Albis was the first to strike, her attack coming from many directions but Yamza lived up to his title of swordsman and was able to block them all.

After backing off, Yamza saw an opening and subtly signaled his men to ambush her. Despite that, Ablis was able to easily petrified all of them but this gave Yamza another opening.

But, the hit was blocked by another blade. The person who blocked the attack was a Hobgoblin that suddenly appeared.

Gobta: You know, a cowardly move like that isn't very manly.

Yamza: W-Who the hell are you!?

Gobta: Name's Gobta. And yeah, I was hiding nearby in case something like this happened.

From Albis's shadow, appeared several Goblin Riders.

Albis: My, even I didn't know about this? Though, it does explain why I sensed something unusual.

Gobta: Sorry, but it was a direct order from Benimaru. Besides, you totally knew we were here the entire time, didn't you?

Yamza attempted to attack Gobta via a spell from his blade, but it was easily countered by the railgun that was implement in Gobta's scabbard.

The idea had been made after Kaijin and Kurobe saw Jasper's revolver and wanted to try and copy the idea behind it. The closest they had was the scabbard Gobta had which the inside had electrical wires fused with magic that would fire a blast of magic at the enemy.

Gobta's mind: This is bad... I was able to defend against him because he used magic, but if he attacks me with that Ice sword I might be a goner.

Gobta ordered the riders to deal with the remaining Majin, but as he was doing this; Yamza tried to cut him down while his guard was down, Luckily, Gobta's instincts saved him from the attack.

Yamza: Requiring helpers for a one on one fight, how the "mighty" beastketeers have fallen.

Gobta's Mind: I think the term Prince Jasper would use for this guy would be... "pot meet kettle".

Gobta: Hold on! I volunteer to be the referee for this fight!

Albis: Oh? I'd be willing to concede to you.

She intentionally teased him, but Gobta quickly rejects it.

Gobta: No, no! I'll be the one to draw back here, you can go out and fight to you're hearts content.

With that, Gobta and his men watched from nearby to prevent any interruptions. As the duel between the Golden Snakehorn and the swordsman of Ice continued.

Meanwhile

The fight between the Hiryuu and the faithful almost ended in a draw, the only ones from the faithful standing were Middray and Hermes, while the ones standing from Tempest were Ignis, Suphia, and Gabiru.

Gabiru was engaging in 1v1 with Hermes, while Ignis and Suphia engaged with Middray. Although, Suphia was having difficulty during the fight.

Middray: Wow! You really are an impressive fighter!

Ignis: I can say the same about you.

While, Suphia was kneeling bruised on the ground. Middray and Ignis were engaging in their own fist fight, unlike Suphia; Ignis was able to land strikes and damage Middray who had in return dealt his fair share of damage back at him.

Middray: I have to admit that Dragonewt it quite the impressive fighter.

Ignis: To serve my master, you have to be.

Middray tried to land a vicious hook to his left, but it was quickly dodge and Ignis tried to land an ferocious uppercut that was neatly blocked.

Suphia: Dammit! I won't let you ignore me!

Suphia got back up and tried to strike at Middray, but he noticed and quickly lifted her up in the air and attempted to slam her into the ground. Fortunately, Ignis shoved Middray away and grabbed Suphia before putting her back on the ground.

Ignis: Word of advice, don't announce that you're about to attack to your enemy.

Middray: Agreed. Also, I apologize; I wasn't trying to ignore you. In fact the opposite, I rarely get to use my techniques on monsters such as yourselves. This is fun! I haven't fought a worthy opponent in some time!

Ignis: I second that. This is great experience for my first time in a battle!

Middray: First experience? Yet, you're skill and reactions suggest you've been in plenty fights before.

Ignis: Sadly, no. Most of this is coming from my master's own power and knowledge on fighting. Though, I don't want to rely on it forever. I plan on gaining my own strength and power as time goes on.

Middray: Hahaha! then, I'm pleased I can help you with such a goal in mind.

Suphia attempted to get back up, only to collapse.

Suphia: I won't be... you're pathetic plaything!

Ignis: Rest a bit. You'll need it.

Middray: Having trouble, Hermes? You're being push back!

Hermes: Now's not the time for chit chat!

Suphia: Grr! I can't believe that a guy like you is working for a scumbag like Clayman! Here I thought Yamza had to be his strongest fighter, but I guess I should've trust my intuition.

