DxD: Chapter 186/184

Chapter 186: The Old Maou’s Assault
Urahara Kisuke and Yoruichi stared at the Devil's Summoning document left behind by Lynn, frozen in silence for a long time.

"...It actually renders you completely powerless to resist?"

Urahara Kisuke looked genuinely shaken.

He was well aware of Yoruichi's strength.

And more than that...

He remembered the barrier that had shut him out.

That power...

It was terrifying.

Yoruichi sighed, her tone filled with concern. "Kisuke, I feel like we've landed ourselves in serious trouble."

Urahara Kisuke's expression didn't change. He even found room to joke, "Haven't we always been in trouble?"

Yoruichi blinked, then chuckled. "Yeah."

Her heart calmed instantly.

When enemies appear, they stop them. When water floods in, they dam it.

Besides...

Lynn may be powerful, but maybe he's not unreasonable?

At the very least...

She wasn't killed on the spot.

Thinking of this, Yoruichi narrowed her golden eyes slightly and said in a displeased tone, "You bastard, all that commotion earlier and you didn't come to save me?"

Urahara shrugged. "What could I do..."

As he spoke, he looked toward the doorway.

Yoruichi followed his gaze.

What greeted them was a drastically changed scene outside, as if entire buildings had been demolished and reconstructed.

"You used your Bankai?"

Yoruichi sounded a little surprised.

Urahara nodded, his expression growing serious.

"There was a barrier blocking the door earlier. Even my Bankai couldn't shake it."

Yoruichi drew a sharp breath.

No way.

Why would someone that terrifying come for her?

"Say…"

She hesitated, then asked, "What do you think his purpose is?"

Urahara gave it some serious thought… then smiled wryly. "Not a clue."

"..."

Yoruichi fell silent.

Urahara shrugged. "Who cares? He's not someone we can resist anyway. Let's just follow orders obediently."

"You're really spineless, huh?"

Yoruichi folded her arms and gave him a look of disdain.

Urahara didn't reply. He just pointed at the Devil's Summoning document and mouthed a warning silently:

Be careful what you say.

Yoruichi's body froze. "Ahaha, I think he's a pretty good guy."

Urahara shook his head.

And she said he was spineless?

Still…

Urahara rubbed his chin and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Who knew what changes this sudden appearance of a powerful being might bring to the future?

But…

At the very least, they couldn't let someone like him align with Aizen.

With that thought, he actually felt a bit relieved that it was Yoruichi who had been approached first with the contract.

The rest…

Was up to fate.

He just hoped this unknown powerhouse didn't harbor any dangerous ambitions.

Otherwise.

Urahara Kisuke really didn't want to imagine where this world would be headed.


---

The Next Day
Lynn Group Headquarters

Kirasaka Sayaka hid in a corner outside the building, observing quietly.

After a while.

She clenched her fists and muttered angrily, "This company actually uses child labor?!"

Watching little girls wandering about inside the building made her blood boil.

And…

Wasn't there something weird about this place?

No men in sight?

But on second thought...

That actually worked to her advantage.

At least she wouldn't have to worry about running into any disgusting men while sneaking in.

A few minutes later, she disguised herself, adopted the look of an overworked corporate drone, and strolled in through the front entrance like she belonged.

Front Desk.

Yuriko blinked at her in surprise.

Sayaka remained calm and spoke directly. "I'm here to apply for a job."

"Apply for a job?"

Yuriko's expression turned odd.

The Lynn Group didn't hire from outside.

After all...

Just the internal manpower from Lynn's Peerage alone was enough.

And...

Yuriko's eyes flickered.

This woman was definitely not ordinary.

As a devil herself, Yuriko could clearly sense faint traces of spiritual energy radiating from Kirasaka Sayaka.

Yuriko rolled her eyes but smiled politely. "Alright, please wait a moment. I'll notify the higher-ups."

Sayaka hummed in response.

