[Kiba's POV]
After (supposedly) defeating Siegfried, I quickly spread my wings and took to the skies to regroup with President Rias and the others. The battle clearly wasn't over—explosions were still echoing in the distance.
Besides, I couldn't believe that the drug Siegfried used—Chaos Break—was a one-off. Chances are, other members of the Hero Faction have it too.
Knowing firsthand how much that drug boosts combat power, I realized I needed to be on the front lines. If our side gets caught off guard, it could be fatal before we even get a chance to react. That drug is that dangerous.
Soon, I reached an area lined with high-rise buildings and wide roads. There, the Sitri and Gremory peerages had taken formation around a large bus, clearly protecting it.
Looking closer, I saw the bus's wheels had been removed, and it was filled with young children. A kindergarten bus, probably. They must have gotten caught up in the battle by sheer misfortune.
"Sorry I'm late."
"Kiba! I'm so glad you're safe! Did you defeat Siegfried?"
Of course that was the first question, and of course, it wasn't easy to answer.
I had confiscated Siegfried's Phoenix Tears and tied him up for good measure, but I didn't think I could explain the whole thing clearly on the spot. I'd just submit a detailed report later.
Choosing to put that off for now, I responded to Rias.
"Yes. But it was much tougher than I expected. The Hero Faction appears to possess a drug that massively enhances Sacred Gear abilities. It doesn't look like they've used it here yet but—wait, who is fighting right now?"
That's right—normally, Issei would be the first to charge into battle.
The Sitri peerage had taken some damage, but Asia had already healed them, and everyone seemed present and accounted for—except… Gasper?
No, there's no way he's out fighting alone. More likely, he's transformed into a bat and is searching the area for any civilians left behind.
Even Shirone's senjutsu detection loses accuracy when people are near death or hiding behind terrorist-placed barriers, after all.
Just as I was thinking that, a massive man came flying out from behind a building, crashing into the ground. A woman followed, chasing after him—and in another direction, Georg arrived, using his mist-based teleportation.
The one who'd hit the ground was Heracles, one of the Hero Faction's top brass. He'd already Balance Breaker—his whole body was sprouting missile-like protrusions.
So he was the source of those constant explosions I'd been hearing.
"You bitch, Jeanne! You damn traitor!"
"Yeah, I suppose I owe you an apology. We were allies, after all."
Jeanne, another Hero Faction executive!? Why was she turning against her own faction!?
Behind her stood a dragon formed entirely of Holy Swords, radiating an aura far more powerful than when I saw her in Kyoto. In her right hand, she held a sword; in her left—was that a book?
Considering she inherited the soul of a saint, I wouldn't be surprised if she used sacred texts as weapons, like the Church's warriors.
Still, why had she switched sides? While I pondered, Saji filled me in.
"At first, a barrage of missiles came flying at the bus we were guarding, and that kicked off the fight with the Hero Faction. But then... well, the Student Council President made a certain offer to Jeanne d'Arc. As a test of loyalty, she's now fighting solo on our side."
"An offer? What kind of offer? I doubt money would sway someone from the Hero Faction…"
As I wondered, Jeanne suddenly shouted with uncontainable excitement.
"Ahh, my dear master! The legendary sacred texts said to have only five copies in existence, printed via the secret routes of Kuoh Academy! The 'Kuoh-Style All-Encompassing High School Chronicles'—and to think the author is right here! This must be destiny—Fate!"
Wait... Kuoh-Style All-Encompassing High School Chronicles? What the hell is she going on about?
She was clutching the book in her left hand like a holy relic. So that wasn't a Bible—it was that book?
Using my demonic vision while she stood still, I saw she was actually holding two thin volumes. One was titled P Prince × B Beast, and the other P Prince × N Knight. Abbreviations…? For what, exactly?
And why was Tsubaki-senpai's face bright red?
"The author of those books… is Tsubaki," Sona said calmly. "I read the after-action report from Kyoto, and it seems Jeanne had a strong interest in fan works distributed through Kuoh's manga club. Anticipating potential utility, we identified individuals connected to the underground (BL) market and conducted a survey to determine the rarest and most popular titles. We learned that Tsubaki's Kuoh-Style All-Encompassing High School Chronicles is considered legendary."
"The President told Jeanne, 'If you want this, join us. And for a limited time, I'll throw in a signed copy from the author, Tsubaki, herself.' Jeanne immediately blasted the ally standing next to her and pledged loyalty to the Vice President on one knee. It was… awe-inspiring. And after that, her Sacred Gear power skyrocketed. According to the President, it's because she gained a strong emotional anchor—a form of faith."
I-I see... Tsubaki-senpai has the literary talent to sway even terrorists with her writing. The leaders of the Gremory and Sitri peerages truly are talented in every field.
"If it's that moving, I'd like to read it myself someday," I said honestly.
