Rias vs Sona part 1
Issei P.O.V
It was the appointed time.
We had gathered at the dining floor and were waiting for the starting time.
Then, an announcement streamed through the store.
[It is now time to begin. Furthermore, the time limit for this game will be a blitz-style of three hours. Then without further ado, game start. Good luck to all the participants!]
Wait, blitz!? So they decided that to give it a short time limit! So there were also cases like this! So this is why they gave us strategy time before this. It was because they change the rules every time, huh. The Rating Games are profound. Buchou stood up from her seat and spoke with an expression filled with fighting spirit.
"Your instructions are just as we agreed on before. Ise and Koneko, and Yumi and Xenovia will split into two separate groups. Ise and Koneko will advance through the store interior. Yumi and Xenovia will advance forward via the parking garage. Gasper will transform into many bats and do surveillance and reporting inside the store. According to the condition of your progress, me, Akeno and Asia will go by the route of Ise's group."
We listened to Buchou's instructions and we fitted communication-use microphones in all of our ears.
"Now then, my cute servant devils! We won't lose again! This time, we'll win!"
[Yes!]
Everyone was filled with fighting spirit. Naturally! We can't lose like that again! We'll win! For sure!
"Then, Xenovia, let's go."
"Yes, Kiba."
Kiba and Xenovia headed out first. They rushed out from the dining floor and headed down the path that connected to the parking garage. According to Kiba, it was confirmed that there were cars in the parking lot. However, they seemed to be mere imitations. So charging using the car was apparently impossible.
Now then, we were next to leave after Kiba and Xenovia.
"Koneko-chan, let's go."
"Yes."
Me and Koneko-chan left that place behind and headed out. Koneko-chan had already told everyone that she would use her power with Makoto watching her. She is really fired up now. Determined to make Makoto see her getting stronger.
Buchou's reading was this. She predicted that the enemy would read our movements as following.
I would burst into the base while avoiding battle as much as possible. In order to promote myself to Queen.
The quick-witted Kiba and Xenovia would move together and go around back through the parking garage to the base. There they would disturb the enemy's formation and attract the attention of the enemy. In order to promote to Queen, they would quickly distract and lead the enemy away from their base. When I became Queen, everyone would temporarily pull out and then attack once again. Buchou would also move out at this time.
In any case, making me the Sekiryuutei promote to Queen was considered most important, or so it would seem.
Buchou assumed that Kaichou would read us like this, and so did the opposite instead.
I was moving forward just as Kaichou would predict. They would also receive an attack. But, our true main offence was Kiba and Xenovia. It wasn't a diversion, but a genuine attack. Instead, I would be the feint.
Since the opponent would aim at me and send out several assassins, Buchou predicted that the area around the King would be short-staffed. Of course, assassins would also be sent after the parking garage group, but we expected that it wasn't secured that much and would be assaulted by Kiba and Xenovia.
Meanwhile, we would aim at the King and claim checkmate!
The tactic for using my Sekiryuutei power was different. This time, I wasn't playing an active Power-role. Since I was a first-most member of Buchou's family. I have to combine my power with everyone else's.
"Ise, good luck."
"Ise-san! Do your best for Makoto-san! Don't lose!"
"Ufufu, I expect to see your cool side."
Buchou, Asia and Akeno-san all had high expectations of me! Uooooh! I have to show my good side! Wait, even if I fight, they'd only be able to see it later from the recorded videos…
Me and Koneko-chan advanced at a subtle pace that was neither quite running or walking.
Since sound echoed in the store interior, the opponent would be able to judge our distance from them if we ran. Moreover, the store interior was a horizontally long shopping mall that extended in a straight line towards both ends. We had no choice but to advance while concealing ourselves beneath cover.
Well, even if we called it a big department store, it wouldn't take even ten minutes to walk from end to end. We moved while being attentive of that.
…Hmm. There were no enemies in sight. Five minutes had already passed since the game began, but because we were moving forward while being on alert, we'd only progressed through a quarter of the place.
We appeared to be evading battle, while we were actually acting as a diversion. I was nervous.
[If you're not size six or good looking. You better be rich or be real good at cooking. You should probably lose some weight cause we can't see your bones. You should probably fix your face or you'll end up like Buchou. Its hard out here if you're a bitch, ooh yeah, its hard out here.]
...Is that supposed to be an announcement? That was Chelia...but it seemed like she was in the middle of singing something.
[Ooh shit. This things on...hehe... Oopsies! Please disregard this as a technical error! Sorry about that everyone! Please continue!]
Koneko-chan and I share a look. Koneko-chan has now entered Nekomata mode and is pointing ahead of her.
"…They're moving. There are two people straight ahead moving towards us."
"You can tell?"
"…Yes. Because I released a part of Senjutsu in my current state, I can read the flow of spirit fairly well. Naturally, I can't grasp the fine details of it, but…"
I see. But, were those cat ears like sensors? How incredibly handy.
This is the Senjutsu which can read the spirit of one's entire surroundings! Thinking about it, Nekomata's can understand everything that happens to a certain degree through smell, after all. Since she's a cat, her nose was better than Devils like me with a human base.
