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Xenovia Quarta

Xenovia Quarta (ゼノヴィア・クァルタ, Zenovia Kwaruta) is a prominent character in High School DxD and serves as one of the series’ central female figures. She attends Kuoh Academy as a third-year student in Class 3-B and possesses a rare natural affinity for wielding Holy Swords, notably the legendary Durandal.

Initially, Xenovia was devoted to the Church; however, after discovering the hidden truth about God’s death in the great war, she was excommunicated. This pivotal event led her to join the Occult Research Club, taking on the role of Rias Gremory’s second Knight alongside Yuuto Kiba. Following Issei’s later promotion, she became his first Knight and, additionally, one of his fiancées.

Strength isn’t just about power; it’s about protecting those who are important to you.
— Xenovia Quarta

Appearance

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Xenovia ’s full appearance.

Xenovia is a striking young woman with chin-length blue hair, accented by a dyed green fringe on her right side, and brown eyes (which appear dark yellow in the anime’s second and third seasons). Her physique is athletic and well-defined, with measurements of 87-58-88 cm (34-23-35 in), a height of 166 cm (5 feet 5 inches), and a weight of 56 kg (123 lbs).

In battle, she wears her Church-issued combat suit, a sleek, black, skin-tight leotard with short sleeves, paired with pauldrons, long fingerless gloves reaching her biceps, and thigh-high boots—all featuring strap details. This suit is complemented by a white hooded cloak with gold and blue accents, and a crucifix pendant, which she stops wearing after becoming a Devil.

When she joins Issei’s peerage and participates in the Rating Games, Xenovia’s attire includes a red buttoned top with a white tie, red shorts, a black waist cape, and a purple cape draped over her left shoulder.

In her everyday life as a Kuoh Academy student and a member of the Occult Research Club, Xenovia adopts the standard girls’ school uniform, opting to forgo the cape.

Personality

Initially, Xenovia is introduced as a calm, quiet, and serious individual, intensely focused on her mission and generally speaking only when necessary. Her demeanor comes across as cold—even ruthless—as she initially judged Asia harshly for becoming a Devil, labeling her a “witch” despite Asia’s unwilling transformation, driven only by her desire to stay with Issei. At one point, Xenovia even attempted to kill Asia and later threatened Kiba, deeming him a Stray. However, after her own rebirth as a Devil, Xenovia develops a deep bond with Asia, touched by her kindness and ultimately apologizing for her earlier harshness.

In combat, Xenovia exhibits a bold, often stubborn approach, favoring sheer strength over strategy or subtlety. Issei notes that her fighting style aligns more with that of a Rook than a Knight, humorously dubbing her a “Power idiot” for her tendency to rely on brute force. Having been raised within the Church, Xenovia’s understanding of everyday life can be somewhat naïve, as seen when she once brought a box of condoms to school, viewing it as a practical preparation for her goal of producing strong offspring with Issei, whom she has chosen as her ideal mate.

As the series progresses, Xenovia’s feelings toward Issei deepen into genuine affection, admiring his willingness to protect his friends despite the risks. This budding romance brings out a more assertive side to her, especially in her often blunt but sincere attempts to win his affection, demonstrating her own comfort with her attraction and her unabashed, slightly mischievous side.

Though once strictly adherent to the Church, Xenovia’s beliefs prove flexible. She willingly accepts help from a Dragon, even if only to enjoy a free meal after Irina mistakenly spent their funds on a counterfeit painting of a Saint. Over time, her understanding of morality expands, becoming more compassionate and open-minded. She empathizes deeply with Masaomi’s tragic separation from Cleria, even shedding tears in the heat of battle, which contrasts with her typical combat-focused resolve. Her ability to hold onto her compassion amidst her warrior instincts marks her growth and layered personality.

History

From a young age, Xenovia dedicated herself to rigorous training and study, committed to serving God and her faith. She was raised under the mentorship of Griselda Quarta, who acted as both her sword master and legal guardian, preparing her to wield the Holy Sword Durandal. Eventually, Xenovia rose to the rank of exorcist, becoming an agent of the Catholic Church and partnering with Irina Shidou in her missions.

About three years before the series begins, Xenovia encountered a close call during a mission with Irina, where they were tasked with eliminating a stray vampire from the House of Manthar. Her long hair nearly compromised her safety during this encounter, leading her to cut it short to avoid similar risks in the future. She also added a green-dyed fringe for a touch of personal style.

