Yo guys. Thanks for all the reviews.
I originally intended for this chapter to include the rating game, but some shit came up and I won't be able to update for a few days.
So instead of keeping you guys waiting, I decided to post what I had so far.
Enjoy.
(Training day #6. Night. Ise POV)
I'm looking at the ceiling while lying down on my bed. A week has passed since we came to the mountains.
Tansa-sensei's training has been even more ridiculous than I had first anticipated.
Almost non-stop for the last 3 days he's been training me to near-death. Every time my body would give out he would simply heal me and we'd continue. I'd say I've broken every bone in my body at least 3 times over by now.
Sensei isn't the only one training me either. He created a training-dummy looking thing and brought it out of his pocket dimension. It just looked like a normal dummy but when he told me to put my gauntlet on it, I was shocked. It turned into a dragon! And not just any dragon! It turned into Ddraig! Apparently it acts as a means for a Sacred Gear spirit to manifest its body in the real world. Shortly after he appeared Ddraig turned into a human form. He's around 6 feet tall I'd say, with red hair darker than even Buchou's. He normally just wears the same sweat-pants and tank top shirt that Sensei wears, only red colored. His body is extremely well-toned as well... maybe after enough training I can look like that? Then all the girls would look at me and want to be in my harem!
Anyway...
The training with Tansa-sensei and Ddraig has been grueling, to say the least. They would alternate between themselves and fight with me. Ddraig's punches aren't held back in the slightest. The first punch he threw at me shattered my chest cavity, and ruptured most of my organs. Thankfully for me, Sensei's healing abilities are amazing. They are even better than Asia's! Sensei is about as merciful as Ddraig is too. His attacks are about on par with Ddraig's. They told me the training for now is simply fighting technique's, at least they aren't trying to kill me... yet.
I also managed to talk with Ddraig a bit more in the last few days. When I asked him how he knew Tansa-sensei he was reluctant to tell me, but after I begged him enough he told me. I was not prepared for what I heard...
Apparently sensei's name, his real name, is Tansa Satan. Yes, Satan, as in the demon king. Ddraig told me that Tansa-sensei is Satan-sama's brother! To say I was shocked would be the understatement of the century.
My sensei is Satan-sama's brother! The Demon King! I would have expected Satan to be a bit more... diabolical? Sensei seems way too nice to be Satan, yet he is. Well... his training is certainly diabolical.
I then got up from bed slowly, as my entire body is in pain, and went to the kitchen. As I was drinking a glass of water-
"Ara? Your awake?"
Buchou's voice came from the living room. I look over and see her sitting at the table.
"Ah, Buchou. Hello."
"Why are you so stiff? Good timing, let's talk for a bit."
The tealight makes a faint glow on top of the table. Devils can see at night, even if there are no lights. Thanks to that, we were able to train even at night. Then this candle is used probably for looks then.
I sit on the opposite side of the table, facing Buchou.
Buchou is wearing a red negligée. She's also wearing glasses and has her hair tied behind her head.
"Huh? Buchou, do you have bad eyesight?"
"Oh, this? It's just for looks. I can think more clearly while having my glasses on. Fufufu, this is the proof that I have been in the human's world for so long."
Buchou giggles. Even Buchou with glasses looks beautiful… More like, she also looks wonderful when she wears a negligée!
On the table there are loads of paper that looks like a map and battle formation. …Was she making a plan by herself at night?
Buchou closes the notebook with different strategies written on it.
"…To be honest, the only thing I will get by reading this is peace of mind."
She sighs.
"Why is that?"
"If the opponent is another High-class Devil, then we could fight by reading this. This book is written with lots of research. But that isn't the problem."
"? Then what's wrong?"
"Raiser himself. No, the biggest problem is that our opponent is the Phoenix."
Buchou takes out a book and points to the opened page. There's a picture of a Fire-bird with its wings spread open.
"A long time ago the mystical beast, Phoenix, was looked upon by humans as a bird that governs life. It was so looked upon that it left it legend in many countries in the human world where it's told that the tears of the Phoenix can heal any wounds, and the blood that flows within its body can give eternal youth to those that drink it."
But there was also another clan that is different from the mystical beast Phoenix. They are the Devils that had the rank of Marquis, and were counted as one of the "72 pillars". The "Phoenix" from the Devils' side.
"The humans named the Devils' Phoenix as "Phenex" to distinguish it from the mystical beast Phoenix, however the mystical beast Phoenix has the same ability as Raiser's clan. —In other words immortality. That's the opponent we must fight someone against."
"Immortal huh..."
"Yes. They are basically invincible. Even if you attack them, their wounds will heal right away. Their flames won't even leave a bone left. Eight wins and two losses. This is the record that Raiser has at the official "Rating Game". He fought ten times and won eight matches. He lost two of the match on purpose as kindness to one of the households he is close to. In reality he won all of his matches. He already became a candidate to obtain a title in the official game."
