[Day of the Rating Game - Evening]

(Ryoto POV)

To say that I'm nervous would just be a big fat lie. I'm practically about to melt into the floor from anxiety. The Rating Game is to start in just an hour.

I'm currently preparing back home. I chose to wear my school uniform, since... for some reason it makes me feel strong. Knowing that I'm representing the very place our team comes from.

(FLASHBACK - At the Cottage)

Rias: "The House of Phenex has no respect for us. Let's give them a taste of how strong the House of Gremory truly is. They will receive no mercy from us."

(FLASHBACK END)

Ryoto: 'Okay... steel your nerves, Ryo. You're not just representing the Gremory Team and Kuoh Academy, but also the late Guardians...'

Someone knocks on my room's door, helping me to snap out of any more potential anxiety.

Asia: *behind the door* "Ryoto, are you there? Do you mind if I come in?"

Ryoto: "Not at all. Come on in."

Asia enters my room, and surprisingly - she's once again wearing her nun uniform. Minus the rosary.

Ryoto: "Wow. Can't remember the last time you wore your old uniform."

Asia: *shyly* "I thought my habit might make me feel more confident. Rias said she was okay with it as long as I felt comfortable. So I just wanted to know what you thought."

The thought of her caring about my opinion so much is really adorable. I practically have to fight the urge to talk her out of this fight. But... I can't. We're a team. All of us have a desire to help and free our leader.

Ryoto: *pats her on the head* "Honestly? Makes you look strong. Always really liked how your belief gives you such a push to act."

Asia: *blushing* "You're sweet. I'd like to stay here with you. Do you mind?"

Ryoto: "Of course not."

We both sit down on the bed, awaiting the time to get to the clubroom. But... Asia ends up clinging to my arm.

Ryoto: *concerned* "You feelin' good?"

Asia: *clinging to Ryoto* "Oh, yes. I'm just a little bit nervous about the battle."

Ryoto: *huffing* 'Welcome aboard.'

Asia: *still clinging to Ryoto* "Still, as long as I have you here next to me, I know everything will be fine."

Ryoto: *at ease* "Of course it will. If something happens, I'll... no. ALL of us will not go down as long as we can draw a breath."

Just then, Daimonji also walks into the room, clearly worried.

Daimonji: *fearfully* "hhharrh..."

I gently pick up Daimonji and rest him on my lap.

Ryoto: *petting Daimonji* "Don't you worry, buddy. We won't allow that Fire Chicken have his way."

Even though he still feels afraid for us going into such a bout, Daimonji nuzzles to me and Asia, with mainly Asia returning the nuzzle in full. It shows he does trust our judgement.

Then, my watch beeps, signalling for us to start heading to the clubroom. We head downstairs and my mom and dad are also waiting in the living room.

Masashi: *standing up* "Are you both ready?"

Ryoto: *shrugging* "As ready as we can be."

Asia: *nodding* "Mhm."

Masashi: *nodding* "And remember - there's no shame in retreating if things start getting ugly."

Of course, dad has full trust in our abilities, but mom is no doubt really nervous about our safety. As a fellow reborn, she's not sure what kind of competition will insue. She immediately embraces us as if our lifes depended on it.

Kyouka: *hugging both Ryoto and Asia* "I know this is your battle. But still... please, promise me you'll both return healthy."

""Opening theme: Trip Innocent of D""

[Kuoh Academy - ORC Clubroom]

(3rd POV)

Everyone from the Gremory team is present and accountant for. Yuuto has his sword ready, Koneko's tightening her combat gloves, Akeno and Rias are drinking tea and Ryoto is fiddling little with his amulet. It's deathly silent as everyone is mentally preparing for the battle.

Ryoto: 'Geez... One would think we're waiting for a funeral.'

Just then, the clubroom door loudly creaks open, with Sona, Tsubaki, Issei and Furumai entering and breaking the silence.

Sona: "Sorry if I'm interrupting."

Rias: "No. Please, common in, Sona."

Akeno: "I'm glad you could make it."

Furumai makes his way over to Ryoto, while Ryoto stands up and both give each other a friendly arm grip.

Ryoto: "So? Ready to see us kick ass, buddy?"

Furumai: "You bet. Hopefully seeing Riser get his ass ROASTED."

And both Ryoto and Furumai snicker at it.

Ryoto: "So... Sitri team and everyone else will be watching?"

Rias: "Yes. There's a live broadcast of the competition, so family members can watch. Sona and Tsubaki are here to help out with that."

Sona: "And besides. It's her first Rating Game. I wouldn't miss an event like this for anything."

Rias: "Well, I promise to do everything in my power to make it interesting for you." *turns to Furumai* "And Yājū?"

