Grayfia's eyes widened slightly as Issei's gauntlet glowed with an intense crimson light. The energy swirled around him, concentrating into a single point. "TRANSFER!" Issei shouted, his voice echoing through the forest.
The surge of power hit me like a tidal wave, flooding my body with an incredible amount of energy. My golden aura blazed brighter than ever, the purple sparks of the avenger's aura intensifying. I felt my strength multiply several times over, my muscles vibrating with raw power.
Kousei:time for round two
I said, a small smirk playing on my lips.
Grayfia's expression hardened.
Grayfia:So, you've decided to prolong this
she said, her voice cold and unwavering.
Grayfia:very well. I will end this quickly.
Without wasting a moment, I lunged at her with newfound speed and power. My fist, now encased in a golden glow, moved like a lightning bolt, aiming straight for her chest. Grayfia barely had time to react, her eyes widening in surprise as she raised her arms to block. The impact created a shockwave, sending ripples through the air and cracking the ground beneath us.
She slid back several feet, her heels digging into the earth. I didn't let up, following up with a barrage of punches, each one infused with the energy Issei had transferred to me. Grayfia countered with a flurry of her own strikes, her ice-coated fists clashing with my golden ones. The forest around us trembled from the sheer force of our blows.
Grayfia's movements were still incredibly fast and precise, but I could see a slight hesitation in her eyes. She wasn't expecting this level of power from me. I used that moment of hesitation to my advantage, ducking under one of her punches and delivering a powerful uppercut to her jaw. She staggered back, a look of shock crossing her face.
Kousei:you're not the only one with tricks up your sleeve
I said, my voice filled with determination.
Grayfia wiped a trickle of blood from her lip, her eyes narrowing.
Grayfia:impressive, but it won't be enough.
She unleashed a massive burst of ice magic, creating a blizzard around us. The freezing wind howled, and shards of ice flew towards me like daggers. I activated my Qi barrier, the golden light surrounding me deflecting most of the shards. But Grayfia was relentless, her attacks becoming more ferocious.
I focused, channeling all my Qi into my fists.
"Divine Thunder Strike!"
I shouted, my voice echoing through the storm. Lightning crackled around my hands, mixing with the golden aura. I launched myself at Grayfia, my fist glowing with electric energy.
The punch connected with her midsection, and the lightning exploded on impact. Grayfia cried out, her body convulsing as the electric current surged through her. She stumbled back, her ice magic flickering for a moment.
Not giving her a chance to recover, I followed up with another technique.
"Void Breaker Slash!"
I roared, swinging my sword with all my might. The blade, now infused with an immense amount of Qi, sliced through the air, creating a rift that tore through reality itself.
Grayfia barely managed to dodge, the rift grazing her side. She winced, a deep cut appearing on her arm. But she quickly regained her composure, her eyes blazing with determination. "Enough!" she shouted, summoning all her remaining power.
A massive wave of ice magic surged towards me, freezing everything in its path. I braced myself, crossing my arms in front of me. The ice hit me like a freight train, the cold seeping into my bones. But I stood my ground, pushing back with all my strength.
"ISSEI, NOW!" I yelled again, calling for another transfer.
Issei, who had been gathering energy, responded immediately.
"TRANSFER!"
he shouted, sending another wave of energy into me. My power soared once more, my aura blazing with even greater intensity.
With a roar, I broke through the ice, shattering it into a million pieces. Grayfia's eyes widened in shock as I closed the distance between us in an instant. I delivered a powerful punch to her midsection, lifting her off the ground. She gasped, the wind knocked out of her.
I didn't let up, following up with a rapid series of punches and kicks, each one landing with devastating force. Grayfia tried to counter, but my speed and power were overwhelming. I could see her struggling to keep up, her movements becoming slower and more desperate.
Finally, I gathered all my remaining energy into one final attack.
Kousei:this ends now!
I shouted, my voice filled with determination.
"Cosmic Veil!"
I activated the technique, my body glowing with an ethereal light.
Grayfia's eyes widened in realization as I launched myself at her. My fist, now surrounded by a shimmering veil of cosmic energy, struck her with the force of a supernova. The impact created a massive explosion, the shockwave flattening the forest around us.
