True High School DxD

Volume 2 Chapter 5.4

Power Within Force. The Violence of Heaven and The Slashing Princess

When Xenovia was undertaking warrior training in the Vatican, she was praised every time.

—To think that she'd be chosen to wield Durandal at this age! —The Genius that the Heavens granted must be you. —And she can even wield Excalibur as well... What a kid. —You must be able to perform well as the Heaven's sword.

At the same time, she also used to be compared.

—Although she isn't as strong as her predecessor Strada, her power is close. —You better become a swordswoman that doesn't bring shame to your predecessor Durandal wielder, His Eminence Strada. —That's right, if we train her skills, she might even reach Vasco Strada. —You have the talent to be the next His Eminence Strada, Xenovia.

Xenovia couldn't forget the shock when she met her predecessor, Vasco Strada, for the first time. Xenovia understood not from the words of the elites in the church, but from that person's very own existence, that every feature of that man was — big. His neck, arms, fingers, back, and legs. All of his body aspects were so big and built-up. That person's body was so robust that it didn't match his old face. As he showed a smile on his deeply-scarred face, the old man — Vasco Strada welcomed Xenovia.

"Well, well.... To think that the one who'll be my successor would be this cute girl... Heaven must be considerate."

When she was being patted on the head, she knew at that instant. She could feel it from his hand.

—He is above me. He's overwhelmingly far. This person stands far above me.

—I wonder if I can become like this man?

Since that day, she had been questioning herself like that. And right now, her goal was present before her eyes. Vasco Strada, the man who was called [The Church's Device of Violence], [The Violence of Heaven], [Vatican's Evil Killer], and [Mister Durandal].

After separating from Asia, Xenovia and Irina kept searching for the enemy's team members. The one that appeared before them was Strada, who had shaved his head for this day. Xenovia and Irina quickly entered the battle with Strada and faced the legendary swordsman with their combination. Strada then used the rejuvenation art that he acquired from Rias and returned to his golden days, which was in his fifties. Even though they were still unscratched, they seemed to be the ones who were forced into defence. Xenovia had used her combination technique with Ise — which allowed her to turn into her [Crimson Destruction Dragonar] form by having the wyverns from [Dividing Wyvern Fairy] latch onto her (I guess you could call it the female version of Boosted Gear Scale Mail). But, she still wasn't able to land a single hit on Strada who was in his prime even though her Holy Sword's power and speed were increased.... In fact, Strada was the one reigning as he destroyed the [Crimson Destruction Dragonar] armour with just his Durandal II's aura and his holy fist.

Xenovia used the dual-wielding style with Durandal and Excalibur in each of her hands, while also carrying Excalibur's scabbard that made her immortal, but...even if the wound could be healed, it couldn't restore the user's stamina. As Xenovia was confident in her stamina, it would be a hit to her pride if she were to be defeated. Xenovia and Irina showed a perfect combination. While Xenovia continued to slash at their opponent using her two swords, Irina would use her Holy Sword Hauteclaire and Angelic light attacks to support her. Even though they kept attacking and rendering Strada unable to perform a counter-attack...their combination was broken by an attack from the enemy. Strada just needed to increase his aura and wave his Durandal II and holy fist in order to blow Xenovia and Irina away. Taking those kinds of attacks numerous times would be bad as Irina didn't have any means of healing like Xenovia did. Strada then held his Durandal II and said to them,