"…How long until we meet up with those guys who are heading towards us?"
"…At this pace, most likely within ten minutes."
Ten minutes, huh.
We had better prepare ourselves. Should I use my Sacred Gear normally? Or should I use Balance Breaker? I wavered between them, but I still didn't know what kinds of abilities the opponents' had.
My strong point was, my simple physical strength that I prided myself on. I barely had any magic. Even if I increased my magic power with my Sacred Gear, I would quickly run out of gas…Even if I had strong power, if I mistakenly used it, I would instantly lose!
Koneko-chan suddenly looked up at the ceiling ahead of us.
"…Above!"
What, what? As I followed the gaze of the surprised Koneko-chan...
Stretching straight up to the ceiling was a rope, no, a line! Descending from the ceiling using that Tarzan-like rope was...
"Hyoudou! The first attack is ours!"
It was Saji! He prepared to attack me while positioning himself for a knee kick! Moreover, there was someone on Saji's back!
I quickly guarded using my gauntlet as a shield!
Dogon!
The impact of the combined force of the momentum of their fall + the kick + the weight of two people was transmitted to my body through my gauntlet!
My stance shook from the force of the attack, but I somehow recovered and I prepared to advance on the enemy in front of me.
"Yo, Hyoudou."
Saji had appeared. Next to him, the one who had been riding on his back was a girl. A member of the student council, huh. I think she was a first-year student like Makoto and Koneko-chan. She often acted together with Saji from behind him.
Saji's right arm had a black snake wound around it several times. Its shape was different from before! There had just been a deformed lizard head there before. Did his Sacred Gear change!? …Wait, there was a black snake wound around my gauntlet on my left arm as well, and it was connected to Saji's Sacred Gear. He must have put it on me when he attacked before!
There was also a line connecting to my right hand, but…it wasn't connected to Saji's Sacred Gear. Rather, it seemed to be tied to something far away. Was this line connected all the way to the enemy base?
It was weird, but it didn't feel like my power was being sucked away.
Saji noticed that I was looking at his Sacred Gear, and spoke while smiling bitterly.
"Well, I did some training. The result of that is this. So, when I had stuck a line in the ceiling and rose up in order to observe the store interior from above, I saw two people hiding under cover further away. Since you didn't notice me, I used that brief chance to do a Tarzan attack."
I see. So that's how you arrived here. Yeah, I understand somehow.
If I had gotten here first, I would have done the same to you. I understand somehow.
"I also trained. I spent almost all my summer vacation being chased by a dragon!"
Sorry, Saji. I will beat you and advance forward. Winning today is what's most important for us.
Yes, at that moment when I was filled up with fighting spirit. An unbelievable announcement reached the ears of me and Koneko-chan.
[One of Rias Gremory-sama's Bishops, retired. Sona-sama has taken the lead. How will the Gremory group counter this?]
What!? Which one! Hadn't the game just started!? Asia was with Buchou, so... Saji grinned.
"The one that was taken out is most likely Gasper-san."
"Gasper was caught."
Saji continued as I thought dubiously.
"We were contacted and told that Gasper-sans Sacred Gear was sealed according to the rules. As such, it was inevitable that she would use her vampire powers instead. "She will change into bats and observe the situation within the store". This is what Kaichou thought. So we utilised our base."
Your base? That was the grocery store. Saji continued further.
"First, one of our members moves suspiciously at the Sitri base. Then, Gasper-san who was doing surveillance would naturally be interested and follow them, you know? Then, when we showed more suspicious behaviour, she would call the other bats he had launched and start to observe with several of them. When all the many bats had gathered, that's when it happened. If something happens to the bats when all of them are gathered, they revert back to Gasper-sans body. Near the place where the bats had assembled together was, garlic, a Vampires greatest dislike. Our base is a grocery store on the first floor of the west side. There were large quantities of garlic left there. It was easy to catch Gasper-san with that."
So they captured and took her out while she was incapacitated by the smell of garlic! No way! So there was such a way to deal damage to her!
"Its pretty simple, right? But even if I say that, this method of taking her out won't work again. Kaichou said that, no matter how much training she did, she still wouldn't be close to overcoming her aversion to garlic yet. It was a lucky coincidence that we had a base at such a location, but even so, a defeat is a defeat."
…So you're saying it was her blind spot? No, no matter how effective it is on you, you should be able to withstand garlic to a point, Gaspeeeeeeeeeeeeer! From the start, that joke is too overdone already!
Having gotten mad, I tried to activate my Sacred Gear, but...
[Partner, doubling is dangerous. Now that you're connected to that guy's Sacred Gear, you'll have part of your power stolen by him if you double.]
That's right, Saji's Sacred Gear has the ability to suck in energy from the thing it is connected to. Now that my Sacred Gear and his Sacred Gear are connected, doubling is dangerous!
[To detach this line, you have no choice but to blow it away by using the after-shocks from activating Balance Breaker.]
Damn it! My hand was forced right from the outset! I'll activate Balance Breaker and blow away this line!
"Start!"
[Count Down!]
