Hope everyone enjoys the chapter! ^.^

Gabriel hold both her hands together, clenching it softly as she watches her dear godson ready to battle. "Don't worry, Sister" Michael speaks in reassuring tone, sensing the blonde beauty's anxious body language "Nawin is a formidable fighter and he is a student of Azazel" "Yeah..." Gabriel smile, faintly "You are correct, brother. My dear Nawin will give his best" she said with confidents.

Azazel's eyes hold mixed emotion, conflicts of emotions running in the violet orbs. Nervous, worries, regret, these emotions can be seen and the ones to notice are Sirzech and Michael. Both begin to get a bit nervous when seeing these emotions shown by the usually carefree and free spirit individual. Sirzech turns his sight back to the battle and look at the boy he considers dear to him. 'I hope when you are pushed to a wall... You won't resort to using the mark, Nawin-kun...'

Arena Ground

Akari lets out a menacing chuckle and spread her arms to the sides "Let's see who the best is?! Nawin Makasha!" she roars out, her voice booms around the arena. "Vesarima brightest new devil or Grago fiercest and youngest General!" she boasters and unleash her mana.

The whole arena breaks into an earthquake. The audience clench at their seats, trying to stay on it while watching with wide eyed at the Hirai's overwhelming power. The arena's ground start cracking all over and bits of rocks hover in the air. Nawin starts sweating a bit at the pressure and intensity coming from the Hirai's violent and dense aura.

Akari let out a sigh of relief, feeling refresh to let some of her power out. "Let's REAP!" Akari shouts out and dash forward in great speed and such force, that the ground she stood implodes. Nawin's eyes glows red and he bring his hand up to block the Hirai's incoming fist. The earth behind the Makasha explodes from the force behind the punch. Nawin grit his teeth at the pressure in his hands, feeling the pain. He quickly swipes the Hirai's hands away and jumps up, spinning midair to send a rapid kick to her face.

Akari ducks down to dodge, then clench her right hand into a fist and swing it up to deliver a massive uppercut to Nawin, sending him shooting to the sky while the ground beneath implodes from the shockwave and boom created by the uppercut.

Nawin use his flying ability to stop himself from going any higher. He quickly brings his right hand to his jaw and rub it 'That will surely be sore tomorrow' he notes and release an annoy grunt. Hearing a sound of a speeding wind, Nawin quickly send his right feet down and connects with Akari's left fist. The shockwave sends the cloud bursting away.

Akari grins like a maniac and quickly grab Nawin's ankle and pull him down. Nawin brings his right hand to his face to catch a right fist aimed at him. Nawin clench the Hirai's hand tightly to keep it in place and send his left fist down to Akari's head. "Your arms are too short to box with god!" Akari shouts out. Nawin feel a fist smash to his face, sending him flying away.

Akari appears from up top and send a kick down to Nawin's stomach. The Makasha is send speeding to the ground with such momentum that he didn't have time to stop and crash down to the earth, creating a massive storm of dust. Akari slowly floats down to the earth, two pair of wings flaps behind her back, and it retracts when her feet touch the ground. "Come now, handsome! From what I've heard about you! This is a disappointment so far" Akari yells out in a taunting manner while the crowd is shock at how the Hirai is dominating the match.

Akari smirk when seeing a figure walking out of the dust. Nawin slowly emerge from it, looking slightly battered and bruise, but he shows no pain in his expression or in his blazing red eyes. "My arms are too short to box with god... That's what you said?" Nawin comment and a smirk tug on his lip "I'll show you that I can outbox a god" he said and disappear in black flash.

Akari uncross her arms and about to move, but a fist smash to her gut. The impact had so much force that Akari cough out air, her eyes widen out in pain and shock. Nawin pull his fist to step to the side and spins to send a round house kick to the Hirai's back. Akari burst forward from the kick, but she quickly maneuvers, leaning forward and use her hands to push herself up, flipping in midair and lands gracefully on her feet.

The moment Akari feet touch the ground, Nawin appears in front of her and smash a right hook to her face, sending her barreling away. The crowd cheers loudly at the Makasha comeback, chanting his name and clapping.

Akari eyes snap open and rage are shown in them. The Hirai push herself off the ground, backflipping midair and lands on her feet. "So, that's the famous Speeding Shadow God technique" she comments in impress "But you can't rely on that technique alone!" she suddenly roars out and blast her mana. The arena once shakes again from the raw magic being release by the Hirai.

