'sWelcome to the next chapter of The Twin Dragons, but before starting. Let us answer some reviews:
Pawnofriasgremory: Thanks for that, I've been having trouble with editing on FanFiction. Believe me, I've thought it through and there was too much that I felt the two of them had in common.
Twin Dragons vs Phenex
"Am I here again?"
Issei found himself floating in the darkness that seemed without end, he wasn't able to comprehend anything around him. His mind attempted to trace all the events that occurred from the training towards their first official Rating Game, but he was unable to think about anything.
"What happened with Buchou? What happened with the game? What happened to…?"
Issei's questions went on without end almost the same as the abyss he was floating in.
Issei was soon able to sense a familiar presence stronger than anything he's felt so far, in that presence a bright red light, in addition to scorching flames appeared before him. Soon enough, the same red dragon that he'd seen before in his dreams appeared in front of him.
[If you're like that, then you'll never get stronger.]
The red dragon spoke to him.
[You're an abnormal being who possesses a dragon within you. So, don't show such a miserable side of yourself. If you do, then the White One will laugh at you. Seeing as though, you're own little brother is your rival, it would be in your best interests to get stronger.]
"Ah, right. At that time, I unlocked another power-up during the Rating Game. Was that because of you?"
[Yea, that was your desire. What I desired. And what the White One desires.]
"The White One? Are you talking about that dragon that appeared behind Kazuki at that time? Albion?"
[That's right. Though, our encounter was soon than expected. Brothers or not, both he and I are destined to meet one another on the battlefield no matter the host.] The red dragon laughed before continuing. [Ah, by the way, this is about my power. I will teach you how to use its real power in the future. For, I'm the one who resides inside of your left arm, Issei Hyoudou. Ddraig, the Welsh Dragon.]
"Ddraig?"
[You've already tasted defeat once? What doesn't kill you can make you stronger. However, this only has meaning if you win the next fight. Lose, win, then keep on winning. Keep on doing that, then you'll be able to face him on the battlefield.]
Issei took in the words from Ddraig as he seemed to realize more and more the meaning of his words.
"What's going to happen between me and Kazuki? We're brothers, we're rivals, but…."
[You'll know soon enough. Get stronger for that predestined day. I'm prepared to give you my power anytime that you desire, however, keep in mind that it'll come with a great sacrifice. And in return, I'll give you something worth that sacrifice. Demonstrate the power of a dragon to those who've mocked you!]
As those words from Ddraig's mouth, Issei was overcome with a brilliant red light, which soon brought him back to consciousness.
Issei woke up, finding himself in his bedroom staring into the ceiling, as his mind was coming back to the events, which transpired. Seconds later, everything started flowing back into his mind like a waterfall, from facing against the pawns, losing Koneko, teaming up with Kiba, losing Akeno, losing Kiba, then losing against Riser.
"What happened to Buchou?!"
"Ah, it looks like you're awake."
He heard a familiar voice, then witnessed Grayfia sitting in a chair beside his bed, appearing to have been waiting for him to wake up.
"Grayfia-san! The match? What happened to Buchou!?"
"Riser-sama won the match. Rias-ojousama resigned."
Issei was shocked after hearing those words.
'I felt uneasy when I heard that Riser was chosen as my fiancé. Yes, I think that Otou-sama and the others chose him in case something like this would happen. Riser was chosen so I'd have no choice but to marry him. Even if it became a match between households, they knew there was no way for me to win. In chess, you would say that I've been tricked. Or swindled.'
Rias resigned and so, she would end up marrying Riser, which was something that she never wanted in the first place.
'Gremory. I felt proud of it. However, this is something that is also a burden for me. Everyone looks at me as Rias from the Gremory Clan. No one ever looks at me as just, Rias. That's the reason I love living in the Human World where no one loves about Gremory the Devil. In school, everyone looks at me as who I am. I like that. I've never felt something like this in the Underworld and I never will on as well. The only time that I can enjoy my life as myself is as a student in the Human World.'
Even if she was a high-class devil, Rias wanted to be a normal school girl, in Kuoh Academy and recognized for who she was, not where she came from.
'I want to be with someone who will live me as Rias without the fact that I'm a Gremory. That's a small dream that I have…. It's unfortunate, but Riser looks at me as Rias from the Gremory Clan. And he loves me for just that fact alone. That's the main reason that I hate it, but still, the pride of being a Gremory is also important to me too. My feelings may be complicated, but I want to cherish this small dream I have.'
Rias was prideful in being from the Gremory Household, but she still wanted to be loved for being herself.
"If I wasn't so weak, then Buchou wouldn't have," Issei mumbled causing Grayfia to look at him as if in an attempt to inspect his next couple words. "…where's Buchou now? And where's Kiba and the others."
"At the moment, the engagement party for Ojou-sama and Riser-sama is taking place in an assembly hall in the Underworld prepared by the Gremory Clan. The others went to escort Ojou-sama there, you're the only one who isn't in the hall."
Issei heard these words from Grayfia, but he looked and noticed that in his room, it appeared as if someone had been taking care of him. Noticing this, Grayfia decided to continue.
"Asia-sama has been assisting Kazuki-sama in taking care of you and tending to your wounds. Kazuki-sama left to talk to a fallen angel who appears to be acquainted with him and Asia-sama left to retrieve a new towel," Issei heard her words, but she realized that he didn't accept anything that was going on. "You can't accept the results of the match. Rias-ojousama is obeying the terms of her household's terms."
"Even if the battle is over, even if we lost. I can't accept this," Issei openly declared grasping on his sheets as he seemed to grip his teeth. "I don't want Buchou forced to agree to something that she doesn't even want to agree to in the first place. I can't let that bastard Riser have her!"
"Fufufu."
For the first time, Issei heard Grayfia softly laughing.
"You're an interesting person. For a time, I've met several devils reincarnated or not, however, this is the first I've encountered someone who show their emotions and what they're thinking on their face. And to also act based on what they believe in. My King, Sirzechs-sama watched your efforts in the rating game from one battle to another and he said that you were interesting, you know?"
Issei was surprised that someone as high as the maou, Lucifer thought about him like that and that person was, in fact, Rias' older brother. Grayfia then reached inside her pockets, then pulled out a black paper that has a red-colored magic circle inscribed on it.
