Reborn of The Mercenary: [Toji Fushiguro x Highschool DxD]

Chapter 25: The Excalibur Experiment

Morning, Occult Research Club

The day started like any other, with Rias and her peerage gathering in the clubroom. The air was buzzing with anticipation after their recent victory over Riser, and the team was ready to take on new challenges. However, Kiba Yuuto seemed unusually distant, his eyes clouded with a troubled expression.

Rias noticed and approached him. "Yuuto, is something bothering you?"

Yuuto shook his head, trying to brush it off. "It's nothing, Buchou. Just some old memories."

Before Rias could press further, the door to the clubroom burst open, and in walked two unexpected visitors: Xenovia Quarta and Irina Shidou, exorcists from the Church.

"Rias Gremory," Xenovia began, her tone serious, "we need to talk."

Flashback: The Incident

The previous night, Yuuto had been walking home alone when he was ambushed. Out of the shadows stepped a figure wielding a sword that radiated a holy aura. It was Kalawarner, one of Kokabiel's loyal servants, and she wielded Excalibur Rapidly, one of the seven Excalibur fragments.

"Long time no see, Kiba!" Kalawarner sneered. "Miss me?"

Yuuto's blood ran cold as memories of the past resurfaced. The experiments, the betrayal, the deaths of his friends – it all came rushing back.

"You!" Yuuto shouted, drawing his sword. "I'll make you pay for what you've done!"

The battle was fierce but brief. Kalawarner, laughing maniacally, managed to escape, leaving Yuuto with a renewed determination to destroy the Excalibur fragments and put his past to rest.

Present Day, Occult Research Club

Xenovia and Irina explained their mission to Rias and her peerage. "Several Excalibur fragments have been stolen," Xenovia said, her voice grave. "We have tracked them to Kuoh Town, and we are here to retrieve them."

Rias crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "And what does this have to do with us?"

Irina stepped forward. "We don't want interference from the Devils in this town. This is between the Church and the Fallen Angels."

The room was silent as everyone absorbed the information. Koneko, Toji, and the others exchanged glances, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Toji, now an integral part of Rias's peerage, sensed the tension in the room and decided to speak up. "Rias," Toji said, his voice firm, "I have a plan. But first, we need to understand what's at stake here."

Rias nodded. "Go on, Toji."

Toji outlined a strategy to covertly assist Xenovia and Irina in their mission. "We can't interfere directly," he explained, "but we can provide support. Koneko, Saji, Yuuto, and I will work together to locate the Excalibur fragments and ensure they don't fall into the wrong hands."

Yuuto, his resolve hardened, stepped forward. "I want to destroy the Excaliburs. They are a symbol of my past, and I need to move on."

Rias looked at her peerage, their determination clear. "Very well. But be careful. We can't afford any reckless actions."

Days of Searching

The next few days were spent gathering information and searching for the Excalibur fragments. Koneko used her enhanced senses to track down leads, while Saji and Yuuto investigated potential locations.

One evening, they finally found a significant clue. In an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town, they discovered traces of holy energy, unmistakably from the Excalibur fragments.

As they entered the warehouse, they were met with an ambush. Dozens of rogue exorcists, all wielding various holy weapons, attacked them. The battle was intense, with Toji leading the charge, his Sacred Gear glowing with power.

"Stay focused!" Toji shouted, slicing through an exorcist's defenses. "We need to find the Excalibur fragments!"

Yuuto fought with unparalleled determination, his mind set on one goal. He engaged in a fierce duel with an exorcist wielding Excalibur Mimic, the sword changing shapes rapidly to counter his attacks.

"Your time is up!" Yuuto roared, finally breaking through his opponent's defenses and disarming him.

However, their victory was short-lived. From the shadows emerged a powerful figure – Kokabiel, one of the leaders of the Fallen Angels.

"So, you Devils think you can meddle in our affairs?" Kokabiel sneered. "I'll show you the true power of the Fallen."

A New Threat

Kokabiel's presence was overwhelming. He exuded an aura of malice and power that made even the seasoned fighters of Rias's peerage hesitate.

"We need to fall back!" Toji ordered, realizing they were outmatched.

As they retreated, Kokabiel's mocking laughter echoed through the warehouse. "Run while you can, little Devils. The true war is just beginning."

Back at the Occult Research Club, Rias and the others were debriefed on the encounter. The situation was dire, and they knew they had to act fast.

"We need to regroup and come up with a new strategy," Rias said, her mind racing. "Kokabiel is too powerful to face head-on. We need to outsmart him."

Toji, his resolve unwavering, stepped forward. "Rias, I have another plan. But we'll need everyone to play their part."

Rias looked at her peerage, their determination mirrored in her own eyes. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect Kuoh Town and stop Kokabiel. Let's get to work."