Harem Hero

Mantle

You crash through another wall as Arthur tries to swing at you using his blade.

"Be careful, that sword can cut straight through your armour!"

You didn't need to hear that to know. This is one of the most legendary weapons from the world of DxD. Your mind scrambles for a quick fix to this problem. The copy is getting away, or potentially even planning to attack Issei with Vali before we can get there to back him up. You duck another swing and kick the carcass of a burned car at him, forcing him to cut it in two to avoid being knocked aside. During that moment of opportunity, you are already loading two cards into your gun.

"XENOVIA QUARTA, SHATTERING!"

"KONEKO TOUJO, SHATTERING!"

Arthur's eyes widen in unbidden surprise as Xenovia and Koneko appear from thin air. There's a pause as he tries to recalculate his odds of victory, and as they both try to get their bearings from being summoned so suddenly.

"So this is what Rias meant," Koneko frowns. She must have been updating them on the fight using her phone.

Xenovia doesn't care – she's just pumped to pick a fight with Excalibur; "Finally, a battle worthy of Durandal!" A large blue sword appears from a magic circle, which she wields with confidence and skill.

"Sorry – can you two keep this guy occupied? Issei's in trouble."

"Very well," Koneko nods, getting into a fighting stance. Xenovia has already launched herself at Arthur before you can even finish explaining the situation. They clash in a shower of sparks and with the heavy clang of metal meeting metal. Koneko dons her gloves and leaps into the air, coming down with a vicious spinning kick that forces Arthur to reposition and cracks the ground beneath.

You turn tail and run towards where the most noise is being made. A building explodes overhead as a pair of coloured streaks fly through the sky and come back down in the middle of the intersection. Issei kicks Vali up off of his body and forces him back, but it's clear that Vali has gotten the drop on him this time. Issei cannot damage him with his power divided so heavily.

"Just give it up, Red Dragon Emperor. This fight was over before it even began. You can't hope to injure me with your powers weakened like this."

"Damn it!" Issei swears, punching the ground in frustration, "This is so uncool!"

Vali turns to face you as his summoner emerges from the background. "I'm willing to accept your unconditional surrender, and an apology to my dear lady for your boorish behaviour."

You shake your head, "Man. You really are one lame ass-kisser. What happened to that individuality of yours?"

Vali laughs, "I do what I do because I want to do it. My lady is an unparalleled beauty, of whom I would happily take her hand in marriage. Are you not doing this for the same reason?"

"I'm doing this to protect the Earth," you respond. Your UI triggers and the mantle card is ejected into your hand. "This fight isn't over just yet. Not while I'm still breathing, and certainly not while there's still aliens left to beat!"

"Bah, more parlour tricks."

"Don't look away – this one might shock you."

You slide it into the newly added slot on your left arm. A mechanised roller accepts the tip of the card and swallows it whole, as it does, a new touch screen appears on top which displays it for you to see. You slide your fingers up and over to confirm your selection.

"MANTLE! Boosting Dragon!"

An orchestral jingle plays thanks to Mitsuru's touch for the dramatic.