Welcome to the next chapter of The Twin Dragons, but before starting. Let us answer some reviews:
Pawnofriasgremory: I still plan on keeping things balanced, but either of them can fit the role of being a hero that Ravel can look up to. Are you referring to the fact that she wouldn't be able to be with Kazuki if he becomes an angel because Irina who was an angel was with Issei in canon; Shemhazai has a kid who is half-fallen angel and half-devil. A lot of those reviews are from the original a long time ago when it was first starting.
Guest: It's still here. I'm just redoing the story.
Guest1337: I apologize for that, all the other chapters are uploaded on The Twin Dragons page in the DxD Fanon because of this.
Streetlife34: He and Kazuki are two different characters, he is the kind of person who would add "-san" to the name of the person he met and is being respectful to. That's just how Asia shows when she's jealous of someone else, but it'll stop at some point.
Team Gremory vs. Team Phenex
It was the time for the Rating Game against Riser Phenex, Issei who spent his time training for ten days inside of mountains with the others was standing inside his bedroom psyching himself up. Those who would be involved in the battle returned home after school to prepare and rest before the upcoming Rating Game. Issei himself though it would be his first time doing something like this was excited to see the results of his training, as well as to test out what he learned.
"Hehehe, I can't wait to test out my ultimate technique on Riser's Peerage."
Issei in perverse glee began laughing as the thought of using his technique against Riser's peerage, in particular.
Knock Knock
There was a knock on the door causing Issei some surprise since he wasn't expecting anyone to show up.
"Nii-san, can I come in?"
"Huh, yeah sure."
Issei was surprised that it was Kazuki who was knocking on his door.
After being permitted to enter the room, Kazuki turned the doorknob and entered the room, who looked in the trashcan where several banana peels were placed in.
"Huh, didn't want to eat a big meal before a battle?"
"Oh, that. Nah, I was practicing a new technique and needed the bananas to perform it."
"That's…weird. What kind of move needs bananas to perform them?"
Kazuki was confused since he couldn't think of a single technique that could rely on such a thing.
"Don't worry about it. You'll see the awesomeness of my new technique in the Rating Game."
"Whenever that word leaves your mouth, most of the time it means something 'perverted'."
In the face of Issei's determination and expectations, Kazuki's logic brought it down to his older brother glaring at him annoyed about the comment.
"Oh, come on. I was psyched about that technique and you brought me down! What did you come in here for?"
Issei questioned as Kazuki stared at him before shrugging his shoulders.
"I thought I'd come to see whether or not you were nervous. But, that doesn't seem to be the case," Kazuki replied. "You're acting about the same as always for your first Rating Game."
"Of course, I'm a little nervous. I want to beat this jerk for Buchou," Issei said as he slammed his first against the palm of his head. "I followed your advice and focused on training in the mountains for ten days."
"I'm surprised that you followed my advice. You usually never do."
"Shut up," Issei narrowed his eyes at Kazuki before glancing down at his uniform. "But, I didn't think that we'd be dressed in our normal school uniforms for this. I thought we would receive some special kind of battle outfit."
"Well, you can't expect that for your first Rating Game. You'll likely need to fight a couple more times in the Rating Games before getting that. Besides, your school uniforms are easier to move around in right?"
Kazuki replied causing Issei to nod his head in agreement before glancing at Kazuki.
"You look a little different from ten days ago."
"What do you mean?"
Kazuki questioned not understanding what he could be talking about.
"I mean, before, you looked a little frailer, but now you look normal. What kind of training did you do?"
"Y'know, it wasn't anything too special."
Kazuki tried to play it off as nothing special, but the training that he did with the Vali Team wasn't something that he could tell his brother. And at one point or another, he did think that he would have almost died fighting against Vali without Asia beside him the entire time.
"Well, whatever. That means I'll have to get even stronger. I can't let my little brother pass me up."
"Well, too bad. Because that's what's going to happen."
Both Issei and Kazuki soon smirked at one another in a brotherly fashion before fist-bumping one another, letting the peace and quite last for a little longer. Before long, the deadline for the match between both the Gremory and Phenex would be upon them.
Kazuki entered his bedroom, where Asia was waiting for him dressed in her nun attire and Lucina stood inside of the bedroom.
"How was Ise-san, Kazuki-san?"
"He was confident considering this is going to be their first Rating Game, even though it isn't an official one."
Kazuki answered Asia who looked a little concerned for the others.
Most people would find it odd that a former nun was worried about the state of devils, but that shows how much of a gentle and kind person Asia was. Seeing that both of them were dressed and prepared, Lucina walked up at a professional pace while holding her hands forward in front of her.
"Kazuki-sama, are you and Asia-sama prepared to leave?"
"Yes."
"U-Uh, yes. I'm a little nervous about going to hell when I'm alive."
Asia's comment made sense for her due to her upbringing in the church, but Kazuki rested a comforting hand on her shoulder as he gently smiled.
"Ah, you don't need to worry about anything, Asia-san."
"Y-Yes, I've gotten better at using magic since the training."
Asia strongly said as she thought back to the lessons from both Le Fay and Kuroka in using magic.
"Well, if you're all prepared, then off we go."
Lucina activated a magic circle underneath their feet, the same as the one that she first when after she appeared in his bedroom alongside Grayfia.
Soon enough, in a flash of light, the three of them vanished, then reappeared inside of a room elsewhere, which was meant for important people. He didn't know the building where this place was located, but he did know that it was somewhere in the Underworld.
"Ah, I see that Lucina has arrived with the Hakuryuukou-kun and his friend."
A sudden friendly voice called out to them.
Both turned to see a handsome crimson-haired young man in his early twenties with blue eyes, dressed in proper noble attire. Since devils could change their look using demonic power, Kazuki couldn't tell how old the, however, there was one thing that he could tell.
"You're Sirzechs Lucifer. Rias-senpai's older brother."
Kazuki said noticing that the man in front of him was the male version of Rias.
"Yea, I'm Ria-tan's Onii-sama."
Sirzechs spoke in a lighthearted tone, which wasn't something that he'd expect hearing from the man who holds a title as important as Lucifer. But, it wasn't surprising since he's heard about how loving the Gremory Household is with those important to them and even their servants. Grayfia was also standing in the room beside him as a sigh escaped from her mouth.
"Sirzechs-sama, I hoped that you would make a proper introduction to the Hakuryuukou."
"There's no need to be proper, Grayfia. His older brother is my dear Ria-tan's Pawn," Sirzechs laughed lightly as he turned to face Kazuki. "I was surprised to hear that the Sekiryuutei had been reincarnated as a devil under the name of the Gremory Household using eight pawn pieces. But, I was more surprised to hear his twin brother was the Hakuryuukou. There was never such an odd occurrence among the previous generation of those who hold Ddraig and Albion."
"Yea, I've heard that from a lot of people already. But, Nii-san and I agreed that we'd fight to see which one of us was the stronger. So, it wouldn't be a death match."
Kazuki replied causing Sirzechs to smile.
"That's how it should be especially among siblings," Sirzechs said before beckoning him and Asia sit on the same couch as him. "Come come, the Rating Game is about to start in a couple of minutes and everyone else will all be arriving shortly."
"Thanks."
"T-Thank you."
Kazuki and Asia thanked him for the hospitality, then proceeded to take a seat on the same couch as Sirzechs.
"You can take a seat too, Lucina."
"A-Ah, I-I don't think that would be appropriate for me, Sirzechs-sama."
"You don't need to be formal, Lucina. You can call me uncle since you're Grayfia's niece and she's my wife."
"Ahhh…."
Lucina didn't know what to do, but Kazuki and Asia were shocked about the fact that Grayfia was his wife.
"…Sirzechs-sama. Please don't attempt to make such rash demands for Lucina."
"It huwts. It huwts, Grayfia."
Grayfia as if without making a single sound appeared right next to Sirzechs pulling onto his cheek hard enough to cause tears to stream down from his cheeks. Despite saying those words, Kazuki didn't think that Sirzechs would lie about something like that.
"Uh, Grayfia-sama, will Onee-sama appear here too?"
