A Dragon's Tale

by Blackshadow999

All have heard the story of the Great War between the Biblical Factions. However, what you all have been told is wrong, there was far more to it what happened. This is the truth from a side that is often dismissed.

7. The Rating Game

A/N

Here is the "rating game" and you will find there are differences in the revised version, enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 7: The Rating Game

When the time the rating game came, Chris headed to Kouh Academy as the sun was setting looking forward to humiliating Riser in the fight. Phina was with him having agreed instantly to assist Chris to teach the arrogant devil a lesson. She had seen how interested Chris was in this event and she would have been lying if she said she wasn't as well. Phina had never forgotten how devils and others had hunted her race to steal from them and make them into trophies. And sadly, devils, in general, had become even more egotistical over time for the most part. So an opportunity to humble even one of them came up, it was tempting and hard to say no to. Plus, Chris wasn't doing this for his own enjoyment, it was to acquire supplies for Cole to work on healing Aria, that was enough of a reason.

Ayano was accompanying Chris along with Alternes as per his request, both in business suits, Ayano in a blue one and Alternes in a black one. Chris's whole group was dressed smartly which gave the impression of professionalism. It was yet another thing Chris did to ruffle Riser and he wanted the devil as irked and off-guard as he could get. The more emotional one was, Chris had found they would make more mistakes and one breaking down was normally amusing. This "rating game" would be a lesson and set a precedent for devils that would remind them of a very important fact they seemed to have forgotten. They were not the most powerful species as they believed themselves to be, and Chris would remind them of that.

The four arrived at the Occult Research clubroom as was agreed upon and stated by Grayfia. The first thing that Chris noticed was there happened to be no sign of Riser, which meant the kid was getting close to being late for the appointed challenge. The lack of punctuality was a spotty thing with devils in general from Chris's experience, yet it still was a tad annoying. And the "excuse" of being "fashionably late" never had been acceptable with Chris. If one was late to something they agreed to, they were either unbelievable or trying to worm their way out of a deal. Chris didn't humor worms that tried to get out of things, especially when said "wormer" was trying to get out of a deal with him. He tended to track such down and then take what they promised by whatever means it took.

Grayfia was present in the room which Chris would have been surprised if she wasn't here before the stated time. Chris knew the woman was one you could count on to keep her word, no questions asked, period. Thankfully, Gremory wasn't around, Chris didn't want anymore to do with her in this. Plus, the girl had nothing to do with the challenge, she and her peerage would only be affected by the results of it. And the outcome was already clear, so the redhead was worrying for absolutely no reason. Chris inclined his head towards Grayfia, "Good evening Grayfia, I do hope Zechs is doing well," he paused and smiled softly, "Though I have a feeling he has been quite happy outside the public eye. Feel free to correct me should I be wrong about that point."

Chris wasn't wrong at all and Grayfia could attest to it with how pleased Zechs had been the last few days. The night shed told him about Chris doing this, Zechs had joyfully played with Millicas which their son had thoroughly enjoyed. So, Grayfia nodded, "Indeed, Zechs had to exit to another room after I delivered the news you would be fighting Riser instead of Rias," she replied. Grayfia glanced over those with Chris, and she knew all three of them as they had met before now. The dark-skinned woman was the dragon's familiar and friend, and as Grayfia recalled had mastery over fire in its various forms. The other two were "friends" of Chris's by his worlds and were supposed to be artificial beings of some sort. The woman had powers of light similar to Angels' holy energy while the man had dark power which was downright similar to demonic energy.

And where Grayfia knew that Chris could beat Riser and his peerage by himself and not be warmed up, she hoped he wouldn't. The head of the Phenex clan had accepted the change, but he had asked a few questions about Chris. Zechs had placated the inquiries and gotten the subject dismissed which was for the better for all involved. So, him bringing others with him for this event wasn't intended to help in the fight. That pointed to those with Chris present for a different reason which Grayfia assumed was to have them assist in teaching Riser a lesson. "I assume these the three with you will be participating in the contest against Riser?"

"Yes," Chris answered, "The kid and other devils need a serious lesson in humility that is long overdue." Grayfia agreed that some devils did need to be humbled and stripped of their ego and arrogance. And a dragon would be more than up to the task of pulling down a devil like Riser. Even Diehauser Belial would be hard-pressed to last against Chris, and it would be his tactics that would help him last for a time. Nevertheless, Chris continued, "So, I thought I might as well make the experience ironic and an unforgettable time for the kid."

The conversation came to an abrupt end as there was a flash of orange before Riser Phenex and his peerage appeared. Riser was both in a boring mood and excited at the same time. He was bored as the fool that had challenged him wouldn't be worth the time to beat. However, he was also excited as once that was done, Rias and everything she had would be his. Riser looked over Chris and his three companions before he laughed at the sight. He had allowed the fool to bring others to help him in his fight, not that it would help him. And what had this guy done with the offer? He had only dragged three people with him and nothing else, this game was as good as Riser's before it had even started. "Riser offers a handicap and you only bring three to help your chances," he posed arrogantly. "This game will be a joke, the outcome is obvious!"

Chris kept perfectly calm at the boasting of the devil for he would be educated soon enough. Riser would learn not to tease or cross a dragon, least of all Chris himself and there would be consequences paid for doing so. He intended to let the kid live, after all, what good is an example if they aren't alive to tell others about what occurred. Yet, for the moment, Chris let Riser think he was in control of the situation even when he was not at all. Although Riser did have one point correct, the outcome of this fight was clear already, just not in the way he thought it was. Chris waved a hand to Riser, "If you say so, shall we get the fight started then since you got here later than the appointed time," he asked nicely.

With the "pleasantries" for lack of a better term exchanged between the two parties, Grayfia chimed in and gave everyone in the room a short rundown of the rules. In the back of her mind, she wondered if the safeguards rating games had would be enough to protect those in it. Chris's capabilities were in a league of their own and that was no exaggeration, and he'd proven that multiple times before now. Riser Phenex was in truth about to face off against the very dragon that all the biblical factions fear and had lost many of their own against and was doing so blindly. Past altercations with him had made it clear other magic couldn't compete with the Shadow Dragon's power much. Granted, Chris didn't kill another outright because he could as he had done in earlier times when he was pushed to. The change was due to his life-mate Aria and a few others changing that mentality which most didn't know about. But that didn't mean Chris couldn't do serious harm and damage to another if given a reason and the opportunity.

The game would take place in the area in the dimensional gap that Lord Ajuka and others used to manage them with a barrier around it. The field for this unofficial rating game would be a replica of Kouh Academy as both parties at least knew the general layout. And in this instance, collateral damage was an expectation more than an assumption by those that knew of this game. The rules would be the standard ones that rating games had, the first king/leader to be beaten or give up would lose.

The odds may be stacked for one side in some ways and stacked for the other side in different means. Riser may have numbers with fifteen peerage members and himself going against his opponent. However, the dragon had power that made those numbers meaningless in the end as it would be enough to best him. Grayfia knew the few that would be watching this game would be either asking serious questions or trembling in fear by its conclusion. It came from the power of the reputation the Shadow Dragon had even in modern times. Even as a formality, explaining the "rules" was a waste of time in Grayfia's view for several reasons. One side was suspected of being a cheater even if there was no solid proof of it. The other side could ignore the rules, change them or even dismiss them as he fancied. Yet, after the formalities were done, she sent the participants into the field and wondered how this would go.

Chris found himself in an exact copy of the Occult Research Clubroom like he'd been in a moment ago. He could tell it wasn't the same, his senses told him that he was within the Dimensional Gap. Chris knew the Dimensional Gap better than most others, not just because his mother Ophis claimed it as her "home" but also since he'd spent time around it. In the gap, he had explored his powers when he was younger at the suggestion of his father. The reasoning had been in the gap he could "let loose" and there would be no collateral damage. It was because of that Chris was as proficient with his abilities and had the control he did. So, he knew the Dimension Gap and its intricacies better than devils did and were aware of how to bend them to his will and control them if he wanted to.

Back to the present, the room would serve as Chris's "base" in this contest against Phenex. And while he didn't regularly view the devils' rating games, he knew some points about how they worked. Devil pawns could promote and gain strength by entering an enemy base and through that change their strengths. Even should Phenex's pawns promote to queens, it wouldn't change the outcome of the battle. And it would be the same if Chris was doing this alone and not with his friends that were with him. He wasn't the most pleased with seeing the school, it was a prison to him daily. So, Chris sighed at seeing the room, "So, the academy will be the battlefield," he remarked dryly.

Indeed it appeared that the field would be the Kouh Academy for this challenge which it was obvious that Chris wasn't happy about. Phina suspected fighting this Phenex devil would in the end be tedious, the fool had no idea who or what he was dealing with. However, she could see at least one potential benefit that her friend could have in this. The field may not be the genuine academy that Chris went to right now, but it appeared identical. In this instance, Chris could do whatever he wanted to this place and there be no reprisal for damage. And from the complaints and grumblings, Chris had been making about the place, taking out frustration on it would help relieve stress. "So it would seem," Phina replied, "but in this instance, you can destroy things without worry."

Chris paused at Phina's statement taking it in and as the realization sunk into him and the implications that came with it. While in the gap Chris could do as he wished and that this place looked like Kouh Academy made that point better. The academy like the previous schools had been akin to a type of prison for Chris. With that in mind, the thought of the opportunity to destroy the place that had been so unpleasant was amusing. A smile grew on his face as he replied, "Thank you Phina for bringing up that wonderful fact." Chris rubbed his hands together, "It makes this task somewhat worth the wasted effort and time that will be put in." Chris then gained a serious expression, "Nevertheless, onto business, we have thirty minutes to make a loose plan to whip and humiliate the devil that is our opponent along with his servants."

He snapped his fingers and used his ability to work with the Dimensional Gap to block any that may be watching him. Chris saw no reason to give any hint to his opponent or the audience of what he would be doing. True, there wasn't supposed to be any "spying" from either side, but that didn't mean it couldn't happen. And since he didn't trust devils to be honorable, he wouldn't even give the chance to cheat in this even when it wouldn't help Phenex. Chris assumed that Riser would do whatever he felt like even if it was against the rules. Since this was an "unofficial" rating game, he assumed rule enforcement would be less rigorous. It wasn't that he didn't trust Grayfia, Chris knew she would hold Riser accountable, he knew she would. However, Grayfia wouldn't be the only one deciding the "fairness" of this contest and it was the others involved that annoyed Chris. Devils saw nothing wrong with "bending" the rules to their advantage if they could get away with it.

"Now that we have privacy," Chris began, "We can discuss details on how this devil and his slaves will be taught a valuable lesson." He got down to explaining what he had in mind now knowing the field the fight would take place on. The facts as they stood were Chris's team was outnumbered yet they outpowered their enemies by a ludicrous margin. Chris could take Riser and his peerage alone, in fact, Phina, Ayano, and Alternes could do the same separately too. "I know we could kill them even with the "safeguards" in place, but we are to avoid that," Chris remarked. "There would be backlash should we go that far and there will likely be more than enough afterward to deal with."

"You are referring to the expectation that Phenex will not hold up his part of the bargain," Phina questioned.

Chris didn't kid himself in any way, he didn't expect Riser or those that it would fall on to uphold the deal made. Most devils were deceitful and untrustworthy by nature, normally only held to task by their family/pillar reputation. It didn't phase Chris that they didn't intend to be held to their word, he would make sure they would uphold their end. And with Riser unlikely to be in good condition by the end of this contest, the deal would then fall to his family. How difficult they would make things for themselves would be up to them, or rather how much they lost. Chris would get undiluted Phenex tears, whether he was given them or took them after making the Phenex clan pay, they would determine that. "Indeed Phina," Chris returned, "I believe we all know the deal in this won't end cleanly. Devils never seem to learn that lesson that when you make a deal, you hold up your end, or there are consequences you don't get to choose."

Chris returned to outlining his plan which was as follows, there would be three approach paths to Riser, center, west, and east. Ayano would take the western path which would go through the gym and deal with any of Riser's slaves she came across along the way. Alternes would take the eastern approach cutting across the sport's field doing the same as Ayano. Phina would stay with Chris going a bit ahead of him keeping an eye out for devils as they went. With that approach, none of Riser's pawns should get to their base and promote which would draw the fight out a bit unnecessarily. The only slave of Riser's that there was any question about was Riser's queen. Simon had provided the info on the woman which said she was good with fire magic and was called the "bomb queen" for some reason. Phina should be capable of handling her without much of an issue with whatever she could do and Chris was counting on that. Chris would take Riser personally while his peerage would be dealt with by his companions.

Chris was guessing the Student Council room was Riser's base, it made the most logical sense to him. The room was on the other side of the field and was defensible enough to work as a base for one side. Plus, Chris imagined that this field was originally meant for Gremory and Sitri as they would know it well enough. It made little difference where Phenex's base was, it merely signaled where the final part of the fight likely would be. Chris wanted to teach the kid a lesson and at the same time, perhaps scare the pants off the devils watching. Scaring the "proud and invincible" had always been amusing to Chris. Plus, it had been a long while since one claimed that in his presence and didn't use caution with Chris. Then devils had been getting rather complacent lately, thinking they were untouchable, they needed to be reminded how wrong they were.

