Chapter 29: Unyielding Resolve

Multiple large yellow lightning bolts struck the ground, creating numerous medium-sized craters. Akeno, adorned in her Miko attire, floated in the sky with two Fallen Angel wings and two Devil wings.

"Grayfia-san, is it good enough?" Akeno inquired.

"No, concentrate more Demonic Energy into the lightning and strive to balance it with Holy Energy. Like this," Grayfia demonstrated, launching a much more potent lightning spell.

A single bolt of blue lightning descended, forming a large crater.

Rias, observing the spectacle, mar marvelled how much stronger Akeno had become in just a few weeks.

Akeno descended beside Grayfia and closed her wings.

"The lightning I conjured is purely comprised of Demonic Energy, but you should be able to achieve something similar with a combination of Holy Energy," Grayfia explained.

"I understand," Akeno nodded.

Grayfia glanced at Rias, who was resting on the ground. "Get up and begin your training."

"Okay, Grayfia-san," Rias sighed as she stood up and started to emulate their actions.

Akeno chuckled upon seeing Rias, knowing that Yuuto had previously asked her to do the same thing. However, Rias had complained and barely made an effort. As a result, Yuuto imposed an intense workout regimen on her.

"Ara ara, you should have listened to Yuuto. If you had, you would have an easy time with that," Akeno teased, sporting a cheeky smile.

"I know, Akeno," Rias replied, acknowledging her mistake.

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While Akeno and Rias engaged in their training, Koneko assumed her Neko form and found a serene spot behind the Occult Research building to meditate. On the rooftop of the building, a black cat rested, keeping a watchful eye on Koneko, ready to intervene if she lost control during her meditation.

'Yuuto really did change my sister, helping her accept who she is. I'll have to thank him when the opportunity arises,' the black cat thought to herself.

After half an hour of deep meditation, Koneko glanced at a piece of paper lying nearby. At the bottom of the paper, Yuuto had written, 'If you want to make faster progress, ask Grayfia-san to teach you.'

Do you know why he's suggesting this? It's because it's easier for him and will accelerate their journey to become stronger more rapidly.

Yuuto didn't possess a strong understanding of Demonic Energy, and he harboured concerns that his teachings might have adverse effects in the long run. Therefore, he recommended seeking guidance from Grayfia.

Koneko followed the instructions on the paper, eager to gain better control over her Demonic Power. The paper instructed her to affix a few small leaves to her body using Demonic Power and then make them spin. There were also exercises such as walking on water and many more.

Koneko began with the leaf training. As she attempted to make the leaves spin, they spun too quickly and ended up burning to a crisp.

"This is quite challenging," Koneko remarked, glancing at the list of exercises. She anticipated that the other exercises would be equally difficult, if not more so.

The black cat observed her sister's struggles with the training and couldn't help but think, 'Aw, my dear Shirone is incredibly adorable. I wish I could hug her tightly.'

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The group of people observing Yuuto grew increasingly irritated as he continued to meditate without taking any action. They had been monitoring him for a gruelling four hours.

"Boss, if he keeps this up for one more hour, I'm out of here. I don't care if you fire me or not," one of the individuals grumbled in frustration.

The boss let out a sigh and replied, "I understand, but just hold on a little longer."

However, their impatience was interrupted as Yuuto suddenly opened his eyes and stretched his arms.

"Damn, that was some refreshing sleep. But why the hell are there vines covering my body?" Yuuto questioned, removing the tendrils that had entwined around him.

He rose to his feet and warmed up his body with some lively boxer-like hops.

"Finally, my compass sword is complete after a full three hours," Yuuto smirked, summoning the sword into his hand.

'Show me the lake,' Yuuto commanded, and the sword compass responded, pulsating with dark energy. The compass transformed into a swirling vortex of malevolent energy, opening a gateway to the demonic realm. Through the gateway, a dark and twisted reflection of the desired location, the lake, was revealed.

Without hesitating, Yuuto walked straight into the portal, confident in his decision. The observers attempted to follow him, but the portal abruptly closed, denying them passage.