"…," Grayfia sighed placing a hand on her forehead as she let go of Sirzechs' now reddened cheek who still cried to himself in silence. "I don't know what to do with that child anymore. Despite all her talents, Lucia refuses to join a peerage, refuses to take her classes and lessons seriously, and leaves without telling anyone where she's going. I receive nothing but complaints from her teachers or people she pulls pranks on using her powers."
Grayfia continued listing out the issues caused by this Lucia, almost like a serious…more of an aunt based off of the words from Sirzechs.
"Uh, Lucia-san. Is she…?"
"My older sister. She's the same age as Rias-sama, but Onee-sama isn't responsible at all despite being a High-Class Devil herself. Don't get me wrong, Onee-sama is smart and strong, but like doing things her way, and if anything I would say that she's better than me in close combat. Did she say anything Grayfia-sama?"
"That child said…."
'Hmmm. Nah, I'm not interested in seeing Ria-chan's Rating Game for marriage~ Besides, I already made some plans with a couple friends of mine. See ya~'
"And that's what she said before vanishing."
Grayfia again sighed as she recalled the words spoken Lucia, which caused Lucina to laugh lightly.
"Ah, I see. That sounds like her."
Both Grayfia and Lucina seemed almost done with the actions of their niece and sister respectively.
"Excuse us."
A sudden voice caught their attention as Kazuki turned to see two blonde-haired men and a woman, all of them were dressed in noble attire. He was able to almost immediately tell they were related to Riser and his younger sister, meaning that they were.
"Good day to you, Lord Phenex, Lady Phenex. And Ruval-kun."
"Same, Sirzechs-sama."
Lord Phenex respectfully bowed his head in front of the Maou, Lucifer, so did his wife and son.
"Ah, who's this," Lady Phenex looked up to see Kazuki and Asia sitting down on the couch beside Sirzechs.
"The Hakuryuukou, Kazuki Hyoudou-kun. I thought it'd be interesting for him to see the Rating Game his brother is involved in too."
Sirzechs said in a nonchalant tone, but it caused Grayfia to sigh and Kazuki gave a wryly laugh at the blunt reply of his response; on the other hand, the three members from the Phenex Clan wore a surprised look on their face after realizing the identity of the unknown human in front of him.
"The host of the Vanishing Dragon. I never thought that I'd encounter such a person here."
Lord Phenex seemed intrigued about it.
"Human? Sirzechs-sama said his brother's in Rias-san's peerage," Lady Phenex said before recalling something that she previously heard. "Ah, you wouldn't be the human that Riser said talked back to him?"
Hearing that question from Lady Phenex caused a sudden stumped feeling to arise within Kazuki, seeing that he did, insult their son and brother in front of him; and all three of them were standing in front of him.
"U-Uh, yes. That's true, ma'am."
"I'd like to apologize."
"Eh."
Kazuki was again stumped as Lady Phenex bowed her head slightly.
"I know Riser may have said something rude as he always does. I debated whether or not that I would need to go with him in case he'd say or do anything rude to Rias-san and her peerage. However, I decided against it after hearing that Grayfia-san would be there, then I heard what happened from Ravel," Lady Phenex began speaking in a proper tone as she talked like a mother. "I don't know where that attitude of his came from. Neither Ruval nor his other older brother was never like that growing up. And I fear, he might be setting a bad example for Ravel."
"I'd also like to apologize for the actions of my foolish younger brother."
Ruval also apologized for the actions of Riser, which caused Kazuki to realize something.
"How does a guy end up being this rude when his family's nice and proper," Kazuki said before waving his hand in front of him. "You don't need to apologize. Nii-san has his moments sometimes too."
Once their introductions and conversation that finished, everyone started taking their seats between the Gremory and Phenex Teams.
Inside of the battlefield generated in another space, which resembled Kuoh Academy, in the Old School Building, Rias and the others stood inside of the club room. Issei looked around amazed at the detail in recreation in both the building and the entire space itself until hearing a familiar voice.
[Hello everyone. I am Grayfia Lucifuge, a maid from the Gremory Household. And today I will be the arbiter of the Rating match between the Gremory and Phenex Household. In the name of my master, Sirzechs Lucifer-sama, I will be keeping an eye on this match. Using both Rias-sama and Riser-sama's opinions, this battlefield was made as a replica of the school, which Rias-sama attends in the Human World.]
"I didn't think that devils would be able to recreate our school like this."
Issei started marveling at the words from Grayfia.
"This is merely one of the things spaces like this can become."
Yuuto replied.
[The locations that both teams have been transported will act as their base. Rias-sama's base is located inside of the Occult Research Club in the old school building. Riser-sama's base will be located in the Student Council in the new school building. For pawns to be able to use promotion, please head to the enemy's base. The time limit in this match will proceed until dawn in the Human World. So, the game starts now.]
RING! RING! RING
These were the last words from Grayfia, the announcement ended as the Gremory Team began to take action as soon as the school bell started ringing.
"Everyone put this transceiver in your ears."
Akeno as she put in a unique earpiece in her ear, started handing out the transceivers to the others.
"We'll be using these to communicate with one another on the battlefield," Rias stated as Issei, Kiba, and Koneko started putting the transceivers in their ears. "First, we'll need to bring down Riser's pawns. It'll be troublesome if all of them entered our base and promotes to a queen."
Everyone could understand those words as facing off against nine queens with their numbers and current despite their training would be a serious disadvantage. Despite the situation, Akeno started preparing tea and Rias sat in her seat without showing the slightest nervous expression on her face.
"B-Buchou, you seem pretty calm…."
Issei was surprised since he thought that Rias would be the most nervous since her future depends on the result of the Rating Game.
"Ise, the battle started a couple of moments ago. The Rating Game was meant to be a game that doesn't finish in a short time. Though there are times when it becomes a Blitz match, however, even those games take a long time to finish. This is the same as a game of chess," Rias explained to Issei who started to understand the words. "In a game like this, it has meaning if you use the chosen battlefield to the fullest. Most of the time, bases would be a fortress, castle, or tower that has various uses of cover between the bases. However, this time, our school is the stage. Yuuto."
Hearing his name, Yuuto spread out a map on the table in front of all of them showing various locations around the entire school building both new and old; however, the map itself appeared to be designed using the grip of a real chessboard instead. Rias took out a red pen and started marking their base and Riser's base. She soon began to go into detail about the various paths leading to the new school building, which would make it difficult since they would be seen out in the open.
Rias predicted that Riser would have more mobile servants waiting for them near the sports ground such as a Knight or a Pawn. So, she planned to take the gymnasium that has a path leading to the old and new school buildings.
"Yuuto and Koneko, I need you set traps inside the forest. Take another map and ensure that you've marked all the places where the traps are placed. I will make a copy afterward and hand it to everyone."
"Yes."
"…Roger."
Giving their separate replies, both Yuuto and Koneko left the room taking a copied map with them, she then looks toward Akeno who placed Rias' tea in front of her.
"Akeno," Rias said getting her attention. "Once Yuuto and Koneko return, I need you to cast illusions and mist all around the forest and sky? It'll need to be a trap that reacts to Riser's group. That's how the start of the match will be like, though it seems like this battle will become intense midway through. So, I'll leave the issue regarding the mist and illusions to you, Akeno."
Hearing the request from Rias, Akeno nodded her head in agreement.
"I understand, Buchou."
"U-Umm, Buchou? What am I supposed to do?"
Issei questioned at this point feeling a little useless, but realized that it was due to his inexperience in areas that all of them knew about.
"Yes. Ise, you're a pawn, so you have to use promotion after getting into Riser's base. You're the most important part of this plan to defeat Riser."
Rias stated causing Issei to become more exhilarated.
"Yes!"
Rias smiled at his energetic response, then started patting her lap.
"Come sit here, then lay your head down."
Issei realized that this meant that he would be getting a lap pillow, which caused a feeling of perverse excitement to rage within him.
"I-I will be in your care!"
Issei said as he rushed forward to Rias without skipping a beat, then allowed his cheek to come into contact with her soft white thighs, causing a sense of wonder to fell up within him. He felt ecstatic about the fact that he's alive at the moment as the soft sensation from her thighs could be felt on his cheek. Rias looked down toward Issei as she felt something wet sliding onto her thighs.
"Geez. Why are you crying?"
Rias smiled gently at Issei who was sobbing at the moment.
