The moon was out, shining down on Kuoh Academy. The school's barriers blinked weakly, showing signs of wear from Kokabiel's interference. Below, the leylines gave off a faint, uneven rhythm.
Near the front gates, everyone had assembled and done the final checks before storming in.
Hajime stood at the front, his hair catching the breeze as he looked over the gathered group—Gremory, Sitri, the exorcists, and the Astral Express team. His gaze lingered for a moment, silently gauging their readiness before stepping forward.
Final preparations were underway. Sona, flanked by her peerage and accompanied by Rias and Akeno, coordinated their efforts, weaving layers of magic together to create a powerful collective barrier around Kuoh Academy.
The shimmering dome of protection slowly solidified, covering the academy's grounds and carefully concealing the imminent battle from the eyes of the outside world.
As the final glyphs and seals locked into place, Sona turned toward Hajime's assembled strike force.
"The barrier is ready," she announced, her voice firm. "We will maintain it and make sure everything happening inside stays there.."
Rias stepped forward, offering a confident nod despite the weight pressing on her shoulders. "Good luck out there. Bring him down. Also, Asia will accompany your team as a dedicated healer. Protect her well."
Asia, standing just behind Rias, bowed her head slightly, determination flashing in her gentle eyes.
Akeno smiled warmly, though her hands still hummed faintly with residual magic. "We'll be watching your backs."
Hajime inclined his head once in silent gratitude, the words unspoken but understood. His sharp gaze swept over each member of the strike force—Issei, Kiba, Koneko, Irina, Xenovia, Griselda, Sagiri, Asia, and his own companions.
Xenovia reached into her dimensional storage and drew out her trusted weapon—Durandal. The sacred sword shimmered with palpable divine power as she hefted it onto her shoulder, a confident gleam in her eyes.
Beside her, Irina received a gleaming light sword from Griselda. The standard weapon of exorcists pulsed softly with light energy, ready for the upcoming battle.
Each of them met his eyes with unwavering resolve. Hajime took a moment longer to observe them, imprinting the sight of their courage into his mind.
Satisfied, a faint, approving smile touched his lips.
Hajime took a step forward, "Alright, here's how this goes. Barrier team, your job is to keep Kuoh Town protected. Set up around the perimeter and strengthen the wards. If anything leaks out—stray magic, noise, anything—it's your responsibility to stop it. We can't afford to draw attention from the outside."
He paused to make sure everyone was listening. "Stay alert, work together, and keep our cover tight."
He then turned to the combat-ready group: Issei, Kiba, Koneko, Irina, Xenovia, Griselda, and Sagiri.
"The rest will provide tactical support. Dealing with enemy guards and preventing any escapes."
Alice and Anisphia stepped beside Hajime, their expressions relaxed with a small teasing glint.
Alice grinned playfully and called out to the group, "Just a friendly heads-up. You're about to see things you're definitely not prepared for."
Anisphia leaned on Hajime's shoulder dramatically, laughing. "Big surprises! About us, about our dear Hajime, and the crazy things we tend to drag along with us."
Alice waved her hand airily. "You don't need to worry about Kokabiel. We, by we I mean, our Hajime, will make sure it will end tonight."
Anisphia winked at the stunned crowd. "So, stay sharp, try not to faint—and remember, we're on your side. Promise!"
Light chuckles spread through the tension as their easy confidence washed over the group, lifting some of the heavy air without losing the edge of the coming battle.
They had chosen to believe with Hajime, Alice and Anisphia.
Whatever secrets awaited them, they will accept it.
Everyone turned their gaze toward Hajime, expecting a signal but Hajime wasn't looking at them.
His eyes were fixed far ahead, at the distance staring for someone beyond the academy perimeter.Even Alice and Anis exchanged confused glances.
Feeling their stares, Hajime finally blinked, a faint glimmer of amusement crossing his face. He turned back to them with a reassuring smile. A smile saying that whatever he saw, Atleast for now, was not a threat.
"Shall we?" he asked simply, his voice filled with determination.
---
High above, perched atop the roof of a distant building overlooking Kuoh Academy, two figures observed the gathering forces: Azazel, the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels, and Vali, someone he treats as his adoptive son.
Azazel leaned casually against the rusted railing, his eyes sharp with interest as he surveyed the massing group below. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, the kind that only surfaced when he found something—or someone—truly intriguing.
"Interesting bunch," Azazel murmured, resting his chin lightly on his hand. "Especially that one in the lead."
Vali stood quietly beside him, arms crossed, his silver hair catching the moonlight like liquid mercury. His gaze was laser-focused on Hajime, reading every subtle movement, every ripple of unseen pressure.
They both stiffened slightly—the moment Hajime's far-off eyes seemed to pierce straight through land on them.
Azazel let out a low chuckle, tapping the railing with amusement. "Looks like he noticed us. Sharp senses. Very sharp."
Vali's expression didn't change, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly—a rare tell of genuine curiosity. He wasn't the type to underestimate others, but he measured Hajime carefully now, not just as a warrior, but as a potential rival.
"Hajime Nagumo..." Vali murmured, his voice low and thoughtful. "What kind of wave you will bring on this stage?"
A gust of wind swept over the rooftop, both observers stood silently. their interest in Hajime deepened as the night around Kuoh thickened with the incoming battle.
-----
The grounds trembled as the strike group surged forward, storming into Kuoh Academy with swift precision.