The time until Balance Breaker was displayed on the jewel and the count had begun. Now that it's like this, I can't use my normal Sacred Gear abilities! I couldn't use either Doubling or Transfer until I transformed into Balance Breaker!
For two minutes, I had no choice but to evade Saji's attacks!
In order to get some distance, I tried to temporarily draw back from here, but—I was pulled by the line and lost my balance! As I thought, Saji's Sacred Gear really is troublesome!
"Are you running away, Hyoudou!?"
In an instant, the space between us was shortened and—Don! A kick was delivered to my abdomen!
Gahoh! My upper body was pulled down by Saji's kick. But, I had already put strength into my abs and avoided the worst of the damage. Hehehe, it's because I properly did my basic training. I had confidence in my abs!
"Heh, even though I kicked quite seriously there. You also seem to not have done incomplete training."
Having not given the damage he had thought he would, Saji smiled bitterly.
It's impossible to run away here! Then, I'll just attack from the front!
I gave up on getting some distance from Saji and suddenly headed towards him! I wasn't that good at fist-fighting with my body, but I had accumulated plenty of basic training! I had made a body just for the sake of close combat! All that's left is to believe in my own body!
I clutched my fist and tried to strike at Saji, but... Saji fired a line at me from his right arm! Does he intend to suck away my power!? I was on guard, but the line went passed me and attached itself to a certain store's light.
"Nimura! Put on the sunglasses we got at that store just before!"
Saji and Saji's kouhai took out sunglasses from their pockets and put them on! What were they—. Just as I wondered this, I immediately understood the meaning behind it.
Kah!
The store lighting issued a blazing light and burned me and Koneko-chan's vision! Damn it! They've blinded us!
[They got you. He caused a burst of light for just an instant by connecting his line to the light and sending magic power into it.]
Don't explain it so calmly, Ddraig! It's no good! I can't open my eyes...
Dogon!
"Guhah!"
Once again, I received an impact in my abdomen! Because I didn't strengthen my abs this time, I received the damage completely! Then, while my body was hunched over, I received another blow from Saji to my back!
Ooooooooooow! The pain was welling up inside me, and then my jaw...
Bagan!
An uppercut-like attack from Saji sharply shot through my jaw!
From such a considerable impact, I fell face-down on the floor.
…Kuh…He got me. He had completely stolen the beginning…Moreover, he gave me considerable damage.
My teeth rattled from the impact to my jaw. I had also gotten a cut in my mouth from it. The taste of blood spread within my mouth. My eyesight was restored and... While still face down on the ground, I looked up and…
I saw Saji point his hand at me and trying to fire a magic bullet at me! He intended to deliver the finishing blow right away! I quickly got up and rolled over to the side!
Don!
A big hole was made in the floor from the magic blast he fired! What power! It was completely a finishing blow move! It's dangerous! I was going to exit the stage before I activated Balance Breaker. I wouldn't be able to say anything about what happened to Gasper then!
"…Not bad, Saji."
"Hyoudou. I'm serious. I'm going to seriously defeat you, the Sekiryuutei."
Then, Saji raised his hand and tried to fire another magic blast.
Don!
He fired another high-volume mass of magic! The size of it wasn't considerable, though. Mostly like, he was following the rule that said that not to damage the building as much as possible.
But, the attack was powerful enough to take down an opponent like me!
I dodged, and the store I was standing at before was destroyed by the blast of magic.
However, how did Saji create such an attack? I had heard that he had low magic like me. Yet, how was he able to release such power?
At that moment, I opened my eyes widely. Because Saji's Sacred Gear had its line connected to his chest to his heart.
The source of Saji's continuous attacks was his life-force!? Doesn't he know that's dangerous!? Makoto had his life-force taken and nearly died! Is Saji trying to do the same!?
"Saji! You! Are you converting your own life-force…into magic power!?"
"That's right. With my low magic, this is the only way for me to shoot powerful attacks. I convert my life-force into magic power using my Sacred Gear's ability. Its just as you see. I'm risking my life, as it were."
"Do you really intend to die like Makoto nearly did…!?"
Saji, smiled with a serious look.
"Yeah, I intend to die. I intend to beat you with the intention of dying. Do you understand our frustration, having our dream laughed at! Do you understand our desperation as we believe in our dream? This battle is being broadcast across the entire Underworld. We have to show the seriousness of the Sitri group in front of those guys that laughed at us!"
As me and Saji were going through a fierce battle of dodging and drawing near at that time, Koneko-chan and Saji's kohai had started attacking and defending against each other next to us.
Koneko-chan was superior in hand-to-hand fighting. Even so, though, the female opponent was hanging on well and the battle was intensifying.
However, after Koneko-chan's fist grazed her opponent's cheek, a change occurred. The body of Saji's kohai shook just a little. Her eyes also seemed to be swimming just a bit. Did she receive damage from the shockwave of Koneko-chan's fist?
Koneko-chan didn't miss the opening! She clad her fist in a pale white aura and drove it into her opponent's chest!
Bang!
A good-sounding noise rang through the surroundings. At that instant, Saji's kouhai dropped to her knees!
