The time for our match was quickly approaching. In just a few short hours, our Rating Game would commence.

We were approaching a resort next to the Agreas Dome, which housed the arena where the Rating Game will take place. I was quite nervous, ever so slightly quivering. Akeno could tell and she grasped onto my hand as we were entering

A bellboy was guiding us to our suite where we would be staying during the proceedings.

As we were approaching the suite, we ran into a familiar face…

"Ah, Makoto Fujiwara! I see you got subbed for the King this time!"

"Milcom. Surprise to see you here…" I said to him apprehensively.

Milcom Amon was with his two servants. Enrico was slurping on a large cup of soda. I noticed he looked a bit intimidated as Akeno was glaring at him with a suspicious smile on her face. He chuckled nervously

I could also see another person following him.

"Hey, Makoto!" Luther said. "Long time, no see!"

"I assume you are now with Milcom?" I asked.

"Yes. All of Diodora's servants were set free after the incident at my family's manor." Milcom explained. "Me and Mr. Luther then agreed to join forces."

I nodded. "Well, I suppose I should thank you for helping apprehend your father."

He waved his arm dismissively, "Think nothing of it. I just wanted to wish you good luck with the Game."

I nodded as he and Luther waved at me as they went their separate ways. Jin also waved at us and said, "Good luck out there, Yuuto Kiba!" He waved back nervously.

Akeno scoffed and held my arm protectively, "I know he's been helping us recently, but I still don't trust that man..."

"I don't blame you." I replied. I would feel the same way if I got injured like Enrico injured you."

"My big brother was always weird," Rahab commented. "Even I don't know what side he's on right now."

"It was just so weird when he kidnapped me that one time," Ravel replied. "It was almost like I wasn't being kidnapped. He was just so… hospitable! He gave me all the tea and quality food I wanted as long as I didn't try and escape."

"Sounds to me like you developed a case of the Stockholm Syndrome!" Aika interjected.

"I did not!" Ravel retorted.

"Good grief," I said. "I don't know where you get your twisted fantasies, Aika."

"You know exactly where she got them from…" Koneko said. "She didn't get that anyway, judging from the liking she took to Makoto-senpai after he rescued her."

"I'll have you know the President was the one who came to my rescue, thank you very much!"

Koneko scoffed.

Speaking of people Koneko has (or possibly 'had') beef with, it was then that I began to wonder where Kuroka went.

I then noticed she had gone over to a nearby food stand.

"Go on ahead," I said as I broke off.

"Kuroka, what are you doing?" I said as I approached her. "You shouldn't break off the main group like that."

"It just smelled so good, nya!" she gleefully said.

"You could have told me, and I would have let you stop here…" I replied.

"Okay, you got me," she conceded. "I'm afraid about how Shirone feels about me being with her. The last time I saw her, she ran away from me in the middle of the night."

I nodded. "I know she didn't want to learn senjutsu at first because she feared she would become what people said you were like."

"It was all because I killed him. All I wanted to do was protect my sister and stop our master from doing those experiments on her trying increase her demonic power. But because of my actions, Shirone told me it was my fault we were on the run from the devils. Could I have held back?"

I hugged her. "It wasn't your fault, Kuroka. She told me herself that you saving her from Lord Amon has improved her trust in you a bit. If you support her in the Game tonight, I know she will trust you even more."

"My, Makoto-nya!" she exclaimed. "You are just too motivating!"

"Irina! I told you she was acting suspicious!"

It was then I noticed Xenovia had appeared next to us.

I hastily released myself from Kuroka, who broke down in chuckling.

"Good grief," I replied. "It's not what it looks like."

"That's what your type always says…" she retorted, with an accusatory point.

"What does that even mean?"

"Oh, hey Makoto!" Irina said. "What were you talking about, Xenovia?"

"I caught her embracing him!" she said, pointing at us. "Lord only knows what lewd things she plans to do with him next. Hold hands? God forbid, kiss him?"

