Despite the fact that his arms felt like they were about to collapse under their own weight, and the ever present threat of experiencing another sadistic blow to his favorite body part should he fail to meet his trainer's expectations, Issei nevertheless felt a strange sense of pride as he continued to endure Koneko's training regime.
Yes it was demeaning, and had at one point driven him to tears, but the perverted Devil could not deny the benefits that this type of exercise rendered on his body.
He could run longer, move faster, and lift heavier loads than what he had been able to do when he had been a simple human.
And to make matters better, the overall supervisor of his training regime, which switched depending on the time of day between the two most attractive girls of Kuoh Academy, he had been given the proper motivation to continue.
For while Rias and Akeno had lightly chided his black haired rival for his less than kind opinion regarding his dream to become a harem king, they had nevertheless agreed that his current physical abilities would ensure he couldn't satisfy the appetites of those lucky females who would one day sate his lusts.
Which was why he continued to will himself to endure each hardship that Koneko put him through in order to toughen up his body.
Though truth be told he wished that the petite white haired girl would act a bit nicer to him.
"That's enough push ups Perv. Now put on these weights and get running. If you haven't completed 10 laps in 5 minutes, I might just ask your fellow trainee if I can borrow his dog".
Whimpering in what he felt was justified fear, for in the 3 days since he had been bound to Dante the Hellhound went from the size of a puppy to that of an adult German Shepard, with the same type of personality one would expect from a police dog, Issei hurried to obey Koneko's order before she decided to add any further incentive.
Something that had been an annoying habit of hers ever since they got back from the Familiar Forest.
He didn't know why she was so angry.
All he did was mention that her chest size was slightly underdeveloped for a girl her age. Though he had to concede that any girl might feel a little displeased with their cup size if their constantly around girls whose figures were supermodel quality or higher.
But while he appreciated girls with large oppai, he honestly had no problem with those that did not. Which he made a point to mention that every time Koneko shot him a look of disapproval every time she caught him staring at Rias's or Akeno's jiggling assets. Though that usually earned him either a rather vicious foot to the groin, or when Asia was within earshot a painful cheek pinch..
The things he had to put up with in order to remain true to his goal.
Pain for believing honesty was the best policy.
….
Knowing that the Perv would be preoccupied for the next little while, and trusting that the former nun would be ready to help him should her training methods prove to be too much for the lustful Devil, Koneko walked over to her blond haired comrade, who was watching the training of their other troublesome teammate.
"So, how's he doing"?
Turning towards the blank faced rook with a smile that was filled with carefully guarded optimism, Kiba struggled to find the right words to answer Koneko's question.
"Well…considering that Dante hasn't used his more developed abilities to try and skewer Akeno, and managed to remain more or less friendly during our sparing session, I think he's doing pretty well".
Smirking a little at this answer, for her own training session with her fellow rook had been less than friendly, the white haired Devil shook her head.
"Not what I meant. I mean is he showing any improvement in terms of ability"?
Nodding his head in apology, the blond haired knight moved to give his opinion regarding their shadow using teamate.
"I think so. His reaction time in our sparing sessions is improving, though it was already pretty good to begin with, and he still favors moves that take advantage of his increasing strength. So there's no need to worry on that front. From what I've seen of his training with Akeno however, that's a bit more complicated since her teaching method is a bit….different than mine".
Tilting her head as she considered the last part of Kiba's answer, Koneko easily deduced the problem with Dante's magic training.
"Let me guess, her teaching methods are something that would both arouse and terrify the Perv, but serve to only annoy the Thief".
Releasing an amused chuckle at the title Dante had earned after snatching another of Koneko's beloved candy without asking, the blond haired knight nevertheless nodded his head.
"Pretty much. I suspect that if Akeno satisfied herself with simply telling Dante what to do, and then forcing him to put it into practice through a trial by fire, he would be okay with it. But since she seems to be practising a more…hands on type of training, mixed in with Akeno being….well Akeno, the results have been less promising".
His words earning a contemplative hum from the younger Devil, Kiba's eyes briefly moved to the opposite field before posing a question of his own.
