Chapter 81
After a hard day's walking, we're all at the table, eating together, and today we're eating a lot more than before.
"Sorry I couldn't help you prepare dinner, Akeno-senpai, Asia-san." I apologize, helping myself again.
There's meat, which Kiba hunted this afternoon, and there's fish, which Akeno caught with Asia.
"No problem Senji-san, you came home late with President, we wouldn't have forced you to cook too." Asia tells me.
"It's true, you were both completely exhausted when you came in... and then it allowed us to have a little girl talk, fufufu..." Akeno chuckles, making me raise an eyebrow.
(What could they possibly have said to each other? I hope Asia doesn't have anything strange on me...)
"Please Akeno-senpai! Don't say it so strangely!" Asia blushed with embarrassment.
"Here Emiya-kun, there's some more if you want." Kiba hands me a bowl of rice.
"Ah, thank you Kiba-san." I take it and waste no time in emptying the bowl quickly.
Everyone is focused on dinner, being completely exhausted from the training we've been undergoing since we've been here. Even we've begun to get used to the excessive pace.
The meal lasts a long time, taking the opportunity to rest and enjoy it to the full. When hunger stops and there's nothing left on the table, we all sigh with satisfaction.
"I must say it was very good, thank you for this meal." I cut the silence.
"Ara ara, being complimented by a fine cook, you're going to make me blush Senji-kun." Akeno smiled as she placed her hand on her cheek.
"Thank you Senji-san, I've put into practice everything you taught me..." Asia says to me shyly.
"I did indeed notice." I nod.
"Well, now speaking of something else, Senji. In these four days of training, what do you think?" Rias asks me.
"...I'm so weak without my magic circuits..." I reply, somewhat bothered.
"I wouldn't put it that way." Rias corrects me. "I honestly think that if you were to fight us at full strength, you'd win against Kiba and Koneko, maybe even Akeno and myself. Yet we have a lot of fighting experience ourselves. At first, I thought you and Asia had none. That's the case for Asia, but not for you, you surprise me day by day. If I'm training you without your main source of power, it's because you're the bearer of Boosted Gear, and the same goes for you, Asia, with your Twilight Healing. You can't be ignored, even the enemy knows that. That's why I'm pushing you to your limits, so that when the going gets tough, you'll at least be able to run away even when you're out of strength."
"I understand, but running away isn't really what I do." I retort, which surprises her, then a smile spreads across her face, as if she already knew.
"I have no doubt Senji, but a retreat can also be part of a strategy. Retiring to form a new formation is also a professional way of fighting. There are many ways to win a match like that. However, running away with your back to an opponent is hard to do. If it's an enemy with roughly the same strength, it's pretty easy. But showing your back to an enemy much stronger than you is basically asking him to kill you. So being able to flee in the face of a powerful enemy will also be part of your strength. So I have to teach Asia how to flee, and you Senji, I have to get it into your head that it's a valid action, while training you to fight more effectively of course." She said, smiling.
"Okay... I don't mind trying to understand." I cross my arms, ready to open my mind.
"Yes." Asia answers seriously.
It goes without saying that Asia will find herself on the battlefield, so learning to flee is a basic survival skill. As for me...
"think that in nature, running away is a far more common means of survival than fighting! This is also the case in Darwin's Game. When a fight runs out of time, the ability to escape danger counts towards artistic points. If the player who has been challenged manages to escape for an hour without sustaining significant damage, he is usually declared the winner."
I remember very well what Rain told me when we first met. I ran away with her then, mainly to protect her. But now the situation is different: I can run away, but above all I have to get stronger to defeat this Riser, while protecting the others and especially Asia.
"Anyway, we'll have plenty of time to talk about it tomorrow. For now, let's just relax." Rias stretches, then stands up. "I may have forgotten to mention that we have outdoor baths, which are excellent."
"Did you forget or did you forget on purpose?" Akeno asks, in a playful tone.
(A nice hot bath after four days of intense training, that's all there is to it, I just hope there are two, to separate us from the girls.)
"You boys have a bath too, don't worry." Rias winks at Kiba and me, before walking out, closely followed by the other girls, leaving us alone in the dining room.
"Senji-san, do you prefer to go alone or do you mind if we both go?" Kiba asks me.
"I don't mind." I reply simply.
"Oh really? Well, let's go together. You're not a prude, are you?" Kiba asks me, amused.
