The appearance of the Railgun shook both friend and foe alike. If Misaka’s timely intervention brought shock and excitement to Negi and the others, then the sudden emergence of little SABER left them utterly bewildered, completely lost as to what was happening.

There was no doubt that this small, impudent figure before them was the strange little doll captured earlier on Sakura Avenue with that 'cradle-carry-and-kill' move by the bookshop owner. But the problem was, this little doll should have been their enemy. So why did it seem like she was now standing on their side? Moreover, she appeared to know Mikoto Misaka. Then their previous assumptions... the group could not make heads nor tails of the situation.

On the other side, due to Misaka’s forceful intrusion, the white-haired youth and his companions paused for a fraction of a second, but being far from ordinary people, they quickly recovered.

“You all continue fighting; their stamina is almost depleted. I will handle that woman,” the white-haired youth stated expressionlessly. Then, in an instant, his body dissolved into a puddle of water, vanishing on the spot. Almost simultaneously, he reappeared behind Misaka, launching a sharp Earth Magic attack from his hand, aimed squarely at her back.

“Misaka-san, watch out behind you!” Seeing this, Negi and the others cried out urgently.

Tsssk. A faint smile touched the corner of Misaka’s lips. Just before the attack could connect, she instantly transformed into a flash of electricity, darting away at an even faster speed. She then circled around to the white-haired youth’s back and unleashed an attack carrying hundreds of millions of volts of electricity.

The white-haired youth’s expression abruptly changed. He had intended a sneak attack, never expecting her to be so alert, with both speed and attack power being top-tier. Without hesitation, just before being hit, his body once again liquefied, vanishing into a watery sheen. The water was instantly evaporated by the electric shock, while his true form had already materialized dozens of meters away.

“I see. It seems you are not an ordinary person either,” the white-haired youth said gravely.

“You should be the one saying that. To evade my point-blank discharge, you are also extremely strong. It wouldn't be right if we didn't have a proper fight,” Misaka grinned, her body instantly transforming into an arc of lightning as she charged forward. Since arriving in this world, she had barely clashed with anyone, which was somewhat stifling for someone as competitive and battle-hungry as her. Having such an opportunity, she certainly wouldn't miss it.

“That is the highest-tier Lightning spell—she truly is a magician,” Negi exclaimed.

“The highest-tier Lightning spell? What’s that?” Asuna asked.

“That is Elementalization, regulating one's body using magical elements. Misaka-san’s current existence is equivalent to a Great Elemental of the highest order in the Lightning attribute. Normal physical attacks simply cannot harm her. However, this magic is extremely advanced. I never encountered anyone capable of using it at the Magic Academy, I never expected Misaka-san…” Negi’s voice was filled with disbelief, but before he could finish his explanation, the enemies who had paused their attack surged toward them again, forcing him to stop.

“We have no time to talk. Since Misaka-san is helping us at this crucial moment, we absolutely cannot lose!” Facing the enemy assault, the group charged forward again. Moreover, because quite a few demons had been annihilated by Misaka’s Railgun earlier, their immediate situation eased considerably.

However, despite this, the sheer number of enemies still far outnumbered them, making it impossible to reverse the tide in a short time. Negi, Asuna, and Kofū formed a defensive triangle against the demonic siege; although they were at a disadvantage, they wouldn't be defeated quickly.

The battle between Setsuna and Tsukuyomi remained deadlocked. Both were swordsmen of the Kamina Ryū style, meaning they were intimately familiar with each other’s moves and subtle flaws; the outcome was still a coin toss.

As for Nagase Kaede and Ryuguu Mana, facing that strange magician, the two of them together could barely maintain a defensive posture. But now, with Misaka’s arrival, their confidence had soared, and they were gradually turning the tide, capable of both attacking and defending.

Meanwhile, Misaka and the white-haired youth were locked in a fierce contest. With a Spirit-tier Middle-rank strength, Misaka’s power faced no limitations. Her elementalized body granted her immunity to most damage, coupled with the speed of an electric flash, preventing the enemy from landing any effective blows.

The problem was that her attacks weren't achieving much either. The enemy before her had many peculiar qualities; his speed could nearly match her elementalization. While he might not be faster, his bizarre ability to transform his form wasn't significantly slower than hers, and even her point-blank discharges were ineffective. Truly effective attacks were few.

This was, in fact, inevitable. Although Misaka's strength grew rapidly, apart from her inherent Level 5 Esper ability, her other powers largely stemmed from the magic taught by Evangeline. And Evangeline’s magic originated from the Creator of this world. However, the white-haired youth she fought was a doll manufactured by the Creator, inherently possessing a deep understanding of the Creator's magic. Furthermore, his strength was only a slight tier below Evangeline, placing him essentially on par with Misaka.

One who could elementalize, one who possessed shapeshifting—neither would be easily injured. Given their comparable combat prowess, it would be miraculous if a winner emerged quickly.