She didn't realize the devil at the front desk had already sensed something was off the moment she stepped inside the building.

She had no idea what kind of place she'd just walked into.

Elsewhere.

Yuriko called Haruno.

After hearing the report, Haruno narrowed her eyes with interest. "Alright, I'll arrange an interview."

After hanging up, she smiled faintly. "Interesting…"

Some factions just couldn't sit still anymore, huh?

She wanted to see what this woman was really after.

But...

"A woman with spiritual power..."

Haruno tilted her head thoughtfully.

She might just be a good candidate for a shrine maiden-type peerage member?

Could it be that Lynn's harem was expanding again?

Haruno's eye twitched slightly.

Still...

Now that she was here, if she met Lynn's standards, Haruno would personally send her to his bed—tied up if necessary.

Downstairs.

Sayaka was surprised when she got the news.

That was fast.

After the interview was over, she became even more confused.

Wait… that was way too smooth?

She didn't even get the chance to present the fake credentials the Lion King Agency had prepared for her.

Was this company that desperate for staff?

Then again...

Maybe it made sense?

After all, they were using child labor.

Alright then.

Either way, step one of the infiltration was complete!

Sayaka pumped herself up internally.

"Yukina, I'll be back soon!"


---

Underworld

Shalba Beelzebub waved his hand, his voice cold.

"Go eliminate the Valefor sinner."

"Roar..."

Katerea Leviathan licked her fingers in anticipation. "Finally, we get to show ourselves again?"

She didn't care about Valefor's remnants, but she'd long grown tired of the Old Maou Faction living in hiding.

Now that she could finally act, she wasn't about to let the chance pass.

Kadirea clapped her hands. "Alright then! I'll lead the team for this mission!"

Hearing that, Creuserey Asmodeus frowned and said coldly, "It's just a Valefor. There's no need for you to go."

"Hey hey!"

Kadirea slammed the table and snapped, "He's the one who killed Kokabiel in one strike! Can you please take him seriously?"

Creuserey didn't answer. "Why not just send Bedeze Abaddon?"

"A Maou-level devil should be respectful enough."

"You bastard!"

Katerea slammed the table again and stood up, eyes flaring. "Wanna go right now?!"

Creuserey remained seated on the sofa, unbothered. He just gave her a cold glance.

"Katerea, don't assume you're the only one who inherited the Snake's power."

"You…!"

Magic flared around Katerea, as if she'd charge him at any moment.

"Enough!"

Suddenly, Shalba snorted coldly.

Katerea stopped immediately.

"I didn't summon you here to watch a clown show."

"Tch."

Katerea reluctantly sat back down.

As the leader of the Old Maou Faction, Shalba's authority was still absolute. Even Katerea and Creuserey had to respect him.

Of course…

That was also because Shalba was the strongest of them all.

Katerea crossed her arms and grumbled. "Anyway, this mission is mine."

Shalba didn't argue.

Let her have her fun.

Besides, according to the intel.

The three major factions were planning to host a peace conference soon.

Hah.

What a joke.

The Old Maou Faction would never agree.

So...

The day of the conference would also be the day they revealed themselves once more.

As for Valefor?

Just consider him the appetizer.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Shalba made the final call.

Creuserey said no more.

"Hehehe..."

Katerea snickered in satisfaction.


---

Later That Afternoon.
Tokyo.

A group of uninvited guests appeared in the sky above Kuoh Town.

Katerea Leviathan looked down at the passing students, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

"What a peaceful, idyllic sight…"

She grinned darkly. "Which is exactly why it's worth destroying!"

Her laughter echoed out.

The subordinates behind her also began to laugh wildly.

Minutes later, the laughter stopped.

Katerea waved her fingers and breathed out.

"But still…"

"A school alone can't satisfy me."

Her gaze swept across all of Tokyo.

"Hmm…"

"This range should be enough."

