DxD - The Last Amagiri

by HolyKnightX

Kensei Amagiri, the surviving heir to the Amagiri Clan, after losing his mother now lives on an island, where he fights for survival with his new friends. Left for dead by the Old Devils and Taro, is found by two legends who'll assist him in taking his fate back into his own hands.

51. The Engagement Party

Welcome to the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, but before starting the story. Let's answer some reviews:

altair96: Yeah, this was a good start for the eighth volume with the introduction of the Shinto Chief God, Amaterasu to start it off. And it does appear as if Jun and his five (well four remaining subordinates) had drunk dragon blood, resulting in a change in them too. Zane is the best kind of friend that a person could ask for, having given him a modified version of his weapon; in addition to gaining information about both Gram and the True Longinus. He did end up encountering the Gremory Group, while Riser got struck by an irritated Lingqi (something no one would want). Akeno ended up hearing about her cousin, while Rias achieved her lifelong goal of meeting a samurai descendant. I'll continue doing that as always.

shephawk: Yes, Ravel wasn't happy at all about being brought there when she was in the middle of hanging out with Kensei and the others. Koneko has been introduced and gained some interest in Kensei, we'll be seeing how this turns out in the future.

Slimereader11: Thanks. I have something planned for their relationship and how that's going to affect her situation in the upcoming future. Both the relationship and rivalry between Ravel and Koneko are always a lot of fun to read.

Reviewer Requiem: I do have an idea when Koneko is going to start learning Senjutsu and, ironically, someone else suggested that idea for her doing those kinds of requests from him. For Minako that'd be a good thing to have Koneko acting as a bodyguard too, more so if she had fans around the supernatural. I think that'd be hilarious to see that kind of reaction for Issei seeing his fiancées with Minako being one of them. Amaterasu is someone who could be serious and calm at work, and carefree outside of work.

---

The Engagement Party

"Hah!"

Near the middle of the night, on the same day, Claire found herself covered in sweat as she laid her head on top of Kensei's shoulder. Both were in a state of undress and finished with their lovemaking session, placing a hand on his chest as Kensei breathed out a bit.

"Well, someone seems to be in a good mood this time."

Kensei said in an amused manner as Claire found herself motionless.

"Huff, shut up," Claire said in an amused tone. "Though, you're not wrong about me being in a good mood. I was finally able to return to Kuoh Town, my old hometown after a long time."

"I can tell, Kunou did take a lot of incriminating photos when you weren't looking."

"I'm going to get that little fox back for that one. I noticed her taking a photo of me once at that ice cream parlor I used to go to from time to time," Claire said nuzzling up against Kensei's chest. "I know that I tasted a lot of good desserts in the past, but nothing quite feels as good as eating someone from my old hometown."

"I know the feeling. Aside from there being zero good food on Hagun Island, lasting because the way you made it made things manageable. Nothing nowhere else could compare to the food at Kibou Town, at least that's what I think," Kensei said, finding his hand resting on Claire's waist and approaching her rear end. "But, I'm sure that it'd be no trouble going there more in the future."

"Hmm."

Hearing that, Claire let a light hum escape from her mouth before thinking about that.

Kensei couldn't blame her at all, as it would be awkward visiting the hometown, after what happened all that time ago. More so, since the reason that Rias was in-charge of Kuoh Town was because of that incident, not that he'd bring that up.

"You know, I can tell what you're thinking now," Claire pointed out as she poked Kensei in his chest while giving him a casual smile. "I'm not going to lie. It would be almost weird visiting Kuoh Town with all that happened, but that was a place that my mother loved. And it still holds a special place in my heart too. So, there's no way that I can forget about it."

"Yeah, I know that too."

Due to the amount of being spent together, Kensei, Claire, and Alice had the kind of bond to be able to tell what one another was thinking about. Kensei soon felt the gray-haired young woman wrapping her hand around his still hardened member.

"So, can you tell what I'm thinking Kensei~?"

Claire asked in a surprisingly sultry tone.

"Let me show you."

"Iyah~"

Claire found herself laying down on her back because Kensei moved and found himself leaning above the naked young woman. She moaned as he touched her breasts, then started moving his hands towards her waist and he started getting himself in-between Claire's legs.

"Humph. Ahh~"

Claire moaned as Kensei pressed his lips against hers, and finally inserted himself into her.

From there, both Kensei and Claire proceeded with their lovemaking session as moans spread across the room, while feeling the young woman wrapped her arms and legs around him. Both continued on this session for what seemed like hours before reaching another climax.

---

Tomorrow, Kensei found out that he had received a message from Sirzechs, who informed him that he had wanted to meet there. Agreeing to that, Kensei sent the response and was left alone to meet up with him at a specific location in Kibou Town, something that would be appealing to an adult.

Sweet Hope, a bar built and owned by the Kibou Alliance, is one of the businesses that the group built, at least in this town. It was also a popular bar for the adults in town, and something that most of them frequented during after-work hours and usual girls' night out. On the inside, it was a comfortable and luxurious establishment that looked as if it would accept those from the high society.

All the alcohol, drinks, and food there were prepared with the highest quality, while good music was playing in the background. At the bar, Sirzechs dressed in casual attire was sitting down as the door opened, revealing Kensei who continued walking forward.

"Did I keep you waiting long?"

Kensei asked, walking behind Sirzechs and sitting at the bar beside him.

"No, I was sitting here enjoying the atmosphere around here," Sirzechs replied, with his usual jovial atmosphere. "A location such as this is something that could compete with the locations our clan owns. The music here fits the ambiance and the highlight here is the good alcohol."

"Right, does Grayfia-san know you're here? Or do I have to make up an excuse for you?"

Kensei asked.

"No no no, don't be worried about that," Sirzechs replied, waving his hand in place. "I informed Grayfia I'd be stopping by here and have about an hour of free time. Hahaha, being married to your Queen is quite the trial. I would rather fight against god-class beings than make Grayfia mad at me. Just wait until you're married and it is going to seem as if they're the husband instead of the wife."

"Eh, hahahaha, I don't think that I'm looking forward to that," Kensei said glancing to the side as the bartender, a male, who, of course, was a member of the Kibou Alliance approached them. "Give us the usual."

"Sure, Kensei."

He agreed as the bartender went to prepare their drinks behind the bar, as Kensei and Sirzechs remained in their seats waiting. Simply watching the bartenders and workers here preparing their orders was quite the spectacle to witness, whether as a part of the supernatural or not. Both orders were prepared in a minute, then positioned in front of the patrons; an alcoholic beverage for Sirzechs and a vanilla float for Kensei.

"Hahaha, for a samurai, you do quite love sweet, Kensei-kun."

"I like to enjoy sweet things sometimes. Most of the time, it's a taiyaki," Kensei said, his favorite kind of snack in the world still being the fish-shaped snack with different fillings. "If you want someone obsessed with any sweets, then that would be Minako. I don't think that she could go through a day normally without eating at least one sweet thing."

"Speaking of, I heard that her music has started to spread throughout the Underworld too. Most of the time, I see that there are different videos and reviews about Minako-san's music spreading on DeviTube. It kinda makes me a bit jealous since I wanted to be a musician too instead of a maou."

"Ah, I can imagine you as a musician. But, then someone else would have had the title Lucifer, and going against the other three."

"Yeah."

Both the crimson-haired and black-haired men started drinking from what the two of them ordered, then allowed a breath to escape from their mouths.

"Ah, as always these drinks taste amazing," Sirzechs seemed impressed as he enjoyed the alcoholic beverage in his hands. "I guess that's what you get when you have a relationship with the Greek Faction."

"Yeah, those gods seem to love alcohol and so cultivating fruits used to make them is something that they're far more adept at than most. And since our group can produce different barrier spaces with different conditions, it makes it a lot easier to grow different fruits."

"I'm sure that Tannin would be interested in that. I heard that he's been looking for methods for cultivating a real rare fruit meant for certain dragons."

"It would be interesting to meet the former Dragon King himself," Kensei replied as Sirzechs and he kept enjoying the ambiance. "Well, so this little meeting wouldn't happen to have anything to do with Rias and Riser?"

"Ah, I guess that with the timing, it'd be obvious enough. I heard from Grayfia that you went straight to Rias' base at the Old School Building. She mentioned that she got the chance to meet a samurai descendant after all that time in Japan. I almost thought that she forgot about her situation with Riser," Sirzechs let out more of a gentler laugh, but there was a bit of concern in his tone too. "So, what would you think their chances are?"

Hearing the seriousness of Sirzechs' tone, Kensei thought about the entire thing thinking about what he knew about Riser's peerage compared to Rias'.

"Let's start with Riser and his peerage. In terms of potential, there's a high chance he could raise to higher ranks in the Rating Games. All his servants have individual talents and potential, which would make them both a strong and balanced group. Riser himself could reach Ultimate-Class in the future and become a decent King too," Kensei replied, showing a high evaluation of Riser and his peerage. "But, that's if Riser and they underwent training to reach their potential. At least, at this point, the one thing Riser and his group have on them is experience, as well as numbers."

Sirzechs nodded his head without uttering a word, as that was something that those who shared the same opinion of the new Maou Faction.

"Now, Rias and her group have a great amount of potential for the future, surpassing theirs. Rias' potential doesn't lose to yours by much. On their own, her servants can gain a lot more simply basic training and could match that of Riser's peerage," Kensei replied, showing a little more interest in what the Gremory Group may become. "Akeno, at this point can rival Yubelluna already. Her Knight and Rook can handle themselves against Riser's other servants as long as nothing happens. Her current Pawn and Bishop are both newbies, but with enough training, they should be able to handle themselves too."

Kensei listed out what he thought about Rias and her peerage, which was something that Sirzechs thought about in regards to the people she gathered.

"But, there are some important factors that should guarantee their win if things went on. First, the new Sekiryuutei, who managed to take on all eight Pawn pieces. He's a newbie in regards to actual training and using his Boosted Gear, but with enough training and motivation, he might become quite the threat. But, at this point, he kind of gives off the vibe of being as perverted as Riser, if not more. There, are three more factors that I'm curious about too."

Kensei noted, getting that kind of feeling from Issei, the first time that he met him.

"Ah, I'm sure that you're aware of the unique and interesting servants that Rias found."

"I, of all people am aware of Akeno. She's the half-fallen angel daughter of Baraqiel, and as such, she gained the same powers as him. Her Rook is the same kind of nekoshou as Hisui, having the same potential to use both senjutsu and youjutsu. And then, there's the first Bishop sealed up in a room has potential that could match that of the Sekiryuutei, while being a half-vampire too."

"Yeah, Ria-tan sure has gathered some great people among her group and helped them all. But…."

"At least, in regards to those three, they're afraid of accessing their actual potential for different reasons. And that is without a doubt the result of their pasts, resulting in fear. I know about what happened with Akeno, at least from Suzaku herself. I'm not going to make the case that their group should attempt to force themselves since it might result in more trouble for them. I'm just saying that your sister has a talent for gathering a lot of people who have odd potential."

"I know that Rias would end up reaching the highest ranks of the Rating Game. So, what're their chances?"