Issei: *chimming in* "Oh, he's helping me out."

Furumai: "Yup. Supervising the broadcast to the human world - specifically for Ryoto's parents, Daimonji AND Prof. Sanshō̄o."

Ryoto: *surprised* "Wait. Professor will be watching too?"

Furumai: *smirking* "Mhm~. He was quite insistant on it. Saying that not seeing his favorite host battle with honor is out of the question." *shrugging* "Or something along those lines."

Just then, Grayfia teleports in, giving the team a signal that the Rating Game shall begin soon.

Grayfia: "It's almost time... I hope you're ready for this, my Lady."

Rias: *firmly* "Yes. We're ready whenever you are."

Grayfia: "In a few moments..." *she glances quickly at Ryoto* "...we'll use this Warp Glyth to transport you and the rest of your team to the battlefield."

Ryoto: *stunned* 'Did she take my idea into account? Sweet~.' "And the battlefield shall be where?"

Akeno: "In a neutral alternate space created just for the game."

Ryoto: *pondering* "So basically a "pocket dimension"?"

Akeno: *smilling* "That's right. Because it's not real, we have a full license to do some damage, even burn it to the ground if we want." *giggling*

Ryoto: *stonefaced* 'Of course it would be a thrill for her...'

Sona: *to Rias* "I'll be in the Student Council broadcast booth calling the game. We'll be cheering you on. Good luck."

Rias: "Thanks a lot." *teasing* "Just try to keep the play-by-play fair."

Sona: *firmly* "Oh, I'll keep it clean. Though, if I was a betting girl, I'd say you're going to beat that scumbag seven ways from Sunday." *turns to Furumai* "Yājū?"

Furumai: "On it." *smirks back at everyone* "Give 'em Hell."

Sona, Tsubaki and Furumai leave, prepared to observe and call on the game from the outside.

Issei: "By the way, Rias?"

Rias: "Hm?"

Issei: "We thought you'd like to know the Great Devil Lucifer, will be watching the Game."

Rias: *deflating a little* "Oh... brother dearest."

Ryoto: *disbelieved* "Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait... Rias' brother is... the..."

Issei: *finishing for Ryoto* "Yup, Rias' brother is Lucifer, THE King of the Devils."

Rias: *not thrilled* "...That's right."

Both Ryoto and Asia are taken by surprise that Rias' lineage is that high up in the Underworld.

Yuuto: "His name is Sirzechs. Although historically he has been known by many names. During the Great War, our leader died. Sirzechs took over the throne and lead us through a dark time. He saved the Devil Kingdom from ruin."

Ryoto: *surprised* "So Lucifer also exists as a title? That's unexpected."

Asia: "Well, that explains why Rias is the next heir to the House of Gremory."

Ryoto: *looking at Rias concerned* 'With her older sibling stepping down, leaving her as a next rightful candidate... That's a lot of pressure.'

(FLASHBACK - At the Cottage)

Rias: "The House of Gremory will always come before me. I've learned to adjust to it and make personal decisions accordingly."

(FLASHBACK END)

Not having enough time to ponder anymore, the red Warp Glyth is summoned.

Grayfia: "It's time, everyone."

Rias: "Then let's go."

Once everyone is standing on the glyth, everyone's teleported one-by-one, Grayfia and Issei standing by to make sure they get to the destination.

Once everyone makes the jump... for some reason they're still in the clubroom.

Ryoto: *confused* "Wait, what?"

Asia: *concerned* "I think our Warp Glyth's broken."

Ryoto: "Did something go wrong?"

Dragon: "Juuust wait for it..."

Hearing the Dragon pitch in again, Ryoto gives his right hand an expecting look, before having his train of thought interrupted by Grayfia, speaking through invisible comms. That means they did successfully make the jump into the alternate space for the Game.

Grayfia: *over the comm system* "Your attention, please. Welcome everyone. My name is Grayfia. I am a servant of the House of Gremory. I will be your referee during today's match."

Meanwhile, back outside of the pocket dimension, Sona, Tsubaki and Furumai are spectating the whole thing from the Student Council broadcast room filled with several floating monitors.

Back at the Akanishi residence, Masashi, Kyouka and Daimonji are watching from a similar floating monitor in the living room. Especially Kyouka and Daimonji are tense, almost forgetting to breathe, leaving Masashi to make sure they stay calm.

And at Professor Sanshō̄o's house, he watches with great anticipation, wondering how Ryoto and his team will fair in a battle against another devil.

Grayfia: "To create the battlefield you'll be competing in, I took suggestions from both Lady Rias and Lord Riser. You may recognize this place as it's an exact replica of Kuoh Academy, an educational institution in the human world."

