Badr smiled calmly. "Why not try me yourself, if you're so curious? I'm not about to just tell you."
Kuroka and Sun Wukong were clearly complicated characters in Badr's eyes. One was Koneko's elder sister, and the other shared a confusing connection with the Monkey King.
"Tch, aren't you stingy..." Kuroka muttered.
"What's your reason for coming to the Underworld, Khaos Brigade?" Badr asked, stepping forward to shield Rias and Koneko. "Are you here to cause trouble?"
He could feel it, both of them possessed immense strength, far beyond that of Rias and Koneko. These two were clearly at the peak of High-Class devil power...
"Relax. We're just here on standby in the Underworld. There's nothing of interest going on. We heard about the gathering, so Kuroka decided to come and play. I came to fetch her back. Nothing to worry about," Sun Wukong replied with an easygoing smile, clearly uninterested in confrontation.
He glanced over at Kuroka. "You've had your fun. Isn't it time to leave?"
"Whatever you say. But let me make one thing clear, I'm taking Shirone with me this time, to make up for leaving her behind before."
"Oh? Deciding that on your own might upset Vali," Sun Wukong replied.
"This child has the same power as I do. I'm sure Ophis and Vali will accept her," Kuroka said, her voice casual as she discussed Koneko's fate, seemingly unconcerned with Badr or Rias.
Koneko shivered slightly, fear evident in her expression.
Badr, however, simply smiled coldly.
"Vali was no match for me. Do you two really think you'd fare any better against me together? Planning to take Koneko without asking me?" Badr's tone was low but unwavering.
Rias stepped forward, her face set with determination. "She's my [Rook]. Don't think you can just take her."
Kuroka cocked her head, looking unamused. "What are you saying? Shirone is my sister. I have every right to take her and care for her. I'm not letting her stay with you High-Class devils."
With that, Kuroka moved without warning.
Whoosh!
A massive field of energy erupted around them, enveloping the entire forest in an intricate barrier woven with Senjutsu.
In an instant, Kuroka's Senjutsu aura bore down on them, forcing Badr to whisk Rias and Koneko aside as the ground where they'd just stood exploded into a crater.
The black-haired girl stood up gracefully from her spot on the stone, a fierce gleam in her eyes despite her cat-like cuteness.
"If you're going to be this troublesome, I might as well just kill you, nya~" she said, her expression turning cold.
Now that her barrier was in place, Kuroka's full aura surged around her without restraint.
In that moment, Badr sensed multiple types of energy radiating from Kuroka: Senjutsu, Youjutsu, and even demonic power.
The complex mix of energy was astounding, but what made her truly formidable was the way her barrier manipulated the space around them, sealing them in with no chance of escape.
Rias and Koneko both winced, feeling the immense pressure from the barrier. The all-encompassing energy field was overbearing, rendering them unable to move against Kuroka's strength.
"A space-manipulating technique..." Rias murmured, shocked at the sheer scale of Kuroka's power.
...
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Chapter 166: One Against Two
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...
A menacing aura emanated from Kuroka as black demonic energy shrouded her form.
Azazel, Governor General of the Fallen Angels, also possessed black demonic power, but even that didn't exude such a palpable sense of malevolence. Kuroka's aura was different.
It felt overwhelmingly sinister, radiating malice and bloodlust.
As a Nekosho, an exceptionally rare variant of the already scarce Nekomata, Kuroka possessed immense power, but succumbing to the allure of her abilities could easily lead to madness.
A faint, sweet, metallic scent filled the air. Rias and Koneko covered their noses and mouths, their bodies weakening as they struggled against the effects of the poison.
"Poison..." Rias gasped. Badr, however, remained unaffected, his powerful demonic energy effortlessly repelling the toxins.
"Hmm? Strange... it has no effect on you? My poison mist is specifically formulated for devils and youkai, even though it's diluted."
Kuroka stared at Badr with curiosity, a seductive smile playing on her lips. "Impressive. In that case, I won't kill you quickly. I'll savor the moment, taking my time to... tenderize you before I finish you off."
"Kuroka, you murdered your master and became a Stray Devil, leaving a scar on Koneko that will never heal. After you abandoned her, she went through hell. When I found her, she was completely devoid of emotion, all thanks to you!"