"Their chances are more or less forty percent. At this point, Rias' group can retire most of the members in Riser's group, but Riser and Ravel are going to be the last ones standing. And since it's them, Ravel and Yubelluna will be holding onto two of them each. So, Yubelluna is going to be healed, but her stamina won't be recovered. And she loves performing sneak attacks, so, she'll be taking out at least one or two of Rias' peerage members."

Kensei replied as Sirzechs nodded his head in agreement, but was saddened about his sister not having much of a chance against Riser.

"If Rias' group had at least a month to prepare, then the winner would've been them without a doubt. Despite not being able to access their actual potential, if they mastered the basics, then it'd be enough to win," Kensei gave a second opinion about that one too. "But, are your parents really fine about this?"

"…hmm. Both my mother and father do love Rias dearly, but both of them also think about the future of the Gremory Clan too. Devils are also beings sometimes led by greed, no different from dragons. It's not odd as it happened a lot, with pure-bloods being engaged. My partners too, both were married together and fell in love too down the road. In this situation, though…."

"Rias wants to marry who she chooses, which is something normal. But, the Underworld lost many pure-blooded devils from the Great War and pressure from the Old Devil bastards like Zekram," Sirzechs almost came bursting out in laughter from Kensei's blunt response, but managed to hold himself. "It's a shame that Riser happens to be likely the worst kind of person who could've been chosen for a fiancé."

"Yeah, I'd ask that you'd assist in training them. But, this is something else that Rias and her group should face with their strength and efforts. As you said before, most their group could do is improve with basic training. I doubt their group could last with what you'd refer to as 'basic training'."

Sirzechs sent a joking stare straight at Kensei, who looked normal.

"What? There's no problem with my training. As the old saying goes, 'no pain, no gain'."

"I think that you and Sairaorg would end up being the best of friends."

Sirzechs laughed thinking about Kensei and his cousin talking about the insane training the two of them would do in the future. Oddly enough, their kind of training sounds normal to them.

"So, would you and the others consider watching the Rating Game with us?"

"Is Zekram going to be there?"

Kensei gave the kind of expression that he'd reject the invitation even if it came from one of the few people inside the Underworld he considers friends.

"No no no, he would view the Rating Game somewhere with the other Old Devils. I wouldn't invite either you or Claire knowing that Zekram would be there too."

Though Sirzechs started off sounding casual, he was serious about the last portion. He was well aware of the actions of Zekram towards Cleria, the woman in charge of Kuoh Town before Rias took over. And that as before Sirzechs was aware that she had a daughter too. He, of course, was surprised the first time that he heard about and met Claire.

"Ah, right. If that's the case, then this is going to end up being an interesting one."

Sirzechs said, looking forward and hoping whether or not his precious sister would be able to surprise them all.

Kensei didn't know whether it was from knowing him or being an older brother himself, but he could tell Sirzechs was worried about Rias. Aside from knowing them, he couldn't wrong Zeoticus and Lord Phenex, the same thing happens no matter where one looks; it happened to them too, which was how the two met their wives. All either of them could do at this moment is see what Rias and her peerage could do with what they have now.

And so, both the main leaders of their respective groups remained sitting there, drinking their drinks while talking among themselves. Tetsuo was correct about Kensei and Sirzechs being able to get along well with one another compared to himself. Both were older brothers, who cared about their siblings and friends. Both of them could be considered irregular among power users and devils, respectively. Most of all, both of them were loved by a woman who neither would anger.

---

It wasn't long before the ten days before the beginning of the Rating Game between Rias and Riser, and it was something that the Sword Team was invited to. Though, the team asked whether or not the others would be interested too. However, the others denied that kind of viewing and opted to watch it normally, not seeing it as something meant for them. Not surprising considering their team had more of a connection with both clans.

At the assigned viewing area, where both the Gremory and Phenex Clan members were to be covering together to view this. It, of course, was a rather extravagant location he'd expect from a room meant for those among the Underworld's higher echelon. Noticing them, Kensei started receiving some gentle greetings from their members, who were acquainted with them.

"Ah, it's great to see that Kensei-san and his friends managed to arrive."

Lady Phenex gently said.

"Well, I wouldn't want to reject a request from a good friend and colleague," Kensei replied. "I know that almost all of you are well acquainted with the members of my team."

"Of course, it's always great to see you all. I haven't met anymore who Ravel talked with most aside from Iryuka, her dear childhood friend. It was quite a great meeting Lingqi-san."

Lady Phenex added.

"Yes, Lingqi-san was quite the polite young woman. I never thought that I'd encounter quite the varied amount of people until meeting Kensei-san."

Venelana added smiling too.

"Hahaha, I can still recall hearing about Rias' reaction to meeting a samurai descendant," Zeoticus added, having recalled the ever so diligent report from Grayfia. "I always thought about Rias meeting Kensei-kun before, but it'd be impossible to gauge her reaction."

"Yes yes, that daughter of mine has developed an obsession with Japanese culture. I hope she didn't do anything to make her uncomfortable."

Hearing that from Rias' mother, Kensei thought back to his interaction with Rias.

'I can see that you're carrying around a sword inside of that bag strapped to your back! Is that a sword that has been passed down among the Uesugi Clan?! If possible, would you want to join my peerage?!'

"No, it was a funny interaction," Kensei decided to leave it at that, not lying as he hadn't believed he's heard that kind of response. "But, I'm interested in seeing what she does for her first Rating Game, though unofficial."

"Yes, Rating Games have always been something that Rias desired to compete in for most of her life. As same as with most, her main target would be the Champion himself, Diehauser Belial-kun," Zeoticus said with a feeling of pride welling within Claire. "An experience such as this would be good for her."

"Yes, I'm interested in seeing what your daughter does here."

Both the current leaders of the Gremory and Phenex Clan sounded natural in their conversation, both interested in seeing the results. Differing from most pure-bloods, there wasn't a hint of malice or ill-intent in either of them, both instead desired to see the results.

At the beginning of the Rating Game, it was revealed that the current arbiter for the game between both Rias and Riser was Grayfia. Those viewing the match had multiple screens which showed what was happening on various portions of the battlefield. Because Rating Games could produce different locations depending on the preference or setting, the setting this time was caused by the two Kings' opinions.

Their chosen location was the entire Kuoh Academy: the old school building, the Occult Research Club for Rias; and the new school building, the Student Council for Riser. Before the Rating Game started, both teams were all allowed to plan out their next strategies before starting. After some planning and preparation between both sides, each member from the peerage started moving to perform their assigned tasks.

It seemed as if their main objective was fighting for the Gymnasium, which would act as a main vantage point for the Rating Game. From Rias' side, she sent Issei and Koneko, and defending the gymnasium was Xuelan, Mira, Ile and Nel. Outwards near the old school building, Kiba went out, where he was preparing to encounter Marion, Burent, and Shuriya.

But, the first battle that commenced was the one between those in the gymnasium, from the confrontation, both Koneko and Xuelan were clashing against each other. As a battle between Rooks, it was the most notable match compared to the others.

"Oh, Rias' Rook, Koneko sure is a talented martial artist to fight against Xuelan, who could rival a Queen. I could only imagine what she could do if she used her inherent powers," Kensei found himself uttering as the white-haired girl managed to avoid the fast kicks of Xuelan, who soon ignited them in flame. "It doesn't have the faintest hint of a taught style, and instead of her own."

Kensei was impressed that Rias' peerage members were able to improve this much, able to fight against those of Riser's peerage with actual Rating Game experience. His attention turned to Rias' sole pawn and Sekiryuutei, as he managed to hold himself well enough against Mira, Ile, and Nel; all of whom couldn't land a single direct hit on him despite being a one-on-three.

From perception alone, he could tell that Issei lacked talent in almost everything possible, but made up for that by using hard work. More so than most, he, noticed that Rias took more time in training and preparing him for a fight. During all that, Issei kept letting Boosted Gear charge up until the third 'Boost'.

[Let's do it, Boosted Gear!]

[Explosion!]

From that announcement, all the built-up power doubled for thirty seconds was released, wrapping Issei in a red aura. He soon rushed forward, where he gained the upper hand against the three more experienced Pawns. But, there was a noticeable moment where a faint light could be seen on parts touched. Before that, Koneko gained the upper hand against Xuelan, who was being held in a submission hold unable to make a move.

"Oh, Rias-san trained her servants well," not looking annoyed, Lord Phenex instead gave honest praise wearing an interesting look. "She's having them all move in a manner meant to counter what strategies Riser seems most reliant on."

"Yes, I'm proud that she managed to do this much in the time given to her."

Zeoticus replied, showing honest pride.

"It's almost weird seeing old pure-blood devils acting like genuine people. Almost all the ones that I encountered except Diehauser-ojisan, my grandparents, and those from the Belial, Gremory, and Phenex Clans have been the opposite. I wonder how that happens."

Claire thought as she and the others started receiving refreshments from the male and female attendants just as an unforgettable scene occurred.

[Take this! My new ultimate technique! Dress Break!]

"I'm sorry, what?"

Kensei seemed surprised by the obvious naming, but there was some part of his mind that didn't want to think that it was possible.

In that instance from a snap of a finger, the clothes of Mira, Nel, and Ile were blown apart, leaving the three young women naked and screaming.

[N-Noooooooooooooooooo!]

Of course, their first reaction would be the scream and cover themselves, as well as their private areas after what happened. Inside their viewing room, not one person said a single word about what happened, unable to even comprehend it. Instead, the group watching continued looking on as the person who'd invented such a technique laughed on as if out of pride.

[Ahahahahaha! How's that!? This is my technique! And the name of it is Dress Break! I just kept on imagining the girl's clothing getting blown away into pieces! I spent all of the talents I have in making a technique that will make all of the girls naked!]

Issei declared, showing no shame at all.

"I was expecting a lot of things during this Rating Game, but this went beyond all forms of expectation," Kensei is the first person in the room to speak, giving out a wry smile. "At least, he's honest."

"In an almost rapey way."

Claire added giving out a vacant look.

"W-What a vulgar technique! I've never seen anything so despicable…."

Kunou added giving out a disgusted look.

"I think that his rival would be ashamed."

Lingqi added, sharing the same look, but thinking about what Vali would think about this.

"I wonder could Kensei use that on us."

Alice muttered as she thought about it, wondering if Kensei could use that on them, causing Claire, Kunou, and a stunned Lingqi to stare at her with the same surprised look. Kensei, in turn, turned his attention towards Alice as he gave off a wry smile.

[…I've lost all respect for you.]

[How disgusting.]

Both Koneko and even Xuelan said as both them stared at him using emotionless eyes, both swords seemed to have stabbed him right in the chest.

It sounded as if Rias called out to both Issei and Koneko, both of whom started rushing outside of the gymnasium as if abandoning their initial idea. As Riser's Rook and three Pawns looked on wondering the same thing, a flash of lightning originated from the sky over them. Accompanied by the resounding thunder, the gymnasium, as well as Riser's four servants were erased.

[Raiser Phoenix-sama's three [Pawns] and one [Rook] retires!]

From Grayfia's announcement, Riser lost four servants in the first round at the hands of Rias' Queen, Akeno.

