Chapter 60: Battle of the Youths, begin.
The day of the Game.
I, Kiba Yuuto, was looking at the floating island through the gondola lift which is connected towards the city in the sky. Besides me are Asia-san, Irina-san, Xenovia, Koneko-chan, and Gasper-kun who are also looking out the window just as I am.
On the island floating in the sky, there is a city called Agreas. It's the city of the sky that is located in the Agares territory. It was said that the power which is making the island float was created in the Old-Maou era, but it's also said that only Ajuka Beelzebub-sama knows the details about it. Due to that, the servants of the current Beelzebub are maintaining the core of this place.
A floating island is indeed very rare. From the city, the waterfalls to the ground just like a waterfall. Not just one or two falls, but there are many of them falling to the ground. It really is like a fantasy.
This city is also a place that controls the flow of the air around this area. On top of that, it's a tourist resort.
There are three ways to enter the city. One of the ways is to 'jump' to the place directly using a magic circle. This way of entry is only permitted to the VIPs and also when there is a special matter. It's an important place and also a world treasure, so they don't permit transport there using demonic powers as much as possible.
Obviously, Devils with ill intent will want to come and commit evil deeds.
The second way is to use transport such as airships. This is used more than the 'jump'. The third way is the method we are using, and that is to use the gondola lift where the rope-line is connected from the ground to the city of the sky.
And we chose to use this third method. After hearing the words of Buchou who already knew how the view looks from the gondola lift, everyone said, "We want to ride on it!".
So like that, we are heading towards the sky while enjoying the view from inside the gondola lift.
"Such beautiful scenery… I wish Vergil-san can be here to enjoy it…"
Asia-san spoke out on a whim as she continues to look to the outside of the gondola.
"""""…"""""
A silence broke out as we continue to go up.
…
Even though his reaction was sometimes rather bland…
I… no, we actually, still want to hear what he has to say about this scenery…
…
"Our territory has a similar thing, but not as elegant as this."
Raynare-san spoke out as she looks out with Mittelt-chan, her little sister.
"Hey, at least our gondola's customer services are way more dedicatedly made."
Azazel-sensei complained, though…
"A-Azazel-sama, I was just…"
"Hahaha! That's a good face. Nah, I'm just messing with ya, so don't get so worked up, Raynare-chan."
…His tone suggested that he's just teasing, and that was true.
"Azazel-sama! You meanie!"
This time, it was Raynare-san who complained as she bumbed her fists onto Sensei continuously.
…
Wow…
She admires Sensei so much that she's like a child around him.
Totally different from the time she was forced to work for Kokabiel.
Such scene, somehow brought back a bit of fresh air into the gondola. We all smiled at their little banter.
"Well, anyway… To tell you the truth, there was a dispute between the higher-ups on which stadium to use for this game."
Moving away from Raynare-san, Azazel-sensei says that while looking at the sky. Everyone looks at him.
"Dispute? For deciding the stadium?"
Sensei nods at my question.
"The higher-ups from the current Maou faction wished for the Game to take place in either the Gremory territory or the Maou territory. But then, the Bael faction who takes importance of the lineage protested to have it in the Bael territory."
He then continues.
"The current-Maous aren't part of heredity, so for High-class Devils who take importance in lineage and household, the house of the Great-King Bael is an important factor which has more fame than the Maous. They are in the first pillar among the 72-pillars."
"The Devils of the old Maous also said the same thing. Could they possibly…"
Hearing Alex-san reply, Sensei made a gesture using his hand and then sighed.
"That is that, this is this, something like that, but you also can't deny the possibility. In any faction, not all members are united. Also, adults are complicated creatures both in the human world and Underworld. Appearance and influences. Well, it means that there are many things going on in the Underworld where the noble society has many powers."
"….So it became the Agares territory."
Koneko-chan mutters. Sensei nods.
"Yeah, it's said that the Archduke Agares came between the Maou and the Great King. The middle manager, and the one acting for the Maou, the Archduke Agares. Even if the era changes, they are the household which always has a hard time."
Seekvaira Agares, the future heiress of the Agares Clan. She's the same age as us, so it seems like she will be the one who we will get involved with in the future….. It seems like we will get a scolding from her everytime something happens.
"… So will our match become like a representative War between the Maou Lucifer and the Great-King Bael?"
I asked while narrowing my eyes.
Sensei also answers while stroking his chin.
"Well, there are many of those who look at it in that way. The Gremory team & Switch-Princess VS the Strongest Youth Sairaorg is just a cover, which is just to make the attention of the common people go there. On the other side, the bunch from the political side will be looking at it while making comments."
Politics… That means…
"Sensei, since politicians will be involved… about what we have talked before… does that mean "they" will be there?"
"They" mean the shitty bastards who were responsible for Vergil-san's path of vengeance.
Knowing what I meant, everyone focuses towards Sensei with serious eyes.
"Like I already told Alex, possibilities can't be ignored. We'll keep our eyes in and out of the game. So you all can to focus on the game."
Oh, I'll gladly welcome them.
But still…
"Although the chance is tempting, for it to occur in such situation…We are going to do the game because of our own ambitions…"
When I said that, Sensei laughed.
"It's good that you guys stay like that. That will be enough. Even if you guys were to lose, there is no way that Sirzechs would suffer politically. Except, the guys from the house of Great-King would be having a good time. And especially the bastards behind Sairaorg will also receive a good time as well."
Sairaorg-san's supporters… those shitty bastards are among them.
To fulfill your dreams or ambitions in societies like this, you must get involved with politics. Although I'm not denying our efforts, we also have connections with Sirzechs-sama and Leviathan-sama, so we really can't say anything about it.
But for our case, we are being truly supported by them. But Sairaorg-san…
He's being used.
And that is unacceptable.
Sensei then sighed, seeing me in deep thoughts.
"Whatever reason it is, being acknowledged by someone with fame is a result. What's left will depend on the result… You guys don't worry about him and go at him with full strength. You won't be able to defeat him if you don't use everything you have in order to accomplish your aim."
