Nice. Seem things are coming around once again for Trails after all.

What you said merely repeats my earlier point about the challenge of blending power concepts from different verses, author-san. POD already encapsulates the concept of ‘destruction’ almost in its entirety, so making a semblance revolving around the same theme would turn out redundant in the long run. That's why I mentioned in that one comment of mine about how it feels more like a sub-application of POD rather than a distinct power. Considering this, if we aim for a semblance that is separated enough from Rias’s major power while still retaining a touch of uniqueness, I propose one tied to her emotions. This suggestion aligns with Rias’s nature as a creature driven by emotions, which is both reasonable and poetic. It would serve as a supportive ability, amplifying her POD based on her emotional spectrum, particularly her alignment with her sins. For instance, in the latest chapter, Adam managed to bring out Rias’s wrath that ended up enhance the destructive capability of her POD. Her being able to pump it through her body was simply a stroke of genius that she has yet to realize. Sounds simple, isn’t it? I believe starting with a straightforward concept in power development is often the better approach. Especially when you lack a clear direction for that aspect, as you mentioned experiencing a blank when considering what semblance to give her, author-san. Furthermore, it could severely impact your writing execution over time by going with such a route. As a result, this approach would likely afford you enough room for contemplation, as Rias still has other prominent sins tied to her such as sloth, greed, and pride, each potentially influencing her POD different ways.

I probably should address this again, but I don’t suppose you were really planning for it to be Rias’s semblance, right author-san? The problem, in my opinion, is that such a thing would undermine the flexibility of POD as a power. Like, being able to pump pure destruction through the body shouldn’t be something distinctive that can only be achieved through the unlocking of the soul. That is the biggest issue when it comes to concepts from entirely different verses, since it’s hard to mix them well together without compromising the other one, such as the case with POD and semblances. In the end, I believe it might be better off if she can get a semblance that is separate from her POD but still complements it in a way. And yes, you can certainly make it happen despite the latest chapter implying that Rias finally got her semblance at last. After all, nothing is ever set in stone as long as you’re the author, and you could simply twist it into Adam tricking Rias into thinking like that so it can benefit her training much more.

Your explanation indeed makes sense somewhat. Although how it came to be in this chapter feels a bit... cheap in my opinion. Like, it merely feels like an application of POD, rather than something unique that came from it.

It's difficult to say, author-san. Ultimately, as long as you can make her enjoyable as a character, then I don't think anyone would complain even if Rias turned out to be OOC. My best bet is for you to simply continue with this momentum for her and see where it will get you.

I would say it turned out quite well. Although there is certainly one detail I think that was rushed: Rias unlocking her semblance. It just doesn't feel like a semblance, but rather another application of her POD, which would have been much more explainable. After all, even if it does complement what Rias already has, it still needs to have that touch of distinctiveness... Unless, she hasn't exactly unlocked it per say, and Adam was either mistaken or has some other plans in mind for her training.

And she fell for the trap once again.

I'm actually still confuse about this detail. So, does Adam has that Relic or are they referring to a different sword?

Girl, you're literally someone who would act like that, considering your nature.

I'm still baffled as to how this is considered a semblance when it and her POD are too similar to each other. Unless the narrative is trying to gaslight everyone.

That was a semblance unlocking? I thought it was simply an application of her POD. But if that is truly the case, it's a bit anticlimatic in my opinion.

One would have thought such an attempt might have turned her arm into dust, but Rias apparently has other plans.

My Lucifer, where has all this potential been compared to the previous chapter?

From Adam to Admin. Truly the development of all time, or should that be the reverse?

[How to Train Your Devil]

First things first, it seems your message got shadowbanned, author-san. I suppose you know which word it is, considering your attempt at censoring it. Aside from that, the power of friendship is actually an interesting idea to look at because it represents the bonds between people, which is a very real thing. It’s just that it has been turned into a trope for so long now that we kind of develop a hate bias towards it. That is why it’s important to be able to go beyond such a notion to create our own interpretation of it. Such is also true with the case of your own perception toward worlds that you consider as 'irrelevant,' author-san. Alas, we can only hope to become better than the us from yesterday. Regarding the idea about Adam Taurus that I’ve mentioned, I think there is a plausible reasoning as to why the dead bull in question could affect Adam, which should be better than leaving it as a mystery. It’s essential to remember that he has been affected quite a lot by the [Father of Humanity] template before his visit to Menagerie. You could consider it to be the crux that effectively messed up Adam despite his cautiousness and the Great Sage managing his mind. It’s also a great example of how powers will always come with consequences, and it goes double true for the more powerful ones like that template. It’s certainly a theme I recommend you follow since a majority of system fanfics disregard it because they want to stick to the structure of a godly protagonist, which doesn’t exactly have much substance other than temporary hype. Now, with what I said in the above paragraph in mind, it should be reasonable enough to use that to explain how Taurus managed to influence Adam. Additionally, I did base this scenario from a certain scene in Fullmetal Alchemist, specifically the one between Pride and Kimblee, if you do remember it. Despite having been eaten by Pride, Kimblee managed to regain his individuality among the sea of souls in Pride's stomach during his final appearance in this series. It was just so striking to me that I thought of: “Wouldn’t it be interesting to see the same with Adam Taurus?” Plus, I think this is a good way to explore a villainous character like him from beyond the grave due to the potential and to make it a memorable one. After all, I believe it would be far more meaningful if that restless part of Taurus willingly disappears for good at the final part of this arc rather than Adam suppressing it with his willpower. Why would it choose to do so, you ask? Well, it would be related to the 'choice' Adam made at the end with the relics; the one that goes above his selfishness. And that would be one of the results of the final destination for “The choices we make” that I envisioned.

