Chapter 31: Gremory vs Sitri: the clash of dreams Pt2.
Several minutes after I started to fight with Saji.
He and I were still exchanging punches with each other. No matter how you looked at it, I had the advantage. Saji was already ragged. He was defending himself by using a bundled-up line on his arm as a shield, but he couldn't offset every attack, and I wasn't anywhere at full output.
Sometimes he was knocked off his feet to the point that he crashed into the store behind him. Putting the gap of experience aside. My offensive and defensive capabilities were augmented to the point that I don't need techniques to win against him. Though what will Saji develop into in the future, I can't say for sure.
I knocked him down many times. Even so, he still stood up, his legs were trembling as he did so.
He was throwing punches at my armor, but the bones in his fists broke. Even trying to attach new lines was pointless because of my aura. But this one line that he attached on my right arm was tenacious, and it really starts to annoy my curiosity.
Ascalon could cut this, but I already lent it to Xenovia, so no point talking about it.
Although his blows aren't doing anything significant, I can feel his rising spirit.
"…I'll win…Even if you have the strength of a god… Today, I'll defeat you…I'll take the first step towards my dream…", said Saji as he coughed up blood.
[This spirit. Is the "Prison Dragon" that sleeps in his Sacred Gear responding to Saji's feelings?]
Dragon-type Sacred Gears surely are something, aren't they?
Even Saji sure has our done himself this time. His training is really showing results. But the way he is now, is something you can't train for. This is something that requires a deep resolution.
"SENPAAAAAAIIIIIIIII!"
Even if his mind and body were tormented by the cruel reality, Saji didn't stopping punching.
"You're Lucky Senpai! You have the strength to defy destinies! The strength that I yearned for! Why can't I be like you!? Why do we have to be laughed at!?", he said, crying out.
As I parried all of his punches and kicks with minimal movement, Saji fired a line at the bench and swung it with all his strength.
"We didn't declare our dream for the sake of being laughed at!"
"It's natural for dreams to be laughed at! The fools who berated all of you, that's all they could do! All bark and no bite! Why waste your time to care about them!?", I laughed as I hit him in the face.
I saw his face swell up, his teeth all broken as he spat them out along with blood.
He still stood up even from that. He's still intends to face me in his condition.
"If you all have the guts to fulfill that pure, untainted dream of yours. Then show me you resolve! Come on!", I declared.
"Today! I will! Surpass you!"
Saji's shout heavily resounded all the way through my armor, somehow, it also went to my heart.
I then pounded him again with a few blows.
"Hyuh…Hyuh…"
The sounds of breath coming from Saji's mouth began to sound faint.
Multiple cuts on his mouth, blood coming out of his mouth. Multiple bone fractures all over his body. He's already at his limit. His face looks swollen and his left eye was shut. His body was shaking as he can no longer support himself to stand up. His fingers were bent in the wrong direction. But he still had a strong glint in his eyes.
"Come on, Saji! I haven't seen it yet!", I provoked him.
He slowly moved forward, step by step. He then tried one more punch and hit me in a slow speed. I could only hit him back with another counter.
My fist hit his face. It seems that he lost conciousness. Even so, he still grasped my right arm.
I somehow managed to lift the edge of my lips as I patted his head.
"I've seen your resolve. You've done well, Saji."
Then, he kept holding onto my right arm, his body was wrapped in light.
[Sona Sitri-sama's [Pawn] retires.]
I then removed my mask. I noticed that Koneko is now holding my hand.
"Senpai…"
"Even though I've struck down so many… This is the first time, I felt like this… how strange…", I said while looking at my bloodied gauntlets.
"You were cool. A senpai to be proud of.", said Koneko with a smile.
To be proud of, huh…
*Later*
With my easy triumph against Saji, I broke the door to the vending machine and got some water. Koneko also quenched her thirst.
I felt a slight sense of shakiness, mostly from this line on my right arm. Just like I thought, it's sucking something from me, judging by the physical symptoms, is it blood?
[Yeah, this line, since the time is has been attached, has been sucking your blood out. Though at a very slow pace, since Saji's Absorption Line was also preventing your energy from killing him]
I see. So, the Sitri group, more specifically, Sona Sitri, is using the rules against me huh… An excellent strategy indeed.
But…
If they are using my blood, then…
!
I have just the idea.
[Offence team, can you hear? We're advancing towards the enemy base now.]
Rias spoke through the comms. It's time.