Akari thrust her right hand forward and fire a high-speed crimson magic blast. Nawin extend his left arm "Thunder Roar Howl!" he exclaims and discharge his signature concentrated yellow lightning attack. The wave of lightning clash with the crimson blast and the two magic attacks erupts in a deafening and large explosion.

A crimson lance form into existence beside Akari. She grabs it and throw it through the dense smoke. Nawin use his fast reflexes, summoning a greatsword and swings it forward to the incoming lance, shattering it into sparkles. Using both hands, Nawin lets out a mighty roar and swing the large blade forward with such force it creates a booming wind slash.

The smoke burst away from the roaring wind, and Akari is send sliding back by it. Nawin appears in front of the Hirai and brings the greatsword down at her. Akari did something unexpected, she clench her right hand, it glows in crimson and send it toward the sharp sword. Nawin's eyes widen when he sees her fist smash right through the greatsword, shattering through it and smash right to the side of his face.

Nawin is blast away by the force of the punch, spend him spiraling away and smashes into the walls, completely burying him inside of it. For a few moments, the wide-eyed crowd looks at the dark hole on the wall, anxiously waiting for the Makasha to emerge from the shadows.

Akari has her hands in the jacket's pockets, calmly waiting for her opponent. She smirks in amusement when seeing the Makasha emerge from the hole. Blood trickle down his lip, that's the only sign of injury shown by the hard punches that she delivered. Nawin walk forward and to the surprise and worry of many, he collapses to his knee and vomits out blood.

Stadium 

"Nawin-kun" Akeno whispers, clenching her hands tightly together that her knuckles turn white while staring at her beloved with great worry shown in her violet eyes. "He must have crashed harshly on his back inside those walls... There must be some kind of other protection walls inside to stop the fighters from going through the stadium... Probably a very dense one" Kokoro inform, looking at the kneeling Makasha with calculative, but also concern eyes.

Zeoticus eyes Akari closely "I'm afraid that your friend may be in over his head" he speaks up, catching all the young devils' attention "What are you implying, Otou-sama?" Rias hesitantly ask, turning to her father. "It comes down to experience, Rias. The fact is that Akari has more experience under her belt than Nawin. She's been trained in the art of battle younger than Nawin and she's been doing it for far longer than Nawin" Zeoticus explains, crossing his left leg over his right.

"This battle is important" Venelana starts, eyeing at the two young fighters "This battle is a showcase to see which faction holds the strongest new generation of fighters. Ever since his win over Sairaorg, Nawin has become the face of the new generation of Devils. Akari is in the same position as Nawin, she is the face of Grago new generation of Fallen Angels." "To put it in simpler terms... We are witnessing a battle between the two best warriors that the two factions have to offer" Riser comments, in slight surprise, like the rest since they didn't realize that this match would be hold in such an important height.

"Nawin isn't a kind of boy to give up... One way or another he will find a weakness or an opportunity and strike with full force. The boy is at his best when he is push to a wall" Jonathan inserts in strongly, looking at his son with confidents. None utter another word and instead turn back to the match.

Arena Ground

"You going to get up or just continue to kneel down like a weakling?" Akari question in insulting manner to the Makasha. Nawin grit his teeth and slowly gets to his feet, he looks up to send a glare at the Hirai and wipes the blood from his mouth. Akari click her tongue in annoyance and leans her body forward, dashing forward in blazing speed "If you aren't going to attack then I will!" she yells out, bringing right hand out and strike it.

A shockwave explodes around the arena. Everyone stares in speechless, the same expression Akari holds. Nawin stop her punch with his right hand with no difficulty. He suddenly clenches the Hirai hand and twist it, forcing her to drop to her knees "Y-you, bastard" she cusses out, glaring up at the Makasha's blank expression face.

"I have fought people who are equivalent to god... You ain't no god" Nawin state and send a knee to Akari's chin, while letting her hand go in the last second. Akari is knock back and up the air. Nawin runs to deliver a hard-right gut punch and a swing a roundhouse kick that impact the side of Akari's head, sending her spiraling in the air and crash to the ground. Akari snaps her eyes open and see Nawin coming down at her with a longsword, forcing her to quickly roll to the side to avoid being stabbed. Nawin pull the sword out and continuously bring it to the ground since Akari didn't stop her roll and continue to narrowly dodge all the strikes.

