Suddenly, Asia's field of vision was dyed crimson.
The arms that had been spread wide to shield her fell limply.
No. They weren't shielding her. In reality, she had been shielded. She had been protected.
The woman's spilled blood painted Asia's world red.
She had always been brimming with confidence and beautiful. For Asia, who couldn't have confidence in herself, she had been a secret object of admiration.
Asia was so happy she was alive that they could meet again.
But the girl she reunited with was different from the girl she once was; she had lost her confidence. Just like she had been when they first met—
There had been many misunderstandings. It would be a lie to say she held no resentment at all. But they had reunited. She had thought they could build a new relationship from here on out—
So why… why was she feeling her body growing colder—!?
"Y-You're… okay…? You're… unhurt… Asia… Ar…?"
"AaaaAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH—!? RAYNAREE-SAMAAAA—!!!!"
A scream Asia couldn't believe came from her own throat echoed...
Xenovia couldn't comprehend what had just happened.
She had been blankly watching Issei and Asia rejoicing in each other's safety when, suddenly, Raynare threw herself over them. Then, in the next moment, a light fired from above pierced right through Raynare's body.
The wound Raynare suffered from the light was horrific. From her left side down to her waist was gouged out, and a torrent of blood gushed forth.
It was a fatal wound. She was barely clinging to life, but it was only a matter of time. And just when they had finally started to get along…
But if the enemy was still here, they had to fight. As Asia's scream reverberated, they glared at the man descending from the sky.
"Hmm. And here I had the chance to wipe out the Red Dragon Emperor and the Saintly Healer together, only to be foiled by a crow… My, my, they are lucky bastards, aren't they?"
A demon man wearing light armor and a mantle spoke. 'What the hell is this bone-chilling, frigid aura!?'
"Who are you?" Rias asked.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, detestable sister of the false Satan. I am Shalba Beelzebub. The legitimate successor who carries the blood of the great, true Satan Beelzebub."
When Rias inquired, the man—Shalba—announced himself. His politely insolent attitude was exactly like that of Creuserey Asmodeus from before.
'Are the Old Satan Faction full of people like this!?'
"So you're the mastermind behind this incident?"
"Indeed. …I don't see Diodora or Creuserey. Could it be they were taken out?"
"That's right. They're both dead."
"Tsk tsk. As expected of the false Satans' bloodlines. Even with me lending them my power, this is the result… To think even Creuserey was defeated. It seems he too lacked the makings of a true Demon King."
"…You're awfully cold about your comrades dying, aren't you?"
"Fuh. Though we are called the Old Satan Faction, both Katerea and Creuserey prioritized their personal emotions above all. In the end, they were not fit to be Satans. Vali, despite her power, is unqualified due to her mixed human blood. In the end, it is only I! The one truly worthy of being called Demon Lord! The Four Great Satans? Why must there be four? A Demon King should be a truly superior devil—yes, I alone am sufficient!!"
A terrifying aura erupted from Shalba's body. The impossibly immense and cold aura gave them the illusory sensation of their bodies freezing solid. He talked a big game, but this power was fearsome.
However…
"Are you done with your worthless spiel?"
A voice, clearly furious and laced with murderous intent, rang out. It was Kazuki Fuwa's voice.
Raynare, who had shielded Issei and Asia and suffered a grievous wound. No, 'grievous' didn't cut it. This was already a deadly wound. Asia was treating her even now, but it was likely futile.
'Kazuki you fucking idiot!' He should have known Asia would be targeted, like in the original story. However, his memory let him down again and nearly let things play out exactly as they did.
The one who saved them was Raynare, who shouldn't have even been here in the original story. But in exchange, she had received a fatal wound.
If Kazuki hadn't let his guard down, if he had stayed vigilant, he could have prevented this! Along with the frustration, rage at himself welled up inside him!
"Are you done with your worthless nonsense?"
Before Kazuki knew it, he had raised his voice. 'This bastard, going on and on with his pointless chatter, is pissing me the fuck off!'
"Sorry, Raynare… Watch me. I'm gonna fucking crush that bastard."
"..."
Raynare could no longer even reply. But he thought he saw the faintest upturn at the corner of her mouth.
"Asia, I'm counting on you."
"YES!!"
Entrusting Raynare to Asia, who was desperately continuing her treatment, Kazuki glared at Shalba floating in the air.
"Did you say something?" Shalba glared back, displeased at having his grand speech interrupted.
"Your bullshit opinions don't matter. If you're so dissatisfied, why don't you go pick a fight with Sirzechs or Serafall directly, huh?"
"That would be boring. I want to make those who falsely call themselves Satans despair. To that end, I will kill their little sister. That way—"
"That's a load of crap."
"—What!?"
"You know deep down you can't win against Sirzechs or Serafall, right? That's why you're not challenging them directly and are going after Rias instead, aren't you? Fucking pathetic. The 'true Satan' would be appalled to hear it."
Just as Kazuki expected, Shalba snapped when he laid it out.
"You wretch! You dare mock me!?"
But Kazuki was just as fucking pissed!
"I will never forgive you for hurting my comrades with your worthless scheme!—GUYVEEEEERRRR!!"
Kazuki initiated the bio-boost and immediately followed with a telepathic signal. As a 'Cocoon' appeared behind him, he roared.
"GUYVEEEEERR—[GIGANTIC ARMOR]!!"
The 'Cocoon' unfolded, enveloping Kazuki-Guyver's body. His form changed into a large, powerfully built figure. He transformed into the crimson giant, [Guyver Gigantic].
"You will regret daring to raise a hand against the true Satan!!"
"Bring it on, you son of a bitch!!"
Kazuki and Shalba clashed violently in mid-air...
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