Chapter 7
"" - Talking
'' - Thinking
{} - Sparda
[] - Ddraig
…
"It's good weather today, isn't it Ayato-san? We are playing softball for physical education today. It's my first time, so I'm excited" Asia spoke to Ayato as the pair happily walked to school, the eyes of the other students were intense as comments started to fly.
"Absurd...what is happening...?"
"It must be some kind of mistake...First it was Rias-oneesama & Stella-oneesama & Mio-Oneesama, now even Asia-san..."
Just like that, I can hear the scream-like words from other students. Well, that's natural. This situation would seem impossible for anyone who knows me.
I, who was just an unpopular A-Rank Knight, am now suddenly getting along with the school's idols. I'm also walking to school every day with the new blonde student everyone has been talking about since arriving. From other people's view, this is an unbelievable situation.
There were some students who confessed to Asia because they were like "If Kurozakuro can, so can I!", but they were rejected immediately.
Because of that, there are those who hold a grudge against me. Even now, there are people looking at me with eyes filled with hatred.
Other guys must think I'm playing around with the beauty's body. It's not as simple as they think, but that's okay.
Fufu. This is fun in its own way. Even if it's a misunderstanding, they think I'm popular with girls. Oh yeah! That's it! Just get jealous of me, boys!
I'm still going to rise higher! Hahahahaha!
"Was there something that looked funny?"
Oh. Asia looks at my face with a worried expression. When a beauty's face is right in front of me, it makes me blush… Looks like I'm still young.
"N-No, it's nothing. By the way Asia, are there any problems at school? Are you getting along with other girls?"
Those are the things I'm most concerned about.
A former Sister has just transferred to our school. Since her lifestyle was far different from ours, she might feel lost in school life.
At times like this, I will definitely help her, however what's most important is for her to be supported by other girls. I think she is getting along with the girls from the Occult Research Club, but I'm concerned about her interaction with the other classmates. I don't think she is getting bullied for not being used to this lifestyle… But I can't stop myself from being worried about it.
Nothing like that is happening as far as I can tell, but she might be bullied when I'm not there.
However, Asia's smile, which comes from the bottom of her heart, rejects my concern about her.
"Everyone is very kind towards me. They are teaching me a lot of things so I would get familiar with Japan. I also made lots of friends. I was also invited to go shopping with them."
That's good to hear. Looks like her relationship with the other classmates is going well. Now, one of my concerns is gone.
While talking about that, we arrive at school and then go towards the classroom.
Now with the problem of Asia's school life settled, the remaining problem is—
"Are there any problems at school? Are you getting along with the other girls?" He asked, having admitted to himself that he was worried about how she was adjusting to everything as Asia smiled to him before answering
"Everyone is very kind towards me. They are teaching me a lot of things so I can get used to Japan. I also made lots of friends. I was also invited to go shopping with them."
"That's good" Ayato spoke with a smile as they arrived at the school, his eyes roaming the grounds as he looked for his fellow club members, noticing Yuuto at the centre of a crowd of his fans while Koneko, Rias, & Akeno or Stella, Shizuku & Alice didn't seem to be about.
"Morning Ayato-san, Asia-san" A familiar female voice spoke up behind him, turning to see Kiryu walking towards them with a smile.
"Morning Kiryu-san" Both spoke, the glasses-wearing girl quickly pulled Asia off to talk about things as Ayato chuckled as he headed after them to class.
…
Ayato & Asia had just returned from delivering leaflets as they entered the club room.
"We are back!"
"Oh my. Good work, I will make some green tea now." Akeno replied with a smile as the pair headed over to Rias who was sat at her desk with a dazed look on her face
"Buchou, we have returned." Ayato spoke, a slight concerned look on his face as she sighed deeply apparently not hearing him as Asia looked to wherever there master was as Ayato waved a hand before her eyes as he spoke louder
"Buchou? We have returned" Rias came back to reality that time, looking at them as she spoke
"I…I'm sorry. I was dazed for a second. Good work Ayato, Asia" Ayato silently sighed, Rias seemed to be more distracted then she was before, he figured he should ask her if everything was alright but he didn't get much chance to speak to her alone.
Rias checked that everyone else was here before she spoke "Now, let's have Asia make her debut as a Devil"
"Yes, Buchou," Akeno said as she placed her hand on Asia's forehead, a faint light appearing from her fingertips.
