Before we begin, I decided to come up with a VA list for certain characters (OCs, those who don't have canonical VAs, and others):

* Yumi Kiba: Cherami Leigh (EN); Yumi Hara (JP)

* Chacha Akaninjin: Tia Ballard (EN); Mamiko Noto (JP)

* Hisashi Midoriya: Sean Schemmel (EN); Katsuyuki Konishi (JP)

* Latia Astaroth: Erika Harlacher (EN); Nana Mizuki (JP)

There will be more to come later, but this is all so far.

Ch. 13: Picking a Fight

It was the day after the Entrance Exam results came in. At school, Izuku, Asia, Chacha, and Katsuki were called in by their teacher to discuss their exam results.

"I can't believe we have not one, but four students from our school heading off to U.A.'s Hero Course!" the teacher congratulated. "And to think you're one of them, Midoriya. It's a miracle."

Izuku was surprised by the praise and became bashful. Asia smiled at him. Chacha also smiled, but internally, she knew the teacher only spoke those praises because more students from Aldera entering U.A. would benefit the school's reputation. She knew this because generally, Izuku got apathetic treatment before, and she experienced a similar thing during her lower moments.

Katsuki scowled, still unable to wrap his head around the fact that Deku, Quirkless Deku, not only passed the Entrance Exam but also stole first place from him! It had to be some kind of mistake! Or that loser must've cheated somehow! Either way, he was gonna make the damn nerd fess up!

Once school was over, Izuku stood alone by the school gates while he waited for Yumi and Asia. He couldn't wait to head over to the clubroom and tell Rias and everyone else the good news. It's all thanks to her and his new friends that he'd be attending his dream school. He was on cloud nine right now, and not even a furious Kacchan could ruin his good mood!

"Deku…"

OR… maybe he could…

Izuku turned to see Kacchan, who looked like he was ready to blow him up. Then he was dragged into a nearby alleyway.

"What did you do to pass the exam?" Katsuki interrogated as he held Izuku by the collar. "You must have cheated somehow, right?! There's no way some Quirkless wannabe like you could have made it in. Not only that, you just had to steal first place from me! So tell me! HOW DID SOMEONE LIKE YOU MAKE IT INTO U.A.?!"

But then, to his surprise, Izuku proceeded to grab him back by the wrist and put up resistance.

"Kacchan…! I have friends who believed in me, supported me, and told me that I can become a Hero… that's why I applied. That's why I'm going," Izuku declared defiantly, even as his eyes looked close to tearing up. "LIKE IT OR NOT, YOU CAN'T STOP ME!"

Katsuki was actually surprised by that outburst from Izuku. "So, you really think you have what it takes to play with the big boys? Fine, be that way. Come to U.A. if you dare, I'll put you in your place!" He then shoved Izuku and let go of him before leaving the alleyway.

As Izuku got out of the alleyway, he noticed Yumi and Asia coming in his direction. "Oh, hey guys."

"Is everything okay?" Yumi asked, she had noticed Bakugo walking away with his hands in his pocket while grumbling and figured something happened between him and Izuku. "Did something happen between you two?"

"Don't worry about it. He was just mad that he didn't get first place on the exam," Izuku explained, giving an abridged recollection of the events that just transpired.

"Well, if you say so," Asia said, deciding to just let it go, despite her concerns.

"Anyway, we better get going, I want to go see Buchou to tell her the good news, even though we already texted her about it," Izuku said, trying to change the subject.

And with that, Izuku, Asia, and Yumi headed for the clubroom as fast as their legs (or tail, in Asia's case) could carry them.

Along the way to U.A., the three met up with Koneko, Eijiro, Mina, and Itsuka, and eventually with Akeno as they arrived at the ORC building. Inside, Rias was already present, however, she hardly seemed to acknowledge their arrival as she just sat at her desk, staring out the open window with a blank expression.

"Is something wrong, Buchou?" Izuku asked as he noticed that she didn't seem to notice them. Rias did not respond, her expression unchanging.

"Buchou?" Asia asked, looking concerned. Still no answer.

