Chapter 84

As I move discreetly around the sports field to join Kiba, an announcement motivates me.

[Riser Phoenix-sama's three [Pawns] retire.]

A most welcome announcement, if it's three [Pawns, it can only be Kiba. So with that, they're down to nine members, including Riser. And we're down to five members, with Koneko defeated. The situation isn't hopeless yet.

That's it, I see Kiba, hiding among the bushes, watching the sports field. I approach, making more noise, to alert him to my presence. He turns suddenly, his hand ready to draw, but calms down when he sees me, smiling.

"Good work, Emiya-kun." He said.

"...I'm sorry, Kiba-san, I failed Koneko..." I mumble a few words.

"...I heard yes, She must have a lot of regrets. I never really knew what she was thinking. But she was really motivated for this match. She worked hard when we set the traps in the forest." Kiba explains.

"..." I clench my fists, unable to stop myself from feeling responsible for this.

"But it's not your fault Emiya-kun, far from it, okay? Let's do our best, for her sake, okay?" Kiba encourages me.

"...Let's win." I refocus, ready for battle.

"Of course, Emiya-kun." Kiba extends his fists toward me.

We hit our knuckles together. The only two boys in the occult research club, both sword fighters, I can't help but bring out my competitive side, the same goes for Kiba, which will bring out the best in us. And then, as Usui says so well, "You've got to look cool in front of the girls when you're fighting".

"I imagine it was you who took care of the three [Pawns]." I ask.

"Yeah." Kiba nodded. "The clubroom located on the sports field is an important location. So it's natural that there's a good number of enemies there. I somehow managed to lure the [Pawns] who were keeping their eyes here and take them down. But the person in charge of this position is rather calm and didn't respond at all to my provocations. I'd even say she used the [Pawns] to see my attacks. It seems that Riser likes to fight by sacrificing his servants. It's something he's only able to do thanks to his immortality and his total number of servants." Kiba smiled, but his eyes were stern. "There's only one [Knight, one [Rook] and one [Bishop] left."

"...It's a good defense." I whisper.

"Well... it just goes to show how important this position is, especially now that the gym is gone, they've beefed up the defense here." Kiba adds.

The two roads that were seen as passages to the bases, the road from the gymnasium and the road from the sports field. Rias decided to destroy one of the passages, forcing them to carefully guard the sports field. And then, thanks to our success, we forced their [Queen] to come to the front line. It looks like this fight is going to be a lot more intense than it was in the gym. I clench my fists, getting ready to bring my A-game.

"Are you nervous?" Kiba asks me with a smile.

"Of course I am. I may have a bit of experience, but every confrontation remains a challenge, and we're not just talking about a fight like this, we're fighting for the future of the President..."

"...Look." Kiba extends his hand toward me, shaking. "I'm the same as you. Just like you, I have experience in combat, but this is the first time I've taken part in a Rating Game. A serious fight between Devils. But if this match is special, that doesn't change the fact that it's a serious fight. We'll be involved in many conflicts, whether against humans, demons or other creatures, and especially Devils, whether we like it or not. But this is our first game. We can't show them so much as an opening in our guard. This is a game where we have to give our all as Rias' servants. It's something that will be important now and even for the future. I'm delighted and also scared. I don't want to forget the feeling of my trembling hand. This feeling of being nervous, this intense atmosphere, I want to feel it all and turn it into my experience. Let's become stronger together, Emiya-kun."

This is a new side of Kiba I see, I knew he had meticulously prepared for this day, but to think so much about it to the point of becoming almost an obsession... I understand better his ardor during our training sessions.

"Well, if I'm this lazy after that speech, I've lost my case." I sigh, reminding myself that this match is at stake for everyone, not just Rias.

"Hahaha! What are you talking about? You're never lazy Emiya-kun, you just need a boost to re-motivate you after Koneko's defeat, everyone could use one." Kiba reassures me.

"I guess you're right." I nod, rolling up my sleeves. "Well, what do we do?"

"I am the [Knight] of Riser Phoenix-sama, Karlamine." Kiba doesn't have time to say anything, a voice further down the sports field calls out. "I'm tired of trying to analyze your every strategy! [Knight] of Rias Gremory! I challenge you to a duel!"

This Karlamine is in the center of the field, wearing armor. I have to admit, it's ballsy. I can only respect this decision. I turn to Kiba, who's chuckling.

"Since she introduced herself, I can't hide anymore, as a [Knight] and as a swordsman." He said, rising from the bush and heading towards her.

"I can't blame you, I would have done the same thing." I add, following him.

While Kiba's gaze is focused on the other swordsman, I remain vigilant, expecting a surprise attack, but nothing happens.

"I am the [Knight] of Rias Gremory, Kiba Yuuto."