"Buchou, it's okay. There's no problem at all. More like she has the most magical powers after Buchou and me. Her magical power potential is very good." Rias smiled at her Queen's report as she replied
"That's good news. She can use her power as a "Bishop" to the fullest." Ayato smiling before finding himself starting to worry about how Asia would be as her first contract, deciding to voice it as he asked Rias
"Buchou…Will Asia be alright on her own?"
"Don't worry Ayato. We Devils of the Gremory household don't take any risqué kind of wishes. There are humans who request those kinds of wishes, so there are Devils who take those clients as their jobs. The jobs we take are safe. Even Devils have areas that they are professional at." Rias answered as Ayato nodded understandingly, feeling better about letting Asia go on her own as the magic circle started to glow, Akeno reading the Devil's letters that appeared before speaking
"Ara-ara, there is a client who wants to summon us and it's a client that wants to make a wish even Asia-chan can handle."
"That's very convenient…"
"You think you'll be alright on your own, Asia?" Ayato asked, Asia smiling to him as she nodded, speaking before she stepped into the circle
"Yes Ayato-san"
"Good luck Asia" Ayato spoke before she was transported away, the silver haired teen taking a seat at one of the sofas as he decided to get an early start on his homework.
Yuuto and Koneko eventually left on their own jobs leaving Ayato,Akeno and Rias in the clubroom, the former deciding to ask his master
"Buchou…Is everything alright…? You seem less… happy than usual" Rias looked to him for a moment as if contemplating whether to tell him anything yet, glancing over to Akeno to see her nod before deciding to speak
"Would you do anything to help me, Ayato?" Ayato looked confused back at her as he answered
"Erm…I guess so…Why?" Rias was about to speak up as the magic circle glowed again, Asia transporting back into the clubroom with a happy smile on her face.
…~~~Ayato, Stella & Asia's room~~~
Ayato sighed as he lay on his bed; Asia had been successful at her first job and was currently taking a bath with Stella, a smile plastered to her face ever since she had come back. The silver haired teen was deep in thought about Rias
'That was a weird question…I mean I'm her servant so I've got to do what she says…although…'
[You'd like to have your way with her and Mio and Stella]
Ddraig spoke amused as Ayato blushed at the thought before Sparda added
{There is little chance of that…she is the daughter of a High Class Family…most likely she has someone already picked out for her}
Ayato's eyes widened as he clicked his fingers, 'That might be why she's been so depressed…and way to make me feel happy about my chances Sparda'
{Sorry but it better to be honest then let you be led along in false hope}
Sparda spoke with a sad tone, Ayato's eyes widened as his whole room started to glow the magic circle of the Gremory Household emblazing onto the ground before Rias appeared from it.
"Buchou…?" Ayato asked wondering what she had come here for, from the look on her face Ayato could tell she was still worried about something as she walked towards him
"Make love to me" She spoke, Ayato's jaw dropped as he looked disbelieving at her as she made her want clear to him
"I want you to take my virginity. Right now." Ayato still didn't believe what he was hearing as he sighed turning his face to the ground as he spoke
"I can't…"
"Am I not good enough for you" Rias asked concerned, looking at him as she started to strip despite what he had said
"N-No, Absolutely not…I-I …" Ayato started, trying to calm himself down before sighing as he turned his gaze away from her as he continued
"I just don't…think this is the best way to get out of whatever's troubling you…and this is just not right"
"You said you'd do anything for me…" Rias spoke almost pleadingly as she moved towards where Ayato sat on his bed, hoping to be able to convince him to go through with it.
"I didn't expect that you'd ask me to make love to you…" Ayato replied, finding himself getting annoyed at her persistence, Rias stopping as she looked at him oddly.
"I thought about all sorts of things, but this is the only method left." Rias spoke to herself as Ayato stood up as he spoke, hoping to stop her before she regretted what she was doing
"There's another way, Rias-sama…" She looked up at him in surprise at him using her name despite all the other times he called her 'Buchou' as he continued
"…There always is…It's just not been shown to you yet"
The floor of the room shone again, signalling another magic circle forming in the room, Ayato giving his master some privacy as he finished "Please get dressed otherwise they might get the wrong impression"
From out of the circle came a silver haired young woman dressed in clothes that a maid would wear, she looked at the pair seeing that Yukio had his back to Rias, the crimson haired she-devil looking down sadly.
"Are you trying to break the agreement by doing something like this?" She asked, Rias sighing as she just looked at Ayato's back as she replied
"It didn't work anyway…so what does it matter?"