Middray: Yamza? I'll admit he's quite the capable fighter. But, he's not nearly enough to be my playmate. I may not look it, but I've faced Lady Milim many times.

Suphia: Wait, as in Demon Lord Milim!?

Ignis: Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. Middray and the rest of these guys are part of the Dragon-Faithful.

Middray: That's correct.

Suphia: I thought you're disposition was different from the rest of Clayman's army.

Everyone looked over to see that Gabiru had bested Hermes, much to Middray's surprised amusement.

Middray: Would you take a look at that. He actually beat Hermes!

Ignis: Yeah, even though he can be quite arrogant that arrogance is sometimes justified.

Middray: Hahaha! I'm rather impressed as well.

Hermes: Come on, Father Middray! Don't laugh, help me!

Ignis: You lost fair and square.

Middray: Exactly. Plus, that Dragonewt appears to have no intention of killing you.

Gabiru knocked out Hermes before walking over to the group, while Middray told Hermes to use this time to reflect on his actions.

Middray: Now, including me there are four of us left. You put on a good show against my men, and it's easy to see you're soldiers are thoroughly trained. It's proves they strengthened their minds and don't just rely on brute strength and skill.

Gabiru: I suppose I should be thankful for the compliment. Now, I am Gabiru! Who might you be?

Middray: I am father Middray. A loyal servant of Lady Milim's Dragon-Faithful.

Suphia: Nice to meet you. I'm Suphia of the three beastketeers. Normally, I wouldn't bother introducing myself to the likes of Clayman, but a subordinate of Demon Lord Milim is a different story.

Middray: Gabiru and Suphia? I'll remember those names.

He then looked over at Ignis.

Middray: I would also like the name of my primary opponent.

Ignis: I am Ignis. Second in command of the Silver Numbers. A Djinn made by my master and Creator, Lord Jasper.

Middray: Lord Jasper!? Now that explains you're power, Djinn's are naturally connected to their creators in many ways. Being a Djinn of Lord Jasper is definitely something, I can still remember the times we sparred.

Gabiru: You fought Lord Jasper!?

Middray: Indeed, though it was on much fewer occasions. I can say without a shred of doubt he and Lady Milim are the strongest opponents I've ever faced.

Ignis: That right? Well, I would love to hear the tale between you're fight with my master.

Middray: Heheh! Given the chance, I will gladly tell you. Now, what shall we do next?

Suphia: Do you mind If I ask you something?

Middray: Ask away.

Suphia: I was wondering, how can a Human be so strong? Actually, the Dragon-Faithful aren't really Human are they?

Middray: You're curious about my race? The answer may be quite surprising. We are Dragonewts like Gabiru.

Gabiru: Like me!?

Middray: However, we did not evolve from Lizardmen like you. We are decedents of Dragons that took on Human forms and mated with Human. But in essence, we're pretty much the same.

Ignis' mind: But, wouldn't you be Dragonoids like Milim then, instead of being Dragonewts?

Gabiru: Come to think, my sister Souka as well took on the form of a Human.

Suphia: I thought you seemed way to strong to be a Human.

Middray: However, most of us cannot revert back to our Dragon forms. In fact, none of my subordinates are among the precious few that can turn into Dragons. But, while we may be no different from ordinary Humans; we did inherit the Dragons strength and by professing our faith to the Dragons, we'll never forget our heritage. Was that you're only question?

Suphia: You pretty much just answered everything. I just wanted to know if you guys were once weak Humans that grew stronger through training. In which case, I wanted to show respect for amount of effort you put in.

Middray: It seems we are cut from the same cloth. There are those born with strength and those who achieve through hard work. A mistake that Majin make, is that they rely to much on the power they were born with. In those cases, they often determine strength based on the amount of energy they posses. TRUE STRENGTH IS NOT ONLY PHYSICAL!! YOU CAN'T JUST SEE IT BY LOOKING AT YOU'RE OPPONENT!!!

Suphia: I understand, and that makes me happy cause it means I can get even stronger!

Ignis: Exactly, that is why I plan to rely my own source of power and not on my Master's alone.

Middray: That's what I like to hear! Nothing will help you grow like actually combat, allow me to be you're opponent.

Ignis: In that case, I'd like to request for you to take me on... alone.

Suphia: What!?

Gabiru: Sir Ignis, are you sure that's wise!?

Ignis: Of course I am. It's not always a smart idea taking on someone who leagues above you, it doesn't make you strong or brave just stupid.

