Chapter 27: Freed Sellzen - 2
Just as Kiba raised his sword, preparing to end Freed's misery, a deep voice echoed from the shadows of the warehouse. "Oh Freed, your skill with the Holy Sword could still use some brushing up."
The group turned in surprise, their focus shifting from Freed to the new figure.
From the dim light emerged an older man, dressed in a long, white robe, with silver hair and sharp, calculating eyes.
Freed, who had been on the ground, suddenly grinned in recognition. "Ah, it's old man Valper," he chuckled, though his tone held an edge of uncertainty.
Koneko's eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms. "That's Valper, the man behind the Holy Sword Project, the one who conducted experiments to create the Holy Swords."
"Valper..." issei muttered under her breath, her expression darkening. "So, he's the mastermind behind the chaos surrounding the Excalibur fragments."
Valper looked at them, his gaze cold and analytical. "I must say, I'm impressed you managed to defeat Freed. But I'm afraid it won't end like this."
Kiba's grip tightened around his sword, and he stepped forward. "You're the one corrupting the holy sword. And you are thebreason innocent people were hurt!"
Valper raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Kiba's anger. "Corrupted? No, I simply sought to unlock the true potential of the Holy Swords. Those weapons were too powerful to be left in the hands of just anyone. They required... refinement."
He gave a small, disdainful smile. "And you all should be thanking me, for I created the strongest of them all."
Freed, still on the ground, let out a dry laugh. "Oh, you're lecturing us about protection? That's rich coming from devils."
Valper ignored Freed, continuing to eye the group. "So, you have found the fragments, and you managed to defeat Freed, but you're still in the dark about the bigger picture. Let me enlighten you."
He paused, as if savoring the moment. "The Excalibur fragments are only part of the plan. The true purpose of the Holy Sword Project was to create weapons capable of challenging even the strongest beings in existence—whether they be angels, fallen angels, or devils."
Valper's eyes gleamed with something akin to excitement. "The ultimate goal is the destruction of the current order. To cleanse the world of those who hold power over others. Whether it's devils, angels, or fallen angels... all must be brought to their knees."
Issei, his fists still trembling, stepped up beside Rias. "You're insane if you think we'll let that happen."
The old man smiled darkly. "It's already in motion. The power of the Holy Swords will bring about the change I seek. You won't be able to stop it."
As the confrontation between the group and Valper continued, the old man's voice grew more commanding. His calm demeanor was unsettling as he gave his instructions to Freed.
"Freed," Valper began, turning to the injured but defiant fallen angel. "You've been using the Excalibur fragments recklessly. You need to focus. Channel your energy properly."
Freed, still rubbing his sore body, looked up at Valper with a mixture of annoyance and confusion. "Channel my energy? What are you talking about? I've been using the Excalibur just fine."
Valper sighed, a touch of exasperation in his voice. "No, you haven't. You've been wasting its potential by using it in bursts. The Excalibur isn't just a weapon—it's a tool of immense power, meant to be wielded with control, precision, and foresight."
He looked at Freed with an almost disappointed expression. "You're trying to fight with it as though it's a simple sword, but it's far more than that. It can amplify your energy, but only if you channel it properly."
Kiba, still standing firm, spoke up from the side. "So, you're saying Freed's been misusing it this entire time? He hasn't even scratched its real power?"
Valper glanced briefly at Kiba before turning back to Freed. "Exactly. Freed's power is certainly impressive, but he's only tapping into a fraction of what the Excalibur fragments can do." He gestured for Freed to hold the fragment up once more. "Let me show you how it's done."
Freed, still determined to prove himself, grabbed the Excalibur fragment and gripped it tightly. A surge of power surrounded him, but it was chaotic, the energy flaring wildly around him. Valper's eyes narrowed in disapproval.
"Focus, Freed. Channel your energy into the sword, focus it into a single point," Valper instructed.
Freed closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Slowly, the energy around him began to calm, the crackling power shifting into a more controlled form. His expression shifted from frustration to concentration as the power stabilized.
"You need to draw out the potential of the sword," Valper continued. "The Excalibur fragments don't just amplify your strength—they can allow you to manipulate energy itself. Channeling your energy into them unlocks abilities far beyond what you could achieve alone."
Freed opened his eyes, surprised to see the energy surrounding the fragment stabilize and grow more concentrated. The fragment glowed brighter, and for a brief moment, Freed's expression softened into one of awe.
"This... this is amazing!" Freed exclaimed, clearly astonished by the newfound control he had over the sword's power.
Valper gave a small, approving nod. "Now you see. With proper control, the Excalibur becomes far more than a mere weapon—it becomes an extension of your very being. It can reshape battles in an instant."
At that moment, Koneko, Kiba, and the others tensed. They knew that with Freed now more in control of his power, the battle would be even more difficult than before.
Freed, emboldened by his new control over the Excalibur fragment, let out a maniacal laugh. "Let's see who's truly stronger now, huh?" he challenged, the power of the sword crackling with energy.
---
As Freed lunged forward, his Excalibur fragment glowing with immense power, he aimed a deadly slash directly at Kiba, intending to end the fight in one swift blow.
The air crackled with energy, and it seemed as though nothing could stop the oncoming attack. Kiba, his sword already drawn, braced himself for the impact, his grip tightening as he prepared to defend.
But before Freed's blade could land, a sudden flash of movement interrupted the strike.
Clang!
Xenovia appeared in a blur, her own sword, raised high in defense. She blocked the attack with a swift, controlled motion, the clash of their swords sending shockwaves through the air.
Freed stumbled back slightly, surprised by the sudden appearance of Xenovia, her expression one of cold determination.
"Trying to take on my comrades, you traitor of church?" Xenovia said, her voice filled with steely rage. "You'll have to do better than that."
Irina appeared next to Xenovia, her usual cheerful demeanor contrasting with the intensity of the situation."Hello, everyone! Sorry we're late, but we couldn't miss all the fun!"
She waved, her expression bright despite the dangerous surroundings.
The rest of the group Kiba, observed the situation as the two church members stood alongside them. Freed's eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the sight of Xenovia and Irina.
"Xenovia… Irina…" Freed muttered, gritting his teeth in frustration. "So, you two decided to side with these devils after all? How disappointing."
Irina, still maintaining her cheerful attitude, nodded in agreement. "I don't think we can let you use those Excalibur fragments like this. You're just gonna get yourselves in more trouble!"
Freed sneered, his hands twitching around the Excalibur fragment. "You may have switched sides, but that doesn't mean I'll go easy on you. You've been weak, and you're still just the same!"
Freed's anger flared, and his power surged. "I'll show you how much stronger I am now!"
Koneko, her eyes narrowed. "We won't let him get away with this. Let's finish it."
With that, the battle reignited. Freed, furious, attacked with even more ferocity, his sword crackling with energy. Xenovia and Irina held their ground, their sacred swords shining brightly in the dim light.
...