"Not really, I've already visited several public baths, so it doesn't bother me at all. Besides, we'll be there to relax, so I don't think I'll be paying too much attention to you." I tell him.
"I think so too indeed. So let's go and make the most of it, so we can keep going for the next six days." Kiba shows me the way.
"Tell me about it..." I sigh.
Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
When I wake up, I'm surprised that my whole body doesn't hurt as much as usual. It seems that this bath has relaxed my body, so much the better; training with aches and pains all over my body is really horrible.
Like every morning, after a hearty breakfast, Asia and I have a class on the History of Devils. We're all gathered in a large classroom-like room.
"Our greatest enemy, the angels guided by God. What is the name given to the highest rank of Angels? And who are they?" Kiba asks me a question.
"They're Seraphim. The members are Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel." I reply.
"Correct." Kiba nodded.
(Rather simple, their first name ends in -el, it helps to remember.)
"Next are our "Maou"-sama. What are their names?" Kiba asked.
"Lucifer-sama, Beelzebub-sama, Asmodeus-sama and Leviathan-sama." I reply.
"Correct." Kiba nodded.
(Rias told me about Leviathan, she's the only woman with the rank of maou, that's cool, I imagine Rias must draw a lot of inspiration from her.)
"Finally, I ask you to give me the names of the leaders of the Fallen Angels, Senji-kun." Kiba asks.
I frown, it comes to them. The fallen angels, they have more leaders than the other factions, and on top of that their names are complicated... But I remember them all.
"The main group of Fallen Angels is called 'Grigori'. The name of the governor is Azazel and the vice governor is Shemhaza and the other leaders are Armaros, Baraqiel, Tamiel, Benemue, Kokabiel and Shariel." I answer with a slightly annoyed intonation.
I remember all their names, it's their fault that Asia is sitting next to me, having become a Devil, for failing to keep a good eye on their members. I don't know if it's a hateful obsession, but I have their names imprinted in my memory.
I also learned that they watch the "children of God". In other words, Sacred Gear possessors, 24 hours a day. That's why they went after Asia and me. The fallen angels have created a research group on Sacred Gear and other such dangerous powers. They invite people with strong powers into their group or simply steal them, like they tried to do with Asia, and if it doesn't benefit them, they kill them on the spot, like they tried to do with me. What a bunch of bastards. They even kill people who don't know about their powers.
They would seem to be the Devils' greatest enemies, so I'd have no mercy on them. After what they've put us through, I'd have no remorse if I were to come across any of them.
"*Cough*. So now I'm going to explain the basics about exorcists." It's now Asia's turn. "Umm, from where I come from, there were two types of exorcists. The first are the ones who appear in movies and books. The Father reads a section of the Bible, then uses holy water to get rid of the Devil from a person's body. These are the "surface" exorcists. So the "behind-the-scenes" exorcists are the ones who are a threat to us."
"Senji, you've met them before too, but the biggest threat to the Devils are the exorcists who have received divine protection from God or the Fallen Angels." Rias takes over. "We've been fighting them for a very long time behind the scenes. They come to destroy us with the power of light received by the Angels, and with their physical abilities which they have trained to the limit."
Exorcist... the other white-haired exorcist bastard comes to mind, the one I wanted so badly to forget. He killed Devils as well as civilians who had connections with a Devil. A real madman. If I meet him again...
I turn my attention back to Asia, who very carefully removes a bottle and a book from her bag. Rias takes the bottle with her fingertips, holding it as if it were something disgusting.
"Now I'm going to tell you about the characteristics of holy water and the Bible. First, holy water. It would be really terrible if a devil touched it." Asia says it with disgust.
"That's true, so you can't touch it too Asia. Your skin will be very damaged." Rias adds.
"Uuuh... That's right... I can't touch the holy water anymore..." Asia is shocked, as if she only realizes it now that she's become a Devil. "Anyway, I'll explain how to make one afterwards. I don't know how useful it will be, but there are many ways to make one."
She immediately regains her energy, which is her strong point after all.
(A Devil priestess... I'd better keep this to myself... she'll probably cry if she hears it.)
"Next is the Bible. I've read it every day since I was a kid. But I'm troubled now because it gives me a headache even if I only read one sentence." Asia is really sad.
"You're a devil." Said Kiba.
"That's normal, you're a Devil after all." Rias adds.
"...A devil." Koneko murmurs, loud enough for her to hear.