It had been only fifteen minutes by the time the plan was set, and Chris's team changed their outfits for the fight. Ayano donned the ninja outfit she had around the Familiar Forest including her tachi-type sword. Gold armor also covered much of her body shielding her appearance leaving only the lower half of her face visible with a visor over her eyes. Phina kept her Kenpo-GI but a gleaming silver chest plate was added along with hip armor plates, all made out of an unknown metal. Alternes summoned black armor that fully encased him from head to toe that had yellow accents at the joints along with crown-shaped fins at the top of the helm. Alternes had a dual-sword sitting on the back of his hips held by a custom-made clamp system which made it look like a single-bladed weapon.

As the thirty-minute non-aggression time continued ticking down, those watching the rating game waited. Rias and her peerage were in the real Student Council room watching the gameplay out along with Sona's group. The first thing that was apparent to the observers was that while they could watch Riser during the planning time, they couldn't do the same with Chris's group. Something blocked any viewing of the Occult Research Clubroom as all they got to see was blackness shortly after the thirty minutes began.

Sona felt a bit of respect at seeing this as to her, it showed Maxwell wouldn't give his opponent an edge through spying. It suggested that Dragons could be tactically minded which with how long they'd survived would make logical sense. Although it was against the rules of rating games for spying to be done, Sona didn't think that stopped some from trying the idea to gain an advantage. She didn't believe the point of Maxwell was blocking any attempts at watching him would change how this fight would go. History made it crystal clear, dragons weren't to be taken lightly nor should they be fought with unless you were sure you had more strength than them. One also had to hope and wish you weren't going against either the dragon kings or the Shadow Dragon since there was little to no chance against them.

Then neither Rias nor Sona herself knew what strength Chris Maxwell had other than an amount he had shown once. That strength told Sona that the information on dragons that devils had was severely lacking or was dead wrong. It had made Sona think of her sister Serafall for a moment yet there had been a difference, which had been it had been precisely directed at devils. However, how Rias described Sirzech's queen Grayfia acting around him, brought about even more questions about the dragon. For Maxwell to know the Underworld's strongest queen and likely the currently Lucifer was odd. Dragons weren't known to be sociable with others unless they saw a reason to be. Add that to what Chris had told Rias following that, Sona was starting to not want to know more about Maxwell.

Rias, on the other hand, wasn't anywhere near as calm as Sona with watching this rating game. Her future was literally going to be decided by this confrontation between the dragon and Riser and it was completely out of her hands. Yes, Zechs had said firmly that she didn't need to worry about the arranged marriage anymore with things as they were. Nonetheless, he hadn't said why he was so confident in the dragon, nor had Grayfia mentioned anything to that effect. Of course, Rias wouldn't be against seeing Riser get beaten as the arrogant fool had flaunted and strutted that he couldn't be defeated many times. It would be gratifying to see him be taken down a peg or two and make sure he didn't forget the point. But she still wasn't sure of Christopher Maxwell and the things he had said didn't change that point.

Once the thirty minutes ran out, Grayfia announced that fighting was allowed and the game began. Riser didn't hesitate at hearing the announcement, he just ordered his peerage to defeat this fool and be done with this nonsense. Rias would be his wife and he would enjoy making her into his pet to amuse himself with. With his whole peerage and his skills, how could he lose to a nobody and the three he dragged along? Today was going to be the day that everything would start going his way and Riser would make sure of that personally if needed.

Chris's group also headed out when the announcement came, and as the plan, Chris had stated dictated to do. Ayano headed in the direction of the Gym that Chris had pointed out during his planning meeting. She and Alternes were to divide the enemy's forces and dispatch them and she would do just that. This fight may be a game to devils, but to her friend and master, it was the means he would use to gain the needed material to help his life-mate. That was enough of a reason for Ayano to do as Chris asked as Aria had helped Chris in ways others had not been able to. The transformation that Chris had gone through was nothing short of a life-altering miracle. And it mattered not whether Aria had been meant to come here or if it was a twist of fate, she had made a difference that none other could have.

Ayano had already activated her combat protocols by the time she entered the gym itself, even if that was more than would be needed. Her combat protocols were designed to have her face armies on her own if that was required, so fifteen devils were hardly worth the usage of them. They gave her far superior speed, strength, and senses she normally employed which translated into allowing her to strike with incredible precision and lethal execution. However, they would speed this process along greatly and time was better kept short in this. So, that which allowed Ayano to quickly dispatch opponents would make this efficient and get Phenex to face Chris faster. Chris whipping Riser would make the waste of time and effort worth it as it would be well-deserved by the arrogant fool.

The large room Ayano entered was dark and no lights were lit, though that wasn't an issue for her. Being an automaton, her optic sensors didn't need light to show her what space looked like even without her visor assisting. Ayano's "eyes" instantly switched on the infrared filter they had to see the room as if it was fully lit. Her visor added more detail about the room, highlighting potential things and places that could be used for offensive options. And in the one scan around the room showed her that she had gotten to this place first, which suggested one of two things. Either the devils were slow, which was entirely possible, or they were taking their time for one reason or another. But then Ayano heard voices approaching from the other end of this room which made her think they were just being somewhat slow. Ayano came to a stop in the center of the room and her right-hand move to be on the hilt of her blade.

The group of four of Risers peerage that had been told to go this direction had been moving at a brisk pace. The one in the lead was a girl of Asian descent who had shoulder-length black hair and had some of it in two Chinese-style buns on both sides of her head. Then the front of her hair was in the form of a slight V-shape across her forehead which framed her blue-green eyes. The girl was in a traditional Chinese outfit that was a sleeve-type dress called a qipao that was navy blue with gold embroidery. There was a white sash around her stomach and also low-heeled black shoes on her feet. Lastly, she had black armguards sitting over her forearms that appeared to be made of tough leather and not metal. Her name was Xuelan and she was one of Riser's rooks so stronger than the three pawns that were with her.

Behind Xuelan were two little girls that were younger than the others in this group and appeared to be identical twins. They both had turquoise hair and had it tied with yellow ribbons on one side of their heads on the opposite side than the other. Both were wearing the standard templet of school gym uniforms consisting of a white t-shirt with blue accents, black leggings, and finished off with blue sneakers over knee-high socks. The twins were some of Riser's pawns and their names were Ile and the other was Nel, but the two were the only ones that knew which name belonged to which.

The fourth and final member of this group was a young woman that had blue hair styled into having four ponytails. Two ponytails were pointing upward and the other two pointed down, the front of her hair was in the form of split bangs going across her forehead with the bangs framing her face and brown eyes. The girl was wearing a white haori with a red obi, all of that under a red happi coat. There were bandages around her forearms and shins like some martial arts fighters would have along with blackguards over her hands. For footwear, she was wearing a pair of sandals that were tight on her feet. Her name was Mira and she was another of Riser's pawns.

When they entered the gym, they could sense there was another there before them. It was a tad odd, since Riser had said that the one they were facing was nothing to worry about and that those with him were no better. Yet, that one of those they were going against, had reached this area before them hinted that there could be more to them than Riser figured. Xuelan did recall that Lady Ravel had been concerned that they had little if any information on their opponents. Most in Riser's peerage looked to Ravel for a solid plan on how to fight and beat others, her tactics had always worked before. But in this game, Ravel had no plan other than being wary and defensive with this group they were fighting. It was rare for Riser and his sister to disagree on opponents and how they would need to be handled. Xuelan decided there was no point waiting and so spoke up, "We know that you're there, come out and face your defeat."

The lights suddenly came on and the gym became light brown and white as the light reflected the colors for all to see. On the opposite side of the gym from Ayano were four girls from Riser's peerage she guessed. The four girls looked normal as one could be in the non-human world but said quite a bit about their king. And while Simon Glades' information about Riser Phenex had implied the guy was disgusting, it hadn't really delivered the truth completely. Yet, that would make this fight more worth the ending it would get as Chris would put the fool in his place. However, Ayano was brought out of her thoughts when the black-haired girl stepped forward identifying her as the leader of this group. "It's commendable that you have come out here even when you have no chance of winning. I'm Xuelan, master Riser's Rook," she said.

Xuelan wasted no more time and just rushed forward at Ayano who to her sight surprise didn't move to evade her attack. Xuelan focused on taking down this woman and not on why she was doing what she was. However, Ayano merely stood adjusting the position of her feet to make sure she wouldn't slide when the strike came. When Xuelan's fist connected with Ayano's left hand, it stopped dead and Ayano didn't move even an inch. The four girls were in varying states of shock at seeing Xuelan's attack stopped dead seemingly with great ease. For Xuelan, it was as if she had just hit a solid unmovable wall though she didn't give the pain attention as she was too surprised. Ayano simply gazed at Xuelan, "Your king is a blind and spoiled fool, to claim he is more than that is to lie and inflate his ego which he doesn't need." Ayano paused, "In simple terms, he is no true leader. He is a bird making noise to draw attention from others and craves it like most breath air." Ayano's expression shifted into one of pity, "You all are little more than objects for him to play with and toss aside when he grows bored. You have less standing than even what abused slaves possess with their owners."

Both what had been said and the tones in which they had been delivered in irked all four girls. Riser wasn't blind or foolish, he was strong and proud, and rightly so with his victories in the rating games. He had led them well since he had taken them in and had said he cared about their wellbeing. However, there were things Riser sometimes did make him appear like he was demanding attention for himself, it was hard to deny that. Still, he had given them a place and a purpose, that was enough to them to say he had his good points. It was Mira that found the use of her voice first, "You're wrong," she snapped, "You know nothing of our master!"

The retort suggested they were either charmed by Phenex in some fashion or they had lost enough of their free will that they wouldn't say anything bad against him. Ayano leaned toward the former rather than the latter being the likely explanation as to the response. Before she replied, Ayano forced Xuelan back causing her to stumble a few steps before she regained her balance. It was still a pity to Ayano that these four weren't servants for the Phenex devil, more blind slaves that didn't know they were being abused. Perhaps the pity came from the memory fragments her core held, but it felt right to wish to show kindness and help most she came across. So, Ayano calmly turned her head to look at the girl who had just spoken, "And who are you?"

Mira hadn't liked the way that this odd woman had been talking about Riser, she knew nothing about him. But there was something about her that was unsettling that she couldn't find words for and sent an odd chill up Mira's spine. Perhaps it was the only visible part of her was the lower half of her face while the rest of her was covered by cloth or armor, then again it could be something else. She did have a Japanese longsword with her which was an odd weapon choice. And Mira wasn't the only one that was unsettled by Ayano, the other girls also thought it wasn't just the outfit that was different, the way the woman acted was creating the unsettling feeling. Yet, as Mira had been addressed, she swallowed her fear and answered, "My name is Mira."

Even though the truth would hurt them now, should they accept it, then they could move on and find a path forward toward a better life. Reincarnated devils could leave those that pulled them into the non-human world and live a good life. They didn't need to become a stray devil, they could go to the devil leaders and ask for help and be "released" from the chains that held them back. There had been some cases of that so it was possible and it would be the best thing for these girls. So, Ayano gained a soft smile, "You are all young and so still can have a life ahead of you, thus you look for the good even when it is but an illusion." Ayano frowned at the truth about those like Riser before she continued, "I've seen those like Riser Phenex, and I assure you they care nothing about anyone other than themselves. They see those less powerful than them as beneath themselves, as less than living beings to be toyed with and used at their leisure and as they fancy."

It was a harsh truth of the world that Ayano had witnessed many times in the past from those that thought themselves above the rest. There were even more examples in the fragments of memories from her core. What race or species the individual was didn't matter, they used and abused the ones who cared about them to some degree and fashion before casting them aside when they saw no need for them. And in the end, sadly, most of those that were proud and ego-driven ended out being completely alone and met their end as such. It was a path that Chris had gone down a bit, but then turned away from it and then began ripping others down from it. Good-hearted individuals had helped Chris see the horribleness that such mentality brought. Still, Ayano sighed, "Until another denies them in their wants, their appetites are insatiable and so they keep demanding more while tossing aside what they lose interest in. It is the unfortunate truth, it is best to accept that and move forward and work toward something better."

None of the girls appreciated what Ayano said about Riser, nor did they really believe her in their hearts. He had chosen them when he could have selected others, he had told them they were special. And they were done listening to this odd woman, instead, all four surged forwards to attack Ayano and silence and stop her insults about their master Riser. Nevertheless, Ayano weaved away from their strikes as if it were an elegant dance of some sort rather than a battle. She gained a small smile as she evaded, which only served to irritate the girls and fuel their attacks against her. "It is in your best interest to give up and get out of this battle that is being called a game, then you won't get hurt needlessly," Ayano iterated.

The four girls kept up their assault, but the flow didn't change at all, they missed with each attack they made. After a few minutes of letting the girls vent their frustration, Ayano decided she had humored them enough. She had tried to be kind and show them the truth about their master, yet they had refused to believe her. Ayano couldn't force another to believe the truth as much as she wished she could help others see it. However, time was of the essence as this "game" was to be moved along in a timely manner by Chris's instructions. So, Ayano zoomed forward at a moderate pace for her, but lightning speed for others, her target being Mira. She punched Mira as she passed sending the girl toward the far wall. Ayano reached the wall before Mira was halfway there, and she prepared magic lines that would prevent the girl from going too far after striking the wall.

Mira slammed into the wall with her back and all the wind was knocked out of her a moment later. Blood came from her mouth after the impact and then pain shot through her, telling her that she had taken damage from the "attack". She was reeling from what was happening, a moment ago she and the others had been attacking the woman who'd been evading. The next she'd vanished, Mira had felt something hit her midsection and she had gone flying. None of that made any sense with the facts as they knew them. Yet, Mira had enough time to catch a glimpse of the woman standing perpendicular to the wall she'd just struck, merely gazing down at her. Mira started to tumble away from the wall, but she was stopped, but what felt like some sort of rope. She looked back at the woman and saw what looked like ninja daggers made out of light. Mira's eyes widened before the daggers disappeared then less than a second later she felt something hit her.