"…I drove a fist clad with spirit energy into you. Since damage was also dealt to the blood vessels flowing inside you at the time, you won't be able to build up magic anymore. Furthermore, the damage also pierced through your insides…You can't move anymore."
So said Koneko-chan!
Sensei had said this before.
[Koneko's true fighting style, which mixes senjutsu and hand-to-hand combat, will certainly become a weapon. An attack that not only deals damage to the opponent's body, but also their blood vessels that circulate within their body will break the enemy's aura from its foundation. However, if she becomes consumed by power, she must stop using it immediately. Senjutsu can read and handle spirit energy, but it also takes in the malice and ill will that floats in the world. Koneko's sister became like that because she absorbed too much malice as well.]
This was Koneko-chan's fist shot! She fired a blow filled with spirit energy. It dealt external damage, of course, but its main destructive power was—the damage it dealt within the body! It sent spirit energy that was charged within her fist into the opponent's body and dealt damage to their internal organs!
"…Saji-senpai, I'm sorry."
After she let just those few words leak out, the kohai's shone and she disappeared from here. She had retired and been transferred away because she had sustained serious damage.
[One of Sona Sitri-sama's Pawns, retired. It seems like it is really heating up now~ One servant each has gone from both sides. Just what will they do next?]
Chelia is way to into this. Why is she so hyper about such things? I don't...
"...Mako-kun is watching me, I wont ever lose!"
Now then, since Koneko-chan has decided while looking cool, I have to exert myself as a senpai as well!
However, I was having a hard time with just dodging Saji's magic bullets. I would receive considerable damage if those even grazed my body. With that much magic power loaded into them, it was quite considerable stuff. It was literally with his spirit and soul!
"Haahaa…Haahaa…"
But, Saji's exhaustion from repeatedly firing that magic was also quite severe. He won't be able to keep it up!
"…Ise-senpai, I'll help."
Koneko-chan tried to come over.
"No, Koneko-chan. Please let me do this just between me and Saji."
When I refused her help, Koneko-chan shook her head.
"That's no good. This is a team battle. Let's work together."
"Yeah, it's just as you say, Koneko-chan. But, while he was fighting against me, Saji didn't make any direct attacks on Koneko-chan. If he wanted to, he could have attached the line to Koneko-chan and sucked up your power. Why do you think he didn't do that even so?"
Koneko-chan couldn't answer my question, but Saji answered it while giving a complacent smile.
"…Sorry, Toujou Koneko-chan. I want to win against Hyoudou, against the Sekiryuutei one-on-one. Didn't I tell you? Our dream is serious. We will build a school. We will construct a school without discrimination in the Underworld. And I will become a teacher…That is my dream…This battle is being broadcasted across the entire Underworld. That's why this has meaning. I, a Pawn! Will win against the same Pawn, Sekiryuutei Hyoudou Issei! I will defeat the Sekiryuutei! I'll win and say it boldly! That I will become a teacher!"
Saji was serious. His gaze was strong and had neither shadow nor gloom anywhere in it.
I also spoke to Koneko-chan.
"And that's how it is. If I just run away from his challenge, I'd be uncool, right? If I don't do it. That's why, I have to do it. Because I'm his friend, I have no choice but to fight him seriously. I have to do it! Otherwise, I won't be able to show my face to Buchou!"
Yes, we were similar. From head to toe, we were similar. We're both unskilled idiots.
After hearing that, Koneko-chan put away her fist and got some distance away from us.
""Thank you.""
Me and Saji thanked Koneko-chan at the same time.
But, why did Saji connect a line to not only my Sacred Gear, but also me directly on my right arm?
[He wants to prevent your Sacred Gear's doubling ability from being restored and then flowing into him at the same time as he sucks away your own power. He knows that, if he sucks away both your own power and the Sacred Gear's power at the same time, his body won't be able to take it and will blow up. He plans to stop the Balance Breaker countdown and return you to your normal form instead.]
What a complex Sacred Gear!
"This is going nowhere, huh."
As Saji sighed, he gathered a mass of magic power unlike anything until now between his hands! What size! It will affect the entire surroundings!
As I felt that, that magic power was compressed and shrunk. Then, a magic bullet the size of a softball was created between Saji's hands.
"With this, it won't affect the surrounding area, and it will completely destroy just your body."
Having made that, Saji was already breathing heavily. An attack filled with all his might. That was what he had created.
He intended to kill me with that. Saji smiled a bit.
"I was jealous of you. The pride of your Master and senpai. The Sekiryuutei. Everyone knows about you. But, even though I'm the same Pawn as you, I have nothing. Nothing! That's why, I obtained pride and self-confidence. I will kill you, the Sekiryuutei!"
That was Saji's yell. I didn't know. To think that he saw me like that…
Tooon!
Saji finally shot the attack filled with all his might! I tried to avoid it, but...
Saji released the line that was attached to my Boosted Gear on his end and then fired it towards my foot!
My Boosted Gear and the floor at my foot were tied to each other by the line! I tried to pull it off, but the line was too firm and hard, and I couldn't get the Booster Gear free from the floor!
This is bad! At this rate, I won't be able to avoid the approaching magic bullet! Balance Breaker would activate in just a little more, but it still wouldn't be in time!
