The atmosphere in the Occult Research Club room was electric. The Rating Game against Riser Phenex was imminent, and everyone was preparing for the fight of their lives. Each member of Rias' peerage wore a determined expression as they went over strategies and reviewed their roles.
Kael, however, was not present. After the intense training sessions, he had opted to let them face this challenge on their own. He had done what he could to prepare them, and now, from his quiet home above the shop, he would watch events unfold.
The Peerage's Final Preparations
Rias stood at the center of the room, a map of the Rating Game battlefield projected in front of her. She pointed to key locations, her voice calm but commanding.
"Kiba, you'll be our scout. Your speed will give us the upper hand in locating Riser's team."
Kiba nodded, his eyes sharp with focus. "Understood, Buchou."
"Koneko," Rias continued, turning to her rook, "you'll handle defense and disrupt their formations. Stay close to Issei when possible."
Koneko gave a silent nod, her small frame radiating quiet strength.
"Akeno," Rias said, her voice softening slightly as she addressed her queen, "you'll provide aerial support and strike from a distance. Your magic will be crucial in taking out his pawns and knights."
Akeno smiled, her usual serene expression tinged with determination. "Leave it to me, Rias."
Finally, Rias turned to Issei and Asia. "Issei, you're our wild card. Your Boosted Gear will be the key to taking down Riser. Stay focused and trust in your training."
Issei clenched his fists, his determination clear. "I won't let you down, Buchou!"
"And Asia," Rias said gently, "your healing abilities will keep us in the fight. Stay safe and support the team from the rear."
Asia nodded, her hands clasped tightly. "I'll do my best, Rias-san."
With the plan set, Rias took a deep breath. "This is it. We've trained for this moment. Together, we'll show Riser that we're stronger than he ever expected."
Kael's Solitude
Back at his shop, Kael sat in his modest living room, a magical orb floating before him. The orb projected a live feed of the Rating Game battlefield, a silent observer to the events unfolding miles away.
Lyra sat nearby, her eyes fixed on the orb. "Are you sure you don't want to be there, Kael?"
Kael shook his head, his expression unreadable. "This is their fight, Lyra. They need to do this on their own. If I interfere, they'll never grow."
"But you trained them so hard," Lyra argued. "Don't you want to see how much they've improved?"
"I can see everything I need to from here," Kael replied, his tone calm. "Besides, if they can't handle this, they won't stand a chance against what's coming."
Lyra fell silent, her gaze drifting back to the orb.
The Rating Game Begins
The battlefield was a sprawling replica of Kuoh Academy, its familiar hallways and classrooms turned into the stage for an intense battle. Riser's team stood on one side, their confidence evident in their relaxed postures.
Riser himself smirked, his golden hair shining under the artificial light. "Rias, I hope you're ready to admit defeat. You should have just accepted my proposal."
Rias glared at him, her crimson hair flowing behind her. "I'll never marry someone like you, Riser. This game will prove that my peerage is stronger than yours."
The referee signaled the start of the game, and the battlefield erupted into chaos.
Kael's Observations
As the game progressed, Kael watched with a critical eye. Rias' team moved with precision, their training evident in their coordination and strategy. Kiba's speed allowed him to outmaneuver Riser's knights, while Koneko's brute strength overwhelmed their rooks.
Akeno's lightning strikes rained down from above, forcing Riser's team to scatter. Issei, despite his inexperience, used his Boosted Gear to its fullest potential, his power growing with each passing minute.
"Not bad," Kael murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. "They're finally starting to understand."
Lyra glanced at him. "They're doing well, but Riser's regeneration is going to be a problem, isn't it?"
Kael nodded. "It always is with the Phenex family. But this isn't just about raw power. It's about finding the right moment to strike."
The Turning Point
On the battlefield, Rias' team faced their biggest challenge yet: Riser himself. His flames burned brightly, his regeneration making him nearly invincible.
Issei stepped forward, his body battered but his spirit unbroken. "I'll take him down, Buchou. I promise!"
Rias hesitated, but the trust in her eyes was clear. "Be careful, Issei."
As Issei charged forward, Kael leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "This is it," he said softly. "Let's see if he's ready."
Issei's battle against Riser was fierce, the young devil pushing himself to his limits. With each boost, his power grew, and Riser began to falter.
"Impossible," Riser growled, his flames flickering. "How can a low-class devil like you stand against me?"
Issei smirked, his confidence growing. "Because I'm not fighting for myself. I'm fighting for Rias and everyone in her peerage!"
With a final boost, Issei unleashed a powerful attack, shattering Riser's defenses and forcing him to his knees.
Victory
As the referee declared Rias' team the winners, Kael allowed himself a rare smile. "They did it," he said, his voice filled with quiet pride.
Lyra grinned. "You trained them well, Kael. They wouldn't have made it this far without you."
Kael shook his head. "They had the strength all along. I just showed them how to use it."
As the orb's projection faded, Kael stood and stretched. "Come on, Lyra. Let's prepare something for when they get back. They've earned it."
Aftermath
When Rias and her peerage returned, their faces lit up with pride and exhaustion, Kael was waiting for them with a simple meal and a rare smile.
"Congratulations," he said, his voice warm. "You've proven yourselves."
Rias approached him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Kael. We couldn't have done it without you."
Kael waved her off, his usual stoicism returning. "Don't thank me. You earned this victory yourselves. But don't get complacent. This was just the first step."
As the group celebrated their victory, Kael watched from the sidelines, his mind already turning to the challenges ahead. For now, they were safe. But he knew that the real battles were only just beginning.