"Speaking of results, how's Issei doing with your training? I trust that despite his...interests, he is able to at least set them aside for the time being.
Earning a dismissive shrug, which was a far more positive sign that he had expected to get, the blond knight listened thoughtfully as Koneko answered his question.
"When the Perv actually manages to get his mind out of the gutter, he shows promise. Problem is, it's easier for him to go back to the gutter than it is to get him out of it. Though Blondie seems to at least help him suppress those particular desires".
Unsure if the white haired girl was being geniue or mocking with her praise, Kiba was prevented from commenting further thanks to unmistakable sound of Akeno's elemental magic booming across the field.
...
Doing his best to ignore the fact that he couldn't feel anything but a painful stinging sensation in his hands, Dante could only offer a glare as his buxom trainer criticized his latest attempt to learn some of the techniques she had been all to enthusiastic to share.
"Hmmmm. I think you put too much energy into that last attempt. Too little and you'll be lucky to get a spark, too much and...well, I don't think I have to remind you".
Unsure if he was more annoyed at his failure, or the amused expression that was currently adorned on Akeno's face as she lectured him on the finer points of summoning elemental magic, the black haired rook managed to keep his tone civil as he enquired after the proper method of utilizing her technique.
"And how does one tell the difference between too much and too little? Besides the obvious of course".
Earning a chuckle, Dante felt his eye twitch as the raven haired Devil proceeded to abandon what he liked to call lecture mode, and revert back to her usual flirtatious and teasing persona.
"Well, I'm afraid that in order for me to teach you, I'd have to employ some methods that you have already found to be...distasteful. I promise I won't do anything untoward as I help you adopt the...appropriate position. And if I did, you have my sincerest assurance that it wouldn't be anything you couldn't handle".
Smiling at the less than pleased expression of the black haired rook, Akeno's expression morphed into an amused smirk as she caught Dante's mutterings.
"Over my dead body".
Laughing at the younger Devil's reply, the raven haired hybrid raised her hands as she responded to Dante's comment.
"Oh I don't think we have to go that far. However, I'm afraid that means that for the next little while, your going to be in a far amount of pain. Which could have be avoided if you had unbent a little, but I suppose its fine. I enjoy breaking in new toys. Especially ones that have yet to accept that they have no choice in the matter".
Smiling at Dante's less than pleased expression, Akeno watched in sadistic enjoyment as the younger Devil did his best to avoid her summoned attack before launching an attack of his own.
Expertly dodging the knife like projectiles, which she idly noticed would have caused some series harm if she had lacked the foresight to access her rarely used rook abilities, the sadistic Devil found herself offering commentary as she reflected on Dante's fighting style.
"A tad slow Dante, but otherwise your instincts are good. Defend, counterattack, defend. However, such tactics only work if your opponent's strength and stamina is less than your own. Which means that its only a matter of time before your unable to continue".
Launching another blast of lightening at the surprisingly agile rook, who managed to block the blast with a conjured shield of solid shadow, Akeno's expression gained a touch of confusion as she heard the smugness in Dante's reply.
"Then its a good thing that I intend to end this contest before I reach my limit".
Frowning as she tried to predict what her so called 'student' had up his sleeve, Akeno's eyes widened in surprise as she noticed that the entire area surrounding her was covered in shadow.
Leaping into the air, the raven haired Devil shot the male rook an impressed look as the area she had just vacated suddenly sported a small forest of sharp looking spikes.
"Hmmm. Nice try Dante. Though I confess that if you wanted to penetrate my body with something large and hard, you might have been better to ask".
Enjoying the irritated expression that had come over the violent boy's face, though she detected that it perhaps possessed just the tinest fraction of embarrassment, Akeno found herself frowning as Dante managed to recover his composure with a comment of his own.
"I had no intention of doing...THAT to you Akeno. However, I did manage to accomplish what I wanted to do".
Narrowing her eyes as she gracefully landed back on the ground, and adopting a stance that would allow her to immediately counter a more violent response from her fellow Devil, the raven haired beauty found herself releasing a gasp of surprise as Dante's words quickly became apparent to her.