"Boss, what do we do now?" one of the subordinates asked, concern evident in their voice.

"Let's report that a servant of the heir of Gremory arrived here for meditation and sightseeing. We shouldn't complicate matters for ourselves," the boss replied, adopting a pragmatic approach.

"Understood," all the subordinates acknowledged in unison, ready to carry out the boss's instructions.

....

"The portal that this sword creates feels strange," Yuuto murmured, a peculiar and unsettling sensation crawling over him. Without hesitation, he swiftly de-summoned the sword, sensing that something was amiss.

As he looked up, his eyes beheld a picturesque lake, adorned by a magnificent forest.

'This is the place where Excalibur originated. With this location, I should be able to enhance Excalibur Morgan's power even further,' Yuuto pondered in his thoughts, recognizing the potential significance of this site.

However, his thoughts were abruptly interrupted as someone pressed a sword against his throat, catching him completely off guard.

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The figure who held the sword against Yuuto's throat was a statuesque woman, possessing an air of elegance and grace. She stood tall, her slender frame accentuated by her regal bearing. Her attire partially concealed her ample bosom, adding a subtle allure to her appearance. Her silver hair cascaded down in an extravagant ponytail at the back, with two long strands gracefully framing her face. Turquoise eyes gleamed with intensity, captivating and commanding attention.

She wore a headdress adorned with a combination of golden and red accents, lending her an air of royalty. Her dress, a striking ensemble of red and white, reached down to her ankles. A black turtle neck collar, resembling a regal crown, encircled her neck. Gleaming golden plates adorned her dress at sporadic intervals, accentuating her presence with a touch of opulence.

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"Excalibur, but why is it weakened?" Yuuto questioned, his gaze fixated on the sword pressed against his throat. "It's as if its holy energy has been halved."

The woman, with a swift motion, brought the blade even closer, causing a small cut to appear on Yuuto's throat, a bead of blood trickling down as a result.

"How are you able to breach my defences? Even the God of the Bible cannot locate this place. How can a low-ranking Devil like you find this hidden realm?" she demanded, her voice laced with menace.

With a knowing smile, Yuuto recognized the woman before him as the Lady of the Lake, confirming that he was indeed in the right place.

"I am the Lady of the Lake. What is your purpose for being here, Akuma?" the woman inquired, her tone still laced with suspicion.

"Just seeking to enhance my sword," Yuuto replied calmly.

"Do not deceive me. Where is your sword, then?" The woman pressed the blade closer to his throat, her intent clear.

Without hesitation, Yuuto raised his right hand, summoning Excalibur Morgan into his grasp.

"Right here," he proclaimed confidently, a glimmer of determination in his eyes.

As Excalibur Morgan materialized in his hand, the Lady of the Lake instinctively took a step back, preparing herself for an imminent attack.

"What is the meaning of this? That sword exudes malice and hatred. It is an abomination based on Excalibur, the symbol of hope for mankind. How could you, a Devil, create such a twisted creation?" she spat, her voice brimming with anger.

Yuuto, unfazed by her accusations, calmly positioned his sword on his shoulder and replied, "I had no choice. Creating a pure holy sword is beyond my current capabilities. I must make do with what I have."

"You abhorrent monster!" she exclaimed, her anger fueling her movements. Swiftly, she dashed toward Yuuto, thrusting her blade straight at him. However, to her surprise, Yuuto effortlessly blocked her attack, displaying his proficiency in combat.

"Thing!"

"Not strong enough, try again," Yuuto asserted, using a sweeping motion with his sword to push the Lady of the Lake away, causing her to stumble backwards.

With a confident smile, he pointed his sword at her and warned, "Don't expect me to go easy on you."

Gritting her teeth in determination, the Lady of the Lake launched another fierce slash towards Yuuto, who met her attack head-on. The clash of their blades resonated through the air as they engaged in a heated duel, their swords clashing with resounding force. The exchange of blows showcased their skill and determination, as they sought to overpower one another in this intense battle.