"Hmm, I see. Rias-san knew that Riser and the others would end up going to the gymnasium in an attempt to get it under their control. But, that made it a good trap to take out some of Riser's servants at the same time. It was a good plan to start things off."

Lord Phenex praised.

"Yes, but it appears as if Riser thought about that too.

Zeoticus added as the people viewing the battle noticed that there was someone who arrived in the air too.

Some time passed as Rias was explaining that Akeno would need some time before being able to release such a powerful lightning blast again. Koneko was walking from Issei having moved from him in an attempt to refrain from being touched by him. Of course, no one in the room could say that she was wrong in that regard, but just as she took a couple of steps from Issei.

[BANG!]

There was an explosion that originated from Yubelluna, who had been floating in the air, and targeted Koneko.

[…K-Koneko-chan!]

Issei called out worriedly, as Koneko's petite body was flung in another direction and wounded from the powerful explosion. No one in the room thought that she would be able to continue fighting in the Rating Game and would be retired in a couple of moments.

"Even a skilled Rook would be unable to take that hit from Yubelluna unprepared, more so if she focused on the Bishop trait of her Queen piece."

Kensei explained as no one doubted that, as Koneko sadly found herself unable to move and realized that she had made a mistake.

[Take.]

Yubelluna added as she looked down arrogantly at an enraged Issei.

[Fufufu. Whenever hunting your prey, the best time to take them down is when the prey accomplished something because that's the time when the prey is the most vulnerable. It's enough for us to "sacrifice" many of our pieces to take down one of you. Your group has a much smaller number of members, to begin with. That alone will be enough to give a huge disadvantage to your group, right? Even if you defeat us, you cannot defeat Riser-sama. It's useless to resist.]

Yubelluna cockily added, looking down at Issei, who was holding Koneko.

[…I'm sorry. …I wanted to be of more use to Buchou and everyone….]

[Y-you don't have to apologize! We were doing our job! It's not a problem! Just wait, once Asia arrives, she can heal you….]

Issei tried consoling her, but Koneko looked sadly as she started being surrounded by light and vanished.

[Rias Gremory-sama's [Rook] retries.]

Not a single person in the room made a single comment as Koneko vanished while being sent straight towards the recovery room. But, Issei reacted to witnessing his comrade and friend vanishing like that, as Yubelluna had continued looking down on them.

[Come down heeeeeere! I'll be your opponent!]

[Fufufu. What a noisy Pawn. Do you want to explode like that girl from before?]

[Ara ara. I will be your opponent. Riser Phoenix-sama's Queen, Yubelluna-san. Or should I instead call you the Bomb Queen?]

Akeno appeared in front of Yubelluna, who directed her attention towards Rias' Queen, wearing a hostile aura despite her calm demeanor.

[I don't like that name because of its bad taste, Priestess of Lightning. Though I was hoping I can fight you.]

[Ise-kun, meet up with Yuuto-kun. I will take care of it here.]

[B-But!]

Switching to a more serious expression, Akeno continued looking forward as Issei realized that she wasn't being her usually casual and gentle self. Like himself, she was furious about the fact that Koneko had been taken out of the battle by Yubelluna.

[Ise-kun. You have your role, correct? Go then. This matter here is my job.]

Akeno replied, showing the kind of dignity that one should expect from a Queen.

Hearing such a tone from Akeno, Issei relented and continued going along with the plan that their group had put into motion. As he left the area, there was a collision of lightning and explosive demonic powers as the Queens started colliding against one another.

---

Around the same time, Issei was moving from the battle between Queens, Kiba finished handling all Riser's other three Pawns: Marion, Burent, and Shuriya. Having finished off all the three women who were being retired, Kiba used his god-speed to head outwards to meet up with Issei.

"I can see that your Knight did a good job in training Kiba."

Kensei pointed out as Sirzechs nodded his head.

"Though Souji doesn't like doing much and is likely the sole exception who could endure Grayfia's wrath, he did enjoy teaching Kiba-kun. He didn't learn the actual Tennen Rishin-ryuu, but he found the right sword style that fit Kiba-kun. As a swordsman yourself, what do you think, Kensei-kun?"

Sirzechs replied smiling, while Kensei looked forward.

"Hmm, Yuuto is a good swordsman, of course, for someone trained by the leader of the Shinsengumi and one of the legendary samurai. It still looks as if he still has a lot of development to do before perfecting his sword style," Kensei replied, looking forward and recalling the manner, in which Kiba had been fighting thus far. "Although, he does appear to have some deeper emotions hidden within himself. There are a lot of reasons that someone train in swordsmanship, or martial arts in general, more so ones who put actual effort into it."

Hearing Kensei's response, those who hadn't heard or trained much in martial arts could understand the genuine meaning behind those words.

"He's right. Despite being different styles and preferences, those who seriously practice martial arts should be able to notice the emotions behind their attacks and movements. Kensei and I would share the genuine feelings of wanting to reach the pinnacle of them. Though, there are other reasons too," Lingqi added as Kensei agreed with those words, then she looked on as Kiba and Issei met up with one another. "But, for him, it looks as if something is weighing on his shoulders. I can see the slightest hint of anger and desire for greater strength."

Sirzechs came close to being surprised about what he heard from them, as both Kensei and Lingqi could tell that from seeing Kiba fighting. And those comments were spot on, to the point that it was almost frightening.

"Wow, it almost sounds as if martial artists gain some hint of telepathy after training in them."

Sirzechs thought as he continued looking at the situation in the Rating Game.

Amid the next round on the baseball field, Kiba and Issei had gotten into a confrontation with Karlamine, a fight he challenge he couldn't refuse. It turned into a high-speed battle between Knights as different sparks could be seen across the field. Both Kiba and Karlamine seemed equal, with Issei left with nothing to do aside from watching on.

Soon enough, someone called him out too.

[You seem bored.]

It was revealed to be Isabela, with Ravel walking beside her, dressed in her usual pink princess dress looking as if she's bored. In witnessing her youngest daughter in the same direction, there was some concern that could be seen on Lady Phenex's face.

"Uh, I'm not so sure about letting the Sekiryuutei near Ravel."

"Don't be worried, Lady Phenex. If he does anything like that to Ravel, I'll break his hands."

Kensei said that in such a casual manner that it almost caused the people in the room to make a surprised look, then remembered who they were talking to. No one inside the room doubted that Kensei of all people would do it and fight against the guards who'd attempt to stop him. But, both Lord and Lady Phenex appreciated the amount of concern that Kensei showed to their daughter.

"Under normal circumstances, I'd warn him about the guards, but anyone who isn't at least as strong as Ultimate-Class Devils won't be enough," Sirzechs thought in his head as he kept himself from mentioning something else, as that might result in enticing him to do it. "I'd mention that Tiamat-san sometimes acts as the administrator for the Rating Games. But, hearing that the Strongest Dragon King would step in, might result in Kensei-kun leaving to do it intentionally. Kensei-kun can act quite childish at the chance of a challenge."

Sirzechs found himself almost laughing at the thought of something such as that happening.

[Uh, I tried telling Riser-oniisama that there was another path aside from sacrificing the others. But, he is the King and this is a Rating Game that concerns him in the first place. So, I'll let it go this time.] Ravel said, wearing more of a distasteful look, then turned her attention to Kiba and Karlamine. [Hmmm, I never had much of an opinion about swordsmanship or swordsmen in general. But, compared to Ken-sama this looks like nothing aside from a mud fight.]

Hearing Ravel's comment caused Issei to turn his attention towards the blonde-haired girl who crossed both her arms while looking as if she didn't want to be there.

[You mean that Kensei guy? Are you telling me he's stronger than Kiba?]

[He's stronger than Riser-oniisama by a wide margin," Ravel replied, Issei being surprised about that comment, more so as she sounded more supportive of Kensei instead of Riser. "Despite being a Longinus wielder, neither you nor your entire group together is close to Ken-sama. Despite not having a sacred gear himself, Ken-sama is someone who could fight against another Longinus wielder alone.]

As Ravel continued speaking a bit absentmindedly as if she was telling a story and forgetting where she was at the moment.

[Eh?! Someone could be that strong without a sacred gear?!]

Issei looked surprised about the words said to him, but then noticed the expression on Ravel's face.

[Of course, Ken-sama is a rare and talented human, who….]

[Do you like the guy or what?]

Issei asked, staring on as Ravel's face started turning bright red at the comment.

[I-I-I don't k-know wh-what you're talking about?! I-I just happen to h-have a g-good amount of respect for him!]

Ravel replied.

"""Teasing material acquired."""

Claire, Kunou, and Lady Phenex all thought in unison, while barely managing to contain their laughter.

Kensei found himself barely able to contain his laughter from hearing that, something that the others inside of the room had trouble with. For Ravel's parents witnessing such a thing from their youngest child was a combination of hilarious and adorable at the same time.

As the match continued, Issei and Isabella started fighting against one another, he was having more trouble fighting against her. Isabella was showing the same kind of boxing skills that she had shown the first time that all of them fought against Kensei. But, the basic training that Issei underwent in the last ten days had a decent effect on him. Despite taking a hit to the stomach from Isabella, he endured the blow and continued standing despite that.

A short amount of time passed as the battle between the Pawn and Rook continued, then Issei turned around to find that Kiba's light-eating sword, Holy Eraser was broken. In breaking his sword, Karlamine looked continued as she rushed forward. Not reacting, Kiba held the broken section of his sword and produced around one that gave off a frigid aura.

"I thought that Kiba had that sacred gear. Spending time around someone with a similar one makes is easier to tell the differences and similarities between them. I think that Sword Birth is a decent match for him."

Kensei replied as Kiba revealed his possession of that particular sacred gear, something that gave him far more of an edge against Karlamine.

Kiba's Sword Birth, much similar to Maria's Blade Blacksmith allowed him to create a multitude of swords with different attributes. But, hers focused on holy swords, while he's focused on demon swords. At that moment, Issei finished charging up Boosted Gear as the announcement "Explosion" could be heard. Deciding to take down his opponent, a Rook who could use "Castling" to switch places with the King, Issei started preparing to unleash his other signature move.

A mass of red aura started covering his hand until it formed into an energy sphere, no different from one seen in the Dragon Ball series.

[Dragon Shot!]

[Isabella! Don't take it! Dodge!]

Karlamine warned as Isabella looked confident enough to take it head-on.

Following her suggestion, Isabella dodged the attack, causing the Dragon Shot to continue until the entire tennis ball court and sports ground were erased. Noticing the destruction caused by that assault, Kensei wasn't able to stop the whistle that escaped from his mouth.

"Not bad for someone who's been a devil for about a month."

Kensei replied as the others there seemed to realize the threat Issei posed.'

From Karlamine's suggestion, Isabella went forward to defeat Issei, who seemed to have come up with an idea to defeat her. As she rushed forward, Issei aimed his fist forward toward Isabella as if he was preparing to land a direct punch. Reacting on instinct, she moved to block the attack but noticed that there wasn't much strength behind that punch. She proceeded to give him a questioning look, then noticed Issei's perverted smile.

[Burst! Dress Break!]

