Kuoh Academy.
The sounds of the battle between the demon dragon and the hero of justice echoed throughout the area, diluting its absolute silence. The black and white light of Emiya's blades clashed with the white and blue light of Vali's fists and wings. Their silhouettes darted from side to side, accompanied by flashes from the clashes of their weapons and making the battle look like a movie.
Vali was strong and knew how to fight, if I do say so. He used his advantage of flight and sharp lunges towards Archer, relying on his superior strength.
Emiya, on the other hand, realizing that it was a bit difficult for him to reach Vali in the sky, switched to his bow from time to time. The suicidal swordsmanship technique Archer was famous for, leaving open spots in his stance, worked just as well.
All because both Vali and Emiya were used to fighting a stronger opponent. Archer would deliberately lure the enemy to attack his weaknesses and then counterattack. And Vali was used to taking every opportunity to overpower his opponent.
In the end, it all boiled down to each of them trying to outplay their opponent. Of course, Archer is stronger and could have just projected Balmung or Ascalon and then solve everything quickly, but he didn't. I understand he wanted to test himself after training with Grandfather.
But it was safe to say that both Emiya and Vali were enjoying the fight, judging from their satisfied smirks. Even when they missed their opponent's punch, the fight didn't stop, but became more and more intense. And all this was being watched by me and the faction representatives in the same half-destroyed room.
- Amazing..." Zenobia murmured, her eyes fixed on the battle.
- Indeed," Griselda nodded, "At first I thought this Archer was an amateur, but now I see the point. To make you let your guard down and take advantage of it. Impressive.
- Ro-tan, who is Archer? I don't remember any heroes named "Emiya." - Serafall asked, and the others nodded. Except, of course, Gabriel.
- Sister? - Michael asked her.
- His soul... It has a lot of light and... fire... - Gabriel muttered in an unsure tone - A wasteland filled with weapons... But I can feel life there. Bright and blooming, as if he had found what he was looking for. And relatively recently...
I grinned.
From what I understand, she possesses 'Clear Eyes', showing the true essence. Interesting that she mentioned the life and the find. The life in his Soul Mirror? Obviously it was because of his encounter with Artoria and Medusa. After-all, they were his light, as were Rin, Sakura, Luvia, and Illya. Speaking of which, maybe I should summon one of them? It would definitely be fun with Ishtar. Especially Gilgamesh.
- The Throne of Heroes is outside of time and space. Hence, it's quite possible to summon a hero from the future," I said.
- But where did he get the Hrunting? Didn't it belong to Beowulf? - Sirzechs asked.
- Magic," I said, waving my hands apart in a cute rainbow, and his eyebrow twitched. "And by the way, there's something you want to ask me. I can see it on your face.
- Ah..." he sighed tiredly, and Serafall and Greyfia glanced at him briefly - What are your plans for the Underworld? Sona has already told me that you have no interest in ruling or anything else, but still.
- What about him? Don't tell me they're pressuring you and want to start a war against me.
- In general terms," he admitted tiredly, "They're scared. Scared that you will destroy the foundations of antiquity. The Council is very old, Romani-san, and they don't like change.
- Disgusting," Katerea's face wrinkled, "Even with all your power, you are still a pawn, Gremory. So useless and pathetic. You're their dog on a leash, and you're fine with that.
- Don't insult my brother, traitor! - Rias shouted and clenched her fists, "He's trying to keep the peace while you've been doing the opposite! If you were him, you'd just cause bloodshed and the Underworld would be plunged back into civil war!
- Rias! - Sona shouted to her friend, but she didn't listen.
- He is the best ruler there can be! - Rias finished her tirade, pointing her finger at Katerea.
- That may be so," Katerea replied calmly, "And you are indeed right, I would shed blood, but only of the council. Their time has passed. Yes, there would have been unrest, but it would have subsided quickly. The Underworld would have welcomed a future that would not cling to the past. That's why your brother is useless. He only considers the short term, preferring to just go with the flow and keep quiet for a rag.
Sirzechs's face didn't change much at her words. But his gaze became more analytical and intrigued. He watched Katerea carefully, as if looking for signs of lying or vanity.
- You-" Rias growled, and a black and scarlet aura appeared around her.
- Rias, be quiet. - Sirzechs said calmly, causing her eyes to widen. And not just her, but everyone here, since everyone knows about her love for her sister.
- But-" she wanted to object, but Sirzechs interrupted her.
- Quiet," he said in the same tone, and then looked at me, "And what do you think about it, Solomon reincarnated? Do you agree with Lady Leviathan's words?
- Honestly? - I asked, to which he nodded briefly - I have no idea. Katerea's idea makes sense, but not really. You can't eliminate them simply because by doing so, you would severely weaken the Underworld. At least for now. But if you bide your time, let the young sprouts bloom, it's doable. You probably already know that, though.
In response to my words, he hesitated, as did the rest of the demons. As far as I'm concerned, their age is over. The Council of Elders is no longer needed by the Underworld. Too many underground stones and an unnecessary branch in the power structure. Without them, things would be simpler and faster.
- What about you? - I looked at Michael, to which he first nodded to himself and then glanced back at me.
- I take it you still have the rings with you? - he asked.
I only smiled briefly in response.