Not when that fame is born out of innocent blood.
Still, we know, Sensei. We'll worry about Sairaorg-san later. This is a match. It'll be a disgrace if we were to hesitate out of sympathy. We are going to win, in order to link it to our dream.
"Still, Sairaorg-san is wishing for the Underworld where devils can surpass their social status if they have powers so they can make their wish come true, correct? How can they possibly accept his dream?"
Sensei nodded at my question.
"The Great-King faction who is still obsessed with being the former first ladder of the 72 pillars and who takes importance of the household will allow that, even if its' not from those bastards. They are saying they will cooperate with him on the outside, but on the inside they are despising him. What those guys want are pawns that can be used to retaliate against the Maou. To them, the pure believers that gather around Sairaorg will just be like a tool to them which can support their backs in the political issues. Sairaorg also realised this as well. Even so, he made connections if it will make him go even higher. He is a pure and patient man."
A horrible story. Even so, Sairaorg-san accepted those terms for his dream. No wonder Vergil-san respected him, despite the vast differences in their approach.
"It might be late, but will there be a possibility that this game will be targeted by the terrorists, -the Hero faction?"
Alex-san asked another question. A plausible one.
"There is. It's getting this much attention after all, and many bosses of the industry will be coming. If they have to target them, this will be the place. To them, sending off their prideful Balance-Breaker users into the place with many people, that will become a big contribution to their actions. We put on maximum security around the stadium. Though, it will end with nothing happening."
Sensei answers naturally. So there is a chance. But why would it end with nothing going to happen?
"How can you be so sure?"
Akeno-san asks. Sensei scratches his cheek.
"…I received a personal message from Vali."
[-!]
Including me, everyone gets shocked! Of course! I never thought that name will show up here!
"Vali? From him?"
I ask.
"Yeah, that little bastard sent me a short message like this. "It's an important match between Sairaorg from 'that' house of Bael and the Gremory-group. I'm also looking forward to it. Also, protect the Boosted Gear and the Yamato with your lives, I will not allow anyone else to even go near them.". That's what he said, rather seriously."
"No one knows that better than I am…", replied Buchou.
…
Yamato, the legendary dark Tachi once used by Sparda-sama in his countless battles, also the weapon that sealed Inferno away…
And one of the 13 Longinus, the Boosted Gear that housed the spirit of the Red Dragon of the Wales…
They are the mementos left behind as Vergil-san's legacy…
To us.
Even more, it still baffles us that the prideful descendant of Lucifer who is also the Hakuryuukou, would be Vergil-san's long lost younger half-brother.
As his only remaining family, it makes sense that Vali Lucifer would say something like that. He seems to be rather fond of Vergil-san, in ways that are both brotherly and not.
"Either way, since he said that, it might be certain that he has Cao Cao under his surveillance. They also won't be willing to fight the Vali-team at the cost of crushing the stadium. If their opponents are the Vali-team which is filled with monsters, then they will receive a great number of casualties. So there is a high chance that they won't do anything where they won't get any profit.", said Sensei.
"I see. So that makes us being protected by Vali huh."
Sensei then says it while looking out through the window.
"We can also think that maybe Cao Cao hasn't been targeting here from the start as well. The other factions also have their guard up in their base because there is a chance that they might be attacked if their guard is down."
So we are still far away from getting true-peace huh.
To begin with, it's said that our battle against them would take a while.
….Looks like there will be lots of obstacles for us in order to make our wish come true.
While I was thinking such things, the gondola lift arrives at the city of the sky.
…
The ones who were waiting for us when we got off the lift were the groups of fans and media. The moment we got off the gondola, we were surrounded by shouts of joy and flashes from cameras. We got into a limousine which was stationed in the front, led by groups of bodyguards and staffers.
"I have been waiting for you all."
The one who was inside the limousine was Ravel Phoenix-san. She came to the city of the Sky Agreas beforehand to do preparations for us. This girl sure knows how to do a lot.
…It was a crazy crowd. I realized it once again, but we are this popular huh…
When I looked back from the window inside the limousine, there were cars that look like they belong to the media following after us.
"…You guys need to get your own personal manager. Especially Rias, which is a must. For this match, whether you win or lose your fame will rise. It will calm down after a few days have passed, but for a while it will be like this every time when you come to the Underworld.", said Sensei.
A manager huh.
Well, the schedule for the group as a whole is being taken care of by Grayfia-san, but it will be a different story if it's an individual schedule. Sensei's right, Buchou will definitely need one.
Vergil-san will also…
No, if it's him, he'll want to finish things by his own hands.
Yeah, that's more like him. But then… a helping hand would also be beneficial…
Had he stepped in to society like we are now…
…
While I was thinking like that, the limousine drives through the city heading towards the dome.
*Later*
There are many amusement facilities that exist in the city of the sky. Among them, there is a giant dome stadium that mainly does exhibitions for different types of matches and arts.
Agreas Dome. We moved to the high-class hotel which is located next to the dome stadium.
A spacious lobby and shiny and clean flooring. There is a giant chandelier on the ceiling. Even so, the Gremory Clan's main residence is still more elegant. It is a castle after all.
We are being guided to our personal room by the bellboy. The match will take place at night. There is still time left. So we will be here until the time of the match.
Then there was a group coming from the other side that were emitting a weird atmosphere and a cold aura which feels like it's piercing through my skin.
They have their hoods worn down so much that we can't see their faces, and they are wearing long robes where we can't even see their feet.
And at the center of the group, there is one wearing a vestment which looks like that of a priest, beneath that vestment…
A skeleton.
A skeleton is wearing a priest's vestment. On his head is a Mitre. And he has a staff in his hand.
He looks… awfully familiar…
Wait…!
The skeleton-priest stops after seeing us.
The eye socket which has no eyes shines.
– Oh well, oh well, if this isn't the crimson-haired Gremory and the Governor of the fallen-angels. –
A none physical voice, transmitted by magic.