"I was giving her a support hug." I retorted.

"Right… That's what her charms want you to think it was."

"Xenovia, you really need to stop acting so paranoid…" Irina said.

"Goodness, you really shouldn't be picking fights with my servants before their big fight…"

Rias walked up to us as she said that.

"Glad to see you made it," I said to her.

Rias nodded. "We got checked into our suite about the same time as you arrived. You'll be happy to know we all got exclusive seating for the big event."

"I would be surprised if you didn't," I replied.

She chuckled. "Lady Serafall is even watching with us. But that's partly because she's helping us make sure we can find out who was trying to sabotage this event."

"Well, that's thoughtful of her," I said, and began to walk back towards my group and waved to them. "You all have fun now!"

"We will, Makoto!" Irina said. "Good luck to you too!"

I walked with Kuroka and reconvened with the rest of the group.

After we got checked in to our rooms and put up our luggage, we made our way to our waiting room, or at least, that's what it was called. That thing was too big to be called a room. Too big, too spacious, too accommodated. It had a sitting area, training equipment, the works.

As everyone was gawking at our waiting area, someone entered the room.

"Pardon me," he said as he walked in.

"Big brother!" Ravel exclaimed.

"Great to see you, Ravel." Riser replied. "Especially you, Makoto. Thought I would send my regards before you two's big game. I hear it's garnering as much attention as a professional match. No pressure or anything, but this outcome may greatly impact not only Lady Rias' ranking but set the standard for yours as well. So, I feel compelled to say good luck."

"Well, thank you, Riser. I'm gonna need it," I replied. "I'm not exactly the strategist like Sona, have raw power like Sairaorg, or even Rias' familial connection with this group."

"I would disagree with the last one," he said as Akeno was serving him tea on the couch, with a less intimidating smile than the last time she did this for him. "For one, I was right in assuming that Akeno would be a good lover for you when we first met. You two have a bizarrely perfect chemistry."

She giggled. "He's right, we do have great chemistry. And so do the rest of your friends here."

"And if I recall correctly, you left me in the dust during our training and I hear you were not far behind Sairaorg." Riser added. "Bring that determination to the field and you have a shot at overtaking him proper."

I nodded. "You're right. Thanks for reminding me."

He then pulled something out of his pants pocket. "I also have something for Miss Hagane from Lord Ajuka."

"Oh yes! The finalized Mark 3 upgrade." Hagane said. "Thank you very much, Lord Riser!"

"Anything for a pretty young lady such as yourself," Riser replied.

"Okay, Riser. You already have yours." I commented. "Don't go double-dipping."

Riser chuckled. "It's just a jest from a gentleman. Take care now!"

I waved as he left the room. Goodness, that man has no off switch.

"From the west gate, here's team Sairaorg Bael!"

At long last, our Rating Game was about to begin. We have arrived at Agreas Stadium and Sairaorg's team had just walked out on the opposite side

I exhaled in anticipation.

"We got this, dear!" Akeno told me, clenching her fist in a ladylike fashion.

"Word has it somebody assembled big squad of cheerleaders for you in the crowd." Rahab added. It was at this moment I realized she was wearing the Kuoh Academy uniform for the first time. She chose to wear it unbuttoned like me and Matsuda and, unsurprisingly, went for thigh-highs.

"Really?" I replied. "Do you know who?"

"I'm pretty sure its Lady Serafall," said Aika. "I heard of some sort of 'Makkun Fan Club' around these parts. I think Irina has already joined them and is helping her lead it."

"Mmmm. I should probably find out where that is and join them, nya." Kuroka commented.

"And you would be a nuisance to even them…" Koneko muttered.

I sighed. "Good grief…" I then faced towards them and announced. "Let's go out there and give them our best shot!"

"Alright!" everyone called back.

"Coming out from the east gate, making his first appearance – Makoto Fujiwara, leading team Rias Gremory!"

