I think sensei discovered the true motive behind that old man and ossan’s challenge to us. Hearing what sensei said, everyone displayed a docile expression as they nodded. It looked like everyone was determined and had already made up their minds. Sona-zenkaichou darted her eyes over to Shinra-san, encouraging her swiftly to explain the situation behind the scenes. Shinra-san used her own magic to summon a large mirror in mid-air, and then began explaining. The mirror displayed a map of the entire area that would be the stage for this battle. “The stage for this battle uses the area within a ten kilometre radius of Kuoh Academy as a template. The creation of this stage is all thanks to the assistance of Rossweisse-sensei.”
Rossweisse-san also helped out in creating the stage? I felt rather surprised, and then Rossweisse-san said to everyone
“This battle’s stage uses an application of the sealing technique for Trihexa that I’m still researching. …But I hope that the results are good…”
I see, using the sealing method that she was researching. Rosseweisse-san used her self-developed theory, and she hasn’t stopped researching the specialised seal for Trihexa for years. It seems like Azazel-sensei and the other researchers also assisted…and the results of her research have been used in this battle’s stage. …The unknown opponents, and the beast that no one has ever encountered…. With these things as her goal, I really admired Rossweisse-san who dedicated time every day to think about this sealing technique. This was all because she was a rare, talented woman in magic, thus she was able to do it. Shinra-san then stated
“The opponent will be splitting up their forces into two squadrons. Ewald Cristaldi and Vasco Strada will be acting as the leaders of each squadron.”
That was easy to understand. The stage for the battle was Kuoh town! The opponents were the former wielder of Excalibur and the former wielder of Durandal who would be leading the two squadrons. Following what Shinra-san said, Sona-zenkaichou said
“We will also be divided into two groups. As for the assignment, [Joker] Dulio Gesualdo will be the leader, Sister Griselda, Irina-san, those of the [Brave Saints], as well as the Sitri group except Saji who are acting as support will be responsible for taking on Ewald Cristaldi’s side.”
So that means it would be the Angels and the Sitri group against the holy sword wielder Cristaldi-san. “So that means, it’ll be the Gremory household, Saji-kun and the other members who will be responsible for going up against Vasco Strada.”
Rias said
“Our opponent is…the former wielder of Durandal, Strada-ossan.”
The raging flames of battle had already ignited in Xenovia’s eyes. “Kuroka, Le Fay and Slash Dog will be responsible for that side’s support.”
—Sensei added. I see, the support members were still quite competent. …Even so, Qlippoth only needed a slight opening, at which they would certainly jump in. This was quite worrisome. Then someone stepped out from the crowd — it was Kiba. “Sona-zenkaichou, can I go over to [Joker]’s side?”
—! …Hearing this, everyone was quite surprised. But everyone quickly understood the reason behind it. …Kiba’s fighting spirit had been ignited again by Excalibur. Sona-zenkaichou closed her eyes and asked
“It’s because of Excalibur right?”
Kiba silently nodded. “I heard that Cristaldi is the former wielder of Excalibur.”
Sona-zenkaichou asked Sister Griselda about this. “Yes, although he’s now retired, he is indeed a rare person, naturally able to wield Excalibur. It’s said that in his youth, he was able to use three of Excalibur simultaneously.”
…Three of Excalibur at the same time. Although that bastard Freed was able to do similar things, he was probably only using them indiscriminately. After all, after the incident with Kokabiel’s attack, Kiba raised his power tremendously and showed no mercy to that ossan. Sister Griselda then said
“He is also the only person that the Pope gave a replica of Excalibur during the production of Ex-Durandal.”
“A replica of Excalibur?”
I asked, at which time Rias placed her hand over her forehead. “I heard that after gathering the seven Excalibur swords, they wanted to create a replica which contained the same power. From what I remember, the replica’s actual power was less than a fifth of the original….”
So that ossan’s sword was actually a replica of Excalibur! So the feeling that I had back then was actually this. “His Eminence Strada should also have received a replica of Durandal similarly.”
—Sister Griselda said. That old man has a replica! …It looks like this was going to be a fierce battle…. After hearing this, Kiba strongly pleaded. “…Please let me fight against him. I want to surpass Excalibur again, surpass the wielder of Excalibur. This is not revenge, but a challenge!”
Among the great individuals within the Church, the former wielder of Excalibur had ignited his passion. The expression that exuded from Kiba’s eyes was not out of hatred, but a mixed feeling. …I didn’t know if it was anger towards himself, or anger towards his opponent, or even—. Rias struggled to find an answer, and thus another person’s voice interjected
“—How about simply letting him do so?”
The person who was in agreement with this was Arthur Pendragon. An unexpected person showed up here. …No, the opponent was directly related to holy swords. Vali had hoped that this guy would be able to fight. So in consideration of that, it wasn’t surprising for this guy to show up. All eyes were directed towards the handsome youth who said to Kiba with a faint smile
“A swordsman’s dedication can only be matched by another swordsman. Isn’t that right, Kiba Yuuto-kun?”
Kiba was silent. Then the eyes of those two met, and I felt as though there was something that only swordsmen could understand. Arthur placed his hand on his chest and said
“I don’t really want to replace you, but allow me participate in the fight against Vasco Strada. Being the old man who is known as the strongest wielder of Durandal, I’ve always been interested in him, in particular, his own strength is regarded as the strongest among the wielders of Durandal.”
So Arthur wanted to join the Gremory household’s side. With what he said, it was even more unexpected. After listening to what he said — she sighed and then turned to her friend. “…Sona, let Kiba join your side then.”
“Is that alright, Rias?”
After confirmation of that, Rias turned to Kiba and said
“Yuuto, only this time, please settle things with your feelings.”
Kiba immediately knelt down, and expressed his gratitude to his master. “Yes, thank you.”
His expression was not only that of gratefulness — it also made me feel the determination of a warrior. …Anyone would think that his current expression looked rather gallant. However, my friend. I’ve already noticed. After this concluded, everyone discussed the battle with each other, and the remaining time was the last chance to rest before the battle began.