Hearing those words, Sensei smiled sarcastically.
"Oh if this isn't the God that governs death, Hades-dono, who lives in the lower part of the Underworld, the realm of the dead which is also known as the depths of Hell. So you have come here bringing so many grim reapers with you. But I never thought you, who hates devils and fallen-angels more than anything to come all the way here."
So it really is him… Hades, the Greek god of the Netherworld…
No wonder such piercing aura can be felt from him… it's Divine power.
– Fafafa… you sure know how to talk, damn crow. Lately it's been noisy up here, so I came to observe –
"Skeleton geezer, it seems like you are the only one from the Greece side who is still uncertain about the alliance between the factions."
– And what of it? Will you also get rid of this old man here, just like with Loki? –
After that conversation, the group around the Hell God, Hades, increases their killing intent.
….Are they planning to fight us here?
Azazel-sensei shook his head and sighed.
"I'm telling you to become more open-minded like the perverted geezer Odin. I only hear black rumors about you."
– Fafafa…, if the herds of crows and bats start to make noises, then even I will want to make sure I don't hear those noises. –
Such hostility. He refers Fallen Angels as "Crows", and Devils as "Bats", based on our wings.
It was then Hades diverted his attention from Sensei… to us. More particularly, to Buchou.
– Welsh Dragon. It sure brings back memories of when you and the Vanishing Dragon were rampaging at the depths of Hell together… –
He knew the Welsh Dragon, Y Ddraig Goch?
No, that's nothing to be surprise of. Also, as Buchou is currently keeping the Boosted Gear with her, it's natural that he'll be focusing on her.
– Well, then. I will have myself enjoy today. You should hope you won't die. I didn't come here to take all your souls with me today. Afterall… I already lost a far more valuable one, and that, will not stand. –
Saying just that, Hades, along with his group, walks pasts us.
I wiped the sweat on my forehead and took a breath. When I looked, it seems like the other members were also nervous, and were loosening up now.
"…I did hear about Hades-sama from my senior back when I was a Valkyrie, but… It sure doesn't feel like you are still alive when it seems like he holds a grasp of your soul."
Rossweisse-san mutters.
Indeed, for a moment, you can feel like your soul is taken and return, just by him moving.
"….S….Scary… That Skeleton-san had intense pressure…"
Gasper-kun sweats a lot as he said that. Sensei started to move around his neck as if he was stiff until now.
"Well, yeah. His power is among the Top-classes within the whole major faction after all."
"….Is he stronger than you, Sensei?"
"He's stronger than me, that Skeleton-geezer that is….. All of you, don't turn him into your enemy definitely. Not just Hades, but the grim reapers around him are also creepy."
As expected from the God who governs over most of the death, his strength is undoubtable. It'd be better for us and Maou-samas to not make him an enemy.
"S-so… he's kind of an Evil God?", asked Gasper-kun, still scared.
Sensei shook his head in response.
"No, he just hates devils and fallen-angels… Rather, he hates other kinds which are from the different mythologies. He is a God who confronts humans normally. He is a being who is necessary in the realm of the dead. But I hate him."
Can't blame Sensei, since Hades was so hostile to us, and Devils as a whole, I also hate him. But as his role is crucial to natural balance, there's nothing we can do even if we want to.
"Still, what he said, I already lost a far more valuable one, and that, will not stand? What does he mean by that?"
"Sensei?"
"Hades very good at his job, so it's unbelievable for him to miss any random soul, maybe…"
Before Sensei can continue…
"Dehahahahahaha! I have come, Azazel!"
"I have also come, Azazel! Gahahahaha!"
Lively laughter echoes throughout the corridor. I look to witness two well-built elderly men with moustaches came and surrounded Sensei.
Sensei also sighed with his eyes half closed.
"…So you came, Zeus-geezer and Poseidon-geezer… You guys are really hard to be with like always. It would have been better if Hades was lively and easy to understand like these two."
Zeus and Poseidon! The remaining top gods of the Trinity of Olympus! What a surprise to meet both of them here. Poseidon-sama is someone we met due to a certain case before. But this is definitely the first time we meet Zeus-sama.
It seems like these two know Azazel-sensei, and they started picking on him.
"Aren't you going to find a wife, Azazel-bou!? Being still single feels lonely doesn't it!"
"I can introduce someone! There are many great women in the seaaaaaaa! Gahahahahaha!"
"Ah~, you don't have to worry about unnecessary things…."
Wow… Sensei is being pushed back. So there are still Gods he can't act so freely around. Still, even though like Hades, they both came from Greece, unlike him they are rather friendly.
"I came, you guys."
This time it was a voice I've heard before. When I turned around, there is a chibi-dragon floating in the air. I don't know any chibi-dragons, but judging from his voice…
"That voice, is that you Tannin?"
"Ufufu, you sure have become small"
Buchou and Akeno-san greet the chibi-dragon. No wonder his voice is so familiar! It's Tannin-sama!
"Hahaha, it will be hard to move around in my original size. I'm usually in this form at events like this."
So he can become this small. He's rather adorable in this form. Kinda like Asia-san's familiar which is also a chibi-dragon.
"Also, it's natural for me to be here, after all… my student who is the Son of Sparda is honored in the hearts of the people, in this game"
…
I see…
Even in death, he is still respected by his dragon mentor…
You are amazing, Vergil-san…
…
Tannin-sama then says it while looking at all of us.
"The man you will be facing is said to be the strongest youth, but I don't think all of you are inferior to him. So go at him with all your might!"
"""Yes! Look forward to our victory!"""
We replied to him with confidence. It seems like he's cheering for us today, so it will be worth fighting today.
"Ah! Odin-sama!"
Rossweisse-san made a hysteric sound. In the direction Rossweisse-san is pointing at… The Norse Chief God, Odin was there!
He shouted "This is bad!" when he saw Rossweisse-san and ran away from the scene!
Rossweisse-san made a howl seeing that!