I heard a flurry of cheers. I couldn't tell if it was louder than Sairaorg's since the sound was slightly muffled inside the entrance tunnel, but it was loud.

We went up to the main stand and took our seats in our section as a flashy-looking man began to speak.

"Greetings, everyone! My name is Naud Gamigin and I will be your broadcaster for tonight's game! Joining me in the commentary booth is current Rating Game champion Diehauser Belial!"

The cheers that were already ferocious at the beginning grew even stronger with the appearance of Diehauser.

"Our arbiter for tonight's game is Rudiger Rosenkreutz!"

The name and his silver-haired appearance was familiar. One of his Rating Games was one of several I watched in preparation for tonight. He was a reincarnated Ultimate-class devil currently seventh in the rankings. It gives me some relief that a former underdog like me is officiating.

"We want to thank the house of Phenex for helping support this game, as well as providing a Phoenix Tear for each of the teams."

That further explains Riser's appearance earlier. Having one of those can help us get out of a pinch. However, that also means we should be prepared to potentially defeat Sairaorg twice.

"In case you aren't familiar, tonight's game will be a match-style Dice Figure Game! Each member is assigned a number based on their piece. Pawns are 1, Bishops and Knights are 3, Rooks are 5, and the Queen is 9."

"Wait. What about Kuroka?" I asked. "Would Mutation Pieces make her worth, like, 6?"

Akeno giggled. "As far as we know, she's still worth 3. So, you can very easily unleash her on our foes."

"I'm your secret weapon, nya!" Kuroka commented.

I nodded and grinned. We have more of an advantage than we think.

"Combatants with multiple pieces are also taken into account. For instance, team Rias' Aika Kiryuu, who was reincarnated with eight pawn pieces has a value of 8."

Aika excitedly clenched her fist. "Yes!"

"Why are you excited? That means you won't be able to go as often…" Koneko replied.

Aika raised two fingers. "It means I am the second most important here next to Akeno."

"Makoto's value hasn't been released yet," Ravel said. "Don't get so cocky."

I noticed Koneko about to retort to Ravel's statement, but she then nodded. "Makoto-senpai is probably higher..."

Glad to see they're finally agreeing.

Gamigin continued. "Each King will roll a six-sided die. The total dice value is the value each side can use each round. Keep in mind, however, that the same piece cannot be used in consecutive rounds."

So that means I can't just send Kuroka out every round she is eligible. I will have to save her for a crucial moment.

"The Game will end when either side's King has been retired. With this in mind, the board has decided to assign them the following values: Sairaorg Bael is worth 12; and Makoto Fujiwara is worth 9!"

There was a lot of "oohs" from the audience.

Aika scoffed and raised another finger. "Third."

"Told you." Ravel said.

"Sairaorg may have a higher value, but he can only come in when the maximum number has been rolled. Furthermore, both team Rias' queen, Akeno and Makoto will each be able to face him alongside a Knight or Bishop."

This gives me a unique advantage. If Kuroka hasn't been eliminated, me or Akeno can take him on with her. While I don't have the power advantage by myself, I can rely on a teammate to back me up. If I rematch Sairaorg in this format with my own team, for instance, I could have Asia provide healing or Xenovia or Irina could tag team with me to take him down.

Rosenkreutz then gave the announcement; "The Rating Game between team Sairaorg Bael and team Rias Gremory will now commence!"

I stepped up to the center of the main stand and picked up my die.

"Are you ready?" Sairaorg asked me.

"Ready as I'll ever be…" I replied.

Rosenkreutz gave the call, "Shoot!"

I dropped my die and landed 1. Sairaorg then landed a 5.

"The total is 6!" Gamigin commentated "That means either one Rook or a combination of two Bishops or Knights can be selected! Each peerage will now have five minutes to plan their strategy!"