Seeing that she can't go one forever, Akari quickly summons a lance and bring it up to block the sword's strike. Being the one that is standing, Nawin hold the higher ground and start pushing his sword down, causing Akari to grit her teeth and feel her lance being push back. A menacing smirk suddenly form on Akari's lip and Nawin wince, feeling a burning sensation on his stomach.

Nawin looks down and is catch off-guard when seeing a crimson scythe glazing his stomach. The scythe's blade is larger than ordinary one and the weapon is made of pure and dense mana. Nawin quickly jumps back when seeing Akari was intending to push the scythe forward, which would have cut him in half.    

Akari clench the lance on her left hand and throws it to Nawin. Seeing this coming, the Makasha react with launching the sword forward. The black sword connects with the crimson lance, and the two weapon shatters in impact. In a speed that Nawin can barely even see, Akari spins the scythe masterfully and swings the sharp blades to the Makasha.

The scythe cuts through Nawin's sides, the blade cuts the right side of his hip. Nawin wince from the intense pain erupts from his side, causing his body to pause from the shock of pain. Akari use it to her advantage and send a left hook that smash to the Makasha's cheek and sends him sliding away on his feet.

Nawin hunch forward to stop the movement and quickly bring his right hand down on his open sides. Lots of blood leaks from the open wound. Fortunately, the scythe didn't cut deep enough to his side to cause major damage. Akari smirk widely and spins around the scythe with her right hand. The scythe was moving so fast that if anything were to go in it, it would be shredded by the sharp blade. With the speed the crimson scythe is spinning, it leaves a mesmerizing view of a crimson oval shape, like it wants any living being to come closer, to lure them into a trap and cut them into pieces.

"You pushed me to use my scythe... Not bad" Akari praise and stop spinning the deathly weapon, stabbing the sharp pummel of it to the ground. "I can see that... You can dance" Nawin comment with a chuckle that sounds like excitement. Everyone is surprise by the sudden and unexpected comment from the Makasha. Black sparkles start appearing around Nawin, his lip tug upwards to a smirk "I pushed you to use your scythe... Well, unfortunately for you" Nawin looks up and his blazing red eyes stare at Akari's caution blue orbs "You have pushed me to use my Shadow Weapons!".

Dozens of weapons forms around Nawin, circling around him. Verity weapons ranging from axes, lance, spear, halberd, and swords are in display. Many spectators watch in awe at such a unique technique that none have seen before. The group are smiling in excitement and start cheering loudly for the Makasha.

Nawin burst toward Akari in speed and using the telekinesis skill he has over the shadow weapons, he brings a spear toward him and grabs a hold of it with his right hand. Nawin jumps up and throws the spear down to Akari, who reacts by jumping back to avoid the weapon and watch Nawin lands beside the spear, picking it up from the ground and dash toward her.

Akari cuss and swing the scythe forward, but Nawin ducks to dodge it and launch the weapon forward. Akari shoots her left hand and grab the spear's haft, stopping the movement. The Hirai sweats a bit when looking down and sees the spear's tip was just inches away from her chest. 'He's fast... His movement just got a lot more rapid and precise... He was holding back!' Akari notes, gritting her teeth in frustration and anger by the Makasha concealing his power.

Akari clench the spear tightly, causing it to shatter, then she sends a kick to Nawin in the stomach, sending him away. Akari let out a roar and swing the scythe upwards to fire a destructive crimson magic blast. Instead of dodging which is what Akari was expecting the Makasha to do, instead she is catch my surprise when seeing her opponent runs toward the blast and he burst pass it without sustaining any damage.

Nawin stretch his right hand forward to grab a longsword, while a spear lands in his other hand. Akari sees the spear is thrown and quickly side step to dodge it and before she can react, Nawin burst pass her in blinding speed. Akari stand still for a few second, then blood explode from the right side of her waist. The fresh blood spatter all over the crimson coat that the Hirai wears and some drops to the ground, painting it in red. Akari looks down and see an average cut in her waist, nothing serious, but now she can't risk leaning to the left and open the wound deeper in, which could lead it to a fetal injury.

Nawin turns around to look at the Hirai. He spins the longsword once and swipe it down to get rid of the blood on the dark blade. "Now we are fair" he states with a smirk, indicating to the injury on his hip. Akari actually laughs a bit by his comment "Oh... We sure are fair. But," she stabs the scythe to the ground, the sharp pummel keeps the weapon standing.

