The shield vibrated slightly, absorbing the full force of the blow.
"Hmm? That shield..."
Cao Cao was surprised. His Wheel Treasure was designed to destroy weapons, even Sacred Gears and Holy Swords.
But it had failed against Badr's shield. King Shield had withstood the attack without a scratch.
A normal Sacred Gear would have shattered.
Badr, too, had sensed the danger. Had he used King Sword, the blade might have been damaged.
Thankfully, King Shield's absolute defense had held.
Now, it's my turn.
Badr's eyes narrowed as he raised King Sword.
A blinding light erupted as a colossal energy blade, a hundred meters tall, materialized above him.
-King's Judgment.
Cao Cao's expression hardened as he faced the devastating attack.
"-Jewel Treasure!"
Another Sacred Gear ability activated, and Badr felt his attack being redirected.
"I suggest you reconsider," Cao Cao said with a smirk. "Jewel Treasure redirects attacks. You wouldn't want to harm your own allies, would you?"
Badr frowned, sensing the power of the redirection intensifying, ready to shift his attack at any moment.
Redirecting attacks... like some kind of twisted substitution?
He scoffed. There was no such thing as an absolute defense. Even his own Endless Dusk City, with its seemingly invincible barrier, had a weakness-its duration. Eventually, his demonic power would be exhausted.
This redirection could be overcome.
He focused, extending his newly awakened domain, the space around him coming under his complete control.
Absolute Control transcended his five senses, becoming a sixth sense, a direct link to the surrounding environment.
He sensed a subtle connection, a thread of energy linking his attack to Kuroka, who stood nearby.
They were planning to use his own attack against his allies, hoping to ignite a conflict between him and Vali's team.
A clever plan, but it wouldn't work.
A predatory grin spread across Badr's face as he unleashed King's Judgment.
Boom!!
The devastating power of the attack slammed into Cao Cao and his allies, the force of the blow shattering the redirection effect.
Cao Cao's eyes widened in shock. How had Badr broken through his defense?
His thoughts were cut short as the full force of the attack struck. He and his allies coughed up blood, even Cao Cao, whose power rivaled Azazel's, was injured.
Badr, now terrifyingly powerful, pressed his advantage, raising his sword once more.
Another King's Judgment.
Georg's eyes widened in disbelief.
He could use that ultimate move consecutively?
This was insane!
"We need to retreat!" he shouted at Cao Cao, fear creeping into his voice. Badr was too powerful.
...
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Chapter 196: Total Annihilation
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Cao Cao, reeling from Badr's attack, felt a surge of pain. Before he could recover, another blow landed, a relentless assault.
The fact that Badr could use such a powerful technique consecutively made Cao Cao and his allies uneasy.
They were unwilling to retreat, yet the prospect of facing both Badr and Vali Lucifer was daunting.
Cao Cao spun his spear, activating another of the Seven Treasures.
"Female Treasure!"
Rias and Akeno, standing nearby, suddenly felt their strength drain away. The Sacred Gear ability had neutralized their powers.
Badr, unfazed, unleashed another King's Judgment. Cao Cao responded with another ability, Horse Treasure, forcibly teleporting Koneko to his side.
Badr immediately adjusted his attack, the wave of energy crashing down near Koneko, but not directly on her.
"Look out!" Kuroka shouted, her voice filled with panic as she saw Koneko standing frozen in place. Knowing that even an indirect hit from Badr's attack could be devastating, she lunged forward, shielding her sister.
The shockwave from King's Judgment erupted, sending Kuroka and Koneko flying.
"Sister!" Koneko cried out, while Kuroka, coughing up blood, muttered, "You're too slow, Shirone."
"Cao Cao!" Vali's voice was filled with rage. Seeing his teammate injured had ignited his fury.
Badr's eyes, too, narrowed with killing intent. He hadn't anticipated Cao Cao's ability to teleport others, and he'd been too slow to react.
But there wouldn't be a next time.
"You're going to die here today," Badr said coldly, his aura radiating outwards, pressing down on everyone present, making it difficult to breathe.
"Is that so? I'd like to see you try," Cao Cao retorted, seemingly unfazed. He still had a few tricks up his sleeve.