I had no choice but to resolve myself! The magic bullet hit me!
Doooooooooooooooooooooooooon!
The moment it hit, the magic bullet burst open and its aura spread throughout the surroundings!
At that instant.
[Divide!]
A white gauntlet appeared on my right arm and caught Saji's attack.
…I received half of the damage. But, the other half was annihilated by the Hakuryuukou's power. My body couldn't endure anymore…But, I won't receive any more damage!
"My magic bullet was halved!?"
Saji was shocked.
"I was able to tentatively activate this power during my seclusion in the mountains. But, it has several conditions. First, the chances of activating it are less than ten percent. This is close to a gamble. Second. This also requires resolution. It's my life-force. Regardless of whether the activation succeeds or fails, my life-force is shaved off when I try to use it. It's a pretty scary gamble, isn't it?"
My gamble had succeeded. But my life-force was shaved off. With its duty complete, the white gauntlet immediately disappeared from my right arm. I can still use it, but I was unable to keep it materialised.
However, thanks to that, it's complete. The Boosted Gear's countdown—was finished!
"I'm also risking my life. I can't stop at a place like this. Let's gooooooooo! Shine! Boosted Geaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar!"
In response to my cry, my Sacred Gear's voice rang out!
[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!]
A dazzling red and extra-large aura surrounded me and changed into armour.
At the same time, overflowing power welled up inside me.
About ten minutes had passed since the game began.
I was wearing the Boosted Gear Scale Mail. It is time to fight with Saji!
Yumi P.O.V
It had been several minutes since the game had begun. I and Xenovia entered the multi-storey parking lot. I keep thinking about Makoto-kun in that condition. But, what Koneko-chan told me before, I should fight to do my best like I know he would want me to.
I also heard Chelia-san sing that weird song just before. Hehe, that wasn't a very...nice thing to say about Buchou. Ending up like Buchou...no one wants to be that crazy. I bet Buchou is screaming at that right now.
We advanced forward while cautiously looking through the dimly-lit parking lot. Because we had both encountered a lot of spies in our missions, moving forward like this was our strong point.
I walked in front, and then, after I confirmed that there was no one hiding under cover ahead of us, I called back to Xenovia behind me for her to move forward as well. We repeated this many times and gradually advanced through the parking lot.
The plan was to descend down the car passages on the second floor and go down to the first floor. The elevator was also functioning, but we feared being attacked while we rode it down.
We had no choice but to advance with the most reliable method.
We advanced down the passage from the second floor and set foot on the first floor of the parking lot.
There was a silhouette before us.
Looking closely, it was a glasses-wearing girl with long black hair—.
I knew her. Kaichou's Queen, the vice-president of the student council, Shinra Tsubaki-senpai. She held a naginata in her hand.
That's right, I had heard that she was a naginata-user. And she held a considerably high-rank with it as well.
"How do you do, Kiba Yumi-san, Xenovia-san. I knew that you would come here."
Shinra-senpai spoke indifferently. There were two girls at her side. A girl with a tall figure and a slender girl carrying a Japanese sword.
The tall girl was called Yura-san. A Rook. I heard she likes Ise-kun. The girl holding the Japanese sword was called Meguri-san. A Knight. I also heard she likes younger guys, like Makoto-kun perhaps. Well she can get lose because he's mine.
Yura-san excelled in hand-to-hand combat techniques, while Meguri-san was a member of a clan that made their living on the extermination of evil spirits.
I see, so you stationed three people at the parking lot, Sona-Kaichou. She read us well. She had secured this place… She predicted that we would be the ones most likely to attack.
Xenovia unsheathed the sword that she carried on her back and I also produced a holy demonic sword in my hand.
Xenovia didn't use Durandal. With that special rule, she wouldn't be able to act well with Durandal. Since its power couldn't be controlled, it would recklessly destroy the building.
Shinra-senpai holds something up with a smirk...a squirrel...toy...I hear the rapid breathing of Xenovia. Ooh geez, she's going to hyperventilate. Why is she so afraid of squirrels!? Well, two can play at that game!
"Xenovia, it is a toy..."
"Its alive!"
"Hehehe, that's right Xenovia-san~ This squirrel is apart of that special faction."
That special faction? What special faction? Xenovia places a hand to her chest...ooh for Maou sake. Why do I have to be the partner of a nutcase?
"The unholy squirrels faction..."
The what!? Uu, I feel complicated when near Xenovia. I'm so glad she's into Ise-kun, as opposed to Makoto-kun as I don't want to fight her for his attention. Same could be said for Buchou actually, she's already insane.
"Yes. The unholy squirrels faction is after the user of Durandal. And we, the Sitri group have teamed up with them so we can take down the Durandal user."
"No...lies...Kiba...I'm going to have to kill it!"
Ooh shit! She's going to attack! I place a hand out to stop her immediately! I'm going to have to stop this somehow...well, I have one idea.
"Shinra-senpai, I heard once that you were attracted to Makoto-kun and his butt...is that true?"
Her face turned a little red. Hehe, here we go...
"W-Well that is to say..."