Akari grabs her coat and throws it away. "I am finally glad" she utters as a big grin grows on her face "I'm glad to finally find an opponent that will give me a good time! It's been ages!" she roars out and appears in front Nawin, entering the walls of weapons that was shielding him. Akari sends a brutal right fist to the Makasha's chest that shatters the earth and sends him bursting away in rapid speed. Grinning like a madwoman, the Hirai turn around and swipe her right hand to fire a wide crimson magic blast that shatter all the weapons that were speeding toward her. Akari wasn't done and kicks her left foot from the ground with such force it rockets her to Nawin, while shattering the ground.

Akari spins around and extend her right arm forward to deliver a devastating clothesline that connects right to Nawin's face. Being in midair and the power that the clothesline hold, Nawin is send spinning around a dozen of times, and unconsciously drops his sword. Ten pairs of wings spreads from Akari's back and she turns around, flapping the wings to give her a boost forward to give Nawin a precise and stiff knee to the stomach that cause the crowd to wince from the noise it creates.

Nawin vomits out blood and is send flying up. "Come now!" Akari didn't stop and speed upwards to the Makasha "Don't disappoint me like all the rest! Not when I'm this excited!" she shouts, grinning widely with menace. Nawin's eyes snap open and rage can be seen in them. He levitates in the air and summons hundreds of weapons above him and with a point of the index finger at the Hirai, all the sharp weapons rain down at her.

With her hands, Akari smash through each weapon, one by one her fist shatters through the many lances, spears, and swords, but that was what Nawin wanted. Before Akari can notice, Nawin appears in front of her with a spear and launch it right through her stomach. Akari's expression turn shock and she quickly cough out blood, some landing on Nawin's cheek.

The weapons movement halt the moment Nawin appear in front of the Fallen Angel, and all of them are just hovering in the air, inches away from the Makasha's back. 'That was a risky move...' Nawin notes, feeling the many sharp weapons behind him 'If I didn't stop it in precise time... I would have been stabbed by all those weapons'.

Akari suddenly snatch on Nawin's neck with her right hand and proceeds to squeeze it. Nawin's eyes widen and he start coughing from the sudden inability to breathe. Quickly, Nawin release his left hand from the spear's haft and sock Akari in the forehead, but the woman still didn't release him, instead she start squeezing even tighter.

Grayfia start getting anxious when seeing Nawin's expression looking desperate and see his legs start flailing around. Nawin chokes and start feeling himself losing conscious. He looks down and see Akari grinning menacingly at him, her eyes glows crimson color in malice.

With his last desperate attempt, Nawin shakily lift his right hand "Red Flame Cannon" he whispers and Akari goes on alert. But, before she can even react, a burning sensation explodes on her stomach, something hot that's melting through her shirt and now ripping her skin and burning it at the same time.

Akari is send back by the red faming orb pushing at her stomach. Trying to rip through it. Nawin heaves out and gently hold his neck with his left hand, but he didn't have time to recover and instead set sight at the Hirai. He smiles in success, then flicks his index and middle finger to ignite the attack. The red orb ignites in a large explosion that completely envelopes the Fallen Angel. The whole stadium shakes and slowly, smokes start pouring out from the roofless arena and to the sky.

Everyone is caught off-guard by how destructive a hand-size magic orb could cause such a big explosion. Nawin lands on the ground and drop to his knees. He pants hoarsely and try to straighten himself mentally and shake himself awake after being close to losing conscious by suffocating.

Azazel, Sirzech, and Gabriel sits up when they see the mark start glowing. Grayfia's expression turns serious, ready to interrupt at any second if the mark starts to spread. 'Nawin-kun...' Rias and Akeno utters mentally, looking at their lover/friend with great concern. Yao and Jonathan share a glance, their eyes sharp as a sword. Lucy stands up and stop beside Issei, who's leaning on the railing to look at the match as close as possible. The two also start getting concern when seeing the mark activating.

Nawin wince, feeling a familiar burning sensation on his neck, a pain he hasn't felt for a long while and surely didn't miss it. 'Damn... What is this? I'm not dangerously low on mana... Why is it reacting now? Sairex' he calls for the dragon 'The mark isn't trying to take over, Nawin-kun... It's... It's just activating for some reason' 'Could... Could it mean she's nearby?' the Makasha question, his tone wavering with many emotions when thinking of the chance of the Dragon God being in Vesarima 'I can't be sure, Nawin-kun. I suggest right now you end this match quick and not risk activating that mark further, because the moment it starts to spread, Grayfia will take action along with Sirzech and your Godfather' Sairex reminds.