As she finished speaking—

Buzz—

All of Tokyo suddenly lit up!

A massive aqua-blue magic circle spread out, covering the entire city!

"What's going on?!"

"What happened?!"

Inside Kuoh Academy, chaos erupted as the students panicked.

Some were confused, some excited, others stunned.

"It's a supernatural event!"

"I knew the world wasn't normal!"

"Heh, looks like it's my time to shine!"

"Idiot!"

"Look up there!!"

Everyone looked to the sky.

What they saw was a tall woman with a long ponytail and red-rimmed glasses.

Katerea Leviathan smiled at them and playfully wiggled her fingers.

"Hello~"

(To be continued.)

Chapter 187: Devil's Help!
"Such a sexy big sister!"

Bang!

Before the words finished leaving his mouth, someone smacked him hard on the back of the head.

"Idiot, that's what you're focused on?!"

"Snap out of it already!!"

He stood trembling on the asphalt road of Shuchiin, body shaking uncontrollably.

Who was that figure in the sky?

She was flying?

And those glowing blue patterns… were those magic circles?

Katerea Leviathan lifted the corner of her lips with a faint smile. "What an interesting expression~"

She slowly raised her hand, then pressed downward.

Crash—

A vast sea suddenly appeared out of nowhere!

With an overwhelming roar, it came crashing down on Shuchiin below!!

The students of Shuchiin instantly widened their eyes.

"It's a supernatural power!!"

"Wait, is she trying to drown us?!"

"Run! Run now!!"

Chaos erupted across the campus.

Inside the faculty guidance room.

Natsuki Minamiya stood up suddenly, peering out the window.

"What incredible magic!"

She exclaimed, then immediately activated space manipulation techniques!

In the blink of an eye, her figure disappeared.


---

At the same time.

All of Tokyo fell into chaos.

Sea water surged up from the blue magic circles beneath everyone's feet!

"What's happening?!"

"Is this divine punishment?!"

On Route 387, panicked people ran for their lives, screaming as they fled.

Suoh Household.

The head of the Suoh family stared blankly at the glowing magic circles and the surging tide.

Boom!!

A cherry tree was torn from the ground and hurled through the air by the impact.

Gulp—!!

The Suoh family head swallowed nervously, his pupils trembling.

This… this was definitely a large-scale supernatural disaster!


---

Lion King Organization.

Shirona Kuraki clenched her fists as she stared at the figures floating in the sky.

"Maou…"

She gritted her teeth. The word itself seemed to squeeze out through her jaws.

Why would a Maou-level devil suddenly attack human society?

It made no sense. These days, devils were highly dependent on human society.

There was absolutely no reason for such reckless destruction!

Suddenly, her eyes narrowed.

"The Old Maou Faction!"

A suspicion took root in Shirona's mind.

"Yukari!"

She called out softly.

A black cat landed in front of her a moment later.

"Send the order. Activate all defensive barriers and stabilize the situation!"

The black cat, fell silent for a moment before replying, "I'm afraid we can't do that."

"You understand the destructive power of a Maou-level devil, right?"

"And…"

Yukari narrowed his eyes. "There's more than one, isn't there?"

Shirona's expression tensed.

Her eyes swept across the sky. Behind the leading woman, she spotted a golden-haired man in aristocratic attire.

There was no doubt.

He was also a Maou-level devil.

Perhaps not as powerful as the woman, but still a force to be reckoned with!

Two Maou-level devils!

Shirona bit her lip, her usual composure gone.

Tokyo was in trouble… serious trouble!

Why? Why would they attack Tokyo?

Shirona was filled with questions.

But this wasn't the time for answers.

"Even if we can't do it, we have to!"

She declared with firm resolve.

"Just hold them off for as long as we can!"

"And also…"

Her expression darkened. "Send out a distress call to the other organizations!"

"Oh, and one more thing."

She seemed to remember something. "Send a distress signal to the devils too."