Ayano could only look on in pity at the girl she had dispatched, being stabbed hurt regardless of what was used. She only hoped that her light daggers would make the pain made the girl's suffering mercifully brief. That would be the best kindness Ayano could extend to those in this contest, making the suffering short. Ayano leaped off the wall and as she landed there was a flash of light and Mira disappeared.

Riser, one Pawn retired

The announcement of Mira's retirement caused the remaining three girls to pause momentarily at what had just happened. Their opponent had just dispatched one of them in what seemed to be one attack before they had even realized it. The woman had done it at ridiculous speeds that none of them had seen, followed, or even registered. Then she had caused potentially serious injury to Mira as there had been the briefest glimpse of some sort of weapon made of magic. Such shouldn't happen with the game's safe-guards, the injuries should only be enough to cause the participant to be unable to continue. Yet, Mira had only taken two hits one from the wall and the second from the woman's weapon, and was taken out of the game. That either said the woman was far better than they had guessed or that she had weapons that could get around the rules, perhaps both.

Riser, one Pawn retired

Another announcement caught all, but Ayano off-guard as she figured it was Alternes getting down to business with the group he had come across. For the twins, the sudden unexpected shift in the game shook them badly. This game was supposed to be easy, Riser had said so and he didn't lie to them unless he was told to by his clan head. So, both Ile and Nel were scared as they had never seen anything like this, and they didn't want that to happen to them. Out of panic, they rushed forward with their chainsaws in hand to try and cut Ayano in half. If they could take the woman out first, then they wouldn't have to fear receiving the same treatment as Mira had. Ile jumped up to cut from above while Nel went low to slice the lady's legs off and then they could finish the job.

In response, just before the twins got to her, Ayano shot to the east wall then launched herself at the twin that had jumped. She drew her blade along the way and flipped it to have the flat of the blade facing forward. Ayano swung her sword at the twin from above and had her going down towards her twin as she passed. She landed on the west wall before she shot at the other twin girl with her sword in the same orientation. Yet, for the other twin, Ayano swept her blade to send the girl upward at her sister. Ayano then slid on the floor and moved to be a distance in front of the twins in preparation for her final strike against the girls.

The next thing that Ile and Nel knew, the woman disappeared just as they were about to reach her. Then something hit them and sent them smacking into one another as their chainsaws flew out of their hands. Ile had just enough time to see the odd woman ahead of them, then a blink later she was right in front of them as she and her sister were falling towards the ground. Ayano swept her sword in a forward arc still with the flat of the blade facing her target. The sword sweep caught both of the twins and sent them flying into the west wall of the gym hard. The results of the technique came a moment later in the form of a crash and leaving traces of blood where they smacked into, then a flash, followed by an announcement.

Riser, two pawns retired

Xuelan spun around and saw the woman with her sword in hand a short distance away shifting her gaze towards Xuelan herself. To say that Xuelan was more than scared at what was happening would be an understatement. This was unlike any of the rating games she had been in before now, nothing came close to this, not even the game against Belial. Xuelan couldn't even fathom how the woman was moving as she was any more than she could follow her. Heck, Xuelan couldn't think of any devil that could do what this woman just had. And she was now the only one of her group left standing and that had been done in less than a minute. Clearly, they had underestimated their enemy and their capabilities. And if this woman was anything to judge the others of the opposing team by, this game was over before it had ever begun. And while Xuelan didn't like to fail Riser, she knew she had no prayer against this odd woman. There was nothing she could do to counter anything that her comrades had received. Xuelan hadn't felt this feeling of terror or the helplessness she was experiencing for a long time.

Ayano could see it in the last girl's eyes, she was frozen with fear from what she had seen. The girl had realized she would lose this fight, there was nothing she could do to change that point. However, that did give one opportunity for an offer to let this girl retire without having to forcibly disable her. So, Ayano paused, "You have realized that you can't win this," she stated and Xuelan trembled a bit, "You now have a chance to retire and leave this field without having to be removed from it by harsher means."

Riser, one Pawn retired

Xuelan blinked at what the woman had just said, it was so unexpected that it was beyond weird. Yes, the rules of a rating game allowed for "voluntary retirement" but it was rarely ever used as it was seen as cowardice. So, to be offered it was a new experience to Xuelan and for a moment she was seriously tempted to take the offer. Leaving this game and avoiding fighting this woman that was an unreal creature and whatever else Riser's team was going against didn't sound bad. The temptation was even stronger after the announcement of another of Riser's peerage being removed from the game. However, if Xuelan did do that, she would have to face Riser and justify why she had done so, and he wasn't understanding about what he considered cowardice. Xuelan ended out shaking her head from side to side, but her eyes still showed the fear she was feeling. "I can't," she muttered, "Riser wouldn't forgive me were I to run away even to save myself."

The reply only proved to Ayano that she had been right about Riser Phenex, he was a horrible individual. He demanded strict obedience to his orders even when it put his peerage in danger when doing so. The girls around him were nothing more than tools or objects he used as he liked and tossed them aside when they didn't do what he wanted. It was truly sad to see these girls waste their lives trying to please a guy that would never be satisfied. Alternes was moving his side of this along efficiently as he could, so Ayano would finish this part up. And while Ayano would do what she could to get this girl out of the game, it would not be painless. So Ayano exhaled heavily which snapped Xuelan's attention back to her, "I'm sorry you fear more what that fool thinks of you rather than your own wellbeing. I will try to make this as quick as I can, it is the best I can do for you since you refused my offer."

Ayano shot forward at Xuelan kicking her and passing her as the girl flew in the direction that she'd been kicked. Xuelan only felt the woman strike her and send her flying, she never saw it happen, it was happening too fast. Xuelan only caught a glimpse of Ayano above her sword in hand swinging forward before the weapon hit her and slammed Xuelan into the ground. Ayano flipped her blade and slashed her blade forward and made a shallow cut on the girl's front. The slash used magic that was meant to sap the girl's strength quickly so that she would be ousted from the game. Slamming against the floor had hurt, the cut that had followed had been about the same with the pain to Xuelan. But after the second strike, Xuelan felt her strength leave her like something was draining her. Xuelan didn't get up, her eyes closed just before light engulfed her and she fainted.

Riser, one Rook retired

Ayano sheathed her blade and let it swing to rest on the back of her hips before she began moving forward. With the four girls down, that left Phenex eleven of his slaves left to deal with. Should Ayano dispatch three or more of them, she would have gotten rid of half while she didn't doubt Alternes could do the same with the other half. And if she needed any sign of her confidence being well-placed, she got it a moment later.

Riser, one Knight Retired

As Alternes was doing his part, Ayano kept going forward to do hers. Yet, as Ayano just about reached the door on the other side of the gym, her senses alerted her magic was being cast above where she was. She stopped and projected a light barrier around herself to deflect whatever might come her way. The next moment the immediate area around Ayano turned orange and flames surrounded her. Ayano's shield was struck by the flames, but it didn't falter or flicker in any way as the attack continued.

At the same time, Alternes had made his way to the "sports fields" on the east side of this "campus". He's activated his combat protocols as a cautionary measure for whatever he may come across much like he assumed Ayano would have done. The likelihood of needing to use those to their fullest was extremely low. The protocols were meant for extreme odds in combat stacked against them. It had been a while since they had been seriously used, but better to be prepared than not. Plus, the protocols would certainly speed this task along, and the sooner it was over the better for all concerned. This "contest" would be simple as was the outcome, and Chris's plan made it even more straightforward. But then, Chris had seen far more battles than most and so, was good with tactics enough to win the vast majority of the time.

He was forced to a stop when four girls appeared and blocked his path, to which he waited for them to make the first move. Three girls were on the ground and the fourth was floating in the air slightly behind the others. The first woman was around the same height as Alternes and had light brown hair along with green eyes. Her outfit consisted of a full set of silver armor with black accents that appeared to be a cross between the European style of knight's armor with a chest plate, gauntlets, and greaves. Her hip plates and shoulder guards look more Japanese in style than her other armor. She had a white headband that went across her hair and forehead. The girl had what appeared to be a broadsword that featured a red jewel on its pommel along with bandages across the handle likely for better grip.

The other two girls on the ground appeared to be related as there was a good deal of resemblance between them. The one on the right had red eyes and blue hair while the other on the left had blue eyes and red hair. The redhead on the right had her hair in the back tied in a ponytail while the blue-haired one had hers in a braid with a pink bow on the end. Then on both their heads were light brown cat ears with black stripes and had a piercing in one of the ears which appear to be opposite each other. Both girls had a fang sticking out of their mouths also opposite each other, with the blue hair on the left while the redhead had hers on the right. Both girls were wearing short skimpy white sailor school uniforms which were revealing, specifically their abdomen, shoulders, and lower chests. The girls also were wearing black skirts that went to above their mid-thighs making the skirts, miniskirts. They were also wearing some sort of ascots around their necks as part of the uniform. On their arms were red and blue fighter's gloves and on their lower legs were leg guards, both matching their hair colors.

Alternes was left to ponder about the "Master" that these poor girls had for several reasons. He had twisted them in different ways which looking at their appearances attested to for likely his own selfish ideals. From the descriptions that Chris and Simon had given of Riser Phenex, they hadn't given a good picture of the devil. True, most of them didn't present a good image to start with but with what Alternes was seeing in front of him Riser was worse than the average devil. And Alternes's figuring sank lower the more he took in of those shackled by the devil. With the demonic energy flowing within him and the knowledge that Alternes received from his creator, and the fragments of memory for him core, he could comprehend some things. But all of that didn't explain why the mentality of several devils was so twisted as they were shown to be. Granted, devils had gotten worse with each passing generation, yet it was still hard to fathom how things had come to devils being such blatant idiots.

Then the girl in the air looked to be mid-school age with average height and figure. She had long blonde hair tied into a twin tails style with large, drill-like curls and blue ribbons keeping them in place. The front of her hair had several bangs hanging over her forehead with a V-shaped fringe hanging over the bridge of her nose. The girl wore an outfit that consisted of a light purple dress with dark purple accents and a blue bow at the front. From the back, three feather-like extensions mimicking a bird's tail protruding came from the back of the dress if Alternes were to guess. And the girl was "supposed" to be the younger sister of Riser Phenex, which added yet more strikes against the devil with using his sister as he was. After glancing over the four girls, Alternes took a small step forward, "Move aside, you are in the path that I am to make," he stated emotionlessly.

The simple statement didn't go over with the three on the ground, but the one in the air was studying their opponent. This one guy believed that he could intimidate them into compliance, and they wouldn't let him do that. One of the catgirls bristled at Alternes's statement, "You think you can scare us into moving out of the way," she snapped.

Alternes didn't flinch nor react in any visible way to the retort. The girls were reacting emotionally and that rarely went well with those that did so. And then, there was work to be done and the girls were impeding it, he wouldn't let that stand long. "Should you not remove yourselves, I will use the necessary force to do the task instead," he returned in the same emotionless tone as he gave his previous sentence.

The girl in the air whose name was Ravel Phenex was getting a tad unnerved by this guy in front of her. He wasn't reacting in any of the ways others had before that had challenged her brother. There was almost a lack of emotion in the voice which was what Ravel had to go off of as the guy's armor covered his whole body. And that the one who had challenged her brother had only brought three others with him said one of two things. The first possibility was that they were seriously underestimating Riser which was possible. However, with the guy knowing the Underworld's strongest queen on a familiar basis, that was unlikely. The second possibility was they were much stronger than their appearances suggested. If that were so, her brother may have picked a fight with an individual that could beat him among other possible things. Ravel decided that perhaps talking could reveal more about their enemy and the more information the better. "Wait," Ravel ordered the girls below her who looked back at her with confusion, yet Ravel focused on the guy ahead, "Who are you?"

As good manners would require, Alternes bowed slightly, "I am known as Alternes Dim, friend and companion of Christopher Maxwell," he replied as an introduction.

The names meant nothing to Ravel for she had never heard of either of them herself. It did not sit well with her that she could find no information on her brother's opponent even if her brother didn't care. Ravel was his unofficial tactician and knowing your enemy was a key to victory even if her brother didn't realize it. So, not finding anything was worrisome to her and she couldn't help her curiosity. "Then why even do this fight," she asked honestly curious.

Alternes saw no reason to keep the idea that had sparked this challenge, even if the motivation wasn't to be given out. "My friend extended a challenge and a deal was made with your king, that is all that needs to be said in this," Alternes answered.

Riser, one Pawn retired

The announcement caused all there to pause and take in what it meant. It implied the other group that had gone west had encountered one of the other three people from the opposing team. And not only that, but that also said person had already beaten one of the three pawns again saying there was more to their opponents than they thought. Alternes took the announcement as Ayano had gotten to work and was wasting no time dealing with those that she had crossed. He wasn't concerned about his partner, for she could handle herself and hold her own against strong individuals. None of the slaves of the devil would be any challenge to either Ayano or himself. Yet, a moment later all focused back on the immediate surroundings and the twins shot forward fist moving to attack him. He nimbly evaded the strikes which surprised Ravel as the armor on the guy didn't look light.

