposed to be above you!"
"So what? The Pope couldn't even tap into that blade's strength."
Nero stepped right up to Agnus, raising her sword.
"N-no way! My c-calculations can't be wrong…"
Agnus wasn't listening. He fumbled through his coat, pulling out his notebook and flipping through it frantically. In the next instant, a flash of azure steel sliced through the air, neatly cutting his papers in half.
"My research!"
Agnus froze, staring in disbelief. "It's… it's been sliced!"
Nero raised her blade again, pointing it at his eyes. "You really think now's the time to worry about your notes?"
Agnus ignored the threat, whining, "You don't get it! This is priceless! My research could've unlocked the full power of the Sparda blade, and then we'd—"
He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes locking onto the unwavering sword. Blinking, he looked dazed. "Y-you… you're gonna kill me?"
Nero smirked, almost amused. "What else?"
"Why?!" Agnus flailed, his voice rising. "Sure, His Holiness is dead, but you and Credo could still use my work! With my research, the Order could one day fully master demonic power! You could be the ultimate d-d-demon!"
Nero watched his desperate pitch, her sword steady. "You done?"
Agnus went silent, stunned by her question.
Looking at the demon in human skin, Nero's lips curved into a faint smile. "Sorry, pal. Your research? It's worthless."
"H-how?!" Agnus nearly jumped out of his skin. "This is the path to the ultimate demon! The strongest! Beyond anything in this world!"
Nero lowered her blade. A flicker of hope crossed Agnus's face.
Then it froze.
Her sword flashed, slicing clean through his neck and plunging into his chest.
Agnus tilted his head up, his lips twitching, but no words came out.
"Your way? It'll never reach true strength."
Nero locked eyes with him, delivering the truth that shattered his life's work. With a twist, she yanked the blade free.
"Consider this payback for before."
Agnus collapsed, his body radiating emptiness and despair, silent in death. No blood poured from his wounds—only a faint black mist drifted out.
Proof he was no longer human.
Nero sheathed Echidna and staggered out, leaning against the wall. She stumbled from the Savior's head, expecting to faceplant hard. But a hand caught her from behind, steadying her and setting her down gently.
"Th… thanks."
Nero turned, spotting a silver-haired guy in a red coat, all swagger and charm. Her thanks caught in her throat for a second. Instinctively, she stepped back and gave a traditional Fortuna curtsy, skirt and all.
"Oh?"
Dante raised an eyebrow, leaning back with his arms crossed, head tilted. His face twitched, lips curling like he was trying to figure out how to talk to her. Finally, he glanced at Trish nearby, dodging the moment. "Looks like I missed one hell of a party, huh?"
Trish barely held back a laugh. "Oh, yeah. Want me to make introductions?"
"Nah, I'm good." Dante turned back to Nero, his expression back to its usual cool. "Nero, right? First time we're meeting."
"You must be Dante. Should I call you Uncle?"
The direct hit made Dante rub his nose. He planted a hand on his hip, covering his chin with the other. "Well… you're not wrong. But, y'know, usually people guess 'long-lost dad' in these situations, don't they?"
Nero pressed her lips together, stifling a laugh. "You don't strike me as the irresponsible type."
"Pfft!"
Trish doubled over, hand over her mouth.
"Hey!" Dante shot her a look, then cleared his throat and faced Nero. "Alright, so you know—"
Nero didn't wait. She pulled out Gilgamesh and held it out to him with both hands.
Dante's words died mid-sentence. He cleared his throat again, reaching for Gilgamesh, but Nero spoke first.
"I found this in the Demon Gate. Figured it's yours. But about Yamato… I've got questions. Is it really my father's keepsake?"
Her face was dead serious.
Dante swallowed whatever he'd been about to say. He flicked his bangs up, playing it casual. "You've got sharp instincts. Yeah, that blade belonged to my brother."
"You want it back?"
"That's up to you." Dante relaxed, hands on his hips. "It's a dangerous blade, no question. Key to the Demon Gate, packed with serious power…"
His gaze settled on Nero, a hint of approval in his eyes. "But you've earned it. This whole mess? I barely lifted a finger. Your strength, your resolve—you're worthy of that blade's master."
Nero's tension eased. She touched her chest, smiling softly. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Her overly formal reply left Dante at a loss. He glanced up at the collapsed Savior, tossing Gilgamesh lightly in his hand. "Besides Yamato, you got any other weapons?"
"This one." Nero pulled Echidna from her chest.
"Looks kinda weak," Dante said, echoing her own thoughts. He tossed Gilgamesh back to her. "Heard you handle this one pretty well. Keep it."
"Huh?"
Nero caught Gilgamesh, looking up to see Dante already walking off, Sparda's blade slung over his shoulder. He waved without turning. "See ya, kid!" he called. "I'll send you another gift sometime—don't forget to sign for it!"
Nero smiled, whispering a quiet "thanks" as she stowed Gilgamesh. She glanced at the setting sun, then headed toward the town below.