After avoiding his initial trap, she had ensured that she kept a careful eye on the ground to ensure that she didn't get caught off guard. But while she had landed in an area that wasn't completely covered in shadow, either natural or caused by Dante's abilities, there was enough for his needs to create 3 rope like tendrils to force her to her knees.
And while she was more than capable of breaking out of her restraints, for knew that his shadow constructs were weaker during the day, Akeno felt no desire to rob Dante of his victory.
If only because she had been presented with further enjoyable ammunition in which to tease the shadow controlling rook.
"Mmmmm. I must admit I didn't see this coming Dante. I mean, Rias already told me about your talents in bondage play. But to use that sort of technique during training? I think our training sessions are going to be a lot more fun then I had originally antipcated".
Pouting in disappointment as her bonds quickly disappeared, though she quickly regained her amused expression as she witnessed Dante's look of mortified irritation, Akeno was unable to provide further comment thanks to the approving voice of their master.
"An excellent display you two. Though Akeno, I would prefer it if you didn't allow your...hobbies to get in the way of your teaching".
Smiling at a amused look Rias, the raven haired queen found some of her good mood vanishing as the crimson haired heiress turned her attention towards her black haired rook.
"And as for you Dante, do keep in mind that the point of these lessons is to teach you how to harness your Devil abilities. Though I must admit that your ingenuity when it comes to your shadow controlling is most impressive. So how about you take the rest of the day off to either help Issei with his training, or do whatever it is you do to relax? Akeno and I have some important matters to discuss, which I presume you don't wish to be apart of".
Receiving a single nod from the black haired Devil, though she noticed that there was more than a hint of appreciation in Dante's expression while doing so, Akeno waited until he was out of range before addressing her no longer smiling master.
"What's wrong Rias? I didn't expect to see you until just before I brought today's training session to a close. And judging by the haunted look in your eyes, I suspect that whatever it is you have to say, its nothing good".
Receiving a nod from the pure blooded Devil, the raven haired beauty immediately understood her best friend's predicament as soon as she uttered the words they had both dreaded to hear.
"My family has given in to the demands of the Phenexs".
...
"RAWF".
"NYAAH".
Pinching his forehead in frustration as he heard the less than pleased noises of his roommates, Dante shot the bickering duo a glare as he used his abilities to separate the two black furred animals.
"Ok that's enough. Growley, the Cat was here before you, so you'll have to put up with her during your...growth period. And Cat, the dog is my familiar, so don't antagonize him".
His words earning a whine from his red eyed familiar, as well as what sounded like a cough of derision from black furred feline, the black haired Devil waved away the restraining tendrils of shadow before returning his attention back towards one of his guilty pleasures.
With his plans placed on hold due to his status as a Devil, and finding little to no challenge with the majority of his now mandatory school work, Dante had decided to challenge himself by learning a skill that would have raised more than one amused eyebrow from those that knew him.
Though he suspected that if his perverted teammate and his more irritating comrades learned about his hobby, they would accuse him of purposefully increasing his ability to acquire more female attention.
But the truth was far different.
For his hobby allowed him a chance to practise not only his creativity, but also provided him with something to direct his focus on.
Unfortunately, just as he managed to put the finishing touches on his creation, the familiar sound of a activating teleportation circle filled his small apartment.
And as he used his body to block the organized mess that was his kitchen, Dante felt his eyes twitch as the light faded to reveal the less than cheerful visage of his crimson haired master.
"I thought you said I had the rest of the day off Rias".
Though annoyed at the sudden intrusion, the black haired Devil was not blind to the fact that Rias was currently sporting an expression that could only be labeled as desperate. Thus he managed to find it within himself to lessen his glare as the buxom heiress made him an offer.
"I need you to do something for me Dante. I realize that this is a lot to ask, but if you do it, I promise to grant you anything you ask for".
Surprised at her offer, for he knew from past experiences that one did not propose such a deal unless they were truly desperate, Dante managed to summon the necessary calm and patience that had ensured his success as a deal maker.