I walked back to my side and a sound-insulated barrier enveloped us. When I looked at the jumbotron, it looks like our mouths were also being censored with a sigil to prevent either side from reading lips. This is indeed a serious pro-level game.

"Okay…" I said, giving a big exhale. "So I think we should combine a Technique-type with either a Power-type or Wizard-type."

"Uh… Come again?" Rahab replied to me. Aika and Kuroka nodded in solidarity while Koneko sighed.

"Rias' mom gave me some lessons in Rating Game strategy. You can deal great damage with your Holy Sword, so you're what's considered a Power-type," I explained. "Yuuto is a Technique-type. He doesn't have as much raw power but has great speed and can use his Sacred Gear to gain the upper hand.

Hagane can be Support with her walling abilities, but, especially with her upgrades, she can easily become a power-type like Koneko or Aika. Finally, Ravel, Kuroka, Akeno, and myself are Wizard-types with strong magical abilities, though I can become a Power-type if need be. Do you get it now?"

Rahab nodded. "More or less…"

Yuuto raised his hand. "I'll go."

I nodded. "Sure."

"I'll go with Yuuto-nya." Kuroka said.

"Wait a second," I said. "I don't think you should go out just yet."

Kuroka looked disappointed. "Why not?"

"We can't use our best cards just yet," Ravel said. "Along with you using precious stamina, they may take this opportunity to find a weakness to exploit later."

I nodded. "And I don't think we should lead with you either, Ravel. Even though you can regenerate damage, you can still be eliminated if you lose too much stamina. We should save the Wizard-types for later rounds"

Ravel nodded. "I understand."

"I guess that leaves me," Rahab replied.

This is a bit of a gamble. We may lose both of our Knights in one go, but combining Power and Technique may be our best shot.

By then, our five minutes were nearing its end, and Yuuto and Rahab stepped up to the magic circle in our area.

I looked up at the jumbotron to see them having teleported into a hilly field arena.

"The first combatants have appeared. From team Gremory, it's the feisty Knight Rahab Amon and the other Knight is the quick gentleman Yuuto Kiba!"

I could faintly hear some girls in the crowd exclaim, "Go get 'em, Boss!" but they were quite hard to hear over the horde of fangirls squeeing, "KIBA-KYUUN!"

I sighed, "Good grief." He already has multiple Sacred Gear forms so maybe him having the one that makes women hot for him as well isn't much of a stretch after all.

"And from team Bael, we have a Knight and a Bishop!"

The man wearing armor atop of a fiery steed approaches Yuuto and lifts his helmet, introducing himself for the broadcaster. "Greetings fellow Knights! I am one of the Knights who serve Lord Sairaorg Bael, Beluga Furcas!"

Yuuto nods. "I am Rias Gremory's Knight, Yuuto Kiba. Pleased to meet you."

"Pleased to meetcha too. I'm Hagane, Miss Rias' other Knight."

"It's an honor to clash blades with the masters of the infamous Holy Demonic Sword and Arondight," Furcas responds.

"The honor is mine. May the best Knight win!" Yuuto said. Rahab nodded.

That horse looks like it came from the same place Kokabiel summoned those hellhounds from. Yuuto may have his work cut out for him in terms of agility.

The broadcaster continued. "And the young man is Misteeta Sabnock, Sairorg's Bishop! Will this duel between Knights go down honorably?"

That doesn't sound good. If what I've heard about this guy's abilities is true, Rahab and Yuuto may have to think on their toes.

Sabnock positioned himself atop a large hill away from the Knights. He was a creepy-looking young boy with an even creepier staff.

They positioned themselves as the arbiter appeared on the field, "Round 1 begins now!"

"Let's see if me and Altobrau can meet your speed!" Furcas cried out as he began charging at Rahab and Yuuto.

"Rahab! Go for the Bishop!" Yuuto exclaimed.

"Sure!" Yuuto summoned his Holy Demonic Sword and clashed with Furcas at lightning speeds.