"This magic circle will let you teleport to the hall of the engagement party of the Gremory and Phenex Clans."
"W-Why would you give me this?"
Issei was confused about the reason for handing him something like this as it could spell trouble for both families.
"I have a message from Sirzechs-sama for you," Grayfia said before looking him in the eye. "'If you want to save my little sister, then barge into the wall'. Those were his words. Please use it if you want to take back use the magic circle on the back and the back use the other one when you take back Ojou-sama. I'm sure it'll be useful to you."
Having said those words, Grayfia stood to her feet then began to depart.
"In your sleep, I could feel an enormous power within you, Issei-sama. Dragons are the only species who aren't allied with Heaven, Underworld, or Grigori. If you're able to draw out the infernal power of that one, then…."
Grayfia appeared to have been giving him advice as she was going to teleport from his bedroom, which didn't go at all unnoticed by Issei. Determined, he got out of his bedroom, then picked up the replacement school uniform that was placed on his desk and started getting dressed.
Once Issei was finished getting dressed and putting the paper inside his pocket, the door to his bedroom opened revealing Asia who was holding a fresh towel in her hands.
"Ise-san! Thank goodness, you're alright," Asia was glad that he was alright to the brink of even shedding tears. "You slept for two days even though your injuries were healed. Akeno-san, Kiba-san, and Koneko-chan checked in a lot to see whether or not you were alright."
"I'm sorry for worrying everyone," he said before glancing down and started speaking. "Asia listen, I'm going after Buchou again."
"…not to celebrate, yes?"
"I'm going to take Buchou again. I even got a free pass to the hall," Issei said before clenching his fist again. "I'm going to fight against Riser one more time."
"I thought that you'd say that."
Kazuki entered the room behind Asia placing a hand on top of her head.
"Kazuki, whatever you're going to say. I'm not turning…."
"Whoever said that I was going to stop you? I'm going too."
Hearing that response coming from Kazuki caused Issei to stare at him wearing a shocked look on his face.
"Wh-Why would you want to come with me?"
"You weren't the only person that Riser has looked down on. Even before that insulting the Sekiryuutei who owns Boosted Gear is the same as insulting the Hakuryuukou who owns Divine Dividing," Kazuki stated recalling their first encounter. "Besides, this is the perfect chance to test out a couple of things I learned from training and test out some new items that I got."
Hearing those words from his little brother caused him to become surprised since this would the first time he has ever actively looked for a fight. But, Issei also realized that Kazuki wasn't going to back down, more so since both of them were a lot alike in that regard.
"Alright, let's go kick some ass!"
Issei cheered as he and Kazuki bumped fists.
"Uh, I-I'm going too!"
Asia suddenly declared catching Issei off guard.
"A-Asia, you can't be serious. This is might be dangerous."
"That's the reason that Asia's sacred gear might come in handy healing serious wounds," Kazuki pointed out. "It's not like we're going to war against everyone in the hall. All you need to do is challenge Riser to a fight one more time and win back Rias-senpai. Besides she's also been training in using magic."
"Right, I might not be able to do much aside from healing, but I'm learning to be more useful."
Asia said determined to assist them.
"Right, I need to do one more thing that I need to do before going against Riser again," Issei said before glancing at Kazuki. "But, even with that, I might not be able to get passed his regeneration."
"Well, I thought about that and decided on something that might help."
Hearing that from Kazuki caught Issei's attention as his younger brother started explaining the situation.
Meanwhile, in the waiting room located in the hall where the engagement of Rias and Riser was being celebrated said bride-to-be was sitting in the room dressed in a red extravagant dress and her long crimson hair tied up. She was sitting in front of a large mirror sniffling to herself, but not at the thought about getting married, but instead at the pain that was caused to her peerage.
"I'll never forget that bitter loss, but everyone fought and worked hard for my benefit. There's not a single thing that I have to criticize them for, they all did beyond spectacular in that first game. Taking out almost all of Riser's servants aside from his queen and bishop," Rias couldn't help smiling at the effort that all of them put into fighting against Riser's peerage and her mind soon went to one person in particular. "Issei."
'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!'
Rias thought back to all the times that he continued pressing forward despite not having the same level of talents or skills as Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko. All the training he did and all the effort that he put into fighting in the Rating Game and in the end against Riser despite being beaten into unconsciousness.
"Issei, you continued fighting for me until the end. I tried stopping you from going after Kazuki, even though deep down, I and the others wanted to help him too straight away. Even if it meant straying, you would have continued fighting against those exorcists and fallen angels for him," Rias thought as her mind went towards the information she received from Akeno about his condition. "You did push yourself harder than anyone else, overworking yourself using Boosted Gear and you continued fighting."
Rias leaned forward staring downward at the ground.
"At first, I thought that you were just adorable, but you were the first person to ever look at me as Rias not Rias of Gremory. Now, I…."
"Hello, my darling Rias."
Rias heard the familiar voice of the person who beat Issei into unconsciousness during the Rating Game, but she didn't want to turn around to see the arrogant smile that was likely on his face.
"What do you want, Riser?"
"You're keeping everyone waiting in the hall. Why don't we show everyone, my beautiful fiancée?"
"Don't rush me. Just give me a minute or two of peace before I have…."
Before Rias could even finish her sentence, she heard Riser's footsteps heading in her direction before she could even feel his presence behind her.
"Ah, don't sound so cruel. Since there's still time until the ceremony, why don't we practice a little what we'll end up doing during our honeymoon."
"How about no?"
Rias coldly replied as she felt disgusted about whatever that could entail.
"Come on, you know I've always wanted to know the feeling of your bountiful bosom."
As those words left Riser's mouth, Rias was shocked as she felt two hands grabbing onto her bust, which caused an immediate reaction from her.
"Look, do you want me to…!"
Rias stood up from her seat, her face radiating with anger as she glared at 'Riser', but she instead stared at the individual with a shocked expression on her face.
"What's wrong, don't you recognize the face of you….," 'Riser' continued until bursting out into laughter 'his' voice turning more and more feminine by the second. "Hahahaha, I'm sorry, I couldn't help coming in here to tease you a little before the ceremony started."