Ravel was now trying to quickly plan out how she and those with her could either finish this or retreat from this area. That one pawn had been retired shortly after the battle phase had started was problematic. And she didn't like things were happening so fast, it implied that things could go bad fast. The attacks on Alternes kept coming but with him being able to read his opponents, dodging was simple. He didn't draw his blade as he didn't see a need for it yet since he could deal with the two girls without it. Like Chris, Alternes didn't see a reason to use more of his power than needed, and his sword would be 'overkill' quite literally if used seriously on these devils. The fragments of memories from his core enforced that mentality, the one whose memories he had was an honorable warrior who was much the same.

After a minute had gone by and the girls hadn't made solid contact once, Alternes sidestepped after evading a strike from one. Then he grabbed the arm the blue-haired girl had thrown her punch with and smacked his other fist into her mid-section. Alternes followed the counter up by pulling the girl into a spin that lasted three rotations during which there was an audible cracking of bones breaking and a cry of the girl as she kept spinning. Li was trying to figure out what was happening as she had been attempting to hit the guy but had been missing. Then he had hit her before she found herself in a high-speed spin. While in the spin Li was hurting and that was added to when the bones in her left arm broke from the stress of her spinning. She thought her arm may rip and she go flying until she slammed into something and stopped. But then, Alternes let go and Li flew into a wall fifteen feet away and slammed into and through a brick wall. The sound of the girl crashing through the wall was unpleasant to hear for Ravel and the other girls.

Riser, one Pawn retired

Alternes turned and faced the other twin waiting for her to attack him as he assumed she would. Ni was in shock at seeing her twin being countered and then sent into a wall. Ni didn't like to see Li get hurt and it had looked so easy for their opponent to do. The shock shifted into moderate fear and burning anger. Ni wouldn't stand by with Li being taken out and do nothing about the one that had done that. Alternes didn't have to wait long as Ni zoomed forward letting out an angry cry as she came. He didn't move but intercepted the girl by tripping her then grabbing her by the neck firmly but not enough to prevent her from breathing. Alternes then slammed the girl into the ground hard and made a moderately-sized crater. However, before he could finish this girl, another announcement came.

Riser, two pawns retired

Ravel paused again even as she had watched Alternes "dealing" with Ni due to the announcement. That was four pawns down in the first few minutes of the battle phase, one where she was and three on the western end of the field. That only left Riser's rook Xuelan on the western side and if the other three were anything to go by, she wouldn't last much longer. It reinforced that point that they had extremely underestimated their opponents in this game. In fact, Ravel was starting to be frightened at the "proficiency" that was being displayed by these people they were fighting. Even rating game top-spot holders would be hard-pressed to start eliminating their opponents this quickly.

Alternes would applaud how efficiently Ayano was working through those she came across, it was to be commended. He would expect no less from her, but he would still tell her later that she had done a wonderful job in this. Still, he returned to what he was doing and hit the girl with his other palm using the demonic-like energy in the form of black lightning-like arcs. Hitting the ground as hard as Ni did hurt badly and she swore that she had cracked some bones in the process. Then the black energy had started running over and through her, which had changed the waves of pain Ni felt. Seconds after the energy arcs hit her, Ni couldn't stop herself as she screamed involuntarily in response to the pain along with thrashing her body around. A moment later, blood began spraying out of cuts that had come from hitting the ground along with Ni's mouth. Around thirty seconds later, which felt like a small eternity to Ni, the arcs stopped and she went limp, blood was now also coming out of her eyes in the form of tears.

While Alternes knew his methods could appear and seem crude and even barbaric, they were effective, and none could argue that. Ayano was the kinder one of the pair of them, she would go out of her way to try and show mercy to her opponents. Alternes didn't often see a reason to show mercy to those he fought. The mercy he'd shown was giving these girls a chance to move out of his way, that was enough in his view. Those that stood against Chris or any of the team by choice gave up much right to mercy in Alternes's figuring. So, when the girl he had been "shocking" had thrashed around for a bit, he stopped and released his hold on her. He then stood up and stepped back before the girl vanished in a flash of light.

Riser, one Pawn retired

Alternes moved forward towards the two remaining girls in his path with a measured pace, almost a leisurely one. Ravel was keeping herself from panicking though it was difficult as this fight was ridiculous. Riser's side was five pieces down and it had been only around four minutes into the battle phase of this game. The guy in front of her had used what had felt like demonic energy and the levels had been strong. He hadn't been struck once by any with Ravel and it hadn't been for a lack of trying. Nor had their opponent had drawn their weapon or seemed to need to during this. Her brother's knight with her would be hard-pressed to do much better than the two pawns had, and Ravel didn't kid herself. This was proving to Ravel the lesson of knowing nothing about your enemy was an extremely unwise decision.

Riser's knight Karlamine was a tad shaken at seeing Ni and Li beaten so easily by this man in black armor. Plus, by the announcements, the group that went west was being wiped out by whoever they had encountered. Nothing like this had ever happened in the rating games before this one, not even anything close. The pale comparison was the game against Belial and that had been the champ trouncing Riser and his peerage. And this guy made what he did look simple, which was frightening to tell the truth in Karlamine's mind. He had a sword sitting on the back of his hips in a sheath, but he hadn't drawn it once or even touched the hilt. It made Karlamine wonder what kind of person he was or if this individual was some sort of monster that just looked humanoid. The things he had done were not normal even by usual supernatural standards which tended to be frightening themselves.

Riser, one Rook retired

Both Ravel and Karlamine hesitated at the announcement as that meant the western group had been fully removed from the game. The four weren't weaklings, they could fight and manage against most that were of average capability. And yet, if they ran, Riser wouldn't let them live that down even if it would be to save themselves from being seriously injured. So, Karlamine swallowed her growing fear before she took out her sword gripping it tightly in her hands. Whether this "man" before her was indeed human or some sort of monster, she would fight to prove to her king that she was worthy. Karlamine charged forward yet Alternes didn't change his stride or pace he was walking at. When she got close enough, she swung her sword, but her enemy merely leaned out of the path of the blade. But what irked Karlamine the most, Alternes still moved forward uninterrupted as if nothing had attacked him. She tried again but the result was the same as her first swing. The following attacks fell into a pattern of either missing or the guy using his gauntlet to deflect the strike.

Alternes's attacker was not worth the time of drawing his weapon, so he merely evaded or deflected the strikes while moving forward. The girl's strength was lacking and her skills with the sword were sup-par at best. The way she swung the sword instantly told him that the girl was no expert, nor close to a master. It was likely she had little to no training to wield her weapon and so was self-taught. Just another fact that proved the fool who challenged Chris didn't have any idea what they were getting into. Nonetheless, a growing number these days had forgotten what challenging or dealing with a dragon came with like in days of old. In the far past, most wouldn't have challenged dragons least of all Chris as it was serious business. The fool "God" had been the one that had worked to defame and play down the power of dragons. Back to the present, Karlamine after a little while of her trying to hit him let out a frustrated cry, "Take me seriously and draw your sword you jerk!"

Alternes came to a halt at that demand, and he used his left hand to catch the broadsword that had been swung at him. The girl hadn't the faintest clue what she was asking for, and while Alternes knew that. They were like their king, a blind fool that had gotten himself into serious trouble and had bitten off more than he could ever chew. And this tedious fight was wearing on him as it was a waste of his skills along with the others fighting Phenex. While he didn't question or doubt his friend Chris, he would ask if the kid had been informed what he had agreed to. Unlikely as it was, Phenex would be educated in the end by Chris and that would settle the matter. Alternes held the sword to stop it from being drawn back and gazed at the girl, "You know not what you request," he stated with the first hint of emotion in the form of firmness. "I only draw my blade to fight a battle that I see a need to finish with the utter defeat of my opponent."

Ravel was transfixed by this fight more than when Ni and Li had been beaten which had been scary. The battle if one could call it that between this guy and Karlamine was one-sided and there was no arguing that. It was clear he was a warrior, likely of heroic or legendary caliber were she to make an educated guess. Yet, Alternes kept going, "There's no need for me to bring out my weapon to deal with one that merely swings a tool they haven't mastered to even a competent novice level. It would be a waste of time and sheer embarrassment for you, so cease your pursuit. Take it as an unintended act of mercy if you wish, I'd rather not waste the time on you."

Karlamine was insulted in several ways by the reply she'd gotten from her enemy. He called her dumb by saying she didn't know what she requested, she wanted him to fight her seriously. She didn't believe his statement about utter defeat or no need to draw his weapon. Then he had called her a novice with the sword and that wasn't okay. She was one of Riser's knights, she would show that and use her chosen weapon to prove it. And finally, he had said he was showing unintended mercy by not fighting her seriously and that was the last straw for her. Karlamine ignored the fear that shot through her with this guy and the way he had been responding to her. She would have him use the sword he carried by the end of this, "Bring out your weapon and fight me, I will have satisfaction," Karlamine screeched.

Alternes sighed quietly to himself as this girl was demanding to be beaten even if she didn't see that. It was sort of embarrassing for him to use his sword against a weak opponent and he avoided doing so as he could. However, the girl had demanded to be defeated in a way that he would "humor" as it would get her out of his way. So, he let go of the broadsword and took a step back from the girl before grabbing his sword and swinging the clamp holding it forward. "If you are insistent, then so be it," Alternes returned, "Do not whine upon your defeat."

Alternes gripped his sword's hilt with his right hand and pressed the switch to the clamp system with his left. The clamp released the blade which was around a meter long from the base of the hilt to the tip. One side was sharp while the other was blunt and the last six inches of the blade was curved. The hilt and main blade were separated by a small crimson orb that took place of a cross-guard. His dual sword currently was together as one weapon and Alternes saw no reason he would need to split it into two as this would be finished in one strike. Splitting the blade normally only became needed with many enemies were going to be dispatched. The angry girl charged him again while Alternes maneuvered his weapon into where he wanted to strike.

Karlamine swung her blade, but Alternes ducked under it and moved his sword in an arc that made contact with her left side. The demonic energy flowing around the sword transferred to the girl as the blade sliced into her side. The slice produced a shallow gash before it seemed to start "phasing" through Karlamine. And the cut of the blade hurt yet, Karlamine's whole body felt like it was on fire as the blade kept going. Blood sprayed from the gash as Alternes drew his sword back from the strike. She didn't even have time to scream before light engulfed her and she disappeared.

Riser, one Knight Retired

Ravel had been very worried before, yet she was scared now at what she had seen this guy do. He had defeated the three with her each in one movement and little effort looking to have been expended and the blood of her comrades now soaked the ground as proof. He could use what felt like demonic energy, but he wasn't a devil from what Ravel figured. He had done what Ravel swore was "spiritual" damage to Karlamine with his sword. So, Ravel didn't believe her chances were good or even close to marginal at beating this guy. For all she knew, this guy had some way to counter magic that would do who-knew what to her. Taking all that into account, Ravel did the sensible thing that came to her mind, she moved out of the way and didn't mess with Alternes. She didn't care what her brother may say to her later, it was better than whatever she would face should she fight this guy or any of the other people they were going against. At seeing this, Alternes dismissed the demonic energy his sword used and sheathed his weapon. He then inclined his head to the girl and continued forward and entered the building in front of him.

At the same time, those that were watching the game were in varying states of shocked silence as the rating game kept going. In the student council room, Sona was more than concerned at what she'd been watching. Granted, she figured the dragon Maxwell and his companions would be strong and defeat Riser along with his peerage. However, Sona had been shocked and truthfully terrified of what had been witnessed. Riser was down seven pieces and that had been done in the first five minutes of the battle phase. Seeing the woman Ayano Grace as Sona recalled her name being moved at speeds that seemed like she teleported had been frightening before. But to witness that capability used in a combat situation had been unreal and mortifying. None of the pawns or the rook had stood even a ghost of a chance in what had happened.

The other of the dragon's helpers had been if it was possible, had been even scarier in how they had taken Riser's peerage out. Miss Grace had been "nice" in a way, she'd taken out her targets in quick ways so they had likely felt little pain. Mr. Dim as had been said in his introduction to the group he'd gone against, had been almost the opposite. He had not shown pity, and had just gotten down to business and had wiped them out. The methods he'd used had been frightening if not outright barbaric. That he could use what seemed like demonic energy brought up a lot of questions with no answers. If what was seen in this rating game was a picture of what dragons and those who listened to them could do, then Sona was extremely worried.

Rias could only stare at the feed silently in numb shock with what she had been watching. She had suspected that the dragon Maxwell and any he would have with him would "deal" with Riser. The dragon had proven he was powerful before now, even if it was just in the form of hints. However, having to see how just two of Maxwell's companions "dealt" with some of Riser's peerage, scared her seriously. Yes, stories about them stated dragons knew how to battle, but to see that fact was completely different than just being told about it. And yet, a thought came to Rias that perhaps this has something to do with whatever it was that her brother wouldn't tell her about Maxwell. Holy and demonic energies had been used, which she'd never expected. And Rias while she may hate Riser, she felt sorry for his peerage and what they were going through in this.

Back with Ayano, she didn't move as the flames licked at her barrier, yet no heat nor flame touched Ayano. Granted, these flames wouldn't do physical damage to her body, they didn't have enough strength or heat to them. However, the flames could and likely would burn her clothes off leaving nothing but her armor. The issue Ayano had with that was she'd developed a sense of modesty partly due to the memory fragments from her core. Thus, Ayano didn't want to be naked for others to see, it would be improper and that was to be avoided the best possible. Nor had she forgotten others were viewing this contest, so she wouldn't let that type of display be seen, even if devils saw little wrong with such. Nevertheless, a long moment later the flames died down and the building Ayano had been in had been blasted away or burned out. Ayano scanned around for the caster of the spell that she had blocked with her shield.