"Getting a lap pillow from Buchou, I'm so moved my tears won't stop," Issei honestly replied. "I'll never forget this sensation for as long I live."
"If it's just a lap pillow, then I will give it to you again. You seriously are an overactive child."
Rias laughed lightly as she placed a hand on his head with her hand shining red, which went unnoticed by Issei, who was still distracted about the initial sensation.
"…I unlocked a small portion of the seal that I initially cast on you."
"Huh? Seal?"
Rias had informed Issei, but his question was soon answered as he felt a pulse of power traveling across his body, which was different from the power he'd receive from Boosted Gear.
"Issei, do you recall the time that I reincarnated you using eight pawn pieces?"
"Yes."
"From the time that you were reincarnated as a devil, I placed a limiter on your powers as a pawn as you couldn't endure the powers of all eight pawn pieces. In simpler terms, you're the strongest after Akeno, the queen, so you need become strong enough more power so that your body won't break," Rias explained as she rubbed his head. "The training in the mountains was meant to make you strong enough to handle the power of your Boosted Gear and the power of the pawn pieces."
Hearing Rias' explanation caused him to realize the nature behind all the harsh training that he was put through for ten days in the mountains.
"Listen, Ise. Even though your opponents are girls, you'll have to defeat them," Rias spoke to him in a far gentler tone before continuing. "All of them are experienced combatants who've already fought in the Rating Games and neither of them is going hold anything back against you. So, if you want to continue winning and growing, you'll have to defeat them first, okay."
"I understand that. It wouldn't be the first time that I fought against a…girl," Issei said as he called the first fight he was in against Kalawarner, causing him to clench his fist before calming down. "I already promised Kazuki that I would continue growing stronger until the time that we fought. So, if I ended up losing against a couple of girls for the first time, then I'll end up losing face as an older brother and rival."
Hearing those determined words from Issei caused a genuine smile to form on Rias' face.
Once everyone made the final preparations for the Rating Game, Issei and Koneko stood beside one another as Kiba stood near them facing another direction. Issei did all he could to prepare for this fight to get back at Riser for what happened in the club room and free Rias from this engagement.
{Ise, Koneko.} Issei could hear Rias speaking to him on the other end of the earpiece. {Neither of you will be able to avoid the battle once you enter the gymnasium. Remember that place is an important piece of the plan. So, I'll need you two to move accordingly.}
"Yes!"
"…Yes."
Both Issei and Koneko replied.
"Then, I'll be moving as well."
Kiba started heading in the other direction toward the forward as his hand was placed on his sword.
{Yuuto, move as we discussed beforehand.}
"Roger that."
{Akeno, I trust that you'll know when to move, correct?}
{Yes, Buchou.}
Since Akeno wasn't in ear reach of them, Issei, Koneko, and Yuuto could hear her response over the line.
{Now, my cute servants. Are you prepared? We can't turn back now.} Rias spoke on the other end of the line in a more confident tone. {Our opponent now is Riser Phenex, a man said to be a genius from the Immortal House of Phenex who has competed in previous Rating Games in the past. No matter the opponent we'll show them what those from the Gremory House at capable of. Now then! Let's go and blow them away!}
[Yes!]
All of them replied in an energetic tone before departing to succeed in their missions.
Issei and Koneko proceeded to travel toward the gymnasium, which would become an important place for them to secure the first position in the Rating Game. It wasn't difficult for them to navigate around the school since all of them were already accustomed to the locations and layout.
"Why did Riser choose the school as a location? We know almost all the layouts around the school?"
Issei decided to ask thinking that it was weird since it was giving them a home-court advantage.
"…he's looking down on us."
Koneko said in a monotone manner, but there was a hint of aggression behind those words as well.
"That jerk. I can't wait to get my chance against him."
"…a pervert with a harem. …and a pervert without one. …that'll be an interesting fight."
Koneko harshly pointed out.
"Jeez, that was harsh, Koneko-chan."
Issei lightly laughed at those words finding them endearing at this point.
"…I sense enemies."
Koneko pointed out she and Issei entered the back door leading into the stage.
"We know you're up there. Servants of Rias Gremory!"
The voice belonging to a young woman caught their attention, which caused both Issei and Koneko to come out of hiding seeing that there was no point anymore.
Issei witnessed four girls standing in front of them in a prepared manner, it was the woman in the Chinese dress, a pair of twins dressed in gym clothes hauling around carrying cases, and the girl who almost knocked him down if it wasn't for Kazuki. Based on the information they received the oldest one was a Rook, the twins were pawns and the girl was, of course, a pawn.
"Of course, Riser-sama was correct saying that Rias Gremory would take the gymnasium as the main access point to enter the school building," the Rook said. "I am Xuelan, the rook. This is Ile and Nel, the pawns. And this here is Mira, the pawn that your admittedly cute younger brother saved you from."
"Boosted Gear, standby," Issei shout as he summoned Boosted Gear as [Boost] was sounded before he recalled what the Rook named Xuelan said. "…wait, what was that about my brother?"
"N-Nothing, it was a random comment that has no meaning."
Despite saying those words, Xuelan did have a faint blush on her cheeks, which caused Issei to stare at her with a faint look on his face.
"…I'll leave the three pawns to you, Ise-senpai. I'll handle the rook."
Koneko said as she started cracking her knuckles and locked eyes onto Xuelan who also seemed prepared for a fight between fellow rooks.
"Alright, I almost lost to the pawn before. But, this time, it's different."
Issei said as the three pawns started getting prepared, however, his expressions soon fell as he noticed that the twins pulled out familiar machines from their carrying bags.
""It's disassembling time~ ""
Despite sounding cute, some dangerous words left their mouths.
"Chainsaws?!"
Issei shouted as he noticed the loud revving sounds coming from the chainsaws after being turned around, while the blades spun around.
As Issei was getting prepared to fight against the pawns, further from them, both Koneko's and Xuelan's fistfight started caused loud impacts on contact. It was truly a fight between those who practiced martial arts, which were enhanced using the superhuman strength and defense provided by the rook pieces. Both of them were fast and agile, with Koneko throwing punches and Xuelan primarily using kicks.
"You're quite good."
"…can't say the same about you, though."
Both Xuelan and Koneko replied, as their fight proceeded from there.
Just then, Mira started spinning around her wooden staff around before aiming at Issei who was able to avoid it, if it was ten days prior, then that attack would've hit him. His attention was soon now more focused on his three opponents and stared at the twins.
"Split, split, split, split, split!"
Both Ile and Nel started swinging at him with the chainsaws as the engine was revved up, avoiding the blades at a hairsbreadth. Issei continued running around, but not too much since he learned over the training that too much movement would reset the Boosted Gear. Despite, this, he was able to avoid all three of their strikes from varying angles almost as if he were playing around.
[Boost!]
It was the second boost from his sacred gear as he blocked a strike from the wooden staff with his Boosted Gear without feeling much force behind it.
"Ah, jeez! This is so frustrating~!"
"Why isn't it hitting him!?"
Both Ile and Nel started getting frustrated after realizing neither of their attacks was hitting him.
"…I can't break his guard."
Mira was also getting frustrated about that fact.
Issei laughed as he realized that he did get stronger from all that training, but the time had come after the third announcement arrived.
[Boost]
"Alright, let's do this!"
[Explosion!]
The announcement was sounded from his Boosted Gear as power overflowed from Issei with a red aura starting to surround him.
"I'll take care of you two first!"
Issei dashed toward both Ile and Nel at a speed that neither of them was able to keep up with.
He arrived in front of Ile first with her unable to follow the movement as Issei appeared in front of her, then began to tighten his fist. Issei struck her in the chest sending her backward to the ground, causing a faint gasp to leave her mouth, which stirred immediate anger from her sister.
"You! How dare you hit my Onee-chan!"
Nel rushed for him angered about the fact that her older sister was hit like that and Mira rushed at the same time while aiming her wooden staff for him. Nel arrived in front of him, but Issei avoided the strike from the chainsaw, then followed up by hitting her in the back causing her to fall forward. He then caught the wooden staff of Mira in his hands, then performed a kind of karate chop on the staff breaking it in half.
"Ouch."