"As tempting as that is Rias, I would first like to ask what it is you intend me to do for you"?
Thinking that it had something to do with one of his teammates, if only because of the nature of his relationship with his fellow Devils, Dante soon sported a look of astonishment as Rias told him what she wanted him to do.
"I need you to sleep with me".
...
Normally, she would enjoy the chance of rendering her more argumentative servant speechless. But considering that she only had a limited window of time before this loophole was closed to her, Rias repeated her previous offer.
"In exchange for granting any desire you may have, I want you to sleep with me Dante. Do we have an agreement"?
Waiting for the black haired Devil to give his answer, Rias took a moment to consider her decision in choosing Dante for this rather desperate attempt to free herself from Riser.
She couldn't have asked her blond knight to do this for her. For his chivalry, while usually admirable, would prevent him from helping her in this regard.
Issei of course would have probably accepted the offer, but considering the strong emotional connection he shared with Asia, along with the initial hesitation that most inexperienced males had when presented with a chance to fulfil a fantasy, he would probably take too much time to accept her request.
And since time was against her, the only viable option left to her was a Devil that, while still somewhat still resentful with his new life, had nevertheless shown a talent for identifying when a deal was in his best interest.
It hurt her to give him the option of no longer being part of her peerage, but since she could ensure that he regained his happiness while ensuring her freedom, she would swallow that bitter pill and give him the opportunity to accomplish what he truly desired.
But to her amazement and annoyance, Dante proved to be more reluctant than she had originally thought he would be.
"May I ask what's the cause for this...offer? Since you'd probably approach Hyodou with this deal if you simply wanted to...relieve yourself, though I doubt he would have asked for anything in return, makes me wonder why you chose to come here".
Conceding the point with a nod, and seeing that she would have to offer a short explanation of her predicament before Dante gave his answer, the blue eyed heiress opened her mouth to answer.
Only to have the sudden growling of a young Hell Hound vibrate throughout the room.
Turning her head to stare at the black furred canine, and idly noting that another flash of black fur had darted into her servant's bedroom, Rias released a sigh as a familiar circle of light appeared on the floor.
Which in turn was quickly followed by the chastising tone of a woman she had no desire to see.
"I suspected that given your reluctance to accept this arrangement you would partake in some sort of ill advised venture. But I did not expect you to do something like this with a low born servant".
Glaring at the now revealed silver haired beauty that was her brother's wife, Rias was rendered momentarily speechless as Dante did something that made her fear for his life.
"I did not expect a maid to have such rude manners when she's trespassing in another person's home".
His words earning a small look of surprise from her usually composed sister in law, the crimson haired heiress released a sigh of relief as Grafyia accepted the rebuke.
"Apologises. It was not my intention to insult you Mr. Inumbro. However you'll have to pardon my lack of manners due to the seriousness of your master's situation".
Seeing that her black haired servant was on the verge of delivering another scathing retort, Rias decided to cut him by forcing Grafyia to focus her attention on her.
"And my situation shouldn't be any of your concern Grafyia. As the next head of the Gremory family, it falls to me to decide whether or not my actions will bring honor to the family name".
Her words earning a small frown from the older Devil, Rias was largely unsurprised at Grafyia's delaying tactics.
"Perhaps its best if we discuss this elsewhere. While I have no doubt that you will inform your servants of your circumstances, for the time being it would best if we limit who can partake in this conversation".
Though wearing a frown, Rias nevertheless nodded her head in acceptance.
"Very well. However I trust that you will have no issue in allowing Akeno to accompany us"?
"Not at all. For a high class Devil, it is more than acceptable to have their trusted queens by their side".
Giving another nod of gratitude, the red haired heiress turned towards her still somewhat irritated servant with a look of apology.
"I'm sorry about this Dante. But can you keep what happened here tonight between only the 3 of us? I promise all will be explained tomorrow. So I would appreciate it if you didn't do anything to make you late".
Though her words brought a small scowl to her rook's face, she was nevertheless pleased when she received a small nod of acknowledgement from her black haired servant.