Middray: I would also like to make the same request, I want to use as much of my strength as possible and I feel you'll be a good way to do so. Though, I don't want to accidently kill you're companions in the process.

Gabiru: Lady Suphia?

Suphia: ...Fine, but I want a rematch later on.

Middray: I'll gladly take you up on that offer.

Gabiru and Suphia attended to the injured, while Ignis and Middray charged at one another.

Meanwhile

The fight between Albis and Yamza was still raging.

Yamza: I'm a little surprised to see that we're evenly matched. However, this only solidifies my victory!

Ablis: How so?

Yamza: Did you think this magic sword was the only ace up my sleeve? I'll admit, you're strong being able to go on even footing with me. However, what would you if there were two of me!?

The Iron band on his arm began to glow, and two of him spawned.

Gobta: Woah! That seems a little unfair!

Yamza: Now, If you surrender to me. I'll graciously spare you're life.

Albis: So what? I expected more from the strongest Majin under a Demon Lord, such a pathetic ace to keep up you're sleeve.

Angered by this, both Yamza's attempted to charge at her only to be stopped by a large blast of Lighting. From the smoke, Albis was no longer in her semi transformation but now in her full on Beast form.

Ablis: You have my permission to take in the others in defeat Gobta.

Gobta: Don't gotta tell me twice! Everyone, retreat!

The Goblin riders and most of Yamza's men began to run, the soldiers that stayed behind tried to attack Albis but were all instantly killed by her magic.

Ablis: I clearly outmatch you, just surrender. You'll be our prisoner, but at least you live.

Yamza: Screw you!

A single glare of Albis instantly destroyed the Iron band, getting rid of his doppelganger. Follow by a lighting bolt that completely paralyzed his body.

Yamza's mind: I can't move my body! At this rate... I won't be able to push back or even fight against her at all!

Yamza: Tsk! Fine, I accept you're offer and surrender!

Clayman (You know I can't allow that, Yamza.)

Yamza's paralyzed arm was briefly engulfed with a smokey purple aura before it began moving on it's own and opened to reveal a small orb.

Yamza: No, don't Please sir, I don't wanna do this! Spare me Lord Clayman, I'm begging yo-

Ablis: What are you doing? Yamza!?

Clayman used his {Marionette Takeover} to force Yamza into swalloing the purple Orb, then he begna expanding and turning a unhealthy blue. Before a mass of flesh and tendrils began absorbing the bodies of those around him and Yamza's icy blade.

The smoke cleared, and standing there was...

Albis: CHARYBDIS!?

Back over with the battle between the Hiryuu and Dragon-Faithful, Ignis and Middray continued their brawl.

They struck at each other with top speeds, blocking and dodging hits before they both landed a powerful strike on the other's cheek

Middray: This... is the best fight I've had in so long!

Ignis: Agreed! Not gonna lie, I'm really enjoying myself here.

Suddenly, they both sensed a powerful presence and looked over in that direction it was coming from. Suphia and Gabiru also noticed it and even Hermes woke up from it along with some priest.

Suphia: This aura!?

Middray: Priest! You are permitted to use healing magic! Stand up, and awaken everyone as soon as possible!!!

Hermes: This is bad, father Middray. Whatever this presence is it's quite formidable.

Middray: I already know.

Ignis: Charybdis. The tyrant of the skies, and the foe that both Master Jasper and Lady Milim destroyed a year ago.

Suphia: The monster that inhabited Phobio!? Didn't Lord Jasper and Demon Lord Milim blow that thing to bits!?

Gabiru: There's no doubt they destroyed it...

Middray: Correct, it's not the real one. Whatever it is has a mere fragment of it's power.

Hermes: It seems to be relatively unstable. If we leave it along, then it should die in a day or two.

Middray: No, this is a battle field. If allowed it could evolve in a way that we may not expect. When it comes to a monster like that, it's best to give it as little room to grow as possible.

Ignis: It appears to be using that Yamza fellow as a replacement core.

Hermes: Yeah, I wanted to kill that jerk myself. But, it seems his soul has already been devoured... So, all we can do now it try to minimalize the damage until it dies.

While the others were preparing for a battle.

Ignis (Benimaru, are you seeing this?)

Benimaru (Obviously.)

Ignis (You wanna take this or should I?)

Benimaru (I would prefer to test out my new skills against this beast.)