Rias, Akeno, and Asia regroup with us. We then walked toward the final fight in the match.
We got to the central plaza. I sat down at the circular bench as I noticed that Sona was there, two more individuals were with her. According to "Elemental Senses"… they are her [Bishops].
"How do you do, Takeru Silver-san, Toujou Koneko-san. I see, so that's the appearance of the Sekiryuutei. I do feel a terrible wave of power from you, just like it was said, it's equivalent to a god. It's only natural for everyone to consider it dangerous."
She spoke in a calm and composed tone.
Sona, right now, is surrounded by a barrier. The ones generating the barrier were the two [Bishop] members of the student council. And the line that was attached to my right arm was connected to one of the [Bishops].
If Kiba or Xenovia joined up with us, we could just cut through it with a holy sword.
Soon, the vice-president of the student council, Shinra Tsubaki appeared.
Running after her, Kiba appeared from the opposite direction from which we had come from… So the one that was taken out was Xenovia, huh.
"…Sona, you're quite bold. To have come right to the centre.", said Rias as the others are now here.
"Haven't you yourself, the King, also move personally as well, Rias?"
"Yeah, since we've already reached the final stage either way. Though it seems to have turned out quite differently from what I expected.", said Rias. The one with us was a decoy.
I suddenly knelt down.
"Takeru?", said Rias as she saw that. Asia activated her healing Sacred Gear over me. But then Sona said.
"Neither Asia-san's Sacred Gear nor the [Phoenix Tears] will have any effect. Rias, I saw the video records of how the battle with Riser was finished. What I understood from that was Takeru-Senpai is a monster with strength beyond any of us. He also has a lot of courage, to strive forward for those he cares, and above all for Rias…"
She continued further.
"We won't be able to defeat him with just damage. His immense willpower and his monstrous strength, they are a terrifying combination. That combines further with the power of Sekiryuutei, it's just simply frightening to stand in front of him"
"That's why we had no choice but to beat you with a different method."
From a bag that was being held by one of the [Bishops]—a pack was taken out.
"So you decided to use the rule of blood lost against me, is what you're trying to say?", I said.
"Yes, at first, we didn't know if it would work or not, considering that it's you we're talking about. So we took a gamble, and it seems that it has paid of", said Sona as she adjusted her glasses.
Kiba was about to go and cut the line, but I hold out my hand to halt him.
"It's too late. You've already lost enough blood to be transported to the medical room.", said Sona.
"…Sona. You…!"
Rias ran up to me. Her expression was wrapped in impatience.
"At this point, you might not be able to fight, Takeru-san. You should be able to do one or two attacks in your condition. Even if we can't physically defeat you, the games rules will consider you unable to fight."
"Rias, what are you willing to bet on this battle? I'm willing to risk my life. My dream is a very difficult one. If I don't destroy the obstacles one by one, I can't cut open a path of solution.", said Sona.
"Rias, I will destroy your pride and estimation."
Rias had a sour expression as if she had eaten a bitter bug. But it's fine, she'll win, for I will open a path for her.
I then started to laugh without smiling. Somehow… this is so funny.
"What so funny Takeru-san?", asked Sona.
I then stood up.
"You know, you played your part really well, Sona. Even I would not have notice it. But… you made two flaws"
"Eh?"
"First, had it been anyone else's blood, then your plan would have worked, but… you took mine", I said as I clicked my fingers.
BOOOM!
"Kyaa!"
The blood pack one of the [Bishop] was holding exploded, devouring her. After the fire settled, the [Bishop] was heavily injured.
"What the…!?", exclaimed Sona in surprise.
"I guess Saji forgot to tell you this, but my blood… isn't something to play with."
I grabbed the line that is still attached to my right arm.
"And second of all…"
As I transmit my demonic power to it, the line was taken over.
The others look at it, thinking that I would use it as a whip, for their common thought was that the line was severed by the explosion, but…
A red light glows along the line, it extends further, and further, it goes up even the stairs nearby. At one point the light flashed.
Suddenly, the "Sona" in front of us, also flashed.
"This is…", said Rias.
That's right, the "Sona" here is just the decoy. The real one…
PULL
With great strength, I pulled the line, the roof collapsed, making a cloud of dust.
"Kyaa!"
As the dust settled, we all saw the real Sona fell on the ground, she was on the second floor right above us. Her body was wrapped by the red glowing line.