A figure shoots down from the cloud of smoke and crash to the ground. The smoke slowly dissipates to reveal a battered and panting Akari. A huge burn mark is shown on her toned stomach, her once white skin is now dark red from the burn. Also, the hole on her chest where the spear went through can be seen and fortunately for her, the blood has stopped, and the spear didn't jam through anything vital.

Without a word said, it's all clear that Akari is enrage by how much the Makasha is able to injure her to such an extent. Her glowing crimson eyes prove that fact and it is glaring straight at Nawin. Ten pair of wings once again sprout from Akari's back and it flaps to send her up in air. "You've done pissed me off, Black Flash!" Akari shouts and raise her right hand in the air to charge up a massive and destructive crimson magic sphere.

The whole clouds darken from the ominous and deathly looking technique. Azazel stands up from his sit, which alert the other leaders. "Azazel, what's wrong?" Gabriel question with concern when seeing Azazel's shock and angry expression plaster on his face "That... That attack is Akari's trademark technique... It has enough power to annihilate a city" he states.

Sirzech's eyes sharpen in disapproval, but he didn't stand up "I see... We will see what happens, Azazel. If Nawin can't stop it then Grayfia will step in. It's one of the reason why she is appointed referee and enforcer" he said. Azazel slowly nod and relax, taking a sit back on his chair "You're right".

Nawin looks in astonish at the size of the sphere, it looks like it could overshadow the whole stadium. 'If that hits the ground then it's all over... Looks like I have to use that... It's supposed to be for last resort, but there's no other technique in my arsenal to stop that' Nawin force himself on his feet and start powering up, black aura implodes around him.

Nawin extend his right hand to the side and opens his palm. A dense black electric orb form on the palm and start charging up, creating a noise that resembles an electric current. Issei perks up when seeing this, remembering the technique that the Makasha only used once in Shigemi. Nawin extend his left hand and does the same thing, charging up another orb on the other palm, something he haven't shown before.

The whole stadium shakes like a massive earthquake has just erupt. Everyone sited in the stadium are force to hold onto their sits to stay on it. The arena ground is completely destroyed and covered with craters, cracks, and rubbles. The rocks are levitating up by the massive pressure that the two fighters' aura are causing. Akari and Nawin continues to charge up their attacks, intending to make it the final move for their match.

Akari's sphere is so bright and large that it causes the whole sky to turn crimson. "NOVA SHPERE!" she exclaims and throws the massive sphere down to the arena. Lots of the crowd start screaming in fear when watching the terrifying attack coming down at them. Nawin thrust his palms forward "FINAL LIGHTNING!" he yells out and discharges a massive black beam of electricity and magic to the sphere. The black beam clash with the sphere and is able to halt its movement. Akari smirk "You are persistent! I'll give you that!" she shouts and thrust her right hand down to push the sphere forward.

Nawin grits his teeth when seeing the sphere start moving again, slowly descending to him. Using every bit of his mana left, Nawin adds more magic in the attack, causing it to grow and slowly, it once again is able to push the sphere back. Akari is send back by the unexpected force and scream in frustration, then uses both her hands to push the sphere.

The sphere pushes on, coming down in a faster rate to the arena. Nawin start panting, feeling himself losing energy drastically from producing the Final Lightning. 'Looks like I have no choice' Nawin thinks and takes a deep breath, releasing all his restraint to allow the mark to activate. The mark instantly glows brightly and start spreading around the Makasha's body like poison, quickly covering half of his body.

Grayfia sees this and immediately about to takes action "DON'T! I GOT THIS!" Nawin shouts out "PLEASE, GRANDMA!" he begs, looking at her with his red eyes, to show that he still in control. Grayfia looks greatly concern, but slowly gives in and nod, allowing the Makasha to continue.

Nawin turns back to the sphere, seeing it coming near. Purple aura starts mixing into the black aura that's swirling around the Makasha. He takes a step forward, feeling the power of the mark strengthening his body. Nawin transfer the mark's power into the Final Lightning and immediately see its affect. The black beam turns dark purple and grow even more in size that is close to matching with the sphere "THIS IS EVERYTHING I'VE GOT!" Nawin shouts out and discharge more power.