"Ufufu, Devil receive intense damage." Akeno chuckles.
"*Sob* I can't read the Bible anymore!" Asia has teary eyes after everyone reminds her.
That's what Rias explained to me, Devil suffer enormously if someone reads the Bible to us. Too bad, I wanted to read it out of pure curiosity, but it's impossible now.
(Wait, I hope Asia doesn't keep trying to read it...)
"However, this is my favourite phrase... Oh God. Please forgive a sinful person like myself who can't read the Bible -au!" Asia receives damage when trying to read it.
With that, we finish our morning class and get straight down to training.
Thursday, March 30, 2023.
I look up at the ceiling of my bedroom, lying in bed. We've been in the mountains for a week now, and I still can't seem to get used to sleeping in a bed instead of a futon.
It's been training from morning till night. We also rehearsed a number of offensive and defensive formations, as well as combinations we could use for the match which is fast approaching.
I turn my head towards Kiba, who is sleeping peacefully in a bed further down the room. He's really incredible. I realize the difference between us in swordsmanship. I don't think I could ever beat him with just a sword alone. The skills he's attained with his talent and rigorous training can be felt in every clash between us.
When it comes to energy training, Asia just keeps getting better. She's beginning to master fire, water and lightning, albeit in a small way. As for me, Akeno and I have just decided to abandon the idea of making me learn other skills.
Frustrated, I discreetly get up from my bed and head for the kitchen to pour myself a glass of water.
"I need to take my mind off things... I know she doesn't want me training outside the sessions, but I need it." I put the glass down and head for the garden room.
But when I open the veranda, I see Rias sitting on the sofa, reading a book. Noticing my presence, she turns her head towards me and smiles.
"Ara? You're awake?"
"Hi President, yeah I can't sleep." I close the veranda behind me, and realize it's surprisingly warm.
"I see, you wanted to train your magic circuits didn't you?" She asks, knowing perfectly well the answer. "Hm, go ahead, I've always wanted to see you do it after all."
I move forward and sit on the floor, leaning against the sofa, right next to her. There's a small candle shining lightly on the table. Devils can see at night, even without light. That's one of the reasons why we also train at night. I guess this candle is just purely aesthetic.
I activate my magic circuits, which run down my arm with a bright bluish light. I can feel her curious gaze on me. Rias is dressed in a red negligee, wears glasses and has combed her hair into a ponytail. I avoid looking at her for the sake of decency and because it reminds me of that night, but I can't help noticing the glasses.
"President, do you need glasses to read?" I ask, beginning to form a mass of energy above my hand.
"Oh, that?" She touches her glasses with her fingertips. "It's just for the look. I can think more clearly when I have my glasses on. Fufufu, this is proof that I've been in the human world for a long time."
She begins to laugh softly, Rias with glasses is certainly a sight to behold. Overall, Rias really is a beautiful young woman, what a shame she has to waste her life having to marry that obnoxious Riser.
I project a kunai, place it on the table and start again. I notice that there are many papers showing maps and battle formations.
(She makes plans by herself at night?)
Rias closes the book and places it on the table.
"...To be honest, the only thing I would get from reading this is a peace of mind." She said with a sigh.
"Why is that?" I ask, my gaze fixed on my projection.
"If our opponent was another High-class Devil, then we could have won by reading this. This book is written with a lot of research. But that's not the problem." She explains, watching me practice my magic circuits.
"Riser is the problem, isn't he?" I ask, knowing the answer.
"Himself. No, our biggest problem is that he's a descendant of the Phoenix." Rias pinches the top of her nose.
"Hmm, his immortality." I nod.
"Oh, you know about that?" She asks, surprised.
"It's more thanks to the dragon that lives inside me who won't stop insulting him when he gets the chance." I point to my head.
"Fufufu, so the rivalry between Dragon and Phoenix really exists? That's fun." Rias chuckles.
"Can you tell her it's all serious?"
(Why not do it yourself?)
"I risk being insulting."
"By the way, do you know the story of the phoenix?" Rias asks me.
"Not really, Ddraig refuses to tell me about it, preferring to talk about his story because, and I quote, 'It's more interesting than the fried chicken one'."