"… You made too many illusions", I finished what I said.
The roof shattered should gave us a really big penalty. But doesn't matter, we'll just have to win.
As Sona sits up, she asked.
"When did you know?"
"Couple minute ago, when I noticed the line was sucking something"
"That fast?"
"As soon as I realized that you bunch were taking my blood, I knew it would take more than one pack to collect the amount you need for the rules to kick in. Since your [Bishop] only carried one, my prediction was proven."
"And what about the explosion, and this… line?", she asked as she tried to break free.
"I can manipulate my blood to an extent, even outside of my own body. None of you know of this because I never used it before, until now that is…", I said as I break the line, freeing her.
"Well played Takeru-san. Well played.", said Sona as she stood up.
I then noticed that particles of light were covering me. My time is out.
"Takeru-san!"
Asia tried running over to me, but Sona's [Queen]'s, Tsubaki Shinra didn't let her go to me.
Asia then put her hands together and formed a praying stance where she was, and her body began to shine faintly, trying to spread out to her surroundings. Was this the area expansion of Asia's healing ability? This was the fruits of her training.
She should have understood that healing would not have any effect on me at this point. Even so, her natural gentleness made her worry for me. Asia, you really are a good kid.
"I was… waiting… for this!"
The heavily injured Bishop set foot into Asia's healing area.
"Reversal!"
DON!
The pale green light changed instantly and emitted a dangerous red glow.
"—Ah."
In that instant, Asia's body shined and was disappearing.
"…The reverse of healing is damage…Argento-san's healing ability is immense…If that is reversed…"
Hmmm, so by applying [Reversal] on Asia's already incredible healing ability, the field will became harmful instead huh. But it seems that the requirement for [Reversal] to work is that the user has to touch the subject of reverse. That's why she can't use it outside of the field.
The opposing [Bishop] that had entered Asia's healing area had a satisfied-looking expression on her face, even as she vomited blood. She knew she was going to retire anyway so she went for the suicide attack.
"…I beat the Gremory's healer…Kaichou…"
Sona's [Bishop] then disappeared at the same time as Asia.
"That [Bishop] has some guts as well, Sona", I complimented.
"Yes, she is a servant I'm proud of, just like Saji", said Sona with a smile.
"Takeru…", said Rias.
I turn around to tell them.
"Sorry Akeno… I was not able to see you fight directly"
"Takeru-san…", said Akeno saddened.
"The stage regardless, has been set. It's all up to you kids now"
At my words, they were hesistant for a bit. But then, with an iron will, they nodded, there eyes are full of determination.
I closed my eyes in satisfaction as I disappeared in the light of retirement.
[Rias Gremory-sama's [Bishop] retires.]
[Sona Sitri-sama's [Bishop] retires.]
[Rias Gremory-sama's [Pawn] retires.]
*End Game, Kiba's POV*
After Vergil-san and Asia-san disappeared from the battlefield, there were only four of us left, including me—Kiba Yuuto, my master Rias-buchou, Akeno-san and Koneko-chan.
The enemy had three people left. Kaichou, Shinra-senpai, and the remaining [Bishop] student council member.
—We'd lost half our members.
A game where one side was supposed to dominate was full of major upsets right from the beginning. The side that was said to be superior had also lost half of their members. I could already hear the comments of those high-class devils watching us from above.
Buchou's estimation will surely fall. But, we couldn't let it fall any lower than this.
Vergil, the trump card of our team, had disappeared. This was…huge. I somehow endured it, but what was going on in Buchou's mind? If Asia were still here, she would be in shock.
Our current members—wouldn't change for the moment. Even if there had been a shocking impact just now, as long as it didn't affect the battle, there was no problem, but…
Asia had also been unexpectedly taken out. The so-called [Reversal], which had been chosen to be used when she activated her healing ability, and moreover her area-expansion version. So the opposite of healing was damage …Asia-san's healing ability was enormous. The damage caused by [Reversal] must have also been unimaginable.
More importantly, Asia had exited in an instant. The opposing Bishop—Hanakai-san had also disappeared from the attack she gave. Most likely, they had predicted beforehand that the healing ability could be expanded and that it would be used, and made tactics against it. They must have also taken into consideration that Asia-san's area-expanded healing would heal without distinguishing between enemies and allies. If reverse had been activated when more than one ally was being healed…We could have also been completely wiped out. What terrifying tactics.