Standing before Rias wasn't Riser, but instead an undeniably beautiful silver-haired young woman the same age as herself and red eyes; dressed in a formal silver dress and her long silver hair tied into a ponytail. Moreover, it was noted that she bared a striking resemblance to two people in particular, but Rias stared at her annoyed.
"Ah, Lucia what're you doing here?!"
"Hey hey, Ria-chan. Lu-chan here wanted to see how you were doing?"
"That's a lie. You came here to mess with me. Going as far as to change your voice using demonic power."
Rias stared at Lucia with a blank expression on her face, knowing full well that she wasn't that kind of person and it was further shown by her reaction.
"Yea, I guess that too," Lucia boldly pointed out shrugging her shoulders. "Well, Grayfia-obachan returned to find me coming back from the Human World with some friends and said that I had to come since I didn't go to some previous lessons. Well, after getting chewed out first. Seriously, my dear aunt can be scary sometimes."
Rias didn't want to admit it, but she felt some of the built-up tension in her fading as she talked with Lucia.
"Have you ever tried not getting into trouble and acting do disobediently?"
"Like I want to hear that coming from Ria-chan. You know, most high-class devils wouldn't act so brazen and not accept being married to another one."
"So would…."
"Nope, I'd run off and do whatever I could to avoid the person entirely using my clan's inherent power."
Lucia replied before Rias could even let the words leave her mouth.
"As I thought," Rias said as she crossed her arms underneath her bust. "As if you'd leave for long, though. For as much as I personally don't like you, I know that you wouldn't leave behind Lucina like that."
"It would crush this dear Onee-sama's heart if she left behind her dear Lu-tan. I'd never been able to live that long if I didn't receive a big hug from my dear baby sister."
Lucia brazenly said dramatically.
"What do you think I should be? I can't just walk out of this."
"Well, I don't know," Lucia shrugged her shoulders before getting into an apparent thinking pose. "I mean, I have an idea, but you probably won't like it."
Having heard those words, Rias became worried since if Lucia was openly pointing out that she might not like it, then there was a chance that it'll be a terrible idea. But, Rias decided to just roll with it for curiosity's sake.
"You could come out of the closet."
"Come out of the closet?! I was never in the closet, to begin with! I knew that you would say something like that!"
"Come on, it doesn't sound so far fetch~," Lucia appeared in front of Rias using short-range teleportation without giving the crimson-haired young woman a chance to react, then placed her gently on her cheek. "How would you know your feelings without experiencing your first kiss with another woman?"
Lucia felt a sudden chill then moved back away from Rias, as she wrapped herself in a dangerous red aura as an incredible amount of destructive power gathered in her hands. Rias' eyes seemed to shine with a dangerous light at the mere suggestion of giving up her first kiss and to someone, she didn't like.
"Alright alright, chill out, Ria-chan," Lucia replied nervously waving her hands in front of herself erratically. "It was a suggestion. I'm not into girls anyway."
"Don't joke about that, one's first kiss is the most important thing to a girl."
Rias calmed down as Lucia continued staring at her with a nonchalant expression before smirking a little bit.
"Well, it looks like you've lightened up a little bit. I was told to come here and check up on you. So, mind coming out before I end up getting chewed at again?"
Lucia said in a more pleading tone causing Rias to sigh again.
"Fine, tell them, I'll leave in a moment."
"Alright, later~"
Lucia sent Rias a peace sign before teleporting out of the room causing Rias to sigh.
"I envy her sometimes, Lucia lives freely without worrying about what everyone else thinks."
Rias mumbled to herself as she began getting herself prepared, then stood in the middle of the room ready for an engagement she didn't want in the first place. She walked outside the room where she found her three peerage members, which consisted of Akeno wearing a stylish kimono, Kiba wearing in a tuxedo, and Koneko wearing an adorable dress.
"Are you ready, Buchou?"
Akeno questioned in her usual tone, which Rias replied by merely nodding her head in agreement.
All three of them merely followed behind their King who made a solemn expression on their face, as the three of them looked as if they were waiting for something…or someone.
In front of them, the doors leading into the hall was opened by the guards with the people, then said guard looked to all the people in the room and started the announcement.
"Now introducing, the bride, Rias Gremory-sama. Her Queen, Akeno Himejima-sama. Her Rook, Koneko Toujou-sama. And finally, her Knight, Yuuto Kiba-sama."
Hearing the guard announce their presence one of them started to escort Rias in the direction of Riser who stood beside several other high-class devils.
"Well, it looks like they're having a good time at least."
Akeno pointed in the direction of Riser's peerage, noticing most of them were talking among themselves, the twin sisters who Issei stripped were cheerfully eating the deserts and running around without a care. Kiba noticed that a lot of them were taking glances in their direction, but their glances didn't appear hostile, instead, it seemed as if it was out of some kind of respect. His sister, Ravel, on the other hand, seemed more invested in conversing with other guests.
"Well, it seems that it won't be awkward after being defeated."
Kiba pointed out.
"Well, it's good to see you're all still in good spirits."
The three of them soon found Sona dressed in proper noble attire, which consists of a blue dress, and was joined by her Queen, Tsubaki dressed in similar formal attire.
"Ah, good evening, Kaichou."
Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko lightly bowed their heads in front of Sona who waved her hands.
"I'm Kaichou during school times. So, now, I'm merely Sona."
Sona pointed out smiling lightly before continuing.
"Though, the outcome wasn't something that you all wanted. I wanted to say that it was an amazing battle to see despite being your first rating game."
"And outnumbered with fewer numbers compared to the opponent's experienced servants."
The three of them received words of praise from Sona and Tsubaki.
"Thanks, Sona-san."
Akeno gave her usual kind response.
"Well, we don't plan on losing next time. Since I've experienced a rating game battle firsthand, I'll do better in the next one that comes up."
Kiba seemed to be looking forward to the next battle.
"…we're losing to those losers next time."
Koneko replied in her usual harsh manner.
"Have either of you heard about Hyoudou-kun?"
Sona decided to answer hearing about the amount of time he's stayed asleep despite all his injuries being healed by Twilight Healing for two days. However, his extended battles, using a brand new power, and exhaustion from overusing Boosted Gear isn't something that could be healed.
