Nobody said a word.
The wall clock kept ticking while no one spoke.
Rias rested her elbows on her desk and folded her hands.
“These aren’t ordinary fragments,” she said.
“Even broken, Excalibur holds immense power.
If they’re reunited, Kuoh will become a battlefield.” Akeno’s smile faded.
“Freed alone is dangerous.
But Valper Galilei is the real threat.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice.
“Valper would sacrifice anyone if it meant getting the result he wanted.” Issei glanced at Kiba.
Kiba sat rigid, shoulders locked, hands curled into fists until his knuckles turned white.
“…Kiba?” Issei asked.
Kiba slowly raised his head.
Even Akeno looked at him in surprise.
“I don’t care who has them.
I’ll destroy every last fragment.” “This isn’t because I’m a Devil,” Kiba added.
“Nor because you ordered me.
This is personal.” He shut his eyes.
“We were children—raised only to become Holy Sword users.
One after another, they died.
I survived.
The others didn’t.” His fingers dug into his palms.
“I won’t let another child suffer what we did.
So I’ll end it.” Issei rose and moved beside him.
“I’m coming with you.” Kiba blinked.
“…What?” “You heard me.” Issei rubbed the back of his head and offered an awkward smile.
“I don’t get all this Church stuff.
But you’re my friend.
You don’t have to face this alone.” “When we first met,” Issei went on, “I was jealous.
You were handsome, popular—everyone liked you.” A few people chuckled; the corner of Kiba’s mouth lifted.
“That was a long time ago.
Now you’re my teammate—my brother.
If you’re fighting, I’m fighting too.” The corner of Kiba’s mouth lifted.
“…Thank you.” Rias watched them and sighed.
“I can’t send House Gremory into battle just because I want to.
The peace between the Church and the Devils is fragile.
One mistake could destroy that peace.
As heir of House Gremory, I have duties that go beyond this room.” Issei frowned.
“So we just wait?” “I didn’t say that,” Rias replied.
“We investigate.
We move carefully.
And if we must fight, we’ll do it once we know what we’re dealing with.” Issei snapped his fingers.
“I know someone.” A short time later, Saji Genshirou sat awkwardly in the clubroom.
“…Why am I here?” “Because I need your help,” Issei said without hesitation.
Saji groaned.
“This sounds troublesome already.
I’m leaving.” Koneko stepped in front of the door.
“You aren’t leaving.” “…Seriously?” Saji said.
“No,” she said firmly.
Saji rubbed the back of his head.
After hearing Kiba’s story, his scowl softened.
“…You’re still a pain.” “I know,” Kiba said.
After hearing all that…
I can’t just walk away, Saji thought.
He sighed.
“Fine.
I’ll help.” Issei pumped his fist.
“I knew you’d say yes!” “Don’t misunderstand,” Saji muttered.
“I’m only helping because abandoning you idiots would leave a bad taste in my mouth.” “Stop smiling like that,” Issei snapped; a short bout of laughter eased the mood.
Akeno folded her arms and allowed a faint smile.
Rias straightened.
“This is our plan.
We’ll locate Freed Sellzen.
We’ll stop Valper Galilei.
And we’ll recover—or destroy—the stolen Excalibur fragments before they can be used.” Everyone understood what was at stake.
The room stayed quiet.
Nobody needed to be reminded what Freed had done—or what Valper was capable of.
Kiba glanced at Issei; he didn’t seem so alone anymore.
No one had anything else to add.
Rias dismissed the meeting.
The next evening, more people than usual gathered in the clubroom.
Xenovia and Irina sat near the window, both wearing grim expressions.
Asia stood close to Kiba, her hands folded tightly.
Yuuto remained by the door, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
Rias spread a map of Kuoh Town on the desk.
“Here’s the plan.
First, find Freed.
Second, determine how many fragments remain.
If possible, recover or destroy them before they’re used.” Xenovia spoke up.
“We traced a sighting.
A church van was seen near the old district last night.
Witnesses described a man with long, pale hair—matching Freed.” Irina nodded.
“We’ve been keeping an eye on abandoned buildings.
Most are dead ends, but this one fits.” Rias traced a circle.
“Then we start there.
Issei, Kiba—you’ll lead the ground team.
Koneko, you’re with them.