So you thought that far ahead, Sona-kaichou. However, even so, to have the intention of sacrificing her servants…I could feel that their power of unity was greater than ours. Because she believed in her members, they could display such feats of strength.
On the other hand, Vergil-san keen observation… I couldn't say anything anymore. He deduced Sona Kaichou's position within minutes of realizing that his blood was being taken. The current setting was created by him… for us.
Sona-kaichou hadn't aimed at winning with immense power, but instead at using counters that made use of us, who did possess immense power. This was the original Rating Game. You couldn't easily win with just power!
Buchou stood up and looked above. She must have been focusing on Kaichou, who was on the roof.
Even though Vergil-san had been lost, Buchou was calm. As expected of a [King]. Since if the [King] didn't function and act, the game would be affected.
I pointed my sword at Shinra-senpai and the other servant from the Sitri group.
"Now then, how shall we do this? As two blade-users, shall we decide it by the blade?"
Shinra-senpai responded to my question.
"That is also fine. In chess, when a pawn is promoted, in most cases they become [Queen]. However, the battle situation changes if they promote to [Knight] instead depending on the setting. There are also a lot of differences between actual chess and the Rating Games, but—this will be a good match."
The battle between me and Shinra-senpai was decided. Besides her, there was only the opposing [Bishop]—Kusaka-san, but—.
At that moment, Akeno entered my sight as she gave off a crackling golden aura from her entire body.
Akeno-san—had a cold look in her tear-soaked eyes and was giving off a strange aura.
"…Even though I tried to show Takeru-san my determination…"
She went forward a step on with wobbly and shaky legs. I could feel a strong pressure in that step that couldn't be expressed in words.
"…Even though I tried to overcome it…by using this hateful power in front of him…"
Akeno-san slowly raised her hands in front of her and—.
"I won't forgive you."
She showed the natural face of her S-side! The number one state that Akeno-san shouldn't be touched in! Impossible, to think that the usually calm Akeno-san would react to losing Vergil-san like this!
"—Disappear."
After that brief anger-filled declaration, a great mass of thunder sprung forth from Akeno-san's hands and swooped down on the Sitri [Bishop] Kusaka-san!
DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!
"Reversal!"
At the instant of impact, Kusaka-san spread out her hands and tried to reverse the thunder, but—.
Bigagagagagagagagagagagagagagagagagagagaga! The violent thunder wrapped around Kusaka-san!
Kusaka-san couldn't reverse the thunder and directly received Akeno-san's attack!
And at the same time, she was wrapped in light and disappeared!
"It seems it was useless. She tried to reverse the thunder, but what I shot just now was lightning. Thunder and light. The reverse of the light portion wasn't enough to reverse it all."
[Sona Sitri-sama's [Bishop] retires.]
"—The power couldn't be overturned when the power being reversed was changed."
Just as Akeno-san said, it seemed that their training wasn't enough for them to master the power of [Reverse]. Akeno-san then pointed her hands at the [Queen] Shinra-senpai!
Akeno-san had already disregarded the battle between me and senpai! She had forgotten me in her shock over losing Vergil-san and her anger at not being able to display her lightning power to him!
It may be that, as a result of that, Akeno-san was able to conquer that power, but what an unexpected development.
"Kuh!"
Shinra-senpai felt the danger to her body and started running away from here!
Kah! Dooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon!
The lightning extended straight towards senpai! If a devil was hit directly by that, they would be helpless! Since it was mixed with the power of thunder and the power of light, the weakness of devils, just imagining getting hit by that power was terrifying.
However, Shinra-senpai avoided the lightning and tried to escape into the interior of the department store.
I swiftly ran after her! I won't lose when it comes to speed!
While dashing, I created a holy demonic sword, and when I caught up I stabbed at her! My blade was blocked by her naginata, but I didn't know when she would bring out that counter Sacred Gear!
Shinra-senpai took out a small bottle from her pocket… [Phoenix Tears]! So the Sitri [Queen] had theirs!
She threw the small bottle at me and cut it apart with her naginata. The liquid inside was poured onto me!
"Reverse!"
Shinra-senpai shouted that! She intended to change the immense healing power of the tears into damage the instant it hit me! I quickly changed my holy demonic sword into a sword of water!
BISHAH!
The wave of water mixed together with the tears. When mixed with something else, the tears lost their effect. And as a result, the [Reverse] also lost its meaning!
"If an opening is made even just a little!"
Senpai sharply turned her naginata towards me!