"I am the [Pawn, Senji Emiya."

We introduce ourselves to Carlamaine, her face beaming with happiness.

"I'm so happy to see that there are warriors like you two in the Rias Gremory group! Coming right up here to the front. That's something sane people don't do."

So according to her, we're not sane... I know what she means, although I'm not sure whether to take it as a compliment or not.

"But I love idiots like you two. Well now, let's get started." Carlamaine pulls the sword from its scabbard.

"A match between two [Knights]. I've been waiting for this. I personally prefer to fight in an intense swordfight." Kiba also pulls out his sword, a lively smile on his face.

"Well said! [Knight] of Rias Gremory!" Carlamaine twirls her sword around.

In one fell swoop, the two swordsmen run at each other, striking out and creating sparks. Their speed is so great that I can hardly keep up, their [Knight] status showing in all its splendor. Watching the duel unfold, I cross my arms, keeping my vigilance high. There's no point in even thinking of giving Kiba a hand, he'll be mad at me for sure, and besides, no matter how hard I look, it's impossible to get into the match now, I'd be thrown to the side immediately. But I can't stand by and watch, especially knowing that there are other Riser servants around...

"You look bored." I look in the direction of the voice, there's a woman wearing a biker outfit and a mask hiding half her face.

This woman is probably Riser's other [Rook, I uncross my arms, preparing myself for an attack. Then a little blonde comes out of hiding, complaining.

"Geez, it only looks like a mud fight since both of them can only think of swords, swords and more swords. Carlamaine grimaced bitterly when the [Pawns] were sacrificed, so she doesn't like the battle strategies prepared by her Master, who moreover is her [King]? Besides, when I thought I'd found two handsome boys, one of them is a sword-wielding maniac, and that's unbearable."

This beautiful girl wears a pink dress that looks like something worn by western princesses. If I remember correctly, she's Riser's [Bishop]. She has a drill-like hairstyle on both sides. The more I look at her, the more I feel she's a real princess.

(She reminds me a lot of her, but younger...)

"I can understand that she hates the strategy of sacrificing her comrades. It's rather cowardly and shows a certain lack of reflexion, every piece is important and nothing is to be sacrificed, if you know what you're doing." I give my point of view, trying to irritate her to see how she reacts.

I can see I've offended her, but she brushes it off, as if she's more dignified than that. Her gaze inspects me up and down, blushing, then stops on my left arm, staring at my gauntlet.

"Yes, I remember you, [Pawn] of Rias Gremory. You made quite an impression, mastering Mira with such ease. But that gauntlet on your arm... A mage with Sacred Gear?! That's a pretty dangerous combo, so I can see why Rias Gremory adores you, aside from your beauty, you're a powerful addition to her team."

[BOOST] I bring my gauntlet forward, provoking her.

"So are we just going to type the chat or are we going to get on with what we need to do?" I ask.

"I won't be your opponent." The [Bishop] lets out a sigh. "Isabella, could you be his opponent?"

The masked woman nods obediently, advancing towards me. The blonde steps back and stands far enough away to observe us.

"That's what I was planning to do all along." Admits the [Rook]. "Well now, let's fight since we're both bored."

"I have a question first, can I ask why she doesn't fight?" I ask, being confused.

"Ah, yeah, don't mind her. That girl's special. She'll be content to watch us and the two swordsmen duel." Isabella explained.

"Huh, and in what honor?" I ask, somewhat irritated.

"She's... No, this person is Ravel Phoenix. Riser-sama's little sister. She became Riser-sama's servant using a special method." Isabella replies, troubled.

(...Yeah, I should have known, blond hair, dark blue eyes, taking people for granted... The spitting image of his big brother.)

Riser's sister turns to me and waves from a distance, as if she knows what we're talking about.

"According to Riser-sama, "Having your sister in your harem has an important meaning. Do you know what it means to have a close family? Do you know how many people admire me for it and are jealous of me? Well, I'm not into little sisters, so I have her in my group out of pure fashion"." Isabella explains, embarrassed.

(...I can't believe my ears... This guy is a real sicko, a pervert and a moron. And it's a guy like that who wants to take Rias' hand?)

"Okay, I've heard enough." I get into a fighting stance. "Let's get this over with, so I can teach your [King] a thing or two."

"I love your confidence, [Pawn] of Rias Gremory-sama! Now I'm coming!" Isabella dash toward me.

She arrives at full speed, charging her fist. She throws it forward, aiming for my face. I block it with both hands. I can feel the full power of the blow pass through my body, sliding lightly on the ground. I'd been expecting this, as the energy I'd built up in the gym was gradually disappearing, but I still had some left, so I can stand up to her.