"Both Sirzechs-sama and the master will become sad after they find out that you tried to give your purity to some lowly person like this" The maid spoke, Ayato looking sadly at the ground as Rias turned to look annoyed at her as she retorted
"My purity is mine only. What's wrong with giving it to someone whom I acknowledged? And don't call my cute servant lowly. Even if it's you, I won't forgive you, Grayfia."
Grayfia handed Rias her shirt, finding herself surprised that the silver haired teen hadn't looked back as they had been talking as she spoke
"Anyway. You are the next heir of the Gremory household so please don't show your skin to a man, even more so if you are in the middle of this situation."
Grayfia turned her gaze to Ayato, finally catching one of his eyes looking directly at her as she bowed her head to him as she introduced herself "How do you do? I'm a person that serves the Gremory household. My name is Grayfia. I will be your acquaintance from now on."
Ayato bowed back as he decided he should introduce himself "I'm Kurozakuro Ayato, Buchou's "Pawn "& Stella-sama "Queen", It's an honour to meet you"
Rias pinched Ayato's cheek annoyed at the formality he'd given to Grayfia, the maid finding herself surprised at how polite he was to her while maintaining eye contact before she recalled what he'd just said before asking
"Wait… is this person…?"
"Yes, he's the holder of the "Boosted Gear" and the S Sword "Kurokamitsu"." Rias answered as Grayfia looked more surprised as she spoke
"…"Boosted Gear" and "Kurokamitsu", the one who is possessed by the emperor of dragons and the Legendary Dark Knight… "
"Grayfia, let's go back to my room. I will listen to what you have to say over there. Akeno can also attend, right?" Rias spoke, releasing Ayato's cheek which was now red.
"The "Lightning Priestess"? I don't mind. It's a must for high-class devils to have their "Queen" by their side all the time." Grayfia replied with a nod before Ayato's attention was drawn back to his master
"Okay. Ayato" Rias walked towards him, surprising him by kissing his cheek, Ayato blushing despite himself as she spoke
"Please forgive me for today with this kiss. I troubled you a lot. Let's meet again in the club room tomorrow."
With that both Rias and Grayfia left by magic circle, Ayato sighing in relief as he sat back down on his bed as Ddraig spoke up
[I'm surprised at your extraordinary willpower…]
'Don't remind me about what just happened…I'm still surprised she was that willing just to get out of something…' Yukio mentally replied as Sparda added
{Seems like our assumption was right, she is engaged to someone she doesn't like}
Ayato touched his cheek where Rias kissed as he sighed before he heard Asia & Stella's voices from the hallway
"Ayato! We finished using the shower!
…
Ayato rubbed his eyes free from sleep as he walked alongside Asia & Stella as they headed towards school. He found it fair that Rias had called off morning practice although he's still gone through half of it on his own to stop thoughts about the previous night from surfacing.
"Are you okay?" Asia asked with a worried voice, Ayato giving her half a smile as he nodded as he spoke
"I just did more training then normal" Asia seemed to still look worried at him as they continued walking, Ayato felt slightly bad that he only came back for a quick breakfast before they started off for school.
"I thought morning training was cancelled" Asia asked as Ayato scratched the back of his head as he replied
"I figured I could still go through with it even if Buchou cancelled it"
…
"Buchou's problems? Maybe it has something to do with the Gremory household." Yuuto spoke to Ayato while the quartet of Ayato,Yuuto,Asia & Stella were walking towards the old school building.
"Akeno-san would know, right?" Ayato asked, Yuuto nodding to the silver haired teen's question as he added
"Akeno-san is Buchou's most trusted servant, so she obviously would know." Ayato knew he wouldn't find anything out of Rias if he asked her directly given what had happened yesterday but he didn't want to go and ask Akeno behind Rias' back, as it was his crimson haired master's choice if she wanted to tell them what was going on.
When they arrived in front of the clubroom door, Yuuto noticed something, his face turning serious as he spoke "...For me to realise this presence, only when I came here..."
"Huh…?" Ayato asked as he opened the door without any concerns, looking into the room to see Rias, Akeno, Koneko and the silver haired maid Grayfia with her usual cool expression. Rias had a very disturbed face while Akeno was smiling like usual but Ayato could tell that she was serious.