I see, the attack just now was to make me block and step out. However—.
Zan!
Holy demonic swords bloomed in profusion around Shinra-senpai! The multiple holy demonic blades that sprouted out from the floor destroyed senpai's naginata.
"The current me has no openings."
When I tried firing a second bout of swords at her, she made the mirror from before appear in front of her. I weakened the swords as much as possible and they stabbed with just enough power to destroy the mirror.
Barin! Dooooooooo!
The short-lived mirror broke and the impact was returned to me with double the damage, but—I could endure this much! I clenched my teeth in pain and raised my left arm towards the sky.
"Petro, Basileus, Dionysius, Holy Mary. Please listen to my voice!"
Space warped and a tear was created! I stuffed my hand into there!
"No way!? That's!"
Understanding the meaning of this, Shinra-senpai was shocked.
"In the name of the saints lodged in the holy blade, I release thee. —Durandal!"
The item I took out from the space was the legendary holy sword, Durandal!
Xenovia! I'll clear away your regrets here and now!
Following the momentum as I took Durandal out, I slashed at Shinra-senpai! The holy sword hit, and serious damage was given to Shinra-senpai.
Even in that situation, she didn't activate her counter Sacred Gear. So she was unable to use it continuously.
"It was Xenovia's suggestion. That, in the case that she became unable to function and fight, she would transfer the sword's right of use to me, since this sword is too good for her."
That's right, Xenovia had taught me how to use Durandal.
And how could I, who possesses holy demonic swords, use Durandal, you ask?
"However, your holy demonic aptitude is—"
Shinra-senpai said that as she was wrapped in the light of retirement teleportation.
"I had no past. Because of that, I saw hell, but…I'm different now. Thanks to attaining Balance Breaker, it seems I can also handle Durandal like this."
Buuuuuuuuuuuun…
Durandal was emitting a quiet and peaceful surge. It wasn't letting out a violent and rampaging surge like it did with Xenovia.
"Kuh! This is…! You can handle it better than Xenovia-san!?"
Shinra-senpai said that, but I didn't think so.
"…Since Xenovia has aura temperament that desires power, Durandal may have also reacted to that. But I choose certainty over power. Ability over strength."
I had intended to suppress its power, but even so the floor had been cut into two equal halves up to quite a distance away from the shockwave of slashing Shinra-senpai. It seemed I would receive a minus evaluation because of this.
"I thought that it was a stubborn steed that didn't listen to the words of its wielder, but it really seems to be true. It cut more than I thought…So controlling it is still difficult."
"…! This is outside of our calculations, Sona! Even more than Takeru-san…! Their true ace is…! The servant to pay attention to is…Kiba Yuuto!"
Shinra-senpai left just those parting words and disappeared from this place.
[Sona Sitri-sama's [Queen] retires.]
"It's because I—aim to surpass the Sekiryuutei."
Mortifying. It had been mortifying for me. The loss against the Phoenix family.
Since Rias Gremory's true [Knight] was taken out without being able to protect my master.
Even though I had finally attained Balance Breaker, the power of me and my comrades couldn't connect with Kokabiel, and I couldn't enter the battle against the Hakuryuukou either. I hadn't been helpful at either of those times.
Mortifying.
It was mortifying for me, Vergil-san!
That's why I trained from scratch under my teacher. Truly from scratch. I learned from the sword basics again.
Perhaps telling myself that I wasn't like you, I also kept doing straightforward training to the point of foolishness. If I simply prided myself on attaining Balance Breaker, that will be where I degenerate into weakness!
"—More than anything else, I hate it seeming like the only servant is the Sekiryuutei."
My only goal was to be my master's sword, and stand as a partner next to you, my savior, hero and comrade.
Rias Gremory had not only the Sekiryuutei, but also the "Kiba Yuuto of the Holy Demonic Swords". Because I wanted to say that, I—.
"—I'll also promise the same as you promised. I will never make my master Rias Gremory cry again."
The only remaining opponent was—the [King], Sona Sitri-kaichou.
We followed Buchou and Sona-kaichou to the roof of the department store. The sky outside was white, empty of anything. Because it was within the space of the game.
Kaichou gazed upon us and smiled bitterly. Buchou asked.
"Sona, why on the roof?"
"The [King] must survive until the end. That is the duty of the [King]. If the [King] is taken out, the game would be over, right?"
"…Yes, I didn't question the profoundness of that."
