Isabel’s eyes widened. When was the last time that had happened? The most recent was when the seal on the Pink Goddess Gordiana went awry, and she’d ended up restraining her in a bizarre pose, a situation she’d seemingly rather not count, thus excluding it from this count.
Was it because the phenomenon unfolding before her eyes was so unbelievable? Or was it the joy of seeing her beloved child grow far beyond her own expectations? Regardless, something that could surprise her to this extent was about to happen.
“…Magnificent.”
Unconsciously, Isabel murmured. She wasn’t crying, nor was she forcing a smile. She simply spoke what she thought with her natural expression. But perhaps that was precisely why her words now felt more genuine than ever before.
It all began when Sera and Gerard clashed their respective weapons, the Black and Gold Demonic Sword Dainsleif. Isabel initially thought this act, performed as naturally as a high-five, was part of them psyching themselves up. However, as the two began to glow with an eerie light and their auras intensified, Isabel found her gaze and heart captivated by the mysterious phenomenon.
“…It seems to have gone well.”
Something was strange. She could hear two voices. No, to be precise, Sera’s voice was stronger, but judging by the tone and atmosphere, she could also sense Gerard’s vocal quality. That, too, was a peculiar point.
“You two, or rather… you? This is a rare experience. I can’t grasp the situation. What exactly did you do?”
The two lights had now merged into one, and even that light was gradually fading. Only one figure emerged from within; the other was nowhere to be seen. As Isabel watched intently, where had the other person gone? No, at this point, Isabel should have already grasped what had happened. She had an inkling, but the phenomenon was so far beyond her comprehension that she felt compelled to voice her questions.
“…Witnessing Kelvin’s form, clad in a transformed Hard and weaving a new shape of power, was the trigger for gaining this form. It’s a novel method to don a subordinate you command; I’d never thought of it before. And then I thought, ‘Come to think of it, I’m also wearing armor, so maybe someone else can wear me too?’… and so on.”
The light completely vanished, and its true form was revealed.
“It doesn’t look like you’re simply wearing armor.”
“Of course not. Effort is required in everything. We call this state the ‘Blood Dye Knight King’.”
What appeared was a suit of dark knight’s armor. However, it was not Gerard’s. It was clearly a full-body female armor, as if custom-made to fit Sera’s physique. While based on black like Gerard’s armor, its surface was adorned with patterns drawn in crimson that constantly flowed, as if veins were spread across it. This was also true for the greatsword they wielded. It was even larger than the Demonic Sword Dainsleif, which had been so colossal, and veins stretched to every corner. Listening closely, one could even hear a thumping heartbeat, making its appearance incredibly uncanny.
“Do you wish to hear more details?”
“…I am interested. However, rather than understanding *how* it happened, I wish to directly test its power. If my understanding is correct, you two currently are—”
“—Indeed. It might reach you as well.”
Sera and Gerard’s newfound power, the ‘Blood Dye Knight King.’ It wasn’t simply Gerard’s armor being equipped by Sera; this form, which seemed to be a fusion of the two, incorporated extensive applications of both their Unique Skills. Facing the monstrous entity born from the culmination of this fusion, Isabel could feel it. Were they now capable of matching her full power?
“Let us exchange blades quickly. We can talk after that.”
“If we both have the composure to talk afterward, that would be good. …Well then.”
“Yes.”
“—We go.”
“—I’m coming.”
Raising their weapons, both figures vanished from their spots. Isabel’s full power, unleashed for the first time in this battle, was incredibly fast and sophisticated, making the earlier exchanges seem like child’s play. From a single sword strike, a barrage of layered slashes erupted. Furthermore, each of these slashes was imbued with various barrier effects, transforming each cut into a distinct ultimate technique. It was a divine feat, befitting the most skilled swordsman among the gods.
—*Kiiin!*
“Tch!”
However, the two withstood this fierce assault head-on. For each swing, they unleashed a group of crimson slashes equal in number to Isabel’s own. Moreover, the moment they touched the intercepted slashes, all the barriers Isabel had applied were blown away. Barriers that nullified resistance skills, barriers that granted absolute resistance to slashes, barriers that unleashed various status ailments upon contact—all of them were rendered powerless before they could even manifest. Naturally, these were the highest quality barriers Isabel could conjure, deployed along the trajectory of her sword. Considering how quickly they were nullified, one could easily understand the abnormality of this feat by observing Sera and Gerard’s battles leading up to this point. This was not simply the sum of two individuals’ power; if that were enough to contend with Isabel, Sera and Gerard would have been evenly matched from the start.
“You’re countering ‘Doubt Punishment Instant Slash,’ which is specialized for execution, head-on! Wonderful! Wonderful beyond any cliché words!”
Swords clashed against swords, barriers against blood, each canceling out the other’s threat. Isabel, who had been holding back significantly until now, was putting her absolute all into it. Trembling with genuine joy, she continued to swing her sword with all her might.
“Even when you’re serious, your chatter hasn’t stopped! Well, that’s fine! I’m having too much fun myself!”
To meet Isabel’s expectations, and to break through their own limits, Sera and Gerard were also unleashing their absolute all. Reveling in the battle, they continued to swing their blades with perfect execution.
“Optimal Slaughter!”
During a slash, Isabel manifested a barrier of slaughter, created by expending all the sword trajectories she had drawn in the battle. At first glance, it resembled a long, long curtain, but looking at its ends, one could see guillotine blades attached. Its shape was clearly different from the Window Curtain used for defense.
“Evil Emperor Tail Sword!”
In response, Sera and Gerard manifested a flexible sword extending from a demon’s tail. Perhaps Gerard had found tail-related equipment for Sera’s original tail? Regardless. This serpent sword, like everything else, was stained with blood, undoubtedly possessing a fearsome performance that matched its appearance.
However. As the battle intensified, a problem arose here. When these formidable weapons collided, would this place, the heart of the floating continent, remain intact?
“When was the last time such a wicked barrier was created?! Even though I’m in a golem body, the sharpness of this barrier is astounding!”
“Hah, my sword is no less potent! If you doubt it, shall we clash? Excellent, I too wish to know my current limit! The moment I know it, I’ll surpass it!”
…Worst of all, none of the three had the slightest room in their minds to consider that. The situation was likely dire.