Koneko was sitting in a chair in the corner quietly, not seeming like she wanted to get involved with whatever was going on in the dead silent room which was only broken by Yuuto as he quietly said "This is bad"
The four of them went inside the room but it wasn't the type of atmosphere where anyone could talk to them. Ayato gripped Asia's hand as she held onto the back of his shirt with a worried face, hoping to comfort her as Rias spoke up after looking at everyone
"Looks like everyone is here. Before we start the club, there's something I need to tell all of you."
"Ojou-sama, do you want me to explain the situation?" Grayfia asked, Rias rejecting it with her hand as she continued
"The truth is..."
She was cut off by the magic circle on the floor glowed.
{Someone's coming here}
Sparda spoke up, Ayato wondering who it could be as the symbol on the circle changed from the Gremory to something else
"...Phenex" Yuuto spoke quietly, Ayato's eyes widening as he thought
'Like the legendary bird?'
{Yes, there's a pillar which are like that…they share the legendary bird's traits like Stella does}
Sparda replied
The light shined through the room and a person appeared from the magic circle before flames started to pour out from the magic circle that ignited throughout the whole room. Ayato moved in front of Asia seeing that he was more used to fire then her but still found it hotter than he expected. There was the silhouette of a man behind the flames. When he spread his arm across to the side, the flames disappeared.
The one standing there is a man wearing a red suit. Since he's wearing his suit casually, he didn't have a tie and his shirt is open till his chest. He looks like he's in his early 20's.
'Doesn't look like a high class devil to me…'Yukio thought as the strange man looked around the room before smirking after finding Rias as he spoke
"My lovely Rias. I came to take you."
'So…he's who she's trying to get away from…I don't blame her…he looks like some sort of gigolo' Ayato thought, hearing snickering from Ddraig
Rias looked at him with her eyes half closed, not welcoming the guy who didn't care as he approached her as he added "Then Rias. Let's go and take a look at the ceremony hall. The date of the ceremony is decided so we need to check it before then."
"…Let go of me, Raiser." Rias retorted in a deep and serious tone, after Raiser tried to grab her arm. Ayato could tell she was angry at Raiser, who didn't seem to care about it. Ayato finding himself angry at his overall demeanour as he spoke clearly
"You are being rude to Buchou…I suggest that you start acting with the proper respect"
Raiser looked at Ayato as if he was some sort of trash before asking in a displeasing tone "Huh? Who are you?"
"I am the servant devil of Rias Gremory-sama & Stella Vermillion Gremory Phenex-sama. I'm the "Pawn", Hosomaki Ayato." Ayato introduced himself to Raiser, curious of what the rude devil would say next
"Hmm. Ah, okay."
"Who are you then?" Ayato asked, Raiser seeming a bit surprised by his question as he turned to Rias & Stella
"….Ara? Rias & Stella, you haven't mentioned me to your servants? I mean, are there guys who don't know me? A reincarnated devil? Even so."
"We didn't tell him because there was no need." Rias & Stella replied coldly
"Ararara. Harsh like always. Hahaha..." Raiser started to laugh as Grayfia spoke up
"Hosomaki Ayato-sama, this person is Riser Phenex-sama. He's a pure-blood high-class devil, and the third son of the Phenex Household and he is the husband of the next heir of the House of Gremory & The Older Stepbrother of the Crimson Flaming Princess."
{Bingo…} Sparda spoke up as Ayato mentally agreed as Grayfia added "He is engaged to Rias ojou-sama."
'I figured as much…I can see why she wants to get out of it now' Ayato thought to himself
…
"The tea made by Rias's "Queen" is superb." Raiser spoke although Akeno seemed to be giving off a slightly scary feeling to Ayato as she spoke
"Thank you very much."
Rias was sitting on the sofa; Raiser was next to her carelessly and was holding her shoulder although Rias kept shaking his hands off of her. Ayato found himself more annoyed at how Raiser kept disrespecting her.
"Stop it already!" Rias' angered voice echoed through the room as she got up from the sofa and glared sharply at Raiser who was smirking like usual as she shouted
"Raiser! I told you before! I will not marry you!"
"Yeah, I heard that before. But Rias, that won't do, you know? I think your house is in a rush to evade the crisis."
"That's none of your concern! If I'm the next heir for the House of Gremory, then I will choose who will become my husband! Also it was a promise that I will be free until I graduate from university!"
"That's right. You will be free. You can go to university and you can do whatever you like with your servants. But your Otou-sama and Sirzechs-sama are worried. They are afraid that your house will become extinct.