I see. So Buchou is trying to think of a way to beat this bastard.
"I felt something uneasy when I heard that Raiser was chosen as my fiancé. Yes, I think Otou-sama and the others chose him in case something like this was to happen. They chose Raiser so I will have no choice but to marry him. Even if it becomes a match between households, they knew that there was no way for me to win. In chess you would say they tricked me. A swindle."
No matter how strong Buchou is, her parents knew she couldn't beat someone who was immortal. That's unfair!
"When the Rating Game became popular, the ones who climbed up the most is the House of the Phoenix. There weren't that many battles among Devils until the game were introduced. In a game where the [King] also participates, the strength of Phoenix became clearer. The House of Phoenix is the leading group among the strongest class. —Immortal. Devils realised how terrifying this power was for the first time."
So even if we defeat his girl army, it doesn't mean a damn thing unless we beat him aswell.
Buchou giggles at my serious face.
"You know, it's not like we can't defeat Raiser?"
"I know that."
She then looks at me, not expecting for me to say that.
"Sensei told me the there's three ways to beat him."
"Three?! There's only two in this book... One is to beat him down with incredible power and the other one is to keep on taking him down until his mind crushes. The first method requires the strength of a God-class. The second one is to save our stamina until Raiser gets his mind crushed. Even if his body is immortal where he can resurrect his body many times, his mind isn't immortal. His mind will definitely tire down every time we defeat him. It's our win if we completely crush down the Phoenix's mind. Then he will stop resurrecting and he will fall. Well, the easiest way is to defeat him with a power that is on par with God that crushes him down with one strike which takes down both his body and mind."
"This is true, but there's also a third way."
"During my training with Sensei these last few days, I learned a few... things about sensei. I don't think he'd be to happy if I told his secret, but that's another matter. But the third method requires something only Sensei has, and that thing... he has given to me."
She then goes wide-eyed.
"I'm not going to tell you the third method, as it is meant to be a surprise for the game, according to Sensei. But Buchou..."
"Yes?"
"I promise... no I swear, that I will defeat Raiser. With this third method, there is absolutely no way he can beat us! I will definitely help you get your freedom!"
"Ufufu, alright fine keep your secrets, my cute Issei." I blush bright red. She called me cute...
"And I will hold you to that promise, okay?"
"Yes Buchou!"
Oh yeah, I think I'll ask her the question that has been bothering this whole time.
"Buchou."
"What is it?"
"Why do you hate Raiser…no, more like, why are you against this marriage?"
She sighs. Raiser is most definitely scum and a womaniser, but she can't exactly reject the marriage if you think about he house problem.
"…I'm a "Gremory"."
"Huh? W-Well, you certainly are…"
"No. I didn't re-introduce myself. I'm a Devil from the House of Gremory, and that name will follow me to wherever I go."
Oh.
"Do you hate it?"
"I feel proud of it. However, this is also something that is a burden to me. Everyone looks at me as Rias from the Gremory. I can't have them look at me simply as Rias. That's why I'm enjoying my life in the human world. They don't know about the Gremory the Devil. Everyone looks at me as who I am. I really like that feeling. I never felt something like this in the Devils' society, and I never will now on as well. The only time I can enjoy my life as myself is when I'm in the human world."
She looks distant now. Her eyes screaming sadness.
"I want to be with someone who will love me as Rias without the fact that I'm a Gremory. That's my small dream I have… Unfortunately, Raiser only looks at me as Rias from the Gremory. And he loves me as Rias from the Gremory. That's why I hate it. But still, the pride of being a Gremory is very important. My feelings may be complicated, but I want to cherish this small dream I have."
So Buchou wants to be loved as "Rias" and not as "Rias Gremory" from the opposite sex… That's what you call a maiden's feelings huh.
"I like Buchou as Buchou."
I just said what I thought. But Buchou stares at me in wonder.
"I don't know anything about Gremory or about the Devils' world, but to me Rias-buchou is Rias-buchou… Nggh, I don't understand all the complicated stuff but to me the usual Buchou is the best!"
I said everything I can think of with a smile.
Hahaha, I can't even say things that sound romantic.
...Her cheeks are red.
"B-Buchou? D-Did I say something weird?"
I ask her with a dubious voice, but Buchou shakes her head.
"Its nothing!" she says panicking
"But having an opponent like that for the genius Buchou's first match, it certainly will be a hard obstacle, right?"
"I don't actually like the word "genius"?"
Buchou answers me still with a red face.
"Why is that?"
"A talent that is given by heaven…it feels like it's a gift given by God so I don't feel good. My talent is born from the roots of the House of Gremory that has been passed down to the generations. I inherited that trait as a Devil. I never thought that I received it as a gift from God, and that's impossible. My power belongs to me and the House of Gremory. That's why I won't lose. I will win if I have to fight. I have to win."