"I-IMPOSSIBLE!" Akari shouts, feeling herself being push back and seeing the sphere coming toward her in great speed. Seeing that she can't stop it, Akari flaps her right wings to send her bursting to the right side in sound speed. The sphere narrowly flies past Akari and continue to go above the clouds, with the purple beam pushing on it.

The sphere suddenly detonates in a massive explosion that turns the sky crimson and send a shockwave that shakes the whole Vesarima. The shockwaves are so powerful and booming that it causes many to hold their ears. Lots fall from their chairs to hold their ears and wasn't ready for the violent rumbles that follows.

Nawin drops to his knees, panting hoarsely, wincing from the pain in his neck. The mark slowly subsides back to its catalyst. Akari slowly lands on the ground and retract her wings, looking at the panting Makasha with blank blue eyes, wild emotions run in them as they study his eyes. Akari watch in amazement, seeing Nawin slowly wills himself to stand up and succeeds.

Long crimson chains form into existence and drops in Akari's right hand. She swipes the chain to rattle it, causing a clinging noise to be made. Many are wondering what she is going to do with an ordinary looking chain. Up the stadium, Azazel grimace when he sees the chain, knowing what is coming next.

Akari takes a few deep breaths to calm her emotions, before looking at to her opponent "You know... You earn my respect, Nawin" she states, with genuine tone "You are one of the few people to give me a fun fight... For that, you deserve to hear something" "What would that be?" Nawin cautiously ask, not letting his guard done for even a second.

Akari grab a hold of the red scarf that's been tightly wrap around her neck and toss it away, then pull the right collar of her shirt to reveal a symbol that looks like a black halfmoon. "This right here... Is a restriction seal" she reveals, shocking Nawin and the spectators. "This seal holds about thirty percent of my powers... Fortunate for you I'm not allowed to release it" she comments, releasing the collar.

"Sorry, kid" Akari rattle the chain once more, grinning darkly "But you are in way over your head... You may be Vesarima brightest young warrior, but the fact is I have been Grago's best when you were still in your diapers... I continue to be the best for over a decade while you just begin a number of months ago" she asserts, truthfully.

"With that being said... Your time is up" Akari snap the chains forward. The chain quickly ensnares itself around Nawin, wrapping tightly around his waist and arms, restraining him. Akari's grip the chain tightly, causing it to glow and Nawin let out a scream of pain, feeling an unbearable burning sensation attacking his arm and midsection.

The group along with Lucy and Issei start feeling very concern when they see Nawin drop to his knees, his eyes start showing scenes of life fading, crawling to unconsciousness. Nawin's bruise face start showing signs of tiredness from the unbearable pain that is hurting him, but also somehow is slowly putting him to sleep.

"You are the only devil I have come to respect and liked. That look in your eyes... You and I aren't so different, Nawin Makasha" Akari speaks, walking toward him while still holding the chain in her right hand. "You and I have fought to survive... We both have lost someone important in our lives, a lost that changed us... We've lost someone dear that no one can replace" Akari utters with solemn tone "Your eyes show it all".

Akari stop in front of Nawin and summons a crimson longsword in her left hand. Gripping the handle tightly, she lifts it to the air "Unfortunately for you... I have a dream that has made me become strong... Stronger than you could ever be" she utters, a picture of her kids flashes in her mind.

Akari brings the sword down and what happen next shock and astonish everyone in the arena. Nawin lift his head up and open his mouth, then in a precise moment chomp down at the blade. Akari is in a state of shock from the unforeseen move and loosen her grip on the sword's handle. Nawin whip his head to the right and easily discard the sword from Akari's hand.

"I may not have a dream, but" an image of Sayomi appears in Nawin's mind "There is a goal that is pushing me forward... And I will get stronger no matter what... To find the truth!" he shouts and gets up to his feet. Nawin let out a scream and jumps forward with so much force that the ground explodes. He leans his head back and whip it forward to headbutt the Hirai.

A sickening crack erupts around the arena that cause everyone to wince, then looks on in wide eyed. Everyone sees Nawin and Akari standing still, both not moving an inch, then blood start leaking from their foreheads. The life in Nawin's eyes fades and he falls forward, passing Akari and collapse to the ground. Akari stand still like a stone, blood leaks down between her dull eyes. She abruptly takes a few shaky steps forward before collapsing face-first to the ground.

