Arthur, Josuke, and Ace launched their attack, their weapons cutting through the air toward the devil. Just as they were about to land their strikes, the devil vanished in an instant. Before they could react, it reappeared behind them, delivering a devastating blow that sent the three of them crashing into the stone pillars of the abandoned church. Their stealth mode flickered and failed, rendering them fully visible.
Above, Hinata and Lily found themselves similarly outmatched. The devil moved with unnatural speed, appearing before them in a blur. They barely had time to raise their weapons before they were struck, their bodies hurtling to the ground below. Josuke and Arthur sprinted forward, catching the two before they could hit the floor. Ace, shaken but standing, stared in disbelief.
"How…how is it this fast?" he muttered, gripping his axe tighter.
The devil stood in the center of the carnage, chuckling darkly. Its voice reverberated through the crumbling walls of the church. "Welcome, Rangers," it mocked. "Did you really think it would be that easy? Honestly, I'm relieved. The two I was worried about didn't show up. You all will make perfect meal."
It licked its lips, its grotesque form shifting slightly. "It's been so long since I've tasted Rangers. And your mana…so rich, so tempting. Especially the girls I'll Torture you and make you beg for death then I'll eat you alive. I can't wait to savor every bit."
Its gaze fell on Josuke, and for a moment, its expression shifted from smug amusement to confusion. "But you…" It squinted, its red eyes narrowing. "Your aura…it's different. Both human and devil. But not just any devil a higher rank."
Before anyone could react, the devil moved again, faster than lightning. It seized Josuke by the face, lifting him off the ground with one hand. With a sadistic grin, it hurled him through the church wall and into the dark forest beyond. The sound of crashing trees echoed as Josuke's body skidded to a stop, carving a path through the underbrush.
The devil leaped after him, leaving Arthur, Ace, and the others to fend off a wave of possessed humans that now swarmed the church. Each of the possessed fought with the ferocity and strength of trained warriors, forcing the team into a desperate battle.
Elder Quarters: A Gamble of Faith
Back at the Elders' Quarters, the tension was palpable. The massive Japanese-style building was now sealed tight, a nullification barrier preventing any outside interference. Kyle and Maya stood before the council, surrounded by the commanders of Units 2, 4, 6, and 8, who were observing the unfolding events through a scrying crystal.
The images of their team's struggle flickered before them. Maya clenched her fists, her heart racing as she watched her comrades being overwhelmed. "Kyle, they're struggling! We need to do something!" she whispered urgently.
But Kyle remained calm, a sly grin on his face. His gaze was fixed on the crystal. "So, this was your plan all along," he said, addressing the Elders. "Send children to their deaths because they threaten the so-called 'balance' you're so desperate to maintain honestly you're all just cowards."
One of the Elders, his face stern and unyielding, scoffed. "You speak out of turn, Commander Kyle. Do you honestly believe these children can defeat an A-rank devil? They are tools, expendable for the greater good."
Kyle chuckled, his laugh echoing through the hall. "Oh, is that what you think?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Let me tell you something. Those 'children' you so casually dismiss? I trained them myself. I know their strengths, their limits and their potential. Especially Josuke. That kid's potential alone could shatter your precious 'balance.'"
The room fell silent, save for the murmuring of the other commanders. The Elders exchanged wary glances. One of them finally spoke, his voice laced with doubt. "You believe they can defeat an A-rank devil? Even without their Fullbringers?"
Kyle's grin widened. "I'm not just betting on it. I'm guaranteeing it. Watch closely, Elders. You're about to witness something far beyond your comprehension."
The crystal showed Josuke standing in the forest, his aura pulsing wildly. The devil circled him, its eyes gleaming with anticipation. The battle was far from over, and the real fight was just beginning.
The Elder who had doubted Kyle smirked. "Let's see if your gamble pays off, Commander."