Buchou says it to me as if she was saying it to herself.
Amazing. Buchou is really strong.
"You know Buchou... I'm kinda worthless aren't I?"
"Ise?"
"Ever since I've gotten here I've realized how behind I am compared to the others. Take Kiba for example, he's an amazing sword-fighter, but me? I only have this boosted gear. I thought by telling myself I had a longinus that I was naturally strong, but I've realized now that isn't true."
I have so many tears flowing out from my eyes without realising it.
I'm frustrated, just frustrated. The more I train, the more I realise how weak I am.
—I have no talent for battle.
I have come to realise it.
"Ha... crying in front of Buchou... aren't I pathetic?" I ask outloud.
Buchou stands up and sits next to me.
HUG.
—!
Buchou hugs me gently. She starts to pat my head many times.
"You want confidence, right? Okay, I will give you confidence. But now, you have to rest your body and mind. I will be with you until you feel like sleeping."
Thank you, buchou...
(Next Day. Ise POV)
"Alright Ise-"
It's the next day, apparently Tansa-sensei has something important planned for the last two days of our training. He has brought me to a room under the mansion.
"Since you've started your new training with me, you have learned a great deal about hand-to-hand combat fighting. You could still use some more training, however we do not have the time. So for the next two days, I will tone your body to be in a good enough condition to withstand Balance Breaker."
"Does that mean I get to have a toned body like you and Ddraig?!" I ask excitedly.
"That's what first came to your mind? Jeez you're a real character, you know that? But yes, essentially, this will tone your body."
YES!
Sensei then brings some magic to his hands and... freezes me?
"Hey... Sensei... why am I frozen?"
"Because for this exercise you need to be tied down. Basically, your body is going to tone itself."
"Huh?"
"I froze you so you can't run away. To make a long story short, this spell I'm about to cast on you will do three things."
I'm scared now...
"The first, is the spell will break down your muscles to the molecular level. The second, just like the first, the spell will break down your organs to the molecular level."
I'm really scared now...
"And third, it will rebuild them all. This whole process will take five minutes, and is very, very painful. However I will have the spell repeat itself."
"Repeat? For how long?"
"Two days."
"TWO DAYS?!" I scream
"Quiet down! God damn... Yes, this will go on for two days. After I cast this spell your body will tear itself apart and then rebuild itself hundreds of times over for the next two days. By the end of it, your body should be able to withstand Balance Breaker quite nicely, and yes you will look more like Ddraig and I."
I'm going to die...
"NOW! Prepare yourself!" He said as he raised his hand and a green aura manifested onto his fingertips.
He walked towards me and placed his fingers on my chest. The aura glowed light green before entering my body.
Sensei then walked towards the door and spoke.
"Try not to die, my student."
Those were the last words he spoke to me.
"Try not to die? GYAAAHHHHHH!"
(Mansion. With the rest of the peerage. Tansa POV)
I sure hope that brat survives. Perhaps I should have also told him it robs him of several years of his life span? Meh, he's a devil. He still has a good few centuries, maybe a thousand years.
I walk up the stairs to the living room where the rest of the kiddies are. You can hear Issei's screams, though just barely, from below the house.
"Tansa-kun..." Rias spoke
"Yes?"
"Why is Issei down there screaming?"
"He's training of course. He's undergoing hard physical training in order to make his body able to withstand the bursts of energy from his gear."
"Exactly how hard is this training, may I ask?" She spoke again, she sounds angry.
"Very hard. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he died."
"""""WHAT?!""""" All five of them screamed
"Oi, oi, no screaming! Don't worry though, I doubt he'll die. He seems pretty determined to get you out of this marriage thing, Rias." I spoke seriously
"Ise..." Now she looks sad.
"Anyway, after checking up on you guys yesterday it seems like you all have done pretty good, regarding your individual training. Seeing as there really isn't anything more I can teach you, I guess you guys should strategize on how to beat Raiser for the next couple days."
"Speaking of beating Raiser, what's this Issei tells me about a magical third method to defeating a Phoenix?"
Oooh so he told her?
"So he told you?" I asked, making sure not to tell her in the off chance he didn't specifally tell her.
"No, he just told me that you taught him, or rather gave him, a third method to defeating Raiser. What is it? Is it Balance Breaker?"
"Oh, so he didn't tell you. Well in that case, you don't need to know then! Haha! It'll be a surprise for the games! And no, it isn't Balance Breaker. It's something much more exciting!" I told them, and they all looked at me like I was crazy.
(Day of the Rating Game. Tansa POV)
Its around 11:40. Apparently the decided to have the game at night, seeing as devils are stronger at night.