Yukari blinked, surprise flickering in his gaze.

"We're asking the devils… for help?"

"That's right!"

Shirona nodded without hesitation. "This is their mess. Let them clean it up!"

"...Okay."

Yukari turned to leave.

But Shirona stopped him again.

"Wait!"

"Don't say it like we're begging them!"

Yukari: "?"

Didn't you just say to ask for help?

Shirona looked a little embarrassed, but still said, "Just relay the message that the Old Maou Faction has appeared in Tokyo."

She wasn't entirely sure if those figures truly belonged to the Old Maou Faction.

But the moment that message reached the Underworld, there was no way the devil side would sit still.

Yukari gave a nod, then vanished from the Lion King Organization.

Shirona stared at Katerea Leviathan and the others in the sky, her jaw clenched tight.

Humanity was still far too powerless in this world!


---

Shuchiin Academy.

Just as the flood was about to strike—

A petite figure appeared in its path!

"Natsuki-sensei?!"

"Is that Natsuki-chan?!"

The students shouted in shock.

The nickname "Natsuki-chan" made Natsuki twitch slightly in annoyance.

But now wasn't the time to lecture them about respecting their teachers.

She raised her hand.

Buzz—

Space around her rippled like water.

The instant the raging flood hit, it was sucked into a black hole and vanished without a trace!

"Oh?"

Katerea Leviathan raised her brows, staring at Natsuki with interest.

"To think a mere human could possess such refined spatial magic."

Natsuki's expression was cold. She said nothing, focusing solely on shunting the water into another dimension.

"Is Sensei one of those supernatural users too?"

The students of Shuchiin finally began to grasp the reality.

"Sensei's so cool!!"

"I won't call you Natsuki-chan again!"

Cheers broke out among the students.

But none of them noticed the heavy look on Natsuki's face.

Space manipulation consumed a tremendous amount of magic power.

And although she couldn't estimate how much power Katerea's spell consumed—

There was no mistaking it.

That woman… was a devil.

And not just any devil. A Maou-level one.

Their magic reserves were simply on a different level.

At this rate, Natsuki wouldn't last long.

And worse...

Katerea wasn't alone.

A chill ran down Natsuki's spine.

This was the first time since becoming a witch that she felt such overwhelming pressure.

Of course, she could teleport herself to safety.

But…

Her students wouldn't make it.

Her golden eyes narrowed.

She would never allow anyone to harm Shuchiin!


---

Katerea chuckled.

"You're not thinking of stalling me forever, are you?"

She didn't take Natsuki seriously at all.

Sure, the woman's technique was impressive.

But at best, she was only as strong as a top-level High-Class Devil.

Far from a Maou.

Katerea raised her hand and gave a casual flick.

Boom!

Tidal waves suddenly burst up from the ground around Shuchiin!

Natsuki's pupils contracted.

"Ahhhh—!!"

Screams rang out again across the academy.

Kitagawa Marin stood frozen, staring blankly at the skyscraper-sized wave looming overhead.

"Run!!"

Someone shouted, snapping her out of her trance.

Her eyes went wide as she spun around and sprinted.

Thud!

But the overwhelming force of the tidal wave made her legs give out. She collapsed to the ground.

"Ack!"

Marin cried out, tears welling in her eyes. She looked up at the wave crashing toward her.

It's over. It's really over!

Despair consumed her.

Was she really going to die here?

Why… such a bizarre death?

This had always been a normal world.

And then one day, out of nowhere, some supernatural monster attacked her school.

No, the entire Tokyo area!

It was absurd.

Tears blurred her vision as she stared at the falling wave.

She was consumed by dread.

So this was… what death felt like?

Marin's body trembled.

She didn't want to die yet…

She still had so many cosplays she wanted to try!

She hadn't even experienced her first love yet!

She wasn't even a proper adult yet!

To die like this…

No!!

But the massive wave didn't care.

