Chapter 273 An Actor’s Self-Cultivation
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Fortunately, Aki was already operating near an SSS-plus tier, and with the added buffs from Berserk1, Mirror Reflection, and a host of other bloodline talents, he managed to hold his ground—for now.
His original plan had been simple: keep Vali occupied, buy Serafall enough time to finish off Katerea, and then have her rotate over to assist. But when he stole a glance across the battlefield, he nearly choked on his own anger.
Even now, Serafall was still holding back against the Black Beauty. Combined with the injuries she had taken earlier, the result was a stalemate so balanced it looked more like a dance than a fight.
Aki swept his gaze across the rest of the battlefield and immediately came to a bitter conclusion.
He was the only one here fighting like his life depended on it.
”Red Dragon Emperor,” Vali called out, his voice smooth with mockery, “is that all you’ve got? You haven’t even mastered the Balance Breaker?”
His attacks never stopped. Every time he absorbed more power, he searched for the slightest opening in Aki’s defense and drove forward with another crushing strike, all while continuing his endless stream of taunts.
”Maybe if you watched everyone you cared about die,” Vali continued, a colder note entering his voice, “you’d finally achieve the same complete Balance Breaker manifestation I have.”
As he spoke, Vali’s gaze drifted toward the sector where Rias and Sona Sitri were stationed.
That was enough.
Before Aki could react, however, the auras of the two Demon Kings exploded outward. Zolgear and Katerea, their direct opponents, felt the change first.
The fragile balance shattered instantly.
What had looked like an even fight became a one-sided beating. The moment they tried to switch to defensive tactics, the shadow of death closed around them like a tightening noose.
The effect spread across the battlefield. Michael and Shemhaza also abandoned restraint and began overwhelming their opponents.
Watching the sudden shift, Aki finally understood what had been bothering him.
He had been played; while he had been throwing everything he had into the battle, everyone else had been carefully hiding their true strength.
These were the old foxes who had survived the Great Three-Race War and climbed to the top. Even now, they were measuring one another, holding cards in reserve and refusing to reveal everything they could do. Aki doubted any of them had been using more than seventy percent of their real power.
Serafall was the worst offender. Beneath that cute, harmless smile was someone who could lie with such ease that even her own sister bought it. No wonder Sona was always under her older sister’s thumb. A straightforward “Glasses Girl” never stood a chance against a veteran actress like that.
While Aki mentally roasted the leadership of the Three Factions, Vali was experiencing problems of his own.
He had only wanted to provoke the Red Dragon Emperor and make the battle more exciting. Instead, he seemed to have kicked a hornet’s nest.
His teammates were not pleased.
As the first victims of the battlefield’s sudden rise in lethality, Zolgear and the others shot murderous looks in Vali’s direction, their expressions practically screaming, “Just shut up and fight, you idiot! Why did you have to run your mouth?!”
Vali might have been a battle junkie, but he was not stupid.
He knew perfectly well that if he actually attacked Rias’s group now, Sirzechs and Serafall would join forces and tear him apart. What he wanted was a glorious battle between equals, not an execution.
The difference in experience was real, and he understood that. Once he had more years under his belt, however, he fully intended to settle the score with the two Demon Kings himself.
Ahem.
Accepting the graceful escape route offered by Albion, the White Dragon Emperor, Vali turned his attention back to Aki.
”I admit it,” Vali said, battle fever returning to his voice. “I underestimated you. I never expected someone who has only been training for a little over a year to reach this level.”
The brilliant white dragon armor hovered before Aki.
”But I’m done holding back. If you really haven’t mastered the Balance Breaker, then this fight ends here.”
Vali called it getting serious, but unless he pushed the Balance Breaker far enough to step into the God-tier, the reality would not change much. Beyond raw strength and speed, he remained outmatched. Whether it was close-quarters combat, magical skill, or the ability to exploit tiny openings, Aki held the advantage.
Vali’s reputation as the strongest White Dragon Emperor in history came from both talent and experience, yet compared to Aki he still looked strangely young. The longer the fight continued, the more relaxed Aki seemed to become.
He was a combat prodigy who had accumulated dozens of battle-oriented talents from the girls. Even without decades of warfare behind him, he was not someone an ordinary genius could challenge. If Vali were not relying on the Balance Breaker to elevate his stats into the Demon King-class, and if neither side used Sacred Gears, Aki could have beaten him with one hand behind his back.
