Family heirloom, then turned into a demon girl

Chapter 63 Mission: 09-4 Final Battle (Please Read)

The fictional Noble Phantasm "Time, Stand Still (Faust)" is known to the Sphinx.

As its name suggests, this "fictitious Noble Phantasm" is a fabricated Noble Phantasm created by Mephistopheles, drawing upon the imagery of "liar" in his true name and the legend of Mephistopheles taking Faust's soul. While it can slow or even stop time within a certain radius, this is ultimately a false illusion, a widespread one. Furthermore, using this Noble Phantasm is equivalent to using a name that is not his own, causing significant harm to Mephistopheles.

Indeed, through the Judge class's ability to reveal its true name, the Sphinx had already confirmed that Mephistopheles was the demon's true name. While it was strange, since any demon could claim to be "Lightless," this was indeed its true name, the name of its true Noble Phantasm.

This is why the Sphinx could safely allow it to stay with its Chaldean master. While the demon Mephistopheles could tempt people to fall, it wouldn't resort to despicable tactics. Throughout its encounter with Faust, it simply attempted to corrupt Faust's will with various pleasures.

However, it suddenly turned against them at this moment and dealt them the heaviest blow.

Though its imaginary Noble Phantasm was merely a false illusion, time was subjective to active consciousness. When the subjective time of everyone in an area was slowed by this Noble Phantasm, time was effectively slowed until it was dispelled. Its purpose had been achieved, and now, no one could prevent Pavone's awakening.

The Sphinx appeared before the Master of Chaldea with a dejected expression.

"We have failed," she said. "Mephistopheles has betrayed us, and time...is running out."

Facing the confused Ritsuka, Mashu immediately added the information she got from Nero and the last reminder left by Georgos.

She also told Ritsuka that Nero was rushing to the cave with Beatrice. If she used the power of the Yama Blade to tear through space, she might be able to get Ritsuka and the others there in time.

"But it's still not enough."

Chaldea's view of the cave was obstructed by Pavone's power, preventing Nero from traversing space and reaching it. Furthermore, if Ritsuka had to defeat Pavone after defeating the demon army and reaching the cave, the three hours observed by the Sphinx were still too short.

But Ritsuka shook his head and said, "No, there must be another way."

At this final moment, the last person willing to believe Mephistopheles is none other than the Master of Chaldea: "Mephistopheles and I have a contract that will last until the singularity disappears. If the singularity is not eliminated, it will not be able to take my soul."

No, as a demon, Ritsuka didn't believe it would go against the bet it made.

"So, there must be something we can do. Can we contact Kenshin-chan?"

"Contacting... Miss Nero will be there soon!"

A moment later, the blade cut through space, and a hand stretched out from the torn crack.

"coming!"

Ritsuka braced himself, grabbed the hand, and was dragged over, followed closely by the three Heroic Spirits.

So they traveled through space and arrived at this land of dusk.

The Demon Pillar, leading a vast army of demons, stood tall beneath the dim sky. The six Heroic Spirits and two humans seemed dwarfed by them.

"finally come."

Izumo Okuni breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Ritsuka appear. "Hurry up and have Kenshin-sama take you through here. Aren't we running out of time?"

Although he knew exactly what she meant, Li Xiang couldn't help but ask, "Then you..."

"We will make a way for you."

Her face lost its usual flirtatious expression, and she gripped the gun tightly in her hand seriously: "They are just a bunch of evil demons. We can't let them stand in front of the God of War's chariot!"

Izumo Akuni spun her gun, stomped the ground, and danced in the wind. Countless devices transformed into trees, rocks, animals, and human figures, forming this grand stage with her. "The stage opens! The actors appear! Come on, it's okay to fall in love with me—"

"Aguni Chapter 18: Izumo Aragami Kabuki!"

"Master, get in the car!"

As Akoku's Noble Phantasm unfolded, Uesugi Kenshin loaded everyone else into the chariot. The chariot, which far exceeded the permitted passenger capacity, was packed with people like a can of fish.

Just as Aguo had said, the mechanical shikigami she had summoned converged, creating a breach in Uesugi Kenshin's army. The chariot accelerated, dodging the Demon Pillar's magical bombardment and slamming into it without mercy.

"You evil demons, don't underestimate the name of the God of War!"

Leaving his companions behind, he glared at Uesugi Kenshin, who was galloping ahead, and at the same time announced the release of his Noble Phantasm: "Ride! - Biten Hachisho: Chakū no Jin!"

In an instant, the speeding chariot split into seven clones, which accelerated in turn and repeatedly hit a point in the demon army, carrying Li Xiang and others through it unimpeded.

"We are about to enter an unobservable area, Senior, be careful..."

Mashu's voice was quickly left behind by the car. Nero walked through the crowd and reached out to grab the silent Sphinx.

"Tell us whatever information you have!" she said eagerly, "including our strategy for dealing with Pavone!"

This was the truth. Once they reached the depths of the barrier and were eroded by Pavone's demonic energy, communication would become impossible. If they didn't understand the enemy's capabilities and countermeasures, coordination errors and rifts would inevitably develop.

The self-sealing brought about by the counter-prophecy, the erosion of demonic energy... The Sphinx quickly explained to the others. The chariot passed through the group of demons and rushed towards the cave.

Driving into the pitch-black night.

"Ha... I really did something that's not in line with our style."

Looking at the demons that were constantly crushing his shikigami and surrounding him, Izumo Akuni sighed helplessly, "This way of exiting is really boring."

"Even though you've decided to sacrifice yourself, you still feel like it's not worth it?"

A voice emerged from not far away from Aguo, and the Demon Pillar ordered the demons to stop their actions.

The figure slowly stepped out from the group of demons, tapping the ground with his cane. "Interesting, really interesting."

“Mephisto—!”

Unexpectedly, this guy dared to show up again in such a brazen manner. Aguo clenched the weapon in his hand.

"So you already know the name." The devil laughed. "Although it's a name without any special features, it's surprisingly useful."

"Aren't you right? Fulful."

The devil quietly appeared beside the Demon Pillar, and under its surprised eyes, reached out and took out its heart.

"It's time to come back, me."

The demon whispered softly.

(End of this chapter)