Well, the tension is certainly thick enough that you could cut it with a knife… or a particularly sharp spoon.

Rias is nervously playing with her fingers, even if her face doesn't tell you much, and Akeno is at her side, with a teasing smile but such cold eyes that I thought she was the priestess of the tundra instead of thunder.

Sachi and Asia are preparing some refreshments to take their minds off the matter, while Kiba uses a pommel stone to sharpen a black, European-style sword. Must be to pass the time since I know that Sword Birth's weapons don't really need maintenance, and if they do, you just get another one.

Koneko, as always, decided that the best place to sit was in my lap, only that instead of wiggling around and being a sassy little shit, she was just squeezing one of my hands.

The only thing in common between all of us right now is the fact that we are staring at the magic circle in the room.

''Nervous, senpai?'' The ball of stoicism that hides some great nerves asks, and I think for a moment before shaking my head. ''Hm. Lucky.''

Nervous is not the word I'll use. After all, we are all waiting on our King's 'fiance'.

Riser Phenex, third son of the house of Phenex and the first real enemy that I would need to face. Would he be an arrogant prick, a downright asshole, and –by definition– a complete stepping stone? Or an actually formidable foe… I wonder.

Either way, one thing is clear. That arranged marriage isn't happening.

Suddenly, a white magic circle of a house I don't recognize flares up in the room, and by the way the temperature drops around the room, I can imagine who it is.

A silver-haired woman dressed in a maid outfit comes out of the magic circle. Her expression is incredibly cold, and her sheer presence and power? Incredibly suffocating.

The strongest Queen; Grayfia Lucifuge. Queen and wife of Sirzechs Lucifer; The strongest devil of history, most likely. I have to say, just by going instinctively, I got more or less the same sense of danger from this woman as Serafall.

That is only an assumption. I would like to see them duke it out to see who's the strongest, though.

The maid's piercing red eyes seem to do one quick swoop around the room. I could feel my senses screaming at me in danger when her gaze rested for more than a second on me before she turned to Rias herself.

''Rias-sama. It's always a pleasure to see you well. Yet, even if I would like to go over pleasantries, this even takes priority due to the importance it represents to the Gremory and Phenex houses.'' Grayfia states without changing expression.

How can someone's tone be so incredibly flat? It's almost scary.

With a sigh, Rias gets up from her seat with a resolute expression, and all of us follow suit, even if Koneko decides that gripping my hand is the best way to deal with her nerves. ''I understand. Let this farce of a 'visit' come first, Grayfia. We may have time to speak later.''

I can see the ice queen's eyes narrow minutely, but she nods and bows her head not a moment later. Then, a small magic circle appears in her hand. It glows brightly for a moment before disappearing.

Did I say the temperature went down? Well, it certainly seems like it picked up the pace now.

I raise an eyebrow as a fiery orange magic circle spawns in the room next. This time with a legendary bird in the design that I clearly recognize as the Phenex's house. The blaze of inferno washes over the room, not even burning anything at all.

Showy entrance, I'll give him that.

Then, once the fire dissipates, a young man no older than twenty walks forward Dark blue eyes and blond hair styled backward but also to the side. Making him look like the stereotypical 'Japanese delinquent'.

His attire consists of an open, dark red blazer and similarly colored pants, and of course with an open white undershirt because this dude doesn't seem to be able to not show off in some way.

''Ah, Rias. It's a pleasure to see you as always. I see that you have managed to recruit some new faces for yourself.'' Riser speaks… kind of pompously, but I guess that's just how 'high-society' people speak.

His gaze went over each of the peerage members. Unsurprisingly enough, he stared a moment too long at Akeno and Asia. What was surprising was when his eyes landed on me, and a spark of recognition surged along with a polite smile before his gaze landed on Rias once more. ''I have heard some great things from one of your new additions in particular.''

Oho? So am I famous now? Interesting…

''Hello, Riser. While I'm not inclined to say the same about this meeting, I greet you nonetheless.'' Rias' tone was stone-cold, and her eyes narrowed slightly. ''Matters of my peerage aside. I believe you wished for a recreational chat? Please stay on the subject at matter.