Ryoto: "Seriously?"

Rias: "Just take a look outside."

Taking her word for it, Ryoto opens the clubroom window and much to both his and Asia's shock, the evening sky has been replaced with a dark space with constantly shining green aurora-like lights.

Asia: *amazed* "The sky."

Yuuto: "This is an alternate space."

Akeno: "It might look like it, but trust me, we're not at school anymore."

Grayfia: "Each team has been given an area that will serve as it's home base. Lady Rias, your crew will be in the Occult Research Club headquarters in the old schoolhouse."

[Student Council Broadcast Room]

Furumai: "What about the other team?"

Sona: "Not a problem." *glances at Tsubaki* "Show me Phenex."

Tsubaki: "Yes, ma'am."

Tsubaki gestures for one of the monitors to show where Riser's team is. They're shown to be in Kuoh's principal's office, but much to Furumai's awkward chagrin, Riser's still "playing around" with his servants. Sona and Tsubaki don't show it, but on the inside, they too very much don't like the sight.

[Alternate Space]

Grayfia: "Lord Riser's home base will be located in the Principal's office in the new schoolhouse. Pawns will be promoted if they can make their way to the home base of the opposing team. Good luck to all."

Ryoto: *getting serious* "Okay. So what's the plan? Since I'm a Pawn, should I move first and begin closing in to promote?"

Akeno: "I wouldn't do that. Unless you wanna get your ass handed to you."

Yuuto: "Be more prepared, dude. Odds are Riser's gonna want to move his Pawns into our territory right away. We need to keep enough players nearby to make sure that doesn't happen."

Ryoto: *crossing his arms* "It was just an idea..."

Yuuto: *shrugging* "Well, don't forget - he has all 8 Pawns."

Ryoto: *deadpanned* "Touché."

Koneko hands Ryoto and Asia tiny marble-sized solid lights.

Ryoto: *picks one* "Thanks? ...What are these for?"

Everyone else have their own and they float up to one of their ears, disappearing inside. Ryoto and Asia shiver a bit at the feeling of them going in their ears.

Rias: "These'll help us communicate during the battle."

Ryoto: *shooking his head a bit* "...Okay? Didn't know we're going full Mission Impossible."

Others chuckle a little, with Ryoto's random joke helping them to calm down a bit.

This time over the comms, Sona takes over as the one calling for the Game.

Sona: "Alright, devils. Let the Game begin!"

[Riser's home base - Principal's Office]

Riser: *arrogantly* "Those failures don't deserve to stand on the same field as us. Show no mercy. Break their spirits, shatter their pride and force them into submission. If I don't crush her, this is meaningless."

Riser's peerage is nearly blinded by his merciless charisma. Ravel on the other hand... can't help but feel to have some second thoughts. Especially after he closely confronted Rias' Pawn. Even to her he seemed... familiar...

[Rias' home base - ORC Clubroom]

Rias and her team start consulting on the best course of action, going through the map of Kuoh Academy's layout.

Rias: "The enemy base is just across the way. Cutting through the school grounds might be quick, but it's not an option."

Koneko: "They'll see us coming a mile away."

Rias: "Correct. And we might as well be sitting ducks."

Ryoto: "What if we tried to encircle the main building from the trackfield all the way to the back? They won't know where to turn first and give us a neccesary element of surprise.."

Rias: "That's still a too obvious entry-point available. And Riser knows it."

Ryoto: *slightly frowning* 'Man... this is harder than I thought.'

Rias: *pointing at the map* "My guess is he'll station a group of Knights or Rooks with strong mobility right behind the athletic clubhouse."

Akeno: "That doesn't leave us with very many options then, does it?"

Yuuto: "First things first." *also pointing* "I think we should secure the gymnasium before we do anything else. It's adjacent to their home base and not too far from us. But most importantly, it will serve as a diversion to the other side."

While everyone else is still going through what to do, Ryoto too is trying to come up with something while listening to other's ideas. What Rias said back during the training camp about him being able to improvise... He'll need to see for himself if it's really true.

Akeno: "The gymnasium's basically in the center of the battlefield. Whoever get's to it first is gonna have a leg up for sure."

Rias: *nodding* "Good call. Given the options we have, that's our best chance. Koneko, do you think you can handle getting in the gym and locking it down?"

Koneko: *nodding* "Hm."

Asia: *nervous* "All this talk of fighting is starting to scare me."

Ryoto: *petting Asia's head* "Don't worry. As long as we follow Rias' lead, we'll definitely come up with a plan to win."

Asia: *relieved* "Yeah, I gues you're right."

Ryoto: *winking* "Remember - Faith."

Now Asia feels much more confident.

