Chapter 310 - Apollon
Roar!
When Vali activated Juggernaut Drive, a piercing, anguished dragon roar echoed through the night sky, stirring the hearts of all who heard it.
This roar didn't come from Vali himself but from the lingering dragon within his armor, unleashed as Juggernaut Drive was awakened.
The armor, enveloping Vali, transformed dramatically.
The once-humanoid armor grew taller, its full-face helmet reshaping into the visage of a dragon's head.
At this moment, Vali resembled a humanoid mecha dragon, exuding a terrifying aura.
This power, beyond mere strength, was an amalgamation of dark forces—curses, despair, sorrow, and foreboding.
Merely approaching him caused one's body to tremble uncontrollably.
Vali's overwhelming presence made it impossible for ordinary people to draw near.
His aura manifested as a hurricane, sweeping across the surroundings.
"Impressive," Mahiro muttered, forced to retreat a safe distance.
His expression grew serious.
Vali's power now verged on the transcendent-class.
"You've pushed the White Dragon Emperor into Juggernaut Drive."
Under the influence of Vali's Juggernaut Drive, Ddraig, who had been dormant within the Sacred Gear, was roused.
"Is that surprising?" Mahiro asked rhetorically.
"Any way to counter this mode?"
"No," Ddraig replied candidly.
"Once Juggernaut Drive is activated, the Sacred Gear's restrictions are lifted, granting the wielder the full power of us within."
"Right now, the White Dragon Emperor wields the might of our prime—a part of power of a Heavenly Dragon."
"With your current strength, if you don't take this seriously, you'll likely die."
"I didn't ask for a lecture," Mahiro said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.
Ddraig's explanation was redundant; he already understood the stakes.
Ddraig seemed almost sheepish.
"Is there a way for me to use Juggernaut Drive?" Mahiro pressed.
"No," Ddraig said firmly. "This generation's White Dragon Emperor has long mastered Balance Breaker and pushed it to its limits, reaching the threshold for Juggernaut Drive."
"That's why he can activate it at his age. As for you…" Ddraig paused.
"You've achieved Balance Breaker, but it feels forced, driven by your raw power rather than true mastery."
"You lack resonance with the Sacred Gear. Activating Juggernaut Drive is impossible for you right now."
"So, you're saying you're useless," Mahiro sighed.
Ddraig retreated into the depths of the Sacred Gear, as if sulking.
"Still," Ddraig added, unwilling to be dismissed, "the White Dragon Emperor's aura feels unstable. This is likely his first time fully using Juggernaut Drive."
"There's a slim chance you could still defeat him."
"Vali, how are you holding up?" Albion asked with concern.
"I'm fine, Albion," Vali replied, his voice a mix of fatigue and exhilaration.
"The injuries Mahiro inflicted… this sharp pain keeps my mind clear. It's a blessing in disguise."
"After this, I'll master Juggernaut Drive completely," Vali said, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Fighting the strong is the fastest way to grow."
"Normally, perfecting Juggernaut Drive would take far longer."
"Mahiro, thanks for the challenge. Now it's my turn to return the favor," Vali said, his eyes gleaming with battle lust.
"Ddraig, tell your host to retreat," Albion warned.
"Vali in this state is beyond him."
"Don't get cocky, Albion," Ddraig shot back.
"It's just an unstable Juggernaut Drive. The outcome's not decided yet."
Though Ddraig wasn't fond of Mahiro, he refused to lose face before his ancient rival.
Unable to hold back, Vali charged.
The light wings on his back twisted, transforming into spear-like blades.
With a beastly, violent aura, he enveloped Mahiro.
Mahiro invoked silently, activating the incarnations of Verethragna—the Ram and the Bull.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
A barrage of impacts echoed as Vali's attacks struck the barrier.
The bull incarnation held firm against Juggernaut Drive's assault, at least for now.
"Divide!"
The gem on Vali's armor pulsed, its voice ringing out.
"Divide! Divide! Divide!"
But, a lightning-charged sword strike tore through the sky.
Noble Art: Raikiri!
The crackling bolt forced Vali to retreat, thwarting his advance.
"How is this possible? You're still holding back?" Vali stared at Mahiro in disbelief.
Though this strike was less devastating than the last, Vali sensed Mahiro's power had grown stronger.
Vali's heart sank.
A long battle would become a war of attrition, and even in Juggernaut Drive, he couldn't truly reach Mahiro.
He'd be reduced to a punching bag.
"Vali, this is just a stalemate," Mahiro said, dismissing the Aegis.
"What are you planning?" Vali asked warily.
"One strike to decide it," Mahiro said with a smile.
"If you can withstand my full power, I'll let you go. If not… well, my apologies."
"Intriguing."
Continuing a war of attrition guaranteed his defeat.
Even a Satan's descendant couldn't sustain Juggernaut Drive indefinitely; it consumed too much magic power.
Mahiro's proposal favored him.
"Agreed," Vali nodded.
Mahiro sheathed his Zanpakutō.
In his hands appeared a composite purple longbow, its arrows radiating an aura of destruction.
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