"No, we haven't heard anything yet? But, knowing, Ise-kun he won't remain sleeping for that much longer."
Akeno replied, causing both Kiba and Koneko to agree with her words.
From there, the celebration continued undisturbed for a couple of moments, Riser stood beside Rias placing his hand on her shoulders talking to high-class devils wearing his usual confident smirk. Rias, on the other hand, just stood there wearing a solemn expression on her face. Until—
PUSH! OPEN!
Upon hearing the sounds of the entrance leading into the hall being pushed open, the high-class devils turned all their attention in surprise. Rias was still too preoccupied standing near Riser until she heard a familiar voice. This person scanned throughout the room filled with high-class devils until he found her.
"Buchooooooooou!"
Issei screamed out dressed in his newer school uniform, causing Rias to turn in his direction.
"Ise?"
Rias turned around after hearing his voice causing the light to return in her eyes as tears started to drip from her eyes. After noticing his presence, Riser's expression scrunched into annoyance since this important moment for him was interrupted. Issei continued to walk forward before breathing out and declaring.
"To all the High-Class Devils here. And to Buchou's older brother the Maou-sama! My name is Issei Hyoudou of Kuoh Academy! I came here to take back Buchou, Rias Gremory!"
Issei announced causing the people there to become louder at the words they found disrespectful he declared as he started walking towards the person he wanted to see.
"Hey, you! Do you know where this—?!"
One of the guards rushed towards Issei using a spear in his hand but was stopped as the guard noticed he was staring at the ceiling overhead. His spear was launched in the air before being caught by the person who flipped backward without him noticing.
"I apologize for that."
Kazuki stood beside the downed guard before resting the spear on his shoulder as Asia stood beside him a little worried about the looks being aimed in their direction. His presence caught the attention of Sona who didn't think that she would end up seeing Issei let alone Kazuki would show up there. His being there caught the attention of some of the girls on Riser's peerage such as Ravel, Xuelan, and Karlamine.
"Ah, I apologize for the inconvenience and ruining everyone's evening, but I won't let anyone stop Nii-san."
He politely and confidently declared out loud after noticing more and more guards started moving in an attempt to stop the guards them from advancing.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, human!"
"Kick out him and that low-class devil!"
All of the guards rushed for him, but Kazuki didn't seem worried as moved in front of Asia holding the spear in his hands. Before he could make a single word, Kiba, Akeno, and Koneko appeared in front of him holding off all the guards who tried to approach them.
"Ise-kun! Kazuki-kun leave this to us!"
Kiba said making a demonic sword in his hands.
"…you're late."
Koneko grabbed onto two of the spears aimed at them holding back the two guards.
"Ara ara, so you finally showed up. And you brought Kazuki-kun and Asia-chan along too."
Akeno said gathering lightning in her hands.
"Well, I couldn't let Nii-san storm this place without a little more backup. Asia-chan here will tend to whoever ends up getting harmed in the process."
Kazuki said as placed a hand on Asia's shoulders, causing her to smile a little, but he felt as if someone had their eyes on him; and their stare wasn't friendly in the slightest. But, he had ignored that for the moment and focused on the situation in front of him. Issei continued going forward until he stood right in front of Riser who stared right back at him wearing the same confident look on his face.
"Buchou," Issei started before openly declaring. "Rias Gremory's virginity belongs to me!"
"…!"
Riser's expression fell into confusion and shock having heard those words told directly to him without shame.
All of the high-class devils and authoritative figures in the room were all stunned by Issei's sudden declaration to Riser. Rias blushed at the sudden declaration, Akeno laughed lightly, Kiba laughed more wryly, and Koneko eyes narrowed after hearing the words; Issei could almost feel her stare on his back.
Thwack!
"Ouch! What was that for Kazuki?!"
Issei turned to see Kazuki hitting him using the butt of the spear before dropping it on the ground, causing a notable sound on the ground.
"You can in with this awesome entrance, kicking the door in and waltzing right up to the groom," Kazuki replied in a disappointed tone before shrugging his shoulders. "Then you ruined it using a couple of words in front of all these high-class devils."
"Shut up!"
"What's the meaning of this, Riser?"
"Lady Rias. What's the meaning of this?"
Several other relatives and authoritative figures made unsettled expressions after witnessing the events played in front of their eyes. Sirzechs who was sitting down watching the entire situation unfold merely unfold stood from his seat then proceeded to walk in the direction of the chaos.
"This is an event that I had organized."
Sirzechs announced catching the attention of the high-class devils and higher-ups.
"Onii-sama."
Rias seemed surprised that her older brother would go to such lengths for her.
"I was curious about them," Sirzechs replied in a gentle tone. "So, if possible I wanted to see the dragon's power, so I asked Grayfia to set this up for me."
"S-Sirzechs-sama?! You can't do anything this rash!"
One of the same authoritative previously watching the situation declared, even if a person was a maou, this was something a little too rash.
"It should be fine. The previous Rating Game was entertaining, but it was a disadvantage for my little sister who had no experience to face off against Riser-kun, a prodigy from the Phenex House who fought in previous games in the past."
"…so Sirzechs-sama, you're saying that the last game wasn't fair?"
"No no, not at all. If a Maou such as myself says such a thing, then I would make the old devils look bad. Since the connections between high-class devils are important after all."
Kazuki could see from him bringing up this entire event might have been to see the power of the Sekiryuutei, but it was to give Issei the chance to free Rias from this engagement.
"He's even kinder than I originally thought he was."
Kazuki couldn't help smiling at this.
"Then, Sirzechs. What do you want to do about it?"
A middle-aged man with crimson hair questioned Sirzechs, based on his appearance it would either be one of his relatives or parents. He didn't appear angered about the situation, but instead curious about his actions. Both Lord Phenex and Lady Phenex stood by the crimson-haired man alongside a brunette-haired woman.
"Father. I merely want to make my cute little sister's engagement party a flashy one. Dragon versus Phoenix," he then turned his attention to Issei and Riser who faced Sirzechs. "Wouldn't that be the ultimate event for a party? A battle between two legendary creatures. There isn't any entertainment that can surpass this."
Everyone in the room became silent at those words, finding a fight between those two an interesting event. Once Sirzechs noticed their reactions, he turned to face Issei who seemed prepared for the battle.