-0-
Serafall watched the Magician's actions carefully, as-as he commanded the Archer who was in charge of her sister's training, and was also the reincarnation of the one who commanded the demons unconditionally.
Romani placed the cup on the table and slowly raised his hands for all to see. In a brief flash of light, the gloves on them disappeared, revealing bare fingers. And after another flash, the conference room lit up with golden light. An aura of the same color filled the space.
Serafall became alert and was ready to rush to protect Sona from the holy light. She intended to save her sister, even at the cost of her own life if necessary. But she stopped suddenly.
She felt no burn or pain - just... warmth. Pleasant and light, like the rays of the sun on a cold day. It calmed Serafall's mind and relaxed her body. It made Serafall feel safe, as if the pain would never come.
How strange...
Just that thought swirled around in her head as the aura emanating from Romani touched her. Serafall slowly turned towards the Magician and saw ten golden glowing rings on his fingers. They pulsed with a power and holiness that Serafoll had never felt before. To her eyes, these simple looking rings looked so mesmerizing, like a beautiful cut diamond among a pile of roadside stones.
It all brought her mind to a stupor.
How could such holy power feel so pleasant?
To this question she could find no answer. Glancing toward the archangels, she saw the tear-streaked faces of Michael and Gabriel staring unblinkingly at the rings.
- Father..." whispered Gabriel, tears streaming from her eyes.
- It's... overwhelming..." Azazel muttered.
- I see," Michael said in a mesmerized tone, "I guess you're not planning to lead Heaven, Romani-san?
- Nope.
- Then... Do you mind if we seek your advice from time to time? - He continued, to which the Magician raised an eyebrow.
- 'You do realize that I'm basically a Pseudo-Slug, and the standard rings with me, right?
- Yes," Michael nodded, and then smiled, "I also realize that only someone who is spiritually close to the very Servant he merged with can become a Pseudo-Servant. Aren't those your words, Romani-san?
Suddenly, a crazy idea came into Serafall's mind to become one of the Magician's women, because that way, he would support the demons through her. If he had adopted some of the character traits of the original Solomon, having many women was normal, wasn't it? Besides, he had always treated them with respect.
And that was the question that began to grate on Serafall's mind as she weighed the pros and cons of the idea.
-0-
- Suit yourself," I shrugged and contacted Emiya, "Wrap it up, it's time to go home.
Archer outside blocked Vali's blow and jumped aside, the swords in his hands disappearing.
- Exhausted already, hero? - Vali asked, watching Archer's actions.
- Not quite," Emiya grinned and raised a hand to her side.
A second later, a red ball of energy glowed in it and began to stretch. The next moment, the energy dissipated, revealing Gae Bolg.
- A spear? - Vali raised an eyebrow, and the students became wary upon seeing the weapon.
- Master ordered to finish it, so...'' Archer said and began to infuse mana into the spear, causing it to glow ominously and its aura filled with bloodlust covered the area.
- What's with the ominous aura! - Someone shouted from behind me, but I was no longer interested in who it was.
- Gae Bolg! - Emiya shouted, and the spear flew out of his hand with the speed of a bullet, turning into a scarlet beam. Its waves of power blew away the nearest critters and made a mess of his hair.
- Gae Bolg?!
- The spear of the son of Lugh?!
- Where did he get it from?!
Seeing the spear flying towards him, Vali began to wiggle from side to side, trying to dodge, but the scarlet beam pursued him relentlessly.
- It's useless," Archer said smugly, watching the maneuvers in the air, "The spear rewrites causality. And until it reaches your heart, Gae Bolg will not stop.
At his words, the eyes of those present widened, and they themselves grew wary, gazing warily at the scarlet death ray that stalked Vali.
- In that case! - Vali stopped dodging and prepared to take the blow.
BOOM
A deafening explosion sounded, stunning some and creating a cloud of smoke. And when it cleared, a very battered Vali showed up. His helmet and one wing shattered. His entire armor was covered in cracks and blood was running down his face. His right eye was bleeding, turning the sclera a scarlet color. He was holding onto his right arm, from which the armor had come off, and which hung like a rag.
- Impressive... But I'm not done yet," Vali muttered and began to activate the Juggernaut Drive, "I'm the one who-
- Vali! - interrupted someone from below, and when I looked over there, I saw someone dressed in oriental armor. And behind him stood Arthur and Le Fei, who, seeing me, nodded briefly in my direction- Let's leave.
- A descendant of Sun Wukong? - Azazel raised an eyebrow.
- Tch," he tsked, and then looked at Archer and me, "I'll win next time, hero of antiquity. And I will surely crush you, reincarnation of Solomon.
- I look forward to it," Emiya replied with a cheeky smile.
- Yeah, good luck. - I shrugged my shoulders.
In the next moment, Vali, Biko, Arthur, and Le Fei disappeared, and the neighborhood returned to quiet and order. Except for the academy, which had been turned into a ruin. What about me? Well.
- As long as we're done, I'll take my leave," I said, and teleported Archer back to my place, "Don't look for me unless it's something serious. I'll sleep for a day or two.
- Hey!" shouted Sona, "What about work! You haven't been to the academy in who knows how many days!
- Bye-bye.
- Come back- - she wanted to object, but we had already disappeared from the academy, back to Emiya's residence.
Well, that went pretty well, huh?
-0-
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