Riser's smile became slightly strained, and I could already tell his pride stung. Even so, he was holding in a lot better than I thought. ''Very well.''

''Rias, you have to understand. It's not just your personal feelings on this matter. It is a way to connect the Gremory and Phenex houses to—'' The third son of the Phenex spoke with a strained tone. I could even notice how his temper started to flare by the way fire sparks were surrounding his fists.

''Oh, save it, Riser! I don't want to hear whatever 'for the greater good of our families' absurdities that you keep talking about.'' And once more, Rias interrupted him with a scowl on her face.

I'm quite surprised how they manage to speak so politely while clearly wanting to tear each other's throats out. ''The house of Gremory won't come to ruin just because I don't marry the third son of an allied house! Until you and my father get that through your thick skulls, there's nothing to be discussed!''

I have to say, I'm feeling quite bad for Riser. Here I expected a pompous asshole –check on the pompous part– With a shit and demanding attitude, while also being a molester with zero respect for personal space.

Instead, this is more 'familial responsibility' vs 'personal desire'. One insists on upholding the standing of their family while the other fights for their own choice and freedom.

''ENOUGH!'' I do guess that the straw ended up breaking the camel's back. ''I won't have you disrespecting Riser or the house of Phenex with your nonsensical and childish dreams! There's a marriage contract in place whether you like it or not, Gremory!'' Everyone in the room except Grayfia tensed up at the sudden heat and pressure covering the room.

Well, the temperature is sure up by now. Riser isn't High-Class for nothing.

I narrow my eyes when I feel Koneko's hand clamping down against my own. The sheer fiery intensity of Riser's unleashed flames was more than enough to make me sweat from a distance.

And of course, Rias rose up to the challenge, even if that only made the room feel more volatile. The only thing I could do was cover Koneko with my own magic by filtering it around me. Something that draws a sharp eye from the 'Phoenix'.

Yet, before anything could be said. Both Rias and Riser's presence were muffled and overwhelmed by a chilling cold.

Grafyia, looking with that stony expression but with an added frown stepped up. ''I do not believe that disrespecting each other in such an inappropriate manner would solve anything, Rias-sama, Riser-sama. There's surely a proper way for this.''

The message was clear. 'Stop acting like children, and resolve this disagreement, or I'll separate you by force'.

With a huff, the air of the room was breathable again. I was mostly worried for Sachi and Asia who looked on the verge of passing out since Koneko and Kiba held up at least. All the while; Akeno looked exactly the same even if I knew she exerted herself to not buckle down.

''You're right, Grayfia. There was only one way to solve this from the beginning.'' Rias' huffs before crossing her arms and looking directly at an annoyed Riser with a piercing stare. ''Riser Phenex. On the name of the Duke of Gremory; I challenge you to a Rating Game for the effectiveness of our 'marriage'!''

Just like that, Rias dropped the bomb.

Riser looked slightly shocked for but a moment, only to chuckle just a moment later. Then that chuckle became full-blown laughter. ''A rating game? Seriously? You would go that far for such a delusional stance? Then suit yourself!''

With a click of his fingers, all of the 14 members of Riser's peerage spawned into the room in a heavy blaze of inferno.

Yep, he still had the fetishist peerage. From the two cat-girls dressed in skimpy schoolgirl uniforms to two maids, an exhibitionist belly dancer, a set of twins, and a girl who… seemed dressed normally, actually. In a white top that hugged her body nicely along with a pair of baggy, grey pants.

Then two swordswomen; one was dressed in an impractical and quite stupid version of medieval armor that for some reason left the legs exposed, and the other just looked ripped off straight from Naruto by her ninja-like aesthetic.

A goth tomboy with a half-mask on that only covered the left side of her face along with a Chun-li cosplayer that tried her best but did not perfectly fit the cosplay. Probably due because Chun-Li's legs were just stupidly massive.

A dark-haired woman dressed in a basic, Japanese priestess outfit and A blonde girl who fitted the 'Ojou-sama' aesthetic quite to a T. Especially by the sneer on her face— Oh right! That's Riser's sister; Ravel Phenex. She probably looks that pissed off for having to even be here in the first place.