Snapping his finger, Issei blew apart Isabella's outfit aside from her mask, causing Isabella, Karlamine, and wore a surprised, disgusted look on their face. Witnessing that technique being performed again, the men inside of the room diverted their eyes, while the women felt sorry for Isabella.

[What! What is this!?]

Isabella tried covering herself from apparent embarrassment.

However, this moment looked like the perfect moment for Issei as he released a point-blank Dragon Shot straight at Isabella. Unable to block or avoid it, she had no other option aside from taking it head-on as the red aura soon bathed her entire body.

[But, it's an awful attack. No, I should say it's a scary attack. B-Blowing away a woman's clothes….]

[Yeah, I'm truly sorry. I will apologize as well. I'm sorry for our Ise-kun being a lecher.]

[That's a horrendous move! Riser-oniisama might be a pervert, but he wouldn't do anything like that. …I hope.]

Ravel uttered that last part. Those viewing the Rating Game, looked as if Riser sneezed as soon as Ravel said those words.

"Oh, so that's what it looks like," Kensei said as he continued watching their match. "Most of the time, when you hear that someone sneezes after someone mentions you. But, outside of this, you have never actually seen it happen before. But, it looks as if this Rating Game is starting to reach its climax."

"And it looks as if our daughter is being a bit reckless right now."

Venelana said as she noticed there looked to be some movement from Rias, who had Asia, both their healer and lifeline right beside her. Some noticed that there was a magic circle sent to her, then Rias started moving outside the Occult Research Club room.

"I wonder where she got that from."

Zeoticus muttered under his breath, while Venelana turned her attention towards her husband smiling.

"Did you say something dear?"

Venelana asked as Zeoticus shuttered a bit from the presence being released and aimed at him.

"N-Nothing, Venelana."

Zeoticus hurriedly replied.

"Ah, that insane, dead serious blood lust and killing intent remind me of my mom."

Kensei found himself uttering as if out of nostalgia in response to sensing Venelana's killing intent, causing Lingqi to turn her attention towards him.

"I could only imagine what that kind of training you underwent as a child."

Lingqi uttered, hearing about that comment and previous ones that concerned Kensei's mother, Sakura.

---

Returning to the battle, Issei and Kiba were being surrounded by the servants that remained, consisting of Mihae, Karlamine, Siris, Ni, and Li. Ravel, instead of taking on a combative role instead took on the more leadership one, giving precise instructions to them. Witnessing their daughter taking on such a role caused a feeling of pride to well up within them. For those watching, there was a good amount of surprise that came about from seeing the serious and mature air around Ravel.

"Ah, I'm glad to see that Ravel is taking on this kind of role more."

Claire added, not knowing how to feel considering the situation.

"I'm so proud seeing that Ravel is finally able to have a more active role."

Lady Phenex added.

Most notable, Issei found himself in a compromising position as Ni and Li damaged his legs, to the point where it was difficult to move around. But, Kensei looked on noticing that there seemed to be a moment of pause as Issei looked to be going through a change. He realized it occurred as soon as he noticed the situation Rias was in against Riser, being injured without Riser having the slightest wound.

From Boosted Gear, a brilliant red light could be seen surrounding it as its green jewel started giving off a similar brilliance. Soon enough, the aura started raising, to the level that the people around him became stunned about it and ceased their previous movement.

[Dragon Booster Second Liberation!]

From that brand new announcement, Boosted Gear transformed into a newer state, much different than what it was before. It caused a pause in Issei as he looked down at the new gauntlet for a moment.

"Ara, what is that?"

Lady Phenex looked on surprised about what she was seeing.

"Boosted Gear is one of the most difficult Longinus and sacred gear, in general, to use and master, because its abilities are strong but extraneous on the wielder. I heard that most users are unable to get it towards its initial state without training or high base stats. Aside from its doubling ability, Ddraig, the Sekiryuutei also could transfer power," Kensei said, while that exact thing happened in the Rating Game as Issei and Kiba were standing side-by-side one another. "And that name is…."

[Boosted Gear Gift!]

[Sword Birth!]

[Transfer!]

Both Issei and Kiba released their sacred gears, as the former transferred, releasing enormous demon swords that started blossoming around with them at the center. Unable to react in time, the remaining servants were pierced in their vital spots, causing blood to escape from them. Ravel found herself being stabbed in the side but moved to the air as the wound became inflamed and closed.

[Are you telling me this is also the power of the Dragon…?]

Ravel looked on surprised as the tables were turned on their group despite having the number advantage, but it faded as soon as that power appeared.

"This is quite surprising. I realized that the Boosted Gear grants one this kind of power, but it's surprising to see it in person. Well, if there's any kind of power in the world that could turn around an impossible situation, then it'd be the power of a dragon," an impressed tone could be heard coming from Lord Phenex. "After seeing this much, I believe that Rias-san has trained her peerage far more than Riser when he started. I know that you two must be proud."

"Yes, we are."

Zeoticus replied, showing genuine pride in his daughter.

Once again, those watching the two parents, despite the situation of a forced engagement, there was a genuine amount of care concerning their children. And it was something that most wouldn't be able to see in most pure-blooded devils.

However, despite the situation going on well enough, things went downhill as Issei and Kiba received a shocking announcement.

[Rias Gremory-sama's [Queen] retires.]

Neither of them could recover from that surprise as another one came Kiba was soon taken out from another explosion that originated from Yubelluna. He turned his head to find that his close friend and comrade had been taken out too.

[Rias Gremory-sama's [Knight] retires.]

Enraged, Issei turned his attention towards Yubelluna staring down at him with arrogance seen right in her eyes; and started shouting out different words at her. Ignoring him, Riser's Queen turned her back on him, showing him no attention as headed towards Riser. It was difficult for Issei, as his stamina had taken a deep nosedive, but he still proceeded to fight.

Despite witnessing the perverseness that radiated from him, no one could doubt that Issei had the determination none of them could reject. It wasn't long until Issei arrived at the entrance leading inside the new school building, but he wasn't alone as Ravel stood there too.

[Are you still going to continue to fight?]

Ravel asked, showing none of the arrogance she'd normally show.

[What's it matter to you?]

[I'm just trying to be honest and helpful. If you had awakened that transferring ability before, then transferred it to either Rias-sama or Akeno-sama, it'd be terrifying. That kind of power would be a threat to any High-Class Devil during the Rating Game in the future. But, using your Boosted Gear all this time has taken a severe toll on your physical abilities and stamina. So, there's no doubt that this is your group's loss.] Ravel said, then pulled out one familiar item. [It's not your fault, our group has had more experience and preparation. Both Riser-oniisama and I are members of the Phenex Clan, who can't be taken out by those kinds of attacks. We're also in possession of these Phoenix Tears, which can heal all injuries.]

[Is that even allowed!?]

[Your group also has a person who had the Twilight Healing, correct?] Ravel's comment caused Issei to become silenced from it. [But, two vials of Phoenix Tears are allowed in Rating Games for either team. That's the reason that Yubelluna was able to defeat the Priestess of Lightning. Well, despite the advantage that our group had against yours, it was admirable that your group….]

Ignoring Ravel, Issei started walking passed her, causing the blonde-haired younger girl to glance in the direction he was heading.

[H-Hold on! Are you ignoring me!? You are going to lose anyway so it's safer to stay here with me!?]

[Would that Kensei, who you're friends with or whatever give up?] Issei's comment caused Ravel to pause as the mentioned person agreed with him there. [If you planning on trying to stop me, then I'll strip you naked.]

Once those words came out, Ravel defended herself by crossing her arms across her chest, thinking about the people watching the Rating Game. Much to the relief of Lord and Lady Phenex, Issei continued without doing such a thing to their daughter.

[D-Don't say that I didn't warn you!]

Ravel replied as Issei continued, having promoted to Queen, then continued.

"I admire the determination, but he's not going to last long against Riser," as harsh as it sounded, Kensei spoke nothing but the truth. "Ravel is right, he used Boosted Gear to match the strength of Riser's servants. But, using Boosted Gear this much took a big toll on him, and using it more than this is going to cause a greater drawback. I think that it would've been better if he promoted to Rook since it seems to fit him more."

No one rejected that claim from Kensei, more so as it started being shown in clear view on-screen before all their eyes. Rias continued fighting back despite losing their healer, and Issei wasn't able to endure activating Boosted Gear a second time, causing a backlash. Despite that, he didn't surrender and instead rushed for Riser with what strength he had remaining.

Riser didn't appear to take this as much of a challenge and made no effort in avoiding the attacks, then followed by punching Issei hard in the stomach. A deep-seated pain traveled across him as blood escaped his mouth, but it didn't seem to deter him. Issei continued fighting despite the little impact that his punches would have, while he received support from Rias.

Those witnessing the situation at hand, more so those among the Gremory and Phenex Clans couldn't deny that it was an unneeded beat down. But, no one could mock Issei's determination, who continued going without an instance of stepping backward. Near the end, it took Rias holding him in her arms to make him stop moving, but at that point, she seemed to realize that Issei lost consciousness a long time ago.

[It's my loss. I resign.]

Rias said out loud as it signified the end of the Rating Game match.

---

Though it was meant to bring both the Gremory and Phenex Clan together, though it was a part of their tradition, neither Zeoticus nor Venelana could bear seeing their daughter in that state. Nearly her entire peerage was seriously injured, who'd fought the hardest for her, and witnessed one being beaten to that state. Sirzech looked at the entire thing with an unreadable expression on his face, but he was not happy.

"Lord Gremory," Lord Phenex called out. "I believe that it would be best if we discussed those matters at a later date. Truly, your daughter put on a show that is better than most mature devils started."

"Thank you, Lord Phenex."

Zeoticus gave a genuine smile as he bowed his head.

Both he and Lady Phenex prepared to leave the observation room, but not before turning their attention towards Kensei and the others.

"Kensei-san, I'd hoped that this hasn't been something difficult. I'm aware that you have different beliefs and it might've been…."

"It's fine, Lord Phenex. I might agree with it some things in the Underworld, but I have no control over what goes on here. I'll leave that to those here that want to change things around," Kensei replied casually, thinking that one person, in particular, wanted to change the Underworld for the better. "Besides, I'd gotten to see some interesting things here. For both sides involved, I hope that this experience would end up being a lesson."

"Yes, both of us will be heading out, Kensei-san. So, what would you and your group be doing?"

Lady Phenex asked.

"Well, we'll go meet up with Ravel first and go from there."

Kensei replied, waving his hand as both the Phenex Clan's patriarch and matriarch left outside the room, while it left those among the Gremory Clan there alone.

Not knowing what else to tell them, Kensei and the others decided to leave them alone to contemplate what was going to be done next.

"That was a bit hard to watch."

Lingqi brought out the comment that was on their minds.

It has been no less than two minutes since their group found themselves leaving the observation room, causing a deep silence until Lingqi spoke. But, it wasn't that any of them was lost considering that Claire and they learned about the various layouts from interacting with Diehauser.

"Yeah, same here. I wouldn't know what to do if I was forced into a loveless marriage," Claire said, not knowing what Rias was feeling at that moment. "And I know that seeing their daughter like that struck them somewhere in a deep place. Having genuine emotions for someone like that is something that sets them apart from other pure-blooded devils."