Issei momentarily waved his hand, feeling that the wooden staff was harder than natural wood, which caused him to guess that it was somehow enhanced using demonic power. He ignored it then knocked Mira on the ground.
"Kyaaah!"
Mira fell to the ground as Issei heard another sound nearby.
He turned his head to see that Koneko had Xuelan in a form of arm lock, as she glared forward as she was being pinned on the ground. It seemed to him that Koneko had come out on top in the battle against the rook, but some parts of her clothing appeared to be damaged from their fight.
"Geez! If we lose to a guy like him, Riser-sama will get mad at us!"
"We will dissemble you into pieces!"
Both Ile and Nel stood up to their feet holding their chainsaws, while Mira held onto the broken pieces of her staff showing her resolve to continue fighting. Despite seeing them wanting to continue fighting, Issei made a perverse causing Koneko to come a little unnerved.
"Behold my ultimate technique! Dress Break!"
Issei declared as he snapped his fingers, which had caused the clothes of Ile, Nel, and Mira to be blown off into a lot of pieces leaving them completely naked. Blood dripped from his nose as he noticed all their somewhat curvy bodies despite the three of them trying to cover themselves.
[Noooooooooooooooooo!]
All three of them screamed as their face turned bright red.
"Ahahahahahaha! How does that feel?! My new technique, Dress Break! I kept imaging girls' clothes being blown away into pieces! I spent all the talent I have in making a technique that will make all of the girls naked! I might not be as talented as Kazuki, but I can at least do this to make my wildest desires come true!"
Issei declared without shame even though he was being glared at by both Ile and Nel, while Mira seemed to be more focused on covering herself embarrassed. He knew from the training that he didn't have the same amount of talent in using demonic power as Akeno, which was why he focused on what he was more able to imagine in his mind.
"You are the worst! You are the enemy of women!"
"Beast! You sex fiend!"
Ile and Nel were crying as they threw different words at Issei who didn't seem the slightest bit affected.
"…I've lost all respect for you."
"How disgusting."
Both Koneko and even Xuelan said as both of them stared at him using emotionless eyes.
"Hahaha! Say whatever you like," despite saying that, Koneko's words pierced through him like a knife before he could feel as if someone else was staring at him in disappointment. "Huh? I wonder what was that."
[Ise, Koneko. Can you here me?]
Issei and Koneko could hear Rias' voice, on the other end of the earpiece.
"Yes! Both Koneko-chan and I are safe. We defeated our opponents."
Issei said.
[That's wonderful to hear. Akeno has finished her preparations! So, I want you to move based on the next step of the plan!]
Hearing those words from Rias, both Issei and Koneko started moving onto the next stage, then started running out towards the gymnasium. Xuelan who was pinned down by Koneko stared at him wearing a confused look on her face since it was outside of her expectations.
"Are you running away?! Wasn't this location supposed to be a crucial place!"
Xuelan was unable to understand their reason for escaping from the place, which was supposed to be an important location for the Rating Game. Her words were correct since that was the reason that both sides arrived there and started a fight between one another. Of course, that was what means it the perfect place for a decoy.
Flash!
As soon as both Issei and Koneko left the building, a flash of huge lightning descended onto the gymnasium that generated a large explosion, which destroyed the entire building. Flying above the building was Akeno dressed in a shrine maiden outside while pointing her finger toward the building.
"Take."
Akeno smiled as she stared at the destruction caused by the explosion as her fingers sparkling with lightning.
Meanwhile, inside of the VIP room where Kazuki and Asia were watching the Rating Game alongside Sirzechs, Lucina. In addition to the members of the Phenex Household Lord Phenex, Lady Phenex, and Ruval Phenex who sat down on a nearby couch.
[Raiser Phenex-sama's three Pawns and one Rook retires.]
Grayfia who entered the Rating Game field as a mediator could be heard, but Kazuki didn't pay much attention to the announcement.
"Hahaha, Hyoudou-kun is an interesting Sekiryuutei."
Sirzechs laughed instead of being disgusted about Issei's 'Ultimate Technique'.
"Seriously, Nii-san. That was the ultimate technique you were talking about," Kazuki said turning his eyes away to respect the girls who were stripped. "I knew that his technique whatever it was would be perverse, but this was a little well beyond my imagination."
"Ah, Issei-san that wasn't nice. I feel sorry for them."
Asia said as she covered her eyes at the thought of that technique.
"Ara, what a thing to do in a Rating Game."
Lady Phenex said in a tone where it couldn't be determined her feelings on the matter.
"I hope that he doesn't use that on Ravel."
Ruval said acting like an older brother protecting his sibling.
"If he does I'll beat him up for you," Kazuki replied as he shook his head. "He'd better have come up with another technique since that makes me a little ashamed to say he's the reason that I'm who am I am right now."
"Despite that, I can see you two care about one another as brother despite being destined rivals," Sirzechs said in a relaxed tone. "So, is there anything that you would have done differently if you were in the Rating Game. This is just purely out of curiosity, so you don't need to answer."
"Well, Rias-senpai is doing the best that she can with the members that she has right now. It was smart using the gymnasium as a decoy since it would have been the most obvious spot that both sides would have secured due to its importance. Riser, on the other hand, can make use of the fact that he has a complete set of servants without being concerned about using one or two of them as a sacrifice. But, Rias took advantage of the fact that it would be an important spot to take out four of his peerage members."
Kazuki went into detail about the initial plan of both sides, which caused some of the attention of both sides.
"Though, if it was me, then I probably would have kept the gymnasium, intact," Kazuki said as he began thinking. "It might not seem too important, but we know the entire layout of the school building better than anyone. Rias-senpai could use that to sneak into the school using different routes. I also read about magic that could be useful in staying hidden and sealing off areas so that neither anyone could enter nor leave based on the situation."
Sirzechs and the others stared at him with mild surprise as he started thinking more strategically.
"That's a wonderful deduction, Kazuki-sama. But, unfortunately, Rias-sama doesn't have anyone on the peerage able to use such magic."
Lucina was correct in that manner and Kazuki knew one thing.
"Yea. I want to believe in them since those are my friends and brother," Kazuki started before stating what he felt was obvious enough. "But, their chances of winning this are slim to none. The numbers are against them and their main target to take down is someone able to regenerate from all injuries. Though, I know that his Immortality isn't unlimited and has a couple of weaknesses."
As Kazuki continued to talk Lord Phenex and Ruval were impressed since most would assume that their powers to heal were unbeatable; their son and younger brother thought the same himself, which was what spurred on his overconfidence and arrogance. But, before another could exit Kazuki's mouth, an explosion caught his attention.
{…Koneko-chan!}
That caused a slight irritated look to appear on Kazuki's face, but he maintained his composure. Koneko was hit by an explosive attack, which sent her crashing to the ground as her clothes were torn apart. Asia allowed a more worried expression to appear on her face as she clasped her hands over her mouth.
"Koneko-chan!"
{Take!}
Above them, Riser's queen floated in the air using her devil wings as she pointed her hand towards the direction, where Koneko was attacked.
{Fufufu. When hunting targets, the best time to take them down if then the target accomplishes something since it is when they are the most vulnerable. It easier for us to sacrifice some of our pieces to merely take down one of you since your group has small pieces from the start. Doing so alone is enough to do substantial damage, right? Even if you defeat us, you cannot defeat Riser-sama. It's useless to resist.}
She gloated amusingly.
"…I'm sorry. …I wanted to be of more use to Buchou and everyone…."
{Y-You, don't have to apologize.} Issei stated as he cradled Koneko in his arms. {We completed our mission! And you were awesome in there, Koneko-chan! All you need to do is heal for a while, then you'll—.}
Before Issei could finish, Koneko was enveloped in a pale blue light before fading away as particles.
[Rias Gremory-sama's Rook retires.]
It was a cruel announcement, but Issei stared at what happened with a shocked expression on his face.
"What happened to Koneko-chan?!"
Asia questioned worried about Koneko but before Lucina could utter a single word, Lady Phenex had caused her attention.
"Don't be concerned, dear. In the Rating Games, the gaming fields are made so that those who receive injuries that leave them unable to continue fighting are teleported to a location where they'll receive treatment."
Lady Phenex informed Asia who seemed relieved about that.