Crash—

The deafening roar of the wave echoed as it crashed down toward her.

"No!!"

Natsuki panicked as she witnessed the scene.

She prepared to activate her spatial magic again.

"No~"

Katerea narrowed her eyes and increased the magic output of the flood.

"Ugh…"

Natsuki groaned, her hands trembling.

She couldn't…

Hold on much longer!

Her breathing grew erratic.

She had overestimated herself going up against a Maou-level devil.

No good!

That student!

She widened her eyes, looking down—

And froze.

Step—

The sound of footsteps rang out beside Marin.

A tall figure appeared before her.

"Huh?"

Marin stared in disbelief.

Before she could react, the figure raised his hand.

And lightly clenched his fist.

Boom!!

The massive wave trembled, as if grasped by an invisible hand.

Then—

Compress. Compress. Compress!!

In the blink of an eye, Lynn condensed the skyscraper-sized tidal wave into a deep-blue droplet of water.

Plop!

Lynn caught the droplet in his palm.

Katerea's eyes narrowed.

This technique...

It reminded her of the White Dragon Emperor's power to halve.

Who was this guy?

Just as she was about to speak, the figure flicked his wrist and launched the droplet at her.

Whoosh—

A sound cut through the air.

The droplet appeared in front of her instantly.

"...?"

Before Katerea could react—

Boom!!

The water droplet struck her abdomen directly, making her vomit blood. Her entire body was sent flying backward!

Crash!!

Far away, a skyscraper collapsed from the impact.

"Big Sis?!"

Bedeze Abaddon's expression twisted in shock as he turned around.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 188: Ophis' snake
Silence.

Above Shuchiin, the entire area fell into a hushed stillness.

What... just happened?

Even the Old Maou Faction hadn't reacted yet.

Natsuki Minamiya suddenly felt the pressure on her body disappear.

The flood pouring down from the sky had vanished at some point.

She blinked in confusion, murmuring, "The spell failed?"

Wait!

Now wasn't the time to be stunned!

Natsuki quickly looked down at the figure below.

Black hair. Deep wine-red eyes.

There was no mistaking it—Lynn.

So…

Lynn had just taken down a Maou-level woman?

Hiss—

Natsuki drew in a sharp breath.

Was that even possible?

Lynn…

When did he become this strong?

She began to question everything she knew.

She had always guessed his strength was rapidly advancing, but even at her most optimistic, she'd only considered him at the pinnacle of Ultimate-Class Devil.

But now he had overwhelmed a Maou?

Natsuki stood suspended in midair, dazed and unable to process it all at once.

On the ground.

Kitagawa Marin stared blankly at Lynn's back, utterly entranced.

For a moment, that lone figure filled her entire world.

She was… saved.

The rest of the students at Shuchiin were similarly stunned, eyes locked on Lynn's figure.

When they noticed his uniform, their expressions turned even more incredulous.

Wait a second.

Wasn't he from Shuchiin too?

"Ah!"

"I get it!"

Someone shouted, "He's the president of the Supernatural Investigation Club!"

"?"

"!"

"…That's actually true!"

The students were shocked.

Seriously? Wasn't that just the infamous harem club?

The Supernatural Investigation Club…

Kitagawa Marin quietly etched the name into her memory.


---

Just as the students were whispering among themselves—
Boom!

The collapsed skyscraper suddenly erupted with terrifying magic power!

Chunks of debris exploded outward!

Katerea Leviathan floated upward, her left hand clutching her abdomen.

Her brown hair was a mess, red-rimmed glasses gone who-knew-where.

She looked completely disheveled.

"Damn it!!"

Her face twisted with rage as she glared at Lynn.

Her abdomen throbbed painfully.

That bastard actually compressed her magic into a single bead!

And the energy within that bead was identical to her original spell… no, even more powerful due to the compression!

Otherwise, she wouldn't have ended up in such a sorry state!