We lost a great number of pure-blood devils in the last war. Even if the war has finished, our rivalry with the fallen-angels and God isn't finished yet. It's not rare for a pure-blood devil to get killed, which leads to the household becoming extinct because of the worthless battle against them.
So for pure-blood devils that are also high-class devils getting together would be the best solution to fix this situation. A pure-blood high-class devil. Even though you know that these children will be important from now on, right?"
Ayato started to curl his hands into fists, releasing tons of power from his body as he kept himself calm as he listened on as Raiser continued "The newly produced devils. T
he ones like your servants, the reincarnated devils, are expanding in terms of strength but that would make us, the pure-blood devils, lose place. There are old nobles who get close to the powerful reincarnated devils. But that's alright.
The newly produced devils are important for the future as well. But we can't allow the pure-blood devils to go extinct right? We were chosen in order to prevent the pure-bloods from going extinct.
I have my older brothers in my house, so my house is safe. Then there would only be you, Rias, who can inherit the house of Gremory. If you don't take a husband, the house of Gremory will go extinct with your generation.
Are you trying to crush the house that has been in history since ancient times? Because of the past war, there is not even half the number of devils who are referred to as "72 pillars". This marriage has the future of the devils on the line."
"I'm not going to crush my house. I will take a husband." Raiser made a big smile after hearing Rias say that as he spoke
"Ahhh, that's it Rias! Then let's..."
"But I won't marry you, Raiser. I will only marry the one I'll want to be with. Even the devils who obey the old rules have the right to choose." Raiser became very unpleasant after hearing that. His eyes became sharper and he even made a noise with his tongue before he started to speak
"...You know Rias. I'm also a devil who holds the name of Phenex behind me. I can't let that name get scratched. I didn't even want to come to a small old building like this in the human world. Actually I don't like the human world. The fire and wind in this world is filthy. For a devil like me who symbolises fire and wind, I can't stand it!"
Flames started to surround Raiser as he continued "I will take you back to the underworld, even if I have to burn all of your servants."
Ayato could tell he was serious about it as he moved forward; no one was getting killed while he was around as he started to use his secret power against the arrogant high class devil as He just- quietly swung down Brynhildr.
-Right afterwards, Ayato's world turned snow-white.
He didn't know if it was from activating Banishing Shift or from being swallowed up by the flames.
Everyone was shocked at the phenomenon including Stella & Grayfia.
"No one is dying as long as I'm about…and no one is forcing Buchou into anything" Ayato declared seriously, his body covered in the Huge Purple aura as he took a ready stance, activating his Boosted Gear, Rias seemed surprised at Ayato's words as she looked at him before Grayfia spoke up
"Ayato-sama, Riser-sama, please calm down. If both of you were to continue, then I won't be quiet about it."
Riser made a serious face after hearing Grayfia's intense voice, Ayato calming himself in response, aware that Raiser was scared of the silver haired maid as he calmed his flames while making a sigh.
"...To be told that by the "Ultimate Queen", even I would be scared... I definitely wouldn't want to fight the people from Sirzech-sama's group, which is said to be made up of monsters." The purple aura faded from around Ayato as he wondered how much strength Rias' brother had, not feeling any killing intent from her at all but still keeping his Boosted Gear on his arm as Grayfia continued
"Everyone such as the master, Sirzechs-sama and the people from the house of Phenex knew it would become like this. To tell you the truth this was to be the last discussion meeting. Everyone knew that it wouldn't be solved, so they decided to make a last resort."
"Last resort? What do you mean, Grayfia?" Rias asked surprised
"Ojou-sama, if you wish to push your opinion forward, then how about you decide it by doing the "Rating game" with Riser-sama?
Rias seemed lost for words, Ayato curious on what a Rating game was as Sparda spoke up
{It's a game that is played by the devils with peerage, and they compete by making their servants battle…Gremory-hime explained it before}
'Oh yeah' Ayato mentally replied as Grayfia spoke up
"Just like Ojou-sama knows, "Rating game" can only be played by mature aged devils. But if it's an unofficial match, then even pure-blood devils who haven't reached mature age can participate. But in this case..."
"It usually involves family and household problems, right?" Rias continued to talk while making a sigh.
"In other words Otou-sama and the others chose to make us do the game as a last resort when I was to decline, right? ...What nerve do they have to keep on controlling my life...!" Rias seemed really angry now as she spoke, not liking the idea of being controlled as Grayfia asked
"Then Ojou-sama, you are saying you would also decline to participate in the game?"