"Rias, Saji won against the Sekiryuutei. Neither Takeru-san nor you made any mistakes. —Please don't make light of that child. You aren't the only ones that are desperate."
"Yes, I could sense it with my body. —Now then, let's settle this, Sona."
Buchou took a step forward. Does she intend to do this one-against-one?
She was a person that wouldn't listen even if stopped. In that case—.
"If I sense danger, I'll enter to help immediately. I won't listen to your selfishness."
"…"
Buchou didn't react to my words, but she should have understood. If Buchou was close to losing, I wouldn't pay attention to her protests and enter to help as well.
If the [King] was taken down, it was over. I can't let you get taken out, Rias-buchou.
Then, the battle between best friends started—.
An aura of water gathered around Kaichou, and gradually formed something. This was no ordinary amount of water. Looking at it, the water seemed be collected from everywhere within the department store.
As expected of the Sitri family whose specialty is water demonic power. I had heard that the older sister's specialty was ice, while the younger sister's was water.
In her demonic power, Buchou carried the power of destruction. An attack that destroys the opponent. Without hesitation, Buchou fired demonic power bullets at her friend Sona-kaichou! The number of bullets was endless like that of a machine gun!
The bullets were only about the size of a softball, but I could feel demonic power of high purity in each shot. It seemed that the results of Buchou's training were also coming out. That the only reason she wasn't attacking showily was because of the rules.
Zabun. Zabaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan.
Sona-kaichou manipulated the water and made it into a wall, stopping Buchou's attacks. The instant that Buchou's demonic power hit, the water was also annihilated, but because she was gathering it from the entire building, it was unlimited.
"Now then, Rias. I shall thoroughly display my water techniques to you."
Kaichou transformed a large amount of the water with demonic power, turning it into many hawks that flew in the air, serpents that slithered on the ground, valiant lions, wolves that herded together, and several huge dragons as well.
So she can make this many different things at once! Her demonic power skill surpasses that of Buchou!
"Just as I wished for, Sona!"
Smiling fearlessly, Buchou piled compression upon compression of her power of destruction and made a countless number of demonic power bullets in the air. Those without enough power would vanish from just one of those shots. To have condensed that many of them, it seemed that Buchou had built up her demonic power fairly well in her training.
Both excelled in the quality of their demonic power, but looking at it like this, Buchou stood out in power while Kaichou stood out in technique.
Both of them stood ready. Then, the two of them—unleashed their attacks at each other at the same time.
[Resignation confirmed. It is Rias Gremory-sama's victory.]
*WINNER, Vergil's POV*
After the game had ended, I am now sitting on a bed in the medical facility.
It wasn't my first time here. The first was the time the Gremory lost against Riser, when I was still "Takeru Silver", it was natural for me to be here at the time, as I was poisoned by Riser.
This time, due to the rules, I was force to retire due to the lack of sufficient blood. At first the doctors were going to give me a blood transfusion, but because I arrived fully awake, I told them I don't need it, all the checks they conducted proven my words.
We had won.
However, half of us, consisting of me, Xenovia, Asia and Gasper, had been taken out, just like I predicted. And the Gremory group which had been said to be overwhelmingly superior before the game had our estimation lowered.
The estimation seemed to have particularly lowered because of how Gasper had been lost so quickly right at the start and how I, the Sekiryuutei, had been taken out.
Rias… appeared completely mortified. There were also the achievements of Kiba, who displayed ace-class strenuous effort and the fact we had achieved victory in the end, but… It seemed that the end had been won by a direct confrontation between the [Kings].
The Gremory Group first victory, certainly a bitter one for the kids. I don't really care much of the game in the first place, so anything is fine for me.
[You could've torn the blood-sucking line off any given time didn't you, partner? For there's no way someone at your caliber would lose to that, once you recognized.]
"Now now, Saji did manage to attached it to me, and made both of us fail to realize the true purpose of the line until the end, didn't he? He earned the victory for his team, to take it away because I can would be rather bland, wouldn't it?"
[Indeed]
"Speaking of Saji? How is he doing now?"
[Maybe you should check up on him, he seems to be next door]
"Right"
I decided to change the mood and to go to Saji's hospital room. His injuries should be completely cured by now.
"Please take this."
I heard Sirzechs' voice from Saji's room. I could see inside the room from the slightly open door. Inside were Sirzechs, Sona, and Saji on his bed.