"Uh, I feel bad for them. All of them tried hard and fought well against their group."

Kunou added an opinion that the others shared.

---

Not so long passed as the Sword Team arrived at the medical facility, where Ravel and the others who competed in the Rating Games: were either visitors or patients. At the specific room, said blonde found herself standing near the room, where her teammates were housed in. Noticing them standing there, Ravel gave a faint smile and then started to walk forward to meet them.

"Hello, Ken-sama, Claire-sama, Kunou-sama, and Lingqi-sama."

Ravel greeted them.

"Hey, well that was some Rating Game. I didn't think that it'd see such a move from the Sekiryuutei."

Kensei pointed out lightheartedly.

"Ah, yes. I never thought that I would witness such a perverted technique before in my entire life," Ravel said as she shuttered at the thought of it being used on her. "I almost thought that he was going to use it on me. At least, the Sekiryuutei did show that he had more than simply that. I wasn't expecting he'd combined that new ability to transfer power to Rias-sama's Knight."

"On that related note, how are they doing after that?"

Claire asked, noticing that Ravel looked a bit worried about the others injured too.

"Nel, Ile, Mira, and Xuelan are recovering well enough after that lightning blast from Rias-sama's Queen. And the same thing could be said about Marion, Burent, and Shuriya," Ravel explained, thinking back to the injuries she'd heard from the doctors and nurses. Once again showcasing her impeccable attention to various details. "But, the ones who took on the most damage were Karlamine, Siris, Mihae, Ni, and Li, who took that last hit. Even Isabella despite being a Rook took on surprising damage after taking the Sekiryuutei's Dragon Shot."

"I'm sure that the first group wouldn't have been injured that much if Riser had listened to whatever you planned out, right?"

Lingqi asked, not liking the fact that Riser and Yubelluna sounded too casual in "sacrificing" their teammates. Not surprisingly, Kensei, Alice, Claire, and Kunou felt the same way, more so the first three considering their previous experiences during the Hagun Island Incident.

"Yeah, but it still isn't my peerage to lead," Ravel replied, showing much more concern for them, and nudged her head to the room for them to notice Riser inside of the room. "Riser-oniisama wants them to recover before both his and Rias-sama's engagement is announced. He's considering even using the Phoenix Tears to speed up the healing process."

"Right. I'm surprised he was patient enough to give Rias ten days."

"Well, this isn't going to be for him, but more for them."

Kensei replied, then started heading inside of the medical room belonging to Riser's peerage, but it looked more as if he busted into the room.

"What the hell?!"

Riser couldn't contain his surprise by the manner, in which Kensei entered the room.

Looking into the room, Kensei could see that all his members aside from Yubelluna were resting inside their beds, which were assigned to them. Not paying neither him nor Yubelluna any mind, he headed in the direction of their room's doctor, who seemed finished with their observation. It appeared as if the doctor was more focused on finishing up instead of noticing Kensei's entrance.

"Excuse me, I would like to give some assistance in healing them."

Kensei said as the doctor looked at him.

"What qualifications do you have?"

Surprisingly enough, the Underworld doctor sounded serious, instead of sounding conceited about the fact that he suggested something such as that. Noticing that, Kensei channeled ki into his finger and made a slight cut on his right arm. From witnessing that, the doctor soon noticed the wound closing up seconds later before fading as if it never happened.

"I'm skilled at using senjutsu too. So, I can heal people too," Kensei replied. "Besides, their injuries aren't, to the point where I can't heal them."

"I didn't expect that I'd encounter a senjutsu user and witness its healing technique firsthand. If that's the case, then by all means."

Receiving permission from the doctor himself, Kensei started healing the members of Riser's peerage one by one. In the training he underwent since learning about senjutsu and mastering its basics, he learned to sense the meridians inside a person's body, making it easier to heal them. A couple of minutes passed, and Kensei managed to heal the members from Riser's peerage.

"Incredible. I never thought that its healing technique would be this effective. I heard that a few people are capable of learning it, let alone mastering it."

"Senjutsu focuses primarily on manipulating your own or someone else's life energy, or ki. I'd learned a long time ago about accelerating the body's natural healing. And because beings, such as devils heal faster than humans, it didn't take all that long to heal them," Kensei replied, then turned towards the people he healed. "I healed all of you, to the point where nothing is life-threatening. I could've healed your stamina a bit more too, but I think that it would be best if you recovered more from resting naturally."

[Thank you.]

Kensei received a genuine thanks from all of them, without either sounding ungrateful for the treatment. A little bit of time passed as the doctor left the room to perform business elsewhere.

"Hahaha, so was this treatment here some kind of early engagement present?"

"Nah, but you could consider this next one more of a wake-up call."

"What's more of a…gah?!"

Riser was surprised as Kensei aimed a sudden sharp elbow straight into his abdomen, causing the air to escape from his mouth. A deep amount of pain traveled throughout Riser's body, almost being the worst kind of pain he'd experienced in his entire life.

[Riser-sama!]

Of course, the members of his peerage were worried, but none of them was in the right condition to move.

"Riser-sama! Damn, you how dare you…ah."

As Yubelluna summoned and pointed her staff straight at Kensei, she stopped moving as soon as he had started straight at her with dead serious eyes. She realized that Kensei was strong, more so than Riser, something that's impossible for her to realize. Yubelluna wasn't able to move an inch once those eyes appeared to shine with a dangerous blue light. Having sensed the power that radiated from them caused the prideful Queen to falter and remain standing as if she was a child put on timeout.

In witnessing this happening, despite being a member of Riser's peerage, Ravel didn't move and inch, something that went beyond the fact she liked Kensei.

"Wh-What the hell was that for?!"

Riser demanded.

"Well, there are more than two reasons for that," Kensei said as Riser started recovering from that elbow strike to the stomach. "For one, I don't know whether or not you're a perpetual arrogant asshole, but you waste a wide range of chances handed to you right on a silver platter. First, by wasting your potential and your peerage in so many ways that a child could point them out! Second, by wasting the loyalty that your peerage show without question, despite sacrificing them! And third, being some cocky asshole who's going to find himself dead if he fights against any of the people I fight regularly!"

Receiving those comments from Kensei caused Riser, similar to Yubelluna to remain silent as he couldn't come up with a single comeback. He knew from personal experience that he couldn't defeat Kensei even if he and his entire peerage fought him.

"If you keep pulling this crap, then you're going to do nothing but shame your clan at some point."

Those were the last words that Kensei had for Riser, before turning around to leave the room without turning one glance toward anyone in the room.

"…Ken-sama."

Ravel could see the reasons behind those words, which sounded more as if it was for Riser's benefits aside from keeping him from shaming the Phenex Clan at one point. She and the others among their family shared the same thought that Riser's arrogance would be his downfall, but never said it themselves.

Noting where Kensei was heading in the direction of another room, Claire, Alice, Kunou, and Lingqi followed him. Ravel wanted to follow them but didn't after noticing the direction that he was heading. She didn't need to be a genius to tell that her presence there wouldn't make matters better. It didn't take the three young women all that long to realize where he was heading.

But, then their group found themselves stopping as a familiar silver-haired young woman was standing right in front of that room. Standing beside her was a despondent-looking Asia, who seemed as if she was crying for a long period. Not surprising, considering that all her friends and teammates were defeated without being able to do anything about it.

"Oh, Grayfia-san, I see that you're here."

Kensei said, surprised to see her there.

"Yes, Sirzechs-sama wanted to be here. But, for one of the Maou to be here, then the situation would turn a little more complicated than intended. So, as the maid of the Gremory Family, it would've been better if I came instead of Sirzechs-sama."

Behind the seriousness of Grayfia's tone, Kensei and the others could tell that she cared about Rias, befitting her sister-in-law.

"So, I'm guessing that Rias is…."

Claire said as Grayfia nodded her head.

Through the door's window, Rias was in tears with her head bowed down in front of the members of her peerage. It was something most wouldn't have witnessed much from any other King, who showed this kind of compassion for their servants. Inside Koneko, Kiba, and Akeno had their injuries tended to, but then healed by Asia with her Twilight Healing; a rare healing-type sacred gear. But, few healing techniques were able to heal a person's stamina too.

"I kinda wanted to come and heal them too. But, it looks as if you took good care of them," Kensei said, then he'd started scratching his head. "Similar to the others, it might be best to let them sleep this one-off."

Asia didn't react to Kensei's words, causing him to wonder what was going through her head at that moment. But, considering what happened, he could take a good guess. Before either of them could say something else, Kunou started walking forward first. She stood there in front of the despondent Asia, who'd looked up to find the younger blonde-haired girl with a gentle smile on her face.

"Are you doing alright?"

Kunou gently asked.

"Y-Yes," Asia replied, nodding her head and finding that to be what was wrong the most. "I didn't do a single thing to help them despite all that they'd done to help me. I healed Ise-san, but he isn't waking up no matter what I do. I have Twilight Healing, but it feels as if I can't do anything for them aside from this."

"Well, Kunou learned a long time ago that most of the time being right there with someone can matter just as much. I'm sure that everyone appreciates the things that you do for them," Kunou said as she held Asia's hands. "Besides, if there's something that you feel as if you lack, then you can train to be stronger anytime."

Hearing Kunou's response caused Asia to feel much better, though she didn't quite know who the nine-tailed girl was. Witnessing that, Claire and the others were well aware that no one aside from Kunou could uplift someone in such a cheerful, but genuine manner.

"Well, it might be best if we head back since there's not much that we can do here."

Kensei said, not seeing any more reason for them to be there.

"Before you all leave, Kensei-sama," Grayfia called out, then retrieved something from her person and handed it to him. "Sirzechs-sama thought that you might come here to check up on those here, and wanted me to pass this invitation along."

"Hmm, an invite to his sister's engagement party," Kensei said, scanning the invite in his hand. "You know under normal circumstances this might be something that I'll without a doubt come to. But, under these circumstances, it kinda doesn't fit my idea of a party."

"Sirzechs-sama thought that you might say that, which is the reason that he wanted me to inform you that he has something special planned to commemorate the engagement," Grayfia added on, catching his attention. "So, would you please attend?"

Noticing the rare smile from Grayfia, the stoic Queen, who would act as the deterrent for her normally overly laid-back King, Kensei couldn't help finding his interest piqued. It was something that surprised had Claire, Alice, and Kunou, as neither seen that smile much.

"Well, if the Crimson Satan himself is going to tempt me with that kind of incentive, then consider me invited," he replied, wondering what Sirzechs had planned out, then turned his attention to Asia. "Excuse me, Asia, right?"

"Yes."

Asia replied kindly, nodding her head.

"Would you mind if I took a look at your friend, Issei? I could see what's wrong with him if you want."

Kensei asked, sparking hope within the blonde-haired nun (based on what she was wearing).

"Yes, please!"

Asia replied, wanting Issei to get better and if Kensei could do that, then she accepted it.

Not hesitating at all, Asia started leading Kensei in the same direction where Issei was resting. As she was doing that, he couldn't help thinking about what had happened thus far. There was no doubt that Sirzechs came up with a kind of plan to get Rias out of this situation, and it'd be something that could spark their interest. Having finished what he planned on doing, in fixing what couldn't be healed with Twilight Healing, Kensei and the others returned to their home at Kibou Town.