"Koneko-chan will be fine, Asia-san. Once the battle is finished you can heal their injuries."
Kazuki replied as he softly patted her on top of the head.
Despite calmly saying those words, Kazuki was mad about the fact that Koneko was injured like that.
Meanwhile, in the Rating Game, Issei left onto the second phase of the plan after being urged by Akeno who had remained there to fight against Riser's Queen, Yubelluna.
[Riser Phenex-sama's three pawns retires.]
Grayfia announced causing Issei to become surprised as he reached the storehouse, which was also a blindspot from the court in the field. As soon as Issei took a single step forward, someone grabbed onto his arm causing an immediate reaction from Issei who thought that it was an enemy.
"Don't worry, it's me."
Issei looked and realized that it was Kiba placing a finger in front of his mouth.
"Oh, it's you."
In response to his comment, Kiba nodded his head wearing his usual refreshing smile.
"Sorry, Kiba. Koneko-chan got…."
"I heard the announcement too. Koneko-chan must be feeling regret after being taken out like that. I could never be able to tell what was on her mind most of the time, but she was pumped about this match. Even setting up the traps in the forest, she was working hard."
"Then, let's win this for our kouhai!"
Issei declared as he hands Kiba bumped fists with one another.
He didn't like Kiba at first during normal school life, Kiba was the most dependable person that he could ever ask for on the battlefield. He understood that during the time he fought against the stray exorcists and fallen angels in the abandoned church and today.
"Right," Kiba agreed as he continued. "I managed to lure those three pawns who were scouting the area near the sports court. But, the person-in-charge of that area remained calm and didn't take my taunts seriously, then sent the three pawns to watch how I fought. It appears that Riser Phenex is the kind of person who likes sacrificing his servants. This is something that someone who has his clan's immortality and a full set could accomplish."
Issei could see that Kiba was angered about the fact that Riser didn't have a single bit of shame about sacrificing the people in his peerage to win despite having the advantage. But, Kiba managed to calm down and continued in his explanation.
"The enemies in-charge of this area is a Knight, Rook, and Bishop. Three pieces in total."
"That's a severe guard."
Issei knew about all the abilities provided by the pieces and realized that together it could prove effective.
"Since we eliminated four of their pieces in the gymnasium, they're keeping up their defenses for this location. In this stage, it's going to get more difficult from here on if the others gather around this area too"
There were two locations where it would be easier to transverse from the new and the old school buildings, which were the routes leading to the gymnasium and sport court. Meaning that since the gymnasium was destroyed by Akeno's lightning attack, the one other location was the sports court; so the enemies were likely all going to gather around the spot where Issei and Kiba were. As if noticing the anxiety that was building up inside of him, Kiba had glanced in Issei's direction as he looked nervous at the fight in front of him.
"Are you nervous?"
"O-Of course, I am! I have no battle experience! And now, I'm here on an actual battlefield. At the moment, I'm an inexperienced grunt compared to you who is full of battle experience."
Issei stated, which Kiba could understand full and well and showed Issei his shaking hand.
"Ise-kun, you said before that I have a lot of combat experience, which is true. But, this is the first time that I'm in an actual Rating Game. Even if this is a special case, that doesn't change the fact that this is a serious battle with far more meaning than our previous battles. Whether we want to or not, we'll be getting involved in more fights a lot like this one soon. That's why we can't show even the slightest weakness as servants of Buchou. I don't want to forget the feeling of my hands shaking. The feelings of nervousness, this intense atmosphere, and the chances we might lose. I want to turn all these feelings to battle experience. So, let's get stronger together."
"Then let's do a combination that'll steal the girls' hearts."
Issei added as he smirked at Kiba holding his thumb up, which caused Kiba to smile at his enthusiasm.
"I'm the Knight of Riser Phenex-sama, Karlamine," a sudden brave female's voice made it to their ears. "I'm now bored with attempting to sniff through each other's strategies. Rias Gremory's Knight. I challenge you to a duel."
After being called out, Kiba glanced out to see a female dressed as a knight standing in the middle of the court in a daring manner. Issei couldn't see the reason that she would do such a thing since it wouldn't be too much issue for someone to shoot her from behind or from a distance.
"Since she's introduced herself, I can't hide as both a Knight and swordsman."
Kiba said as he stepped from the shadows and proceeded to walk towards them.
"That idiot."
Issei complained as he followed behind them.
Both of them soon arrived on the baseball court in front of the brave knight named Karlamine.
"I'm the Knight of Rias Gremory, Yuuto Kiba."
"I'm the Pawn, Issei Hyoudou."
"Hahaha, I'm happy that there are warriors like you in Rias Gremory's peerage. Replying to the challenge from an opponent that's something that people with normal sanity wouldn't do," Karlamine heartily declared as she drew her sword from its sheath. "But, I love brave idiots like you two!"
Hearing Karlamine's response caused Issei to stare at her with a plain look.
"That's rich coming from the one shouting in an open clearing like this."
Issei thought in his head as he stared at her.
"A match between Knights. I've been waiting for this moment since the game started. I would love to have an intense sword fight with a fellow knight."
"Well, said Rias Gremory's Knight," Karlamine said smiling before glancing toward Issei. "First, there's something I and some of the other girls were wondering. So, I'd to personally ask Rias Gremory's pawn something."
"What is it?"
Issei questioned back preparing for whatever she was going to ask him.
But, then it noticed Karlamine's cheeks turned a little red as she was looking a little bashful.
"Your brother. He wouldn't be dating anyone, would he?"
.
.
.
.
.
.
"What the hell?"
"What?"
Karlamine was surprised about his sudden reaction about that question, while Kiba smiled wryly about it.
"Why the hell are you asking that during a battle," Issei replied pointing an accusing finger toward her. "More than that why does he get all the attention from girls?! We're twins! We look almost the same as one another, but in a situation when he talks to a girl they get all bashful! But, whenever I do it they look they're staring at some kind of beast or walking disease."
"That could be because you always perv on them, Ise-kun."
Kiba thought as he glanced to the side.
"I don't understand what you're referring to in the latter. But, looking at him, he has that soft face and smiles that I wasn't expecting. A lot of us thought he was also brave and cool for standing up to Riser-sama, a high-class devil without fear. However, would that be appropriate, I pledged myself as a knight and woman to Riser-sama," Issei and Kiba stared oddly at Karlamine who seemed to be struggling with something. "Ah, I believe that a knight it'll be a dishonor. Would this be a situation where we'd wonder what could have been? Forget it, I'll think about it as soon as this battle is completed."
Karlamine pointed her sword at Kiba getting herself prepared for battle against a fellow knight.
Seconds later, both Kiba and Karlamine vanished from their spots, then appeared in front of one another with the superhuman speed provided by their knight pieces, which Issei referred to as god-speed. Issei was able to follow most of what moves one another was making; Karlamine moved as if she was dancing around and Kiba moved more skillfully before both of them seemed to appear and disappear.
Issei stared at what was occurring before him unable to decide what to do next since he couldn't keep up with the level of speed displayed by the knights in front of him, even if he used promotion.
"You seem bored."
Issei was shocked as he turned around where he saw a woman dressed in a biker-esque manner, in addition to a mask covering the right side of her face. Walking beside her at a proper pace was a beautiful blonde-haired girl whose hair was styled in drills; wearing in a pink dress of a western princess. Issei recognized them as being the Rook and Bishop, respectively.
"Geez, this only seems like a mud fight since both of them only think about swords, swords, and swords."
She complained as she stood beside the Rook before she took a glance towards him.
"Hmmm. So, this boy is the pawn that Rias Gremory adores? Does she have bad taste ?"
Issei was irritated about the fact that despite her cute looks, she was saying such rude things to him.
"What are you one of the girls in Riser's peerage who prefers, Kazuki," Issei questioned as he held up his arm as he summoned his Boosted Gear. "Boosted Gear, standby!"
[Boost!]
"Kazuki," the blonde girl said before recalling the name. "You're referring to your brother, correct. He does have a lot of good traits and I haven't seen a human stand up to Onii-sama before. The others also started talking about him after returning home, but I haven't decided on anything yet. Also, I'm not going to be your opponent. Isabella, why don't you be his opponent?"
"W-What the hell?!"