"Sekiryuutei-kun. You have our permission. Riser, can you show your power once more in front of Rias and me?"
In response to that request from Lucifer himself, Riser gave a fearless smirk.
"But, of course. I cannot decline if Sirzechs-sama requests this of me. In anticipation of my marriage, I, Riser will give this one final performance," Riser replied bowing his head before turning his attention to Kazuki who stared at him. "Though, if I can make one request since he went to the trouble of coming here. Why don't we make this a two-on-two match? Me and my Queen against the Twin Dragons here."
Riser suggested catching the attention of the people in the room, Sona didn't know what to think about Kazuki in the fight; the members of his peerage seemed confused about this choice, but Yubelluna instead smirked about it has no qualms about it.
"What's this about, Riser?"
Lord Phenex decided to question seeing no reason for Kazuki to be involved in something that involves both him and Rias' marriage.
"Otou-san, I merely want to ensure that the younger of the twins didn't leave without showing his dragon power to Sirzechs-sama as he requested," Riser answered his father's confusion as he turned to Kazuki. "Or is the mighty Hakuryuukou afraid of fighting against my queen who defeated three of Rias' servants? In terms of power among my group, she is second merely to me."
"No, but you just saved me the trouble of asking myself," Kazuki pointed out catching Riser's attention. "Honestly, Nii-san is the person who should be the one who fights you to win back Rias-senpai. I came here to some minor support since that's one of the important missions for a brother and to test out a couple of things I got from training. So, I think that fighting against a queen experienced in the rating game would be perfect. Besides, if I didn't take on this challenge, then I have no right holding Divine Dividing."
Hearing the confidence from his voice caused some annoyance from Riser and Yubelluna, while members from his peerage thought that it sounded cool, Ravel being one of them. Sona smiled at the words coming from Kazuki in a manner that Tsubaki found surprising since it was the first moments that she's shown such as a thing.
"Kaichou, you seem excited."
Tsubaki pointed out not dropping the title like Akeno and the others.
"I've never seen Kazuki-kun this confident before. I'm merely interested in seeing what he learned."
Sona replied causing Tsubaki to also become interested in it.
"So, Sekiryuutei-kun and Hakuryuukou-kun, what prize would you desire when you win this match?"
Sirzechs questioned, causing another stir among the other high-class devils.
"Sirzechs-sama?!"
"What're you saying?!"
"A prize for this low-class devil and a merger human?"
Sirzechs merely raised his hand causing them to be silent as he continued.
"No matter what your feelings are on the matter, the Sekiryuutei-kun is a devil, so we need to give him something fitting for it since we're asking him to this for us. The same can be said for his brother, the Hakuryuukou-kun who was challenged by Riser-kun. I can give you anything. A peerage? Or the most beautiful woman?"
"I ask that you give me Rias Gremory back."
Issei replied not caring about anything else.
"I didn't come here for a prize. I'd be fine with anything."
Kazuki wasn't expecting that he received a prize of any kind.
"Very well. If you win, you may take Rias with you. And Hakuryuukou-kun, I'll ensure you are properly rewarded," Sirzechs replied before turning to Lucia who seemed to be standing beside Grayfia. "Grayfia will you assist Lucia in sending them off to the prepared arena."
"Yes, Sirzechs-sama. Lucia, I'll be needing your assistance."
"Ugh, this is more or less Lucina's particular area of expertise. Shouldn't she be here like me?"
"I and Serafall-sama believed that she deserved a break," Grayfia said before staring at Lucia with blank eyes. "I believe that it was appropriate since unlike you she doesn't spend most of her time running off to different places without a care in the world."
"Alright alright, I don't need the intense judgmental eyes. I was kidding either way."
Lucia replied waving her hands in front of her as she stood beside Grayfia who activated a magic circle under the four people who would be sent to the arena Sirzechs prepared. Lucia reached her hands forward causing power to exude from the magic circle, which expanding outwards around the entire room as everyone in the room was all transported to another location.
Once the light faded, Issei and Kazuki found themselves in a genuine arena wide enough for the four of them all to fight unhindered. Meanwhile, Riser and Yubelluna stood at a distance from them wearing about the same look of confidence on their face. Everyone else sat in the stands around them looking down at the area, however, the people from the Gremory and Phenex households sat in a wider area with a clear view of the stage.
"Huh, I believe that this would be a perfect chance to see who the Hakuryuukou is."
Ravel mumbled to herself as she stood beside her mother who seemed to pick up most of what she said.
"What was that Ravel? Do you have some interest in Kazuki-san?"
"H-Huh, n-no, of course not. I merely meant it would be a shame if the Hakuryuukou lost before showing what he is capable of."
Ravel replied in a manner common for a tsundere, which caused a sudden desire in her mother to tease her, but it was suppressed for the moment. As she instead focused on the battle that would be occurring.
Asia who was placed near Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, Sona, and Tsubaki looked to where Kazuki was with her hands linked to one another; something that didn't go unnoticed by Sona.
"Are you worried about Kazuki-kun, Asia-san?"
"No, I believe that Kazuki-san and Ise-san will be able to win this."
Though Asia spoke in a tone filled with nothing but faith, Sona could tell that she was still worried for both Kazuki and Issei despite that. Meanwhile, Lucia stood in the middle of Issei and Kazuki, and Riser and Yubelluna holding a microphone in her hands.
"Well, for various reasons I've been assigned to be in charge of this match," Lucia pointed out. "Well, whatever. I will point out there should be no killing hits from either side no matter what beef both sides have with each other. If there isn't anything else, please start!"
Lucia teleported from the middle of the arena as the match was started, then Yubelluna had summoned a magic staff in her hands, which she later used against Akeno in the previous match. Issei brought out Boosted Gear as Kazuki revealed two weapons holstered on a belt wrapped around his waist. Riser pointed his finger at Issei with his fire wings brought out.
"All of your abilities have already been cracked. Your Boosted Gear keeps doubling your powers to where you can reach the level of high-class devils. It appears that you unlocked a new ability that transfers that multiplied power to either objects or allies during the previous rating game. Yubelluna, I want you to keep the younger dragon brat from his brother. I don't know what he's capable of in a fight."