Itsuka then got up close to Rias. "Rias. Rias?" She waved a hand in front of Rias's face, but still got no reaction. Finally, Itsuka took hold of Rias's shoulder and began to shake her. "RIAS!"

"Huh? Wha-!?" Rias shouted as she snapped out of her trance to notice everyone. "Oh, when did you guys get here?"

"Buchou, are you okay?" Izuku asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine Izuku," Rias answered. "I guess I spaced out a little. I read all your texts. Congrats. You're taking your first steps to being Heroes."

"Thanks."

"I still can't believe All Might's gonna be a teacher at U.A.," Itsuka said.

"Well, considering he's been working in Musutafu lately, it makes sense," Izuku noted. "How lucky are we to get a chance to learn from the Number One Hero? I wonder if I can ask for an autograph. I wonder what he'll be teaching? Will he share stories about his accomplishments? Ah, I wonder if he'll demonstrate his moves for us?! Oh, thank you, whatever universal force out there, for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Izuku went on another tangent about what it might be like to learn lessons in heroics under the tutelage of his lifelong idol.

'Should've seen that one coming…' Everyone else thought.

"Hey, speaking of classes… I wonder what the teachers will be like?" Mina wondered.

"Another big question is, will we all get the same homeroom?" Itsuka stated.

"Hey, do you think Shitori-Kaichou can get us all in the same class?" Eijiro wondered.

"She probably wouldn't mind arranging that as a favor, but the thing is, the principal is incredibly intelligent, and if she makes that kind of request, he might figure out something's up, so maybe you shouldn't get your hopes up," Rias said, bringing down the mood for the soon-to-be Hero Course students.

"Don't look so down. Even if we're not all in the same class or department, that doesn't change the fact that we'll be attending U.A. The #1 Hero School in Japan!" Yumi said, trying to lift their moods.

"She has a point. Besides, you can still see each other outside of classes. And, according to what I heard, the two Hero Classes occasionally train together," Akeno added. "So enough of all this moping, why don't we head out somewhere nice and celebrate?"

That got the Hero Course applicants perked as the thought of a celebratory party caught their attention.

"I know where we can go. Who's in the mood for some buffet?" Yumi suggested.

The ORC walked a few blocks from U.A. to a nearby Chinese restaurant. It didn't take them long for them to grab their seats and bring back plates of food.

As Izuku got ready to dig in, he looked around to see the others, chatting with each other, laughing together, and recommending certain foods to others. Even though it's already been months, he still couldn't get over having friends like the ones he had now, to have fun and laugh with.

Then his eyes wandered over to Rias, and despite her taking part in the joy, he could sense that there was a bit of worry in her eyes, as if there was something she was keeping bottled to herself. Rias then noticed him looking at her and gave a smile, but that didn't fool him. She looked like she needed help, and he wanted to help her, somehow.

Later that night, Izuku laid down on his All Might-themed bed. Currently, he was the only one in the apartment. His mom and Asia were doing some grocery shopping, and his dad was out on the streets for his nightly patrol. His mind was still on Rias, wondering what exactly was on her mind. 'Buchou clearly has something on her mind, but what? I wish I understood her more.'

Then, he noticed a crimson light emanating from the floor and sat up. On the spot where the light came from, there was the magic circle of the Gremory family. "A magic circle?" Then in a blinding flash of light, Rias appeared in the room. "Rias? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?" Then he noticed the troubled look on her face, confirming in his mind that she was looking for help with something, which he was more than willing to provide.

"Izuku…" Rias let out as she walked up to him and leaned on him, making him lie back down on the bed. "You have to take me."

"Pardon?" Izuku requested. He needed to make sure he heard that right.

"I need you to take my virginity. And I need you to do it now," Rias restated.

Okay, he did hear her correctly, Rias wanted him to take her virgin… Wait, WHAT?!

And before he could say anything, she had backed up and already removed her jacket, then she unzipped her skirt before she started unbuttoning her shirt.

Izuku's face lit up red as his eyes stayed glued to the sight of Rias undressing. 'She really wants her first time to be with me…? But wait! How do I even respond?!'