Rias: "To do that, we need to secure a defensive perimeter. Yuuto and Koneko. Get out there and set some traps in the woods, ASAP."

Yuuto: *focused* "Got it."

Koneko: *equally focused* "Cool. Let's do this, Shiro."

Koneko summons her familiar Shiro, who'll be just as neccessary help for sneaking around. She climbs onto Koneko's head and... for a second looks towards Ryoto, hoping Daimonji's around. Seeing he's not there, she's kind of disappointed, but shall do her role seriously.

Yuuto: "Well, wish us luck, you guys."

Yuuto and Koneko leave the clubroom, getting in their positions outside on the battlefield.

Rias: "Akeno? Next we'll need your expertise. When they're done setting the traps, your illusion magic is going to come in handy, so be prepared."

Akeno: *bowing* "I'll be waiting."

And Akeno leaves for the battlefield as well, leaving just Rias, Asia and Ryoto in the homebase.

Ryoto: "Calm before the storm..." *realising* "Wait a minute. Wasn't Issei supposed to be here, too?"

Rias: "No, Issei isn't a member of my Peerage."

Ryoto: *surprised* 'He's not? Then, who-'

Rias: "Right now, stay focused on the battle at hand."

Ryoto: "R-Right. Sorry."

Rias: "Asia, you're my healing support, so in order to keep you safe, you need to stay close to base. Because if we lose you, we're going to be in big trouble out there."

Asia: *nodding* "Okay."

Rias: "Ryoto? Come here for a sec."

Rias gestures for Ryoto to sit down next to her on the sofa. Ryoto complies, if a bit perplexed. When he sits down, Rias gently holds onto his face and places their foreheads together.

Seeing such gesture makes Asia a bit flustered, as well as Ryoto, remembering what the gesture meant with the Yōkai he grew up around. But then he feels something resonate within him, causing his guardian marks once again to start shining.

Rias: "I cast a little spell on you. It's time to unlock it."

High School DxD NEO

[On the Battlefield]

Yuuto and Koneko are busy carrying out first part of the plan - setting up trap spells around the gymnasium. Shiro, being much lighter, leaps around on tree branches, casting spells one at the time.

Yuuto: "Nice. Onto the next one."

Meanwhile, Akeno is nearby on one of the taller trees, letting out her imp familiar to cast illusions around the other side of gymansium's perimeter.

Akeno: "Alright, off you go."

The imp immediately splits into six differently-colored imps and all of them leap out as streaks of light, disappearing in the air around the forest.

[ORC Clubroom home base]

Ryoto: *with closed eyes* "Woah... What is happening to me?"

Rias and Ryoto are still touching foreheads, while Asia looks on with a bit of a sad pout.

Rias: "When you became a foot soldier, I told it used 8 of my Pawn pieces, but what I didn't tell you was how much power you'd received. If I had unleashed everything all at once, your body wouldn't have been able to take it so easily. So I cast a spell to keep your power at bay. Because of the spell, your abilities come to you in small, manageable stages, undisrupted by your guardian abilities. What I just did was release another portion of your power."

Rias: "This is just the beginning of what you can do, Ryoto. But in order for your body to be able to handle your Boosted Gear alongside your natural guardian aura on top of the full extent of your power, we had to get you in shape and make sure you were strong enough. There's a good portion in there that you're just not ready for yet."

Asia: *flustered* "Oh, there I was being jealous when all along Rias was just trying to help him. Dear God, please forgive me for being so stupid and letting my awful jealousy get the best of me- *zap* Ow...!"

Rias: *letting go of Ryoto* "Do your best out there. Don't go easy on them just cause your opponents are girls. Take those Pawns out. Given the opportunity, they'll do the same thing to you."

Ryoto: *standing up* "Oh, I ABSOLUTELY won't hold back. As spoken in an old Samurai code - holding back against anyone in a fair combat is a disgrace of highest degree."

Rias: *smilling gently* "I can't wait to see what you do out there. I just know you're going to make me proud."

Akeno: "Rias, do you copy?"

Rias: *holding onto her ear* "I read you loud and clear."

Akeno: "We are ready when you are, just say the word."

Akeno, overlooking the area they stationed around the gymnasium, has the imps hiding and ready to cast illusions.

Rias: *standing up* "Alright you guys, here's the Game plan."

[Student Council broadcast room]

Tsubaki: "Gremory might be about to make her first move."

Sona: "With as many pieces as she's missing, Rias won't be able to protect her homebase and launch a full assault. Because of that, she'll have to force her way in with tertiary attacks."

Furumai: *paying close attention* "Hmm..."

[Outside the Club house]

Everything set up, Ryoto is send to the battlefield to aid Koneko.