[BOOST] I push her away and charge my left fist towards her ribs. She doesn't even try to dodge and tries to punch me in the face again. I narrowly dodge, her fist scratching my cheek, and my fist hits her body, taking her breath away. She immediately steps back, touching her right side.

"I see, not only can you stop my blow, but you can give some powerful enough to surprise me." She looks at my gauntlet. "It's not dragon strength for nothing. Sorry, I was looking down on you a little. So I'll get straight down to business!"

[Blood Pointer] I suck up the energy around me, creating a layer of white light on my right hand and strengthen my body, ready to fight the [Rook]. Taking her by surprise, I charge towards her, desperate to gain the upper hand. I absolutely must have the advantage of the attack, because if I defend myself, I'll have no chance of withstanding a powerful blow from the [Rook, as I've experienced well enough against Koneko.

I attack with swift jabs, parrying and dodging her equally swift blows. I immediately recognize that she's using the classic boxing style to fight, which makes the fight much more nervous, as her rhythm between defense and attack is so perfect. [BOOST] But I'm not without rest, every one of my blows hits, admittedly they're not powerful, because my only momentum is my body's speed, but they do hit, and the more I strike, the more I can feel it irritating her, I strike at her body, her legs, her arms, every part that's exposed is immediately met with either my gauntlet or my right hand covered in raw energy. Occasionally I try to hit her face, but she never lets me, parrying or dodging, the only place she really defends.

Suddenly, as I deflect one of her blows after taking one to the shoulder, I feel a sharp pain in my stomach. I look down to see her knee digging into my stomach, then she follows up with a right fist hook to my face. [BOOST] She tries to get her foot back on the ground but I don't let her, I grab her leg, and sucking in energy to make myself stronger, I lift her off the ground and throw her across me against the concrete, smashing her with a thud.

I project a sword and prepare to thrust it into the [Rook]'s back, but she flips onto her back with Capoeira movements, hitting my arm, dropping my weapon and forcing me to back away. She immediately stands up, running her hand over her mask.

"Now I really regret taking you lightly. To tell you the truth, when I drove my knee into your stomach, I thought I'd got you... that'll teach me... I can feel all the training you've endured all your life. You're a worthy opponent." She compliments me.

"You're just as amazing, I wouldn't expect anything less from a [Rook, taking that many hits without flinching? I know one who will have lost patience long ago." I compliment her in turn.

"Ah! It's part of my job, I have to take the knocks for others, I don't know if I can say I've got the hang of it now. It's a pity this fight has to end with the stakes much too high for us. I can hardly enjoy this duel..." Isabella sighs, I can see that there are some of them for whom the stakes are too high.

"Indeed, and that's why I'll defeat you [Rook] Isabella, to free my [King] from this marriage that will make her unhappy." [BOOST]

Suddenly, powerful gusts of wind make themselves felt, and we both turn our heads to see the two swordsmen face to face, sword against sword. Kiba's sword is covered in darkness, but Carlamaine's powerful wind repels it.

"Unfortunately, your Sacred Gear won't work on me." Carlamaine covers her blade with flame, making the darkness on Kiba's blade disappear.

"Then I'll also tell you this." But Kiba doesn't seem bothered by it. "Unfortunately for you, that's not all of my Sacred Gear."

"What? Nonsense, [Knight] of Gremory, it's disgraceful for a swordsman to..."

"Freeze." The moment Kiba said this, the blade was covered in ice.

Due to the perpetual high winds, it's getting very cold on the sports field.

"Faced with this blade, 'Flame Eraser', all types of fire will disappear." Kiba smiled at his opponent.

"It can't be! Are you telling me you have two Sacred Gears?" Carlamaine swings her flaming sword to the side, an impatient look on her face.

The two swords come into contact, and to our surprise, the flames on Carlamaine's sword begin to freeze, and on the second impact, her weapon breaks and shatters. But she doesn't stop there; just as she throws down her weapon, she picks up a short sword hanging from her belt. She raises her weapon and creates a powerful wind filled with flame.

"We are the members of the all-powerful House of Phoenix who rule fire and wind! Taste this! The whirlwind of fire!" Carlamaine exclaims.

A huge tornado of fire is created in the middle of the sports field, leaving very little air to breathe. I can see the silhouettes of Kiba and Carlamaine in the center of the tornado, facing each other.

"That Carlamaine. Has she forgotten that her allies are here too?" Isabella comments, using her arm to shield her face.

"I see, you're trying to burn us by using that fire tornado... But..." I barely discerned Kiba's words, the wind creating a tremendous amount of noise. "Stop."

Suddenly, the tornado is sucked in. Probably another of Kiba's swords. It only takes a few seconds for the fire tornado to disappear, stopping the wind and bringing silence to the field.