"Am I not good enough? Do you not want to?" Rias asked as she got her shirt off, the only clothes on her body now were a matching white bra and panties.

"No, you're- I mean… yes- I mean… but you're- I mean… what are you doing?" Izuku stumbled through his words. He couldn't help but note how the white lingerie suited her nicely, but other than that, he just couldn't find a way to form a proper response.

"I've given this a lot of thought, and there's just no other way," Rias said as she walked back closer to Izuku.

"What do you mean no other way?" Izuku asked. "And why me?"

"Once it becomes known that I'm ruined, I'll finally be free. There's really only one other boy I know personally, but he won't have any of it. That only leaves you," Rias replied. "You're seriously lacking in most areas, so I'm trusting in your potential. Besides, what I want won't take a lot of skill anyway."

As Izuku was about to question Rias's logic, she got on the bed and right on top of him. 'Is this for real?!' Izuku questioned in his head.

"You're a virgin, right?" Rias asked as she started undoing her bra.

"Uh-huh…" Izuku replied.

"Neither of us may have experience with it, but I'm sure we'll figure out something that works." She then got the bra unhooked, exposing her large white breasts and pink puffy nipples. "It's okay. All you have to do is put yours into mine, right there."

Izuku looked down to where she was pointing, his most important part being caressed by her thighs and butt.

Then Rias took his right hand and cupped it over her left breast. "Let's start here… I'm a little nervous about it myself."

Izuku's hand acted on its own, slightly squeezing into the breast, which felt soft to the touch with a hint of firmness. He could also feel the nipple becoming erect against his palm. It felt nice… "Take as much time as you want. They're all yours."

Izuku felt his eyes becoming swirly as he nearly lost himself in the naked beauty of Rias. However, when he saw her face, he once again saw the troubled expression on her face, and his rational thinking process returned. That wasn't the face of someone longing to have passionate sex, it was of desperation and resignation. "I'm not sure this is a good idea…"

"Does that mean you're choosing to deny me?" Rias asked.

Izuku pulled his hand away from Rias and pushed her back by the shoulder so he could sit up. "Before we do anything, let me ask you… Is this what you really want?"

"What do you mean? I already told you, I want this!" Rias said.

"Then why do you have such a sad look on your face?" Izuku asked, hitting a nerve in Rias. "You're not acting like yourself. I feel like you think you have no choice, that you need to lose your virginity, not because you want to lose it!"

"I… I…" Rias tried to respond, but she couldn't fool herself for much longer. "No, you're right… I guess I really was desperate."

Then, a white flash appeared in the room, catching the two's attention. It was another Gremory magic circle, and from it appeared an attractive-looking woman.

She had silver hair that flowed down her back, tied into twin braids, each with a blue bow at the ends, her side bangs were also braided in the same way. Her eyes were red and her lips were painted in a similar shade. She wore a blue and white French maid uniform, complete with a maid's headdress on her head.

"Really, Rias, you're here with this lowborn? You realize Sirzechs is going to be terribly disappointed in you," she said with a disapproving look in her eyes.

"Um, who's Sirzechs?" Izuku asked.

"She means my older brother," Rias replied.

"You have an older brother?"

"My virtue is mine to do with as I please. How is it wrong for me to give it to whomever I want?" Rias said to the newcomer. "And another thing! I will not allow anyone to call one of my honored servants a lowborn. I don't care if you're my brother's Queen or not."

"Noted," the maid said as she bent down to pick up Rias's clothes. "But think. You are the next Head of Gremory. Have some respect for yourself." She then put Rias's shirt on her before turning to Izuku. "Pardon the interruption. My name is Grayfia and I am also in the service of the Gremory family. We'll get out of your way. Now."

"Uh, okay…" Izuku replied.

"I'm so sorry, Izuku, for bothering you this fine night. Let's just forget about this?" Rias said as she turned to Izuku.

"Sure thing."

"Izuku?" Grayfia asked. "You mean this is him?"

"Yes; he is my Pawn," Rias answered.

"The one who's bearing the Boosted Gear and is possessed by the Red Dragon Emperor… is this small boy?"