---

Two days passed, and it was time for the Engagement Party between Rias and Riser, something that was held in an extravagant room. It was spacious, much bigger than a sports field with things ranging from all the chandeliers, and interior paintings and the setup was top-tier among the higher class. There were various pure-blooded devils rightly dressed for the occasion, most of whom were talking among themselves.

For such an important high-class event, there were maids, butlers, and guards; all of whom were doing their jobs in serving the guests. Of course, in the rooms, members from the Gremory and Phenex Clans stood in the room too, talking to the attending higher-ups.

Most notable, Riser talked to the people, who congratulated him for the engagement. Others among his peerage were enjoying the party too, most notable, the younger members enjoyed the deserts being served. Ravel found herself dressed in a purple dress meant for a princess, looking as if she was waiting. As she stood there, she started hearing comments from other pure-blood devils.

"Did you hear that some humans are supposed to be attending this party?"

A male pure-blood asked.

"Hmm, yes, I heard that Sirzechs-sama had invited them here. They're supposed to be a part of some group that formed some kind of pact with the Gremory and Phenex Clan. I don't know the point of inviting such a group here in the first place, people such as that should know their place."

Another male replied, showing a haughty attitude.

"Humph, let's see their reaction when Ken-sama and the others arrive."

Ravel said, looking around to find that there were a lot of people there around her age, who she recognized if not known. Among them were revealed to be Sairaorg and his Queen, Kuisha; the King was dressed in clothing meant for the Great King's Heir, while the Queen was dressed in an appropriate dress.

"Hey, Ravel Phenex. I witnessed the Rating Game and it appears as if Rias' group has yours quite some trouble until the end."

As usual, Sairaorg had a confident and friendly air that most couldn't hate.

"Yes, it looks as if Rias-sama's servants were better trained compared to Riser-oniisama's servants who had far more experience than them. In the end, it looked as if we ended up winning, but…."

In the past, Ravel wouldn't have had much trouble in the manner that Riser and they won a match, but this time around, she had some reservations about it. It didn't take Ravel long to realize that it was due to the interactions she had with Kensei and the others.

"Well, experience isn't something that can be ignored, but the real training is something that can bring out one's true potential. I'd often see that someone with talent, but not the training meant to use it to the fullest would often end up experiencing a setback in the future. And I believe that Rias and her servants showed that."

Sairaorg mentioned, which was something no different from what Kensei said himself.

"Yes, but that's something that Riser-oniisama might have to learn himself."

"True enough, I also witnessing something quite interesting from the Sekiryuutei too," Sairaorg let out an amused and hearty laugh. "I never excepted someone, more so that person to develop such a technique and then use it in such a manner."

Instead of being exasperated from witnessing Issei using Dress Break, Sairaorg instead looked amused by him witnessing such a thing from the Sekiryuutei. Ravel was surprised to see once again how light-hearted Sairaorg could be, something that reminded her of Sirzechs.

"Ehehe, but for women, that technique is something so amusing. I can see there being complaints from the female competitors in the future."

"Yes, if things continue, then Rias might be forced to limit the Sekiryuutei."

Sairaorg said, maintaining a light-hearted air.

Soon enough, there was a pause among the people in the crowd, the three younger pure-bloods noticed that the crowd turned their attention to the entrance. The guards standing beside the entrance stood straight, while the closest ones held the door open.

"Introducing the members from the Kibou Alliance!"

Two guards announced dutifully, as the much older pure-bloods looked snidely as Kensei and the others started at entering the room.

"Let's see how underdressed these humans are."

"Yes, I wonder what kind of rags they're dressed in."

Both of the same pure-bloods asked, laughing to themselves.

Although, the reactions of the others witnessing their arrival were a more stumped expression as the group had started entering the extravagant room. None of them were dressed in the so-called "rags" that both of them had expected. First, among the Sword Team, Kensei wore a black suit tailored to fit him; Claire wore a beautiful silver western dress meant for a princess; Alice wore a beautiful, sleeveless golden dress that went alongside her developed feminine build; Kunou wore a beautiful kimono that looked appropriate for a princess; Lingqi wore a white Chinese dress with a tiger design on it.

Second, among the Grimoire Unit; Zane wore a silver and black tuxedo, and Lena wore a beautiful black dress, meant to show off her impressive curves. Third, among the Lancelot Team, Maria was dressed in a beautiful white dress; Layla wore a beautiful blue dress; Iris wore an adorable white dress; Alex was dressed in a tuxedo. And fourth, among the Jade Team, Hisui wore a beautiful green dress, and Rui wore a beautiful pink dress.

In witnessing the group dressed for the occasion, none of the pure-blooded devils, who talked about them could mention a single thing. Most female pure-blooded devils were almost taken aback from seeing Kensei and Zane walking with confidence; while others found Alex, who walked beside Maria, Layla, and Iris adorable. And nearly all the pure-blooded devils among themselves were speechless from seeing the young women, who entered the room alongside them.

"W-Wow, I didn't expect…."

Those were the sole words that came from the same male pure-blooded devils.

"I heard that girl there is closely related to the Emperor, Diehauser-sama."

"I didn't think that human women could be this beautiful."

"A Kyuubi, Nekomata, Tanuki, and a Dark Elf, I never thought that I'd see one let alone all four together. Also, is that girl there giving off the aura of a dragon."

Those were the comments from the other male pure-blooded devils, who eyed up the women around them.

"Wow, those two men there are quite handsome~"

"Yes, I heard that the black-haired one did a lot for the Phenex Clan too."

"The one beside him is a magician too."

"I wouldn't mind forming a 'pact' with him."

Kensei and Zane could notice that multiple female pure-blooded devils turned their attention to them.

"Well, this looks like a good place for an engagement party."

Kensei replied, finding himself looking around at the decorations.

"Shame, it's more of a forced engagement," Hisui said as she shrugged her shoulders, then smiled as she soon wrapped her arms around Kensei's right arm. "Hmm, I wonder if we'd be able to use this place when we have our engagement party, Ken Ken."

"Who knows. I didn't think that you'd want to have one in a place like this."

"Oh, not really, I was just impressed by it. I kinda wanted it to be somewhere in Japan."

"Same. I haven't spent that much time in the Underworld, but the Human World feels more comfortable to me. I'd think that a wedding in the Human World would be better."

Claire added, smiling as she felt more at home in the Human World than in the Underworld.

"Oh?"

"Hmm, something wrong, Alice?"

Lingqi asked, noticing the direction that Alice was looking.

Turning her head, Lingqi noticed that Alice was staring at a beautiful-looking painting that was positioned on one of the walls.

"That's one of mine."

Alice pointed out, surprising Lingqi, who hadn't heard about the exact details about where her paintings went as soon as they were distributed.

"I didn't expect that your paintings would end up in the Underworld too. It must feel like quite the honor to see the things you paint hung up in places such as this."

Lingqi said as Alice nodded her head in agreement.

"Yeah, but it'd be troublesome if they find out I was the one who painted it. So, could this remain between us?"

"Of course."

Lingqi replied, wearing a smile.

"Hmm, I hope that no one here attempts to touch Lingqi. It sure would be a shame if we ended up arrested after knocking out a high-class devil."

Rui teased, turning her attention to Lingqi, who looked flustered.

"C-Come on."

Lingqi replied, looking adorably.

Though, what Rui said was correct considering that Lingqi does have an aversion to men she doesn't know trying to touch her outside of training.

"Kinda surprised that you asked for us to come too, Kensei."

Maria said, turning her attention to Kensei.

"Same, I didn't think we'd get dressed for an engagement party aside from yours in the future."

Zane added, showing a calm smile.

"Well, aside from the apparent good food and friends that this party seems to have. I heard that Sirzechs planned on announcing some big surprise and I thought it'd be interesting to see what that is."

"Considering that Sirzechs-chan does come up with some hilarious things, I'm interested in seeing what it is."

Hisui added, causing Maria and Zane to agree with her too.

"It's a shame that Abigail couldn't come too."

"Well, it'd be kinda weird having the daughter of one of the Four Great Seraph here."

Zane stated in more of a whisper so that none of the pure-blooded devils overheard that Abigail was a half-angel and the daughter of their enemies.

"Hey, Ken-sama."

"Ara, look who came here with some guest."

Heading in his direction both Ravel was joined by Sairaorg, in addition to Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko. Once the blonde-haired Phenex noticed the Gremory Group, there was this awkward air between them. Not surprising considering one side lost against the other.

"Kensei I see that your group arrived on time."

"Yo, Sairaorg. Well, being punctual when invited by a friend is something I take pride in."

Surprisingly, Kensei and Sairaorg greeted one another as normally as possible despite the awkward atmosphere, then ended up shaking one another's hands.

"Hahaha. I took you for the kind of person, who'd show up whenever he wanted."

Sairaorg replied.

"You're not wrong, though. He sometimes had terrible manners."

Claire added, in a bit of a teasing manner.

"Hey."

Kensei found himself reacting to that teasing tone.

Amid this conversation, Koneko found her attention being directed toward Kunou and Hisui, more so the latter, as her twin tails fluttered happily about. She couldn't turn her attention from the nekoshou as her eyes seemed to be almost penetrating her. Noticing the newfound attention directed at her, Hisui turned to face Koneko, who almost flinched a bit on reflex.

Hisui gave a gentle smile, then placed her index finger on in front of her lips, as if to signify that she would keep a secret. Realizing the gesture's meaning, Koneko glanced to the side wondering what to think about what an interaction between them would result in.

"Sairaorg-sama. An acquaintance of the Great King Faction wants to talk to you about something."

Kuisha came in and told that to Sairaorg.

"Hmm, is that so. Alright, then Kensei I'll talk to you later."

Sairaorg waved his hand, then started following Kuisha in the same direction as whoever from the Great King Faction. Once he left, there was a silence between the group as Ravel seemed adamant to continue remaining in the same location near the others.

"So, these are the same members of my group."

"My name is Claire Belial."

"My name is Alice Evangelista."

"I'm Kunou~"

"I am Lu Lingqi."

Those among the Sword Team replied.

"My name is Zane Wayland."

"I'm Lena Ellsworth."

Those among the Grimoire Unit replied.

"My name is Maria Lancelot."

"I'm Layla Caldwell."

"I'm Iris."

"My name is Alexander Hayward."

The Lancelot Team replied.

"Hiya, I'm Hisui Aozaki~"

"My name is Rui Kagami."

The Jade Team replied.

"Hello, my name is Akeno Himejima."

"My name is Yuuto Kiba."

"…Koneko Toujou."

Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko replied.

"…what's the Yakitori-hime still doing here?"

Koneko asked, pointing to Ravel.

"E-Excuse me, what'd you just call me?!"

Ravel asked back, demanding an answer from Koneko, who looked blankly at her.

"…Yakitori-hime."

Koneko replied, in a matter-of-fact tone surprising those watching the match.

"Y-Y-You! To talk to the daughter from the Phenex Clan in such a manner…!"

Ravel seemed exasperated that someone she didn't know would talk to her in such a manner.