Lastly, there was a woman with purplish hair who wrapped her arms around Riser's arm, shoving it into her ample blossom covered by the smallest of fabric. This woman is the only other face I remember besides Ravel. She's Yubelluna, or 'Bomb Queen'.

''Even if you have filled up your repertoire quite a bit, you're still lacking quite a few pieces while I have a full peerage. Not only that, but three of your members are as green as a sprout! Do you really think you can beat Riser?!'' Oh, now he was absolutely fuming. He started speaking in the third sense and everything a bit ago too, right?

I can see Rias grinding her teeth together. Probably just one more word from blowing Riser's head to cinders if only to shut him up for a second before he regenerated.

…Maybe I can teak a bit of 'heat' off her back.

Softly, I let go of Koneko's hand and stepped up. A little smirk appears on my face as I see not only Riser himself but also his peerage takes a look at me. ''Well, Riser-sama. I believe that, by your own words, the result of this match would be down to quality versus quantity, will it not?''

I'm absolutely bullshiting here. Sure, I may have lots of tricks up my sleeve, and we could push ourselves even further than in canon. Prepare a few more traps now that we have a Sacred Gear like Sachi's.

But it was already hard with an ego-driven Riser, who only acted up at the last minute, that is without mentioning that technically speaking, Riser has another High-Class peerage member; Ravel.

Sure, she did not interfere, but would that be the case if the entire Phenex house took offense?

Riser only raised an eyebrow in my direction, but most of his harem did look to be riled up by my words. That's enough if only so Rias can cool down and gather herself up.

''Zatren Fumigami, right?'' Riser questions, and I blink in surprise that he even knows me by name. ''I would say that you and the Priestess of Thunder are well above the rest of your King's congregation, but do you truly believe it so to be a matter of quality?''

I simply shake my head while moving my hands as I speak. Doing that thing the condescending assholes do just for the sake of it. ''But of course. I do not mean to offend, Riser-sama, but besides yourself and thy sister… Your entourage doesn't exactly look battle-ready.''

I called his peerage, minus Ravel, a cluster of fuck-dolls in 'Pompously and assholishly high-class language.'

I saw Riser's lips twitch slightly upwards, and all I needed to know was that he did not fall for my ragebait. Either that, or he was amused by it in some way. Yet, his expression immediately sours when one of his peerage members steps up.

''Do you truly believe yourself above proper manners, Rook of Gremory?'' Instead of focusing on the master, my gaze turns to the furious-looking face of the Chun-Li cosplayer who stepped up directly in front of me.

''Excuse my manners, but you are…?'' While I did phrase it in a way to provoke her further, I genuinely don't know this woman's name. At best she had around a minute of screen time, you can't expect me to remember.

''My name is Xuelan; proud Rook of Riser Phenex.'' She states with a scowl. ''Allow me to prove if your confident statement is accurate.''

Without another word, she got into a stance that I could only recognize as some sort of martial arts. Koneko is the expert on this, not me.

What I do perceive with some help of [Though Acceleration] is that neither Rias nor Riser has said a word about this, and Grayfia doesn't seem to be in any way getting in between to separate us as she did with the Kings. My best guess is that this is some sort of power move that I may have incidentally called on.

Hmm… So, I called out the master of the peerage directly. Then, a piece of 'equal' value to the offender (Me) rose up to defend the honor of their King. Not only that, but Riser's mood suddenly going down probably speaks about the implications of calling back his Rook.

If he loses this little altercation, he would normally lose face by rising to the confrontation instead of backing down, but if he recalls his Rook now, he will look incompetent, in the sense that he cannot control his own peerage.

So, the resulting winner of a small confrontation of either physical or magical might is the one who represented their King better, giving validity to their words or actions?

What a political nuisance…

I turn off the skill and wordlessly gesture to the martial artist to get started. A quick look with [Observe] tells me she is around Koneko's level… stat-wise, that is.

Once more, she rises to my challenge and charges in a burst of speed given by her powerful legs. Yet, I don't even try to get my weapon out. With a sigh, I pump the highest setting of [Reinforcement] directly into my body.