Issei said noticing that the blonde-haired girl waved him off, then turned from him.
"Don't be concerned about this time. That girl is the most special among the peerage and will likely be observing the fight as well," Isabella said before noticing his expression. "Well, she is Ravel Phenex, Riser-sama's younger sister although she is also his servant."
"Ehhh?!"
Issei was surprised about that as Ravel merely waved her hand.
"Is that weirdo older brother into his younger sister, too?!"
"W-What?! N-No, Onii-sama hasn't done anything like that to me!"
Ravel immediately denied as she glared at him.
"Well, based on what Riser-sama said, 'You should all know that having your sister in your harem has significant meaning since it means having your close relatives. You know some people look at me with jealously. I should point out that I'm into little sisters myself, so I have Ravel in my peerage for merely fashion'," Isabella had explained to the dumbfounded Issei before getting into a stance. "That's what he told us when she joined. Now, here I come! Pawn of Rias Gremory!"
Isabella shouted and rushed at Issei who prepared himself aiming a sharp punch in his direction, but he avoided it using the trained instincts from his previous training.
"So, you can avoid a punch like that. I apologize, I was looking down on you a little bit. I'll have to step it up a little bit, then!"
Issei looked, realizing that Isabella stepped into a proper stance, then she started aiming a different assortment of punches aimed at different unpredictable angles. Even if he avoided the punch, Isabella would bend her arms aiming at him again almost like a whip. Isabella's moves appeared similar to ones a boxer would make. Issei was going to counter-attack against her but realizing he couldn't without Boosted Gear reaching a suitable level.
"Gah!"
Issei felt a strong impact in his stomach form her kick, causing him to spit up some bile from the force, which was followed up by a straight jab to the face.
[Boost!]
Issei noticed that he reached the fifth boost, but realized that it wouldn't be enough to take down a rook who was the highest after the queen. He recovered from the punch as Isabella rushed for him, before crossing his arms in an attempt to block all the punches aimed at him. Issei moved backward knowing that he couldn't take all of that damage from Isabella, a rook. But, he was secretly happy that he sparred against Kiba and Koneko during their training sessions.
"To be honest, I thought that I got you after my last kick landed, but you're still standing after all the brutal attacks I landed. It seems that Rias Gremory thoroughly trained you well, your stamina is especially high," Issei stared at her wearing a confused look as Isabella continued. "In a serious battle, the most important thing is stamina. Even an idiot can fight, but stamina is the most required to continue fighting for more than a few minutes. Serious fights like this take physical and mental stamina, being able to continue like this means you've trained your body."
Taking in the words from Isabella, Issei once again thought to the extra training he did compare to the others all the while Rias remained by his side from morning to dawn. Issei also thought back to the training that Kazuki has been doing from the time they entered middle school. However, recalling all that motivated him even more, which didn't go unnoticed by Isabella.
"…Looks like I ended up revving you up. I can feel that your pressure increased just now."
"Rook, Isabella. I'm the weakest and least experienced member in Rias Gremory's Peerage," Issei said as felt a surge of power from his Boosted Gear as he continued. "Someone is watching this match that I want to surpass as both an older brother and rival. Even though I've trained harder than the others, he's been training far harder than me from the beginning and he's already ahead of me. That's why I'll use this fight as a starting line."
Issei declared showing his resolve to continue fighting on.
Soon enough the sound of wind and something breaking made it to his ears as he turned to see that Kiba's Holy Eraser was broken by Karlamine who covered her sword in flames.
"It's unfortunate, but you're sacred gear, Holy Erase won't work against me."
"Is that so? Then, I'll also tell you this," Kiba replied pointing the bladeless sword in her direction. "Unfortunately, this isn't at all everything that my sacred gear can do."
"Nonsense," Karlamine declared as she rushed toward Kiba wielding her flame-covered blade. "Those words are unsightly for a swordsman, Knight of Gremory!"
"Freeze."
Kiba spoke a single word in a small tone before particles seemed to gather around the hilt of the blade which had a cold air around it before creating a blade of ice that replaced the blade of darkness. Seeing this caused a look of shock to appear on Karlamine's face as she proceeded forward.
"A-Absurd! Are you telling me you have two sacred gears?!"
Karlamine questioned as she slashed her sword toward him, but Kiba followed with his sword of ice, which broke her flame-covered sword after being eroded by the ice.
"In front of Flame Delete, all fire-based attacks will disappear."
"We are members of the mighty Phenex Household who rules over fire and wind," Karlamine strongly declared in an annoyed tone as she discarded her broken sword in a huff before pulling out a short sword. "Taste this! This is a whirlwind of fire!"
At her voice, Karlamine summoned fire and wind, which created as she said a whirlwind of fire, causing the heat to be felt on the skins of Issei and Isabella who was in the area.
"Karlamine, have you forgotten we're here too?!"
Karlamine was too focused on the fight to here Isabella's complaints, but instead looked and noticed that Flame Delete was melted from the intense heat bolstered by the wind. He instead placed the bladeless sword in front of him then spoke a single word once again.
"Stop."
Kiba created a silver unique-shaped blade with a weird sphere in the middle of the blade's tip, which generated a noise before sucking up the wind generated from the whirlwind, in addition to the flame soon vanishing too.
"Do you have multiple sacred gears?"
"I don't have multiple sacred gears. I created them."
"…created them?"
"Sword Birth. My sacred gear, which allows him to create any kind of demonic sword."
Kiba declared much to Karlamine's confusion as several swords appeared around him the moment that his hand touched the ground. Issei was surprised about the true power of his sacred gear but stopped as a familiar sound came from his Boosted Gear.
[Boost!]
"Alright, let's go! Boosted Gear! Explode!"
[Explosion!]
Issei was covered in an incredible power, which didn't go unnoticed by Karlamine despite being in the battle against Kiba and turned in their direction.
"Isabella! Defeat that Pawn! That sacred gear has the power to change the outcome of the battle!"
"Affirmative! Boosted Gear! It'll be a pain if he uses promotion, so I'll take him out before that happens!"
Isabella declared as she came rushing toward Issei after noticing the threat that he could pose of them, but Issei was able to avoid the first punch aimed at him. Issei heard about "Castling" from Rias, which meant that the King could switch places with their Rook. Since Koneko took out Xuelan already, the only one left was Isabella. Once Issei blocked the punches and kicks from Isabella, he blocked the next punch using Boosted Gear. He countered the attack using a straight punch aimed at her chest, but it couldn't even count as a punch.
"Are you even trying?!"
Isabella questioned as she aimed another attack at him, but Issei gave a perverted smirk as he was prepared to snap his fingers.
"Burst open! Dress Break!"
Issei called out, which resulted in all of Isabella's clothes being torn apart, revealing her buxom figure, which was tight due to all her training. He saved her figure in his mind as she looked flustered and immediately attempted to cover herself.
"W-What is this?!"
In response to that, Issei summoned a block of demonic power in front of his right hand, then launched it forward at the confused Isabella.
"Goooooo! Dragon Shot!"
Issei released a huge blast of demonic power, which sailed forward hitting Isabella, which was strong enough to eliminate a mountain. His demonic power using at this level rivaled a High-Class Devil. Isabella after being struck like that using Dragon Shot landed on the ground and was covered in bright light.
[Reset!]
Issei exited the empowered state using his Explosion as Isabella vanished from the field.
[Riser Phenex-sama's Rook retires.]
"Hell yeaaaaaah!"
Issei declared after defeating Isabella.
"It seems that both Isabella and I have been taking that pawn and Boosted Gear lightly. As I thought, I shouldn't have treated him as a normal pawn," Karlamine praised smiling a little causing a boost in Issei's pride before her expression faltered in a frown. "But, that was an awful technique. No, I shouldn't call it a technique. B-Being able to blow away any woman's clothing…. I hope his brother doesn't have a side like that."
"I'm sorry for our Ise-kun being a lecher," Kiba bowed his head. "Also, Kazuki-kun is the one who stops him most of the time."
"That's good."
"Hey! Don't apologize!"
Issei shouted as he noticed Kiba apologizing for him and Karlamine letting a light breath escape from her mouth as if relieved before staring at Kiba.
"But, a demonic sword wielder, how fortunate. I might have been destined to meet swordsmen who wield special swords such as those."