"Repression Calm." I know someone who also forced me to pull out several demonic swords for a fight." Kiba holds a sword similar to the one with a black hole in the center of the blade, except that the black hole is replaced by a tiny whirlpool.

"...Multiple Sacred Gears. Are you a Sacred Gears owner who takes weapons from other Sacred Gears users and makes them yours?" Carlamaine asks, dumbfounded.

"I don't have several Sacred Gears." Kiba shakes his head. "I don't also take other people's Sacred Gears and make them my own. I create them."

"You... create them?" She repeats.

"Yes. Sword Birth. I can make any kind of demonic sword. That's the name of my Sacred Gears and that's its true ability." Kiba crouches.

He puts one hand on the ground and in one fell swoop, multiple swords emerge from the ground, impaling Carlamaine on the spot. Seeing him go for the final blow. I do the same and gather some of my accumulated power in my left hand, the raw energy surrounding my gauntlet turning color, feeling the draconic power flowing out of it.

(It's so powerful it's heavy!)

I lunge forward, putting my right foot forward and throwing out my left arm, shooting energy like a javelin. The energy shot created an explosion of energy around me, since my power was so condensed. I was expecting something big, but not this big. The missile I sent was well over three times my size.

'What you need to know is that [Rooks] are the most problematic. Their attacks and defenses are doubled, and that's why they're probably the most terrifying on the battlefield. It's normal to give the role of [Rook] to someone with a great attack and defense, but it can also be used in other ways." Rias explains to me and Asia. "You can also give the role of [Rook] to someone with great speed or demonic power. People fighting only with demonic power tend to have low physical capacity. So they use this trait to overcome their weaknesses. So for example, if you give the role of [Rook] to someone with fast legs. They'll run with even faster legs, but with greater defense and attack.'

'But they have something else, don't they? Something similar to the [Pawns] promotion.' Asia raises her hand.

'Absolutely, I see you're following along, that's good. This special ability is called 'Castling'. They can simply change position with the [King] with the snap of a finger. It's probably the most problematic technique...'

(That's why I have to take her down! There must be no escape for Riser!)

"Isabella! Don't take it! Dodge!" Exclaims Riser's little sister.

Isabella, who was in a defensive position, changed immediately and leapt back to dodge. But she was too late. The javelin of red energy lands where Isabella had been the second before. And when the energy makes contact with the ground. A huge red flash forces us to close our eyes and a thudding sound bursts forth, making my ears ring. The earth shakes so hard that I lose my balance, I'm forced to protect myself with Rho Aias to avoid being blown away by the shockwave, but also by the wind blowing just as hard and, above all, by the raw energy scattering all around, setting fire to the nearest trees. When I open my eyes, the explosion continues to rise into the air, forming a mushroom cloud. We can't see the extent of the damage because of the smoke, but we can imagine it: all that's left is a huge crater, and the building that was to our right is gone.

"Hmpf, you didn't even transform your energy into draconic power, you'd have done a lot more damage and above all you'd have made a real power shot, and not this raw unstable energy."
(I didn't want to overdo it to avoid inadvertently destroying Rias' plan. Besides, I need to save some for Riser...)
"Hmmm, I understand then..."

I practically destroyed everything in front of me. That should be enough. I run my sleeve over my forehead, wiping away the sweat. I can feel fatigue starting to set in, but now's not the time to think about it. Since there's been no announcement, the fight's not over yet.

"Isabella!" I hear Ravel's voice, hardly surprising if she's like her brother. "Defeat that [Pawn]! That boy! This Sacred Gear has the power to change the outcome of the battle!"

After the order, I can feel Isabella's power growing again, but she's much weaker than before, having been hit by the explosion.

"Affirmative! Boosted Gear! It can become a real threat if we let him promote himself! I'll defeat him before that happens!" I can hear Isabella running towards me, with a determined step, even if slowed down by the pain.

I raise my hand and hurl a dozen swords, some of them overloaded, shattering the blade and releasing flames with a draconic aura.

(...Damn... It's not for nothing that they're considered the apex of the food chain, the ones who literally breathe energy!)

Isabella emerges from the smoke screen but immediately stops when she sees my arsenal above my head, eyes wide. I bring my hand down, dropping the blades straight at her. She puts her arms forward to protect herself, getting slashed and impaled by my blades. But she's still standing, starting to move again but noticing that the broken swords are emitting energy.

"Not again!" She exclaims.

Swords explode around her, much less powerful than before, but enough to put her down. A bright light surrounds her and makes her disappear.

[Riser Phoenix-sama's [Rook] retires.]

Grayfia's announcement is heard. I let out a long, satisfied sigh. There's no way out for Riser.

"You've been the toughest opponent I've faced so far, Isabella. You have my utmost respect." I bowed in front of where she'd been.