Rias's voice dripped with righteous anger as she fought against the effects of the poison.
"After your betrayal, Koneko lost everything. She endured insults, scorn, and was nearly executed. I made her my [Rook] so she could finally live a happy life! You have no right to take her from me!"
Her emotions were raw. She cared deeply for her peerage, treating Koneko like a younger sister. Seeing Kuroka again ignited her fury.
Tears welled up in Koneko's eyes as she listened to Rias's words, clutching her hand tightly.
"Kuroka... I don't want to go with you. I want to stay here and live..."
Koneko's voice was firm. She rejected her sister's offer, but Kuroka seemed unmoved, merely scoffing.
"Then you'll die. My little sister doesn't need your charity."
She waved her hand, sending a wave of poison mist towards the trio. Simultaneously, she unleashed a torrent of youjutsu and demonic power, a blend of two distinct forces.
Badr stepped forward, casually deflecting the combined attack with a wave of his hand.
His effortless defense made Kuroka pause, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
"What? I used a considerable amount of youjutsu."
"...I was holding back because you're Koneko's sister," Badr sighed. "Did you really think I was just for show?"
He flicked his wrist, sending several bolts of demonic energy into the air. They vanished as quickly as they appeared, but the surrounding poison mist dissipated completely.
"A magic circle combined with Senjutsu. An interesting idea, but far too easy to see through."
Badr's eyes glowed with a faint golden light as he activated both effects of his Endless Dusk City, empowering himself. He then summoned King Shield, positioning it to protect Rias and Koneko.
He would face them both alone. While confident in his victory, he needed to ensure their safety.
His aura remained undetectable, but Kuroka and Bikou, both skilled Senjutsu users, sensed a sudden shift. Badr had become incredibly dangerous.
"Kuroka, this one is... troublesome."
Bikou flew closer, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Indeed! As expected of someone who defeated Vali. He's a formidable opponent! We might really lose! This is... exhilarating! Kuroka, we must defeat him!"
"...You seem awfully thrilled, monkey. Fine by me. I just need to take my sister."
Kuroka replied, her tone indifferent.
Bikou eagerly launched his attack.
"Kinto'un! Ruyi Jingu Bang!"
A golden cloud appeared beneath his feet, and his iron staff expanded to an enormous size, hurtling towards Badr.
Badr leaped into the air, meeting the staff with a powerful kick. A resounding clang echoed through the forest.
Holy Demonic power coalesced in his hand as he formed a fist. With the full force of his enhanced power, he struck, the impact transferring through the staff and sending Bikou flying.
A sonic boom followed as Bikou hurtled through the air, crashing through countless trees before disappearing into the depths of the forest.
Kuroka's expression hardened. She raised her hands, two distinct energies swirling around them.
Suddenly, shadowy demonic energy arrows materialized from the surrounding void, aimed at Badr's vital points.
Badr summoned King Sword, weaving a impenetrable barrier of sword light that deflected every incoming arrow.
He then swung his sword, unleashing a wave of demonic power that shot towards Kuroka.
The demonic blade struck its target, and Kuroka's body froze...
But Badr frowned.
Something felt off. It didn't feel like he had struck a solid object.
"Hee hee... a nice attack, but useless, useless. Concealing one's true form within an illusion is child's play."
Kuroka's voice echoed from all directions. Multiple images of her appeared throughout the forest, some reclining, some crouching, all exuding a seductive and feral aura, their eyes fixed on Badr with mocking smiles.
The figure he had struck dissolved into mist.
"It's an illusion..." Rias warned. Kuroka's skill in illusion magic was exceptional, even surpassing Akeno.
Koneko's expression was filled with worry. "She's a High-Class Devil, Badr..."
"Don't worry. Badr is strong," Rias reassured her, but a hint of self-reproach laced her voice. "I've become a burden..."
Koneko's face fell. Rias felt that way, and so did she.
They had never witnessed the full extent of Badr's power, a power that rivaled even Maous. Naturally, Kuroka and Bikou were equally unaware.
Badr calmly surveyed the illusionary landscape. He raised his hand and clenched his fist. A wave of holy demonic power radiated outwards from him...