"Yeah, that's me I guess…" Izuku replied.

"I will listen to what you have to say at my headquarters. You won't mind if Akeno joins us?" Rias asked as she faced Grayfia.

"The Priestess of Thunder? Of course I don't mind," Grayfia replied. "In fact, it's only proper for a noble Devil to have her Queen by her side in times like these."

Rias then turned toward Izuku one final time. "Forgive me for putting you out… please."

"Yeah, no problem. Don't worry," Izuku reassured.

Rias then gave Izuku a small kiss on the cheek, making him blush hard. "Then I suppose I should excuse myself." She then turned to leave with Grayfia.

The following morning, as Izuku walked with Asia to school, he couldn't help but think back to the events of last night. 'I still can't get over last night with Buchou and that Grayfia lady… I wonder what that was all about.' He told his dad about the events (minus the part where Rias tried to have sex with him) and something apparently going on with her family. When he mentioned "Grayfia," Hisashi's expression turned serious, and told Izuku that he would stop by the Occult Research Club room tomorrow.

After school, Izuku, Asia, and Yumi headed for the clubroom, meeting Eijiro, Mina, and Itsuka along the way. As they got close, Izuku voiced his concerns for Rias.

"You're right; I think something is bugging her. If I had to guess, I'd say it's House of Gremory drama," Yumi guessed.

"You think Akeno might know what's going on there?" Izuku asked.

"She is her right-hand lady, so if anyone would, it's her," Yumi told him.

The six soon-to-be high school first-years entered the building, and en route to the main room, they came across a very large door. For some odd reason, it had police tape with the words "KEEP OUT" all over it.

"Hey, what's that?" Eijiro asked.

"I don't remember seeing that door before," Izuku said.

"Oh…" Yumi frowned slightly. "That's where Buchou's first Bishop currently resides."

"Her first Bishop?" Itsuka asked, turning towards her.

"Oh yeah, I remember Buchou mentioning that she had one Bishop piece which she used on Asia," Izuku said.

"They're one of Buchou's original servants, but for reasons, Buchou was ordered to keep them here," Yumi explained. "They're actually a sweet kid. Only problem is… They're… rather shy, and would rather stay indoors all the time. So, that's pretty much what they do, which they have zero issues with."

"So, in other words, a hikikomori," Mina stated.

"Sounds like someone needs to man up," Eijiro added.

"To be fair…" Yumi began before her kind smile changed into a more serious expression. "Look alive. We have company." She then headed for the main room with Izuku, Asia, Eijiro, Mina, and Itsuka close behind. Rias, Akeno, and Koneko were already there, and so was Hisashi, leaning against a wall near the entrance. However, there was someone else whom no one expected: Grayfia. While Rias sat at her desk with her hands clasped and a grim expression on her face, Akeno stood elegantly beside her while Grayfia stood from across Rias.

"Miss Grayfia…" Izuku noted.

"Well, everyone's here. Good…" Rias said as she stood up.

"Milady, if you don't mind, may I have permission to speak openly?" Grayfia offered, but Rias held out a hand in a stopping motion.

"Everyone, to tell you the truth…"

But before either could utter a word, a glowing magic circle appeared in the center of the room. It was different from the Gremory circles as it was orange and had a sigil of a bird in the middle. A sound like the cry of a bird of prey was heard as flames burst out from the circle.

Rias's expression turned serious as she noticed a man appear from the inferno.

"Phenex…" Izuku heard Yumi whisper under her breath.

"Ah… And Riser has arrived in the human realm. I've come all this way to see you… my beloved Rias," the man said as he turned to Rias, who did not look happy to see him.

From the way he looked, he fit the image of a typical playboy. He seemed to be in his early 20s and had a tall and handsome appearance with short blond hair and dark blue eyes. One look at his clothes and it was easy to guess that he was loaded. His clothes consisted of a red burgundy blazer with gold embroidery on the right, matching pants, and black dress shoes. Underneath the open blazer was a white dress shirt that partially exposed his chest.

He then walked over to Rias and put a hand around her shoulder. Rias's face quickly gave way to disgust and displeasure as she slapped the hand away.