"No. This is a chance. Alright then. Let's decide this by the game, Riser." Riser smirked after Rias challenged him.
"Hee, you're accepting it? I don't mind. But I'm already a mature devil and I have already participated in the official game. Right now I have won most of the games. Even so, you still want to play, Rias?"
Riser replied back with a challenging tone. Rias made a smirk.
"I will. I will make you disappear, Riser!"
"Fine. If you win, do whatever you like. But if I win, you will marry me immediately." Both of them glared at each other, they were both glaring at each other with scary eyes, Ayato smirking at the idea of getting a chance to beat down the pompous devil.
"Understood. I, Grayfia, confirm both sides' opinions. I will be in charge of the game between the two sides. Is that okay?"
"Yes."
"Yeah."
Rias and Riser both agreed to Grayfia's approval.
"Okay. I will inform the two households then."
Grayfia bowed her head after confirming, Riser looking at Ayato and then smirked at some hidden joke as he asked
"Hey, Rias. Would the ones here be your servants?"
"So what?" Riser started laughing after Rias answered him.
"Then this match will be a laugh. Only your "Queen", the "Lightning Priestess" can fight on par with my servants."
When Riser said that he clicked his fingers, the magic circle on the floor glowed, shadows starting to appear from it.
"And these are my cute servants." Riser declared proudly as the fifteen shadows formed as fifteen different girls, Ayato sighing as he rolled his eyes and thought
'I wonder how much he paid for them'
[Probably a lot…]
Ddraig replied with a laugh, Ayato smirking to himself as Sparda spoke up
{Now, now just cause he looks like a gigolo doesn't mean he can't get his own servants…although I agree with Ddraig}
"He...hey Rias... This servant-kun over here he's ignoring my servants" Riser looked at Ayato, seeming freaked out as Rias smirked
"He's not like most guys…"
"No fair…"
"Riser-sama, how can he ignore us?"
Raiser's girls made a surprised face as they looked at Ayato who then yawned into his hand, nonchalantly.
"Don't say that, my cute girls. He must be gay that's it" Riser replied in an attempt to make them feel better.
"I just have a lot more respect for girls then most anyway you probably paid for your servants…only way I can see them hanging around with someone like you" Ayato retorted calmly as Riser started to fume.
"How dare you!?" Riser shouted annoyed as Ayato added
"You will never be good enough to be with Buchou…Yakitori" Raiser made an outrageous face at Ayato's provocation.
"Yakitori!? You low-class devil! Don't get ahead of yourself! That's not the way you talk to a high-class devil! Rias! You have to educate your servants!"
Rias just ignored his claim and said "Like I care".
"Mira teach him some respect" Riser spoke, the girl with the staff spun it for a moment before speaking
"Yes Raiser-sama"
"Tenryuu Kori Gusoku" Ayato mentally asked as he slipped into a fighting stance as Ayato wrapped himself in an armor of Ice wind & Unlocking his Seal, intercepting the attack with his full power.
[BOOST!]
He felt the increase in power through his body as Mira charged, Ayato moving to the right to avoid her thrust with her staff before throwing his gauntlet clad, Ice-covered fist into her gut, launching her back across the room and into Riser.
"Who's next?" Ayato asked as he looked over the rest of Riser's servants as he expected another one to try something as Riser stood back up as he spoke
"The one who you just defeated is my "Pawn" Mira. She's the weakest out of my servants" Raiser put his hand on his chin and thought about something before adding
"Rias, how about we have a match in 10 days? We could do it now, but that wouldn't be interesting."
"...Are you giving me a handicap?"
"Are you against it? Is it humiliating? "Rating Game" isn't something simple that you can win with only your feelings. If you can't use your servant's power to the fullest, then you will lose immediately. So it's not weird for you to train with your servants for your first "Rating Game". No matter how much potential you have, no matter how much power you have, I have seen devils who lost without using their power to the fullest countless times."
Rias kept quiet and listened carefully to what Riser had to say. Riser put his palm to the ground and it started to glow.
"10 days. If it's you, then you should be able to improve your servants." He then looked at Ayato as he continued
"Don't be a disgrace to Rias, Rias's''Pawn and Stella's Knight and Mio's Queen ``. Your hit is Rias and Stella and Mio's hits."