Fallen angels and stray exorcists guarding the perimeter reacted instantly, spells and light spears flying to intercept the assault. But the vanguard pressed on without hesitation—
Issei roared forward, Boosted Gear igniting with bursts of crimson light as he slammed through enemy lines with sheer overwhelming force, each strike empowered by the growing energy in his gauntlet.
Kiba moved like a blur, weaving through enemy ranks with deadly precision. His Sacred Gear, Sword Birth, shimmered around him—multiple blades forming and vanishing at his command. Each conjured sword danced effortlessly in his grasp or hovered beside him like extensions of his will, cutting down foes with a style as graceful as it was lethal.
Koneko, compact and fierce, bulldozed her way forward, her fists and feet striking with bone-shattering power, every movement direct, swift, and unstoppable.
Irina and Xenovia advanced side-by-side, their blades—one blessed by light, the other the legendary Durandal—cleaving a path through against their enemy forces.
Griselda remained close behind, wielding the remaining Excalibur fragment, Excalibur Blessing, with measured grace. Waves of brilliant light surged from her strikes, shielding allies, powering them as they tear through enemies that dared to flank the charge. Her blade shone with a calming brilliance, reinforcing her role as both protector and warrior of the church.
Anisphia, wielding her Celestia Magic Blades in both hands. Its edge glowing with prismatic brilliance as she danced through the battlefield like a comet. The dragon seal etched into her back thrummed with power, enhancing her movements beyond mortal limits. Each swing of her blade unleashed shockwaves of compressed magic, her strikes graceful yet devastating. She moved with a sparkle in her eyes, striking with precision and flair, as if every blow was both a performance and a show of confidence that nothing would impede their advance.
Together, they carved a relentless and dazzling path through the defenders, their combined momentum a force no simple stray exorcist or low-ranking fallen angel could withstand.
At the heart of the charge, Hajime advanced at an unhurried pace. His figure radiated an aura of unshakable dominance, each step firm and controlled. Beside him, Alice matched his stride with graceful serenity.
Walking slightly behind them, Asia moved with determination, her hands glowing faintly with the gentle light of her healing magic. Despite the danger all around, she stayed close, her heart ready to protect and support her comrades when the moment called for it.
As they moved, Alice extended her hands subtly, runes forming around her fingertips. Drawing upon her emblem's power and her vast magical reserves, she unleashed a cascade of supportive spells. Barriers shimmered briefly around her allies, enhancing their defenses, while threads of ethereal light boosted their speed, precision, and stamina.
Her magic wove through the battlefield like a symphony, a profound protective net that made every movement of the strike force sharper, faster, and stronger.
High above the battlefield, Kokabiel lounged on a floating black throne. His crimson eyes gleamed with amusement and rising curiosity as he observed the chaos below, but his focus remained locked on Hajime.
A predator recognizing another force of nature.
"Now this," Kokabiel murmured to himself, a wide grin splitting his face, "might actually be entertaining."
Floating lazily atop his black throne, Kokabiel finally stood, stretching as if to emphasize his utter lack of urgency. His ten jet black wings spread wide, casting a menacing silhouette against the corrupt sky.
"Come, then," Kokabiel called out, his voice carrying easily over the battlefield, thick with amusement. "Show me your worth, Hajime Nagumo."
Hajime's steps never faltered as he approached, his pistols safely tucked at his side. His eyes locked onto Kokabiel.
"Is that all you have to say?" Hajime replied, his tone sounded bored. "I expected more from a so-called leader of the Fallen."
Kokabiel chuckled darkly, spreading his arms in a grand gesture. "Words are cheap. Power is what speaks here."
"Then say it. Whatever you're about to show," Hajime said, his voice steady but firm.
Their exchange was brief—a tense standoff before the real fight started.
Meanwhile, at the academy's altar, Valper Galilei worked feverishly. The twisted ex-priest finished the last of the ritual circles, aligning the stolen Excalibur fragments atop an ancient pedestal. Muted glows of corrupted divine energy pulsed through the fragments, slowly weaving them together.
"Soon... the true Excalibur will be reborn," Valper cackled under his breath, madness gleaming in his eyes.
With a flick of his hand, Kokabiel summoned a new threat to the field—his personal 'pet,' a monstrous, jet-black Cerberus. The beast landed with a bone-rattling thud, its three snarling heads radiating waves of corrupted power as its blood-red eyes locked onto Hajime's advancing group.
As the monstrous Cerberus snarled and stomped forward, Hajime calmly raised his pistol, lining up a shot with precision only for a blur of bright energy to dash ahead of him.
"Leave it to me!" Anisphia shouted gleefully, her eyes sparkling with unrestrained excitement.
She launched herself toward the Cerberus, her Magic blades flaring to life with a brilliant aura. A stunned silence fell over the group for a moment.
Hajime blinked, his pistol still raised halfway, and turned to stare at the space where Anisphia had been.
Alice let out an exasperated shout, "Anis, please remember you're a princess!"
Hajime added dryly, "And not some savage warrior."
Their voices carried a blend of fondness and long-suffering resignation, but it was clear to everyone that despite their protests, neither Hajime nor Alice could truly be angry.
Meanwhile, Anisphia grinned wildly as she clashed with the monstrous Cerberus, her blade singing as it deflected a snapping maw and returned a searing counterstrike.