"Keep your hands to yourself, Riser," Rias rebuked the man. "What I wouldn't give to slap you in your smug-prick face…" Izuku, Asia, Itsuka, Eijiro, and Mina were shocked by the venom in her voice.

Riser didn't seem too phased by this. As a matter of fact, her reaction seemed to amuse him as he laughed nonchalantly. "Hahaha… Harsh as ever, my dear. But I know you will come around soon."

Izuku, Asia, Mina, Itsuka, and Eijiro all frowned at Riser's treatment of Rias and understood why she rejected him harshly. Izuku, in particular, internally wanted to give Riser a piece of his mind for the way he treated Rias. Luckily, there was someone among them who had no qualms about speaking their mind freely.

"Who invited this gigolo?"

Various reactions swept through the clubroom. Rias had a large smirk on her face, seeing Riser's stunned face. Akeno, Eijiro, Itsuka, and Yumi snickered quietly while Asia gave a short yelp. Mina tried her best not to laugh out loud. Izuku went wide-eyed, not expecting his father to say something like that. Koneko gave a small grin as she snorted. Grayfia didn't seem to react much at all. As for Riser, he glared at Hisashi.

"How dare you, knave!" He hissed. "Do you have any idea who Riser is?!"

"And what if I do, Mr. Riser Phenex?" Hisashi calmly challenged.

"This gentleman is Riser Phenex," Grayfia interjected, gesturing at Riser. "He is a pureblooded Devil of noble birth, third heir in line to the House of Phenex… He is also fiancé to the next head of the House of Gremory. Lady Rias has been engaged to Lord Riser for quite some time now."

"They're getting married?!" A majority of the group shouted.

"Lovely… the tea prepared by my Rias's Queen is most delicious," Riser smiled as he sat on one of the couches while taking a sip from a teacup. At the same time, he had Rias around his arms, who seemed to be looking for any excuse to get away from there.

"Thank you for the compliment, sir," Akeno said, though she didn't actually seem happy. However, when she passed by Mina, she gave her a small wink.

Izuku looked at Riser with silent disdain as he started messing around with Rias's crimson hair with his right hand, which only grew when Riser reached for her thigh with his left.

"That's enough, Riser," Rias said as she stood up. "Let it go. Why don't you understand? I have no intention of ever marrying you."

"But my darling… Riser believes your family's circumstances are still such that you cannot afford to be so selfish," Riser countered.

"I will not bring my family to ruin. I have no intention of denying you your right to our name…" Rias said. "However, let me be clear, my husband will be my choice!"

"Remember, it's imperative for Devils to remain pureblood. We're still recovering our numbers from the last war. Your family decided on this arrangement with the future of Devils in mind," Riser argued.

"My clan made this decision because they are in too great a rush," Rias argued back. "For the final time… Riser! I will not marry you!"

The Gremory servants, along with Itsuka, Eijiro, Mina, and Hisashi, smiled at Rias's unyielding determination.

Too bad Riser was rather adamant as well as he took Rias's chin into his hand. "For the final time, Rias… Riser bears the reputation of the house of Phenex. Besmirching our good name is unacceptable."

"Hey!" Izuku shouted at Riser. He and everyone else were ready to step in to defend Rias's honor if necessary.

"Riser doesn't care if he has to incinerate everyone in this room… You will return to the Underworld with me!" Riser declared as his eyes glowed orange and gave off a fiery demonic aura.

Rias responded to this with her own eyes glowing in a crimson demonic aura.

"There is no need for incineration," Grayfia promptly stepped in, causing Riser and Rias's auras to die down. "My lady Rias, Lord Riser… As you know, I am here by order of Sirzechs… Which means there will be no disruption of peace."

Izuku was surprised by how Grayfia easily calmed the tension between Rias and Riser. Even though she was a maid, she seemed like she could defeat both of them even if they teamed up against her. Now he knew why his father became serious last night at the mention of her name.

"When told such an ominous thing by one who is known as the Silver-Haired Queen of Annihilation, even Riser can become somewhat fearful," Riser shrugged, trying to save face.

