Yukari Yakumo most broken ability wasn't combat, but using her instinctive "gaps" to appear and disappear. This was what made her truly feared. No one knew when or where she would suddenly pop out; often, the unknown is more frightening than a direct threat.
Yukari had always been trying to strengthen herself. After all, her goal was to "change the future and save the Youkai." To fulfill this wish, one needs strength. Her ability was eerie but lacked direct killing power. However, this time, it was as if a new door had opened.
Using the "gap" ability to open near an enemy, and then having a powerful teammate pour a long-brewing attack directly onto the foe.
Boom!!
Looking at the dust cloud from Suika Ibuki's terrifying strike, Yukari couldn't help but fantasize about what it would be like if she could "utilize" the other in the future. But unfortunately, she knew it was unlikely. As an Oni King, Suika would never follow her orders; she was only willing to help this time because of Lancer.
'I can't use them, but maybe I should learn some human spells...'
Indeed, she likely couldn't replicate today's battle in the future, but finding a lower-quality substitute shouldn't be a problem—like controlling weak Youkai or simply storing attacks in her gaps herself.
If the battle weren't still so tense, she might have started drafting a life plan for herself, but now wasn't the time. Almost as soon as the side of the gap opened to reveal Suika, the other side opened simultaneously.
"Three Steps Ruin Destruction!!"
Yuugi Hoshiguma's attack appeared slightly later than Suika, but its speed was faster. Unlike Suika, who sought to "completely destroy the enemy," Yuugi pursued the "sure-kill strike." Her attack was more condensed, a point-blank explosion.
Bang!!
An even louder explosion rang out, and two opposing clouds of smoke appeared in the air.
At the same time, a massive water blade condensed in mid-air. As the smoke thinned, the water blade slashed down with lightning speed, aimed straight at Eirin.
And this was just the beginning. As the trio's attacks landed, several more openings appeared around Eirin, and several Youkai suddenly joined the fray.
Though they were far behind the three Great Youkai, their attacks weren't bad. Moreover, the large number of attacks overlapping and affecting each other caused a massive explosion.
Since they weren't a disciplined army, no one pursued immediately after attacking to avoid friendly fire. They either retreated into gaps or landed beside Lancer. Everyone shared the same focus: watching the dissipating smoke in the air, concerned about Eirin fate.
However—
"Do you really think you can defeat me with just this?"
Emerging from the smoke was a brilliant light and Eirin cold voice. Simultaneously, a barrage of mana-composed artillery shot toward Lancer.
Boom!!!
As usual, it was pierced by the spear in Lancer hand before it could hit him, but the shockwave from the explosion still made him take a step back. As the barrage ended, everyone finally saw Eirin, who had been besieged, standing in mid-air with a cold expression. But as the smoke cleared, everyone instinctively sighed in relief, because she didn't look unharmed.
The sleeves of her red-and-blue kimono were completely destroyed, a small part of her hair had been cut by the water blade, and there were numerous indistinguishable blast marks on her body.
Undoubtedly, the joint attack hadn't defeated her, but it had caused her considerable trouble.
Eirin was well aware of her situation. If she had defended at full power, it might not have been impossible to block everyone's joint attack. But unfortunately, facing Yukari sudden strike, she had no extra reaction time. The defense she threw up in haste couldn't perfectly block all attacks, which was why her clothes were damaged.
Looking at the other Youkai gathered around Lancer, Eirin expression grew more serious. If she had arrived with absolute confidence, she now realized things were exceeding her expectations.
No one here was her match individually, but when they gathered, everything became an unknown.
'I must crush them immediately. A battle of attrition will definitely be a disadvantage.'
As she raised her longbow again, the moon in the sky seemed to dim. Endless moonlight began to condense onto the arrow in her hand.
At this moment, the moon in the sky paled in comparison to the "bow and arrow" in Eirin hands, as if the one she held was the true "moon."
'Secret Art: "Astronomical Entombment"'
This was one of Eirin most powerful moves. "Astronomical Entombment" literally means "secretly burying astronomical phenomena"—here specifically referring to the moon.
Essentially, it's a "bait and switch" (stealing the sky to change the sun), though with her strength she could only hide the "moon" that had a certain connection with her. But even so, it was terrifying enough. The frightening energy made the faces of everyone below change drastically.
Not a single person present was confident they could block this attack on their own.
Except for one—
"Are you willing to believe in me?"
Standing tall and looking straight at the mid-air, Lancer asked this question quite abruptly. The Youkai standing beside him were stunned, then...
"Haha!! Of course! Why else would I have come?"
"I lost to you before, so naturally I'll listen to you."
"..."
Yuugi Hoshiguma was as bold as ever, completely ignoring the "waves" caused by her slapping her chest. Fortunately, no one was distracted by that right now.
Suika Ibuki was rare in her "tsundere" behavior, but her meaning was clear—she also chose to believe in Lancer. The answers from the others present were almost unanimous.
Kasen Ibaraki didn't waste words, simply looking at Lancer. Her gaze seemed to ask what he needed them to do next.
Lancer wasn't surprised by their reaction. He knew that by appearing here, they had already stated their stance. Covering his forehead with one hand, he didn't even realize he had revealed a smile, until finally, that smile was displayed on his face without any concealment.
"Thank you. Then—everyone, please lend me your strength!"