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Chapter 114: The Fall of Issei
🕑 Added 2025-02-26 13:31:04 +0000 UTC
Kuoh Academy – After School
The sharp ring of the school bell echoed across the campus, signaling the end of the day. Students poured out of classrooms, heading off to their clubs or making their way home.
Among them, Issei and his usual gang bolted out of the building like their lives depended on it. The rumor was that they were after a limited-edition game—something about 2D waifus being superior to 3D girls.
Blake, on the other hand, stretched lazily before making his way toward the Occult Research Club.
---
Occult Research Clubroom
"Blake, you’re here."
Rias sat gracefully on the sofa, sipping tea, her ruby-red hair cascading down her back. Her usual air of elegance was in full display as she greeted him with a smile.
Behind her, Akeno, Koneko, and Kiba stood in their usual spots. Kiba, who had been absent the previous day, gave Blake a nod—though there was a flicker of something else in his expression.
Blake returned their greetings and took a seat.
"Blake, would you be willing to have another duel with Yuuto?" Rias asked, her gaze sharp with curiosity.
"A duel?" Blake raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kiba.
The blond knight shifted uncomfortably, looking less than thrilled at the idea. Clearly, he still hadn’t forgotten the stink bomb incident from their last fight.
"Yes, a proper duel," Rias clarified. "Last time, neither of you were serious. I want to see where your current strength stands."
Blake considered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
Kiba, meanwhile, sighed in resignation. He had a bad feeling about this.
Koneko, who had been quietly observing, tilted her head. Her golden eyes flickered with curiosity—she had never seen Blake truly fight before. Just how strong was he?
---
Training Grounds – Kuoh Academy
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the campus, the Occult Research Club gathered at the sports field. With a simple barrier set up to prevent unwanted attention, Blake and Kiba stood across from each other, swords drawn.
Kiba took a deep breath, his hand glowing as a crimson katana materialized in his grip.
"This is my Sacred Gear—Sword Birth," he announced.
The blade in his hands pulsed with magic, its fiery glow illuminating the evening air.
Blake remained unfazed. "Go all out. I won’t be using any stink bombs this time."
Kiba twitched. That was definitely a targeted attack on his pride.
Still, he couldn’t afford to be distracted. Last time, he had underestimated Blake. This time, he wouldn't make the same mistake.
Without hesitation, he activated his knightly speed, becoming a blur as he lunged forward. His flaming sword slashed toward Blake, cutting through the air with blazing intensity.
CLANG!
The moment their blades met, a sharp metallic ring echoed through the field.
Blake had barely moved. With a slight twist of his wrist, he had effortlessly blocked the attack.
Before Kiba could react, Blake shifted his grip and sent a powerful surge of energy through his blade. The force was overwhelming—Kiba’s sword flew from his hands, spinning through the air before embedding itself in the ground several feet away.
And then—
SHING!
A cold gleam flashed.
In the blink of an eye, Blake’s blade rested against Kiba’s throat. The match was over.
Silence.
Kiba stood frozen, staring at Blake in shock. He had gone all out, using everything at his disposal… yet he had lost instantly.
"That’s enough," Rias finally said, breaking the tension. She stepped forward, eyes filled with intrigue. "Blake, your growth is incredible. It seems your secret training has paid off."
Blake sheathed his sword with a casual shrug. "I just put in the work."
Truthfully, his power had already reached the cusp of a High-Class Devil. And this was just his base strength—he hadn’t even used physical enhancements or his Distortion ability.
"Senpai… unexpectedly strong."
Koneko's small voice broke the silence.
Blake shot her an unimpressed look. "What do you mean unexpectedly?"
The white-haired girl merely blinked, offering no further explanation.
Rias chuckled. "That’s enough for today. Blake, you can head home. We have some work to take care of."
"Got it. See you all tomorrow."
With that, Blake slung his sword bag over his shoulder and left.
---
Meanwhile…
Akeno watched Rias, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
"Rias, you were staring quite intently at Blake just now. Something on your mind?"
Rias stiffened for half a second before composing herself. "It’s nothing."
Akeno sighed. For once, her usual playful demeanor faded.
She knew exactly what was on Rias’ mind.
Blake might just be the answer to her problems.
But if that was the case… it would bring him a whole world of trouble.
"Blake… I hope you continue to grow stronger."
Akeno cast one last glance at the setting sun before following Rias and the others back to the clubroom.
---
As Blake walked through the quiet streets, his senses suddenly sharpened.
A barrier.
Someone had placed a weak magical field over the area—an amateur attempt at hiding something.
With a flick of his fingers, he shattered the barrier like glass.
Immediately, voices spilled into the open air.
"Mittelt, are you sure killing him is okay? Our mission was just to observe—"
"Who’s there?! Show yourself!"
Blake sighed, stepping into the scene. "You guys just don’t know when to quit, huh?"
Before him stood the same trio of fallen angels from the night before.
And at their feet—
A pool of blood.
A boy lay motionless in the center of it, his Kuoh Academy uniform stained red. A massive, gaping wound was carved into his stomach. His face was pale, his body unnervingly still.
Blake’s eyes darkened.
Even without checking, he knew the identity of the corpse.
Issei Hyoudou.
The original protagonist.
The "plot" had just taken a drastic turn.
Blake exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword.
"Well… this is definitely going to be a problem."