"As you wish, Riser-sama."
Riser said figuring out the abilities of the Boosted Gear during the rating game against Rias, in addition to figuring out that from three to four boots could put him at the same level of a high-class devil.
"Buchou. I'll end this in ten seconds."
"…Ise?"
Hearing his declaration caused her some confusion since he was up against someone who could heal from all of the attacks that someone launched against him.
"I see that you haven't learned from the previous match. Saying that you'll finish this in ten seconds," Riser started laughing through his nose as he radiated more flames than their last battle. "Then I'll finish this in five seconds. It won't be like last time Rias' pawn!"
"Buchou! Please let me use Promotion here," Issei shouted causing Rias to nod her head in approval as he let a breath escape from her mouth before announcing. "Promotion! Queen!"
Issei promoted to queen causing the power from the piece to flow from within him before clenching his fist as his Boosted Gear started to let out a bright light.
"Buchou," Issei called out as he took a step forward. "I don't have a talent for swords like Kiba! I'm not a genius in using demonic power like Akeno-san! I don't have ridiculous strength like Koneko-chan! And I might be his rival, but I don't have the same insane talents as Kazuki! But, I'll still become the Strongest Pawn! For you, I will even beat God using this Boosted Gear even if Kazuki will have a problem with it! I'll make sure that I'll protect you!"
Issei started pouring out more of his feelings causing Rias to blush a little as he took another strong step forward pointing Boosted Gear forward.
"Shiiiiiine! Over Boost!"
[Welsh Dragon Over Booster!]
Another new announcement came from Boosted Gear as a deep crimson aura enshrouded him causing all the people in the stands to look forward with a surprised look. Issei could feel the dragon power surging in him, which caused him to realize the nature of this power.
"Ddraig, I can feel your power is flowing into me."
[Yeah, but use this wisely. It'll last for only ten seconds since your unable to endure more than that.]
Ddraig informed Issei as his entire body was covered in a red plated armor, which appears similar to that of a red dragon. Then he propelled himself forward toward the stumped Riser who seemed confused about the occurrence in front of him using the propulsion-like rockets on his back.
"We can take him down!"
"Armor?! You made the power of the Welsh Dragon turn into a physical form?!"
"This is the Dragon Emperor's power! The Balance Breaker, Boosted Gear Scale Mail! If you want the chance to stop me, go and ask the Maou-sama!"
Riser flew backward to create from distance between him and Issei, who released an enormous Dragon Shot big enough to cover most of the field. Seeing this caused Riser to dodge the assault instead of taking it head-on like beforehand causing an explosion behind him destroying the pillar. After that Issei propelled himself forward at his intended target through firing power from the rockets on his back.
"Huh, Scale Mail is a balance breaker that removes the usual ten-second limiter for Boosted Gear. But, it looks as if Nii-san can't control its power yet. Although, this is a…."
Explosion!
Before Kazuki could finish a single word a big explosion occurred where he was standing causing his entire body causing his friends to look at him shocked. Some of the members or Riser's peerage looked at what happened in a conflicted manner not knowing how to feel about that.
"Kazuki-san!"
"…Kazuki-senpai."
Both Asia and Koneko seemed worried about him after that explosion, but Sona maintained her composure with her eyes merely watching the battle.
"Hahaha, I believe that you were merely all talk like your brother," Yubelluna declared as she pointed her staff in his direction. "To be honest, hearing you talking back to my King in that vulgar room, I wanted to explore you the same as I did that rook and knight. So, I'm happy that Riser-sama gave me the pleasure of being the one to do this. I can't believe that some of the others in our group started favoring someone who…."
"Well, it seems that the king and queen lack manners. I don't like it when people badmouth my adorable kouhai and friend."
"…?!"
Yubelluna was shocked as she heard Kazuki walking from the smoke, which revealed that he blocked the assault using a magic barrier causing relief in his friends.
"Did you think that would work? You know, I was watching the previous match and noticed that you seemed to favor sneak attacks. So, I'll have to tell you this for your good," Kazuki started pulling out the bladeless hilt, which was similar yet different from the light swords that the exorcists wielded. "You'll end up getting more than you bargained for trying to hunt down the Hakuryuukou."
"Don't get cocky, brat!"
Yubelluna shouted gathering power at her magic staff, which she pointing at Kazuki who activated the light sword in his hand creating a solid light blade that appeared almost like a single-edged blade. She released an explosion at Kazuki who avoided it by jumping to the side, then started running towards Yubelluna without worrying about it turning into a close-range battle.
"Don't get ahead of yourself brat! I've defeating several knights who attempted that same maneuver."
Yubelluna unleashed a barrage of explosions around him in an attempt to block all possible escape routes and at the same time keeping him from proceeding forward. Kazuki shot outside from the smoke at high-speed using his light wings without showing signs of injuries. He shot forward for Yubelluna using his light wings thrusting his light sword forward toward her. In response to this, she promptly raised a barrier blocking the light sword then carried on in the assault using his light sword, showing proper sword skills from Arthur's training.
Before launching another slash, Kazuki firmly placed both feet on the ground, then leaped over Yubelluna and aimed a slash for her blindspot. Responding at the last second, she raised her staff and creating a barrier blocking the assault, but didn't notice that he moved to another uncovered spot aiming at kick at her side, causing her to feel the pressure behind the attack, believing he used magic to reinforce himself. Kazuki then fixed his posture then slashed at her again lightly cutting her shoulder causing a painful grunt.
Kazuki guessed that he had to thank Vali and Bikou for their borderline abusive physical training.
"Don't believe that a simple light sword will be able to defeat me!"
Seeing that she raised another barrier around herself, Kazuki realized she was going to release an explosion at close-range so that it wouldn't affect herself. Seeing the chance, he propelled himself off the barrier she raised to protect herself from the explosions before using Divine Dividing to gain greater distance. Once the smoke cleared, Yubelluna thought that she was going to see a wounded Kazuki, but instead, she saw him outside the blast radius unharmed.
"Kazuki-san is doing quite well against Riser's queen. He's moving quite well too."
Tsubaki pointed after being surprised that he was able to avoid her explosions like that.