The clash between the Red and White Dragon Emperors drew everyone’s attention.
By now, the Demon King-class powerhouses had stopped pretending, and even Rias’s group realized just how much strength had been hidden throughout the battle.
Sirzechs and Serafall had no intention of wiping out the Leviathan and Lucifer bloodlines. Those bloodlines remained valuable assets to Devil society.
Michael had entered the battle intending to capture Ornis alive because he had far too many questions to ask. Powerful as he was, taking a Demon King-class fighter alive was easier said than done.
Shemhaza faced a similar situation. Kokabiel remained one of the Fallen Angels’ major assets, and with Azazel already gone, losing another key figure held little appeal.
As for Zolgear and the others, their reasoning was much simpler. After being thoroughly beaten down, they understood they had no chance of victory. Since their opponents were effectively allowing them to survive, there was no reason to throw their lives away over a business arrangement.
As Aki’s strength and endurance became impossible to ignore, the battlefield gradually began to revolve around him. Without saying a word, the Demon King-class combatants reached the same conclusion and dropped the last remnants of their charade.
”The strongest White Dragon Emperor in history has appeared,” Serafall said with amused interest. “It looks like his rival, the Red Dragon Emperor, is not lacking either.”
A flash of magic washed over her body, erasing her previous injuries. Moments later, the adorable, big-breasted magical schoolgirl looked ready for another round.
”The Red Dragon Emperor has only been training for a year, right?” she continued while watching Aki parry Vali’s attacks with his glowing crimson gauntlet. “Reaching SS-Rank was shocking enough, but it looks like he’s already crossed the next threshold.”
Sirzechs nodded.
”Yes. And from the looks of it, that breakthrough happened very recently.”
Aki had only achieved it a few days earlier. Rias had not even had the chance to properly test the results, and the information had yet to spread.
Only now did the other Demon King-class combatants fully grasp the extent of his power.
His growth rate alone was absurd, but what truly stunned them was that he was matching the White Dragon Emperor while still being an entire tier lower.
Rank and combat effectiveness were not always the same thing. Rare though it was, some people possessed impressive ranks but disappointing performance. Aki represented the opposite extreme. His combat ability far exceeded what his official rank suggested.
Even with decades of experience behind them, Sirzechs and Serafall had never seen an SSS-Rank fighter hold his own against a Demon King-class opponent.
Vali was already considered exceptional among Demon King-class combatants thanks to the White Dragon Emperor’s abilities, yet it seemed obvious that once Aki reached the same realm, the balance between them would collapse. Without the Balance Breaker, Vali’s strength only sat around the SS-plus level—roughly equal to Rias. Katerea had barely touched the Demon King-class by fusing with the ominous power of the Abyss, despite being much older than either of them.
Among the younger generation, Aki stood alone.
If Vali was a genius, then Aki was an anomaly.
Clang!
The crimson gauntlet and white dragon armor collided once more before springing apart.
Then Aki felt it.
The power flowing through his body was suddenly cut in half.
His Berserk buff had expired.
The brutal wave of exhaustion that followed created a fatal opening.
Behind the white dragon helmet, Vali’s diamond-shaped eyes flashed with cold azure light.
”Haaah!”
The white dragon claw tore through Aki’s defense. After knocking aside the crimson gauntlet, Vali drove a devastating strike straight into his chest.
Already weakened by the backlash of Berserk, Aki could not properly absorb the impact. The blow was catastrophic. His heart seemed to stop for an instant as he was hurled backward like a kite with its string cut, falling from the sky.
Yet he never struck the ground.
Instead, he landed in the warm embrace of Rias and Himejima Akeno.
The girls had been watching the duel with bated breath, but those two had reacted first. Amano Yuuma (Raynare) and the others arrived a heartbeat later, concern written plainly across their faces.
”Aki, are you alright?” Rias asked.
”Yeah… I’m fine.”
Wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, Aki pushed himself upright.
”But I’m going to need everyone’s help for the next part.”
Trying to defeat Vali with SSS-Rank power alone was proving difficult. Before reaching the God-tier, the abilities possessed by the Red and White Dragon Emperors were simply too overwhelming. It was no wonder the Three Factions placed such enormous value on those who inherited the two Sacred Gears.