Rias: "Okay. Once you're in the gym, there's no way you can avoid a confrontation. Be sure to follow our plan."

Ryoto/Koneko: "Got it."

[In the forest]

Rias: "Yuuto. You all set?"

Yuuto: "Yep. I'm in position now."

[On the Old School building roof]

Rias: "Akeno, stand by to move. I'm counting on you."

Akeno: "We totally got this."

Rias: "Let's go team. Commence operation 'Phoenix Ashes'. Your opponent is Lord Riser, a gifted warrior even among the House of Phenex. Show no mercy, because none will be shown to you!"

Asia: *praying* "...Good luck, guys. I'll be praying for each and every one of you."

Everyone started to move. However, unknown to anyone participating or spectating, a slight distortion appeared within the dark space around the battlefield for a split second.

Something is trying to invade the field from the outside...

[Inside the gymnasium]

First, Koneko and Ryoto go straight inside the school gym to secure the location for their team. Once inside, they hide behind the curtain on the main podium, waiting for any intruders.

Ryoto: "Since this place is such a good copy of our school, we have an advantage in knowing where to move immediately, no?"

Koneko: "Most likely." *flinches a little* "Did you feel that?"

Ryoto: *his markings shining* "Yeah. They're here."

The lights of the gymnasium turn on, followed by several footsteps echoing through.

???: "Smells like Gremory filth. Come out, come out, wherever you are~."

Ryoto: *frowning* "Great... There goes our element of surprise. Let's just start throwing hands."

Koneko: "Agreed."

Ryoto and Koneko come out of the hiding on the podium and are confronted by four of Riser's servants. Two petite girls with short mint green hair with a short side tail on either left or right side and wearing matching sports wear, the girl in a short white fighting gi and practice bo stick Ryoto already faced named Mira and an older, shapely girl with long black hair held by buns, wearing a slightly revealing combat quipao.

Quipao girl: *smirking* "Look what we have here. She sent us a Pawn and a Rook. Lil' Ryo needed some help."

Ryoto: *ticked* "Hey. I didn't give consent to use my nickname." *calming down* "Who're are you?"

Mira: "You already know me. I'm Mira, a Phenex Pawn."

Quipao girl: "I'm Xuelan, a Phenex Rook."

Left side-tail: "I'm Ile, and I'm a Pawn."

Right side-tail: "My name's Nel, and I'm also a Pawn."

Ryoto: *frowning* 'This sicko even recruits middle-schoolers? ...Okay Furumai, I think I might LITERALLY roast his ass.'

Koneko: *weary* "The Rook chick. She could be a real problem for us."

In response to Koneko's comment, Ryoto let's his marks shine along with his eyes, allowing him to analyze Xuelan's aura.

Ryoto: "I see it. Based on the intensity of her aura, she's got skills on the level of a Queen." *raising his right arm* "No turning back, so let's party. Deploy!"

Thanks to all the training, Ryoto can summon his Boosted Gear immediately without problem.

"BOOST!"

Koneko: *stretching her gloves* "Those Pawns are yours. I'll try my luck with the Rook. Watch my back out there. At least keep those chicken heads off me."

Ryoto: *smirking* "No worries. I already have some field taste thanks to Mira. Show them just how cats dominate the birds."

Koneko was taken a back by that comment, but assumed he didn't mean it literally.

Ryoto: *jumping in* "Let's roll!"

No time to hesitate. Both Ryoto and Koneko jump in to face the first Phenex opponents head on.

[Riser's home base]

Riser: "So she decided to attack from the center, after all. How are things on the other front?"

Yubelluna: "My Lord. Your Pawns Shuriya, Marion and Bülent are moving in on the enemy as we speak."

[In the forest]

The aformentioned Pawns of Riser - Shuriya, a tanned warrior girl with spiked-up dark grey hair wearing black middle-eastern dancer outfit, Marion, a smaller girl with light brown hair in a maid outfit and Bülent, a taller girl with dark brown hair and more revealing maid outfit - zip through the area set up as a trap by Yuuto and Koneko earlier, now covered in fog.

Bülent: "Damn, this fog is so thick we won't be able to see anything."

Just then, a Gremory attack glyth appears shooting red light spears at them. They however dodge immediately.

Shuriya: "A trap? Did they really think something that lame would work?"

Bülent: *confident* "The Gremorys are dumber than I thought."

Marion: *cocky* "A cute trick from a Rating Game virgin."

[At the gymnasium]

The fight continues. Koneko is trying her best against Xuelan's flaming kicks. She's very agile and not giving Koneko enough time to strike back.

Meanwhile, Ryoto is once again fighting against Mira. Having already been hit by her bo stick, he knows how much force she can pack. Using his Gear as a shield, he's redirecting her attacks so far very well.