'Silver-Haired Queen of Annihilation?!' Izuku thought in surprise, looking at Grayfia. 'I definitely don't want her mad at me.'

"My master anticipated that there would be a conflict of some sort," Grayfia continued. "As such, he has assigned me a last resort should communication break down."

"Yes, of course he did…" Rias deadpanned. "Would you care to be more specific?"

"If my lady insists on putting her personal preferences above those of her family… She is to settle this via a Rating Game with Lord Riser."

"Rating Game?" Izuku recalled Rias mentioning something like that, and Sona also said the same thing before.

"It's a game noble Devils play with each other. Long story short, they and their servants compete in battle to determine who wins," Yumi explained.

Like chess?" Izuku said.

"Exactly, it's the reason we have individual powers that are inspired by what we call Evil Pieces, in order to play the Rating Game," Akeno elaborated.

"Riser has played through numerous Rating Games, and has scored several wins for himself," Riser boasted. "Unfortunately, my inexperienced bride has never even qualified for an official game."

"He knows only mature Devils are allowed to participate, so it's not as if she's had much opportunity," Akeno explained.

"So… you're saying we're at a disadvantage?" Izuku asked.

"We've got more to worry about than that," Koneko pointed out.

"So this is the only way I can earn my freedom, huh?" Rias said before turning to Grayfia. "Grayfia, tell my brother I agree to the Rating Game."

"I will inform him immediately," Grayfia responded.

"Rias, I have to ask… is this adorable group the extent of your servants?" Riser asked in a mocking tone.

"Some are. What about it?" Rias asked.

"Hahaha!" Riser laughed, and with a snap of his fingers, a much larger orange circle appeared in the room. In a burst of flame like Riser, fifteen young women appeared from the circle, each dressed in exotic clothes or some other outfits that looked fit for cosplay such as gym uniforms, maid outfits, kimono, qipao, etc. "Riser has fifteen Pieces, in other words… I have a complete set."

"Fifteen… so that means 1 Queen, 2 Rooks, 2 Knights, 2 Bishops, and 8 Pawns!" Izuku observed. Then he noticed a girl who looked similar to Riser, having the same blue eyes and blonde hair as him, and the elegant light purple dress she wore gave the aura of a princess rather than a servant. It seemed safe to guess that she was related to Riser, maybe his younger sister.

Riser cast a smirk at Rias. "See this, my dear? You and your servants would stand no chance against Riser and his lovely team."

Rias cast a hateful glare at Riser. "Are you insinuating my Peerage is weak?"

"I'm simply being logical. You know very well that Riser has never lost a Rating Game aside from the ones I allowed for the other team to win," Riser replied. "Aside from your Queen, all I see is a flat-chested loli, two pretty blondes, and a plain-looking Pawn. None of them can compare to my servants."

"Do not disrespect my family, Riser. You'll regret it!" Rias declared.

"Family? Riser has heard that the Gremorys treat their servants like one of their own. Then that means they'll be part of Riser's family as well after we are married. Despite his unassuming appearance, I believe your boy can handle manual labor. And your girls… Well, I'm sure I can find the right outfits that would draw out their full sex appeal."

That last part caught Izuku's attention. Not only was this prick insistent on getting Rias to marry him even though she didn't like him, but he also planned on forcing her female servants to essentially be his lust objects. Riser's lustful vision he had in mind for Akeno, Yumi, Asia, and Koneko really pissed him off. More than anything in his life.

"Has Riser somehow offended you, boy? In that case, I would be happy to hear out your grievances during the Rating Game… right before I burn you to ash."

"ENOUGH RISER!" Rias screamed. "TOUCH HIM AND YOU'LL DIE!"

"Have I struck a nerve?" Riser taunted. "Very well, Riser will give you a handicap. You will be allotted ten days to train to prepare for the Rating Game, where I will break your pitiful toys."

Rias was unfazed by his taunts and turned to him with a defiant look. "Riser? Believe me when I say we will annihilate you!"

"I look forward to it, my dear. Riser will see you at the game." With that, Riser raised both his arms as if already celebrating his triumph. "When we next meet, we shall truly be man and wife!"