Damn it, this enemy is more troublesome than I imagined. Although I am fine here, if the others on the other front are dragged out too long, they could be in danger... Misaka felt a subtle worry creep in. Elementalization didn't mean invincibility; at least against Evangeline, her elementalization was useless, and the current enemy could inflict effective damage on her elementalized form, she just hadn't been hit yet because her speed was sufficient.

But that also meant she couldn't divert her attention to look after the others. Even with her assistance, there was still a significant disparity in strength between the two sides; a prolonged fight was highly unfavorable for them.

“Hmph, you group of foolish humans, you really can’t do anything without me,” just then, little SABER, who had been observing the sidelines, let out another arrogant declaration. “Alright, you all step back. I’ll handle these enemies.”

“……” No one answered, nor did anyone withdraw from the battlefield. Everyone remained focused on their own fights, seemingly completely ignoring little SABER.

This was only natural. After all, she was a little doll who couldn't even withstand the bookshop owner’s 'cradle-carry-and-kill.' Negi and the others, no matter how naive, couldn't possibly believe she possessed significant combat power. At best, she was a scout for reconnaissance. Leaving these demons to her would be a joke, wouldn't it?

Therefore, concerning little SABER’s words, the group had no reaction beyond internal grumbling.

“You guys... how dare mere humans look down on me!” Seeming to feel ignored, little SABER instantly became enraged, her small face puffing out in anger. To be so utterly dismissed by the strongest Servant—this wasn't just unbearable; it was beyond the limits of tolerance for anyone.

“Fine, if that’s how it is, then I’ll show you foolish humans my true power!” little SABER declared angrily, then with a swish, she raised the Caliburn she held high. Although it was a counterfeit, it still bore the name ‘Calibur.’ Even a fake legendary holy sword could not be underestimated.

The moment the sword tip pointed to the sky, the entire area erupted in brilliant golden light.

“What is this…” Not only the others, but even Misaka was startled. Although she had been with little SABER for a long time, she wasn't entirely clear on what abilities little SABER possessed, nor had she paid much attention, viewing little SABER as merely a cute mascot for moe appeal.

Due to this sudden turn of events, everyone’s attacks instinctively slowed down slightly. Truthfully, even if they weren't particularly concerned about little SABER, with Misaka serving as a precedent, no one could guarantee this cute little thing was entirely harmless, as this world was never short of surprises.

Thus, upon seeing the golden light, almost everyone looked toward little SABER, either intentionally or unintentionally.

In normal circumstances, seeing so many gazes focused on her, little SABER would have been extremely pleased. But now, her expression was one of intense seriousness. With her sword pointed at the heavens, she looked like a true monarch.

“In SABER’s name, I summon here the highest existence in the Hall of Heroes. Come forth… King of the Skies!”

Rumble, rumble, rumble...

Mighty thunder echoed across the sky, distinct from Misaka’s summoned lightning. It sounded like a power traversing from another dimension. Suddenly, a brilliant aperture appeared in the darkened sky, its intense light blinding those who looked upon it.

At this moment, both humans and demons instinctively shut their eyes. When they sensed the strong light had passed and reopened their eyes, they saw a multi-colored bird hovering in the sky.

This bird was not particularly large; its wingspan was only about two meters wide. It was hard to tell what kind of bird it was, but it bore a five-colored crown upon its head. It was neither a Phoenix nor a Peacock, yet its beauty was in no way inferior, its five-colored wings shimmering.

“Is that the King of the Skies?” Asuna was stunned. While it was certainly beautiful, it conveyed no sense of power or terror whatsoever. Calling it the King of the Skies seemed a massive exaggeration.

She wasn't the only one thinking this; everyone present shared the same sentiment. The white-haired youth’s side relaxed, realizing their concern had been excessive. Although the bird's arrival was strange, it showed no energy fluctuations whatsoever, posing no threat.

Negi and the others felt deeply disappointed. Indeed, having high expectations for a little doll who couldn't even block the bookshop owner’s 'cradle-carry-and-kill' move was clearly too much to ask.

“Hmph, you can look down on me now, but you won’t for long. I’ll show you how amazing I am immediately!” As if sensing their thoughts, little SABER scoffed angrily, then darted skyward with lightning speed, landing upon the bird’s back. Head held high like an empress, she pointed down at everyone below. “Commoners, all of you, look up to your Queen!”

Buzz. The five-colored divine bird let out a deafening cry, as if acknowledging its master’s words.

Following this cry, the combatants below, including Misaka, abruptly halted their attacks, looking up at the divine bird and little SABER overhead.

“What is happening? Why have my movements stopped?”

“Impossible, I didn't even think about looking at her.”

“How can this be? I can’t control my body; I can’t fight!”

“Why? Why do I feel compelled to look up at her?”

“……”

In just that instant, chaos erupted below. Those who had been fighting fiercely moments before now seemed utterly demoralized, everyone staring skyward in shock.