"You are out of your luck meeting me here! Waaaaaaaait! This shitty geezeeeeeeeer! Who's that new Valkyrie next to yoooooooooou!"
Rossweisse-san who turned into an armored Valkyrie state went after the geezer Odin who ran away.
"…Yuuto, Xenovia, please. Go and stop Rossweisse."
Buchou says that while making a sigh.
It's right before the match, but the hotel is getting livelier than I thought.
After that ruckus, we got guided to our own personal waiting room.
Rather than a room, it's more like a spacious floor, and there are table sets so you can take a break (Green tea, snacks), and even training equipment.
It's a place with everything available. Members who will be doing some exercise got changed into our jersey and have started to do some warm ups.
If we don't do some warm ups now, then we might not be able to unleash our full power for the actual match. So there's still six hours until the game huh. We should use the remaining time for a light exercise and to relax.
It happened when I thought something like that and was doing some running.
"Pardon me."
A single man entered the floor. It was someone who we know! What the!
"Riser!"
"Onii-sama!"
Buchou and Ravel-san exclaim hysterically at the appearance of that man.
Yeah, that man was none other than Riser Phoenix.
"Yo, I've come. Looks like you are also doing well, Ravel."
Saying that, Riser sits on the chair.
So Riser also came to the stadium. It must be to observe our battle. And he's already back on his feet. At one point, he hid himself in his room due to his shock at being defeated by me.
Did he come to see how we are doing? I had doubts. The other members thought the same.
Akeno-san pours tea for Riser. Riser says it after taking a drink.
"I thought I would talk a bit about the match. Today's game has the same amount of attention as that of a popular pro's match. The fact is, the flow of the game will basically be the same as that of a pro's match. Even the seats are being filled with viewers. You guys will be fighting under that. You might feel bewildered because of the difference with the real battle where there is a thing called entertainment involved. But, it's such a big stage like this. Unleashing your power alone will contribute to your ratings. Rias, this will be one of the crucial moments for you."
Riser was discussing seriously. I thought he came to taunt us or something, but it was the opposite. As a pro, and as a person who has experience, he talked to us.
Having Riser say that, Buchou… narrows her eyes.
"…I'm not as good at making tactics as Sona, and I don't have power like Sairaorg. Though, I know I'm blessed with my servants. That's why I'm irritated at myself who cannot lead these children appropriately…"
Buchou declares.
…Buchou, you have been thinking something like that? That's right, despite her maturity, Buchou is also still a teenage girl.
Even though she acted firm, she has been facing forward to the game with anxiety.
Hearing Buchou's words, Riser says it.
"You can improve your strategies and power with experience and also by doing something I hate called "Working hard", with that you can attain some level of power. But you know, Rias. Your fateful encounters-Your talent to draw those with talents is different. I think these guys all gathered here because of your good talent to draw people."
Riser said it to Buchou straight.
"Have confidence Rias. These guys are your treasures."
And then, maybe he became embarrassed at what he just said, so he continues while scratching his cheek.
"I, who am a pro will guarantee it. You guys are already at a pro-level. Rather, you have enough talented members for you to go in the top-ranks. Even if you guys were to fight my group again, it seems like we will lose badly. Well, that goes the same for the Bael-group. They are also strong. Man, why are the young ones of this generation filled with exceptional ones."
Saying that, he got up from the chair and started to leave.
"Rias, I will be rooting for you. –Win."
With Riser's encouragement, Buchou nods with a bright expression.
"Yes, of course."
Buchou, it seems like you got rid of another weight again. It seems like a [King] has to shoulder many things and also has to be troubled by it…
To be a [King], a leader, one must shoulder the fate of all their servants and lead them to the path.
"One more thing."
Riser then stops at his spot, his fist clenched tight as he looks at it.
"His fists… their strikes, I can never forget. The fists that struck the gods, the fists of pain and hardship much like Sairaorg Bael that can reach the top. Come up here quickly, Gremory team, to the same stage as I am. If it's all of you, then you can do it right? Let's have a rematch there. I want to witness the skills and resolve of the disciplines who the Son of Sparda-sama was trying to nurture. Let's do it… in his memory."
He then looks at his sister Ravel.
"Also, I leave Ravel to you all. She's as spoiled as you, Rias. Even so she's earnest. I will burn you bunch if you make her cry, okay?"
"I-It's none of your business!"
Ravel responds with a red face.
Confirming that, Riser laughs at himself saying "I sure have become senile" and leaves the room.
Riser… He came all the way here to encourage us…
Thank you very much. Thanks to that, we can go forward with the game with even higher spirits.
As we reaffirmed ourselves…
"Oh right, I almost forgot, coming here. There's something that Sirzechs and I want to show you all before the match."
Azazel-sensei, who is with us, suddenly remembered something, and told us.
Show us? What is it?
From his pocket, Sensei took out a USB, and put in an input slot next to the television.
"What is it, Azazel? Is it a video or something?", asked Buchou.
Sensei nods while turning on the monitor.
"Yes, it's a video letter."
What appeared on the monitor was a band of kids, boys and girls of very young age. All of them are holding the toy of… Vergil-san in his black Scale Mail Omega. This seems to be a video recorded by teachers in elementary schools around the Underworld, as not all kids wear the same uniform.
[Switch princess and the team, hello. These children, unfortunately can't go to the dome for the match. As a tribute to your success, we would like to send you this video, made by the hearts of these young kids. We hope you the best of luck.]
One of the teachers appeared behind the neatly crowd of kids, and made an announcement.
Right the moment after, a familiar tune of a familiar song, made by a piano off-screen, can be heard from the video*.
Wait…
I know this song…
It's Seikai Fuseikai, the opening theme of [Oumaryuu Gakuin no Futekigousha].
[RUNNING AWAY FROM REALITY…
I MAKE A FANTASY INSIDE OF MY HEAD.
I BELIEVE THAT CAREFREE PEACE WILL LAST FOREVER.]
