Ryuichi never believed in holding himself back.The moment he sensed the Fallen Angel's murderous intent, he was already wondering whether he could kill her first—and his mouth was every bit as sharp as his thoughts.
His blunt words made the Fallen Angel's pupils flare like a predator's. She looked ready to tear him apart."Just a lowly Devil, and you dare mock me!?"
Her fury boiled over. A barrier of light spread across the street, isolating them from the world. She raised her hand; a spear of pure radiance formed in her grip and hurtled toward him.
But this time, Ryuichi wasn't the same helpless target he'd been the last time he faced one of her kind.The path of the spear traced itself clearly in his eyes. What had once been impossible to dodge now felt almost slow.
He kicked off the ground and flipped backward more than ten meters, landing smoothly as the Light Spear struck the pavement.The explosion ripped apart the sidewalk planters on both sides, scattering soil and branches everywhere.
So she's not that strong after all.Stronger than the Fallen Angel he'd slain a few days ago, yes—but he was a Devil now, and with the power of his Sacred Gear he could fight on equal footing.
Ryuichi recalled Rias's warning:
"You're a Devil now. Human rules no longer apply to you. If anyone shows intent to kill, strike first and strike without mercy. That's the world we live in."
A sharp light filled his eyes. A silver sword flashed into being—its blade gleamed with regal brilliance as he gripped it tightly.
In the next instant his body vanished. The speed was inhuman—no, it was the power of a Knight-class piece awakening within him. Two Knight pieces reinforced his body; even as a newly reborn low-class Devil, his speed was terrifying.
The Fallen Angel—Belgunor, once a high-ranking angel—gasped. "What—!?"
An icy sting ran across her throat, pure instinct forcing her to bend backward. The boy appeared before her, his killing intent like a blade of its own. His sword missed by less than a hair.
Too close!She flipped backward several times, cold sweat breaking across her skin. I underestimated him!
Ryuichi pressed his advantage. His sword trailed a streak of silver light as it cleaved toward her neck.Metal rang—clang!—as her Light Spear blocked the strike. Sparks burst between them as they traded blows in rapid succession.
But after only a few clashes, Belgunor felt her spear start to waver. His raw strength wasn't overwhelming, yet that sword—whatever it was—magnified his power beyond reason.
Is that sword… a Sacred Gear I've never heard of?
Grinding her teeth, she flung him back with a burst of divine energy and spread her black wings, putting distance between them."Light Thorns!"
Golden barbs of light appeared behind her and launched forward like a storm of spears. Ryuichi's eyes narrowed; his skin prickled as if stabbed by a thousand needles. The danger was real.
He exploded into motion again, darting between the beams. But there were too many. One thorn grazed his leg—then pierced through it.
Pain flared so sharply that his whole body shuddered. It felt as though the agony burrowed straight into his bones.
Belgunor laughed. "What's wrong? I thought you were fast! Didn't anyone tell you? To a Devil like you, light is poison!"
Her mocking voice echoed through the night.Ryuichi said nothing. Blood trickled down his leg as he raised his sword again, his movements only slightly slower. His glare froze her in place.
He's still moving!? After being pierced by light?Impossible.
Every nerve in his body screamed, but the power of his Sacred Gear and his demonic regeneration fought to keep him standing. I can't last long, he realized. End this now.
He poured every drop of magic he had into the blade. A wave of pressure burst outward, pinning the Fallen Angel where she hovered.She tried to summon more thorns, but he charged straight through them, ignoring the pain.
He's insane! she thought. Does he mean to die with me!?
"Fine!" she screamed, wings flaring wide. "Let's see who dies first!"
The two powers collided—light and darkness flashing like twin storms.