[Meanwhile - The Akanishi residence]

Masashi and Kyouka watch with shock and amazement how well is Ryoto holding it in combat. Daimonji especially is on the edge of his seat, jumping up and down, cheering Ryoto on to win.

With one more upward kick, Xuelan manages to strike Koneko, tearing her clothes a bit.

Ryoto loses focus for a sec, worried about Koneko. Mira uses that chance to strike him in his gut again, sending Ryoto flying back against the wall. But, Ryoto was prepared and cushions the impact with his legs, jumps back forward and lands on the floor with no problem.

Mira: *shocked* "Seriously?"

Ryoto: "I'm not done."

But a revving sound alerts him, glancing back and seeing both Ile and Nel swing at him with chainsaws. He jumps back and realizes he's in more trouble now, having all 3 of the manic Pawns after his neck.

Xuelan continues her assault on Koneko, never letting up her flaming kicks. After the last strike, Koneko finally gained a chance to stop her and holds onto her leg, before reeling Xuelan closer and punching her in the face.

Xuelan: *wiping her face* "Ugh... Nice one- Huh?"

Koneko doesn't allow her chance to waver and tackles Xuelan in the gut, making fall on her back in a painful recoil.

Xuelan: *down* "Ugh... W-Who the hell are you? Tell me!"

Koneko: "...I'm Koneko. Suck it."

Meanwhile, Ile and Nel are swinging wildly their chainsaws around, trying to slice Ryoto to pieces. The unsettling part is - their laughing like children in an amusement park.

Ile: "Why are you running, pansy boy?"

Nel: "What's the matter? You not a fan of chainsaws?"

Ryoto: *still dodging* 'These chicks are bat-shit insane!'

Ile/Nel: "Slice him up! Slice him up! Slice him up!"

Mira tries to take the chance to strike him again, but this time, Ryoto finally let's out his devil wings and helps himself with them to perform a backward summersault right over Mira head.

Mira: *amazed* "No way..."

Ryoto: *grinning* "Yes way."

Now behind Mira, he pushes her by his legs into Ile and Nel's way. Fearing the worst, she let's herself fall down and out of the way of the twins' manic attack. They were also not pleased by him using their teammate as sort of a meat shield.

Ile: *annoyed* "You bastard! Quit running!"

Nel: *also annoyed* "Come on, we just wanna slice you."

Ryoto still airborn, brings out the scepter from his belt and snaps his amulet unto it very quickly. The scepter turns into the Scale Longbow. Ile and Nel are shocked by him bringing out a weapon out of nowhere.

Ile: "Say what!?"

Nel: "When'd you bring that!?"

Ryoto: *smirking* "Family secret. Now!"

"BOOST!"

Pulling back the bow's string by his Boosted Gear, Ryoto prepares to energy arrows.

Ryoto: "Smile~!"

"TRANSFER!"

Powering up the arrows with the Sacred Gear energy, Ryoto fires the 2 arrows with near-expert precision at the twins' chainsaws, destroying them with ease.

Ile/Nel: *scared* "Wha!?"

Holding back his bow, Ryoto prepares to strike them with his Boosted Gear.

Ryoto: "Finally. My chance."

"EXPLOSION!"

He moves close, making Ile and Nel flinch, but he only quickly hits them with his Boosted Gear on their backs, the Gremory attack glyths showing up for a split second.

Mira quickly tries to strike him again, but Ryoto is prepared. Turning his bow back into a scepter, he uses it to stop Mira's bo staff in place and then uses his Boisted Gear to chop the staff in half. Leaving her open, Ryoto also takes the chance and hits her on her back, leaving behind another attack glyth.

Mira: *on the ground* "My staff... it's broken."

Ile: *in pain* "Oh man, who the hell is this dweeb?"

Nel: *also in pain* "Now Lord Riser's gonna be pissed..."

Ryoto: "Now. You have one last chance to stand down. Those hits on your backs - you're already in checkmate."

Even Koneko and Xuelan, stuck in a stalemate are shocked on Ryoto destroying their weapons so easily.

Mira: *standing up* "Not a chance. It's time to die!"

Mira is still defiant, using broken halfs of her staff to power up a flaming strike. Ryoto just sighs.

Ryoto: *shrugging* "Fine. You asked for it. BIND!"

Ryoto thrusts his Boosted Gear forward while flexing his fingers and it begins to glow. The glyths left on the three girls appear and from them... protrude multiple snake-like appendages. They quickly wrap around the girls, leaving them unable to move.

Mira: *struggling* "What the-!?"

Ile/Nel: *trying to move* "What is this!?"

Ryoto: *smirking* "My brand new technique."