Like a professional orchestra, the children, with all their hearts, started singing in sync with the rhythms.
From an upbeat rock song performed by the band, CIVILIAN, it became a song of piano rhythms, filled with impact. Only a talented composer can convert something like that.
[THE CURRENT CLICHÉ KNOWLEDGE…
AND THE SPECIAL AND AVERAGE LIMITS…
WHO'S SAYING "THEY ARE NONSENSE"?]
Even though we've heard it quite a few times already… Why is it so impactful to us now?
[IN THE FADING MEMORY…
THE PROMISE IN THE DISTANCE IS GETTING TWISTED
IF EVERYONE FORGOT ABOUT IT…
I'LL PRY OPEN THEIR EYES AND MAKE THEM REMEMBER]
Yeah, it does sound like Vergil-san…
[I GO BEYOND THE CRUEL WORLD
WE PROMISED THE FAINTED HOPE ON THAT DAY
KICK UP YOUR PAIN
WITH THE HELLFIRE THAT SWALLOWS EVERYTHING]
Syncing with the end, all the kids slowly raised their hands as their fists also slowly clenching.
[CORRECT, WRONG, POSSIBLE, IMPOSSIBLE
EVERYTHING IS IN MY HAND!]
[Switch princess and the team! Please win the game~!]
Ending the song, all the children cheered in unison, towards us.
These kids…
They thought so much about us… and we were going to consider refusing…
…
"Today, the match will be broadcast live throughout the whole Underworld. Many children… will be watching you all through the television."
Azazel-sensei brings out a box he kept, it was so heavily sealed in duct tape, that when he cuts it open, it was basically a box in another box, like those Russian's Matryoshka dolls. The actual box is then opened and Sensei passes small envelopes to each of us. We opened all of them one by one.
These envelopes… are fan-letters written in poor devil alphabet from the children to us. On each of them there were poor drawings of the Oumaryuutei and us, but you can tell they tried hard to draw.
Each of the drawings… they have passion in them, and without exaggeration, they were the one-of-a-kind type of fan-letter in this world.
My hands shake a bit, reading these. The others were the same. Seeing that, Sensei says it to us.
"These brats, well… are the future of the Underworld. For today's match, there will be parts where the politics of adults will get involved. But all of you don't have to worry about those kinds of things. Still, when all of you will be fighting for your dream, even a tiny bit is okay, you will also need fight for these children as well. I know it's a selfish wish, but it's also our wish, me and your brother. Please, protect these children's dreams."
-Protecting the dreams of these children.
That's right. Today's game also has to do with that as well.
"We know, Azazel. We know."
Buchou says that with confidence and assurance.
Yeah, that's right, we know.
I'm Kiba Yuuto. The [Knight] of Rias Gremory.
I'm also the Noir Fang, rival and comrade of the Despair Dragon.
Alongside my comrades, we will be fighting while carrying the dreams of many people.
I need to take this match with a different feeling to that of the time when I had the Phoenix-match and Sitri-match.
For myself, for Buchou, for my comrades, and for the children supporting us…
*Agreas Dome*
With the game approaching, we were waiting for the time to gather in the corridor, which is connected to the entrance of the Dome stadium. Alex-san, Irina-san, Raynare-san and Mittelt-chan who came with us to watch already departed and went to the viewing area.
The heat and the brightness of the stadium can be felt from across the gate. At the same time, we can hear the sound of the crowd.
Our battle outfits are based the Kuou Academy uniforms like always. But they are different from our usual uniforms.
They are specially-made uniforms for this game. They're made with a higher resistance to heat, cold, bullets, magic defence, and such where the defence against many things has been improved.
Well, it's not that they have an insane defence to them, but they're still much better uniforms than the usual ones.
Xenovia is wearing her usual battle costume. Though it's made from the same material as our uniforms.
Rossweisse-san is in her armored form. Apparently, she feels more relaxed in it.
Asia is also wearing her nun costume. It's Asia's battle clothes after all. This one also has enhanced defence.
But regardless of the obvious differences of the outfits we are wearing, they all shared the same motif: All bears the color scheme and patterns of Vergil-san's attire in the past, when he was in his prime. This is our way to carry his memory into this battle, allowing people to see how much we miss him, why being ourselves.
While each of us stayed on standby doing something to stay relaxed, Buchou speaks with seriousness in her words.
"Everyone, the match which is about to begin isn't a real fight. It's a Rating Game, but it has the same serious atmosphere as that of an actual battle. It will be a fight where people will be watching over us, but be careful you don't get pushed back by it."
[Now, the battle of the century is about to begin! From the east gate, it's Sairaorg Bael's team!]
"""""""Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"""""""
Cheers and shouts of joy could be heard even in here. The Dome shook heavily at the entrance of the Bael group.
"…I'm getting nervouuuuuus~!"
"…It's okay, it is said that you will feel better if you think everyone is a pumpkin."
That conversation is between the nervous Gasper-kun and the calm Koneko-chan. It's like their usual conversation.
"Xenovia-san, is it true that Irina-san will be doing cheerleading from the Gremory-supporting side?"
"Yeah, Asia. That seems like it. She said she will be taking the role of an "Onee-san" from the Oumaryuutei's fan supporting area."
I heard the conversation between Asia-san and Xenovia.… I see, so Irina-san would be doing that kind of role today huh. Ravel said that she was able to get a seat in the Oumaryuutei's fan area as well, same as Alex-san and the Fallen Angel sisters, so those three must be together then.
[And finally! from the west gate, it's Rias Gremory's team!]
We were finally announced.
"""""""Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"""""""
The crowd is already heated up.
""""""Akeno-samaaaaaaaaaa!""""""
""""""Hellcat-chaaaaaaaaaaaan!""""""
Some even shouted their lungs out with our names, accompanied by overly flashy makeup and banners.
Now this is rather embarrassing, but… I don't dislike it.
The immense sense of nervousness struck me, causing my heart to beat relatively quick. Beside me, everyone also changed their attitude and they have a serious expression.
