Issei pov
Night had already swallowed Kuoh Town when we reached the abandoned church.
The streetlights flickered weakly.
Buzz… flicker…
The closer we got, the heavier the air became. A cold pressure pressed against my chest, making my breath uneven.
"…This presence," Kiba said quietly, his eyes sharp. "A Fallen Angel is definitely inside."
Koneko nodded once. "It's strong."
I swallowed hard but clenched my fists. "Then there's no turning back."
Inside the Church
The wooden doors creaked as we pushed them open.
Creeeek—
Candlelight illuminated the sanctuary. Rows of pews stood in eerie silence, and at the front was the altar. At first glance, it looked normal.
Then I saw it.
The statue on the cross had its head destroyed.
"…That's messed up," I muttered.
Clap… clap… clap…
Slow applause echoed through the church.
A white-haired priest stepped out from behind a pillar, smiling like he had been waiting for us.
"Ohhh~ meeting again!" he sang cheerfully. "How emotional!"
My teeth clenched. "You… Where is Asia?!"
The priest laughed loudly. "Relax~ She's just downstairs. Under the altar, actually."
Koneko's eyes narrowed. "He's too confident."
A blade of light formed in the priest's hand and Kiba instantly drew his sword. "Issei, Koneko—be ready."
"Yeah!" I shouted.
Without warning, Koneko grabbed an entire bench and throw it towards that bastered.
WHOOSH!
The bench flew straight at the priest.
"Ha ha ha ~!" he laughed.
SHHHK!
The light blade sliced the bench in half midair.
At the same moment—
SWISH!
Kiba vanished.
CLANG!
Sparks exploded as Kiba's sword collided with the blade of light.
"So fast!" I gasped.
The priest laughed even as he blocked. "You're fun! I like you!"
Kiba's voice turned cold. "Then let's get serious."
Darkness spread across his blade.
CRACKLE…
The light began to distort.
"W-What is that?!" the priest shouted.
"Holy-Eraser," Kiba said. "A sword that devours light."
The light blade dissolved.
"Sacred Gear?!" the priest yelled in shock.
That was my chance.
"Sacred Gear—activate!"
SHING!
The red gauntlet formed on my arm.
"Promotion—Rook!"
BOOM!
A bullet of light hit me and shattered instantly.
"What?!" the priest's eyes widened.
I rushed forward.
THUD!
"THAT'S FOR ASIA!" My fist smashed into his face.
CRASH!
He flew backward, skidding across the floor.
He slowly stood up, blood dripping from his mouth, eyes burning with madness.
"You little shiiit…!" Suddenly blinding light exploded.
"Smoke screen!" Kiba shouted.
When my vision cleared, the priest was gone.
His laughter echoed faintly. "I'll kill you next time, Ise-kun~!"
"Move!" Kiba and three of us moved towards the basement.
We rushed to the altar and opened the hidden staircase.
CLACK—
We ran down into the basement.
At the far end— "Isesi?"
"Asia!" I shouted. "I'm here!" She was bound to a cross, tears forming in her eyes.
Before we could reach her—
WHOOSH—!
Dark wings spread across the room.
Raynare stepped forward, smiling cruelly. "You're too late." She said and formed multiple light spears. My heart pounded with fear butvthen a huge explosion sounded.
BOOOOOOM!
The entire chamber shook.
A massive magic circle flared.
"Touch my servant again," a calm but furious voice echoed, "and you die."
FWOOOSH!
Rias Gremory appeared, her crimson power flooding the room.
Raynare froze.
"…Rias Gremory." Rias's eyes glowed coldly. "This ends now." Akano also come from the magic circle and blood was on her face but I know in my heart this was not hers. I exhaled sharply and relax.