Ancient chain-like patterns spread across Aki’s neck, while a deep cobalt-blue light rippled outward and linked him to Rias, Akeno, and Amano Yuuma (Raynare) through a series of glowing tethers.
—
Summary:
Aki is pushed to his absolute limit in a high-stakes duel against the White Dragon Emperor, Vali. Meanwhile, the powerful faction leaders reveal their prior lack of genuine effort, shocking the other combatants. After being struck down by Vali, Aki survives and decides he must unite with his allies to stand a chance at victory.
—
Trivia:
The title references Stanislavski’s work on an actor’s craft, reflecting the theme of the leaders faking their intensity.
Aki’s strength is categorized as an anomaly compared to the natural genius of others like Vali.
The battle-power discrepancy between “realm” and “actual performance” is a known concept in the world.
Aki’s recent breakthrough to the next level was not yet widely known by the public.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• Aki – A tall, handsome Kuoh Academy strategist and devil-lineage cultivator with a sturdy physique, he acts as a dominant mentor and healer within the Occult Research Club. His unique power influences Evil Pieces, while his pragmatic, predatory approach to intimacy restores others’ potential. He navigates complex soul contracts and deep relationships with Marion, the Naruse sisters, and Mio with calculated rhythm.
• Serafall – Sona Sitri’s sister Serafall is a buxom, long-black-haired schoolgirl in twintails, a Super-Devil, and one of the Four Great Satans (Leviathan). A peer to Sirzechs and combatant of the new era, she possesses immense power but is reluctant to engage in conflict. Known for her extreme sister-complex, she often maintains a bubbly, energetic facade despite being a high-ranking Devil leader.
• Katerea – A Demon King-class powerhouse who is currently restrained by the Magic-Sealing Body Lock. She has long hair and is characterized by a conflict between her pride as a Leviathan and her forced state of subjection to Aki. Leviathan Demon King-class powerhouse with dark skin and a tall, slender build. She is currently stripped of her abilities and held captive by Aki.
• Vali – The White Dragon Emperor, Albion’s wielder, is a stoic, arrogant half-demon youth of Ancient Devil blood. Donning resplendent white armor with light-absorbing wings, he triggers Balance Breaker at will. Taken in by Azazel, this cynical, battle-obsessed Khaos Brigade member seeks a fated rival. His recent actions, however, are acknowledged by Shemhaza as an oversight in their supervision.
• Y – The first initial/part of the name Y Ddraig Goch.
• Sitri – The prestigious devil hierarchy family name carried by Sona, representing her noble lineage and identity.
• Rias – Rias Gremory, an elegant SS+ rank devil heiress and Kuoh Academy’s authoritative president, is a stunning woman with crimson hair, blue eyes, and porcelain skin. As head of the Gremory household, she leads her peerage with empathetic, decisive leadership. Sister to Sirzechs and friend to Sona, she navigates complex duties, including her mentorship of Aki and managing her own powerful destruction mana.
• Sona – A young, analytical woman with long black hair and glasses, she is the Sitri clan’s future head, Student Council President, and a member of the Gremory household. Highly intelligent and composed, she uses structured leadership to manage her council and acts as a strategic ally to others, standing alongside Rias to protect their shared interests and uphold her noble identity.
• Zolgear – An ancient, gaunt Devil Grand Duke with white facial hair, baldness, and unique horns, this aging demon’s lifespan is nearing its end. He possesses Ultimate-Class strength, serving as a power benchmark for Maria and monitoring remote magical signatures. Fearing the Gremory household and the Red Dragon Emperor, he leads a faction to eliminate Mio, while shifting timelines spared Shela. Frustrated in combat against Aki and provoked by his teammate, he seeks to steal Wilbert’s power to survive.
• Shemhaza – A veteran Fallen Angel leader and Governor-General who succeeded Azazel, this scholarly, pragmatic powerhouse commands subordinates like Kokabiel while advocating for peace and taking responsibility for internal incidents. Masking his intent with calm analysis at summits, he is locked in a duel with a demon king-class foe, balancing strategic retreats with raw combat power to preserve assets.
• Michael – A gentle, handsome Archangel with a radiant aura and golden armor, he leads the four surviving Seraphs and serves as Heaven’s pragmatic, polite leader whose strength exceeds a Super-Devil. Following God’s disappearance, he maintains the System, prioritizing peace among the Three Factions over individual lives. He also assisted in researching the drug used on Katerea to preserve order.