"And, I heard that he likes you back, a lot."
Her blush turns dark red...ok, nearly there now...
"I-Is that so...?"
"Ooh that's right. He also said that he is very attracted to girls with glasses and girls who have long black hair...and big oppai."
Drop!
She dropped the squirrel toy to the floor and holds a hand to her face, acting all shy all of a sudden. I use this chance to stab the squirrel toy with a short knife-like holy demonic sword by throwing it. Xenovia looks appreciative. I can't believe that I just had to do that. That was very...embarrassing.
"Fuku-Kaichou! Please snap out of it immediately!"
The Knight Meguri-san called out. Shinra-senpai shook her head and regained her composure.
"Damn it...I was tricked..."
I just need to ask a question now.
"Shinra-senpai. The tactic to use a squirrel..."
"Yes, it came from Kaichou who discussed it with Ma...Mako...Makoto-kun! Before he...fell into a coma obviously. She had asked him and he said that Xenovia-san there is immensely afraid of squirrels. It was a long shot, but it would've worked...if I hadn't of...sorry Kaichou."
[One of Rias Gremory-sama's Bishops, retired. Sona-sama has taken the lead. How will the Gremory group counter this?]
The defeat of one of our comrades was heard from the announcement. It was difficult to think that it was Asia-san. I didn't understood how it happened, but Gasper-chan had likely been taken out. Although did Chelia-san have to be so upbeat about it?
"How calm you are."
Shinra-senpai said that.
"Yes, since I won't be able to endure if I don't get used to something like this."
I responded extremely calmly. Inside, though, my heart was seething. Because even I felt the frustration and regret in losing a friend.
Gasper-chan. Most likely, she was taken out before she could display her power. I'll swing my sword for your share as well.
"Geez, its because she didn't train her body enough."
Beside me, Xenovia sighed as well. She was also calm, or so it seemed, but her eyes were still.
"But even so, they took out my cute kohai. I'll have to avenge her."
Dreadful pressure was being given off from her. The pressure was even transmitted to me, her ally. She's surprisingly soft towards her friends as well. Despite appearances, she also felt that Gasper-chan was cute. Being notified of her defeat was unforgivable to her.
Together, we prepared our special weapons and while shortening the distance between us and our opponents, we sprang forward!
Giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin!
Me and Shinra-senpai, and Xenovia and Meguri-san crossed swords. Sparks flashed from the force of the blades clashing, and intense clangs rang out.
At that instant, Meguri-san noticed what Xenovia held in her hand and took a step back.
"…A holy sword!?"
She let out a voice of surprise.
Yes, Xenovia was holding a holy sword. Moreover, it was a legendary one.
"Yeah, this is Ascalon. Ise loaned it to me."
It may not match Durandal's destructive power, but when taking into account its ease of use, it had a wider range of uses than Durandal.
However, that meant that Ise-kun didn't have Ascalon at present. That shouldn't backfire on us this time, but…
After that, me and Xenovia entered an intense slashing battle with our opponents.
We made sure to avoid each other, but it was the other person on the opponent's side, the Rook Yura-san, that I was concerned about.
Depending on her movements, we would know whether she regarded either of us as dangerous and was aiming at either me or Xenovia.
While remaining vigilant of Yura-san, I continued firing my holy demonic sword at the vice-president! My and Xenovia's swords emitted a holy wave. If we landed a blow on our opponents, big damage would be definite. If that happened, they would have to retire, as healing techniques were restricted.
A single stroke of the sword. If they suffered a single stroke of our swords, it would become our victory!
As she switched between offence and defence, Xenovia suddenly made a hole in space. Normally, anyone would think that she would materialise Durandal here. But that wasn't it.
A holy aura drifted out from the tear in space and wrapped itself around the Ascalon that Xenovia held.
"While keeping Durandal locked up in the space!? You're taking out only its holy aura!"
Shinra-senpai was shocked as she understood. Xenovia smiled.
"Yeah, I was suggested an interesting way to use Durandal. I somehow managed to achieve it in my training. Now, I can use it more than sufficiently."
Buchou and Azazel-sensei had also highly regarded Xenovia's Durandal. At the same time, they felt that it was wasteful that she couldn't control the sword.
Durandal was a holy sword that boasted a tremendous sharpness. Therefore, when its owner couldn't control it, it became an assassin's blade. In reality, Xenovia used Durandal, but it was also a fact that she was also considerably tossed about by its destructive power.
She may become able to control it eventually. However, until then it was also dangerous to simply swing such an assassin's blade recklessly. Therefore, sensei had an idea.
Durandal was simply kept in that space and it continuously emitted its mighty holy aura. Only the aura was taken out from the separate space and the power was poured onto other swords.
It wasn't Durandal itself, but a power equal to its own was limitlessly poured onto a different sword. That was the new power of the Ascalon that Xenovia held in her hands.
Xenovia attacked her opponent with Ascalon + Durandal's aura!
Giin! Giiiiiiiin!
Silver light and sparks flashed in the darkness of the parking lot. The skill and sword possessed by the Knight Meguri-san were quite special, but she was gradually being cornered by Xenovia's speed and power!