"Hmm, so there was someone beside me who uses demonic swords?"
Kiba questioned.
"No, it wasn't a demonic sword. It was a holy sword."
"…tell me about that holy sword wielder."
Those around the area noticed the immediate change in his demeanor as killing intent started to radiate from him sending a cold chill down their backs. Even Ravel who was acting confident the entire time felt a chill.
"…what's wrong with him?"
She questioned in a low tone.
"Hmm, it means that swordswoman has some connection to you. Though, now that I look at you, you bare some resemblance to the person with her too," Karlamine said ignoring the killing intent. "But, since we are swordsmen talking would be rude. I'll answer you with my sword!"
"…is that right. …if your mouth can move, then it won't be a problem even if you're in a state where you're unable to move."
Kiba's killing intent seemed to increase all the more as his question when unanswered, which caused Issei great surprise as Kiba went from his usual calm and charming demeanor to wanting to murder someone.
"So, it's here!"
"Huh? Where Isabella-neesama?!"
"Don't tell me she got defeated!"
All Riser's remaining peerage members gathered around the sports field, two pawns who appeared to be twin catgirls, the other bishop, and knight. This caught the attention of Kiba who noticed the more enemies who arrived in addition to the two who remained around them.
"Hey, Pawn-kun over there."
One of the catgirls called him.
"Riser-sama said he's going to fight against Rias Gremory one-on-one. Look over there?"
Following the direction of her finger, Issei looked and saw Rias landing on the roof using her devil wings standing in front of Riser who had his flame wings out. He was surprised since he didn't hear about this part of the plan as Rias wasn't supposed to fight against Riser at this point without them.
"It appears that Onii-sama challenged Rias-sama since she was doing well in the rating game. It would have still been our victory even if it continued normally. At this rate, it'll be over before you even fight him."
Ravel said as she started laughing in a princess-like manner.
"Buchou is strong! After Akeno-san defeats your queen, she'll come here too. Kiba and I will also defeat all of the remaining servants here, then….!"
"The Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess, Priestess of Lightning, Sword Birth, and Boosted Gear. Merely hearing the names at the same time will give me chills. But, your opponent is the Immortal bird. No matter what kind of power you have, it means nothing against the immortal bird."
"Even the immortal phoenix has a weakness!"
Ravel didn't seem to believe that he could do it since defeating one means either fighting until said person loses their will to fight or their strike holds the power to rival the gods.
"Karlamine. I'll leave that Knight to you, but if you lose, we won't fight one-on-one. We'll defeat him together. Do you want to lower the name of the Phenex," Ravel spoke in an authoritative tone causing Karlamine to agree with those terms. "Ni and Li, both of you will be fighting against the pawn. Siris, you'll deliver the finishing move."
"Nya."
"Nya nya."
Both Ni and Li said as both of them rushed towards Issei without waiting for him to respond.
"Both of them are nekomata. Their combat skills are also remarkable, you know."
As she said that, Issei received a strike from his stomach and head causing him to falter backward, as Issei was hit both sisters. Before he could counter, he started to receive blows to his arms, legs, shoulders, and back from an almost relentless combo from the neko sisters.
"B-Boosted Gear!"
[Boost!]
Issei activated his Boosted Gear, but the attacks continued.
"Ni! Li! Boosted Gear doubles his power every ten seconds! Based on how he defeated Ile and Nel, you won't be able to defeat him after reaching the third boost! So, finish the fight in twenty seconds! Due to his sacred gear, he won't be able to both attack and double his power at the same time! Don't touch his hands! He has a shameless move that blows away girls' clothes on contact!"
"That's low!"
"It's vulgar to think with your lower body!"
"What's wrong with thinking with my lower body!? I'm a guy!"
Issei replied tot he disgusted replies from them, but he was surprised that someone on the peerage able to know all his moves after seeing him fight. Issei felt pain at his legs after being rushed several times as he was even hit in the face causing blood to spill from his mouth and nose.
"Ise-kun!"
Kiba wanted to assist him, but he was too busy fighting against Karlamine at the moment wielding two swords in his heads instead of one to end the fight quicker.
"Karlamine! Holding him off for another ten seconds! We'll be defeating the Dragon user soon enough!"
Issei was annoyed about the fact that he was losing like this and Riser's sister was simply giving orders, while he fell to the ground.
He noticed that an explosion and shock wave occurred causing him to turn to see Rias and Riser still fighting one another on the rooftop. Issei could tell that Riser wasn't wounded or panting at all, but Rias had parts of her outfit torn and burned from the battle. The situation caused him to believe that they wouldn't be able to win and if that were to happen, then she would end up being forged into an engagement.
"I can't lose here! I can't let Buchou be forced to marry that guy when she doesn't want to," Issei didn't want Rias in that situation due to his feelings toward her and knowing it wasn't what she wanted. "Come on, I already said I wouldn't fall behind that guy as his older brother and rival! Come on, give me strength! Boosted Gear!"
[Dragon Booster!]
Issei heard the same call when he awakened the real power from Boosted Gear as a red light was released from it, but it wasn't enough power to win this fight like before, and continued to amass his feelings.
"More! This isn't enough! Answer my feelings! Boosted Geeeeeear!"
Issei was covered in red light as it was released from around him, as his Boosted Gear started changing into a different form altogether aside from the original gauntlet.
"Oh, is that what I think it is"
Ruval questioned after noticing the change in his gauntlet.
"What is that?"
Kazuki questioned inside of the VIP room as Asia looked at what was happening in front of her.
[Hmm, it took him long enough. That is the final stage of the Boosted Gear, which grants the wielder the second power of Ddraig.]
Kazuki heard Albion's explanation.
"Second power?"
[As the Vanishing Dragon, I can divide the power of my opponent, then absorb that divided power. As the Welsh Dragon, Ddraig can multiply his power, but he can also transfer that multiplied power into something else. It took him longer than I thought to awaken that power.]
Kazuki was surprised about that reveal but continued as Issei and Kiba stood beside one another with both of their hands on the ground.
{Sword Birth!}
{Boosted Gear Gift!}
{Transfer!}
Sword Birth and Boosted Gear was released at the same time, causing numerous demonic swords to spring out from the ground with both their wielders at the center. All Riser's remaining peerage members were all stabbed in various parts of their bodies as blood dripped from their wounds and mouths. Ravel was also stabbed, but due to being a Phenex, she was able to heal and escape using her flame wings.
{…Impossible.}
Karlamine said as she was covered in bright light.
{Is this also the power of the Red Dragon?}
Ravel questioned as she stared at the result of the attack.
{Riser Phenex-sama's two pawns, two knights, and one bishop retire.}
Grayfia announced causing Issei and Kiba to celebrate, but it ended as another soon sounded.
{Rias Gremory-sama's queen retires.}
{…?!}
{What?!}
Neither of them could believe that Akeno was taken out like that, but it continued as an explosion was heard near Issei. He turned to see Kiba being sent to the ground by an explosion as he was covered in retiring light before he also vanished.
{Rias Gremory-sama's knight retires.}
"Kiba-san!"
Asia said as she witnessed Kiba being attacked and vanishing, which was hard for her to see but was comforted as Kazuki held onto her hand in comfort. He looked to see Issei turning towards the queen who floated in the air as who wore a cocky look despite being glared at by Issei.
{Come down here, right now! Koneko-chan! Akeno-san! And even Kiba. I'll avenge them! I'll take you down using my Boosted Gear!}
"Come on, Nii-san calm down. Even if you fought, you won't be able to react to that explosion caused by her fire magic. Hurry up and go to Rias-senpai before she ends up being taken out."
Kazuki thought in his head, knowing that it would be an immediate knock out if he was hit in his state. However, it didn't happen like that as Yubelluna started flying off in the direction of Riser without taking his challenge seriously. Issei was annoyed about that but struggled to reach the school building where Rias was facing off against Riser since he stamina was almost drained from the continuous battle and using his Boosted Gear.
He watched as Issei arrived in front of the entrance were Ravel was standing there, but Kazuki turned around to see Lady Phenex appearing to be worried.
"Uh, ma'am are you worried about Ravel-san?"
