Chapter 473 Stalling
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Xenovia exclaimed in surprise: “There are this many legendary monsters…”
”Those are likely imitations of the Dragon Kings.” Rossweisse offered a brief explanation.
Being part of the Northern mythological system, she had a relatively thorough understanding of Loki’s abilities.
If there was a second legendary beast in addition to Fenrir, then this battle would be pointless.
Sona Sitri’s expression was grave. “We’re surrounded.”
”Retreating means we lose.” Rias said firmly. “For now, focus entirely on stalling for time.”
”Mm.” x6
The women all responded. Their mission was to stall—there was nothing to question about that.
Loki sneered and directed the magical beasts to attack. He didn’t even deign to strike personally.
”Regret having opposed a god.”
The four beasts—Himejima Akeno and Rossweisse teamed up against the strongest, Fenrir.
The two smaller Fenrir offspring were individually contained by Xenovia and Irina.
Both women’s strength was now only a single step below the divine level. One wielded the Holy Sword Durandal, while the other possessed the special abilities of an Angel. They held a clear advantage in the battle.
Leaving aside the combat power of Fenrir’s offspring, as magical beasts they were certainly thick-skinned and tough.
So even though both women wanted to help the others, they couldn’t spare a moment.
The largest and most terrifying of the group—the dragon-type magical beast, the Dragon King imitation—was blocked jointly by Sona Sitri and Shinra Tsubaki.
The primary fighter was Shinra Tsubaki, whose own power had reached Demon King-class thanks to Aki’s assistance and who was only a step away from fully awakening her Sacred Gear’s Balance Breaker.
The dragon-type beast’s massive body swept sideways, but Sona Sitri and Shinra Tsubaki revealed their true Devil forms, their slender black wings fluttering lightly as they effortlessly dodged.
Seeing that physical attacks were ineffective, the dragon-type beast opened its jaws wide and unleashed a blast of scorching dragon breath.
The extreme heat warped the air itself, and the wide area of effect meant Sona Sitri and Shinra Tsubaki couldn’t evade.
But neither showed the slightest panic. Shinra Tsubaki flew directly in front of the flames and spread her hands.
”I shall return that fire. Alice Mirror!”
As the flames struck the barrier-like curtain of light she projected, the very next instant they were reflected back with even greater force.
The devastating impact sent the dragon-type beast crashing to the ground, its fearsome head actually catching fire.
The agonized beast writhed in pain, its enormous body thrashing violently enough to shake the earth.
The other women fighting nearby all instinctively glanced over, and Sona Sitri explained: “The Sacred Gear Alice Mirror—Tsubaki’s mirror can return any impact it receives with doubled force.”
”A counter-type, huh? That doesn’t mesh well with my family’s strength-focused style.”
Rias was in good enough spirits to joke with the battle going well.
Sona Sitri smiled in response. “We won’t be going easy on you in the next Rating Game.”
”Oh? Then let me show you my current strength.”
Rias smiled faintly, and Destruction Mana far beyond what a Super-Devil should possess erupted from the Magic Circle in her palm.
Black-red Mana in a lightning pattern struck the dragon-type beast just as it was recovering from the dragon breath, knocking it down once more.
Sona Sitri refused to be outdone. Blue Magic Circles unfurled before her, and the Sitri family’s signature magical attacks followed hot on the heels.
But despite being so heavily besieged, the dragon-type beast, though looking battered, didn’t appear to have sustained any truly serious injuries.
After flailing on the ground for a moment, it rose again with a ferocious howl.
”Even though it’s a copy, its original is one of the Five Dragon Kings.”
Sona Sitri could see the gap between her own strength and the others’, but her tone and demeanor didn’t change one bit.
She removed her dust-covered glasses, calmly wiped them, and said to Rias: “Proceed carefully, Rias.”
Rias smiled. “You really haven’t changed one bit.”
…
”Although it looks small, it’s still Fenrir’s offspring. If its teeth so much as graze you, you’re done for.”
In the lulls between combat, Rossweisse called a warning to Xenovia and Irina on the other side.
Just as the myths described, Fenrir’s teeth could shatter even gods.
This was a rule-level ability. No armor or defense could withstand it—they were as fragile as paper. Even if a Sacred Gear core was bitten, the Sacred Gear itself would be directly destroyed.
The offspring’s ability couldn’t match Fenrir’s, but its power was still not to be underestimated.
Seeing his beasts so easily blocked, and these people he looked down upon laughing and chatting as they fought, Loki’s expression turned ugly.
He wasn’t deaf—he had naturally heard Rias say they were stalling for time.
He’d originally thought this would be easy, but now it seemed he had no choice but to intervene personally.