Powers & Abilities

Demonic Power
As a Devil, Xenovia possesses the full range of demonic abilities, including spell-casting and energy manipulation, allowing her to access a versatile set of powers common to her race.

Natural-born Holy Sword Wielder
Xenovia has a rare, innate ability to wield any Holy Sword without artificial aids, unlike others such as Irina. Even after her transformation into a Devil, she retains this unique gift, able to use any Holy Sword without adverse effects.

Enhanced Strength
Years of intense training within the Church have endowed Xenovia with extraordinary physical strength. She can easily wield extremely heavy swords, such as Excalibur Destruction and Durandal. After reincarnating as a Devil, her natural strength has been amplified further, enhancing her ability to overpower her opponents.

Enhanced Speed
Xenovia can move at superhuman speeds, which she combines with Durandal’s devastating power, making her an intimidating force in combat. Her Knight piece grants her additional speed; however, she is still slower than Yuuto, who relies on technique rather than brute force. When wielding Excalibur Rapidly, her speed increases to rival even Masaomi’s.

Immense Stamina
Xenovia has an impressive level of stamina and resilience. She has shown the durability needed to endure strenuous battles, such as her confrontation with Nero, and can muster enough strength to execute powerful moves, like Cross Crisis, enhanced by Crimson Destruction Dragonar.

Master Swordswoman
Xenovia is a highly skilled swordswoman, favoring a dual-wielding style that enables her to handle powerful opponents. She can stand toe-to-toe with other skilled swordsmen, such as Kiba and Freed Sellzen wielding Excalibur Destruction. Though initially reliant on brute force over technique, she steadily refines her swordsmanship, with her abilities growing to rival those of the True Longinus’ Balance Breaker and even surpassing Kiba. Azazel acknowledges her strength as equivalent to that of a High-class Devil, while Tomoe Meguri notes that her sword skills, along with Irina’s, stand on a whole different level. By Volume 25, with Excalibur’s Scabbard, she is capable of contending with Apollon, the God of the Sun.

Magic
Xenovia can use magic to store Durandal in a separate dimension, summoning it back whenever she needs it in battle.

Keen Intellect
Though sometimes underestimated for her straightforwardness, Xenovia diligently studied to improve her knowledge, which earned her the position of Student Council President. Her academic achievements reflect a commitment to honing both her intellect and leadership skills.

Praying
Uniquely, Xenovia can pray to God without the debilitating headaches typically suffered by Devils. This ability, shared only with Asia, is possible thanks to a request made by Issei to the Archangel Michael, granting her this rare privilege.

Flight
As a Devil, Xenovia can use her wings to fly, enhancing her mobility in both combat and daily life.

Equipment

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Xenovia wielding her sword, Durandal, with determination.

Durandal (デュランダル, Dyurandaru)
Xenovia’s primary weapon, Durandal, is a uniquely shaped, single-edged blue broadsword with a golden edge. It is so attuned to its wielder that it responds to her will, releasing a powerful aura capable of significant destruction. Xenovia later discovers she can transfer this aura to other Holy Swords, as demonstrated when she channels Durandal’s Holy Aura into Ascalon.

  • Durandal Birth: A combination technique between Xenovia and Yuuto, where she channels Durandal’s Holy Power into Yuuto, allowing him to create multiple Holy Demonic Swords imbued with Durandal’s energy.

  • Durandal Cannon (デュランダル・キャノン, Dyurandaru Kyanon): Named by Issei, this technique involves Xenovia charging Ex-Durandal’s Holy Power and unleashing it in a devastating attack. The drawback is the need for a recharge after each use, which takes longer after the initial charge.

  • Cross Crisis (クロス・クライシス, Kurosu Kuraishisu): Developed during a battle with Walburga, Xenovia wields Durandal and True Excalibur simultaneously to amplify their Holy Power. This technique produces a powerful cross-shaped attack capable of splitting apart foes, such as Walburga’s enhanced Yamata no Orochi.

Excalibur (エクスカリバー, Ekusukaribā)
Xenovia’s second weapon, True Excalibur, is forged from the merging of all seven Excalibur fragments into a single, complete blade, allowing her to wield its full power as the original legendary sword.

  • Excalibur’s Scabbard (エクスカリバーの鞘, Ekusukaribā no Saya): The scabbard of Excalibur possesses Holy Power similar to a regular Holy Sword, providing Xenovia with near-immortality by healing her from even God-class inflicted wounds. Although it has its limits, it allowed her to endure attacks from Apollon, Chief God, even while trapped in a light-based cage.