Grayfia was sent flying, crashing into the ground with a thunderous impact. She lay there, her body battered and bruised, struggling to get up. I stood over her, my breathing heavy but triumphant.
"It's over," I said, my voice firm. "You've lost."
Grayfia looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and respect.
Grayfia:you... you are truly remarkable
she said, her voice weak.
Grayfia:But remember, this is only the beginning.
With that, she closed her eyes and fell unconscious. I took a deep breath, my body aching from the intense battle. But I knew I had won. I had faced one of the strongest beings in the underworld and emerged victorious.
I turned to Issei, who was watching with a mixture of awe and relief.
Kousei:We did it, bro
I said, giving him a thumbs up.
Kousei:We really did it.
Issei grinned, his energy slowly returning.
Issei:Yeah, we did. That was one hell of a fight.
As I helped him to his feet, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. We had faced incredible odds and come out on top. And I knew that this was only the beginning of our journey. There were still many challenges ahead, but I was ready to face them head-on.
Timeskip
Grayfia, battered and bruised, limped through the grand halls of her husband Sirzechs' residence. The weight of her injuries made each step a monumental effort. Sirzechs, sensing her presence, rushed to her side, his usually calm demeanor replaced with concern.
Sirzechs:Grayfia... damn, were they really that strong?
Sirzechs asked, his voice filled with both disbelief and worry.
Grayfia collapsed onto the couch, her body trembling from the exertion. Sirzechs immediately began to channel his healing magic, a soft glow emanating from his hands as he worked to mend her wounds.
Grayfia:The Horizon Avenger and Red Dragon Emperor... they're both incredible,
Grayfia said, her voice weak but resolute.
Grayfia:To think they're still kids... but the Horizon Avenger, well... he was very strong at first, but I was still stronger. He fled, but came back even stronger than before. I was able to still best him until he received a transfer from the Red Dragon Emperor. That boost was... unlike anything I've ever faced.
Sirzechs nodded thoughtfully, his eyes focused on her injuries as he continued his healing efforts.
Sirzechs:It's astounding that they possess such power at their age. But at least now, the plan was a success.
Grayfia managed a weak smile.
Grayfia:Yes, the plan. Allowing them to decimate the Naberius clan was a calculated risk. I just hope it doesn't come back to haunt us.
Sirzechs sighed, his face showing a mix of relief and concern.
Sirzechs:When the Devil Council used me to allow the Naberius clan to slaughter the Nekoushou village, I knew we needed a countermeasure. Thanks to Azazel Allowing the Horizon Avenger and Red Dragon Emperor to intervene was the best course of action. It created the chaos we needed.
Grayfia's eyes closed as she leaned back, letting Sirzechs' healing magic soothe her battered body.
Grayfia:Sending me in to try and stop them was part of the plan, but I didn't expect them to be so... relentless. They escaped, but not without leaving a mark.
Sirzechs finished his healing, the glow fading as he sat back, deep in thought.
Sirzechs:The Devil Council will undoubtedly try to order them as criminals. But we have our story ready. We'll claim they were sent by the Shinto faction. Their proficiency in using Qi will support that narrative.
Grayfia nodded, her eyes opening slightly.
Grayfia:We'll argue that the Horizon Avenger and Red Dragon Emperor came to stop the Naberius clan's actions because it could have led to war. The Shinto faction has always been protective of the Yokai, and the Nekoushous are part of that.
Sirzechs leaned forward, his expression serious.
Sirzechs:It's a risky move, but it's the best way to deflect the Council's anger and suspicion. By framing it as an intervention from the Shinto faction, we can shift the blame away from us. The Council might not like it, but they'll have to accept it.
Grayfia's lips curled into a faint smile.
Grayfia:And in the meantime, we keep an eye on the Horizon Avenger and Red Dragon Emperor. Their power is too great to ignore. If they can be allies, we should consider it
Sirzechs nodded, his eyes thoughtful.
Sirzechs:Indeed. They could be invaluable. But for now, we need to ensure our story holds. The Council must believe that the Shinto faction was behind this.
Grayfia closed her eyes again, exhaustion overtaking her.
Grayfia:Let's hope it works. The alternative... is too dangerous to consider.
Sirzechs placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his expression softening.