Without another word, Badr raised his hand, unleashing his most powerful technique.
The Eternal Dusk City materialized, a colossal structure that blotted out the sky, its immense weight threatening to crush the world below.
"...A Balance Breaker?"
Cao Cao braced himself for the impact.
But then, he saw Badr activate King Shield.
"-Aegis of the King."
A golden light enveloped everything around them, even the ground beneath their feet, leaving only Cao Cao, his allies, and Samael exposed.
"...What is this?" Georg murmured, his voice filled with awe as he felt the space around him freeze. "An absolute defense?"
"...Why use that now?" Cao Cao asked, confused. "I haven't even attacked yet."
"I don't want to destroy my home," Badr replied casually, leaving everyone speechless.
He'd used such a powerful technique just to protect his property?
Even for him, such a powerful ability couldn't be used repeatedly in a single battle...
But Badr didn't seem concerned.
He raised King Sword, channeling his demonic power into the blade.
King's Judgment again?
Cao Cao, however, remained calm, his eyes narrowing.
"Wait... that energy... Medusa's Eye."
Azazel's expression shifted. Even he couldn't withstand that power.
But Badr remained unmoved. Protected by Aegis of the King, he was invulnerable.
He focused his power, the energy within King Sword intensifying.
And then, another power surged into the blade, a power that Sirzechs and the other Super Devils would recognize-the Power of Transcendence.
Even a glimpse of this power had convinced them that Badr was destined to become a Transcendent Being. Now, he wielded it with far greater control and understanding than before.
It was the power to defy the laws of reality.
Creation from nothing, simplification of the complex, turning lead into gold-with the Power of Transcendence, all things were possible.
Even creating Sacred Gears from thin air was merely one application of this power.
And this power stemmed from Badr's unwavering conviction.
He rose into the air, his aura expanding, his presence filling the world.
A true hero isn't defined by the sword he wields, but by the spirit that guides his hand.
In the hands of a hero, even a common blade becomes a legendary weapon.
And this world... will be reshaped by my presence.
This was Badr's belief.
As he held King Sword aloft, he felt a connection to the world around him, his consciousness expanding.
Cao Cao felt a sudden pressure, as if the world itself was bearing down on him.
Terror filled his eyes as he tried to speak, but his body began to disintegrate, particle by particle.
The devastating power of Badr's attack engulfed Cao Cao and his allies, their bodies turning to ash, along with Samael.
Even the True Longinus, the legendary Sacred Gear, screamed in protest, its form flickering and distorting before it finally vanished, fleeing the overwhelming power.
But within the protective embrace of Aegis of the King, the others felt only a gentle breeze. The destructive energy had been contained, leaving the surrounding area untouched.
Everyone watched in stunned silence.
The Hero Faction... annihilated with a single strike?
Even Vali was speechless. He'd believed he'd closed the gap between them, but now, the chasm seemed wider than ever.
With Samael gone, Ophis, freed from the dark energy, looked down at her hands, her expression unreadable.
"My power... it was stolen. Was that Cao Cao's goal?"
A wave of pity washed over the onlookers.
To steal the power of the Infinite Dragon God... it was a remarkable feat. But Cao Cao's triumph had been short-lived.
He'd been killed moments after achieving his goal.
...
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Chapter 197: Valkyrie Joins the Team
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No one had expected Badr to actually kill Cao Cao.
Cao Cao, whose power surpassing even Azazel's, had been annihilated with a single strike.
Silence hung heavy in the air. Badr's display of power had stunned everyone, even Rias and her peerage. It seemed... unreal.
Just how strong had he become?
Even Rias, who shared his bed, couldn't fathom the depths of his power. It was a strange and unsettling realization.
But perhaps it was her own fault. Badr was a unique case. If he chose to conceal his true strength, who could possibly discern it?
Badr himself seemed unfazed by his victory, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.
He walked over to Koneko and Kuroka, his expression concerned. "Koneko, are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Koneko glanced at her sister, a flicker of emotion crossing her face. It had been Kuroka who'd shielded her from the blast, a gesture that stirred conflicting feelings within her.
"Let Asia heal you," Badr said to Kuroka. He could sense that, despite everything, Kuroka cared deeply for her sister. Becoming a Stray Devil must have been a difficult choice.