But while she was pleased to have solved one minor issue, Rias nevertheless felt her mood darken as she realized that her chances of solving her more irritating problem would prove to be more difficult.
...
Though he was pleased beyond measure that he was about to finally obtain one of the greatest of prizes he had ever lusted after, there was one or two things that was marring his near perfect victory.
The frostily polite manners of his beloved Rias's queen was expected, though it was somewhat unnecessary since he had no intention of sampling her deliciously curved body until his wife had been made more agreeable to the demands of her husband. And while he relished the chances of having a emotionless loli in his bed, he knew full well that giving her the time to flesh out her petite form would be well worth the wait.
These things he had antipcated during the last few years of Rias's bachelorettehood, and thus it didn't overly concern him when his presence failed to illicit the type of reaction he had come to expect from his peerage.
But what he didn't expect, and what slightly ruined his good mood, was the attitude of the latest additions of his soon to be wife's peerage.
The young blond was certainly pleasing to the eyes, and he would certainty enjoy introducing the shy girl to the sorts of pleasures that only a Devil could imagine. And the Fallen Angel, while belonging to the same species of one of his race's chief opponents, nevertheless possessed a body that was more than sufficient for a Devil of his tastes.
But the two males? Their attitudes did much to annoy the third son of the Phenex clan.
Though he had to give credit to the black haired one.
For while his expression clearly broadcasted his displeasure at the news that his master would be wed, he nevertheless possessed the intelligence to keep his mouth shut.
Which was more than he could say about his brown haired comrade.
"What do you mean your arranged to be married? I thought the whole point in being a Devil was about the freedom to pursue your interests".
Frowning in disgust at the naivety of the idiot boy, Riser quickly sported a smirk as Grayfia spoke up in his defence.
"As the heir to one of the few remaining pure blood families, it is the responsibility of Lady Rias to maintain the strength of her house by marrying the member of another important clan. As the third son of the Phenex Clan, Lord Riser fulfils these requirements".
Pleased at support the 'Strongest Queen' was showing towards this arrangement, the blond haired Devil released an irritated sigh as his bride to be once again demonstrated her unwillingness to accept her fate.
"And I am willing to do what I can to honor my family name. But as the next leader of the Gremory Clan, the decision on who I should marry should rest with me. And I am fully prepared to defend my rights to do so".
Frowning as he picked himself off the club room's couch, Riser expressed his disappoint in his bride's decision.
"I think that you've spent to much time among humans and lowly Devils my dear. Their ideas have begun to affect you. I have always opposed the decision to let you breath the weak and unclean air of the human world, and your failure to accept your duty proves that I was correct".
Fighing the urge to smirk at Rias's less than pleased expression, the blond haired Devi found himself scowling as he was addressed by the previously silent member of the Gremory peerage.
"Does the concept of no not exist within your vocabulary? Or have the years of self entitlement made you blind and deaf to everything that fails to pay you the respect you feel you deserve"?
He didn't know which was worse.
The fact that this lowly Devil dared to speak to him like he was of no consequence.
Or the fact that Rias bore a grateful smile even as she moved to chide her servant for his disrespect.
"I appreciate the support Dante, really I do. But I can handle this without your...unique negotiating style".
At this, Riser could only scoff.
"You are too soft on your servants my dear. If any member of my peerage dared to speak against their betters, well lets just say that they would regret it".
His words causing yet another frown to mar the otherwise lovely face of the buxom red head, the third son of the Phenex clan felt his eye twitch in annoyance as Grafyia abandoned her previous role as a silent observer.
"Since it appears that you are still unprepared to accept the agreement of Lord Gremory and Lord Phenex, I believe it is time to reveal that they are willing to provide you a chance to prove that you are indeed capable of leading your clan without the aid of Lord Riser".
Though suspecting the nature of the lifeline that had been granted to his future wife, Riser was nevertheless still caught off guard as the strongest servant of the Underworld's strongest Devil revealed the terms.
"If you are able to defeat Riser Phenex in a rating game, which will take place 2 weeks from now, you will have won the right to determine whether or not the marriage will proceed as originally planned. If not, then I'm afraid that the arrangement will proceed as originally planned".