Ignis (Heh, go right ahead.)

Ignis: Don't worry, we won't need to deal with creature.

Suphia: What do you mean?

Ignis: Just sit back and watch the spectacle.

Meanwhile

Albis: Dammit! All I can do is help the other soldiers escape!

Benimaru (This is a direct violation of orders Albis. Didn't I say to retreat if you could not win?)

Ablis: S-Sir Benimaru?

Benimaru did a perfect slash that cut Charybdis in two and used {Black Flames} to prevent regeneration.

Benimaru: Charybdis, you present the perfect opportunity to test my new power. But, we're a little short on time; so I'll end this. I'm sorry, if you in you're true form I was would've to play with you.

He surrounded Charybdis in a barrier and used {Hell Flare} to completely disintegrate Charybdis.

Ablis: There's... no way.

Benimaru: Albis, I have business to attend to. As of now, you'll assume full command of my troops as my aid.

Albis: R-Right, it would be my pleasure sir.

The Hiryuu and faithful who were running over stopped after seeing what had happened.

Middray: I-Impossible! How did he manage to defeat it without breaking a sweat!?

Hermes: Who the heck is he? A Demon Lord? Lady Milim and Lord Jasper are one thing, but how can an ordinary Majin have such a terrifying ability.

Ignis: I told you, just sit back and watch the spectacle.

Gabiru: You mean, sir Benimaru?

Suphia: Hold up, what did you guys see out there?

Before Hermes could explain, Benimaru walked over to us with a dark look in his eyes.

Benimaru: Hey... I here some of you have been entertaining my men?

Hermes: Woah... he's scary.

Benimaru and Middray glared at one another.

Suphia: Wait a second, sir Benimaru!

Gabiru: These people are subordinates of Lady Milim, and warrior priest of the Dragon-Faithful!

Benimaru: Lady Milim. Truly?

Ignis: I can confirm that to be the case. Some of them we even kind enough to heal our injured before you got here.

Benimaru: I understand, it's possible I was a bit overzealous. It's just that you seemed like the biggest challenge here, so I was naturally weary.

Middray: Hahaha! You weren't being zealous at all. Actually, I only healed their injuries in leu of a much greater disaster.

They both began discussing what to now, but the idea of a duel between them was brought up.

Benimaru: For us, we'd prefer not to stir up any trouble with Lady Milim's people.

Middray: A fair reason. While I always enjoy an exciting fight, that doesn't mean I want all out war or anything. My only desire is to find out which of us is stronger!

As the two began to walking towards each other, while everyone watched in panic.

SMACK!!!

Ignis came and delivered a powerful smack to both their heads.

Benimaru & Middray: OW!!! WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?

Ignis gave them a stern look that seemed to cow them both a little.

Ignis: Look, I would rather we not cause an issue between our people while we're in the middle of finishing up a war. If you two wanna a fight I won't stop you, but can you both at least do it after we're done here?

They both grumbled a bit, but didn't bite back.

Benimaru: If I don't fight to kill, then I'd probably just lose. Not really a fan of engaging in losing battles.

Middray: Good point, after seeing the power you used against Charybdis; I doubt I could survive a similar attack from you.

Middray patted Benimaru's back while laughing, and Suphia and Hermes just leaned against one another while sighing in relief.

Meanwhile

Footman: What a plot twist! Yamza's betrayal was expected, but the part where Charybdis fell so easily was surprising.

Teare: I know! Even we can't take on that devastating creature!

Footman: Clayman's forces were annihilated, the plan has failed! The losses suffered here are far to great! He really should have done what that Lord said, and sit quietly while playing like a good little dog.

Teare: I know! Laplace even warned him about this, Clayman has no one but himself to blame!

After seeing the aftermath of the conflict, they looked turned to the injured Geld and Phobio.

Footman: We need to report this turn of events to him. So, we'll have to end our little game early.

Phobio: N-No...! You're not getting away! I knew you clowns were bad news... If we can keep you here, then the others should be along soon enough.

Teare: Enough with all the yowling!

She attempted to charge and strike Phobio, but her hit was blocked by a large man.

Footman: Oh?

Teare: Who are you!?

Phobio: S-Sir Terra...?

Terra look at both of them, and they received a magical message in their heads that said.

"Sorry about that, I was watching nearby to learn their fighting styles to have a better chance at beating them."

Geld: It's Alright... we're sorry for not being able to