If this dragged on until Mjolnir arrived, even Loki was worried he’d be directly suppressed—or even annihilated.
”A bunch of grunts that can actually fight. Hmph…”
”Lord Loki, it’s not too late to turn back…” Rossweisse took a moment to continue her persuasion.
”You seem to have a rather deep misunderstanding. I am correcting your errors.”
Loki sneered and unleashed his full-screen ultimate.
The seal Barrier was instantly flooded with cascading blue lightning, and gale-force winds began to rage, so blinding that one couldn’t even open their eyes.
The women still grappling with the beasts all retreated and assumed defensive postures.
”Lord Loki, please stop!”
Rossweisse’s strength was indeed formidable. Even under these conditions, she could still force her way through the attacks to communicate with Loki.
”If this continues, not just the Underworld—the boundaries of the entire mythological world will…”
”Then Ragnarok will arrive all the sooner. This has always been my deepest wish.”
”What’s he trying to do?” Rias asked Rossweisse.
”He’s going to release his own power to collapse space-time.”
”What?!”
Without another power of comparable level to counteract it, Loki alone couldn’t easily accomplish this—at least not in a short time.
After the winds and lightning subsided, the beasts that the women had been suppressing resumed their assault.
This time, Loki didn’t just watch from the sidelines. He attacked simultaneously.
Three overlapping Magic Circles appeared before him, and a beam of Mana fired skyward.
Then countless identical Mana attacks rained down from above, like solid pillars of light falling from heaven.
The women, who had barely been scratched fighting the beasts, were nearly incapacitated by a single grazing blow.
Those hit directly were instantly brought to the brink of death.
Fortunately, this kind of attack was equally costly for Loki, and after one volley, he didn’t continue.
”In recognition of your valiant performance, I bestow upon you the honor of being named among the first casualties of Ragnarok.”
Loki gazed at the devastated battlefield with satisfaction. “Be grateful.”
Of Rias’ group of seven, Himejima Akeno and Shinra Tsubaki had both been grazed and lost their fighting capability.
But the worst off was Sona Sitri.
The gap in power was laid bare in this moment. Facing an attack virtually indistinguishable from the speed of light, she had no chance of dodging, while the others had at least partially reacted.
Rias hurriedly retrieved the Phoenix Tears from her, and a single drop restored Sona Sitri instantly—her clothes in tatters, but otherwise completely healed.
”Two drops left…”
Rias supported Sona Sitri and said solemnly: “Sona, be careful from now on. If you need more than two applications, we have to retreat.”
Sona Sitri was frustrated. She had become the liability.
Frustrated as she was, the always rational and composed Sona Sitri still nodded obediently.
”Relax. There are still two drops left, and by then the time should be about up.”
But with Himejima Akeno and Shinra Tsubaki out of commission, losing two major fighters meant the pressure on the remaining women skyrocketed.
Fenrir’s bite was particularly dangerous. A single hit would cause injuries far worse than anything Loki could inflict.
Boom!
The ground was smashed by the massive dragon tail, and a bottomless abyss appeared at Sona Sitri’s feet.
”Rias… give those two Phoenix Tears to Akeno and Tsubaki.”
After dodging the dragon-type beast’s attack, Sona Sitri spoke.
With Rias’ help, they could still hold off the dragon-type beast. But Rossweisse, Xenovia, and Irina’s situation was far from optimistic.
Without Himejima Akeno’s assistance, Rossweisse alone against Fenrir was extremely dangerous. Xenovia had gone to help, which improved things somewhat.
But that meant both Fenrir offspring had to be handled by Irina alone.
Moreover, these beasts had enormous bodies and wide attack ranges—they weren’t just fixated on the enemy right in front of them. In the chaos of melee, as long as someone was in their attack range, they would strike at any moment. This instinctive behavior formed a different kind of coordination, increasing the pressure on Rias and the others even further.
”But then if that attack comes again, you’ll…”
Rias was worried about Sona Sitri’s safety, but seeing her determined gaze, she ultimately agreed.
”Let’s do it. I’ll hold the line—you go heal Akeno and Tsubaki.”
”Okay.”
A god’s arrogance was ultimately Loki’s greatest flaw. He didn’t even try to stop Sona Sitri from healing Himejima Akeno and Shinra Tsubaki.
By the time the two recovered, the battle had returned to the previous stalemate.
Just as Loki prepared to unleash another cleansing attack, Rossweisse finally received word of Odin’s return.
”Everyone, we made it in time.”
Within the seal Barrier, a circular Magic Circle appeared above the women.
Mjolnir, gleaming with metallic luster, followed close behind, teleported inside.
