Hearing Roy and Rias's analysis, Xenovia and Irina felt a surge of unease ripple through them, a chill creeping over their bodies.
If their theory was correct, this situation was far graver than they could handle.
To be precise, even without Roy's inference, facing Kokabiel alone was beyond the capabilities of two young holy sword wielders.
A biblical figure who survived the brutal three factions war, Kokabiel was a monster even heaven's elites would approach cautiously, lest they risk defeat.
Sending Xenovia and Irina to confront him was like trying to pull chestnuts from a fire.
They knew their trump card gave them less than a five percent chance of victory.
Now, with the stakes potentially higher, their odds seemed even slimmer.
One misstep could brand them as sinners in the eyes of the church.
"Your points have some merit," Xenovia said, her voice heavy.
"But it's all speculation. You have no proof to back it up. Joining forces with devils could improve our chances against Kokabiel, but it would disrupt the balance between the three factions."
"If your theory is right, the fallout might be minimal. If it's wrong, Irina, I, and the Church will face backlash from all sides."
Xenovia's words carried weight.
A hasty alliance could lead to endless trouble, even death.
The war had left deep seated hatred, with no room for surface level reconciliation. For more chapters visit novel·fıre·net
When devils and angels met, not fighting was already a feat.
"Exactly. Even if we die, we won't rely on devils," Irina declared confidently, clasping her hands as if in prayer, eyes closed toward the ceiling, murmuring softly.
"You're misunderstanding," Roy said with a snort.
"We never said we'd join forces or borrow your strength. Rias is my fiancée, my love. If there's even the slightest threat to her life, I won't let it slide."
Rias's lips curved into a slight smile, but she remained silent, letting Roy continue.
"Oh, Rias, I'm jealous," Akeno teased with a playful smile.
The Church duo, however, felt a pang of frustration.
They came to discuss business, not to witness a public display of affection.
"Are you set on interfering?" Xenovia asked, her voice cold as she fixed Roy with a steely gaze.
"Kuoh Town is Gremory territory, and we have the right to deal with intruders," Roy said, nodding.
"Since Kokabiel might target Rias, I can't let him run rampant in Kuoh Town."
Xenovia glanced at Rias, who showed no sign of disagreeing.
With a sneer, she said, "It seems our talk has broken down."
"When we came, our superiors warned us that if you insisted on meddling, we could treat you as an unstable factor," she added.
"Want to fight?" Kiba asked, his hand resting on the sword at his waist, his eyes cold as they locked onto the church duo.
If they made a move, his sword would be drawn in an instant.
Roy's decision suited Kiba perfectly.
It addressed the threat and gave him a chance to destroy the holy swords.
"This is getting interesting," Akeno said, her smile sharp as lightning flickered in her hand.
"Attacking us in our own territory? Want to test a devil's strength?"
Koneko stood quietly, her body tensed, ready to strike.
Asia, caught in the middle, looked distressed, wanting to intervene but unsure of what to say.
Seeing the group's readiness, Xenovia's expression grew solemn.
Their auras suggested strength on par with hers and Irina's, and Rias, a high class devil, tipped the scales further.
Roy was likely at least as strong as a high class.
Even as holy sword wielders, Xenovia and Irina weren't guaranteed victory in a fight.
Worse, even if they won, it would leave them vulnerable to Kokabiel, lurking in the shadows.
"Mere devils, don't think numbers will guarantee your victory," Irina said with a cold huff, raising her right hand, where excalibur mimicry gleamed.
She stood, and the bracelet twisted, transforming into a slender sword.
The sword radiated a potent sacred aura, enough to make a low class devil's skin prickle.
As a devout believer, Irina had no tolerance for devils and was ready to fight.
"You're right. We need to eliminate unstable factors before dealing with Kokabiel," Roy said, his tone indifferent as he glanced at them.
"Your holy swords could draw Kokabiel out, but you don't seem like the cooperative type."
Roy stood, and the hestia sword materialized in his hand.
With a swift motion, he slashed at Irina.
A sharp clang rang out as the Hestia sword met excalibur mimicry.
The force of the strike surged through Irina's arm, throwing her off balance.
She stumbled backward, crashing into the sofa behind her.
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