Things had taken a turn for the worse, but Draconis wasn't rattled. Rias had already reported everything to Lucifer and Leviathan; whatever Kokabiel was scheming, if the Demon Kings were on guard, he doubted they'd fall for it.
All Draconis and the others needed to do was buy time—stall Kokabiel until backup arrived. For that, Draconis felt more than ready; his Sacred Gear was made for delaying the inevitable.
Sometimes, having powerful allies really paid off.
Sona Sitri glanced his way. She didn't know Draconis well, but they shared a campus, and after the last Rating Game, she'd kept a closer eye on him. His reputation spoke for itself.
"This time, you might be the key," she said quietly, respect clear in her voice.
Draconis shrugged off the compliment. "President Sona flatters me."
He was cool as ever, but Rias's eyes sparkled with pride. Draconis was her peerage member—his strength was her glory, something no one else could claim.
Suddenly, a crushing pressure descended. The air thickened, every heartbeat slowed, and discomfort settled over the group like a suffocating blanket.
They looked up. The sky had darkened—space itself twisted, night falling in an instant. High overhead, a full moon hung, and against its pale glow, a lone figure floated, radiating silent menace.
A man—a fallen angel.
Ten black wings unfurled behind him. Five pairs. Ten wings.
A ten-winged fallen angel.
He looked young, dressed in ornate robes, but the way he stared down at them—smirk curling his lips—spoke of centuries of arrogance.
"First time we've met, isn't it, daughter of Gremory? That flaming red hair reminds me of your detestable brother. Disgusting. Makes me want to gag."
His words dripped with disdain, as if he'd spent his life looking down on everyone else. He didn't even acknowledge Draconis or the others.
"Kokabiel," Rias murmured, her voice icy. "One of the Fallen Angel cadre…"
She straightened, cold and proud. "Remember my name. I am Rias Gremory."
She hated being called 'the Gremory daughter'—she made that clear, warning him off.
"You may not understand," she continued, "so let me explain: my family's ties to the Demon Kings are both close and distant. If you're after me for politics, you're wasting your time."
Kokabiel laughed, sharp and dismissive. "Negotiate with the Demon Kings? Please. But maybe if I play with his little sister first, then kill her, I'll get him riled up. Make him come after me. Sounds fun, doesn't it?"
He didn't bother hiding his filth—fallen angels rarely did.
Draconis just stared, silent. If he had the chance, he'd cut Kokabiel down without a second thought. But right now, he wasn't strong enough.
Rias met Kokabiel's gaze, fearless. "Keep your twisted fantasies in check. Why are you here? I'm not someone you can push around."
She'd already pegged him for trouble, and she wasn't about to play nice.
Kokabiel answered, almost gleeful. "I'm going to turn Kuoh Academy into the center of chaos. That should get Sirzechs moving, right?"
His eyes burned with fanaticism, as if he was desperate for the Demon King to appear.
"You're not worried about sparking another war between fallen angels and devils?" Rias demanded, her face darkening.
Kokabiel just laughed—a wild, unhinged sound. "That's exactly what I want!"
His smile twisted into something manic. "I thought stealing the Holy Swords would make Michael attack me, but he just sent a few lackeys to die. Boring! So now I'll stir up trouble here, drag Lucifer and Leviathan out."
Everyone was stunned.
Draconis tilted his head, studying Kokabiel. He looked young, but Draconis knew better—this was an ancient monster, straight out of scripture.
Who'd have guessed he was a complete lunatic?
"Damn warmonger," Rias muttered, unable to hide her disgust. She hadn't expected Kokabiel's motive to be so simple—he wanted war for war's sake.
Kokabiel was delighted by her outrage. "You're absolutely right! Ever since the Three Factions ended their war, I've been bored out of my mind. Why stop fighting? Isn't it better to keep going?"
Akeno, standing close to Draconis, whispered, "He's insane."
Draconis could only agree. The guy floating above had a few screws loose.
He leaned toward Akeno. "Let the Demon Kings know what we're dealing with."
She nodded, understanding.
Kokabiel's plan was obvious—a brazen provocation, forcing Lucifer to intervene. Draconis suspected Kokabiel had some trump card, something that let him act so recklessly.
But as long as Sirzechs was informed, Draconis trusted the Demon King would find a way to handle this.
That thought settled his nerves. All he had to do was protect everyone until help arrived.
Just then, a massive surge of energy erupted from the direction of Kuoh Academy.
A pillar of light shot into the sky, tearing through the warped night, sending a shockwave through the air.
"…Holy Swords," Rias breathed, exchanging a worried glance with Sona.
Kokabiel grinned. "Looks like Balba's research finally paid off. I had my doubts when he asked to join me, but it seems he's delivered after all."
He vanished, heading straight for the school.
Rias's voice was sharp, urgent. "Quick, we need to get to the academy!"
—
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