Fighting the urge to snarl at the silver haired maid, for he knew that his regenerative abilities were no match for the woman who bore the title 'Strongest Queen', the annoyed Devil nevertheless agreed with the terms.
"Fine. But it won't make any difference. Apart from your queen, none of your servants particularly noteworthy. And unlike you, my peerage is complete. Behold".
Snapping his fingers for a bit of dramatic flair, Riser's fought the very real urge to laugh as the fiery entrance of his peerage managed to render the newest and most annoying members of Rias's group speechless.
"Impressive no? Not only have I achieved a full peerage set, but these lovely ladies have already proven their skills time and time again".
Smirking as his mind wandered to the exploits of his team both on and off the battlefield, the blond Devil soon sported a confused frown as his bride's servant's proceeded to sob with envy.
"Master, why is that pathetic boy cry"?
Full heartedly agreeing with his cheongsam wearing rook's description, Riser was prevented from answering the kung fu enthusiast thanks to the somewhat disgusted tone of Rias's other less than respectful servant.
"Probably because he's happy that he now has proof that his dream can be reached. And jealous that he is still miles away from reaching it".
Though he could understand, and even appreciate the reason behind the brunette's sobbing, cause it was the prerogative of all high class Devils to give the lower castes something to aspire to, the third son of the Phenex Clan was rather confused by the black haired Devil's attitude.
But that didn't let it stop him for long.
"I see. Well, I suppose that its good that my bride's servants have some sense of ambition. Even if they lack the power to obtain even a fraction of what I have achieved. But not to worry. After the wedding, I will do my best to ensure that you can all become Devils worthy of the name".
Ignoring the grimaces from his bride and her buxom servant, as well as sigh from his beloved little sister, Riser found his eyes widening in astonishment as his boastful promise earned a dismissive laugh from the black eyed Devil.
"Forgive me if I'm wrong, but since your duty is mainly to sire the next generation, how does that translate into you having a say on how Rias treats us? I mean, I might slightly dislike the current state of my situation. But being her servant is infinitely more preferable than being the lackey of some self entitled womanizer".
Snarling at the openly defiant Devil, Riser was largely unsurprised at how Ravel sprang to his defence before he could offer what would have been a less enthusiastic retort.
"How dare you. My big brother has fought long and hard to achieve everything he has. And I will not stand here and listen to you insult him insult him".
Lightly chuckling at his sister's words, Riser felt his amusement vanishing all to quickly as the black haired Devil flashed the younger Phenex with a dismissive glare.
"Then if you can't bother to stand there and listen, I'm sure that we can find you a chair. But I suppose I can be convinced to end my…observations. For the right price of course".
For a brief moment, Riser's fear of displeasing the strongest queen was surpassed by the rage he felt at having this low class Devil treat his sister in such a fashion.
However, considering that his bride's most disrespectful servant seemed to lack the perversity of her brunette minion, he was able to keep himself from exploding as Ravel didn't outright reject the deal.
"Wha….what kind of price"?
Thinking that the black haired Devil would either ask to be exempt from the upcoming battle, or foolishing request for the marriage to be cancelled, the male Phenex was caught off guard by the request.
"One that its easy for your sleaze of a brother to afford. If I can hurt him without using any of the abilities I have gained since becoming a Devil, he will agree to give Rias an additional week to prepare for the upcoming match. If on the other hand my attack fails to affect him, I will share with him a piece of knowledge about his would be pride that I think he would be most interested to know".
Sparing a quick glance at the betrayed looking red head, which all but indicated that there was something she didn't want her future husband to know, Riser quickly gained an arrogant smirk as he nodded his head.
"I see no harm in it. Even if you manage to inflict any damage upon my person, which I doubt you'd be able to even if you still had access to the powers Rias has decided to bestow upon you, the regenerative abilities of the Phenex Clan will ensure that such damage is only temporary. So I accept your prop...".
BANG!
...