Ayato rolled his eyes. He already knew that from Sparda's training as Riser continued "Rias, the next time we meet will be at the match."
After he said that, Riser disappeared in the magic circle along with his servants.
…
Ayato lay on his bed as he thought, club activities had been cancelled and Rias and Akeno went deep inside the old school building and never came out, probably discussing a plan for training for the Rating Game and even for the actual battle.
{It's a good thing that he doesn't know about Kurokamitsu…means we've got ten days to build up your reiatsu to a suitable level}
Sparda spoke up, Ayato agreeing as he realised he had to fight against eight Pawns and seven which were stronger then the one he'd already defeated.
'Will be quite the surprise when I use it against them' Ayato thought as he picked himself up messing with his hair as he decided to go have a bath. Entering the bathroom he looked around in an attempt to see if Asia had beaten him to it, Kurono was still at work so he only had to worry about Asia.
Knocking on the door Ayato decided he would call out just in case "Asia! Are you in there…?"
Ayato listened to the slightly panicked movement inside as he sighed before shouting "Let me know when you've finished…"
He was about to leave only to find Asia had grabbed his wrist, Ayato keeping his gaze forwards as she spoke up "Will you have a bath with me…Ayato-san?"
"Asia…having a bath together…erm…it's not something normally done"
"But...Everyone told me about the rule when you have a bath in Japan…I heard that there is the thing called having a bath together…You get to know each other by having a bath together…" Asia replied as Ayato arched his eyebrow as he asked
"Who told you that…?"
"That rule only applies to those of the same gender…most girls don't want to bathe with guys…"
"Oh…" Asia spoke slightly sad, letting go of him as Ayato decided to leave the bathroom quickly.
…
Ayato looked up at the large set of steps for them towards where they would be staying for there training, Rias, Akeno, Asia & Stella, Mio and Akame,Maria were ahead as the crimson she-devil called "Hurry, Ayato"
"It's okay. Ayato can only get stronger this way." Rias replied, Ayato smiling at Asia wanting to help him as he decided to make his work with the heavy pack of luggage on his back easier as he activated his Tenryuu Kori Armor.
[Boost!]
Ayato felt the weight on his back lighten as the wave of power travelled through his body.
"Buchou, I gathered some herbs. Let's use it for the meal tonight." Yuuto spoke normally with the huge piece of luggage on his back as he walked without breaking a sweat.
"...See you later." Koneko said as she walks past Ayato, carrying a larger amount of luggage then him, who marvelled at the power that the Rook had as he started after them as he called
"Wait up…"
"Seems like you're handling this easily" Yuuto spoke with a smile as Ayato signalled to his gauntlet & His Armor as he spoke
When Ayato reached the top he looked at the wooden mansion before him, surprised at its size as Rias spoke "It's normally hidden from humans by using magical powers"
Entering Ayato put the bags away in the living room rolling his shoulders before having a drink of water, the girls having gone upstairs to get changed
"I will also go and get changed." Yuuto spoke before heading into a room located on the first floor carrying a blue jersey.
Yukio decided to get changed in another room before finding everyone was already gathered in the living room, Rias smiled after seeing him before speaking "Then let's start our training."
…
Ayato dodged another punch from Koneko as they spared before going for a low sweep which she jumped over as she threw a punch at him. He barely managed to hop back before her fist hit the ground, a small crater where she'd hit as Ayato gulped before slipping back into his sideways stance.
Koneko nodded to herself about something before slipping into a stance before Ayato before she started to push him harder into defending and dodging the barrage of punches and kicks she was throwing at him.
…
Ayato clashed real swords with Yuuto, the former finding it different to when he swung around Kurokamitsu against Sparda although he knew the major difference was that he now wasn't holding a sword that was as tall as he was.
"You're Pretty Good at this…" Yuuto spoke as they paused for a few moments as Ayato smiled as he replied
Because When I was a kid Almost Nobody wanted to teach me Anything so I taught myself how to see. Yuuto nodded in response as he charged at Ayato again, clashing metal swords again
…
"Keep going, Ayato!" Rias spoke from her position sitting on the large rock that was tied to the Pawn's back with Kurokamitsu's cloth sealing. Ayato felt his legs getting numb as he forced himself to continue the laps up and down the steep mountain.
"Okay, we are done with this. Next is muscle training. We will go with push ups."
"Yea...h." Ayato replied as he moved straight into starting doing push ups with the rock still attached to his back, Rias speaking as she took her seat on his back again
"Then three-hundred push ups. Let's start."