Damn it! How the hell did he control it that precisely?!

Spit—

She coughed up a mouthful of blood and returned to her original position in the sky.

"Big Sis…"

"Shut it!"

Katerea's expression was icy cold, her confidence slowly returning.

That earlier attack had shocked her.

But a large part of the reason she lost was due to being caught off guard!

Now…

The real battle would begin.

Natsuki snapped out of her daze. She didn't have time to dwell on Lynn's strength.

She turned her focus back to Katerea with a tense expression.

This wasn't over.

Shuchiin—

No, all of Tokyo was still under threat!

Katerea didn't spare Natsuki a glance. She simply narrowed her eyes and stared at Lynn.

"Boy, I'll allow you to state your name."

"?"

Lynn looked at her like she was dumb.

She still didn't get the situation?

He chuckled. "You came looking for me, and you don't even know who I am?"

As he spoke—

Lynn gently pressed his foot down.

Crack—

Crack—

The massive magic circle covering all of Tokyo suddenly began to shatter!

Then—
Boom!

The entire formation burst into shimmering fragments of light and disappeared into the air.

Across Tokyo.

The floods dissipated instantly.

The streets, while showing traces of being washed, returned to calm.

One passerby looked around in disbelief. "Wait… we're saved?"

Lion King Organization.

Shirona Kuraki looked up in mild surprise.

"It's over?"

No.

She narrowed her eyes.

There were still strong magic fluctuations coming from the direction of Shuchiin.

"Natsuki Minamiya intervened?"

She guessed, then shook her head.

That wasn't within Natsuki's capabilities.

Still…

Whoever it was, Tokyo had avoided disaster for now.

The rest would depend on what happened at the battlefield.


---

Shuchiin.

Katerea's expression twisted in disbelief.

How did he break the magic circle covering all of Tokyo so easily?

Her gaze grew grim.

This man was definitely no ordinary devil.

But even so—

She still had the power of Ophis' snake. She wasn't afraid.

Even if he was also Maou-level, he would still fall to her.

Still…

Was this guy really the one they were targeting?

Katerea blinked, then snatched the information sheet from Bedeze Abaddon and scanned it.

"…So it is you."

A flicker of recognition flashed in her eyes as she looked Lynn up and down.

"I didn't expect you to be Valefor."

With strength like this, it made sense how Kokabiel had been taken out instantly.

But…

She was no Kokabiel!

"Hmph. You knew we came for you, and you still dared to appear so arrogantly in front of me?"

Katerea sneered. "You really don't value your life, do you?"

Natsuki: "…"

You say that like you weren't the one just smacked into a building.

Lynn looked calm as ever. He casually raised his pinky and picked his ear. "So noisy…"

The moment the words left his lips—

An invisible force pulsed outward from beneath him.

[Gravity Devil]!

"?!"

Katerea froze.

Before she could even respond, she felt her body suddenly being dragged downward.

"Ugh…!"

Her eyes flew wide.

It felt like sinking into the bottom of the ocean!

A crushing weight pressed in from every direction!

BANG BANG BANG!

Behind her, the other devils all felt their bodies plummet.

Bedeze gritted his teeth, trying to withstand the pressure—

But!

Boom!

A few seconds later, even he was slammed into the ground.

Though to his credit, he fared slightly better—only his legs were buried into the pavement.

Natsuki, unaffected, widened her eyes.

What was that?

She hadn't even seen Lynn do anything!

But one thing was clear—this was his doing.

Even a Maou-level devil like Katerea was affected?

Natsuki looked at the struggling Bedeze and her understanding of Lynn's power deepened.


---

Katerea panted heavily. Her condition wasn't much better than Bedeze's.

Gravity magic?

She immediately recognized the type of ability.

But recognition didn't mean she could do anything about it.

"Damn it!!"

She roared as her magic power surged!

A wide-area magic circle began to form beneath her!