Above Ayano, a woman floated looking down at what was left of the gym as the smoke was clearing. She had a full figure with wavy purple hair that went down to her waist and the same color of purple in her eyes. Her style of hair was slightly different from the right side of her hair falling over her chest and covering her right eye in the front, while the left side fell near the top of her skirt. The woman's name was Yubelluna, and she was Riser's queen and second in command of his peerage. Her attire consisted of a dress consisting of a navy-blue tunic top with gold accents along with a pale blue skirt with open sides. The top piece of clothing was held up with a gold choker with blue and red jewels inlaid in it. She had a pair of black shoes over matching thigh-high stockings with garter belts. Over the tunic, she wore a white overcoat with black and gold accents and matching pauldrons. She also had a black headband with a red-orange jewel over her forehead to keep her long hair in place. In her right hand was a staff-like scepter that she used as a weapon in these games.

Once the smoke cleared and a lone figure in the hulk that had been the gym moments ago before Yubelluna had destroyed it with a bomb spell. By the announcements, there were none left of the group that had gone in this direction. Heck, Yubelluna was worried about Lady Ravel as it sounded like all of her group had been wiped out too. It wouldn't matter if there were any in the gym, the pawns were bait to hold one of their opponents in place for a hard hit. That only left one of those going against Riser, and with them still standing suggested there was more to them than assumed. Yubelluna's magic wasn't weak, so the bomb spell she used should have done harm to the one below at the very least, retired them at best. And yet, as Yubelluna looked, the woman seemed perfectly fine and uninjured. That meant she had either some way to block Yubelluna's attack, or something had gone wrong with her spell. "My my, it's surprising that you weren't retired from that blast," Yubelluna remarked.

Ayano shifted her gaze upward to where the voice had come from and there floating in the air was a woman looking down upon her. She assumed that the woman was the one that had cast the fire spell that had engulfed her barrier a moment ago. It wasn't the attack that bugged Ayano, it was that the woman had attacked with seemingly no thought of her comrades' wellbeing. It was a clear mark of selfishness among other things to not think about or care for those that followed you. "I assume you were the one that cast the fire spell," Ayano commented, "What if your comrades were still inside, you could have harmed them?"

The claim from this woman was of no consequence, the four had played their part in this game. Yubelluna scoffed, "Such would be their own fault if they got caught up in my attack," she replied. "And their task was to dispatch you if they could or if they could not, keep you in place so that I could attack you. But clearly, none of the four of them could do that, nor does it seem like others can slow another of you down."

The reply was expected but the blatant disregard of one's companions was horrible. That this woman expected them to willingly sacrifice themselves for their king was just as ridiculous. However, it was how the majority of devils were these days, expecting everything given by those that they commanded, but giving little to nothing themselves. They viewed those that they dragged into the devil factions through reincarnation as objects or tools. It was sickening to see how the victims of devils suffered in silence for Ayano. Chris would never put his friends, comrades, or innocent ones in danger of being harmed by his efforts. Even when Chris was younger and had been meaner and less caring, he wouldn't sink so low, his honor wouldn't allow that.

The other thing this showed was that some of the slaves Phenex had acquired had at least a few of his horrible and disgusting qualities. There was the line of servants mimicking their masters whether they wish to or not and it was true, unfortunately. So, Ayano stared deadpanned at the woman, and a bit of the light energy that flowed through her began to leak out. "If that is truly how you view your comrades and their actions, shame on you. You've learned some of the disgusting qualities and habits your king has whoever you are." Why any even in the devil faction wondered why those like Riser Phenex were avoided, she couldn't say. Egotistical fools were toxic to those around them and either drove others away or twisted those around them to be what they wanted. With that in mind, Ayano exhaled heavily, "And you question why your king is avoided and disliked by those around him and interacts with, the way he treats others repels them."

Yubelluna had been put off by the energy that came off this strange woman as it felt extremely similar to holy power. For one of their opponents to have anything like holy power was worrisome and if it wasn't holy power, it certainly felt like it. Nevertheless, what she had said about Riser angered Yubelluna and it showed on her face. Riser was a good king and had won enough rating games to prove he was skilled and successful. "How dare you," she snarled, "Riser is far better than the one that you follow!"

This slave was blind to what Phenex was like, or perhaps she just looked the other way when it came to his selfishness. The four from before had been similar, unfortunately, and Ayano would try to show the truth, but she didn't feel it would help. So, Ayano shook her head, "You may claim that yet when was the last time your king did something for you not because it satisfied him in some way, but just to be nice?" Ayano paused for a moment, "When was the last time you received a kind word from him? Then you still haven't given your name, and it is good manners to do so."

Yubelluna was momentarily at a loss for words, yet she did give a reply but it was more automatic, "My name is Yubelluna." Her mind was dwelling on what Ayano had asked and the questions wouldn't leave Yubelluna. Riser rarely did things for others without being ordered to by his clan's head. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time he did anything nice for her or any other member of his peerage. And honestly, it was much the same with how he talked to her and the others. Riser didn't say much to them other than orders and used them to display himself to others. For Yubelluna, Riser touched her, but it was more to show off the majority of the time rather than to display care.

Ayano could see that this Yubelluna was having an internal argument with herself about what she'd asked. It suggested that this woman may have a chance to change and see the truth about Phenex. And while Ayano had an educated guess mostly from how the other four had acted. She didn't expect this woman to be any different than them, they were for whatever reason dedicated to Riser Phenex. "So, the answer to both questions is you can't say when the last time was," Ayano stated with pity. "If that doesn't show how he cares or rather how little he does, I doubt there's much else that can state it better. Acknowledge the truth, you can still change things for yourself and have a chance at a life without abuse."

Yubelluna didn't want to admit this woman could and was likely right about Riser. She wanted to say that Riser had his good points, he was a good person around his family. He could be a good person when it counted, she stuck to that. If that wasn't so, then it would make what she did close to meaningless, and she wouldn't accept that. So, Yubelluna shook her head violently as Riser had told Yubelluna she had value and she held on to that point. "No, you're wrong," She exclaimed, "Riser does care!"

Phina had gotten to where the explosion had occurred a few moments ago to see what had happened. She wasn't worried about Ayano, her friend could take attacks like that without much of an issue. Ayano had likely defended herself from it, her ability to manipulate light was on par with the seraphs from the angel faction. However, with the recent announcements, Ayano had taken out a few of Phenex's pieces, the rest would likely want payback. There was even less with Alternes taking three more down at the same time Ayano was doing hers. Then Chris wanted Phina to handle Phenex's queen while Ayano and Alternes handle the rest of the devil's slaves.

Nonetheless, when Phina got into range she began overhearing the exchange between Ayano and Riser's queen. The woman clinging to the illusion that Phenex wanted her or even needed her in his life. She refused to see that her "king" was using and abusing her and the rest of his slaves. It was likely that Riser had conditioned them to do what he said without question and even want to please him the best they could. The idea wasn't unheard of among devils, if anything, then they resorted to that methodology often enough. The results of such were disgusting and Phina couldn't help but feel a tad sorry for the victims. So, Phina floated to be in view of the two, "You are blinding yourself to the truth that your heart is telling you," she stated.

The attention of both Ayano and Yubelluna shifted to where Phina was in the air. Ayano had faintly felt Phina's presence approaching where she was, and Chris wasn't too far behind. It inferred things were going according to Chris's plan thus far and the devils were none the wise to it. Yubelluna on the other hand stared at the woman floating a short distance from where she was. It didn't seem like this newcomer was using magic to fly, which suggested some sort of natural ability being employed. "Clinging to obvious lies," Phina continued, "Has that narcissistical fool broken you enough to have you be his obedient slave that sings nothing but false praises of him?" Phina glanced at Ayano and tilted her head, "Keep going Ayano, I'll handle things here, continued clearing the path ahead as Alternes is no doubt doing."

Ayano nodded to Phina saying nothing in reply simply moving forward to do as Phina had suggested. That left Phina facing Yubelluna and Riser's queen didn't know what to think of this woman any more than that last one. The woman that had just left had blocked her attack and defeated four of Riser's peerage by herself. She had also put off what had felt like "holy energy" which was not anything that Riser had mentioned. It was becoming obvious their opponents weren't normal to Yubelluna even if Riser didn't see that. And then, there had been no sight or sign of the opposing team's leader in this game yet. Yubelluna was getting a really bad feeling about this game mush as Lady Ravel had expressed, and it was only getting worse the longer it went on.

Phina faced off against Riser's queen after sending Ayano to go on ahead. She knew that Chris was waiting a short distance away watching while waiting for the opportunity to get at Riser to end this. He didn't need to waste the time on these devils, it was something that Ayano, Alternes, and Phina herself agreed upon. Chris could slaughter all these devils and not be warmed up to state the truth. However, as things were, Chris would handle Riser and his peerage would be dealt with by Phina and the others as was the plan. Their fight would not be viewed by those watching, and then, what they had been seeing would be enough to scare them. Only Sirzechs and his Wife Grayfia had known what this "game" would be, so they wouldn't be shocked. They would also be able to explain what needed to be stated and no more than that. Should it be spread around that Chris was the Shadow Dragon, he would have to deal with the same type of fallout he did back when many knew the point. It had taken centuries to get that to go away and Chris didn't want to go through that trouble again. So, as manners would dictate, Phina bowed and introduced herself to her opponent, "My name is Phina, I am the friend and familiar of Christopher Maxwell."

Yubelluna felt surprised at hearing that this woman was a familiar of the one that had challenged Riser. Familiars that could take a regular human form without other features which stood out were uncommon. They usually took the forms of pets or a somewhat humanistic appearance rather than human. That didn't change the point that Yubelluna would have to deal with this woman before returning to her king. This rating game was going so differently than any before, the sooner it ended the better in her opinion. So Yubelluna didn't waste any more time and charged up a fire spells before throwing them at Phina.

Phina didn't move, she merely watched as the spells shot towards her without a care in the world. The fire spells did nothing when they hit, Phina was essentially immune to fire being a phoenix. And if this woman only had fire spells to work with which is what Simon's info implied, then this fight would be quite tedious. The magic Phina felt was more pathetic than she had expected, and she hadn't expected much from Riser's queen. This woman like her master was all bark and there was no real bite to what she could do. Many devils were like that in the current upcoming generation from what information was available Phina knew. It didn't make it any less sad and annoying though, the fact being proven just emphasized the point. So, going against one that could literally take on armies was more an exercise in futility.

With that in mind, to not let this stretch out longer than it had to be, Phina rushed forward letting her phoenix flames cover her hands and forearms. Yubelluna had been lobbing spells at her, yet then her staff was smacked out of her hand. The next thing Yubelluna knew Phina had appeared right in front of her and grabbed her face with a hand. The hold that Yubelluna found herself in was firm as a vise and she couldn't escape it. That the woman hadn't been affected or even slowed down by her spells didn't bode well for Yubelluna. The strength she was feeling was beyond ridiculous and it terrified Yubelluna.

As a near-last resort to get free, Yubelluna charged a bomb spell and then shoved it against her attacker and had it go off. Phina felt the spell rip at her skin that was between her breastplate and her hip guards. Some blood sprayed out but not in an amount to be concerned with due to Phina's regeneration. The sight of some blood flying gave a moment of hope to Yubelluna, but the next moment that feeling vanished. She caught sight of the area her bomb spell had hit regenerating at an insane rate, returning to its former state though the clothes that had been there didn't reappear. Even Riser's regeneration wasn't as fast as what Yubelluna had just seen. "As you just witnessed," Phina remarked, "Your master isn't the only one that can regenerate from injury. But his is a joke compared to mine, just as his clan's name is a mockery to my race which his ancestors joined in the hunting of us."

Yubelluna's eyes widened as she processed what Phina said as it identified what she was for if true, she had no chance at winning. If this woman was really a phoenix, the regeneration would make sense as theirs was supposed to be unequaled. And the creatures were essentially immune to fire as they were firebirds themselves. However, phoenixes were supposed to be extinct, they hadn't been one seen in centuries. There had been searches for them in the name of preserving them, but in reality, it was to hunt them and acquire their tears and feathers. "That isn't possible, phoenixes are gone, they were all hunted down long ago," Yubelluna whispered in a panic.

Phina squeezed a bit with the hold that she had Yubelluna in, not liking the reminder of what had been done to her species. The hunting of her race had gone on for close to a millennium, it had been akin to a slow death for her race. So many had died who had not needed to and had plans they hadn't been able to live. Her own family had been made up originally her parents, her brother, her sister, and her grandparents. Phina's grandfather, one of the most ancient phoenixes had been killed first defending them and providing time for his family to escape. Each member of Phina's family had been hunted over time, the worst had been just before she'd met Chris. In that instance, it had been her mother and siblings who had been killed, and only Phina's human form had allowed her to slip away. So, to be reminded of what she'd lost was infuriating, "Phoenixes aren't gone, I am one of the few that still exist even after devils and others tried to wipe all out and steal from us," Phina stated flatly, "And you are done."