The swirling vortex of purple and gold energy tore through the forest, shattering Kuroka's illusions one by one as she watched in stunned silence.
...
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Chapter 167: Dominating the Entire Younger Generation, Fame Through The Realms!
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...
After Badr's overwhelming energy shattered Kuroka's illusions, she stood momentarily stunned.
The magic array she'd meticulously crafted had failed, dispersed by Badr's sheer, unrelenting power. She hadn't anticipated that her illusions could be undone so forcefully, nor did she understand exactly how he had done it.
In truth, Badr relied solely on his massive reserve of magical power.
Remarkably, his Sacred Demonic Power was nearing yet another breakthrough, astonishing, given how recently he'd reached his last one.
Ever since he'd mastered his method of automatic, continuous training, his strength had been growing at a terrifying rate, with both his physical prowess and magical reserves increasing daily.
Now, on Base, he was on the cusp of reaching a True Ultimate-Class level.
This overwhelming power was why, with the amplification of his King Sword, he could face threats like Kuroka and Bikou with such ease.
Suddenly, a golden cloud rapidly descended from the sky as Bikou, who had been sent flying moments earlier, returned to the battlefield.
Swinging his Ruyi Jingu Bang, Bikou transformed himself into a colossal warrior, wielding his staff now as an enormous battle axe.
The 72 Transformations, is it? Badr mused.
Meeting the attack with a wave of Sacred Demonic Power, Badr caught the immense axe effortlessly in his hand.
"This is the extent of your power? You're nothing like the Great Sage I imagined," Badr murmured with a slight shake of his head, visibly disappointed. This so-called "Monkey King" was a pale shadow of the figure Badr held in his mind.
Then again, Badr's disappointment was perhaps due to his own immense strength. Had he encountered this "Monkey" before becoming a devil, he might have been more impressed.
"Hahaha... I never claimed to be the original," Bikou replied, still in high spirits. "You're strong! Tell me, do you have some connection to the first Sun Wukong?"
Instead of answering, Badr released a pulse of energy that pushed Bikou back, his voice calm and indifferent. "Just a lingering thought of admiration, nothing more. This fight is over."
With that, Badr channeled a terrifying amount of magic into his King Sword, the weapon radiating a fearsome aura. Though his magical energy remained contained, the sword in his hand seemed to hum with lethal intent.
Bikou's eyes widened as he felt a searing pain in his gaze, his Fiery Eyes and Golden Vision momentarily blinded. "Not good... Kuroka, we need to retreat! We can't withstand that attack!"
Without hesitation, he grabbed Kuroka and lifted her onto his Kinto'un, the golden cloud accelerating away.
"Think you can escape?" Badr's voice rang out coldly as he raised the King Sword and swung it downward.
A silver light slashed across the air, cleaving through space itself, revealing the chaos of a spatial storm within the void.
The force of Badr's strike tore through the barrier around them, leaving the surrounding area vulnerable to the ravaging power of the void.
Beyond the barrier, the Maou sensed the disturbance, quickly noticing the disruption in the dimensional fabric surrounding the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Bikou and Kuroka fled with all their might. Despite their speed, the relentless silver light continued to slice through space in pursuit of them.
For the first time, fear flickered in Kuroka's eyes. Just then, a rift in space opened before them, and a man in a suit, glasses glinting, stepped through, wielding a sword blazing with holy energy.
Was that... a Holy Sword?
"This is where it ends, Bikou, Kuroka. The devils are already alerted to your presence. We need to leave now," the man said, swinging his sword to intercept Badr's attack.
The two energies collided, annihilating each other in a blinding explosion of force.
"Ugh..." The man in the suit coughed up blood, astonishment flashing across his face. "Incredible... this young devil's power far exceeds what Vali described."
"Arthur, are you hurt? Even with Caliburn?" Kuroka asked, surprised.
Caliburn, the most powerful of the seven Holy Swords, also known as the Sword in the Stone. And the man wielding it was none other than Arthur Pendragon, the strongest Holy Knight of humankind.
"...He's likely of Maou-level strength," Arthur muttered, his gaze fixed on Badr with a rueful smile. "To think someone so young could wield such power..."