…
"It's delicious," Ayato said as they sat down for dinner. Rias had caught a boar and fish which had been cooked for the meal along with the herbs Yuuto had found earlier. Finishing his bowl of rice he was surprised when Akeno handed him another bowl full as she spoke
"Araara, we still have more food left so eat as much as you want." Ayato nodded as he started to eat his way through the bowl, most of the things that had been inside the luggage was equipment used for cooking which made the training worth it. Ayato noticed Koneko was eating a lot of food quickly and a part of him couldn't blame her, training had been draining for him and he figured she'd been working her hardest to get stronger for the Game.
"Akeno-san tastes amazing. Whoever becomes your husband will be lucky"
"Ufufufu. You are embarrassing me." Akeno smiled while putting her hand on her cheek, a small part of Ayato admitted that she looked good in the Japanese apron as he caught a glimpse of Asia's sad face as he turned to ask.
"Can I have some of the soup please?" He noticed the happy look on Asia's face as she handed some over which he drank before speaking
"It's good Asia. Can I have some more?"
"It is!? I'm so glad... now I can also be with...Ayato-san..." Asia replied as she refilled his bowl, her cheeks red as Ayato wondered what she'd mumbled at the end before Rias asked
"Now, Yukio. From today's training what have you found out?"
Rias was drinking green tea as Ayato put his chopsticks down and answered her seriously,
"...I need Some training"
"Yes. That's for sure." She replied before continuing
"Akeno, Yuuto, and Koneko have lots of battle experience even though they have not participated in the game, so they can fight if they get used to it. But you and Asia basically have no experience yet. Even so, your "Boosted Gear" and "Kurokamitsu" and Asia's healing ability can't be ignored. Even the enemy knows that. I want you to have at least the power to run away from the enemy."
"Run? ...Is it that hard?" Ayato asked, confused, he'd expect he'd need to be able to fight more than that. Rias nodding as she answered
"Running away is also a part of the strategy. Retreating to form a new formation is also a professional way of battling. There are ways to win a match like that. But running away with your back facing an enemy is something very hard. If it's an enemy with roughly the same strength as you, it is easy, but showing your back to an enemy who is far superior to you is basically saying please kill me. So running away from an enemy like that is also part of the strategy. So I have to teach you and Asia the timing to run away as well. Of course I will also teach you how to fight the enemy head on."
"Right"
"Yes."
Asia and Ayato replied to Rias. Ayato felt bad that Asia would be involved in this fight but since she had become a member of the Gremory Household, he'd resolved himself to protect her.
"Let's take a shower after the meal. It's an outdoor bath so it's wonderful." Rias spoke as Ayato decided to wait till they went before he could go and train some more.
"I'm not going to peek, Ayato-kun." Yuuto joked to him, smiling.
"Erm…ok…" Ayato spoke confused before he shivered at Koneko's tone
"...If you peek, then I will hold a grudge against you forever."
The girls left before Ayato sighed as he forced his tired body up, noticing that Yuuto was still there as he started to walk outside
"Aren't you going to bathe?" Yuuto asked as Ayato shook his head as he smiled back to the blonde boy as he answered
"Nah…I need to do a bit more practice myself before that"
…
Ayato panted as he stood with Kurokamitsu and his Boosted Gear active, preparing to practice with the sword as he held the cloth covered cleaver sword in both hands by his right side, taking a deep breath in as he focused his reiatsu into his weapon as he swung it horizontally as he called "Getsuga Tensho!"
The attack blitzed forwards, not even reaching six feet before it petered out, Ayato sighed at how he still couldn't use the attack outside of the inner world. His ears twitching as he heard movement behind him turning to see Rias stood there in her jersey, tapping her foot as she looked seriously at him "You won't get stronger if you keep pushing your body when its already tired"
"I will once you decide to head inside" Rias replied as she looked at Ayato's back as he lifted his sword over his head, taking a deep calming breath as he started to build up his reiatsu into his weapon.
"Getsuga Tensho!" Ayato called as he swung the blade down, the Violet frozen spiritual pressure launching forwards destroying the trees before him along with making a large crater from where he stood.
{Guess you need to learn some more control with your reiatsu…} Sparda spoke up as Ayato mentally agreed, turning back to see that Rias was still standing there before figuring he should call it a day as he turned to face her
"Alright, Buchou I'm coming in now"