”Using Mjolnir requires immense power…”
Rossweisse continued: “Lord Odin said that if no one here can use it, they’ll send in reinforcements.”
Rias and the others exchanged glances. None of them excelled at raw strength.
The previously panicking Loki suddenly laughed. “Ha! Even if Odin that bastard sends that mule’s hammer, what good is it? Which one of you can actually wield it.”
Just as he was gloating, Fenrir was bound by a Magic Circle that suddenly appeared on the ground.
”Magic chains Gleipnir…” Rossweisse looked at the white chains restraining Fenrir, surprised. “Why would that be here?”
At that moment, from a stone platform nearby, Kuroka and a blond man stepped out of a teleportation Magic Circle.
”We set this up.”
”I’m Arthur from Vali’s team. Lord Loki, we’re taking this Fenrir.”
”What did you say?” Loki frowned in displeasure.
”The teeth of Fenrir that can bite even gods—Vali really wants them.”
Kuroka didn’t say a word. Compared to her previous bewitching self, she had become far quieter.
Seeing her from outside the Barrier, Aki wasn’t surprised.
Koneko obviously wouldn’t forcibly imprison Kuroka. It was just a question of whether the sisters had resolved their household dispute.
From Kuroka’s demeanor, even if it wasn’t fully resolved, there had at least been some change.
Loki naturally wouldn’t just let his favorite, the beast he’d raised like a child, be taken away.
He redirected the attack he’d been preparing for Rias’s group toward Kuroka and the blond man, but couldn’t harm either of them in the slightest.
After deflecting Loki’s attack, Arthur lightly swung the twin blue blades in his hand.
”Holy King Sword Collbrande—even a god cannot so much as scratch this blade.”
”Was the goal Fenrir from the start…”
Loki watched the blond man named Arthur with a dark expression. “You played me, Vali · Sirzechs Lucifer.”
For the Deceiver God Loki to be tricked by someone else was a certain irony.
Seeing Loki had no further desire to attack, Arthur backhanded the Holy Sword into the immobilized Fenrir’s forehead.
The Holy Sword emitted golden light, sinking nearly to the hilt into Fenrir’s skull, yet caused not the slightest injury.
”Then, farewell.”
Arthur placed a hand over his chest. Kuroka activated a transport Magic Circle, and the two disappeared from the seal Barrier with Fenrir.
Aki, outside the Barrier, looked curiously at Beelzebub. The seal Magic seemed surprisingly easy to enter from the outside, and Kuroka’s exit hadn’t seemed to take much effort either…
As if sensing Aki’s gaze, Alpha Beelzebub in his green cloak explained: “The other side must have used some special tool. Like the magic chains that bound Fenrir, and that Holy Sword.”
The Holy Sword Arthur used not only couldn’t be harmed by anyone except gods—it had another name: the Domination Holy Sword.
Arthur drove it into Fenrir’s forehead to control this legendary beast that Loki had raised as his own child.
Fenrir’s intelligence didn’t match a human’s, but precisely because of that, its loyalty was all the more reliable.
Without the Domination Holy Sword, even if they’d forcibly taken it back, Vali and his group wouldn’t have been able to make Fenrir their own.
With Arthur and Kuroka’s departure, Loki’s attention returned to Rias and the others.
While his attention had been diverted, Rias and the women had already taken turns trying to use Mjolnir.
Unfortunately, no one could wield it.
Outside, Sirzechs and the others were already preparing to select a suitable candidate to send in. The first choice was Sairaorg Bael, currently ranked number one among the younger generation of Devils.
Of course, “number one” here referred to the Rating Game rankings.
Aki’s strength now made it impossible for him to participate in Rating Games—it would be pure dimensional reduction bullying.
Even Sairaorg, heir to the House of Bael, one of the New Generation Four Kings of the Devils, called the strongest of the new generation—couldn’t take a single hit from Aki.
Sairaorg possessed extraordinary strength and martial arts. Aside from Aki, he truly was the strongest of the new generation of Devils. If even he couldn’t use Mjolnir, then no one could.
For a fight with Loki, Sairaorg was quite excited—especially since he’d get to use a top-tier Sacred Gear like Mjolnir.
Mjolnir was the weapon of the Norse Thor, an absolute hammer capable of delivering judgment upon all things in the world.
The plan was good, but Mjolnir had already appeared, and Loki wasn’t brainless. If not for Vali’s subordinates seizing the opportunity to steal Fenrir, he would have already struck at Rias and the others.
Now that Fenrir’s capture was a done deal, his only goal was ensuring he wouldn’t be suppressed by Mjolnir.