Koneko/Xuelan: *in the back* "Huh?"

Ryoto: "Even if I'm not strong enough, that doesn't mean I can't win. It's not about being strong, it's about being clever. And now... SOUL ZAP!"

Snapping his fingers on his right hand, the snake appendages binding the girls start glowing, and...

*ZZZAAAP!*

Mira/Ile/Nel: "YYYYAAAAAAAAAH!"

Everyone watching - Koneko, Xuelan, even the other spectators are taken a back on what is happening.

The bindings produce a high amount of electricity, zapping the 3 Pawns for a few seconds and finally, they fall onto the ground, twitching.

Ryoto: *powering down* "Now that's what you call "The Fruits of One's Labor"." *looking at his hand* "This new take on the elemental magic we learned at the camp is so awesome." *smirking* "This is what you get for underestimating us. You may have strength in numbers, but we have creativity and tenacity to push forward and beyond. In the words of one of my favorite shows - PLUS ULTRA!"

[Student Council Broadcast Room]

Tsubaki: *shocked* "I've never seen anything like that before."

Furumai: *impressed* "Oh-hoho... Ryo, you're such a beast!"

Sona: *taken a back* "Using special moves as an extension of his Sacred Gear combined with elemental powers. If he keeps this up with such out-of-the-box thinking, he just might create something monstrous."

[Akanishi Residence]

Masashi: *beaming with pride* "Ryo, my boy! That's the spirit!"

Daimonji: *jumping around* "rraaarhrraawr!"

Kyouka: *smilling weakly* "I'm... at a loss for words."

Masashi: *hugs onto Kyouka* "See, dear? He's capable of so much. They'll definitely win this."

Kyouka: "I hope so..." *uneasy* "But... I'm kind of concerned of those twin Pawns. Should such weapons be allowed for children?"

Masashi: "Remember, dear - devils."

Kyouka: *defeated* "Of course..."

[Professor Sanshō̄o's residence]

Prof. Sanshō̄o: *amazed* "Young man..." *chuckling* "You're just full of surprizes it's downright terrifying."

[Underworld]

Issei: *excited* "Oh, booya! Way to go champ!"

Sirzechs: *wide-eyed* "Very unusual. But very effective."

'Rias might have a bigger chance after all...'

Ryoto: *turns to Koneko* "So?" *smirking* "Wha'd you think? A little elemental trick inspired by Akeno's lightning magic."

Koneko: *staring amazed* "...You've really grown up among Yōkai. That was both cool and savage."

Ryoto: *stonefaced* "A simple cool would've sufficed..."

Xuelan: *defeated* "What power..."

Xuelan, seeing all of her teammates on the ground, unconscious and twitching from the heavy does of electricity, can't help but shiver looking at Ryoto.

Rias: *over the comms* "Koneko, Ryoto. What's your status?"

Both Ryoto and Koneko nod to each other, satisfied with their performances.

Ryoto: *holding onto his ear* "We're doing great. The gym is now under our control. What next?"

Rias: "Good work, Ryoto. Akeno is in position and she's ready to go. You need to get out of there immediately."

Ryoto: *uneasy* "...Okaaay, time to run like hell."

Koneko: "Yup."

Having a feeling something big is about to happen, both Ryoto and Koneko book it out of the gymnasium, leaving behind the 4 girls.

Xuelan: *weakly* "...Hey. Come back here... This fight isn't-" *wincing in pain* "Ugh... Over yet!"

Not listening, Ryoto and Koneko are running away as a massive thunder cloud circles around the sky over the gym. Then, a massive lightning strikes the gym, fully destroying it like nothing.

The shockwave causes Ryoto and Koneko to be blown forward a little, but Ryoto uses his devil wings to stab them into the ground to hold himself in place, grabbing onto Koneko and shielding her as well.

It was Akeno, in her shrine priestess gowns, floating in the air above them, her hand crackling with electricity.

Akeno: "Boom~."

Grayfia: "Three of Lord Riser's Pawns and one of Lord Riser's Rooks... retired."

Ryoto: *amazed* "Whoa. Now THAT was badass."

Koneko: "Yeah, "badass" is one way to put it. She's the real deal. It's why her nickname's The Priestess of Thunder. She knows how to bring the "boom". And she likes it."

To prove that point, is Akeno is once again giggling, blushing and smiling overly sweetly to herself, showing how much she enjoys bringing the pain.

Ryoto: *stonefaced* "...Yeah, I'll never get used to it. If anything, I'm at least glad the angel-faced dominatrix is with us."

[Student Council Broadcast Room]

Sona: "I must say, I'm impressed. Rias used an important strategic position to lure them into a trap and then blew it sky-high. That was a bold move."