If it was gravity.

Then she would use it to amplify her own spells!

Crack—

Wisps of frost began to spread.

All of Shuchiin was covered in a layer of icy mist.

As a descendant of Leviathan, Katerea's mastery extended beyond water—ice was also her specialty.

A glacier slowly rose from the formation, ready to launch.

Natsuki's expression tensed.

She didn't just stand by—she raised her hand.

Golden chains shot forward, rushing toward Katerea.

Lock of Discipline!

"A sacred gear?"

Katerea sneered.

Unless it was a Longinus, it was trash to her.

Normally, at least.

Now…

She glared at Lynn again, feeling increasingly irritable.

Even the little bug was starting to get annoying with him around.

She glanced at her subordinates. Seeing they were still immobilized, she cursed them as useless trash.

Clang—

The chains came crashing in.

Katerea frowned and diverted some of her focus to set up a defensive formation.

A clear clang rang out as the chain struck the barrier but failed to break it in one go.

Still, the spell in her other hand shrank significantly.

Natsuki didn't let up. She continued to manipulate the chains, applying pressure.

Even if she couldn't hurt a Maou, disrupting her casting was still possible.

Lynn, however, had no intention of drawing things out.

He flicked his wrist—

A slashing wave shot forward!

Katerea's instincts screamed.

She would die if it hit!

She didn't hesitate—she canceled her casting and dodged instantly.

But just as she exhaled in relief—

Whip!

Natsuki's chain clung to her again like a stubborn curse.

"Tch!"

Katerea clicked her tongue in irritation. She didn't dodge this time.

She grabbed the chain midair with one hand.

"I don't have time to deal with you. Do you really think you're something special?"

She yanked hard!

The force instantly pulled Natsuki forward—

Thud!

And flung her toward the ground!

Right at Lynn.

Lynn raised a brow, reached out, and caught her in his arms.

Was this a gift?

He stared at Katerea in confusion.

Was she really the enemy?

"…Next time, Natsuki-chan, use your real body when you come down."

Natsuki rolled her eyes. "Stop joking. The enemy's no pushover!"

"Is that so?"

Lynn smiled faintly and glanced at Katerea.

A second later—he vanished.

Katerea's pupils shrank.

She spun around frantically.

Where?!

Where is he?!

Suddenly!

A violent gust and searing heat struck from behind.

Before she could react—

BOOM!!

A streak of sparks lit the sky as Katerea was slammed into the earth without warning!

Buzz—

The entire ground trembled violently!

Cracks spiderwebbed outward from the point of impact!

Then—
BOOM!!

The whole area collapsed into a crater!

"Ugh…!"

Katerea groaned and tried to rise.

Smack!

Lynn's foot pressed her head back down.

Still holding Natsuki in his arms, he said indifferently, "I don't really enjoy looking up when talking."

Natsuki was dazed.

Too fast.

Way too fast.

Even from his arms, she hadn't seen what just happened.

Lynn was… unbelievably strong!

Katerea's cheeks were ground into the dirt, humiliation rising like fire.

She was a descendant of Leviathan!

When had she ever been stepped on like this?!

"You bastard!!"

She clawed at the dirt as a magic circle spread beneath her.

Fwoosh!

A towering pillar of water blasted upward!

It looked as though all of Shuchiin would be launched into the sky!

"Be careful!" Natsuki warned.

Lynn remained calm.

A pitch-black magic circle appeared beneath his feet.

BOOM!!

The water column struck the dark formation with a deafening roar!

But the circle didn't budge, absorbing the impact like an immovable wall.

Katerea's eyes trembled.

Who… was this guy?!

There was no way he was an ordinary Maou!

That damn Shalba had lied to her!

Damn it!!

A manic glint entered her eyes.

She knew.

In her current state, she wasn't his match.

If she wanted to turn the tables…

There was only one choice left.

"…Ophis' snake!!"

(To be continued.)