A loud thud echoes across the room the moment I strike.

Xuelan got flattened against the floor, the air completely taken off her lungs. It was as easy as Shadow Stepping in front of her face and using my palm to slam her completely against the beautifully crafted wooden floor.

I only take a disappointed side-look at the fallen Rook before landing my gaze to Riser, giving him a polite smile and a nod before falling back beside Koneko. My point is proven thanks to Xuelan's incompetence, no matter how true it was in the first place.

With the confrontation over, Grayfia speaks once more, bowing her head all the while. ''If it is acceptable to both parties involved. This matter shall be resolved in an official Rating Game, that will be fought in two weeks' time.''

A beat of silence passes, and then both Riser and Rias cross their arms; nodding in confirmation.

''Then, I believe this is all we had to speak about, Riser. I would be grateful to be left to my musings. We have a Rating Game to prepare for, after all.'' I love the newly found smugness in Rias' tone. It seems I was right about all that political mumbo-jumbo, after all.

''Of course.'' Riser agrees easily to retain what dignity remains before turning to the goth-looking tomboy of his group. ''Isabela, help your fellow Rook to her feet. Maybe this will teach her to not punch above her level.''

''At once, Riser-sama.''

For being a Phenex, that was definitively cold.

A moment later, Riser and his entire peerage teleport away in a blaze of flame, exactly the same way they came in the first place. So, I can finally let out a sigh and relax my shoulders thanks to not needing to speak like I got a stick up my ass.

''So, anyone hungry and up for some chicken tenders?'' By the snort I get from Koneko, I can only guess that I nailed that perfectly.

Even if the Rating game's timer has started. It would take at least a day for all of the devil contracts in our little group to be temporarily called off, and that didn't include anyone who wasn't a regular contractor.

So, as I looked at the magic circle in my living room flaring up, I wondered who could it be that asked for my devil services so hard that the unmade pact followed me directly home. Then I remembered that, unlike Rias, Sona's peerage had one of these in their own personal residence.

Makes sense, taking into consideration that while Rias uses an abandoned building, the student council's room is not particularly outside the public.

Whelp, even if I wanted to start training as soon as possible, duty called.

I did my best to look presentable. Elegant, even. Koneko called me a pompous fish when I spent some cash in getting clothes such as these to realize contracts… but I arguably won the argument.

By ignoring her.

So, I did a dark blue tuxedo. Styled my hair as neatly as possible and cracked my knuckles before jumping straight to the location of my client.

In a single moment, I've switched locations. It took me no more than a second to see the contents of the room and grimace.

The room wasn't a mess, no. But no matter how neat and organized your room is. Everyone can tell that you're a pervert if the framed posters on your walls have dudes and girls alike in excessively obscene poses.

Is that a picture of me? Ah, for fucks sake.

Without losing any more time and with a strained smile, I bowed my head slightly in the direction of my summoner. Spreading my black, bat-like wings in a show of blue sparks to get the point across.

"Thy has called a Devil serving the house of Sitri, and I have answered." Man I love this part. My smile got bigger while I played the part and raised my head. "What is your deepest wish, Benefactor-?"

That is Aika.

Seated on the floor with an amazed expression, and dressed in an even skimpier version of Kuoh's uniform and practically salivating at the mouth was one Aika Kiryuu. My classmate and possible girlfriend.

I forgot to ask Koneko if she spoke to her.

"Oh fuck. I didn't know that Incubus took the appearance from the get-to-go! Fucking score~!" She muttered to herself while rubbing her thighs together. The first instance of surprise is replaced by clear lust.

While I was still processing how the fuck did this woman get past the NSFW filter that the magic circle should have related to sexual acts.

"So, how do we do this? Are you the 'wet dream, feed off your lust' type of fiend? Or maybe–" She's going on a rant. So I'm stopping her right there.

"Aika. It's me." That, at least made her pause as I stored my wings in whatever place they go when I'm not using them. "Like, real deal me. Where you seriously willing to sacrifice-"

I had to look at the Devil Contract app for a second. While she did manage to get through the filter, she didn't get through the pricing of illegally hiring a devil for sex. "-Your soul. For pretend sex with a doppelganger of me?"