“Hahahaha! You silly humans, now you know how amazing I am, daring to look down on me! I will never forgive you!” little SABER first burst into loud laughter, then said petulantly. Finally, she pointed a finger at a demon soldier. “King of the Skies, look upon him with contempt!”

The divine bird cried out once more, its two golden eyes fixing on the demon soldier with an expression of utter disdain. Then, the unimaginable happened.

Upon receiving the divine bird's contemptuous gaze, the demon soldier shuddered violently. His broad back instantly bowed, his knees buckled, and he immediately collapsed to the ground. His body trembled, his face filled with despair and bewilderment, as if he had instantly lost the will to live. He mumbled, “Father, Mother, I am sorry to you. I am a useless demon, an incompetent failure, that I stand beneath the same sky as you people. I—I am sorry to you all…”

“Waaaaahhhhh…” After saying this, the burly demon soldier began to sob uncontrollably like a small child, the sound so heart-wrenching, like a pitiful orphan who had lost his parents.

“……” Everyone present was dumbfounded. Their jaws nearly dropped to the floor, speechless, mouths agape wide enough to swallow two eggs.

But little SABER clearly wasn't done. She pointed her finger at another demon. “King of the Skies, ignore him!” Immediately, the King of the Skies gazed upon that demon with an expression of utter dismissal.

Clang. The weapon in the demon’s hand clattered to the ground. The demon’s fierce face, which had stopped a child’s crying moments ago, instantly dissolved into streaming tears. He rapidly wiped his eyes, spun around, and fled into the distance, crying as he ran: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! It’s my fault for having no presence, it’s all my fault you had to ignore me! Don’t stop me, please let me find a place to end my miserable life, wail!”

Watching the retreating figure of the demon, everyone else in the field nearly fainted. Are you kidding me? The one scorned became immediately despondent, and the one ignored wanted to commit suicide? What in the world is going on? This must be a BUG! It has to be a BUG!

“Hahahahaha!”

When they heard that incomparably arrogant laughter from the sky once more, a chill ran down everyone’s spine. They dared not imagine what the consequences would be if they were the ones scorned or ignored.

“Alright, next one.” little SABER said lightly.

Hearing this, everyone swallowed hard, their scalps tingling. If they could run, none of them would hesitate, but the problem was that they were all afflicted by the "gaze of reverence" magic; their minds were filled only with the thought of looking up to her, and their bodies refused to obey—they couldn’t even flee.

As little SABER’s gaze swept around, everyone felt as if they were convicted criminals, heads tilted back, awaiting judgment from a god.

“It’s you, King of the Skies…” Suddenly, little SABER’s gaze fixed, and she pointed at a demon soldier with a bird’s head and a human body. But before she could finish speaking, the demon abruptly stiffened and collapsed straight onto the ground... He had fainted.

A dignified demon soldier was literally scared unconscious.

“Unable to withstand even the command of a monarch, what a useless waste,” little SABER momentarily took over the King of the Skies' duties, sniffing dismissively with contempt in her eyes. She then turned to seek her next target.

“Oh, right, you all looked down on me earlier, too. Let you all have a taste of my power as well.” This time, little SABER didn't point at the demon soldiers; instead, she pointed at one of her own companions, Kagurazaka Asuna.

“Why me? We’re allies! Don't mess with me!” Seeing little SABER’s finger aimed at her, Asuna panicked, on the verge of tears. But the others looked relieved. Ryuguu Mana adopted a serious expression. “Asuna, you’ll have to bear with it a bit and let her calm down.”

“No! I don’t want to be scorned, and I don’t want to be ignored!” Asuna pleaded, terrified, looking earnestly at little SABER. “Stop playing games! We’re still in the middle of a battle, defeating the enemy is the most important thing right now. Please, don't scorn me!”

“Hmm…” Hearing this, little SABER tilted her head in thought for a few seconds, then nodded. “That’s right. MASTER gave me such an important task; I should focus on my work.”

“Exactly, exactly! So let’s stop playing around,” Asuna said, tears streaming down her face, nodding rapidly.

“Good. Then I shall boost your fighting power,” little SABER commanded, pointing at Asuna again.

“Huh?” Asuna froze.

“King of the Skies, encourage her!” little SABER ordered. The divine bird then looked at Asuna with an encouraging gaze. Asuna immediately jolted, her listless face turning fiercely resolute. With a swish, she jammed her Demon-Breaking Sword into the ground, then, with another tsst, she violently tore off her school uniform from the chest down and tied it around her head like a bandana.

Her eyes blazed with a razor-sharp light. Grasping the Demon-Breaking Sword once more, she charged forward like lightning. At that moment, the peerless swordswoman had arrived. In just the flash of a single blade, over a dozen demons were sent packing.

Then, Asuna raised her long sword toward the heavens and roared, “I am the strongest Demon-Breaking Warrior, Kagurazaka Asuna, Oooooohhhhhh!”

“……” Everyone present grimaced.

Negi was nearly driven to tears. “Asuna-san, Asuna-san has turned into a strange person...”