As the fight wore on, Ethan realized something infuriating.
He glanced at the other battles. Sirzechs, Serafall, Michael, and Shemhaza were all "struggling," but it looked fake as hell. These old foxes were holding back at least 30% of their power, guarding against each other even while fighting a common enemy. Even Serafall, who was "bleeding," was clearly putting on a show for Sona to make her sister care more.
These old bastards are all actors! Ethan grumbled.
Vali, sensing Ethan's distraction, slammed a fist into Ethan's chest. "Is this it? Where is your 'Balance Breaker'? Maybe I should kill your precious girls to give you the push you need?"
Ethan's eyes went cold. But before he could explode, the "acting" Satans suddenly turned up the heat. The moment Vali threatened the girls, Sirzechs and Serafall's auras became suffocating. The "rats" they were fighting—Zorga and Katereia—suddenly realized they were in a death trap.
Vali felt the pressure too. He wasn't stupid; he knew if he actually touched Rias, he'd be erased from existence by the two Satans. He refocused on Ethan. "I admit, you're strong for someone who's only been at this for a year. But if you can't go beyond this, you die."
The two dragons clashed again. CLANG!
Ethan's Boosted Gear shrieked as it was halved again. At that moment, his Berserk state wore off, leaving him vulnerable. Vali's claw punched through Ethan's defense, delivering a heavy blow to his solar plexus.
Ethan spiraled downward, but he didn't hit the ground. He was caught in the soft, warm embrace of Rias and Akeno.
"Ethan! Are you okay?"
Ethan spat out a mouthful of blood and stood up, leaning against Rias's soft breasts. "I'm fine... but I need a little help from you girls."
Trying to beat Vali at SSS-rank while he was in Balance Breaker was a fool's errand. It was time to use the real power of the Red Dragon Emperor.
Ancient, glowing chain patterns appeared on Ethan's neck. Thin lines of blue light shot out, connecting him to Rias, Akeno, and Raynare.
"Don't hold back," Ethan whispered, his eyes glowing with an eerie light. "Give me everything."
As the three girls blushed, feeling their energy being forcibly synchronized with his, Ethan's aura began to swell. He didn't need a "soul-bond" with a dragon to reach the next level. He had his own way to "boost."