Buchou then says it while looking around all of us.
"Thank you for following me till this far. –Now, let's go, my servants. Let's win!"
" " " " " " " "Yes!" " " " " " " "
We replied back to her. And we finally went through the gate-.
Being under the cheers, what we witnessed in front of us is… a floating land which is floating above the spacious circular stadium. Actually, I should say that there are giant rocks floating above the spacious field.
On one of the rocks floating above the field, the Bael group was already there.
[Now, will the Gremory group also please go to their base.]
The announcer says.
Our base is on top of that…? What's connected to the rock base is a long snake-like stair case. We also walked up the stairs just like the Bael group did, and we arrived on top of the base.
I can see the Bael group from afar… is it going to be a sky battle where we'll be using this whole field? Maybe something like jumping across the rocks randomly, and the first one to destroy the base wins?
On the base, there are chairs with the same number of people as our group, and a mysterious stand. And the only other thing left is something that looks like a transfer-type magic circle located one story higher than our base.
When I looked, the opponent's base looked the same.
Even when I looked down, what appears as a marathon-type track field.
Hmm, I wonder what kind of game it will turn out to be this time.
I was thinking like that by tilting my head, and then I heard the announcer.
A super-flashy man who is wearing a microphone on his ears appears on the giant monitor positioned on the stadium!
[Hello, everyone! The broadcaster for this match will be I, Naud Gamigin from the house of Gamigin of the former 72 Pillars, who will be broadcasting to you!]
The stadium gets filled with cheers!
So this is a professional-style game. It comes with a broadcaster.
[The arbiter for this game will be Rudiger Rosenkreutz!]
A magic circle appears on the air. A handsome man with long silver-hair, dressed in full uniform appears from the magic circle. Mainly the women make huge cheers at his appearance.
"… Rudiger Rosenkreutz. He is a reincarnated devil who was a former human, and an Ultimate-class devil. On top of that, his ranking is 7th…"
Koneko-chan mutters.
Yes, even though he's a reincarnated devil, he's an Ultimate-class devil, and on top of that he is a current top game ranker, a single-digit rank of 7th. As a reincarnated Devil who rose to the top in an aristocratic society like this, I can't help but be at awe at his sight.
Wait, so someone like that is going to be arbiter, just how showy is this match going to be?
"But it isn't Grayfia-san…"
Gasper-kun muttered. Indeed, in the games we have participated in so far, Grayfia-san has been the arbiter until now.
"There is no way that the house of the Great King will approve it. Grayfia-sama is from the Gremory side after all."
Akeno-san says that plainly.
…If you talk about it, that's true. Grayfia-san is Sirzechs-sama's [Queen]. For the Great King faction who takes importance in ranks, she would only be a nuisance to them. There is no way that Grayfia-san would do something unfair to the match, but definitely it sounds like an excuse for the higher-ups of the Great King faction to us.
[And our special guest! We have the Governor of the Fallen angels, Azazel-sama, as a commentator today! Hello there, Governor Azazel!]
Then a man who we are familiar with appears on screen.
…
…
…
We became dumbfounded and gazed at him. That man… Sensei, introduces himself by making a smile.
[Well, hello there. I'm Azazel. I look forward to working with you tonight.]
…
…
Wow…
He did say he couldn't go to the VIP room because he has a special job tonight, so this is what he meant. So he will be involved in the game as a commentator. We certainly have no idea about this.
While we were baffled, Sensei was being introduced by the broadcaster.
[Governor Azazel, you are famous for having a good relationship with Sirzechs Lucifer-sama, and also the leaders of various factions and you are also famous for being the leading expert in the research of the Sacred Gears. For today's match, having done the coaching for the Rias Gremory team, how would you look at this game?]
[Well, yes. Personally, I wonder if both teams can release their full power and-]
Saying such and such, Sensei started to make comments with a smile.
When it calmed down after Sensei's introduction, the camera shifts next to Sensei, and it showed a man with a graceful face who has grey hair and grey eyes.
[And we have also called another person! 1st Ranker of the Rating Game! The current Champion! "Emperor" Diehauser Belial!]
"""""Uoooooooooooooooooooo!"""""
There was an even more lively cheer than the time Sensei appeared. It's so lively that I can feel the shaking of the stadium even over here….
The man… The man called Emperor speaks brightly.
[How are you, everyone. I'm Diehauser Belial. Today, I will be doing commentary for the match between the Gremory and Bael.]
…I decided to burn the appearance of this man into my eyes.
This man is the conqueror of the game. Emperor Belial. The champion who ranked at the 1st place.
I don't know why, but I started to shiver. It's not because I'm scared. I don't know how to explain it but it's a shivering of excitement, and shivering of joy.
It's because I was able to have a look at one of our targets which wasn't clear until now.
The broadcaster asks Sensei and Emperor.
[It might be sudden, but I would like to ask Governor Azazel who was the advisor for the Gremory team and the Champion who was the advisor for the Bael-team something. It will be helpful if you can tell us about where we should pay attention for both teams.]
[Well yes, if we talk about the Gremory team, then it would be the Switch Princess! And also-]
Sensei answers the question from the broadcaster and—
[Yes, I do think that the combatant Sairaorg is an excellent [King], but more than that he has a power which makes him the strongest in his team and-]
Emperor Belial also answers. Buchou looks at him with a serious expression through the screen.
"…Diehauser Belial…"
Yes, that Champion is Buchou's target in the future. Buchou's dream is to attain the title for each game. Achieving that means, that the last wall which will come in her way is that Champion…
Buchou put on a determined face.
"One day, I will definitely-. But, right now I need to defeat the strong foe right in front of me, or else I can't even stand at the place where I can make my dream come true."
Yes. Our current battle is against Sairaorg-san. We will put Emperor Belial away for now. The problem is whether we can defeat that man and his group.
The comments then continue.
[First of all, it's regarding the Phoenix's tear.]
I heard that we wouldn't know whether we can get them or not until the last minute, so I wonder how it turned out.