Before Sirzechs and the others could send Sairaorg in, Loki directed the two Fenrir offspring, the Dragon King imitation, and himself to launch a lightning assault on Rias’s group.
Even with one fewer Fenrir, Loki fighting personally meant Rias and the others had no chance.
Even going all-out on defense, they were beaten back step by step.
In just a single exchange, every member had sustained injuries of varying severity. The weakest, Sona Sitri, was critically wounded yet again.
”Sona.”
”President.”
Rias and Shinra Tsubaki shielded the unconscious Sona Sitri as they retreated, but Loki understood how to target a weak point—he concentrated all his attacks on their side.
At this rate, even if Sairaorg successfully used Mjolnir to suppress Loki, Rias’s group would likely be wiped out.
”Hey, old man Odin.”
Aki wasn’t going to wait any longer. He spoke up: “I can use Mjolnir, right? After all, as long as one hit suppresses Loki, there’s no risk of triggering Ragnarok through excessive force.”
After their brief interaction, Aki already knew this Northern Chief God was an unconventional little old man.
Precisely speaking—he was a bit improper.
”Possible, it’s possible…”
Odin already knew Aki’s identity. Though he wasn’t yet aware Aki had reached Sub-Dragon God-Class, just his God-class strength and Sacred Gear Balance Breaker were enough to earn his respect.
”Lord Red Dragon Emperor, if you wish to act personally, you only get one chance. Because…”
”Relax. There absolutely won’t be a need for a second chance.”
Aki cut Odin off. He didn’t need to know the reasons—judging by the combat quality Loki had displayed, if he missed once, he might as well find a block of tofu and kill himself with it.
During their exchange, the situation inside the seal Barrier deteriorated further.
Under concentrated fire, Sona Sitri’s life force was already fading to nothing.
If not for Sirzechs and Beelzebub holding her back, Serafall would have already charged in.
Ragnarok or world destruction be damned—if her most beloved little sister died, she would make Loki pay with his life.
[Boosted Gear]
[The Balance Breaker]
Aki didn’t hesitate further. Under Serafall’s hopeful gaze, he directly deployed Balance Breaker.
No time for a slow teleport. After all, it was just one strike—whether the seal Barrier shattered didn’t matter anymore.
With the enhancement of Balance Breaker’s power, Alpha’s Magic Barrier was as fragile as glass before Aki.
Aki became a streak of red lightning, directly smashing through the Barrier from the outside to appear before Loki.
By the time he appeared inside the Barrier, it seemed to react belatedly, emitting a sharp cracking sound as it shattered into countless fragments of light.
Notes:
• Xenovia – A serious, proud former A-rank Church warrior, she is a powerful wielder of Durandal and the Destruction Holy Sword. With short blue hair, a green streak, and a strong, voluptuous build, she now serves as a High-Class Devil in Rias’s Peerage. Devoted to Aki, she is drawn to his presence, curious about intimacy, and harbors a deep desire to one day bear his children.
• Sona Sitri – Sona Sitri, aka Shitori Sona, is a High-Class, pure-blood devil who became a master strategist at seventeen. As Kuoh Academy’s Student Council president, she wears formal attire and glasses, sporting short black hair and a stern look. Noted for her massive Mana, she tactically leads the Sitri family and manages local supernatural threats while deferring to Rias Gremory.
• Sitri – The prestigious devil hierarchy family name carried by Sona, representing her noble lineage and identity.
• Sona – An analytical, bespectacled young woman with long black hair, she is the Sitri clan’s future head and Student Council President. Highly intelligent and composed, she manages her council with structured leadership. As a strategic, noble ally to Rias, she works to protect their shared interests and serves as a capable, potential collaborator.
• Rias – Rias Gremory, a sharp, playful high-class devil and Gremory heiress, is Sirzechs’s sister and daughter of Venelana. Known for her crimson hair, she heads the Occult Research Club, protecting her peerage including Mio, Xenovia, and Maria. As Aki’s fiancée and partner privy to his transmigration, she guides his cultivation while navigating complex feelings toward his pursuit of Grayfia and her mother.
• Himejima Akeno – A buxom, black-haired student and member of the Gremory peerage, this “Lightning Flash” is a key ally to Rias and a devoted lover to Aki. Known for a calm, calculating demeanor that shifts to a sultry energy, she is a central figure in Aki’s inner circle. Dedicated to supporting Rias with magic, she remains a poised and essential presence within the group, even navigating complex personal dynamics.
• Himejima – Akeno Himejima is a tall, curvaceous Kuoh Academy senior, high-ranking Devil retainer in Rias Gremory’s peerage, and a powerful Occult Research Club member known for her strength in combat. Bound by a Soul Contract to Aki, she possesses long black hair and a queen-like demeanor. Combining sadistic charm with maternal authority, she wields golden lightning and is deeply loyal to Rias and Aki.