Phina allowed the flames within herself to come out and engulf her and Yubelluna to burn this devil. The flames were more intense than any that Yubelluna had felt, even Riser's hellfire couldn't compare to the blistering flames. She felt what she believe was rage and pain as a part of the flames which made her wonder for a second. The flames were more than she could stand for long and she could tell that from just a moment of exposure. She attempted to retrieve the Phenex tear she had in hopes of it giving her enough time and energy to break the hold she was in. But as she got the vial out and opened it, the liquid evaporated from the intense flames and the bottle vanished from her hand. And half a minute later, Yubelluna found herself engulfed by light and she knew that she had lost.

Riser, queen retired

Phina let her flames dissipate before she slowly lowered to the ground taking deep breaths to dismiss the memories of her family to the back of her mind. Chris had been watching the fight from the shadows. He didn't doubt Phina's ability or skill he knew she was more than able to fight when called upon. But he felt sorrow for her as by the conversation he'd heard, she would have been reminded of the loss of her family. Chris had met Phina's grandfather once, the ancient phoenix had been wiser than most he'd encountered. Several lessons had been learned and questions answered from Phina's grandfather, the world had lost a wealth of knowledge with his death.

Chris hadn't met the others of Phina's family, but with how she had cried when they had found the bodies of her mother and siblings, Chris knew she had loved them. He of all individuals could sympathize with those that had experienced the loss of those you cared about, he'd felt it several times. Then Phina was his friend, Chris didn't like to see her in pain or a sad mood, it didn't fit her in his opinion. So Chris walked forward into the light, "Nicely done Phina, I'm impressed with how you handled that one," Chris said.

Phina turned and smiled at her friend, appreciating the compliment as Chris didn't give genuine ones out often. Chris had apologized in advance before this contest to her, Ayano, and Alternes. He had said he was genuinely sorry to ask them to use their skills and abilities beyond a menial task. They had understood his reasons for asking for their participation, and it was sensible. Even so, his apology had been a show that he cared for what they felt in this and acknowledged he knew this was a real waste of all their time. "We both know none of our opponents can stand against any of us in this," she replied. "But thank you for the compliment, it is very nice of you to give."

Chris came up to Phina and brought her into an embrace truly grateful for his friend, "I'll give you as many compliments as you want Phina, you need only say you want to hear them, I've got plenty," Chris said. "If you want to talk about your family to help get past being forced to recall their loss, I'm more than willing to listen later tonight."

Phina leaned into Chris a bit as she did like the gestures of affection that he showed to her. She knew he would never show what he did for Aria to her, and Phina was fine with that as she knew Chris cared about her a great deal. His offer to talk about her family was a sign that he wanted to be there for her when she needed it. The experiences they'd had over the years had strengthened their friendship beyond what most were. And it made her glad her grandfather and father had told her stories about the dragon Shadus when she was but a chick. Phina let out a soft laugh, "The flattery is nice, more so since I know you mean what you say, but we have a fight to win and a deal to seal I believe. I think about taking you up on your offer after we finish up, thank you."

Chris nuzzled Phina's cheek knowing she was quite right about a deal to finish. He loved Phina, not in the romantic way he did Aria, but he loved her as his best friend which she was. Chris had welcomed her into his family and never regretted that decision even once. It had been a surprise to learn that Phina was the grandchild of the ancient phoenix he had met, but Chris had taken that in stride. "Right you are Phina, there is a deal to seal and we are doing so at a respectable pace if my ears aren't deceiving me. By what the announcements have said, Ayano and Alternes are working on making the path and dealing with the fool's foot-soldiers nicely," Chris replied. "Most importantly, I haven't made the chicken learn his lesson of being careful of who he picks a fight with. It's about time that the biblical factions be reminded that they aren't at the very top of the power scale as some of them are convinced of, and this fight should display that."

Riser, one knight, one rook retired

Phina chuckled a bit at hearing that since Ayano and Alternes were likely working together now. Apart they were formidable, but working as a team they were close to unstoppable by what Phina had seen. Their friends were incredible and it made her wonder once again how Chris's father had created them. The man had been a genius, and he could make the impossible possible, he'd proven that. But Phina couldn't help herself, but question how he had created the two as it had to involve things he hadn't said anything about. "Sounds like Alternes and Ayano are wrapping up," Phina remarked. "And by what I figure, there are just the two bishops and three pawns other than Riser Phenex himself."

Riser, three pawns retired

Chris laughed at the announcement as it was going along like clockwork and though he expected that of his two friends, it was still amusing to see their work. He had his guess on how his father created the two. He didn't mention it to others since Chris didn't want others to think his father did something horrible to make Ayano and Alternes. Chris suspected his father had somehow gotten ahold of two souls, one an angel and one a devil. How his father had done that, Chris didn't know and wouldn't ask as he knew his father was an honorable man. Chris assumed the two souls had belonged to friends of some sort, beyond that Chris couldn't say. "And there went the remaining pawns," he snickered then gestured with an are ahead. "Shall we go? Don't doubt that Alternes and Ayano will be done shortly and then I can finish up the chicken. We can be home in time to get the kids tucked into bed and maybe even tell them a story. It would be a nice way to finish the night if you ask me."

Chris and Phina walked forward towards the Student Council room's location which was across the campus. Along the way, Chris made slight detours to have fun destroying some rooms like the classroom he had to attend most days. It was great stress relief without causing serious damage that he would then be blamed for and then normally end out cleaning up. Should Sitri be watching, she wouldn't appreciate what Chris was doing, but he didn't care what she or any others thought of him. He was a dragon and he chose how he was, others would accept that or stay out of his way. And as he expected Sona did notice he was needlessly destroying parts of the school which she didn't appreciate. Granted, as he was a dragon she couldn't do anything about his actions. She was glad at least he wasn't destroying the actual school grounds, that would be a chore to clean up she was fine not doing.

When Chris and Phina came into the hallway that would lead to the courtyard in front of the Student Council room, they found that Ayano and Alternes waiting for them. Both looked clean and showed no evidence of having fought recently. Chris smiled at his two friends, "Ayano, Alternes, we've been hearing the announcements of the efficient work you've been doing," he greeted, "very pleasing to hear I assure you."

Alternes and Ayano bowed, "It was nothing," Ayano stated. "And watching you finish the foolish chicken off will make this worth it to an extent," Alternes added.

Phina giggled at the truth of what her friends were saying, and Chris joined her. "Well then," Chris said, "It is time for me to get to whipping a turkey."

The four continued forward towards the enemy base to finish the fight that had been started by Riser. Unacknowledged by them, Ravel was watching from a distance, and she was worried about her brother. All his peerage other than her and the other bishop had been taken down by two of their enemies in this game and they hadn't taken any damage. The other bishop had gone and hid from their opponents out of fear. His most powerful piece was defeated by the third individual that came with the challenger. And the said challenger hadn't fought at all yet, but if the other three were a bar to judge by, her brother would be in for a fight he probably wouldn't win. It left Ravel to contemplate just who and what her brother had picked a fight with because they couldn't be normal at all even by non-human standards.

Chris and his group came into the courtyard looking to have not a care in the world as they strode up. However, Chris put up a hand to stop his companions at a fourth of the way across the open area. He continued forward and came to a halt at the center, "Hey chicken, come out, come out, your slaves have failed to slow my companions down," Chris called out, "And I do have other plans tonight, so I want to finish this up soon and move on to them." A moment after Chris had spoken, there was an explosion which was the doors to the Student Council building being blasted off their hinges. Phina, Ayano, and Alternes positioned themselves behind Chris. Phina stood a short distance away from where Chris was straight behind him. Ayano was to Chris's right while Alternes was to his left all three standing and looking forward to watching the looming fight.

Riser stormed out of the Student Council building flames coming off of him at random, showing his fury. This rating game was supposed to be easy, nothing to sweat over, but all of his peerage had failed to deal with this poser that had challenged him. He wouldn't be denied what was rightfully his just because some guy was getting lucky. Rias Gremory would be his and he would enjoy making her his plaything along with her peerage. Riser wouldn't accept defeat from any, he couldn't be beaten by anyone and that was fact, he was a Phenex after all. So, Riser growled at Chris, "Riser will not lose to a nobody like you," he snarled.

Chris smirked at the whining coming from this devil since it was an empty claim and Chris would leave no doubt about that by the end of this. In fact, Chris chuckled a bit, "Funny you should say that I've heard similar claims from others that have challenged me and none of them have been able to back it up yet," he replied. Chris had lost count of how many had said something like Riser had to him before they fought and lost to him. Being the "most powerful" dragon, there had been no shortage of challenges that came Chris's way. Ravel stared at the face-off that was set but couldn't help but wonder what the guy meant. Chris continued, "In truth, I can beat you and could have done the same with your peerage by myself and not even be warmed up properly afterward. That is the difference in power and skill kid between you and your girls compared to me."

This nobody was spouting lies, he wasn't stronger than Riser and he would be begging for mercy by the end of this. Riser didn't care what he had to do, or even if it was "against" the rules of the game, Riser would make him pay. Riser would stand victorious above this nobody and show that he was strong for other devils to see. So, he wouldn't accept the statement given to him as it was garbage, "You lie," he screeched. "You are nothing compared to Riser and Riser will make you eat your words!"

Chris began laughing at that since the evil dragon Grendel had said almost the same line to him. It had come from the foolish dragon's battle mania he couldn't control, nor did he resist when he should have. If it hadn't been for Grendel's "other" interest, then Chris would have sent him on his way and thought nothing of it. But his addiction to pain, both giving and receiving had been too much and the world was better without it. So, Chris had imprisoned the dragon, it was for his benefit and gave him a chance to change for the better. Did Chris believe Grendel would take the opportunity? Frankly, he didn't have much hope for Grendel improving so it was better the idiot stayed trapped where he was.

However, Chris's laughter gave one of the two devils very uncomfortable feelings, Ravel specifically. But once he stopped, Chris snapped his fingers casting magic to make those viewing this unable to view or hear what was about to go down. In essence, the "rating game" was now under his control rather than devils and the show they had been watching was over. That had been the plan from the beginning, showing Riser's slaves getting whipped proficiently to prove a point. What would happen to Riser wouldn't be up for viewing or judging by any that had been watching. The results would be the message sent and that was all there was to it. The kid would be disturbed by what he would experience, but that was a different matter. With things set up as intended, Chris's whole persona changed to being dark and he got down to business. "Your retort is amusing, the punk Grendel screeched almost the same thing when he challenged me," Chris shot back in a lower toned voice. "Of course, I whipped that idiot to his embarrassment and sealed him in an object chosen to be his prison to consider his behavior."

Ravel's mind was racing at the name Grendel and the only individual that came to her mind with that name was one of the evil dragons. Grendel had terrorized the world for a time, then suddenly disappeared. It was assumed that other dragons likely had "taken care of" Grendel in some way. No one had looked into the event in detail, and no one really dared to ask a dragon if they knew what happened. Yet, that brought into question who was the one that her brother was fighting. If they truly had fought and beaten an evil dragon, then Ravel was scared to know who they were. Yet Riser snarled at Chris, "Just who do you think you are challenging Riser?!"

It was ironic that this devil hadn't asked the specific question of who Chris was before now. Not that Chris would have given a straight answer to such a question if he'd been asked before. He rarely acknowledged the titles that others used to refer to him, Chris didn't like the vast majority of them. But in this instance, Chris would state that he was the feared Shadow Dragon for a couple of reasons. None outside of this would believe Riser if the guy claimed he had fought him other than Zechs and Grayfia. There were other reasons, but they didn't matter at this time, so Chris chuckled in response. "Why I surprised you didn't ask earlier," Chris returned. Then he bowed slightly, "I may go by the name Christopher Maxwell these days, but most that have faced me before now call me the Shadow Dragon."

Ravel froze at hearing the title of the most feared dragon history had ever known thus far. The stories Ravel had heard that involved the Shadow Dragon were terrifying to put it mildly. They were supposed to have slaughtered many just for crossing them regardless of which faction they belonged to. There were spotty stories that the biblical factions trying to seal the Shadow Dragon as they had the Two Heavenly Dragons. God had called a truce for the task of sealing the dragons, and he was insistent that the Shadow Dragon be "contained" like the other two. However, all three biblical factions had failed and paid a high price for the attempt. The angels had lost some of their Seraphs, while the Grigori had lost half their leadership back then. Devils hadn't gotten off without losses either, Two Satans had given their lives in the attempt along with many others.

The only reason the Shadow Dragon wasn't seen as an evil dragon was they didn't go on a rampage like the others supposedly did. Also, none wanted to admit that the Shadow Dragon was pretty much unstoppable by the biblical factions. Every encounter with the dragon went badly and ended with blood spilled by the finish. It was forbidden to hunt that dragon and any who tried were left to their fate. There had been some devils that had tried by what Ravel had heard, but none of them got help in their escapade. And as she looked at the guy, shadows seemed to be whipping around him which did add potential validity to his claim. Ravel couldn't help the scared whispers that escaped her, "You can't be them."

Chris twisted his head slowly to gaze at Ravel and his eyes glowing dully as he stared at her, "I am the one others call the Shadow Dragon." Ravel found herself unable to move and shaking with fear as the glowing gold eyes gazed at her as if they stared into her very soul. "The title was given to me by devils, fallen, and angels authored from the terror of what I can do to them which they've witnessed," Chris continued. "I am the dragon who that fool God ordered to be contained and sealed away. The old fool was even willing to make a truce with his enemies to make the attempt that failed utterly. The heavens tremble at what I'm capable of and their leader made sure they all refer to me as a merciless monster. Fallen Angels quake at what would come should they anger me, referring to me as the worst ancient terror that still walks this world. And devils shudder at the mention of me claiming I'm the spawn of the deepest and darkest abyssal that couldn't contain me."