"…you did do the least during the Rating Game."

Koneko replied.

"You ended up taken out in the first round!"

"…at least, I did something."

Koneko shot back as she and Ravel started locking eyes with one another.

"Well, she's a savage."

Kensei found himself giving out a wry laugh at their interaction.

"Well, I didn't expect to see your group here."

"Well, an invitation from Sirzechs Lucifer himself isn't something that can be turned down so easily," Kensei gave a response as Akeno and Kiba seemed interested in them. "Though, your group did an awesome job during that Rating Game despite being your first."

"Thanks, though we lost. I doubt that this is over," Kiba stated as he had hoped that this situation at least would be turned around. "Though, we have to thank you."

"For?"

Kensei tried playing dumb and reacting as if he had no idea what Kiba was talking about.

"Ara, don't play dumb now. Asia-chan mentioned that you came to the hospital to check up on us, and healed our Ise-kun. We watched the last part of the Rating Game and noticed that Riser-sama gave him out the beating. He still hadn't woken up yet, but he's in perfect condition."

"Yeah, beating aside, he did overuse his Boosted Gear. I also noticed something rather unique happening to him when he was unconscious. It looks as if he's going to start becoming more conscious of Ddraig. After I started to heal him, I noticed that Ddraig woke up."

Kensei's response caused a big surprise to the members of Rias' Peerage.

"Ara, that's quite the surprise."

Akeno replied.

Amid the conversation, the other members from the Kibou Alliance started breaking apart to taste either the food or drinks being served there. Kensei found himself entering a conversation with Akeno and Kiba, while Ravel and Koneko found themselves glaring at one another.

"Kinda surprised. I already heard that Suzaku's cousin was reincarnated into Rias' peerage, but I didn't think that both of you would look almost like sisters."

Kensei stated as Akeno found herself laughing a bit.

"Well, I didn't expect that I'd meet someone who knew Suzaku-oneesama. So, what's your relationship with her? A friend? Or a secret boyfriend?"

Kensei could see that Akeno was being teasing and mischievous at the same time.

"Nice try. But, we're friends. I honestly think that she has her eyes on someone else."

"And that would be?"

Akeno asked with interest.

"Who knows?"

Kensei shrugged his shoulder while glancing to the side innocently, sparking a little bit of laughter from Akeno.

"So, what kind of group are you a part of?"

Kiba curiously asked.

"Well, no different from groups such as the magician's associations. But, our group does a little more traveling to other factions, discovering new things, and giving homes to unfortunate people. If you're interested, then I would not mind giving you all a tour around our base sometime in the future."

"That'd be great. Though, would you be the sole leader?"

Akeno seemed interested in looking around the Kibou Alliance but wondered whether or not Kensei was the sole leader of the group.

"No, there are five others. It'd be me, Zane, Maria, Hisui, and Abigail, who isn't here at the moment," Kensei gave them a response. "We call ourselves, the Numbers."

"….Numbers?"

Koneko seemed confused as she heard that phrase while tilting her head to the side; something that Kensei had thought was adorable.

"The term, Numbers was something that Ken-sama and the others came up with to refer to their leaders. And it's based on cardinal…."

"…I wasn't asking you."

"I was trying to help."

"…I didn't ask for your help."

"Urgh!"

Ravel found herself glaring at Koneko, while her drill-like curls seemed to move from the anger building up.

Kensei found himself keeping up a straight face in noticing the interaction between them, despite neither Ravel nor Koneko knowing one another.

"Their distaste for one another is like a cat not liking a bird, despite Ravel not being aware she's a nekomata."

Kensei couldn't help chuckling to himself.

"Well, I think that you'd be interested in seeing what the Kibou Alliance is like in person. From time to time, we all give out martial arts instructions sometimes to those among the group interested in them."

"…?"

Koneko looked interested in seeing that.

"That's interesting. I thought a lot about challenging you to a sword fight at some point, but I doubt that I would be much of a challenge."

"Weak or strong, doesn't matter. If anybody challenges me, then I give them my full attention. If you ever want to fight me, then just tell me."

Kensei gave a challenging smile as Kiba seemed to appreciate that comment from him.

---

Some time passed, and Rias appeared from a magic circle that appeared right beside Riser, who wrapped his arm happily around her. The crimson-haired young woman herself looked to be bearing a less than vacant expression, obviously not happy about being there. Things soon started turning into a more show focused around the fiancé and fiancée, while people from the higher-up went toward them.

"Hmm, I wonder when this big surprise Sirzechs is going to come up."

Kensei asked, holding a glass in his hand and drinking from it.

"Well, whatever is it. There's going to be quite the shock among the people."

Claire added, standing beside him.

He glanced around to find that those from the Kibou Alliance found at least some among the pure-blooded devils their age, who wasn't arrogant. Kensei noticed that Zane looked to be talking to a spectacled black-haired young woman, who he recognized as Serafall's younger sister, Sona Sitri.

"Hmm, I wonder what Lena is going to think about that?"

Kensei asked.

"I think that she does have feelings for Zane, but she's a rather violent kind of tsundere."

Claire added something that Alice and Kunou nodded their heads to while laughing a bit.

Their group could see that Maria and Kiba seemed to be talking, certain things seemed to be about both of their different sacred gears. Not surprising since their Blade Blacksmith and Sword Birth were similar but different from one another. Hisui had seemed to be attempting to start a conversation with Koneko, but the white-haired young girl looked to be avoiding her. Rui looked to be conversing with others around them, gathering information from a lot of different people.

He noticed that Lingqi seemed to be talking to Xuelan, the Rook noticed that she was a resident of China too and a martial artist herself.

"Hmm," Kensei seemed to have noticed something and turned to the entrance leading into the room, then a little smirk could be seen on his face. "Oh, it looks as if Sirzechs' surprise is coming."

"And what would that be?"

"3…2…and…1…."

Reaching the "1", the door leading into the spacious hall was pushed open, revealing someone standing there as the guards moved. It was revealed to be Issei, who woke up some time ago and had Boosted Gear prepared for a fight against who stands in front of him.

"Buchooooooooou!"

"Ise!"

Rias turned her attention towards Issei, ignoring the people among the higher-ups around her, and instead looked on towards the previous person she made into her previous servant.

"To the High-Class Devils! And to Buchou's older brother, Sirzechs Lucifer-sama! My name is Issei Hyoudou, I'm a second-year student from Kuoh Academy! I have arrived to take back Buchou, Rias Gremory-sama!"

At Issei's declaration, the numerous High-Class Devils started becoming nosier than the declaration from the lower-class devils standing right there.

"Hey, you! Do you know where this…?!"

Several guards started moving in to detain Issei, but then three people moved in and stopped them all.

"Ise-kun! Leave this to us!"

"…You are late."

"Ara ara, so you finally showed up."

Kiba, Koneko, and Akeno stood beside Issei, defending him from the guards gathering around them without the fear of the repercussions. Thanking them in silence and smiling at the people, who he considers his close friends and irreplaceable comrades. Afterward, no one tried stopping Issei from walking forward towards the main man, Riser who was at the head of this celebration.

"Buchou, Rias Gremory-sama's virginity belongs to me!"

Issei declared as soon as he stood in front of Riser, who looked surprised, and Rias, who looked flustered.

"Pft, hahahahaha," Kensei couldn't maintain himself and ended up laughing at that declaration as soon as it was made. "C-Come on, I can't believe he said that right here of all places!"

Kensei wasn't alone as there were those among the Kibou Alliance, who couldn't control themselves and found a bit of enjoyment from hearing that. There were others among the younger generation of pure-blooded devils, who did find this development something enjoyable to hear.

"What's the meaning of this, Raiser?"

"Hey, Lady Rias. What's the meaning of this?"

Others among the much older pure-blooded devils began making a commotion about what was happening during the engagement party. Those among the Gremory and Phenex Clan didn't come up with a single response aside from surprise about what happened.

"It's an event that I organized."

Sirzechs soon came out towards them with Grayfia walking beside him as dutifully as always.

"Onii-sama."

Rias looked surprised as her older brother went through such things for her, but then Sirzechs continued to keep a calm and composed look.

"I wanted to see the power of the Welsh Dragon, so I asked Grayfia," Sirzechs casually replied, causing more of a commotion among the older generation of older devils. "It should be fine. The Rating Game from two days ago was rather entertaining. But, there was a disadvantage for my younger sister, who had no gaming experience to fight against Riser-kun, a mature devil who competed in the official games."

"…So Sirzechs-sama, you are saying that the last game wasn't fair?"

Riser asked, not knowing what to think about the situation.

"No, not at all. If a Maou such as myself says such a thing, then I would be making the Old Nobles look bad. The connection between the High-class Devils is important after all."

"Then, Sirzechs. What do you want to do about it?"

Zeoticus asked, not looking mad, but curious about Sirzechs' intentions.

"Father. I want to make my cute little sister's engagement party into a flashy one. Dragon versus Phoenix. Don't you think it's the ultimate event? To stir up the party by having a battle between legendary creatures. There isn't any entertainment which can surpass this."

Sirzechs response and suggestion sparked curiosity among those witnessing the event.

A fight between a Dragon and Phoenix was something that would be interesting for them to witness up close and personal.

"Well, I'm starting to like Sirzechs Lucifer more."

Lingqi found herself uttering, having heard what he planned on doing to get his younger sister out of this.

"Same here. He wasn't lying about coming up with a surprise. And it looks as if Issei has his surprise in store for this rematch against Riser."

Kensei added as things started going into one more competition for Rias, a one-on-one battle between both Issei and Riser.

---

People managed to use demonic power to clear the spacious hall until Issei and Riser stood in front of one another at the center. And then, as a bonus, Zane created a barrier large enough to act as an isolated space for them. Several people behind the barrier took seats to witness the so-called battle of a Dragon and Phoenix with interest.

"What's he planning on doing," Ravel curiously asked. "He was strong enough to match a High-Class Devil for a time after building up power. But, Riser-oniisama isn't going to let that happen."

"Just wait and see Ravel, it looks as if he's got some new trick planned. But, whether or not he can win against a Phenex depends on how he uses it."

Ravel didn't doubt the words from Kensei and chose to watch, but some others among his group could tell that a specific change occurred in Issei.

"Buchou. I will finish it in ten seconds."

"…Ise?"

Rias looked on stumped about that declaration, realizing the difference between herself and Riser, who she was unable to defeat.

"You sure talk big for saying that you will finish it in ten seconds, then I will finish you off in five seconds. It won't be like last time, Rias' Pawn!"

"Buchou! Please allow me to use Promotion here!"

Getting permission from Rias, Issei was promoted straight to Queen, then he stared forward straight for his opponent.

"I don't have a talent for swords like Kiba! I'm not a genius like Akeno-san at using demonic power! I don't have any crazy strength like Koneko-chan, nor do I have a healing power like Asia! Even still, I will become the Strongest Pawn," Issei openly declared, showing no shame in admitting what he didn't have compared to them. "For you, I will even beat God! With this Boosted Gear! I will make sure that I will protect you! Shiiiiiine! Over Boost!"

At that announcement from Issei, Boosted Gear started letting out a brilliant light as a red aura started wrapping around him.