Meanwhile, Rahab charged towards Sabnock but was continually warded off by massive fireballs.

"Shit!" Rahab exclaimed. "This twerp actually has the high ground!"

As Rahab struggled to find a way up the hill while being pushed back by Sabnock's attacks, Yuuto was clashing with Furcas. Their speed was neck-and-neck.

"Impressive!" Furcas exclaimed. "Even with Altobrau, my speed merely rivals yours. You are truly terrifying, Sir Kiba!"

"So are you Sir Furcas!" Yuuto said as his Holy Demonic Sword clashed with Furcas' lance. "The way you sync with your steed makes it difficult to find an opening… but…!"

Yuuto then unleashed a Sword Birth flurry, forcing Furcas to jump back with a horde of blades erupting from the ground. He then followed up with…

"Lightning Holy Demonic Sword!"

He shot a burst of lightning out of his blade not unlike Akeno's at Furcas, who was forced to fling his lance to block it.

"What the-?" Rahab briefly glanced at what Yuuto just did, but was then forced back by a flurry of fireballs from Sabnock.

Furcas pulled out another lance. "That blade is deadly to devils, but only if it connects with the right one!"

It was then that afterimages of Furcas were appearing and they were all charging towards Yuuto!

Meanwhile Rahab was finally closing the distance towards Sabnock, but not before he briefly turned in Yuuto's direction and exclaimed "Sword Birth, Seal Power!"

His staff glowed a bright purple and released a violent shockwave, knocking Rahab back! Yuuto was then surrounded by purple light himself and dark markings appeared on his body as his swords vanished. "This is…!"

"Ohh!" The broadcaster exclaimed. "Looks like Sir Kiba isn't the only one with a Sacred Gear. That must be Sabnock's Trick Vanish, which seals an enemy's ability at the cost of the user's stamina! Kiba now is unable to defend himself with Sword Birth!"

The Furcases were closing in on Yuuto.

"I hoped it wouldn't have to come to this, but I will win nonetheless!" Furcas exclaimed. "Dodge if you can!"

"Crap! Yuuto isn't going to make it at this rate! Not without Sword Birth!" Aika exclaimed in fear.

I chuckled. "I knew this might happen. Luckily I had a backup plan for this sort of situation…"

"What is it, wise guy?" Aika retorted.

"Look at Makoto's wrist…" Ravel commented.

I raised my left hand.

"The watch…" Koneko said.

"Let's hope this works…" Yuuto said, pulling on his necktie. "Exscalon!"

His necktie then slipped out of his shirt and transformed into Ascalon!

"Oh, but he had a trick up his sleeve!" the broadcaster exclaimed "Or rather, his collar… which hid the fusion of Excalibur Mimic and Ascalon known as Exscalon!"

I had given it to Yuuto knowing about Trick Vanish from my overly vigorous research. It was of more use to him than me. If his Sword Birth was sealed, he could use it as a backup.

While not as fine-tuned with it as me or Xenovia, because of the light element he was gifted the ability to wield a holy sword, and now he could now hold Furcas off until Rahab could do something about Trick Vanish.

With Exscalon, Yuuto had a chance of defending himself. He parried and dodged several lunges from Furcas. However, with the duplicates, he would be very quickly overwhelmed with Sword Birth sealed away.

Thankfully, with his reduced stamina, Sabnock wasn't able to attack with the same ferocity, and Rahab was able to finally able to dodge the projectiles and close the distance!

Sabnock hastily summoned a barrier, but Rahab slashed right through it with Arondight, knocking Sabnock back!

And with that, the seal on Yuuto vanished! "Thank you, Rahab!" he said. He then struck the ground with Exscalon. "BALANCE BREAK!"

Several holy swords erupted from the ground, knocking Furcas and his copies back. They then transformed into the Glory Drag Troopers!