All the kiddies are gathered in the club room, and I'm sitting in the chair in the corner, like usual.
Looks like Kiba took my warning about his defenses being low and put on some gauntlets, as well as some armor on his lower leg. Not much but it helps.
Koneko is wearing martial arts gloves, interesting.
Issei is sitting with Asia, who's wearing her nun outfit.
Speaking of Issei, after my healing synthesis he's taken on a body that's built similar to mine. Basically... he's ripped. He also seems to be a bit different. When we fought after the synthesis he seemed more focused in battle, and discards at least some of his perverted nature. He's still pretty lecherous though. Meanwhile...
Akeno and Rias are... drinking tea. Could you try to be a little more tense? Your future is on the line after all.
About 10 minutes prior to the match Grayfia shows up through a magic circle.
"Is everyone ready? It's ten minutes before the match."
Everyone stands up after Grayfia confirms everyone's here. Grayfia then starts to explain what's going to happen.
"When it becomes the time to start the battle, you will be teleported to the battlefield through this magic-circle. The location of the place is in a different dimension used for battles. You may fight with all your power. It's a disposable space so feel free to fight to your satisfaction."
Oh good, looks like Issei won't have to worry about destroying everything.
"Hey, Buchou?" Issei calls.
"What is it?"
"Buchou, you also have another [Bishop], right? Where is that person?"
"Unfortunately, the other [Bishop] can't participate. Though there will be a time when I will talk about that in the near future."
"This "Rating Game" battle will also be viewed by members of both households from a different location through broadcast." Grayfia interjects.
Oh so the families are going to watch too.
"Maou Lucifer-sama will also be viewing this battle. Please do not forget about it."
"Onii-sama is? …I see, so Onii-sama is also going to view this battle."
Issei now looks confused.
"U-Umm, Buchou, you just called Maou-sama "Onii-sama"…? Did I hear wrong?"
"No, Buchou's brother is indeed the Maou-sama." Kiba speaks up.
Did this perverted retard not know that?
"M-Maoooooou!? Buchou's Onii-sama is Maou-sama!?"
"Yes." Rias confirms.
"Is it because of their last names, boy? Well, to put it simply, a person who becomes a Satan loses their family title, as well as the rights to inherit said house. The current Satan's were chosen from the Ultimate-class candidates, seeing as the old one's are dead."
"So Buchou's brother was chosen to be a Maou from the Ultimate-class Devils then?"
Kiba nods at his question.
"Sirzechs Lucifer—who is also known as the "Crimson Satan". He is Buchou's brother and the most powerful Maou-sama."
HA! Not even. I laugh inwardly.
"It's about time. Everyone, please head to the magic-circle." Grayfia interjects, again.
"Also, once you get transported, you cannot use the magic-circle until the game ends."
They then teleport off to wherever the went.
"Ta-chan." Grayfia calls me.
"Yo, Fia-chan." I said back.
"Don't call me that!" She pouts. I then kissed her on the head.
"I will definitely call you that more often." Now she looks annoyed.
"A VIP room has been set up for you along with the others. You will be sitting with Sirzechs-sama, and Lord's Pheonix and Gremory-sama."
"Tch, how troublesome. Very well then, let's go." We both then teleport to the VIP room.
(VIP room)
"*Whistle* Not bad." I whistled out loud.
This place ain't half bad. There's plenty of large TV's to view the fight. There's also some really comfortable-looking couches, and a bar in the corner.
Sitting on the couches are the brats.
"Yo, brats."
"Ah, Tansa-sensei." Sirzechs greeted me with a wave.
The other two looked taken back.
"S-S-SATAN-SAMA?!"
"Oi, quiet down Phoenix." I said, covering my ears.
"My, isn't this a surprise. What brings you hear Tansa-sama? The last time we heard from you was shortly before the Civil War if I remember correctly?" Gremory asked me with raised eyebrows.
"Nothing really, boy, just watching my students fight is all."
""Students?"" They both questioned
"Yes, students. The Gremory peerage there, I trained 'em for this fight, see." I said.
"Oh my..." Gremory spoke up
"Oh my indeed, Gremory-boy. I trained them the best I could in the last ten days."
"I fear for my boy's life if this is true..." Phoenix says, looking scared.
"Eh, don't worry. Dragon-boy won't kill him... I think."
Phoenix does not look reassured.
"Anyway... lets watch the game shall we?" I throw my feet up on the table
"Grayfia! Fetch me a drink!" I ordered Grayfia.
I was immediately given a pan to the head.
"Please?" I asked, nicely.
Hope you enjoyed. I hope to get the next chapter out in around 3-4 days. Have 2 research papers due... sigh.
As for the third method, can you guess what it is? Haha... so mysterious...
Lastly, the mysterious her will be revealed at the end of the next chapter.
Later.