What a Nuisance

The weather was already sunny today.

It was because of the clear weather that Fang Li and Tohno Shiki chose to train in the open space.

In addition, today is a holiday, and under such sunny weather, the streets of Misaki City are almost twice as crowded as usual, with people coming and going everywhere, creating a bustling atmosphere.

However, among all the people on the street, not a single one saw the beautiful view from mid-air.

I saw that figure, like a shooting star, flashing by in the clear sky.

The wind whistled in my ears.

The city's hustle and bustle enveloped us like ocean waves.

Fang Li ignored all of this, flying through the air at top speed, his gaze scanning the surroundings like a scanner.

"Isn't it here?"

It makes perfect sense when you think about it.

With so many people here, given Arcueid's current condition, this True Ancestor's princess certainly wouldn't come to a place like this, right?

"I just don't know how long we can hold out."

With this in mind, Fang Li abruptly changed direction and sped towards a less populated area.

A dimly lit alley.

An unmanned work area.

Abandoned buildings.

A secluded open space.

Fang Li moved at an astonishing speed, hovering back and forth in the sky above Misaki City, like a shooting star flashing across the city, yet no one noticed.

Even so, Fang Li still couldn't find Arcueid.

"I can't even sense her presence. Has that idiot woman concealed her presence at this time?"

As they flew over Misaki City, Fang Li's breathing gradually became more rapid.

With the help of Hermes Long Boots that have the effect of flight, Fang Li gained the ability to fly.

However, the flight effect of this equipment cannot be used indefinitely.

During flight, Fang Li's physical strength will be consumed at the same rate as the amount of exercise, and may even be doubled depending on the difficulty of the flight.

Otherwise, Fang Li wouldn't need to be grounded; he could fight while flying in mid-air, which would be equivalent to having endless stamina, enough to wear down his opponents.

Therefore, Fang Li will not use the flight effect of Hermes Long Boots unless necessary.

If you suddenly encounter a battle and your stamina is greatly depleted, that could be a fatal problem.

But now is not the time to consider that.

"If we don't find that stupid woman soon, things will definitely get out of control."

However, Arcueid could not be found anywhere in the Fang Li.

"Then, all that's left are the suburbs on the outskirts of the city."

Thinking this, Fang Li changed direction again and flew towards the grassland on the outskirts of the city.

The scenery receded continuously on both sides of Fang Li's field of vision.

"Um?"

At one point, Fang Li raised his head.

Because I sensed a presence.

"Have we finally found it?"

But...

"This aura..."

I don't know if it's just Fang Li's imagination.

I always felt that Arcueid's presence was very weak, like a candle flame about to be blown out in the wind.

"What happened?"

Just as Fang Li was thinking this, Fang Li suddenly realized something.

At the location of Arcueid's aura, a subtle force is at work.

"A barrier?"

Yes, it is a barrier.

It wasn't any major barrier; it seemed to be just some kind of suggestive barrier that prevented ordinary people from getting close and caused them to retreat on their own.

This type of barrier is often used for one purpose.

That is to open up a battlefield.

In other words...

"Did that idiot encounter the enemy?"

Moreover, they were enemies whom Fang Li knew.

"This is really causing trouble for others..."

"No matter which side..."

Ice-Blue Demon Eyes gradually appeared in Fang Li's eyes.

Several crack-like lines appeared in the air.

Fang Li flew forward.

"Pfft—!"

With a tearing sound, the invisible barrier was severed by the cold light of the blade.

"Hmm..."

A low, melancholy groan echoed in this space.

The bright red bloodstains, like flowing water, stained the surrounding grass.

At this moment, Arcueid was hanging his head, coughing up blood continuously.

Its body, as if nailed to a cross, was mercilessly pierced by swords that were like nails, and firmly fixed to the trunk of a tree.

"Cough cough...!"

Blood coughed up from Arcueid's mouth again.

Looking at Arcueid, who was holding the Black Key between her fingers like sharp claws, the girl dressed in black robes and dressed as a church priest uttered these words with an emotionless expression.

"It seems that today we can finally annihilate you."

Upon hearing this, Arcueid raised her eyelids, her eyes filled with murderous intent, and coughed up blood as she spoke.

"If it's possible... let's give it a try..."

As she said this, Arcueid's voice was quite weak.

Clearly, Arcueid had no power to fight back.

The agent named Ciel was well aware of this.

"Although I don't know why, you seem to have become very weak, and you don't have much strength left. Now you're using the remaining strength to control yourself. What can you do in this state?"

Ciel said this to Arcueid in a tone that simply stated the facts.

"Why not stop suppressing yourself?"

Ciel's words only earned him an even more terrifying look from Arcueid.

"... Even now, you're still unwilling to abandon yourself?" Ciel stared intently at Arcueid and said coldly, "Fine, as long as I can annihilate you, that's enough for me."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ciel's hand suddenly moved.

The next second, nail-like swords sliced through the air, transforming into arrows that shot towards Arcueid.

As the Black Key shot toward him one after another, Arcueid gritted his teeth and immediately tried to forcibly tear off his limbs to break free from the Black Key that were firmly piercing his body.

However, before that, strange phenomena suddenly occurred.

"Splat!"

Accompanied by a sound like something shattering, the surrounding air suddenly changed.

"The barrier has been...?!"

Ciel turned his head sharply towards the source of the sound.

"Laugh----!"

Almost at the same time, a meteor streaked across the sky and, with a sharp whooshing sound, swept into the meadow.

"Call out----!"

An even sharper whooshing sound soon followed.

However, this time it was a dagger that fell from the sky, spinning like a windmill, the sound it made as it shot towards them.

"Clang clang clang clang clang—!"

With a crisp clash, all the Black Key aimed at Arcueid were deflected by the dagger that spun like a windmill.

Immediately, that meteor-like figure fell to the ground.

Facing in the direction of Ciel.