"Take this!"
Not overlooking an instant of opening, Xenovia instantly cornered her opponent! She had got her!
But, there was someone who stepped into the space between them, the Rook Yura-san!
As she put out both of her hands in front of her...
"Reverse!"
Xenovia let out her attack, but the holy aura had disappeared and changed into a demonic aura!
Xenovia's slash became an attack trapped by momentum, and in that moment her sword was caught by Yura-san and flicked away. Yura-san tried to pursue her in that state, but Xenovia regained her balance and avoided her kick.
Gasshaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!
The kick blew away several cars with its force. A direct hit would be dangerous.
I had become speechless from the phenomenon just now. A holy aura become a demonic aura!?
Yura-san had called out Reverse. In other words, she transformed a holy aura into a demonic aura? Was that Yura-san's ability? Or a Sacred Gear? I didn't understand the reason for it, but this was troublesome.
It was a kind of those so-called counters. Its a special case, but it would be bad if that counter was used while Yura-san and Meguri-san worked together.
Ascalon's holy power was reversed and turned into demonic power. Only ordinary damage would be given to a Devil from demonic power. Since a Devils origin was from demonic magic. It became just an ordinary slash.
Xenovia also possesses incredible skills, but her battling would be disturbed because she had trained and fought based on holy swords. If she received a counter, even Xenovia would fall.
"Xenovia! Switch with me!"
By my shout, me and Xenovia switched places and exchanged our respective opponents.
This was fine. With my holy demonic swords, the effect of their reverse would have no meaning. Because there was nothing to reverse when the power of holy and demonic were blended together.
Yura-san also didn't display her reverse stance, and she started to attack me along with Meguri-san.
Next to us, Xenovia and Shinra-senpai had started slashing at each other. Xenovia's furious attacks were intense and at last she managed to corner Shinra-senpai in front of a wall!
She had her!
Xenovia, decide it instantly like that!
As if my thoughts were transmitted to her, Xenovia raised Ascalon and entered a posture for the finishing strike! She can do it! If we take out the Queen, the whole situation will become considerably easier!
"With this, this match is decided!"
As Xenovia swung down the sword at Shinra-senpai and dealt a direct hit—at that instant.
"Sacred Gear, Mirror Alice."
A huge ornamented mirror appeared in front of Shinra-senpai!
Xenovia's slash continued without stopping and crushed the mirror.
Zuooooooooooooooooon!
A wave was released from the broken mirror and attacked Xenovia!
With a bewildered expression on her face, Xenovia spurted out blood all over the place.
"When this mirror is destroyed, the impact on it is doubled and returned to the opponent. I am a counter-user. Kiba Yumi-san, it was a mistake to send the Power-type Xenovia-san against me."
Shinra-senpai gave a sneer.
"Gahah!"
Lying on the road surface, Xenovia coughed out blood from her mouth in apparent pain.
They got us! Her ability was different from what I had heard. Had she accomplished change and growth and attained a new ability!?
"The only one remaining is Kiba Yumi. You're the only one left."
The three of them approached me. I picked up Xenovia and then swiftly hid myself within the shadows nearby.
I placed Xenovia in the shadow of a car and took out the medical supplies we had gotten at the drugstore a short while before.
We had completely lost just now. That she would station two counter-users here… It seemed that Sona-Kaichou intended to completely crush us first. So she had naturally predicted that we would be the likely attackers.
Certainly, they were a threat to just us who were quick on our feet and users of holy swords. Kaichou had supplemented for their respective weaknesses by having them team up against us and spurred us to use power.
Had she predicted everything to this point?
Xenovia… was in serious condition. She had received double the power of Durandal and Ascalon.
If Shinra-senpai's Sacred Gear was a type that countered holy attacks perfectly, it would be an instant retire for us. If it was handled poorly, Xenovia could have died.
With these injuries, her withdrawal from the battlefield won't be long now. She'll completely retire with the next attack.
Buchou was the one who had the Phoenix Tears. We couldn't use healing techniques here either.
Xenovia grasped my hand as I treated her and spoke.
"…Abandon me, Kiba. I'll disappear from this place anyway when I retire soon because of these injuries."
But I took my hand away from hers and continued treating her.
"Yeah, I know that. But, you know, I promised that I wouldn't abandon an ally so easily."
"…How soft. You're just like Ise and Makoto in that regard."
I smile at that.
"That's good. Because I can be like my boyfriend and his brother."
"Oh my, Ise is your boyfriend!?"
"Eww! No! Makoto-kun is baka! I thought you knew that...well, whatever."
[One of Sona Sitri-sama's Pawns, retired. It seems like it is really heating up now~ One servant each has gone from both sides. Just what will they do next?]
Like I thought before, she's really into this. The sound on the enemies' footsteps approached.
Xenovia. You'll retire from here soon. But before that, I think that I'll show it to you. I appeared in front of the three opponents.
"Have you resolved yourself?"
Preparing to use her naginata, Shinra-senpai approached.
A small tear in space appeared behind me. Xenovia was making it form. It couldn't be seen like this, as it was in the enemies' blind spot. Then, Durandal's aura flowed into me.