The whole arena is in a complete silence. The faction leaders, the thousand spectators sited in the stadium, and the millions of people watching in the large screen that display the match in the capitals of each factions, all of them hold a look of astonish and shock in their face.

Grayfia quickly snaps herself back and decides on a decision. "Due to both contender being unable to stand... I declare this match ends in a draw! Both Nawin Makasha and Akari Hirai are out of the tournament!" she loudly announces. The crowd didn't start complaining like the Queen would expect, but slowly some start clapping. Soon, more start joining in and quickly everyone in the arena cheers at the amazing match they have just witness, giving a loud and respective applaud to the two warriors.

Lucy and Issei are shock that their brother/friend lost. Lucy quickly jumps over the railing and lands beside her brother. She kneels and rolls him over, seeing him completely unconscious from the brutal headbutt he delivered as the last offense. Issei lands next to Lucy and kneel beside his friend, looking at him with solemn but also happy "I guess our match will have to wait, bro" he whispers with a faint smile.

The medics already have Akari in a stretcher and teleports away. The other two are patiently waiting. Grayfia stop in front of Lucy and Issei "Sorry you two, but we need to continue the tournament. Allow me to take Nawin-sama" she said and was about to lean forward to pick up the boy, but Issei lift his palm up "It's fine, I'll do it" he said, picking up his friend gently and walk toward the medics.

Issei carefully lay his friend down on the stretcher and looks at him for a minute "I'll win this tournament for us..." he whispers and stand up. He gives a nod to the medics, signaling them that he was done, they nod back, then picks up the stretcher and teleports away.

Stadium Platform

Gabriel wipe a single tear from her eyes and smile brightly and proudly at her godson displayed. "You've grown into a strong warrior, Nawin" she whispers. Azazel wears a faint smile on his face, clearly showing proudness by his godson accomplishment "He was able to go face to face Akari and end in a draw... He did something I honestly didn't expect to happen" he admits to the other leaders.

Ajuka lift an eyebrow "Doubting your own student? Not a way for a teacher to act" he states forwardly, not making it sound like a tease but more like a fact "You saw what Akari was capable off... No matter how much I've pushed Nawin for the past weeks to get him ready, he wouldn't win against Akari... But, once again, like he always does" a fond smile form on Azazel's lip "He proves me wrong...".

"Never giving up even when he is push to the brink... He is really something that some warriors today should take note" Michael comment, replaying the last moment of the match in his mind. "You are very fortunate to have a warrior like him, Sirzech" the Angel state, glancing at the smiling Lucifer "You are correct. Nawin is a one of a kind warrior and I along with others are very grateful to have him in our lives... The amount of impact he made for the past months is unheard of".

"He has helped many... He no doubt will become an inspiration story in the far future" Serafall comment with a bright and fond smile "He will be a big inspiration for the future generation no doubt" "I agree... If he continues this path, no doubt he will create an unforgotten legacy" Ajuka adds in.

Stadium

"That was one hell of a match!" Rizel is the first to break the silence and everyone can't help but nod along in agreement. "He went against a General that had more experience and was stronger than him... But in the end, he was able to make it a draw. That's something he should be very proud of" Zeoticus state with a smile.

"That headbutt," Xenovia wince, remembering the sickening sound that followed the impact "I can still hear it..." "Yeah, it was hard to look and listen at, but that was a gutsy move... I expect nothing less from, Nawin-kun" Yuuto comment with a smile, happy for his friend achievement.

Irina looks at the black ring, rubbing it gently and smile "He fought with everything he has... He may not win the tournament, but he has earned respect from a lot of people no doubt" she said, looking up and sees a lot of nobles smiling from the match, satisfied and awed by it. "Always the showstopper... Whatever he does you always want to see it" Rias fondly comment with a bright smile.

"You once again captured everyone's attention and wowed them, Nawin-kun..." Akeno looks down at the bracelet, holding it gently and smile lovingly when thinking of her lover. "That boy... Looks like he caught some of my bad traits... Giving such a vicious and risky headbutt like that. No doubt it hurts him just as much as Akari" Yao comment, shaking her head and sigh at her son's recklessness. "If he was human, he would be immediately comatose by that, but he should be fine, Lady Yao... Probably waking up with a nasty headache" Venelana assert, reassuring the mother.