Riser wouldn't believe a word this nobody said, he spread lies to make himself seem more than he was. The Shadow Dragon was nothing more than a story told to children to scare them into compliance. Such a monster didn't exist and if they did, then they vanished long ago and were kept alive in stories. The age of dragons had come and gone, they had declined into history and that was where they belonged. "That's garbage, such a being doesn't exist anymore," Riser shouted, "they are a character from stories told to children, and Riser will prove that here and now! As a firebird and Fenghuang! The hellfire of my clan that was praised as being that of a Phoenix, and I will have you taste it with your own body and turn it into ashes!"

Riser rushed forward and began throwing fireballs at Chris who didn't move from where he stood. The moment Chris's gaze was off her, Ravel sunk to her knees trembling uncontrollably with this guy saying he was the feared Shadow Dragon. it would explain much of what she had seen in this rating game. Powerful beings always attracted others that would follow them, and arguably the most powerful dragon wouldn't be an exception to that expectation. That would explain the ones she and the others had gone against being in another league that was beyond them. And that the dragon could appear human meant they could change their appearance, one wouldn't know it was them until it was too late. It could be the reason the dragon hadn't appeared in close to a millennium as far as Ravel knew.

Riser's fireballs struck Chris but disbursed an instant later and Chris was unharmed. He knew Riser would be weak in comparison to him, Simon's information had reinforced that point. But to say Riser's "strength" was more than pathetic was an understatement. The devil's regular attacks didn't even tickle let alone do enough to earn notice from Chris. So, he sniffed, "I've seen and felt Ddraig snuff out sparks more powerful that are warmer and would put me to sleep better than yours chicken. Heck, every dragon I've come across can make more powerful attacks against me even the dragonets."

Riser kept attacking, screeching denials as he did, but Chris remained unmoved by anything Riser did. After two minutes, Chris began pacing forward towards Riser calmly yet with an expressionless face. The shadows and darkness flowing around him as he went seemed to get thicker but still unaffected by Riser's attacks. The shadows blocked or absorbed most of the attacks sent at Chris and even those that go through did nothing. Not that such stopped Riser attacking his opponent, he just kept up his efforts.

Once Chris got within spitting distance of Riser, he waited for the chicken to make a strike so that he could get this going in the direction he wanted. Chris was in complete control of this and he would have it go the way he wanted regardless of whatever anyone else desired. He didn't have to wait long, a moment later Riser appeared and threw a punch at Chris. Nevertheless, Chris caught the fist and jerked on the arm and it was ripped off from Riser's body. Riser backed up a bit realizing his arm had been ripped off with blood flowing out of the stump. He looked to the arm which Chris was still holding, then it appeared to be crushed with blood spraying in a flood from it by shadows going around it. The first trickles of fear came to Riser at seeing how simple it had looked for his arm to be destroyed. "What's wrong Chicken," Chris posed, "you can just regenerate another arm in place of the one I ripped off can't you?" Chris smirked a bit as he continued, "So, you should be able to afford to lose one without much of an issue, no?"

Riser had his arm regenerate, still seething with fury at his opponent not cowering like the rest before him. He wouldn't believe what had been said, the Shadow Dragon was a mythical creature created to scare children and nothing more. So, Riser sent a flurry of strikes at Chris who stopped them with his hands with seemingly the greatest of ease. That his enemy was making this appear easy for them was only added to Risers growing fury. And the calm to expressionless face that his opponent didn't help at all either.

Chris had been quickly disappointed that the devil he was fighting wasn't losing it yet, but anger was a rare response to finding out who Chris was. The attacks being sent against him were less than pathetic and wouldn't harm him even if he didn't block the punches. Chris knew that this wasn't what all devils had to offer, but this was the "average" expectation. Devils that know how to fight and do so were rarer than the faction would ever state publicly. If not for the tears that Chris would get through this, then he wouldn't be wasting the time for this. So, after a minute, Chris decided to bring this fight to a close and get the needed lesson across. He moved forward and sent a palm into Riser's chest sending him back. The strike was not just to change the flow of this fight but also to take power from Riser.

Chris had used his power that was unique to him and was one of the reasons that he was seen as equal to Albion and Ddraig. The power of negation or to cancel out another's special power or magic was Chris's and his alone. Yes, there were some limitations to the idea, but they didn't tend to come up often. It wasn't the same as the power one of the Belial's had which Zechs had referred to as "Worthless". The ability as it had been described to Chris was similar to his negation power but was more limited and had more requirements to it working. Chris was confident that his negation would beat out Belial's Worthless any day of the week. In this case, Chris made it so Riser's regeneration ability wouldn't work until Chris himself allowed it.

The kid had boasted loudly of his clan's regeneration by what Simon reported and the ego Chris had seen enforced that point. Riser relied on his regeneration to carry him through difficulties instead of any skill or strength he could have. It was time to see what he did without that ability and see the real pansy he was when unable to hide behind his clan's capability. Most tended to become scared when they figured out that the powers they relied on wouldn't work as they had come to depend on. So, to get Riser's attention, Chris caught one of his fists and squeezed down hearing the cracking of some bones.

Riser ignored the pain of some of the finger bones breaking in his left hand, they would regenerate in a moment anyway. His regeneration was his strength, it had never failed him and it had always made sure he would outlast his opponents. So, Riser kept attacking while his opponent frustratingly did little to block, mocking Riser in a way that irritated him to no end. However, Ravel unlike her brother took notice that the injury he had taken to his left hand remained and didn't regenerate at all. That was more than odd and appeared to have started after his enemy made a single contact with him. There was the thought in Ravel's mind that perhaps somehow Riser's opponent disabled his regeneration, which should be impossible. Yet, if the one fighting Riser was truly the Shadow Dragon as he claimed, nothing was off the table of possibilities. They could supposedly overcome any that went against them and bring them low before too long.

After another minute, Chris and Riser came to face each other around ten feet away. Chris looked no different even with the shadows that swirled around him and then disappeared a moment later. Riser, on the other hand, was breathing a tad more heavily than he was at the start of the battle. Chris folded his arms, "You're foolishly stubborn kid, I'll give you that even when it won't help you," he stated flatly. "This fight is over, you're going to lose no matter how hard you fight. So, save yourself time and preserve what dignity you fool yourself into having and admit defeat. This will be the only chance I offer for you to do that in this fight, refuse and you will regret it."

It was insulting for his enemy to "offer" an easy out of this game, just as much as saying Riser had lost. Riser would not let this nobody win this, he would prove he was superior to all by beating this guy. He would never accept mercy from anyone when offered, he needed none of it from them. With that in mind, Riser snarled, "Riser will not be defeated by anyone," he exclaimed, "Riser is immortal!"

If Chris had some form of money for each time another claimed their power made them undefeatable, his "treasure horde" would fill the inside of Mount Everest if not more. Yes, Chris had a treasure horde, much like most dragons did, just had different things in it than what humans and the like would imagine. And his horde would still be bigger with how many times he had heard and seen "immortality" misused around him. The claim to immortality merely meant that the said individual would take longer to kill and occasionally would take unusual methods to do the job. Riser was not Crom Cruach nor Shiva, and yes, Chris had dealt with both of those two and hadn't liked doing it with either.

Where Grendel had been annoying as heck because the idiot had enjoyed being tortured in whatever way Chris had used, the dragon Crom Cruach had been different. That young dragon had also challenged Chris in the past, but he had been irritating in a completely different way. Crom had claimed the title of the Shadow Dragon sometime after God's sealing escapade and had been going around causing crap. Chris would admit begrudgingly that Crom had been the best pretender he'd seen, though it didn't help the idiot. The real difference between Crom and Grendel, Crom had enough sense to know when to run and save his own hide, Grendel hadn't. Crom had been keeping a low profile over the passing centuries which Chris had no qualms with, kept him out of his hair.

Then there had been Shiva and that guy had been one of the more tiresome troublemakers Chris had encountered. Unlike most Shiva didn't go searching for a fight he could get into or win and then show off in. The guy was the Hindu god of destruction for a reason, he knew how to dish it out and how to respect it. The few fights Chris had with Shiva had been interesting, yet Chris had won them if for the reason Shiva would say he was "done". If that were the end of it, Chris wouldn't have such an issue with Shiva, but no, he popped in every once and a while which Chris didn't like.

Back to the point, Riser wasn't a "monster" in any way so claiming immortality was a joke really. So, Chris snorted, "Immortality is such an overly misused and misunderstood idea," he said waving a hand. "I've dealt with and even killed several immortals in the past, so your claim doesn't mean a thing to me. You aren't near the level that any of the ones I've dealt with were around, and won't be any time soon." Riser snarled again as Chris continued, "Besides, apparently you haven't noticed, but your left hand hasn't healed or regenerated, perhaps you should take a look."

Riser glanced down not believing his enemy as this was probably a tactic to trick him into letting down his guard. Yet, Riser was forced to pause as he saw his hand was indeed still injured and there was no sign of regeneration. However, that didn't make any sense, regardless of the attack, Riser's regeneration should work. But Riser didn't have much time to think about this as Chris spoke again, "How does it feel to have the power you depend upon the most not work for you?"

Riser's head snapped up, "You lie," he shouted, "Nothing can do that!"

It was amusing that the kid denied what was right in front of him, but many did that with what they couldn't explain. So, Chris shrugged, "Then explain why your injured hand is not healing with your powerful regeneration," he posed in a slightly condescending tone. Then Chris smirked menacingly, "I assure you it is as I say, your power of regeneration will not work until I choose to allow it." Riser was silent as he couldn't think of any reason that his regeneration to not work like it was right now. "This is one of the reasons why I'm so dangerous, I can negate or cancel another's ability or special power." Chris let out a laugh, "It's amazing how many become weak and scared little pansies when the power they boast about and depend so much upon is made unusable. God's cursing was especially hysterical when his soldiers were weakened by me."

It was the truth since Chris had seen the idea many times before now unfortunately and annoying those times tended to be in the beginning. Those that would hunt him or try and kill him would come on boasting of their power and abilities they would use to defeat him. Yet, after Chris nullified the said powers, they would fold, and Chris would toy with them before sending them on their way or killing them. Honestly, humans were more collected and calmer when fighting those stronger than them than those from the non-human world. Humans normally had enough dignity to admit when they were outmatched even if they still fought on. Riser was proving that devils were idiots and wouldn't admit the truth even to save their own skins. The last one who had admitted the point was Crom and he had cursed it before slinking away from Chris. Shiva had been the only one to laugh at the prospect and said he was impressed with Chris's ability.

Riser wouldn't accept any calling him weak in any way, shape, or form regardless of who they were. So, Riser ground his teeth, enraged at being called weak by another, "Riser is not weak," he growled.

"Really," Chris posed, then grinned with a bit of battle lust, "Then prove it."

As the two were about to resume their fight, Ravel could only watch unable to move from where she was. The fear of the dragon below was still gripping her, and his aura was doing an amount of that as well. Ayano had noticed the girl as had Alternes, and honestly, Ayano didn't want the girl to be hurt by this. What was going to happen wouldn't be pretty and that was putting it mildly and all three of Chris's friends knew that. The girl didn't need to suffer for the choice of her king, so Ayano moved to be behind her to disable her.

Ravel felt the sword hilt hit the back of her neck, and she had just enough time to turn and see the silver-haired woman behind her before the world around her faded. Ayano caught Ravel before she fell to the ground and carried her back to where Phina was. Phina looked at the girl for a moment, and then returned her gaze to the fight. Ayano had done a kindness for the girl by knocking her out, she wouldn't have to see what was going to happen and it was better that way. Her brother was going to learn firsthand the price of going against a dragon was. And that Chris who was seen as one of the strongest and unfortunately the meanest dragon, just said the lesson would be drilled in well. That the girl hadn't been ejected from the fight showed that she was smarter than the others. So, it was better she does not witness what Chris would do as it would likely scar her for life.

Riser let out an angry cry before rushing forward at Chris, his right arm cocked back to strike the guy. Chris caught the hand with ease then shoved the arm upward which produced an audible crack of bone-breaking, to which Riser cried out in pain. Chris then moved to be in front of Riser and grabbed his opponent by the face and lifted him a bit. Shadows flowed around the two partly obscuring them though the three observers could still see them. Riser couldn't help but stare at Chris with how he held him as he hung off his feet, "Now you know what it is like to be weak like the majority are personally." Chris wanted this lesson to be delivered in such a way to never be forgotten, "Never forget this feeling Riser Phenex, may it haunt you and be a reminder forevermore."

Shadows began swirling around Chris and Riser, not doing anything to Chris but cutting the devil as they passed. The thin paper cut-like lines began appearing everywhere on Riser's body as the shadows zoomed around him. Riser struggled against the hold he was in, striking at Chris, but nothing he did had an effect. But he didn't give up, Riser would find a way through this and would make this poser suffer. "Riser will never give in," Riser growled, "Riser is superior to all."

Chris smirked showing his dragon fangs before he let out his wings, to show the kid that he was a dragon. "What your words tell me is you're a glutton for punishment, or a masochist, perhaps both." Chris shook Riser a bit but didn't loosen his hold, "And though I may be out of practice from earlier days, there is still no masochist or pain glutton that can survive what I can put them through. None have before and you won't be the first that does, Grendel has been the closest to date. And I won't let that stand as that would provide a mistakable impression with me and I won't have that."