Kazuki questioned, knowing that it was terrible being stripped in a clear view in the Rating Game, but it was even more terrible if a parent was taking this.
"Y-Yes."
She stammered a bit.
"I already plan on giving him a lecture about creating that kind of technique and using it in front of an audience like this," Kazuki said. "All I can do is apologize on his behalf. Or make him apologize."
"I can tell that you two have a familiar dynamic," Ruval pointed out. "It reminds me of Riser and Ravel. Whenever he does anything perverted with his peerage members in public, she always tells him to knock it off."
Hearing that from him caused Kazuki to realize that the difference between him and Issei and Riser and Ravel.
"Well, we're both the siblings of serious perverts."
Kazuki said crossing his arms.
Lady Phenex let out a sigh of relief as Ravel was spared from Dress Break as Issei simply used it as a threat and continued going forward into the building. After promoting to queen, Issei continued running to the roof as fast as possible until reaching the entrance leading into the room.
{Buchoooooooou! Hyoudou Issei, here at your seeeeeervice!}
Issei called out causing Rias to turn in his direction wearing a smile on her face.
{Ise!}
{The Dragon Brat, huh? Ravel let him pass, huh.}
{Riser-sama. Should I take care of the pawn?}
Riser didn't take the suggestion and raised his hand in the air.
{I was wondering about that technique of his, it would be bad if he got rid of the flames that I surround myself in. I believe that it merely focuses on women and not men. So, I'll be there opponent.}
{Don't mess around Riser!}
Rias declared releasing a demonic bullet at Riser, blowing off parts of his head, but it started to recover almost in a matter of moments as he sighed.
{Rias, resign. You'll make your Otou-sama and Sirzechs-sama look bad if you continue fighting like this. You've got no more servants aside from the pawn there and it appears he'll keel over at any moment. Don't you think it's checkmate, Rias?}
{I won't give up! No one knows the outcome until it's over! I have no more choices? I, the King is still active.}
{I'm not smart. So, I don't know anything about foreseen or checkmate. But I can still fight. I can continue fighting as long as I can clench my fist!}
Issei declared as he started moving forward.
{Well said! Ise, let's defeat Raiser together!}
{Yes, Buchou! Let's go, Boosted Gear!}
{Burst!}
Instead of the usual "Boost", "Burst" was instead sounded as blood started to drip from his nose and mouth as an incredibly painful sensation traveled across his body.
"I can respect his spirit and making it this far despite the less experience among all of them. But, he's reached his limit."
Ruval said as everyone watched as Issei coughed out blood, but respected the fact that Issei was able to come so far despite being reincarnated for a short period than the others.
"Boosted Gear exhausts the owner more than Divine Dividing, whereas the absorbed power is released from the wings. Boosted Gear continues to double the owner's power, but that puts a burden on him. He's been running around the battlefield the entire time and fighting. Nii-san."
Kazuki didn't know what to think at the moment seeing his brother writhing on the ground as the light vanished in Boosted Gear showing that it wouldn't activate again. But, despite that, Issei stood back onto his feet then started to walk in the direction of Riser with his fist clenched.
{I'm not done yet!}
Issei threw a weak punch at Riser, but he merely sighed and avoided it, then punched him in the hard on the face causing him to almost lose consciousness. Rias fired a demonic bullet blasting off his arm, causing Riser to click his tongue as Issei continued to charge at him regardless. After his arm healed, Riser continued to beat on Issei who continued standing back up.
"…please stop."
Asia couldn't continue seeing her friend being beaten bloody and looked down as she held onto Kazuki's hand as if looking for comfort.
"…Kazuki-sama."
Lucina turned to see his reaction, noticing that he looked calm, but he was likely biting the inside of his mouth so he wouldn't clench his hand, which Asia was holding onto. Despite wanting to always appear calm, nothing in his eyes displayed that, which no one in the room could disagree against. Rias soon held onto Issei who was still standing up despite losing consciousness before holding him in her arms crying at the lengths he was will to go.
{It's my loss. I resign.}
Rias said those words, which was something that she didn't want to say, but Kazuki knew that she didn't want to put Issei through anything more than this. And that marked the end of the Rating Game.
"Sirzechs-sama could we talk over there?"
Lord Phenex sighed after seeing the end of the game, obviously not agreeing to that beating.
"Of course."
Sirzechs calmly replied.
But, Kazuki couldn't tell what was going through his mind.
"Kazuki-san, can I go to heal Ise-san and the others?"
Asia asked strongly as she stood up in front of him causing him to smile at the kindness and immediate request.
"Yea, I think that'll be fine. I'll be waiting for you to return."
Kazuki replied as he calmly patted her on top of her head.
"Asia-sama, I know the location. So, if you don't mind, I could take you there."
"That'll be fine."
Asia replied to the request from Lucina.
"Kazuki-sama, I'll return with Asia-sama in a while."
After hearing those words from Lucina, Kazuki nodded his head as he smiled at them as Lucina teleported both herself to the medical treatment center. He wanted to go there and see them, but he didn't know what he'd say to either of them. There was a chance that all of them would want to rest first and think about the battle first without hearing any kind of words from him.
"Ah, Hakuryuukou-san?"
"Hmm, you can call me Kazuki."
Kazuki looked and saw Lady Phenex standing in front of him with a complicated look on her face.
"Then, Kazuki-san. I would like to apologize for that. It was true that this has significant meaning to the Phenex Household, but we don't condone Riser using that kind of excessive force against anyone."
Lady Phenex said as she bowed her head in front of him in an apologetic manner.
"Ah, you don't need to apologize for anything, Phenex-san. My brother is the kind of person who doesn't give up no matter the situation. So, please you can raise your head."
Kazuki was once again stumped about the politeness of Riser's family members, which seemed almost lacking in Riser himself based on his interactions with him.
"I do have to say that all of them fought well despite it being their first time in the Rating Game despite the odds against them. It would be interesting to meet Rias after she and her peerage mature in an official match."
Ruval said recalling all that happened in the Rating Game.
"Dear, Ruval. I think that it's time for us to depart," Lord Phenex stated as he arrived next to both his wife and son before turning toward Kazuki. "Hakuryuukou-dono, no Kazuki-dono. It was interesting meeting you here. Truly, it was a great match."
Lord Phenex said reaching his hand out to Kazuki who stared at him with a second before smiling and shook his hand not having a single reason to dislike either of them. Once their business with one the three of them walked outside of the room leaving Kazuki and Sirzechs alone in the room.
"Well, how was your first meeting with them, Kazuki-kun?"
Sirzechs questioned appearing next to him.
"I didn't think that I would meet such nice and polite people."
"There are high-class devils who are cocky and arrogant, but members of the Phenex household are one of the most polite people you'll meet. The first son who you first met, Ruval-kun is one of the top-ranked players in the Rating Game. So, giving a compliment to Ria-tan and your brother truly as weight behind them."
"Yea. But, how do you feel about Rias-senpai losing?"
"It's truly unfortunate, but in this situation the higher-ups want more pure-blood devils to be born especially since the Great War depleted a good number of them. But, who knows what could happen before the marriage?"
Sirzechs said some cryptic words to him as he sent a faint smile to Kazuki before looking off in another direction as a magic circle appeared near them and Grayfia soon appeared. Once she did, he started getting into a quieter conversation with his queen.
"'Who knows what could happen before the marriage'," Kazuki thought about the words that Sirzechs said. "What is he planning to do for Rias-senpai?"
A/N: And there goes chapter eleven of The Twin Dragons, I apologize for the late update for this chapter. In this one, it showed the rating game between Rias and Riser, but I made sure to make it somewhat original as possible since it was an important part here. There was also some interaction between Kazuki and the other members of the Phenex Clan.
Also, after reading reviews and thinking about it myself, I decided to add Ravel into Kazuki's harem since there is a lot of things that the two of them have in common.
I hope that you liked the chapter, until next time.
Issei's Harem: Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia, Lucia, Tsubasa, Kiyome, Aika, Elmenhilde, Yasaka, Kunou, Bennia, Roygun, Ingvild.
Kazuki's Harem: Sona, Raynare, Asia, Irina, Lucina, Mariah, Kuroka, Ophis, Rossweisse, Ravel, Le Fay, Gabriel, Jeanne, Lint.