Sirzechs:rest now, Grayfia. You've done more than enough. We'll handle the rest.
As Grayfia drifted into a much-needed sleep, Sirzechs rose, his mind already racing with the next steps of their plan. The Horizon Avenger and Red Dragon Emperor had proven themselves formidable, and their actions had set the stage for a new political maneuver. Now, it was up to Sirzechs to navigate the treacherous waters of the Devil Council and ensure that their narrative held strong.
The fate of the Nekoushous and the balance of power in the underworld depended on it
Meanwhile
Issei sat in Azazel's home, his fists clenched in frustration. He looked over at Kousei, who lay on a makeshift bed, breathing shallowly. Despite the healing techniques and pills they had used, Kousei was still in bad shape, having pushed himself far beyond his body's limits. The sight of his brother in such a state made Issei's blood boil.
Azazel entered the room, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with concern.
Azazel:Issei, how are you holding up?
he asked, his eyes flicking to Kousei.
Issei gritted his teeth.
Issei:i'm fine, Azazel. But look at Kousei. He gave everything in that fight, and now he's barely hanging on. I should have been stronger. I should have been able to protect him.
Azazel nodded, understanding the weight of Issei's words.
Azazel:You both did incredibly well, considering the odds you were up against. Grayfia is no ordinary opponent. The fact that you managed to hold your own against her is a testament to your strength and determination.
Issei shook his head, his frustration evident.
Issei:But it wasn't enough. She nearly killed him. If it wasn't for that transfer, we would have been finished. I need to get stronger, Azazel. I can't let this happen again.
Azazel placed a hand on Issei's shoulder.
Azazel:You're already on the right path, Issei. Your training, your resolve, they're all leading you to become the warrior you want to be. But you also need to recognize that battles aren't just about brute strength. Strategy, teamwork, and knowing when to fight and when to retreat are just as important.
Issei sighed, looking down at his hands.
Issei:I know. It's just hard to accept. I felt so useless, watching Kousei push himself to the brink while I could barely keep up. I want to be able to stand by his side, not just as his comrade, but as his equal.
Azazel smiled faintly.
Azazel:You will, Issei. It takes time and experience. Every battle teaches you something new. Use this as motivation to push yourself even harder. And remember, Kousei doesn't see you as a burden. He sees you as his brother, his partner in all of this.
Issei looked over at Kousei, his expression softening.
Issei:I know he does. And that's why it hurts so much to see him like this. I can't let him down. We have to keep getting stronger, together.
Azazel nodded.
Azazel:And you will. But for now, focus on recovery. Both of you need to rest and heal. We'll figure out our next steps once you're both back to full strength.
Issei took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions within him.
Issei:You're right. We need to recover first. But once we do, I want to train harder than ever before. I want to be ready for whatever comes next.
Azazel's smile widened.
Azazel:That's the spirit, Issei. And I'll be here to help you every step of the way. We're in this together, and we'll make sure you both reach your full potential.
As they spoke, Kousei stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open. He looked at Issei, a weak smile forming on his lips.
Kousei:Hey, bro... you okay?
Issei moved quickly to his side, his expression softening.
Issei:I'm fine, Kousei. You need to rest. You really pushed yourself back there.
Kousei nodded weakly.
Kousei:Had to... couldn't let her win. But... I trust you, Issei. I know you'll get stronger. We'll face whatever comes next, together.
Issei felt a surge of determination.
Issei:You got it, Kousei. We'll get stronger, and we'll make sure no one ever threatens us or our friends again.
Kousei closed his eyes, the strain of the battle still evident in his features.
Kousei:Good... because there's a lot more to come. But I know we can handle it, as long as we're together.
Issei watched as Kousei drifted back into a restless sleep. He turned to Azazel, his resolve clear in his eyes.
Issei:We're going to get through this, and we're going to come out stronger on the other side. No matter what it takes.
Azazel nodded, his expression serious.
Azazel:I believe in you, Issei. Both of you. And I'll do everything in my power to help you achieve your goals. For now, focus on recovery. The future battles will come soon enough.
Issei sat back, the weight of their situation heavy on his shoulders. But he also felt a renewed sense of purpose. They had faced incredible odds and survived. Now, it was time to prepare for the next challenge, and this time, they would be ready.