Now then, Xenovia. I'll show it to you.
This technique created by you and me, Rias Gremory's two Knights!
Zazazazan!
Holy demonic swords sprang up everywhere within this parking lot. The holy demonic aura that covered them might have been little. But, if Durandal's aura is also added to them, it's another story entirely.
"Durandal Birth!"
That attack pierced through Yura-san and Meguri-san. Just as they began to shine, they disappeared from this place.
Two down. Shinra-senpai seemed to have escaped and left the parking lot.
In my arms, Xenovia's body began to shine.
"Kiba. That was a nice attack."
Her expression was covered with a smile as she was disappearing from here. So I also smiled and saw her off.
"Yeah, when you and I work together again, we can make more holy swords bloom."
Her weight had disappeared and then she herself disappeared as well.
Pariiiiiiin.
After making a short-lived noise, the holy swords that had bloomed all over the place crumbled and dissolved into nothingness.
Serafall P.O.V
"Did you see that, Ma-tan?"
I had asked the crazy boy who has given me permission to lie on the bed. Apparently, he feels comfortable around me. Must be because I am dating him, or at least the normal Ma-tan anyway. His cute little head is resting on my shoulder.
"Aniki attained Balance Breaker. Hehehehe, still going to retire when he beats other Pawn boy. Sona Sitri very smart girl."
"Hmmmm? What do you mean my cutest Queen?"
When I asked, he sighed at me.
"Sona Sitri using that Pawn to drain blood from Aniki. Even strong person will lose if all blood is gone. Aniki will realize too late. He's going to lose. Sona Sitri Pawn is a good boy. He knows he can't win, so he is sacrificing himself. Poor boy. Must be bad to have Aniki as rival. Vritra weakest Dragon King, but specializes in skills. More than makes up in power. You must realize this. Skills are better than power. This fight proving it. Sona Sitri wont win however."
...Huh? Did he say Sona-chan wont win? Has the crazy boy predicted that far?
"What makes you say that my cute Ma-tan?"
"Have to explain everything. Sona Sitri went for strongest member of red haired apes group. But, she should've also went after holy demonic sword girl with more people. Skills in this battle are key. Rather than power, skills determine battle on this scale. If it was a bigger scale, Sona Sitri made right move. However, she made a semi-right move. I know these things, since I am a monster."
I wish he wouldn't call himself a monster. He isn't a monster. Just a scared boy.
"...So, Sona-chan is going to lose then?"
"Yes, Sona Sitri will lose. But, she will at least shine as smart girl. Smartest person there is Sona Sitri. Even the crazy me can see such things. I bet ape wins, Sona Sitri loses."
"I see you have thought through all the way to the end then?"
"...Always need to stay several moves ahead of opponents. Basic strategy in battle. Even you think ape is going to win, don't you? Even if you deny, I see the truth behind your eyes."
...I don't want to admit it of course, but I see what Ma-tan here sees. Even the crazy Ma-tan knows the outcome of this fight. Sona-chan is unlucky that Rias-chan has so many different people on her team. Most with strong Sacred Gears and the rest have strong powers.
"...I don't deny what you are saying. I believe that Sona-chan will try her best however."
"Still not going to succeed. Feel sorry for Sona Sitri. She tries so hard. Even other me knows this. He tells me such things. Sona Sitri is trying for her dream of school. School, never been to a school before. Is that what people call...fun?"
I stroke his head as I watch what's going on. Hehe, sorry Sona-chan but Ma-tan is right. I hate to admit it, but you are going to lose. But, don't give up on your dream.
"...I'm going to die..."
"Hmmm? What did you say Ma-tan?"
He looks me straight in the eyes.
"Master will come and he will take me as prisoner again. I see it in my mind. I'm going to become weapon after all...I'll die. He's coming for me."
"No. I wont let him take you."
"Too late. Seed been planted."
Seed been planted? What's that about? When I was about to say, I saw Saji-chan retire. Poor Saji-chan. I guess Ma-tan was right after all. Ma-tan...
And the beginning of the Rating Game is done! I have obviously decided to spilt it into two chapters. I have decided to give Tsubaki to Makoto and Slash Dog, fem to Issei. As for Dulio I am leaning towards Makoto but I will have decided by next chapter. I will say it that Momo and Ruruko will be with Saji as they both have expressed an interest in him in canon and in my story also. As for the others...I will have definitely decided by next chapter! I have also decided to remove some characters from some harems and to swap some also so it doesn't get to hectic. Thank you for reading!
Issei; Rias, Akeno, Xenovia, Tsubasa, Aika, Yasaka, Bennia, Kiyome, Le Fay, Seekvaira, Isabela, Katarea, Elmenhilde, Mira, Karlamine, Xuelan, Slash Dog (fem), Jeanne, Griselda.
Makoto; Serafall, Koneko, Sona, Asia, Ravel, Gabriel, Kunou, Ophis, Irina, Rossweisse, Raynare, Yumi (fem Kiba) Gasper (fem) Vali (fem) Cao Cao (fem), Chelia, Valerie, Kuroka, Tsubaki.