I think this might help you better understand the point I’m trying to make, author-san. If there is a question to pose, what would be the biggest reason to compel Adam to think beyond his own selfish desires? I don’t claim to fully understand his character, but I believe he isn’t a person who would care about those who are irrelevant to him. Because of this, the four sequences I talked with you before that happens throughout the course of Rias’s training arc would be key for us to find our answer, starting with the first sequence. As you probably recall, the first sequence involves Adam wandering around Remnant and subsequently encountering Salem at some point. Now, I want to focus more on the former half of this sequence. To make it possible, Adam should visit at least two locations in Remnant: any of the human settlements in the three kingdoms (minus Atlas) and the continent of Menagerie, which is the safe haven of the faunus. There is a good reason why I wanted the latter one, and I’ll get to it soon. If there is one thing to criticize regarding that [Father of Humanity] template you’ve given Adam, it's that there haven’t been any good opportunities to explore what else it offers beyond the power he got from it. I mean, the only thing you've done with it so far is making Adam call every human being around him his son/daughter… Yeah, not exactly the most sustainable thing to look at. Regardless, this idea aims to expand more upon the influence that said template has on Adam; one that would ultimately drive him towards responsibility and obligation. Humans are creatures of emotions and Adam isn’t an exception, so what would happen when it gets enhanced several folds due to the template as he witnesses the bleak lives of the people around those human places after the irreversible change? The other one that involves Menagerie has to do with someone you probably have already forgotten: Adam Taurus, who was killed by Adam at the start of this arc. Why am I mentioning him now? Well, have you ever indulged in the idea of someone being too angry to die? Canon did bad when they turned him into an obsessive boyfriend for a cat girl that ran away, disregarding the other aspect of his character that matters more: a faunus who wished to save his people from their cruel fate. It’s simply a coincidence that the way Adam Taurus died in this story was by being devoured by Adam, so what would happen if there still exists a part of Taurus inside of him? Sounds absurd, doesn’t it? It goes against all facts and logic, yet perhaps, it just shows you how powerful emotions are. That restless part of Taurus would then influence Adam’s own emotions as he witnesses the oppressive lives of the faunus in Menagerie. From a closer perspective, it’s like suddenly being overcome by irrational anger. Those two mentioned influences would result in Adam’s confused state as he is still unable to comprehend the feelings he’s having. And when we eventually arrive at the part where he meets Salem, they will then be resolved as she tells him a story about an age long past… So yeah, this is the best I could give you at the moment, author-san. There is still a lot that I want to add, but it would have made this message too long. As a side note, all of this is for the ultimate goal of character development for Adam—a lengthy and often convoluted process. However, I believe something coherent will soon emerge, whether from you or me.

Success or failure hinges on our ability to actualize the theme, author-san. You're absolutely correct that the theme of choices isn't limited to RWBY alone. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that stepping stones are necessary. They pave the way for delving into deeper subjects related to the theme in future endeavors, and none of this can happen without a solid starting point. Regarding the true nature of the relics, I was actually aiming towards all four rather than solely focusing on the Relic of Choice. You might recall that RWBY threw the lore into your face about how bringing together all four relics would summon the two brothers back to Remnant instead of granting a wish. But is this the absolute truth? Every truth is technically correct in their own way, and the most significant truth is the one you wholeheartedly believe in—a truth transcending even what the Relic of Knowledge provides. I admit my current idea is somewhat convoluted since I’ve forgotten quite a bit due to your recent absence, so I may refine and present it to you again in a clearer form another day. Furthermore, I believe you're delving too deeply into the practicality and logic of whether the Relic of Choice could affect Adam and his group, author-san. Sometimes, focusing on the smaller details is more crucial than the grand scheme. In the end, what truly matters is how you can convey the usage of said relic in your story. Perhaps, the power of the relic could be portrayed as dependent on the user's desire. When the desire is strong enough, the relic could reveal glimpses of the singular choice born from that desire. This opens up countless possibilities for character development with Adam when done right. Admittedly, this idea is also somewhat convoluted, so your input would likely help realign my previous thoughts. As a side note, would it be odd to use a shounen protagonist theme for Rias's development from this point onwards as Adam further trains her, considering the latest chapter? I suggest this because I find it an interesting way to build Rias’s character, even though it isn't exactly canon-compliant. Then again, derailing is where most of the fun is at. After all, that's where creativity truly flourishes as long as you can make it believable enough.

I actually found this one to be quite decent. The only major thing I would suggest you to work on more is the finer details since they help capture the emotional aspect during said battle. It's especially important for scenarios like these where emotions are put on top.

Don't forgot about the wrath as well, considering Adam is really using that taunting formula.