After confirming Koneko's safety, he turned to Ophis.
Her power had been significantly diminished. While Badr had severed Samael's connection, the power it had absorbed was gone.
"After all this... you still want to stay here?"
"It doesn't matter," Ophis replied, her expression as blank as ever, seemingly unconcerned by the loss of her power.
Badr sighed inwardly. The Infinite Dragon God, a legendary being, now seemed... emotionally detached.
Had she become attached to him?
What had he done to deserve this? And more importantly, could he undo it?
He decided to ignore her for now. Ophis was incredibly powerful, and he couldn't force her to leave. If she wanted to stay, so be it.
...
A week passed.
Since the Hero Faction's defeat and Ophis's arrival, the Three Factions had enjoyed an unprecedented period of peace.
In the Occult Research Club room, Rossweisse sat across from Rias.
Badr and the others watched curiously.
Rossweisse, Odin's Valkyrie bodyguard, had fought alongside them against Loki. Now, she was here, alone.
"...So, you're saying Odin... left you behind?" Rias asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
"...Yes," Rossweisse replied, a mix of embarrassment and frustration coloring her cheeks. She didn't know what to say about her unreliable boss.
Badr chuckled. "He probably ditched you because you were cramping his style. You know how he is."
"What?" Rossweisse's eyes widened. "Really?"
Rias, stifling a laugh, covered Badr's mouth. "Don't listen to him," she said to Rossweisse, her voice soothing. "No one would abandon such a capable bodyguard."
Despite Rias's attempt to reassure her, Rossweisse, still feeling hurt, wasn't fooled.
She'd worked so hard. Born into a rural Valkyrie family, she hadn't inherited their traditional summoning magic. Instead, she'd excelled in offensive magic, a path that had led her far from home.
She'd dedicated herself to her training, forgoing even the simple pleasures of courtship that other Valkyries enjoyed.
Finally, she'd become Odin's bodyguard, only to discover he was a lecherous old man who constantly teased her for being too uptight. And now... he'd abandoned her.
The thought brought tears to her eyes.
Rias sighed, giving Badr another pointed look. This was his fault.
Badr shrugged inwardly. So, he was being blamed for telling the truth.
He smiled, then said, "Rias, why don't you take her in as your servant? You're still missing a [Rook], and Rossweisse's abilities would be a perfect fit."
"Oh! That's... a wonderful idea!" Rias's face lit up, beaming at Rossweisse. Badr's suggestion had mirrored her own thoughts.
Rossweisse, feeling a flicker of hope amidst her despair, considered Rias's offer.
"Are you... sure?" she asked hesitantly.
Rias, delighted, didn't hesitate. She quickly performed the reincarnation ritual, and just like that, the Valkyrie became a devil, Rias's final servant.
"Wonderful! Let's have a party tonight to celebrate!"
Rias, thrilled with her new and powerful servant, immediately began planning a celebration.
That night, they gathered, their laughter and conversation filling the house. Even Ophis and Kuroka joined in the festivities.
Rossweisse, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by her sudden change in status, didn't drink too much. The next morning, she woke up early, expecting to resume her duties as a bodyguard.
But Rias was nowhere to be found.
She made her way to Rias's room, recalling seeing her enter it the previous night.
She knocked gently.
Badr's voice answered.
"Who is it?"
"...Badr? What are you doing in Rias's room?" Rossweisse asked, surprised.
"You've got the wrong room. This is mine," Badr replied lazily from the bed, his arm wrapped around Rias's smooth body. Akeno snuggled close behind him.
"But... I saw Rias enter this room last night..."
Rias, roused by Badr's familiar touch, stirred. "Rossweisse? Just a moment... I'll be right out..."
"...Rias? You're really in there? But... aren't you..." Rossweisse's face flushed crimson as she realized what was happening. She didn't know whether to leave or stay.
In her flustered state, she accidentally opened the door, her eyes widening in shock at the scene before her.
On a massive circular bed, at least five meters in diameter, lay Badr, surrounded by a group of women...
Rias, Akeno, Asia, Xenovia, Koneko... even Kuroka...
"All seven of you...?" Rossweisse stammered, her gaze fixed on the tangle of limbs and bare skin.