"Kazuki-kun once told me that he would join martial arts school clubs earlier on in middle school to become much stronger even before knowing he had Divine Dividing and rare talent. Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, and Kendo," she replied before becoming more confused. "However, the main thing that was always holding him back…."
"His weak constitution."
Tsubaki knew that Kazuki was focused on training and could prove more effective than a normal human in battle, but the fact that he was born with a weaker physical constitution than a human. So, being able to move around in such a manner wouldn't be smart for him even using reinforcement magic, however, he was doing such that.
"There wasn't a rule against it, but he had to convince those who ran the martial arts clubs to let him join, but he was unable to partake in the more advanced lessons because of his conditions. So, he merely learned the basic training of each club and couldn't even attend tournaments. It wasn't until he becomes a student of Kuoh Academy that he was able to do the same training as the other members," Sona added. "The medicine I gave him from my father to improve his bodies' internal functions, but it doesn't enhance things to this point."
"Then what else could it be?"
Sona didn't answer that question as she continued watching as Kazuki avoided all Yubelluna's explosions using the high-speed flight capabilities provided by Divine Dividing to move around faster than she could react.
"I don't know, but he's playing on the overconfidence of his opponent. Asia-san, did Kazuki-kun do anything odd during his training?"
At that question, Asia reacted oddly at the question, causing Sona to believe that he did do something during his training to become able to move in such a manner.
"Uh, I don't know if I can…."
"That's fine, I don't want to force you to say anything private. I'll figure it out either through the battle or by asking him myself."
"Ara, Ise-kun is fighting his best too."
Akeno pointed out noticing that the scale mail armor Issei had adorned was lightly cracked by Riser's flames due to the phoenix's flames being able to scratch a dragon's scales. Issei continued pressing forward despite fearing a head-on attack without this armor could kill him, then both he and Riser launched another punch for each other in a cross counter causing the ground around them to break from their powers clashing.
"Ugh."
Issei felt the impact from that strike causing it to crack his helmet more.
"Hah, that won't work on…."
Riser said feeling fine until spitting out blood from his mouth, causing mild surprise since his regeneration should have healed that punch.
"Onii-sama!"
Ravel called out worried before Riser noticed the object in his hand.
"A-A cross?! You have a cross?!"
Riser was shocked about the fact that Issei was holding a cross in his hands despite it being impossible for devils to hold them, which caused surprise from the stands.
"I punched after increasing the effects of the cross using Boosted Gear. A strike from a cross that was increased drastically can even be used against high-class devils. Even if you're the immortal bird, you won't be able to heal from this attack that easily, right? I borrowed this from a friend of mine who was a nun."
"Absurd! Crosses bring suffering to us devils! Even if you're wearing dragon armor, touching that thing is foolish!"
It didn't take long for Riser to realize the reason behind it as he felt a pulse coming from his left arm despite the scale mail armor being inorganic, but the left arm felt alive.
"D-Did you give your…left left the Welsh Dragon residing in the Boosted Gear….? That's the reason behind your insane power," Riser said shocked that Issei gave up his arm and didn't give a response in denial of that fact. "If you do that, then you're left arm will never return to normal! Don't you know that?!"
[V!]
"So, what about it? If Buchou will return because someone like me gives up a single arm then that's a cheap deal don't you think?"
Issei heard the five-second time limit as he continued going forward.
"You're insane. That's why you were able to take and give all these punches without hesitation. I've truly become scared of you for the first time. And for that," Riser declared becoming serious without showing his usual arrogant expression. "I'm going to defeat you with everything I have!"
Riser declared allowing his flame wings to grow larger, engulfing the area around them in flames causing Kazuki to notice the intensity of the flames.
"That's surprising. I guess he's taking him seriously now."
Kazuki pointed out surprised at the display.
"…Onii-sama?"
Ravel was surprised to see her brother acting like this.
"Huh? That's a surprise," Lord Phenex said out looking at the stands. "I've never seen Riser taking a foe serious in the past during other rating games. I think that this fight could lead to some development for him as a devil."
Lord Phenex first didn't know what to think about the engagement being interrupted, but seeing his youngest son getting this serious against an opponent was a refreshing sight to behold and be proud of.
""Uoooooooooooooooo!""
Issei and Riser exclaimed as both of them charged for one another with reckless abandon both theirs fists coated in their powers. A massive flash of light and power as generated as the ground underneath them broke in response to their collision. Once the smoke cleared, both Issei and Riser stood in front of one another holding up their fists, both their clothing almost tattered from the explosion of power. The most notable thing, Issei wasn't adorned in his scale mail armor anymore revealing his actual body.
"Hey, Ddraig! What's the meaning of this?! Are you telling me that price I made wasn't enough?"
Issei talked to Ddraig within himself.
[No. The price paid to attain more power was enough, but your basic stats are still too low to properly control my powers. You still lack training.]
Ddraig informed him in an honest tone without a shred of falsehood behind them, then Kazuki glanced to the side noticing that the armor vanished. At around the same moment, he slashed Yubelluna's arm using his light sword causing a burning sensation, showing other wounds he managed to make on her cutting off parts of her clothing, but not revealing much due to personal reasons. But, the light was already starting to affect her.
"I guess that the balance breaker didn't last long."
[It was an imperfect balance breaker, to begin with. So, of course, it wouldn't last long against a Phenex, this also coincides with his lacking physical and demonic powers.]
"Sheesh, you sound so harsh, Albion."
[Hmm, but I believe Ddraig left behind some of the power from that balance breaker into the jewel of his Boosted Gear. So, your brother still has a chance to win this.]
"Well, he wouldn't surrender either way. I have to finish this fight…."
"Hahaha, did your brother believe that he had a chance against Riser-sama using a cross," Yubelluna said once she pulled out a phoenix tear from her person then sprinkled it one herself healing her injuries. "And did you think that you had a chance against me as long as I had a phoenix tear on my person? Your Divine Dividing isn't at all useful as long as you don't touch your opponent, correct?"
Yubelluna asked cockily causing Kazuki to instead smirk.
"Well, that's one thing out of the way," Kazuki said in a matter of fact tone as if expecting her to use the phoenix tear. "I thought that since Riser and Ravel-san were members of the Phenex Clan, it wouldn't be difficult to create tears for the peerage, unlike others who pay a high price for them. So, I'll be ending this fight in a moment."