Asia, stay close to Issei.
Yuuto, support Kiba directly.
Xenovia and Irina will provide holy sword coverage.
Saji, you watch the perimeter and call for backup only if things go bad.
Don’t fight unless you have no choice.” Saji rubbed his neck.
“So…
I’m really not allowed to jump in?” “Not unless you have no other choice,” Rias said.
Asia hesitated.
“Kiba…
are you sure about this?” Kiba didn’t look at her.
“I have to be.” She quietly reached for his arm.
“I’ll be there.” Kiba gave her a small nod.
“Thank you, Asia.” Yuuto pushed off the doorframe.
“We shouldn’t waste any more time.” “Then go.
And remember—stay together,” Rias said.
“No one acts alone.” Most of the streetlights had already gone dark, leaving pools of shadow along cracked pavement.
Kiba led; the others spread out behind him—Koneko a step back, Asia near the center, Yuuto and Xenovia flanking, Irina watching the rear.
Saji’s voice came through the enchanted communicator.
“I’m in position.
No movement from the south side yet.” “Copy,” Issei replied.
“Keep your eyes open.” They reached the abandoned church at the district’s edge.
Its windows were shattered, doors hanging off their hinges.
A dim light leaked through the doorway.
Kiba’s hand tightened on his sword hilt.
“He’s here.” “Or it’s a trap,” Yuuto said quietly.
“Either way,” Xenovia murmured, drawing her blade, “we’re not turning back.” They entered.
A single candle burned on the altar, surrounded by scattered papers—research notes, sword diagrams, and bloodstained bandages.
Irina knelt, examining one.
“Excalibur fragment schematics.
Valper’s handwriting.” A scraping noise came from the back of the church.
“Stay behind me,” Kiba said, moving first.
A tall, lean man stepped from the darkness.
The moon caught his pale hair.
Freed Sellzen smiled.
“Well, well.
Look who decided to visit.” He held a fragment of Excalibur; the fragment blazed white.
“Hand it over,” Kiba said.
Freed laughed.
“Or what?
You’ll kill me?
Go ahead.
This sword cuts through Devils like paper.” He lunged.
Kiba met him midair; blades clashed, ringing through the church.
Xenovia and Yuuto moved to flank, but Freed slipped past Xenovia before she could react—dodging, parrying, landing one clean strike after another.
“Kiba, wait!” Issei called.
Kiba didn’t slow.
Freed turned aside every strike, laughing as he fought.
“You hate it, don’t you?” Freed taunted.
“The sword that took everything from you.” “Shut up,” Kiba snapped.
Freed’s grin widened.
“Admit it.
Without Excalibur, you’re nothing.” Issei stepped forward; Boosted Gear ignited on his arm.
“That’s enough.” Freed glanced at him.
“Ah, the Pawn.
You think you can save him?
You can’t.” He raised the fragment.
The piece blazed white.
“Koneko, move Asia back!” Yuuto shouted.
Koneko grabbed Asia and pulled her away as Freed unleashed a slash of pure energy.
The wave tore through the altar; the blast threw dust and broken wood into the air.
Xenovia countered, deflecting the blast.
“He’s testing us.” “Then end it fast,” Irina said, drawing her blade.
Freed’s grin turned feral.
He charged Xenovia.
Their blades met—sparks, force, then Yuuto and Kiba forced him back.
For the first time, Freed took a step back.
His eyes narrowed.
In one fluid motion, he drove the fragment into the ground.
The floor exploded beneath them.
The blast threw dust and broken wood into the air.
Issei threw himself over Asia to shield her.
When the dust settled, Freed was gone.
His laughter echoed through the church, then faded into the night.
“Consider this your invitation.
Next time, bring your best.” Kiba lowered his sword, staring at the hole Freed left.
“He’s right,” he said quietly.
“This is only the beginning.” Issei moved to stand with him.
“Then we’ll be ready.” Asia stood close, worry in her eyes.
“Kiba…
please don’t fight alone.” Kiba met her gaze, then turned to the others.
They met his eyes in return.
“I won’t,” he said.
Rias’s voice came through the communicator.
“Return to base.
We need to regroup.” The walk back passed in silence.
Freed had escaped, and Valper was still one step ahead.
No one looked back at the ruined church.
It really helps the story reach more readers.