This girl is crazy. Genuinely crazy. And believe me, I like a bit of crazy, but this girl goes above and beyond.

"Oh." 'Oh' Indeed. She just stared at my deadpan face with an indecipherable expression. "So… Can we still go at it or…?''

I blinked.

"Aika, get dressed in some real clothes, and let's just talk." I stared in bemusement.

"Yes sir!" I don't know if to be pleased that she agreed, or the lusty smirk she gave me while opening up her wardrobe and going inside for some new clothes.

I did tell her yes already. About dating her, I mean.

And Zatren Fumigami is a man of his word. Not afraid to stick his dick in crazy.

Suddenly, Aika materialized from her wardrobe with two outfits. "So, slutty secretary or belly dancer?"

This is my fucking life now.

''So… Devils exist. As do Angels, Fallen Angels, and every other Christian belief?'' Aika questions while staring blankly at her hands. I made her sit down in her surprisingly clean bed to have this talk.

Let me tell you. We are lucky that her parents are on vacation, but that's the most likely part of why she decided to make a summoning ritual in the first place.

''Yes, and probably most religions out there exist. I know that the Shinto do, and… Buddhism. I think Olympians, too? I'm not too sure.'' I shrugged my shoulders while patiently explaining.

''Do cat-girls exist? Wait. What about cat-boys?!'' She suddenly sprung excitedly. Of course, that's what she focuses on.

''One, stop being horny. Two, I guarantee that yes on the first one. Don't know about the second one.'' I confirmed.

''I see…'' Don't look disheartened at the possibility of cat-boys not existing, please. ''Well, uh. What now? I did summon you, after all. Do I have to give you my soul now? Or could I maybe pay in… another way~?'' She wiggled her eyebrows at me while shamelessly lifting her skirt. Revealing black lace panties beneath.

This is when a man is left to wonder. Would dicking Aika down make her less horny or even hornier? It's either the post-nut clarity is so great that she ascends from enlightenment or she doubles down and becomes worse than whatever equivalent of a Succubus exists out there.

''Did you even talk to Koneko?'' I raised an eyebrow, and suddenly her eyes sparked with enthusiasm.

''I did! She has quite that bratty aura to her, –like seriously 'needs correction' vibes. Do you get me?– and she said that 'whatever was wrong with inside your head, Senpai is responsible for resolving'. Whatever that meant.'' She nods her head as if the words that just came out of her mouth were allowed in a regular sentence. ''So, that's pretty much a yes, right?!''

Oh, boy.

Well, it's basically confirmation that Koneko fucks with crazy, surprisingly. Besides, even if Aika is an irredeemable pervert. It may not be that bad. She did prove to me that she had other nice qualities, like when she brought flowers for Hyoudou.

''Alright, sure.'' I nodded, making her pump her fist in the air with an ear-to-ear smile. ''By the way, you should get our contract out of the way first— No, you can't ask for anything sexual. I don't even know how you trespassed the security filter on magic.''

The finger that Aika was raising lowered, along with her lewd smile until she looked pensive. After a bit, she had an 'eureka' moment.

''Well, hot about a date then? It's way too late to go out, but we can just chill around and watch a movie?'' She wondered, and I checked on the app. Well, it was possible.

But… why is the price for that contract a kiss? Seriously, who's messing with this thing?

''Sure, I'll take my payment beforehand, though,'' I smirked when she nodded at my words.

Then, I bowed down to her level, took her chin in between my fingers, and started kissing the brunette. At first, her entire body froze up, only for her to turn a chaste and regular kiss into a whole making-out session.

She even grabbed me by the hair and put one of her legs around my waist.

Aika is fun like that, it seems.

After my… surprisingly enjoyable 'date' with Aika, I turned once again to the training room in my basement.

Today, and I guess that for the following weeks, Mittelt was having a day off, and Koneko was at her old apartment to get a few things before fully moving out here.

It was just me… and Rei, also Chrysalis was there too, but lately, she's been sleeping a lot, and it's not like her body allowed for training like Rei's.