Though Riser's attitude towards his master, and the fact that he possessed what he aspired to have, had done much to sour his impression of the blond haired Devil, Issei couldn't help feel more than a touch of sympathy as Dante won their little bet.
For immortal healing ability or not, no man wished to suffer the indignity of being shot in the groin.
Ignoring the pain filled cries of the wounded Phenex, something that was somewhat hard to do as his high pitched shouting reminded everyone of where he had just been shot, the brunette Devil found himself nodding his head in agreement as Rias chided her black haired servant.
"DANTE! I thought I told you not to carry that thing around with you".
This of course only earned a slightly apologetic shrug from unapologetic looking Devil.
"Technically yes. But considering the...events of the previous evening, I thought it prudent to come more equipped than I usually am. Besides, if my little attack manages to be too much for him to recover from, you should be thanking me".
His words earning questioning glances from the Gremory Peerage, as well as hateful glares from those who weren't trying to console the rapidly healing Devil, Issei found himself voicing the question that was no doubt on everyone's mind.
"And how the hell does shooting the flaming turkey in the dick deserve a thank you"?
Though he should have been used to it by now, the perverted Devil nevertheless flinched as he received a look that clearly stated how much Dante valued his intelligence.
"Considering that the whole purpose of this arrangement is too create a new generation of pure blooded Devils, removing the tool that is essential to said generations creation seemed like the prudent move. A move that he agreed to before hand I might mention".
Seeing the logic in his teammate's reasoning, though he was still deathly afraid that he might one day suffer the same fate as the unfortunate Phenex, Issei was reminded that Dante was not the only person that he should be afraid of.
"Which is precisely why you will be suffering no consequences for your actions. However, let me make it perfectly plain that if he hadn't, and if Lord Risr didn't possess the ability to rapidly heal his wounds, you would be punished for trying to thwart the arrangement between the Gremory and Phenex Clans. Do I make myself clear"?
Grateful that he wasn't being subjected to the cold glare of the incredibly attractive maid, the brunette Devil did his best not to gape in disbelief as Dante managed to contain his usual snark.
"I understand. I trust that despite my chosen method of winning the bet, the terms of our agreement will still be upheld"?
Having forgotten the cause for Dante's violent demonstration, though judging by the looks that were being worn by the rest of the rooms occupants he knew he wasn't the only one, Issei almost missed the brief look of amusement that had passed over Grayfia's face before she changed it back to her composed mask.
"Since Lord Riser voiced his acceptance of your challenge, the request to extend Lady Rias's time to prepare by a week will be honored".
Pleased that he now had more time to be of use to the currently smiling heiress, though he was somewhat annoyed how it was being directed towards the slightly smiling Devil, Issei's attention was quickly pulled away from his buxom master thanks to the snarling voice of the currently flaming Devil.
"Even with your little extension, it still won't be enough. I have fought against more experienced oppoenents than your peerage Rias. And each of them have fallen to my power. So enjoy your last few weeks of freedom. Because once I ground your servants beneath my heel, especially that mouth brat of yours, you WILL marry me".
And with that, the peerage of Riser Phenex disappeared in a flash of blackening flame.
Leaving the perverted Devil with the unpleasant realization that he had 3 weeks of hell to look forward too before he was forced to fight an opponent whose temperament made Dante seem tame by comparison.
...
Annnnnnnd that's another chapter done XD. Pleased that this one didn't take as long as the last one to complete, and pleased to finally complete one of the confrintations that I had envisoned since first having the idea for this story.
Still unsure if the rating game itself will proceed as cannon (I.e. Rias defeat, then interrupted wedding) but I think at the pace that I write, I have a lot of time to figure this out XD.
For Rias's selection of Dante instead of Issei, it was mainly due to pragmatism. Since she knows that Dante is not really accepting of his position, she rationalizes that she can get him to do what she wants if she promises to release him from her service. Wil expand on his decision in the next chapter since I believe it will play a rather crucial step to not only making the RiasxDante Pairing happen, but also explain more about why Dante is the way he is.
Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Next one will cover the training session, which I always envisoned to be fun to write about XD.
Plz review, flamers not appreciated.
Til next time.