*Growl!*

Riser suddenly blushed. "Oh, dear…" That growl from his stomach did not sound good. As another growl emanated from him, the entire opposing Peerage disappeared via orange transport glyphs in the floor. Once they were gone, Akeno and Mina both began to snicker.

"What did you do?" Rias asked, an amused look on her face.

"Okay, so, when Akeno was preparing tea for that Riser creep, I passed her some laxatives…" Mina started explaining.

"And guess where I put 'em," Akeno finished.

"How long will it last?" Rias snickered.

"If I had to guess, maybe a couple of days."

The reactions were mixed. Rias, Asia, and Yumi chuckled in amusement, Koneko smirked, Hisashi slapped his knee while laughing, and Eijiro, Itsuka, and Izuku snickered.

Once everyone calmed down, Itsuka thought of something. "Does that mean your other Bishop's taking part too?"

"What? How did you know-?" Rias asked.

"We noticed the room with the 'KEEP OUT' tapes all over the door," Eijiro replied.

"It is unlikely unless Sirzechs gives Lady Rias permission to unseal the Bishop," Grayfia spoke up, answering Itsuka's question. "The Bishop was sealed away for their own good as their power is uncontrollable."

Rias, Akeno, Yumi, and Koneko's faces all became depressed, which the others noticed.

"However, I believe that the problem of Lady Rias being short a member can be solved with a Substitute Piece," Grayfia spoke up again, getting everyone's attention.

"Substitute Piece?" Rias asked.

"It is a special Piece typically used in cases where a member of a Peerage in a Rating Game is unavailable to participate, in which case, a reserve member can be brought in to fulfill that role," Hisashi explained.

"Unlike the normal Evil Pieces, the Substitute Pieces only grant temporary membership in a Peerage during a Rating Game, and while they do grant the benefits associated with the specific Piece, the recipient will not become a Devil, meaning no Demonic Power or wings. On a positive note, the user will not gain weakness to Holy aura and objects," Grayfia added. "I will have a Substitute Bishop ready soon, my lady. But no need to hurry, you have ten days to decide."

And with that, Grayfia gave a small bow before taking her leave on her magic circle.

"A Substitute Piece… that would help, but the question is, who do I recruit as a substitute member of my Peerage?" Rias wondered. Then her eyes wandered over to Itsuka. "Itsuka, I have a request: Be my Substitute Bishop."

"Wait, you want me?" Itsuka asked.

"From the way I've watched you when you occasionally trained with my Peerage, you've got a great handle on both your Quirk and your Sacred Gear," Rias said. "Celestia Regalia might not be Longinus-class, but I'd say it's still in good hands."

"Well… I'd hate for that Riser douche to get his way, and if you think I'm good enough… Eh, alright, I'm in. I'll be your Substitute Bishop," Itsuka replied.

Rias nodded. "Okay, now then… We have ten days. We all need to train hard to beat Riser."

"Any way we can help?" Eijiro asked.

"Well, I don't think I have any strings left I can pull to get more members for my team, so how about helping us train, is that good enough?" Rias asked.

"That we can do!" Mina said.

"If you want, I can help as well," Hisashi offered. "Speaking as a father, I'm not about to let my son and foster daughter end up as his servants. Also, because I can't stand him either. I can also give you pointers for a training regimen if you want."

"Thank you, sir," Rias smiled before turning to her servants. "Alright, Akeno and I will prepare our training venue for the next ten days. So everyone go home, get rested, and get ready. We cannot afford to lose this fight!"

"Yes ma'am!" Rias's servants all nodded.

And so, the Gremory vs. Phenex Rating Game arc begins, and it looks like Team Gremory will be able to have another member to help even the odds. But before we can see the Rating Game, the Gremory team's training comes first.

The idea of making Itsuka a substitute member of Rias's team came from Beyond the Outer Gates Lies… A high school library? Chapter 17, where Harry substitutes for Momo in an exhibition match between Sona's Peerage and Riser's.

See you next time. Go beyond! Plus Ultra!