Crimson Destruction Dragonar (真紅の破壊龍騎士クリムゾン・デストラクツョン・ドラグナー, Kurimuzon Desutorakushon Doragunā)
Also known as the Crimson Dragon Knight of Destruction, this variation of the Scale Mail is achieved when Issei’s Red Wyverns synchronize with Xenovia, creating a red armor that boosts her speed and strength significantly. With this armor, she becomes capable of massive terrain-altering attacks and has even outpaced Nero. While similar to Rias’ Crimson Extinct Dragonar, it is uncertain if Xenovia can use Boost, Transfer, and Penetrate.

Knight Piece (騎士の駒, Kishi no Koma)
Xenovia was reincarnated as a Devil using a Knight Piece, enhancing her speed beyond that of an average person. However, her power-oriented fighting style makes her slower compared to technique-focused Knights like Yuuto and Bennia.

Formerly Wielded Weapons

  • Excalibur Destruction (破壊の聖剣エクスカリバー・デストラクション, Eksukaribā Desutorakushon): Xenovia’s initial weapon, Excalibur Destruction, could release devastating force, shattering anything in its path. She abandoned it upon becoming a Devil but later reclaimed and fused it with Durandal to create Ex-Durandal.

  • Ascalon (アスカロン, Asukaron): Issei’s weapon, which Xenovia occasionally borrowed to channel Durandal’s aura. After acquiring Ex-Durandal, she no longer needs to borrow Ascalon.

  • Ex-Durandal (エクスデュランダル, Ekusu-Dyurandaru): The upgraded version of Durandal, created by merging all six Excalibur fragments with Durandal. Ex-Durandal combines the powers of both Durandal and Excalibur, giving Xenovia the potential to rival even powerful opponents like Cao Cao. Though she initially only mastered Excalibur Ruler, Blessing, and Nightmare, by Volume 19, Xenovia fully embraces the powers of Durandal and Excalibur, resuming her dual-wielding style with mastery over both legendary swords.

Trivia

    • Xenovia’s birthday is February 14, better known as Valentine’s Day.
    • Her first name is a misspelling of Queen Zenobia, the famous warrior-queen from Palmyra (now modern Syria).
    • The surname Quarta translates to “fourth” in Portuguese, signifying she is the fourth woman to fall in love with Issei.
    • There is a demon named Quartas in The Book of Abramelin, a servant of Astaroth.
    • She took her last name from Sister Griselda Quarta, her senior in the church facility they came from.
    • Xenovia is Italian, making her the second Italian character alongside Asia.
    • She and Irina became engaged to Issei Hyoudou at the same time, being the fourth person to ask.
    • Xenovia is the new Student Council President, with Asia as the new Occult Research Club President, paralleling Rias and Sona’s relationship.
    • In Rating Game fighting types, Xenovia is classified as a Power-type.
    • In Volume 14, it is revealed that she has a poor sleeping posture.
    • Her job requests as a Devil often involve physical tasks, such as working at construction sites or acting as a training partner.
    • Xenovia and Asia create videos about Japan’s daily school life for DeviTube, with Irina sometimes as a guest.
    • She has a motorcycle license.
    • As a High-class Devil, she made a special agreement with Ajuka Beelzebub to change some of her Pieces to Mutation Pieces, preventing her peerage from participating in official Rating Game matches.
    • Her name, along with Irina’s, was decided on a whim by the author during a Sunday outing.
    • Her favorite type of man is someone straightforward.
    • She takes pride in her body, as she has no noticeable scars from her training.
    • Her special skills include physical activity and extensive knowledge about Devils.
    • Xenovia’s weakness is household chores.
    • If she hadn’t become a Devil, she would have continued as the Vatican’s Holy Sword user.
    • She enjoys sword practicing and shopping with Irina and Asia.
    • Her one wish is to visit Heaven, which she eventually accomplishes.
    • She expressed that Issei can make a baby with her anytime, as she wants to have a healthy child.
    • She starts washing from head to foot.
    • She bought blue thongs based on a friend’s recommendation for their supposed benefits for conceiving.
    • She dislikes being attacked from behind, unless it’s from someone she likes.
    • Her hobbies include collecting swords and sports equipment.
    • Her favorite thing is Japanese swords.
    • In the “DxD” popularity election, she ranked fifth in the all-character category and fourth in the heroine category.