"Fufu." Laughing, she picks up a book and opens it. "Long ago the mystical beast Phoenix, was looked upon by humans as a bird that governed life. He was so highly regarded that he left his legend in many countries. It is said that the Phoenix's tears can heal all wounds and that the blood that flows in its veins can give eternal youth to those who drink it. But one day, the Phoenix decided to give part of his powers to a family of Devils with the rank of Marquis, counting among the 72 pillars. Humans call them Phenex, to draw a comparison with the mystical bird, but they have the same abilities. In other words, immortality. This is the adversary we're going to face."
"It's almost cheating, being immortal is basically being invincible." I comment, projecting a new dagger.
"Yes, he's basically invincible. Even if you attack him, his wounds will heal right after, their flames won't even leave a bone. Eight wins and two losses. That's the most Riser has ever won at the official Rating Game. He's fought ten times and won eight. He lost those two matches on purpose out of kindness to one of the Houses he's close to. In fact, he won all his matches. He's already becoming a candidate for a title in the official games." Says Rias.
I project a new sword and start again, all the while listening to her. Riser seems to be very strong according to his history, but to me he didn't really seem so.
"I felt something strange when I heard that Riser was chosen as my fiancé. Yes, I think Father and the others chose him if something like that happened. They chose Riser so that I would have no choice but to marry him. Even if it were to become a match between Houses, they know there's no way for me to win. In chess, you would say they've tricked me. A swindle."
(A trap set by her own parents...)
"When the Rating Game became popular, those who climbed the most was the House of Phoenix. They didn't have that many devil fights until the game was introduced. In a game where the [King] also participates, the strength of the Phoenix has become clearer. The House of Phoenix is the leading group among the strongest class. Immortal. The Devils realized how terrifying this power was for the first time." The more Rias talks, the less she seems to believe in our victory.
And it makes sense, if he's immortal, then he can reanimate no matter how many times he gets beaten. The rest of us have limits to our powers, unlike the Phoenix, so we're defeated when we're exhausted. It's unfair, and he's our opponent. Even if we defeat Riser's handmaidens, it won't change anything until Riser is defeated. But the question is, can we beat Riser? Normally not, but with the maken I have in my hand, victory is possible, it's just a question of whether it will work on him.
"But you know, President," I put down the new blade I'd been projecting and turned to her. "It's not as if we can't defeat him."
"I know, there are two ways to defeat it. But both require so much effort that... I don't believe in them for a moment. It's not that I don't believe in us, it's that it takes a superhuman effort to do it, and we don't have the capacity at all..."
"It was Ddraig who told me about it in detail. One is to defeat him with incredible power, and the other is to keep knocking him down until his mind cracks. The first method requires power equal to a deity. The second is to save our stamina until Riser's mind is destroyed. Even if his body is immortal and can remake itself many times over, his spirit is not immortal. He'll definitely get tired the more we beat him. It's our victory if we completely crush the Phoenix's spirit. Then he'll stop reanimating and fall."
"..." She looks at me, confused to see me so confident. "Please Senji be honest with me. Do you think we can win either way?"
"No, as you said yourself, we don't have the ability to win in these ways at all." Hearing the sad truth from my mouth, Rias sighs. "But I may have a solution."
"Huh?" She raises her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"
"Gen-sensei made me a maken. Its ability is rather simple, when I activate it on contact with an opponent, I supercharge its energy, which can cause two types of effect, one is negative and the other is positive for us. If this fails, the opponent is overpowered for a few minutes. If it succeeds, the opponent finds himself without the ability to use his powers for a few minutes."
"Senji, are you telling me that you can... undo Riser's Phoenix power?" Rias can't believe her ears.
"That's the goal, yes."
"Wait, wait, wait". Rias removes her glasses and rubs her eyes. "What's the probability of this failing?"
" Right, I wanted to test it on you, to get an idea of how much power I'd need and I'd act accordingly against Riser." I explain.
"..." She stares at me open-mouthed, and I can see a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Then she frowns, as if she has a lot of questions, but sighs. "All right, we'll talk about it with the others tomorrow. If we can use your maken, then we'll feel free, after all, I'm willing to do anything to call off this marriage."
(Well, I managed to finally talk to her about it. But... I need to know.)
"President." I call out to her, who's lost in thought.
"What is it?" She turns her head toward me.
"...Why do you hate Riser... why are you against this marriage? I think I already know the answer, but I need to hear it from you."
She's surprised by my question, then smiles.
"I'm a Gremory, I'm a Devil from the House of Gremory, and that name will follow me no matter where I go."