• Akeno – Himejima is a tall, voluptuous Orc-devil shrine maiden with red eyes, dark wings, and calf-length raven hair. The sadistic, black-bellied “Priestess of Thunder” serves as Rias Gremory’s loyal S+ rank Queen and administrator. As Akira’s soul-bound, dedicated partner, she maintains a deep bond, frequently participating in dual cultivation while constantly longing for his attention.
• Irina – A 17-year-old Church Angel and A-rank Holy Sword wielder, she is a lively, curvaceous student with long chestnut hair. Formerly a devout believer struggling with her faith, she is now a cheerful six-winged angel deeply devoted to Aki. While she maintains a professional demeanor in the field, she remains a childhood friend to Issei, balancing her past duties with a firm commitment to her future with Aki.
• Shinra Tsubaki – Shinra Tsubaki – dark‑blue hair, refined vice‑president of the student council in a status‑worthy uniform; childhood friend and Queen‑type retainer to President Shitori Sona. A middle‑class reincarnated devil with Mirror Reflection talent, later a Demon Bloodline A‑rank peerage member; her mana surged after meeting Aki, turning her into a strategic ally and loyal subordinate.
• Tsubaki – Shinra Tsubaki, Sona Sitri’s stoic, glasses-wearing Queen and Student Council VP, is a black-winged Devil who assists in the battle’s aftermath. As Sousuke’s loyal wife and Sakura’s mother, she balances maternal devotion with a playful, jealous side. A key link to Aki with a shared dual cultivation history, she monitors Rating Games, masking vulnerability behind fierce loyalty.
• Shinra – Shinra Tsubaki is a refined, dark-blue haired middle-class reincarnated devil and A-rank warrior. As Student Council Vice President and Queen, she faithfully assists her childhood friend Sona Sitri with administrative duties. Gifted with Mirror Reflection talent, her mana surged after meeting Aki, transforming her into a loyal ally who also manages and displays crucial combat feeds.
• Aki – A tall, handsome Kuoh Academy student and Red Dragon Emperor, he is a reincarnated cultivator who currently inhabits a pitch-black cat form with piercing azure eyes. Calculating and protective, he commands the Boosted Gear and Origin Blood. Connected to the Gremory household and Naruse Mio via a Soul Network, he manages a vast harem while navigating ancient conspiracies and his own feline instincts.
• Y – The first initial/part of the name Y Ddraig Goch.
• Phoenix – The Phenex noble clan, from which Riser and Ravel originate, is known for their unique bloodline abilities and the healing properties of their tears.
• Kuroka – Koneko’s older sister is a Nekoshou with a top-tier physical figure. She possesses a dark history of killing her own master, a defining aspect of her identity that deeply shapes her past and complex relationships with others.
• Kuro – A companion or observer who hides during combat and provides information to Aki.
• Vali – A stoic, arrogant half-demon youth of Ancient Devil blood, this battle-crazed individual is the White Dragon Emperor, Albion. Wearing resplendent white armor with light-absorbing wings, he triggers Balance Breaker at will. Taken in by Azazel but later joining the Khaos Brigade, this cynical warrior seeks a fated rival, though Governor Shemhaza admits his actions reflect a lack of supervision.
• Koneko – A petite, doll-like, white-haired Nekoshou, this stoic girl is Rias Gremory’s Rook and Aki’s Soul Contract partner. A formidable close-quarters fighter with an intimidating aura, her usual impassive restraint hides a deeply affectionate, jealous side toward Aki. She sits in Aki’s lap alongside Mittelt, voicing concerns about the duration of his training.
• Sirzechs – Sirzechs Gremory, the red-haired Demon King Lucifer, is a formidable strategist and Rias’s brother. Known for his battlefield prowess, he charmed the enemy general Grayfia into defecting, later marrying her and fathering Georgix. A complex, often elusive leader, he balances diplomatic duties and rebuilding the Underworld with a cultivation obsession that frequently strains his family life, yet he remains an ally to Aki.
• Lucifer – A house name associated with the White Dragon Emperor’s lineage. An original Demon King whose lineage is inherited by Vali.
• Serafall – Serafall Leviathan is a Super-Devil, one of the Four Great Satans, and Sona Sitri’s bubbly, energetic sister with an extreme sister-complex. A peer to Sirzechs who once vied with Grayfia for the title of the Underworld’s strongest female devil, she balances her immense power and threat-monitoring duties as a leader with a personal preference to avoid conflict.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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