Over the next five minutes, Riser underwent the most painful experience he had ever been through. The darkness or shadows had started just with shallow cuts but then shortly moved onto deeper injuries. And then at seemingly random, Chris would rip of a part of Riser's body, and he would do the job slowly. With Riser not able to regenerate any of his injuries, he was bleeding from each one he was given. Blood dripped and flowed out of Riser falling to the ground and pooling below him. Spatters would hit Chris occasionally, but he didn't react to the blood hitting him at all. All the while, Chris had a small smirk on his face, and yet his eyes were devoid of emotion making him look much like his mother.

Chris quickly became bored with torturing this devil by ripping him apart piece by piece. The activity at one time gave Chris some real kicks of satisfaction as horrible as that was seen by a number, it was the truth. It was why Chris had been and was seen as a merciless monster by many. But having lost many that he had cared about and those that were responsible thinking nothing of it, the activity was a way to get back at them. Aria had changed that mentality to being less amusing and Chris less inclined to resort to it. Her heart of gold was unlike any other that Chris had encountered in his lifetime.

Granted, demeaning the kid had been interesting at first as ripping down prideful individuals was always fun to Chris. But now the task was tiresome as it was losing the luster it had at first and had morphed into being tedious. However, there was one more point that Chris saw a need to get across to this blonde devil. So, Chris had the shadows ripping into Riser stop momentarily, "Listen and listen well Riser Phenex," Chris began. "You agreed to this fight, whether you knew it or not your opponent was a dragon. With that in mind, the outcome was obvious from the beginning and it was you would lose. You have been the one that has dragged this 'game' out to what it has been and to where it is now. Take this as a lesson to take care of who you make a deal with. To do such with a dragon or mess with one of us is a serious thing and if treated in any other way is a mistake you will be forced to regret."

Chris then released his hold on Riser's face and let him drop to the ground in a heap splashing into the pool of his own blood. And a moment later, Riser began struggling to his knees his blood staining his clothes and wetting his skin, still in pain but also furious at his enemy. This whole rating game Riser and his peerage had been toyed with and Riser wouldn't allow another to jerk him around. He didn't care if the guy was a dragon in reality or if he was just boasting about being one. Riser would do whatever it took to make this guy beg for mercy.

Chris had turned away from Riser as he was getting to his knees, but Chris was waiting to see what Riser would do. The guy's pride wouldn't let this guy be smart, Chris was sure of that and so he expected Riser to do something stupid. And he hadn't taken more than three steps before fire was coming Chris's way. Chris didn't move out of the way of the projectile, merely let it hit him and had draconic claws form on his left hand in place of fingertips. He assumed that Riser would move forward to strike directly and so prepared for that possibility.

Riser got to his feet, focused completely on getting his enemy, his mind demanding him to get as close as possible to killing his opponent no matter the cost. As Riser closed the distance, Chris spun around and readied himself to receive his opponent. With Chris not moving, Riser believed he would get him at close range with the most intense hell flame he could summon. Riser slammed into his enemy sending his flames at Chris but also felt a cold pain on his right side. Upon looking down, Riser found his opponent had a hand covered in blood going into his body.

Chris snapped his fingers which lifted his disruption of Riser's regeneration somewhat yet not completely. The devil's power would only save him from life-threatening injuries now, and nothing else. Chris wouldn't kill the devil, but he would punish him and make Riser Phenex understand that there was a price when you challenged or dared a dragon. Riser was gasping from breath and Chris threw him back to the ground. Chris watched as flames appeared around the hole that Chris made in Riser a moment ago and they slowly began healing the injury.

Riser's gasping died down as the hole was closed by his regeneration which had suddenly started working again. However, the regeneration only healed that wound and nothing else for reasons Riser couldn't explain. Looking forward, Riser saw Chris standing where he had been, yet his appearance had changed slightly. Chris was a foot taller and had pointy tapered ears along with his pupils becoming draconic slits. Curved horns were coming out of Chris's hair which was white while the horns were black and a foot and a half in length. His left hand looked less human other than the palm as his fingers had gained scales and claw/talons had formed after the second knuckle of each finger. And the talons on the left hand were now dripping Riser's own blood from them to the ground. His right hand looked much the same as the left, just didn't have blood running off it. Chris's face also changed somewhat, taking a more draconic look to it with his mouth and nose lengthening an amount.

It wasn't just Chris's physical appearance that had changed, his aura was visible now around him. It looked similar to the shadows whipping around him which he had before, but they were darker than the shadows. Chris was no longer smirking at Riser, he had an expressionless face as he gazed at the devil. None of that changed to the fact that Riser was still bound and determined to beat his enemy. "I admit, you are the first in a long while to see the appearance I used to have when I wasn't in a draconic form," Chris stated, "You can feel honor or just start quaking in fear, whichever you prefer."

Riser growled in response, "Riser doesn't fear you, for you cannot kill Riser as Riser's regeneration will prevent that. Riser will stand over you in triumph," he spat. "I will use my hell flames to burn your soul and turn you to ashes!"

Chris chuckled darkly as the devil before him still somehow believe they were in control when they were not in the slightest. "Your regeneration only works partially because I'm allowing it to heal life-threatening injuries, but nothing else." Chris paused, "Apparently, you've never heard of the idea of proving a point through punishment. Killing one's opponent has no sensible outcome, it is a waste of time when things are said and done. However, beating them to show an example to others, now there's a valid reason to take the time to teach something."

Riser was trying to figure out what his enemy was getting at and Chris saw the confused expression. The chicken hadn't figured out that this fight was not about him at all, "Did you seriously think this was ever about you chicken," Chris posed. Then after a moment, he shook his head and sighed, "I supposed that's ego-driven arrogance for you. Well, news flash kid, this fight was never about you," Chris stated, "You're merely the platform upon which a message will be delivered to others. That message is a reminder to back off and leave dragons be, or else there will be a price to pay." Chris began walking slowly towards Riser as he continued, "If it is needed, then the blood of fools that don't do such will flow like rivers until they run bone-dry."

Riser was forced to pause at that last sentence as it was quite the statement if one carried it out. It was essentially extermination of a group and in this instance, Riser somehow knew it was referring to devils. The devil faction hadn't faced such a thing since the great war against the other biblical factions. "Riser doesn't believe you," he shot back.

Chris snorted as he stopped a few feet away from Riser, "Funny, the two Satans that died trying to seal me said something similar to that before I ended them. Do you think that one who has faced the Lord of Heaven along with Fallen Angels and Devils has any issue with doing what they say? I slaughtered many when they tried to imprison me into one of God's cursed sacred gear, it was the price of their failure I made sure they faced." Chris raised his hands, talons ready to use, "And I assure you, the pain you're going to be in will have you begging for this to stop. But the decision of when this ends is mine now and mine alone, no one else can change that to save you from what I'll do to you."

Meanwhile, those that had been watching the rating game were asking questions about what was happening. The view of the game had suddenly just stopped for no apparent reason and none could explain it. Sirzechs and Grayfia were worried as they suspected that Chris had done something to change the rating game. It wouldn't be surprising if he had a way to take control and if he had that would spell problems. If that was the case and it was likely, the game was over and he now made the rules it would work by period. There had been the chance that such could happen, Chris's powers were capable of the idea, but they had hoped it wouldn't go that far. However, it had occurred as the fight between Riser and Chris was just getting started which didn't bode well for the Young Phenex.

The progression of the game had all but Zechs and Grayfia in varying states of shock. Riser's peerage had been slaughtered in truth and Chris had taken no losses at all nor had he done any of the work to disable Riser's peerage himself. The task had been done so quickly and efficiently that it was frightening and unheard of in rating games. Questions were being asked about Riser's opponent by those from the Phenex clan, but none were answered. But now nothing was coming in from the arena, so none had any idea what was going on, and the longer that such went on the more worrisome things became.

Rias had been getting very hopeful as she had watched along with worried about what she had been seeing. She wasn't the only one that had been concerned to see the friends of Chris whip Riser's peerage as they did. Yes, she had suspected that those around Chris were strong, but not like she had been seeing. Even the best kings in the rating games would have difficulty against those Riser was fighting, that was made clear. And her brother saying she would get out of the engagement now made complete sense. Yet now, she was waiting to see what was going on since the feed had gone dark and the tension was mounting. Riser was still in the game as he hadn't retired yet, so the game was still on until that changed.

Grayfia was doing what she could to get the feed to the arena back, but nothing she did change how things stood. It made her surer that Chris was blocking whatever he was doing on the field of the rating game. She couldn't even reach the area in the Dimensional Gap the game was taking place in. Her only guess as to why he was doing it was he was saying or doing things to Riser that would show him as the Shadow Dragon. He didn't often identify himself by the title as he wasn't the fondest of what the biblical factions called him. If it was words Chris was saying, then there would be less chance of issues in the long run. However, if it was actions, then Grayfia wasn't sure she would want to see what Riser would look like afterward. But she was also left to wonder how Chris could have the power of the gap, there had been no hint of such before. The minutes ticked by and it felt much longer than the time it was for those waiting.

"Done," Chris announced and Grayfia spun to her left to see the said individual appearing out of the shadows. "Well, that was dull and a waste of time and effort, but that is to be expected from the beginning of this." Grayfia was having difficulty using her voice by what Chris was seeing which was fine, he wouldn't hold it against her. There was business to get to, so Chris continued, "Ayano, would you set the girl on the sofa, I doubt Gremory will mind and I couldn't care less if she did anyway." Ayano did as Chris asked just as she appeared along with Alternes and Phina. Ayano walked over to the sofa and placed Ravel gently down as the girl had been shaken enough. Chris focused back on Grayfia, "Oh yeah," he snapped his fingers as he pointed them forward which had Riser appear out of the shadows and roll a short distance on the floor. "Here's the idiot that challenged me, tell the redhead that she can send me the bill for the carpet cleaning to get the stains out he's making."

Grayfia could only stare in horror at Riser as he was not in a good state at all. The young devil had cuts and gashes all over his body and those were bleeding slowly. Riser was breathing, but clearly, he wasn't awake from whatever beating Chris had put him through. It more looked like Chris had shredded Riser to a degree which was quite possible. There were also clear signs that many bones had been broken and some looked to be shattered. To say that Riser was a mess was an understatement and Grayfia knew that his family would not like the condition he was in. Also, Riser's power of regeneration wasn't doing anything from what Grayfia could tell, which Chris would be responsible for.

Chris walked past Riser towards the door, "While he may be more flexible due to the bones I've broken and shattered in him while teaching a lesson, he's alive. You can inform those who would care that the idiot's regeneration will be restored when I receive the agreed-upon prize as I beat him." Chris paused and made sure he had Grayfia's attention, "That prize is to be fifty undiluted Phenex tears, no more no less. They are to be readied within the next ten days or less which should be enough time by my calculations. If there is a genuine issue with the shortness of the deadline, I'm willing to negotiate the timing, however, that doesn't include stalling or refusal of the production and delivery." Chris took a breath, "The Phenex clan can contact you or Zechs when they are ready to discuss where the exchange can take place."

If this wasn't a serious thing to Chris, he would leave it at that and say nothing more as Grayfia would understand. However, Aria's health was on the line in this and so this was not to be joked around with. He would make sure it was clear what would happen should the Phenex clan try to worm their way out of the deal. "The deal made with me is not a joke even if the idiotic kid viewed it that way. And I wouldn't normally care about such so much, but this deal was one I made with good reason Grayfia, make sure Zechs understands that." Grayfia swallowed with the last line as it said Chris needed the tears for something specific and he wasn't willing to look the other way and let things slide as he would sometimes. Chris continued, "I doubt I need to elaborate what will occur should the tears not be readied and delivered in a timely manner Grayfia. You can even tell the Phenex Clan about what I'll do to them for all I care, it can serve as motivation for them to keep up their side of the deal made. Should they attempt to worm out of this for whatever excuse they give to justify, they will pay for it in blood Grayfia," Chris stopped for a moment, "How much will be up to them."

Chris turned to the left and walked into the shadows and disappeared along with the three that had been with him following. Grayfia looked to the sofa and saw Ravel laying there and she appeared unharmed, unlike her brother. Grayfia sighed a moment later at the situation she had on her hands now. Chris had won, which her king and she knew he would, but Riser had obviously resisted and had paid for that. If that was everything, this would be a chore to explain but nothing she couldn't handle even if it would be tedious. However, now Riser's family would be put in the position to deliver fifty undiluted Phenex tears to the dragon. That would normally cost a high amount to produce those and more so in the stated amount. Nonetheless, should they not produce and deliver them, the clan would be decimated at a bare minimum by the Shadow Dragon when he came to claim what he had won. It made her wonder what Chris needed the tears for that he would be willing to exterminate a clan to get them if he needed to.

A/n

Okay, so you readers may have noticed I've split chapters from what they were before with this rewrite, and it was to make them more manageable. For this chapter it was the rating game of course, and I did change some of the details of how the rating game went. Both Ayano and Alternes whip their groups but in more detailed ways than before as you saw. I wanted to give the picture that Ayano tends to be more merciful to those she fights in the form of dispatching her opponents worrying she couldn't do more. Opposite that, Alternes took out his group without mercy and he feels it is not needed to be shown. I would point out that it gives a view into their personalities as well as hints to what could be a part of their creations. In conclusion, please some of you write a review and tell me what you think of my writing. Also there is a new chapter in my Gundam story, go and check that out if you like another good story!