Xenovia's grip on Excalibur Destruction tightened, her blue eyes narrowing as she studied me. "You're different from most devils I've fought."
I twirled Limit-Breaker in my hand, feeling the hum of holy power now coursing through my blade. Thanks to Blade Absorption, I was already beginning to integrate Excalibur Destruction's properties.
But I needed to push it further.
"I get that a lot," I replied, taking a relaxed stance.
Xenovia didn't waste time with more words. She lunged forward, swinging Excalibur Destruction with overwhelming force. The sheer power behind her attack sent a shockwave tearing through the training field.
I didn't dodge.
Instead, I met her attack head-on.
Our swords clashed in a blinding explosion of demonic and holy energy, the sheer impact shaking the ground beneath us. Sparks flew as our blades locked, neither of us willing to back down.
Then, my system pinged.
[Blade Absorption Progress: 80% → 100%]
• Excalibur Destruction's properties fully integrated.
• New Effect Unlocked: Titan's Edge.
• (Your swords can temporarily amplify their physical power to the level of a destruction-class weapon.)
A surge of power flooded through me. My blade, Limit-Breaker, began to glow with a faint golden aura, the very essence of Excalibur Destruction now infused within it.
Xenovia's eyes widened in surprise. "That's—"
I didn't let her finish.
I pushed forward, my newfound strength sending Excalibur Destruction flying backward. Xenovia staggered, struggling to maintain her balance.
I was no longer just keeping up.
I was overpowering her.
Xenovia recovered quickly, but I could see the flicker of shock in her expression. Her instincts told her she should have been stronger—but now, I was matching her blow for blow.
She adjusted her stance. "I don't know what kind of ability you're using… but I won't lose."
Her holy aura surged, and she launched herself at me once more.
This time, I activated Titan's Edge.
The moment our blades met, a massive shockwave erupted, far greater than before. The force tore through the ground, sending cracks through the stone beneath us. The air shimmered from the sheer energy radiating between us.
But I was ready.
Xenovia's strength was immense, but she was predictable. Her raw power gave her confidence in direct combat, but my mutated abilities gave me adaptability.
I vanished using Phantom Stride, reappearing at her blind spot. My blade lashed out in a precise arc—
CLANG!
At the last second, she managed to block, but the force of my attack sent her skidding backward. She dug her heels into the ground, eyes burning with determination.
"You're… absorbing my sword's power?" she asked, her breath coming faster.
I smirked. "Took you long enough to notice."
Xenovia let out a slow breath, then smiled. "Interesting."
The air between us grew thicker, charged with tension. Everyone watching—Issei, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Irina, even Sona and Tsubaki—could feel the shift in our battle.
This was the moment.
Both Xenovia and I charged at the same time, our blades glowing with raw power.
Her Excalibur Destruction, radiant and overwhelming.My Limit-Breaker, now infused with Titan's Edge.
The world seemed to slow as our blades met.
A blinding flash of gold and crimson erupted from the impact, and for a moment, everything was silent.
Then—
BOOM!
A massive explosion rocked the training ground. Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring everything from view.
For a few seconds, nothing moved.
Then the dust began to settle.
And as it did, only one of us was still standing.
Xenovia was on one knee, breathing heavily. Her grip on Excalibur Destruction had weakened, the greatsword buried in the dirt beside her.
I stood before her, Limit-Breaker resting on my shoulder, my body still humming with the remnants of Titan's Edge.
I had won.
For a long moment, Xenovia simply stared at me, her expression unreadable. Then, to my surprise, she laughed.
"Hah… I see now," she said, shaking her head. "You're no ordinary swordsman."
I sheathed my blade, exhaling. "I told you."
Xenovia rose to her feet, dusting herself off. "If I had held nothing back from the start, the outcome might have been different."
I smirked. "Maybe. But I still would've adapted."
She tilted her head, then nodded. "That's what makes you dangerous."
As I turned to leave the training field, I caught Rias's expression—part pride, part curiosity.
She had seen my growth firsthand. And I could tell she was starting to suspect that my power was more than just natural talent.
Akeno approached with a smile. "Ara~ that was quite the show, Yuuto-kun."
Koneko munched on a snack. "You're scary."
Issei, meanwhile, looked completely shocked. "Dude. That was insane. How the hell did you get that strong?!"
I shrugged. "Training."
Not a lie, but not the whole truth either.
Before anyone could press me further, Sona's voice cut through the air. "As impressive as that fight was, we have bigger problems."
Everyone turned to her.
Tsubaki stepped forward. "We've confirmed it. The rogue exorcists aren't acting alone. Someone is leading them."
Rias frowned. "Who?"
Sona's expression darkened.
"Valper Galilei."
A heavy silence fell over the group.
Of course. If the Excalibur Arc was already starting, then Valper—the former Church scientist responsible for experimenting on Holy Sword users—was already making his move.
Which meant…
"Kokabiel is coming," I murmured.
Rias's eyes flickered with concern. "You think so?"
I nodded. "If Valper is involved, that means he's trying to fuse the Excalibur fragments. And if he's doing that, then Kokabiel won't be far behind."
Xenovia clenched her fists. "That Fallen Angel bastard…"
Irina's expression was grim. "If Kokabiel is truly coming here, we don't stand a chance. He's on an entirely different level."
Issei gulped. "W-We can't seriously fight a guy like that, right?"
I remained silent.
I knew how this battle originally played out. Kokabiel was a monster—one of the strongest Fallen Angels, capable of wiping out entire cities if he wanted.
But this time?
I wasn't the same Kiba Yuuto from the original story.
I had mutations.
I had Blade Absorption.
I had Titan's Edge.
And I had no intention of running.
I met Rias's gaze. "Then we'll just have to get stronger."
Rias studied me for a moment, then smiled. "Agreed."