[Welsh Dragon Over Booster!]

Soon enough, a brilliant red dragon armor wrapped around Issei, causing the people there to notice the sudden raise in power overflowing from him. Noticing this happen right in front of them, there was one thing that came to the minds of those watching this.

"A Balance Breaker?!"

Ravel was surprised to see something such as that.

"It's not the real thing."

Lingqi uttered loud enough for Ravel and the others to hear it.

"The Balance Breaker, the Scale Mail of the Sekiryuutei, and Hakuryuukou would have more of a defined aura in comparison to this one. I think that he made some sacrifice to the Welsh Dragon, Ddraig in an attempt to gain the power to defeat Riser. Though, noticing the different aura from his arm, I can tell that was the sacrifice."

"He sacrifices a part of himself for Rias-sama?"

Ravel uttered, almost finding that admirable.

"But, as he said, I think that it lasts for ten seconds."

Kensei added on as the battle between Issei and Riser started, the former released a large Dragon Shot towards the latter. Noting the danger it posed, Riser avoided it, causing the Dragon Shot to smash against the barrier as it exploded against that corner. Taking that chance, Issei released power from the jets on his back, propelling him at Riser. He couldn't control himself due to inexperience and G-force, but he still managed to cut the distance between him and Riser.

Avoiding the lunge, Riser moved as Issei smashed against the barrier without the damaging reaching neither his armor let alone his body. Noticing the threat that Issei posed, he began getting serious as a rainbow-colored aura started being released from his body. Despite being donned in the armor, Issei could feel the flames released out from Riser underneath the armor.

"Shitty Sekiryuutei Brat! Sorry, but I won't hold back! I don't want to admit it, but right now you are a monster! In front of your master, Rias, peeeeeerish!"

Riser spread his flame wings as his father, mother, sister, and brothers were surprised that he was someone as a serious opponent. If it hadn't been from the barrier that Zane erected, then the flames would've reached those on the outside. Issei, on the other hand, heard from Ddraig that the flames of a Phoenix could even scratch dragon scales. A large number of flames were being released from Riser, while Issei rushed forward releasing a red aura from his armor.

There was a cross-counter as Issei and Riser punched one another in the face as both felt the impact from each other. It all soon devolved into a hitting match between them as punches and kicks made contact with them; soon cracks appeared on Issei's Scale Mail, while wounds from Riser healed through his Immortality. As the two kept on fighting against one another, Issei decided to bring out one of his trump cards stored in his gauntlet.

"That won't work on me," Riser declared as once again, he and Issei cross-countered, but this time, there was a shock of pain that traveled across him while spitting up blood. Looking surprised that he took damage that didn't heal, then looked at the object in Issei's hands. "A cross!? You have a cross!?"

[VI]

"I punched you while increasing the cross' effects with Boosted Gear. A holy attack that has increased drastically can even be used against High-class Devils. Even if you are the immortal bird Phoenix, you won't be able to heal this attack that easily, right?"

"Absurd! Crosses bring intense suffering to all Devils! Even if you wear that dragon armor touching it is foolish…," Riser looked on, then noticed something different about Issei's left arm and noticed that there were far more organic features compared to the inorganic armor. "…Did you give your…left arm to the Dragon residing in the Boosted Gear…? So, that's the reason for your insane powers…!"

"Yeah, that's right. I gave my left arm to use this power for a temporary period. My left arm is the arm of an actual Dragon. That's why a cross doesn't work on me."

Issei declared that out loud without showing concern that his arm wouldn't be the same as it was before.

"Well, he's a pervert. But, at least, he's got morals where it counts."

Maria stated as she found herself impressed by the sacrifice he made to fight against Riser for Rias.

"Buchou will come back with one arm of someone like me, you know? It's a pretty cheap deal, don't you think," a dry ironic tone came from Issei as he prepared himself for the next round.

"You are crazy…. So that's why you can hit punches without any hesitation…," Riser started showing some more visible concern as Issei began moving to attack him. For the first time, he was scared of someone much weaker than him. "You are scary. I have become scared of you for real, for the first time. And for that! I'm going to beat you with everything I have!"

Issei covered himself in a stronger red aura, while Riser cover himself in intense flames that scorched the ground underneath them. Both rushed at one another as their fists collided against one another, resulting in an explosion inside of the barrier, obscuring the observer's vision.

"Riser-oniisama!"

"Ise!"

Neither Ravel nor Rias could contain their surprise and concern as two people important to them were caught up in the middle of that explosion of power.

Once all the smoke cleared, Issei could be seen not donned in the Scale Mail, while Riser was damaged too from the impact. Despite not being ten seconds, it didn't take Kensei and the others long to realize that his base stats were too weak to maintain it.

"Hmm, he doesn't have the strength or stamina to endure using all that power at once."

"S-So does that mean it's over?"

Ravel asked, not knowing what to think in this situation.

"No, it looks as if Ddraig left him with some power stored in Boosted Gear."

Kensei replied as Riser started speaking while holding up Issei by his neck.

"I praise you for being able to do this well against me, for a Pawn. To be honest, I didn't expect much from you during our first encounter. Because of this, I was able to taste the power of a Dragon with my own body. If you had one year, no six months, then I would've lost," Lord Phenex was surprised and also proud to hear such words come out of Riser's mouth. "There's nothing you should be ashamed about. I'll train you after becoming Rias' groom. You'll without a doubt become a strong Devil."

"Shut up! That's none of your business!"

Issei declared, staring straight down at Riser.

Just as Riser was preparing to knock Issei unconscious this time, the Pawn reached inside of his pockets, then a vial was retrieved.

"To extinguish a fire, you need water, right?!"

Issei declared, causing Riser some surprise as the top popped open and its contents were poured on him. A painful sensation reached his mind and body from contact but was increased from the next actions.

"Boosted Gear Gift!"

[Transfer!]

"Ugaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Riser was met with excruciating pain, forced to release Issei as his skin burned from becoming into direct contact with the boosted holy water. Because of that, his demonic power and flames started weakening, as a result of the holy water poured on him.

"Riser-oniisama!"

Concerned Ravel started shaking in witnessing her brother in such a state but then received a comforting hand from Kensei. Worried and seeking comfort, she grabbed onto Kensei's hands, while being unable to do anything but watch things play out.

Issei, using the lessons that he learned during the ten-day training session started pouring all the strength that he had left into this last attack. Noticing that he couldn't muster the strength to do anything, Riser started looking on in genuine terror.

"H-Hold on! Do you even know what you are doing!? This engagement is important and necessary for the future of Devils! It's not something a Devil brat like you can butt into!"

"I don't know anything that complicated. But, there was something that I vaguely remembered when I first lost," a surprisingly strong tone could be heard from Issei as he approached Riser holding the cross inside his left hand. "Buchou was crying! She was crying! And she was also crying before! That reason is enough for me to beat the shit out of you!"

"Gahaa," Riser received a strong impact at the center of his body, causing blood to escape from his mouth, then started taking a couple of steps backward. "For me to lose like this…."

Much to the surprise of those watching, Riser fell forward and didn't stand back afterward, resulting in the barrier formed around them falling apart.

---

"Riser-oniisama!"

After vanishing, Ravel left from Kensei and the others' side, then stood in-between Issei and Riser as if to defend him from Issei. Seeing Ravel, who often shows a calm and composed expression do such a thing, revealed how much she cares about Riser. Noticing that Issei was going to declare something, Kensei started walking forward as he pointed Boosted Gear at Ravel.

"If you have a complaint, then come at me any…," Issei experience a complete room shift, as he was now facing a surprised Rias instead of the protective Ravel. "Eh, what happened."

"Just letting you know, I draw the line at pointing a Longinus at this girl," Kensei was revealed to be standing right beside him, showing that his arm was placed on Issei's shoulder. For those trained enough to notice, he used a move no different from one found in Judo to move Issei. "You won, so go towards the person that you fought for, not the girl defending her brother."

"R-Right."

Issei said, surprised about whatever move was used on him, but went towards Rias.

"Hisui!"

"Yes, Ken Ken. I know."

Hisui realized the reason that she was called over as soon as she heard her name, then Kensei placed Riser on his back. Kneeling, Hisui placed both her hands beside the unconscious Riser, as she started healing him much better than Kensei would've.

[Riser-sama!]

All the members from Riser's peerage went over towards him concerned.

Not one person of the older or newer generation said a single word. Neither Zeoticus nor Venelana looked mad at what happened despite the promised marriage being severed from this incident. The same thing could be said of Lord and Lady Phenex, who instead looked relieved to a certain extent. Despite the marriage being annulled, it allowed them to see some personal growth from Riser.

Kensei turned around to find that Issei and Rias seemed to have departed from a griffon, which appeared from a leaflet he likely received from Grayfia.

"…."

Admit watching her brother being healed, Ravel didn't stop from holding Kensei's arm worriedly.

"And he should be waking up soon enough."

Hisui said confidently as she moved from Riser.

As promised, Riser opened his eyes and immediately sat up, then looked around, noticing the attention aimed at him. Not much time passed as Riser realized something important that he had been warned about before.

"…I lost."

Riser uttered under his breath as admitting those words seemed to hit him harder than anything else.

Not much long passed as Riser seemed to stand up on his own two feet, noticing that Hisui was standing beside him.

"…thanks for healing me."

Riser said in a low, but appreciative tone.

"You're welcome."

Hisui couldn't respond in her usual cheerful tone.

"Riser-oniisama, a…."

Ravel approached her older brother but was stopped as he raised his hand to stop her.

Noticing the uncharacteristic expression that he was giving her, Ravel couldn't move an inch and looked on with more concern. Not uttering a single word, Riser turned around to face Kensei for what seemed to be a second as a silent agreement came between them. It didn't take long before Riser started walking forward the door outside the hall, while his peerage seemed unable to react to this and numerous eyes were directed at him.

Seeing that he was departing the guards opened the door, allowing Riser to continue going until his figure soon became thinner and thinner.

"Riser-oniisama."

Ravel seemed to be on the brink of tears but then found herself stopping as Kensei placed a hand on her head.

"It's going to be alright, Ravel. Just let him figure this loss out for himself."

"…alright."

She couldn't come up with another response aside from that, but she was still concerned for Riser, something he expected from her.

"He didn't once complain. He didn't deny it. Instead, he accepted that he lost and walked off on his own," Kensei said in a tone low enough for them to hear him, while Riser's peerage seemed to start following behind their King aside from Ravel. "All that's left is to see whether he can raise from the ashes of defeat and return better than before."

---

A/N: And there goes the next chapter of DxD – The Last Amagiri, well, this was a complete run-through of the events concerning the Rating Game and Engagement Party between Rias and Riser. I know this might be somewhat rushed, but because of what's going to happen in this volume, I kinda wanted to put this all into one chapter. Though, this was all shown through the point-of-view of Kensei and the others, who had been watching the entire situation play out.

Kensei's Harem: Alice, Claire, Hisui, Kunou, Yasaka, Lu Lingqi, Sarah, Minako, Koneko, Kuroka, Ravel, Amaterasu, Brynhildr, Rossweisse, Ophis.