Tsubaki panicked like I'd never seen before.
"N-no, absolutely not, Kiba-kun!"
Did she just say Kiba-kyun? Did she stumble over her words?
"T-that book is, um… very niche. You probably wouldn't enjoy it. I-I'd really prefer you didn't read it…"
Seeing her flustered and stammering—so different from her usual composure—I understood. She was embarrassed. It's natural not to want someone close to read your private work. I decided not to push her.
When I told her that, she visibly relaxed in relief.
But Jeanne, still intercepting Heracles's missiles midair while closing in on him, suddenly shouted:
"Lady Shinra Tsubaki! There is no shame in this! Books inevitably reveal the heart of their authors! Both volumes feature P Prince as the top—clearly, you desire to be dominated by him! A projection of your subconscious desire to be overpowered by Kiba Yuuto himself!"
"Wh-what are you saying, Jeanne!?"
Tsubaki was in full panic now—far beyond earlier. So Jeanne had hit the nail on the head?
Me… dominating her? Oh. I see.
"If you like, Tsubaki-senpai, I'd be happy to spar with you in a mock battle anytime."
"W-wait, no, Kiba-kun. That's not— Wait, a mock battle!?"
Apparently still flustered, she hadn't caught my meaning, so I clarified.
"Yes, a mock battle. You specialize in counterattacks and defense with your naginata and Sacred Gear. I figured sparring with me—who uses high-speed, multi-directional offense—would help us both grow stronger."
At that, she collapsed to her knees, covering her face with both hands.
"Tsubaki-senpai?"
I instinctively stepped forward, but the Sitri peerage's first-year, Ninumura-san, leapt between us with arms spread.
"No, you can't, Kiba-kyun-paisen!"
Kiba-kyun-paisen!? That's a new one.
"If you keep gazing at the Vice President with those pure, innocent eyes, she'll die from guilt!"
I... I have no idea what she's talking about!
"Who knew? So the VP's secretly a masochist, huh?" Issei muttered behind me.
Tsubaki had shut her eyes and was shaking her head as if to banish the entire conversation. Her dignified image was in tatters.
Did I say something that strange?
"Hey, Sona, isn't that a bit too cruel to Tsubaki?" Rias asked.
"No, Rias. This is her punishment. I have no problem with her writing such things privately—but as Student Council Vice President, she was distributing contraband under our noses."
"My, well, when you put it that way, I suppose I can't argue."
Whatever's going on, it looks like there's no saving Tsubaki-senpai now.
Feeling bad but unable to help, I turned my focus back to the battlefield.
"Damn it! You mean to tell me she powered up that much from a dumb little book!? Screw it—I'm done holding back!"
Heracles, beaten and battered, pulled out a Phoenix Tear to restore his health and stamina, then injected himself with Chaos Break.
"Let's do this! Hellfiend Chaos Drive!!"
Veins bulged across his face, and the missile launchers protruding from his body twisted and transformed.
When the transformation finished, he looked like he was wearing a spiked robotic suit—though only his face was visible, his body had grown at least three sizes larger, making him look absurdly bulky.
It likely boosted his defense and increased the number and rate of missiles he could launch. Judging from Siegfried's power boost, I'd bet the missile power went up too.
"President! That's the Hero Faction's Sacred Gear-enhancement drug, synthesized from Shalba Beelzebub's blood! Until we understand its full capabilities, prioritize evasion and defense!"
"So… they've gone that far in their research. Willing to commit unspeakable acts in pursuit of their goals—humans can be more monstrous than devils at times."
President Rias narrowed her eyes. The others shifted into defensive stances. Heracles might be focused on Jeanne, but even a stray missile could be deadly.
"It's useless. If you're going to enhance yourself, then I'll simply do the same."
Jeanne pulled out a syringe of Chaos Break, but Sona stopped her.
"Wait. If you're serious about joining us—Tsubaki's side—then we will not tolerate the use of such abominable methods."
"But that drug isn't some weak enhancement that can be matched with willpower!"
I understood her frustration, having experienced that power myself. Still, Sona's reasoning was sound. Even if we couldn't fully trust Jeanne yet, it would be best for Issei and I to support her from both flanks.
"Then let's sweeten the deal. If you defeat Heracles solo, I'll have Tsubaki write a new volume—just for you."
"President!?"
"I'm in! That settles it! Heracles, you're going down!"
Ignoring Tsubaki's shocked protest, the deal was struck. Jeanne's dragon surged forward with a roaring aura, charging at Heracles.
Jeanne followed close behind, wearing a disturbingly delighted expression and mumbling, "Ufufufu …"
Yeah… this is the same vibe Issei gives off when he's thinking about something pervy.
"Tempting humans into contracts by playing on their desires. One of the devil's oldest trades. Understand, everyone?"
"Yeeeeees~!"