"But you're proud of it, aren't you."
"Certainly. However... it's also something that's a burden for me. Everyone looks at me like Rias from Gremory. I can't make them see me simply as Rias. That's why I enjoy my life in the human world. They live in community with the Devils but know nothing of our nobility and status. They know I'm a Devil but not a Gremory. Everyone looks at me as who I am. I really like this feeling. I've never felt anything like it in Devil society and I never will. The only time I can appreciate my life as myself is when I'm here, in the human world." Rias has a distant look, very sad eyes.
She tells me a story from a world I can only imagine. I'm Senji Emiya, a family name given to me by a man who saved my life, instead of saving another, and my family hates me, they want me out of their lives forever, I'm nobody. But now this family name means a lot to me, it represents my goal, my one and only goal, it's just as important as what Rias feels about hers. And yet, when people look at me as Senji Emiya, they see just another individual. Rias has spent her life carrying the name Gremory on his back. And it will be forever.
"I want to be with someone who loves me as a Rias without me being a Gremory. That's my little dream... Unfortunately, Riser sees me as Rias from Gremory. And he loves me as Rias from Gremory. That's why I hate it. But still... the pride of being a Gremory is very important. My feelings may be complicated, but I want to cherish this little dream I have."
(Rias wants to be loved as Rias, not as the Rias Gremory from the opposite sex, that's something even I can understand. And there's no doubt that Rias feels in a complicated situation because of her House's problems. But then, I'm already having trouble with my own feelings, so a girl's feelings, mixed with her situation in Devil society...)
"I like Rias." I say without much thought. "True, your name is Gremory, but you're still Rias, a young girl full of life, with dreams and ambitions. You're a source of motivation for me and the others. You're much more than the descendant of a long-lived family, no matter what Riser or the others say. I'm beginning to understand the Gremorys and the world of the Devils, but for me, as for many others, you are above all Rias."
I do my best to convey what I think, even if it's complicated. I turn to Rias to see her with her cheeks flushed.
"President, ah... sorry if I embarrassed you, I'm not very good at that sort of thing..."
"No! no no! It's nothing!" She said in a panic.
"...But then, even with my Maken, and if it works, having an opponent like that for the first match of the genius Rias, it's certainly a tough hurdle, isn't it?"
"I don't really like the word genius..." Rias says to me with flushed cheeks.
"Aren't you one?" I ask.
"I understand what you mean, but it's not that. A talent that is given by heaven... It feels like a gift from God so I don't really like it. My talent is born from the roots of the House of Gremory which has been passed down from generation to generation. I inherited this trait as a Devil. I never thought I received it as a gift from God, and that's impossible anyway. My power belongs to me and to House Gremory. That's why I won't lose. I'll win if I have to fight. I have to win." Rias tells me as if she were telling herself.
Rias is truly incredible, staying so strong despite our slim chance of victory, standing up to her own family. I, on the other hand... in comparison I'm so weak... I was bullied by members of my family all my early childhood, and even today I can't blame them...
"Senji? You've gone quiet all of a sudden, is everything okay?" Rias calls out to me.
"Hm? Ah yes, it's all right, I was just lost in thought." I stand up, brushing the dust off my shorts.
"...I don't like it at all when you make that face, what are you thinking?" Rias worries.
"Nothing serious really. I was just thinking how amazing you are, President, and I'd do anything to support you. After all, I'm your pawn for five years, I intend to fulfill my role. All you have to do is ask me."
"..." She's speechless, starting to blush, then stands up, smiling. "Likewise, I intend to fulfill my part of the contract, to make you stronger during these five years, and those in my own way. Let's grow stronger together Senji."
"Obviously, we're going to make this Riser understand that he's not going to get your hand that easily."
"Fufufu, that sounds pretty good." She picks up her books. "Come on, it's getting really late, and besides, you must be cold, right?"
"Cold? No, why?" I ask, confused.
"Well, you're bare-chested..." She said, looking away.
"Hm?" I lower my gaze and indeed, I didn't put on a t-shirt before going downstairs. "Ah, sorry about that, I didn't expect to run into anyone at this hour."
"It's okay, it's not like I have a problem with it..." She said, blushing even more.
A strange atmosphere settled between us, reminding me of that night...
"Anyway, I'm going to bed, have a good night President." I bow to her.
"Good night to you Senji, and thank you."
Vol. 14 End.