"Another Balance Breaker from Kiba!?" the broadcaster exclaimed as the crowd (mostly the rabid fangirls) erupted in cheers "That young pretty boy is full of surprises today."

Meanwhile, as Rahab prepare to finish Sabnok off he pointed his staff at her. "Holy Sword, Seal Power!"

Arondight then felt heavy in her hands.

"Ah crap…" she looked at her arms to find the seals were now on her body.

Furcas chuckled at Yuuto. "Not only do you have the Sword of Betrayer but I believe Blade Blacksmith as well!"

"Correct! A variant of my Sword Birth gifted by my former comrades!"

"Then let our comrades dance together, Sir Kiba!"

"Bring it, Sir Furcas!"

They charged at each other in a bright flash of light.

There was a brief moment of anticipation before…

"Sairaorg Bael's Knight – RETIRED!"

"YES!" Aika exclaimed. "I love you Yuuto Kiba!"

We all stared at her.

"Wait, I said that out loud… Did I…?" she said.

"Yes…" Koneko said. "You did."

I put my arm on her shoulder. "Hey, if we can help you like you helped me. It will work out just fine. But first, we just have to finish off Sabnock."

"Rahab! I'll take care of him!" Yuuto exclaimed as he rushed toward her and Sabnock.

"Nope. I got this!" Rahab replied as she dropped Arondight.

Sabnock fired a barrage of fire at Rahab. However, it was apparent his stamina was getting very low and was easily dodged by Rahab.

Rahab then was able to get up close and personal with Sabnock and punched him right in the gut, knocking him back!

"Unbelievable!" the broadcaster exclaimed, "With her holy sword sealed away, Rahab Amon resorted to using her fists!"

"YEAH! GO BOSS!" I heard in the crowd, which was almost as loud as Yuuto's fangirls were. Looks like Devil Heaven wasn't just gonna sit back and be drowned out by the Yuuto Kiba fan club.

The blow was enough to break the seal!

"You barbarian!" Sabnock exclaimed as Rahab went back for Arondight.

"Who the hell do you think I am?" Rahab said. "I may be a Knight but I'm not gonna let some stupid-ass code of chivalry stop me!"

He then let out a scream and was about to launch another attack at Rahab before vanishing in a flash of light.

"Sairaorg Bael's Bishop – RETIRED!"

The arbiter Rosenkreutz abruptly gave that announcement.

"Wait… What just happened?" Aika said.

Akeno giggled. "My my. That killing intent was so mesmerizing."

I sighed. "Good grief."

Everyone was cheering as both of our Knights returned to our side.

Rahab rushed towards me and gave me a high five.

"A bit crude near the end, but great job!" I said.

"What is steel compared to the hand that wields it?" she responded.

"Surprisingly profound..." Hagane said.

"I'm pretty sure that's just a movie quote," Koneko replied.

"Looks like we'll have to account for your penchant for punching people in our battle strategy," Ravel said.

"That was only because Arondight was disabled…" Rahab responded

Yuuto sighed and the two of us shook hands. "Great job, Yuuto!" I said.

"You were right for giving me Exscalon. I owe you one," he replied.

Meanwhile, Aika was red and unable to make eye contact with him. He then noticed.

"Are you alright, Aika?" he asked.

She suddenly got flustered. "Yeah! I'm fine!"

Akeno started giggling uncontrollably.

Sairaorg then spoke to me through the jumbotron.

"I apologize. I forced Misteeta Sabnok to retire. He was either about to kill Rahab or do himself in from the loss of stamina. Though tell me, Makoto, do you have that same killing intent?"

"Hmm… I'm not sure." I said. "Though, give me enough trouble like you did with that Bishop and I might just take your word for it."

"That's the spirit. I'll face you in combat before long, White Dragon Emperor!"

We had won the first round, and I had made an excellent first impression. However, it would only really matter if we keep it up for the rest of the game.

"Team Gremory has secured the first round and the next is about to begin! What will happen next?"