Buchou was also worried about it because having it and not having it will change the tactics quite a bit.
[Like all of you know, because of the continuous terror by the terrorists' group [Khaos Brigade], each faction has become more tensed, and the importance and the prices for the tears have risen rapidly. Because of that, we are in the situation where preparing them is difficult. –Buuuuuuut!]
The broadcaster points at the huge monitor. What appears there are two small bottles inside an expensive looking box.
[Thanks to the kindness of the current head of Phoenix who produces and sells the tears, and also because of the voices of the supporters of both team of Bael and Gremory have reached us, it's decided that each team will be given the tears for this game!]
"""Waaah!"""
The stadium makes a roar with that information.
I see, so the tears will be given to us. It will be a great help, but it also means that they will also be able to revive one of their members.
Most likely, that will be their [King].
"…It seems like we need to prepare to defeat Sairaorg Bael twice."
I said with a serious face.
Yes, that's how it will turn out. If they have to use it on someone, then it will definitely be Sairaorg-san. Also, knowing Sairaorg-san's nature, he will not go down so easily, nor will he give up mid-way.
We somehow need to make him use the tear with the minimum of casualties as possible. it's impossible to make them use the tear without any casualties if our opponent is that man.
Then the problem is who will use it on our side. Fortunately, we have Asia-san who is a healer, so the importance of the tear isn't that high to us compared to the Bael group.
Even so, we can't look down on the effect of the tear which can heal wounds immediately, and also, we will be forced to use it if Asia-san is nowhere nearby. Especially Buchou, who is the [King] needs to survive till the end. It will be appropriate to use it on Buchou when she is in danger.
When I was thinking like that in my head, we were finally given the explanation of something I wanted to hear the most.
[There is a special rule in this game!]
Like I thought, there was a special rule. We did hear that it won't be a rule which will seal our powers directly, but… This game has viewers involved, so it seems like they will focus on the 'entertainment' aspects of it.
[Before explaining the special rule, I would like to explain the flow of this game! This game won't be the type where all the team members will be running through the field, but will be done in a match-style! This is due to keeping in mind that this will be a blitz and also because it was organized to heat up all of you, the viewers! Even though this game is between the youths, the game-style of this game is the same as that of a pro!]
So it won't be the one where we will be constantly moving. A match-style.
My comrades also put on a serious face because of the situation they never expected. If it's a match-style, we won't be able to have a team-battle. We did train for one-on-one battles, but also trained for a team-battle, so I wonder if we can use the training results to the fullest for the match-style battle.
The explanation for the special rule continues.
[And now for the special rule which will determine the matches! Now will the [King]'s from both sides progress towards their personal stands in their bases.]
Stand? Ah, the stand located in our base. That has been bugging me this whole time.
Buchou and Sairaorg-san, who is at the opponent's side of the base, were urged to move to the front of the stands.
From the stand, something comes out.
The giant monitor also shows the vision of it. What appeared was… a die.
[There is a die in front of you! They will be the key for the special rule! Yes, the rule for this Rating Game today is one of the major game types! It's the "Dice Figure"!]
"So it's Dice Figure huh…", I said.
The actual Rating Game has many special rules. The ones we have been doing till now were quite plain ones. Other than the ones like this one where you use a die, there are also ones where you take as many flags as you can on the field called "Scramble Flag". Dice Figure is the representative game for using dice.
The explanation of the rule by the broadcaster continues.
[I will explain the Dice Figure so that those who don't know about it can understand it! The die prepared has six-sides like the usual die, and you can roll a number from 1 to 6 with it! By rolling it, it will determine which 'pieces (servants)' can be sent for that match!]
The dice will determine the person being sent for the match…?
It means that the dice will determine our fate then!
[The chess in the human world has values for their chess pieces! The standard value for the [Pawn] piece is 1, and they give numeric values to the chess pieces equivalent to their strength on the chessboard. And the evil pieces for the Rating Game also use this value standard as estimation! Of course, there are parts when the person from the group unleashes the power higher than their potential capacities which surpasses the value of their chess pieces, or the part things happen where it surpasses our assumption due to the hidden factor which Ajuka Beelzebub-sama input into the evil pieces! But we will be using the standard value for the rule of this game!]
It's the values where [Knight] equals 3, [Bishop] is also 3, [Rook] equals 5, and [Queen] equals 9. When I became a devil, I was told this thoroughly by Buchou.
But it's just a mere standard. There are members in our group who won't fit in that standard value such as Gapser-kun who reincarnated into a devil with a mutation piece.
I may also in that group, as someone who gained the factor to become a holy-sword wielder after being reincarnated to a devil.
Vergil-san is definitely in that group, at the top even. He's to OP that even Sairaorg-san would have a very hard time. Such had been proven in their spar back before our school trip to Kyoto.
[First, both [Kings] will roll the die, and the total value rolled will determine which combatants can be sent! For example, when the total value rolled is [8]! Then you can send combatants who will fit within that value! If it's [Pawn] which has the consumption value of 1, then 8 [Pawns] can be sent! Of course, you can also send 1 [Rook] with the consumption value of 5 and 1 [Knight] with the consumption value of 3, since the total value will be 8! If it is within the value range, then it is possible to send a combination of combatants from different classes! Also, group members who have consumed several evil-pieces will have the value of their total values.]
That means if it's us, the Gremory-team, then someone like Vergil-san who has consumed 8 mutated [Pawn] pieces will have the value of 8.
If the value rolled turns out to be the maximum figure of 12, then it means we can have members go to the field within that value for the match. Then if that happens, from our side we can send the combination of [Queen] Akeno-san who has the value of 9 with one of the [Knight] or [Bishop].
I have the value of 3, so there is a good amount of combination that I can go with. With the maximum figure of 12 was rolled, I will be able to pair with either a [Rook] and a [Bishop], a [Rook] with another [Knight], or with a [Queen] which is just out of the value. It might be better to pair up with Xenovia who is my fellow [Knight] that emphasize power, which opposites my specialty.