"What an amazing fighter Nawin is" Elise praise "He just keeps surprising me with his skills and techniques! He really has earned his reputation!" "Yeah, that guy is one tough SOB" Kokoro comment, impress by the battle. "Language" Yuuto can't help but comment and gets a deadpan glance from the orange-haired Queen. "What's an SOB?" Asia question "Nothing you need to worry about, Asia" Akeno quickly insert, which confuse the blonde, but luckily, she drops it.

Xenovia glance at Akame and sees a very faint smile grace on her lip. "You enjoy the match, Akame?" she questions her fellow knight, and gets a nod "I expect nothing less from my king. Even though the result yield as a draw... In my eyes, he was the winner and star of the show" Akame replies.

Arena Ground

Issei pause when hearing the screens rolling through names, picking the fighters for the next round. He slowly looks up and his whole-body freeze like a stone, his eyes slowly widen and his mouth open when seeing the names that are picked.

"Issei Hyoudou and Lucy Makasha! You two are picked for the next round!" Grayfia announce and the crowd cheers in booming volume, excited for the fight between the two young devils. Lucy didn't show much care that she will be fighting a friend and walk to the center of the arena, going around the many craters on the ground.

Issei takes a long breathe to steady his thumping heartbeat and turn around to face Lucy. "You ok?" Lucy question, raising an eyebrow when seeing the nervous state that the Hyoudou is displaying "Y-yeah... I'm good" Issei quickly reply, grinning and rubbing at the back of his neck "I was just surprised that we would be fighting" "My brother did warn us that this could happen, Issei" Lucy remind, calmly.

"Know this," Lucy's eyes sharpen, her tone turns serious "I'm going to do whatever it takes to win this tournament... After my brother lost, I'm going to win it for him and my teacher. If I must go all out on you, Issei, then it is something I will do" she states. Instead of feeling fear, Issei actually feel relief and calm after hearing the blonde's speech. "I see," Issei chuckle and smile "I know there's a good chance that you are stronger than me, but I won't back down... It will bring great shame to my teacher, to everyone that are cheering for me... And, to Nawin. I'll give you my best, Lucy" he said, fire of determination burning in his mismatch color eyes.

Grayfia smile when listening to the two's exchanges, finding it very heartening. "Both fighters are ready?" she questions, and gets a nod from Issei and Lucy, the two didn't break eye contact for a second. Lifting her hand up, Grayfia takes a deep breath "Second match shall commence... Now!".

Hospital

"There... Luckily, he only sustained minor injuries" the doctor state, staring at the sleeping Makasha, resting securely in bed with two nurses standing beside him, just finishing bandaging and healing his wounds up. Nawin continue to be deep asleep through the whole process. "Will his head be ok, Doctor?" the young blonde nurse question with concern, staring at the Makasha "That headbutt looked very... painful" she said and can't help but wince, remembering when seeing and hearing it.

The doctor slowly nods "I've checked his brain with some healing magic... I scanned it and found nothing that will leave him traumatic or risk of brain damaged... It was very reckless of him to do that, but fortunate for him nothing seems to be damaged in his brain from that harsh impact. He will certainly wake up with a bad headache and dizziness, but other than that he shall be fine" he answers and the nurses sigh in relief "Thank goodness..." the other nurse utters.

The doctor nods, then turns around to exit the room "We should leave him to rest now..." he said and the nurses nod, grabbing their boards and follow the doctor out of the room, slowly sliding the door shuts.

The window in the room is open slightly to let fresh air in. Suddenly, a black cat jumps in the room and gently lands on the ground. Its golden slit eyes scan the room for anyone and when seeing none, it turns its attention to the bed and spring up on it. The cat let out a soft meow, sounding almost concern when it sees the state Nawin was in.

The black cat slowly walks up the bed and stop beside the Makasha's head. It leans its head forward and affectionally rubs its cheek on Nawin's own cheek, then licks it a few times. Being in deep sleep, Nawin didn't react to the cat's gesture and continue to softly snore away.

The cat purrs happily when feeling the Makasha's warmth. It leans back and walk circles around the pillow a few times and sits itself down comfortably on the pillow, next to the Makasha. The cat's eyes stare out at the window, its slit pupils narrow ever slightly, like its waiting for something to appear, something dangerous and big. The cat turns back to Nawin and looks at him protectively and once more licks his cheek before resting its head down and takes a nap next to him.

Next Chapter: Lucy's Transformation! Boost x40 Unleashed!