Saji was receiving something from Sirzechs. He was holding an expensive-looking small box in his hands.
"U-Umm…This is…?"
Saji was nervously trembling.
This is something awarded to the person who excelled and fought the most impressively in the Rating Game.", said Sirzechs with a smile.
"I-I...lost to Senpai...T-This isn't a situation where I should be receiving this.", said Saji in frustration.
"That's true. But, consequently, that Vergil—the Current Sekiryuutei was defeated. We watched your battle in excitement from the spectators' room. To the extent that even Odin of the Norse praised you.", said Sirzechs as he took out a medal from the small box and put it on Saji's chest.
"You shouldn't humble yourself. Even a devil like you can aim for the top. I'm happy that I can see promising young devils of the future. Devote yourself more. I have high expectations of you."
Sirzechs then patted Saji's head.
"It's fine no matter how many years or decades it takes. —Continue aiming to be a Rating Games teacher.", he said as Saji cried silently. His tears flowed down endlessly on his disheveled face.
"…Saji, you displayed a gallant figure to a lot of people. Because you fought a splendid battle.", said Sona as she was brimming with calm and self-control in her eyes. She must be happy that Saji was estimated very highly.
"...Yes...Thank you very much!"
Things have worked out well for you Saji. You got me good this time, but remember, in the real battlefield… and maybe if by luck, the next game we face… I won't make the same mistake twice.
I then decided to return to my room.
As I was heading back to my room, I saw Rias before she went into my room.
"Rias."
She noticed me and smiled. We then went inside my hospital room and started to chat.
"Vergil, thank you for your hard work in the game."
"Don't thank me. You kids did most of the work didn't you? I just set up the stage", I said as Rias shook her head.
"But, we finally had that stage and thus, obtained a victory thanks to you. Compared to last time, it was better, but I still lost Vergil, Xenovia, Asia and Gasper. Even if our family is said to be blessed with ability and overflowing with power. If that power can't be displayed at critical moments, it has no meaning. Even though the probablity of victory is high, when you lose, you lose."
"One more positive thing is that Akeno and Koneko have overcame their walls.", I said.
"Yes. I'm happy too.", she said as she smiled.
"It's thanks to you, Vergil. Thanks to you, everyone in my group are breaking through the things they carry. You've broken through all the things I've worried about. I'm very grateful."
"Vergil, I'm glad that you are with us...Please stay with me forever."
Forever huh…
"I'll look after you all, that's my promise to you remember?", I said as she smiled.
I then heard a knock on the door.
"Yes, come in."
An old man with a hat, a long beard, and a single eye came into my room. Hmmmm…
"Norse Chief God, Odin…", I muttered.
"Yes, I am. I'm the Old Man of the Northern Countryside. This is possibly the first time we met, Takeru Silver, the current Sekiryuutei. Or maybe I should call you… Son of Sparda?", said Odin.
…
So he knows, then that means…
"Did Azazel and Sirzechs told you? As well as you've been eavesdropping just now?", I asked while glaring at the old god.
"Now now, don't make such a scary face. You're not the only the hot topic of the Three Factions you know?", said Odin.
Do I look like I care?
"You're Odin-sama, right? This is the first time we've met. I'm Rias Gremory.", she said. Looks like she knows him too.
"I see, I see. Sirzechs' little sister, huh. I saw you in the game. Well, there was also something like that. But, I see, hmm. So big. When I was watching, I was fascinated by just these."
This old man… staring at Rias' breasts…
"Oi", I said.
He didn't even paid attention.
As I was about to get up from the bed…
"Geez! Did I not already tell you that indecent eyes were prohibited?! Since there's going to be an important meeting now, please pull yourself together as the King of the Norse gods!"
An armored woman entered the room and hit the old god with a large Harisen.
"…Truly a Valkyrie with no openings. I know already. It's a conference on terrorist-countermeasures with the angels, devils, fallen angels, Zeus of Greece and Indra of Mt. Sumeru.", said Odin as he rubbed his head.
A Valkyrie huh, this is indeed rare.
"Well, it's fine. Sirzechs' sister and Son of Sparda the Sekiryuutei. The world isn't full of only trials, there are many fun things as well. Advance forward while both fully enjoying and suffering through it all. Being reckless is the only way for youngsters to grow up. Besides, aren't you also young as well, Son of Sparda? You should also enjoy it along with them. Hohoho.", he said as he and the Valkyrie he was with left.