• Sirzechs – Sirzechs Gremory is a powerful, red-haired Demon King holding the title of Lucifer. As Rias’s brother and a high-ranking Devil leader with a powerful lineage, he commands a regal presence and immense magical capacity, actively restraining his strength to prevent destruction. A skilled political navigator focused on his family’s interests, he serves as a pivotal figure in peace negotiations.
• Albion – A clinical entity that acts as an advisor or voice of reason during battles. The White Dragon Emperor who resides within the White Dragon Armor and communicates with Vali. The White Dragon Emperor, an ancient entity of immense power residing within a Sacred Gear. He serves as a God-tier source of energy for his host.
• Leviathan – A title of the Four Great Satans held by Serafall, a Demon King scheduled to attend the summit. She carried this title after ascending to leadership, maintaining crucial diplomatic ties with other factions.
• Lucifer – A house name associated with the White Dragon Emperor’s lineage. An original Demon King whose lineage is inherited by Vali.
• Ornis – A mechanical monster dubbed a Mechanical Angel by Aki. It is associated with the Ten Core Gods and displays high durability and synthetic speech.
• Kokabiel – A twelve-winged obsidian Fallen Angel and battle-maniac who recently reached Demon King-class status. Responsible for a past incident, this individual is now destined for solitary confinement in the Ice Prison.
• Azazel – A decadent, arrogant fallen angel and former Governor General, this middle-aged man in a neon hot-spring yukata pairs a rogue personality with immense, Demon King-class power. Defeated by and confirmed weaker in combat than Aki via Balance Breaker, he still acts as a formidable antagonist who researches Sacred Gears, provides the Occult Research Club with data, and shapes their view of Aki.
• Himejima Akeno – A high-ranking member of the Gremory peerage and household, this buxom female student with black hair in a ponytail assists Rias with magical tasks. Known as the Lightning Flash, her previously reserved demeanor has shifted into a sultry, energetic, and passionate personality during cultivation, maintaining close ties as a supportive ally to her companions.
• Himejima – Akeno Himejima is a tall, curvaceous Kuoh Academy senior and high-ranking Occult Research Club member. A loyal Devil retainer in Rias Gremory’s peerage, this mature beauty with long black hair balances a sadistic, queen-like persona with a poised, teasing demeanor. She wields golden lightning, manages magic, shares deep bonds with Rias, and guides Aki, blending refined grace with power.
• Akeno – Himejima, a tall, voluptuous Orc-devil shrine maiden with raven hair, red eyes, and dark wings, is the “Priestess of Thunder.” As Rias Gremory’s loyal S+ rank Queen and Vice-President, she gracefully manages administration. Beyond her combat prowess, she is the soul-bound contract partner of Akira, maintaining a deep, affectionate bond with him and constantly longing for his attention.
• Amano Yuuma – Yuuma Amano is the alias of Raynare, a Fallen Angel disguised as a school uniform-wearing transfer student with a pure, innocent face, a devilish, slender figure, long black hair, and black wings. She serves in Rias’s Peerage, the ORC, and a barrier maintenance team. Possessive, assertive, and proactive, she takes the lead in training her partner Aki, with whom she desires intimacy.
• Raynare – Lady Raynare, alias Amano Yuuma (or simply Yuuma), is a voluptuous, dark-haired former Fallen Angel training under Rias at the Occult Research Club. Shifting between an innocent schoolgirl guise and her true nature, she is contracted to her mentee, Aki, boosting her combat strength to high-end S-Rank, though she still struggles to fully integrate as a cohesive peerage member.
• Amano – Raynare, a fallen angel masquerading as Kuoh schoolgirl Yuma Amano, is a striking, long-haired woman with a commanding presence. An Occult Research Club member with a black-belly nature and instant-change powers, she hides her faction ties and fears. Despite past betrayals, she acts as a disciplined leader, arriving to support Aki with visible concern for his well-being despite her A-rank status.
• Yuuma – Amano Yuuma (Raynare) is a striking, curvaceous former fallen angel and Grigori operative with long black hair and violet eyes. Now a high-class devil, light magic master, and devoted Pawn in Aki’s peerage, she is bound to him by a profound Soul Contract infused with midnight violet Mana. She is known for her playful teasing and an obsessive, fierce devotion to Aki born from their past history.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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