But, what will happen if the value rolled turns out to be the smallest number?
[But in both combatant Rias Gremory's team and combatant Sairaorg Bael's team they don't have a 'piece' with the standard value of 1 or 2. It means that they can send out their members only from the value 3 and larger! Since it will be the total values, if the total values rolled turns out to be the smallest value of 2, then we will have them roll it once again!]
Then what will happen if the servant loses and the number of members gets reduced? Do you have to keep on rolling it until the dice values fit with the value of one of the remaining members?
[As the match progresses, the combatants will be reduced, and possibly there might be a change in the value needed for the combatants to be sent. Then the dice will have to be rolled until the value reaches the number where combatants from both teams can be sent to the field!]
Well, that would be obvious. I wonder what will happen about the [King]'s participation which will be the most vital thing here.
[The participation of the [King]'s will depend on the number which has been given from the people from the judging committee's estimation value beforehand! Of course, like the usual rule, the game ends immediately after the [King]'s defeat!]
That will be a problem. Depending on the value, Sairaorg-san himself will be able to come out then.
Sairaorg-san is stronger than Buchou, and the strongest member in the opponent's team is no doubt their [King].
If Sairaorg-san wishes to come out continuously, depending on the dice values rolled, then our chances of winning will decrease.
"More than that, what does he mean by the participation of the [King] will depend on the judging committee's estimation value?"
I muttered out my question.
"It's like how he explained. The judging committee has given the estimation value for Buchou and Sairaorg Bael about how much their value number will be in Dice Figure beforehand. With that, it will determine the number needed for each of them to appear on field. It seems like this will be calculated from the strength of the [King] themselves, the value of their servants, and also by comparing with the opponents. That's why depending on the game, the number changes."
Akeno-san gave me an additional explanation.
I see. So the judging committee will choose the chess-piece value number for Buchou and Sairaorg-san then.
[Now then, the chess-piece value number the judging committee chose for each [King] is this!]
When the broadcaster shouts that out, Buchou and Sairaorg-san's name appears on the huge monitor written in devil-letters, and the numbers under their names are spinning.
Then the number appears while making a rhythmical sound.
[Combatant Sairaorg Bael is 12! Combatant Rias Gremory is 8! Oooh, combatant Sairaorg has a higher value, but instead it means that he won't be able to come out unless the maximum number is rolled!]
So for this game, Sairaorg-san has a higher value than Buchou huh…. Buchou's value is less than Akeno-san's and it's the same as mine, but from Akeno-san's explanation earlier, the way the value is determined is different from us, so it doesn't mean that the value is absolute. It might change depending on the game after all.
"…I just have to fix things up during the game then."
Since it's Buchou, I thought she would feel bitter because her value was lower than Sairaorg-san, but she's calmer than I thought.
But since Buchou is 8, if a large number comes out then she can pair up with one of the [Knight] or [Bishop]. That's a plus. By the way how we do it, we can do it more effectively than Sairaorg-san who can only appear by himself only when the maximum value of 12 is rolled.
But…
"It might not be certain that Sairaorg-san will appear. Especially in the opening."
Buchou nodded to my words.
"Indeed, even if he wins that match, his ratings might drop a bit depending on the situation. A one-man team doesn't get rated high after all. In this game, you get rated high when you are able to use your group to the fullest. But if a one-man team, where the [King] himself does that, then the media of the Underworld won't stay quiet about it, and it will affect the future of the [King]. On top of that, it's broadcast live. And if he does that in front of this large a crowd, then his ratings will go down. Winning is important, but it also means that how you portray yourself is also important. Well in this game Dice Figure, since his value is 12, Sairaorg Bael won't be able to appear that easily."
[Also another rule. You cannot send out the same combatant continuously. This also goes the same for the [King]'s!]
So we won't be able to participate again unless we take one turn off between them, huh. So it means that Sairaorg-san won't appear continuously, even if he wants to.
"Even if the first value is 12, I don't think Sairaorg will appear from the opening. From his personality, he will make his servants form a group properly. For that reason, they went through hard training. But he will definitely show up as well. It will depend on the total value rolled, but the problem will be in which timing he will appear. It's certain that he is a battle-maniac."
So you already saw through that far, Buchou. The prediction between the two groups has started as soon as the explanation of the rules ended…
Buchou then looks at Asia-san.
"Under this rule, sending out Asia by herself and also in a team will be a bad move. They will mainly aim for Asia, since she is a healer after all. It will be better for her to stay here, and heal those who won the match. This is one of the advantages for us, since we can heal without using Phoenix's tear. I'm sorry Asia. I can't send you in to the match. So please heal the ones who return back here. That is also an important role for this game."
"Yes, Onee-sama. I will stay here and heal everyone's wounds! That's why, please return safely everyone."
""""""""Of course.""""""""
We answered together at Asia-san's encouragement.
Rather, it seems like Buchou's rating will get lower if she sends out Asia.
"Instead, they must have read through that Asia-san won't appear.", I said.
"Yes, so that makes it that we have 8 combatants.", Agreed Buchou.
Seven members. That's okay, by having Asia-san stay back, we can go serious without worrying about her, one less task to deal with. Of course, like Vergil-san always do, no taking pointless risks.
Even Asia-san and Phoenix tears won't be able to replenish our stamina after all.
[Now, the game is about to begin! Both teams, are you ready?]
The broadcaster raised the tension, and the arbiter raised his hand high.
[Now, the Rating Game between Sairaorg Bael's team and Rias Gremory's team will begin! GAME START!]
Along with the sound of the start for the game, the cheer from the crowd echoes throughout the stadium…
Finally, the game began…
Please watch us, Vergil-san…
We'll the Gremory team of our own dreams…
The one that you want to see.
*Note: The "kids' orchestra with piano" version of Seikai Fuseikai is based on the piano cover of the song by the youtuber [Anime Pro - Anime on Piano]. Please check his other work as well, all are very good.