Furumai: "Against someone like Riser, being bold is by far the best strategy they'll need."

Tsubaki: "You're right. And now Lord Riser has no choice but to unleash everything."

Furumai: "True. The REAL battle shall start now."

Rias: "The Phenexes still have us outnumbered. We'll need to buy Akeno a little bit of time so she can be fully ready for her second attack. Once her power is replenished, we'll start to make preparations for our next move. Until then, stick to the plan and I promise you, we will win this thing."

Ryoto: *nodding* "Hm." *turns to Koneko* "So? What now?"

Koneko: "We need to get to the athletic field as soon as we can. Yuuto's waiting for us there. If we see any bad guys, we own them. Sound good?"

Ryoto: "Yup. I hope Yuuto's holding up fine on his own. Then again..."

[In the forest]

Riser's other Pawns - Bülent, Marion and Shuriya - are still looking for and destroying the traps set up by the Gremory team earlier.

Marion: "Do you think the Gremorys really believe these stupid traps are going to slow us down at all?"

Bülent: *spotting something* "Hey. That's their home base, isn't it?"

The three move in closer, hoping to promote, but the building vanishes into thin air, leaving them stumped.

Marion: *perplexed* "What is this?"

Yuuto: *out of focus* "Hello, ladies."

Gaining their attention, Yuuto walks out of the woods, ready to face the three all at once.

Yuuto: *smilling* "You gals looking for some company? Cause if you're feeling lonely this evening, I might be the man for you."

Bülent: "Damn. We walked right into that one, didn't we?"

Yuuto: "What we lack in man-power, girls, we make up for in brains."

Shuriya: *amused* "I hate to burst your bubble, cause you're kinda my type, blondie. But as cute as you are, do you think you can take all three of us on at once?"

Yuuto: *unsheathing his sword* "Why don't we find out?"

[At the track field]

Ryoto: *pondering* "...He might be fine for a while, but still."

Koneko: "Well, that's what we're gonna do, obviously."

Koneko starts walking in the direction of the forest and Ryoto follows after her. However, seeing how Koneko's uniform got torn a bit from Xuelan's kick, Ryoto quickly takes off his jacket.

Ryoto: "Here. Cover yourself for now."

Koneko: "Oh. Um... you don't have to-"

Not taking a no for an answer, he drops it onto her head, completely relinquishing it.

Ryoto: "I insist. Right now, we're still in the middle of a duel, so that's what we focus on now."

Koneko: *touched by his gesture* "...Okay, fine."

As they keep walking across the track field, Ryoto instinctually stops, his markings shining again. Realising Ryoto stopped, Koneko turns to him-

Koneko: "What's the matter? You said we need to focus-"

-Before his eyes widen in fear and starts running towards Koneko.

Ryoto: *panicking* "Oh no, Koneko! Watch out-!"

*KABOOM*

It happened too quickly. An attack glyth shined under Koneko before being blown up. Already getting close enough, Ryoto was pushed back by the blast, digging his wings into the ground again to gain footing.

He gatters himself and sees Koneko, falling to the ground, knocked out.

Ryoto: *scared* "Koneko!"

Rias: *also panicking* "Ryoto! What happened to Koneko!? Ryoto, talk to me!"

Asia: *scared* "What... happened?"

Riser: *chuckling to himself* 'Give up, Rias. No matter what you try. Victory will be Riser's.'

Ryoto holds Koneko in his hands, shaking her to wake up. Sensing the remnants of the magic used, he looks up and floating in the air is the caster responsable for that - Yubelluna, Riser's Queen.

Yubelluna: *chuckling* "That's one."

End

""Ending theme: STUDYxSTUDY""

And the duel between Gremory and Phenex has started.

Honestly, this chapter felt like a bit of a close-call to release. But... whatever. Today's April 9th, a.k.a:

Rias' Birthday!

I won't even try to hide it - I love Rias. She's both refind and also has her absolutely adorable dorky moments.

Fun fact: Did you know Rias absolutely adores Japanese culture? Yeah! The main reason she came to Kuoh Academy is her desire to learn about her favorite country. Talk about being loyal to your priorities. And I swear I will tap into Rias' more "teenage girl" persona.

So yeah. Even though this story remains, as I said: carbon-copy of the original (...I write while listening to episodes, which can get pretty tedious...), that's fine. All of the major story changes are gonna happen further down the line.

To tell you the truth, I never thought I would continue this story on for so long. This started as just my own little writing exercise. But... I kept getting idea after idea, so I decided to post it as an official FanFiction, and the rest is history.

Anyway, see ya guys next chapter with the continuation of the Rating Game. And a small spoiler:

- The winner of the game isn't who you think it is.;-)