Vergil Is Back-Chapter 13: Trial by Crimson

The courtyard behind Kuoh Academy was unusually silent as the last of the students left for the day. The golden sunset painted the sky with shades of red, orange, and violet—a peaceful scene, but beneath it, tension boiled.

Leon stood under the shadow of a tree, his black coat swaying slightly in the breeze.

Waiting.

He'd felt it all day—eyes tracking him, pressure building. The scout wasn't subtle anymore. And Leon was done playing patient.

Footsteps echoed behind him.

"Well," said a voice, smooth and mocking, "you certainly don't care for manners."

Leon didn't turn.

Alden, Riser Phenex's knight, stood a few meters away. His golden eyes flickered with heat, and the faint scent of ash clung to him.

"You knew I was watching," Alden said. "Yet you let it continue. Arrogance? Or just foolishness?"

Leon turned at last, his silver hair catching the dying light, eyes calm like frozen steel.

"You came to measure me," he said. "You can report back... in pieces."

Alden chuckled. "You think I'm afraid of some wild swordsman with a stolen Sacred Gear?"

He lifted a hand.

Flames erupted behind him—Phoenix fire, hot enough to melt steel.

But Leon didn't move.

[Boost!][Boost!][Time-Snare – Active]

In a flash, Alden's fire slowed, its roar turning into a muffled hum. The world bent around Leon as he stepped forward, unsheathing Yamato, his katana.

SFX: SLASH—so clean, the flame broke apart.

Alden's smirk faded as he felt a line of blood slide down his cheek.

"...What?"

Leon stood behind him now.

"I don't fight for show," he said coldly. "I end things."

Alden spun, unleashing a wave of Phoenix fire. But Leon simply raised his left arm—and the crimson gauntlet of the Boosted Gear flared to life.

[Boost!][Boost!][Boost!][Penetrate!][Dragon Shot!]

The condensed blast of energy tore through Alden's flame like paper, slamming him into a tree with explosive force.

He gasped, coughing blood, eyes wide in shock.

"Impossible... the dragon... no. You shouldn't be able to use it like that!"

Leon walked toward him slowly.

"You think I just stole this power?" he said. "I rebuilt it."

A faint voice echoed in Leon's mind—deep, ancient, proud.

["You have pushed my power beyond what I imagined, partner... Even I must admit—your control is terrifying."]

Ddraig. The Red Dragon Emperor himself.

His acknowledgment was rare.

But Leon earned it.

Later – Church Safehouse

Asia looked up from her notes as Leon returned. His coat was torn slightly at the sleeve, and faint wisps of steam rose from him.

"Leon... are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he replied.

Raynare peeked from the kitchen.

"I take it Riser's little spy didn't do well?"

Leon sat down, removing his coat.

"He won't bother us again."

He didn't elaborate.

Asia stared at him—soft concern in her eyes.

"Will... will there be more like him?"

"Yes," Leon said simply. "Stronger."

Raynare leaned against the wall, her usual arrogance quieted.

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"And you'll fight them all?"

Leon didn't respond immediately.

Then, he looked toward the window.

"If they threaten my peace... yes."

And in his silence, both girls saw something unshakable:

He wasn't just strong.

He was inevitable.

Meanwhile – Gremory Estate (Underworld)

Riser Phenex crushed the crystal containing Alden's report.

"He humiliated my knight. He dares to interfere?" Riser's voice trembled with fury.

Grayfia Lucifuge stood silently nearby, watching carefully.

"He is not a part of the Rating Game," she said. "Not yet."

Riser's eyes burned brighter. "Then I'll force him in."

Back at Kuoh – Occult Research Club

Rias Gremory closed the letter and sighed.

"A formal challenge," she said.

Akeno tilted her head. "From Riser?"

"No," Rias replied. "From Leon."

Akeno's eyes widened.

"Oh?"

"He requested to represent me... but not as my servant. As a free piece—a wildcard."

Sona, who had joined them, narrowed her eyes.

"He wants to stand outside the game's rules..."

Rias smiled faintly.

"And bend them."