Either way, while Rei did her own training, I dived head first into this 'soul techniques' book that I got from my first contract. Trying to actually learn a way to harness the power of my soul. Maybe it was not the best idea to focus on this thing in particular, considering the ever-growing powers list that I'm dealing with already, but maybe it would yield some results.

Yet, the more I looked through the pages, the more confused I got. I understood the words of the text, but it's like they went straight through my head. What is 'let your desire flow, and with it, liberate yourself from the mortal cycle?'.

I shook my head and put the book aside. Alright, let's see. If anime has taught me anything is that the first step to 'release your hidden potential' was to meditate. Connect to the world and harness its power, or some bullshit like that.

Closing my eyes, I took a breath and tried to focus.

It's easy enough to 'look' into myself and feel all the mana flowing through my body, or the non-physical reserves of Demonic Power that slumbered deeply rooted to me, ready to be called with a mere thought.

But all of that was useless. I had to go deeper than that.

So I tried. I ignored my magical prowess and went deeper. I could feel my veins, my cells, everything working in tandems to keep me alive and it was so damn distracting.

Breathe in and out, dumbass.

…

I don't know how many hours I've been sitting here, but even if I felt any hunger or pain from this uncomfortable sitting position, I managed to ignore it all.

…

A white strand of energy, thin like a single piece of loose fabric. No, I would say even smaller than that than that.

I made sure to focus on it because if it escaped my grasp now I would be so fucking annoyed.

The strand was elusive as if trying to dodge my attempts to connect with it, but I was also relentless in my chase. After an internal battle with a metaphorical piece of string, I managed to grab it tightly.

…

I blinked my eyes open. I wasn't in my basement anymore. I looked around frantically and immediately tried to call out for my weapon.

Nothing happened.

I turned around. A plain grey, wooden door stared right back at me, the wear from years of humidity present in the old wood.

With a furrowed brow, I approached.

When I was just in front, I grabbed the pommel, only to be hit with the biggest sense of familiarity ever. It was as if I knew this door, or more likely, what was hidden behind.

I gently opened the door…

…

A ragged breath escaped past my lips, as I felt my whole body flare up. I was sitting in my basement, training. Trying to get my soul to work and do something.

Looking down, I saw my fists covered in a white, mist-like cloud of energy. Yet, when I tried to circulate it around my body just like I did with Reinforcement, it felt like I was moving through actual liquid concrete or thick mud.

Sweat dripped from my brow and onto the floor, and I let the energy go.

Due to wrestling the very manifestation of your soul into being, a new skill has been created.

[Touki] Lv 1 (0%)

The power to enhance your physical capabilities directly with your soul. While it pales to the versatility and usefulness of true soul arts, any mediocre foe could turn into a force to be reckoned with if they manage to harness and master this power.

Well… At least I got it to work, right? 'Course I did. I'm just built differently like that.

''Fuck yeah! Soul magic ain't shit!'' I celebrated and tried to get up, only for my legs to suddenly tense up and for my face to meet the floor.

I hate you, Murphy.

While I waited for the feeling in my legs to come back, I couldn't help but picture that door again. I know I've seen it before, but where?

A painful headache pierced my mind like an arrow, as I tried to remember if I could peek at anything that was behind it before I was shoved back here again.

''Ah, whatever. If it was that important, I'll end up remembering anyway.'' Shrugging my shoulders, I finally got up and tried to summon the energy of my soul again. The grind waits for no one.

.

.

.

Author's Note: I felt like there were a bit too many puns in the interactions with Riser. Kek.

Now, the training montage begins! Time to get those GAINS!

Joking aside, I hope that I could really put the point across that this isn't your 'AHA! I'm the opponent now, meaning that I'm zha evil!' Like how Riser was butchered to be in the anime. Even if my version is a lot more 'chill' (ha!) than the LN, too. That aside, we'll see how the Phenex House reacts to an actual official game instead of a 'squabble between children'.

Some of you will get the reference about Zatren's interaction with the door. Some of you may not, kek.

Discord Link: discord .gg /92Yt5wxeWN