"Huh, how so?"
"Like this."
Kazuki deactivated his light sword then placed back into its holster before taking out the remodeled light gun that Azazel also modified. He then pointed it in her direction causing Yubelluna to scoff at the attempt before placing a barrier in front of her.
"Do you believe that a meager light gun can defeat me?"
"No, but this might."
Kazuki pulled the trigger, targeting not Yubelluna, but a certain spot behind her hitting the ground, which caused a magic circle was activated. Several ice shards were released aimed in her blindspot, causing a shocked look to appear on her face as she tried to create a barrier, but wasn't fast enough.
"Gah!"
She screamed as she felt the ice shards piercing her body, causing blood to leak from her wounds.
"You should know that placing traps is another important part of hunting. You made it a little easier since all the explosions gave me the perfect chance to place magic circles around the area."
Kazuki started firing the gun in different directions, hitting magic circle after magic circle releasing fireballs, ice spears, water blasts, and wind blasts from various directions. Yubulluna was unable to defend against all the attack and it did a serious number on her.
"Argh! I didn't think that a human could push me this far!"
Yubelluna raised her demonic power using the bishop aspect of her queen piece, then unleashed another series of explosions from all asides causing the magic circles to be activated, but was blocked by the explosions. Once all the smoke clouds of dust vanished, Yubelluna looked around not seeing Kazuki anywhere.
"Where did you go?!"
"Here."
Yubelluna turned around to see Kazuki floating upside down behind her and felt him touching her forehead using his index finger in a joking manner.
[Divide!]
"Urgh!"
She was surprised as she felt half her power being drained him her after noticing he activated his Divine Dividing before landing on the ground in front of him. Yubelluna realized she used too much power in the fight releasing a series of explosions throughout the entire fight and she'd lose whatever she had left in the next ten seconds.
"Don't think that I've lost yet!"
Yubelluna gathered her remaining magic, then focused it at the point of her staff to create a massive explosion, which she believe would defeat him. It was far from her area of expertise, but she focused on the rook aspect of her queen pieces, then aimed the staff toward him without hesitation. Getting into a stance, Kazuki knocked the staff off course using a backhand strike at the shaft, forcing the explosion to occur behind him; later in the next couple moments, he grappled onto her arm, then he launched into the air before falling to the ground.
"Kuh!"
[Divide!]
Yubelluna felt more of her power leaving her as she felt the sense of the loss overcoming her, which was at the hands of a human.
"Sorry, Yubelluna-san, but it's my win."
Kazuki said lightly without sounding at all arrogant about his victory.
"D-Don't sound so proud of yourself. If it wasn't for Divine Dividing then you would be nothing but another human without many purposes aside from living a menial fading life."
"I wonder if other humans who reincarnated into devils forget that they were once humans too," Kazuki wondered out loud before crossing his hand. "So, what if there's a one in a several million chance that someone might end up being born with a rare Longinus? It doesn't matter in the slightest if you don't train whether you have a sacred gear, magic, or another special power. The reason that I won was that I've been training as hard as I can for as long as I can remember."
Hearing his response caused him to become silent as she couldn't complain as she passed out.
After witnessing Yubelluna, an experienced queen being defeated, several high-class devils started murmuring to themselves after witnessing the entire battle. Most of them couldn't believe a human was able to defeat her in the battle even after healing herself using a phoenix tear. Those among Riser's peerage again felt conflicting about it since despite being concerned about their queen, those who were starting to like Kazuki such as Xuelan, Bülent, Bülent (both of which were dressed as a maid), and Karlamine.
"I have to admit that was a good battle."
Xuelan pointed out nervously.
"Hmm, being able to perform such moves it what I could expect from the Hakuryuukou."
Karlamine added.
"Are you two betraying Riser-sama by saying this?"
Sirius questioned.
"It's not like he's our enemy, in particular."
Bülent pointed out a little nervously, while she poked her fingers together shyly resulting in a discussion between the entire peerage.
"So, what do you think of Kazuki-san?"
Lady Phenex teasingly questioned her daughter who seemed somehow touched after seeing his battle.
"Well, the Hakuryuukou seemed to be in a sense leading Yubelluna by the nose nearly throughout the entire fight using her confidence against her to the point of using a phoenix tear. He used the weak points in the explosions being that it creates an eventual smokescreen, making it easier for him to set magic traps all around her. It would appear that he is also a natural tactician who can plan out things before and during a battle."
Ravel explained as she watched the entire battle that Kazuki had against Yubelluna, which caused her mother to let a light laugh escape her mouth.
"What Okaa-sama?"
Ravel became suspicious about her mother's laughter.
"I didn't think that you'd focus more on Kazuki than Riser. Does it mean that Kazuki-san attracted your attention?"
"H-Huh? N-No, of course not. I was simply interested in seeing the plan that the Hakuryuukou would devise since he seemed confident that he could defeat a more experienced queen. And I guess that he didn't do too terrible."
Ravel pointed out turning from her mother as her cheeks seemed to have turned red, causing her mother to let a cheerful laugh to escape her mouth.
"Nii-san, need a hand?"
Kazuki called out after noticing Issei was being held up by his neck by Riser.
"N-No, I can handle him! I'm not going to rely on my little brother."
"If you want a chance to win, then I would take it."
Riser said gathering flames in his fist.
Riser didn't think much about Issei's chances at defeating him, but he was able to acknowledge that if he trained another six months, then he would have been the one defeated instead. It was something no one thought would have come from his mouth, but it was stated clearly in front of the crowd.
"Why would I need his help? All you need to put out a fire is a little water, right?"
Issei reached into his pocket then pulled out a vial that contained holy water, which caused Riser to become a lot paler as he strikes finishing this quicker. But, Issei was faster in opening up the lid then started to sprinkle it onto Riser, but not before doing one more thing.
"Boosted Gear Gift!"
[Transfer!]
"Ugaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Riser wailed as he felt the multiplied holy water affecting him, burning him as smoke raised from his body leaving him unable to even maintain his flame wings. Issei heard already that it wouldn't be able to kill someone from the Phenex Household from Kazuki after explaining his plan.
"I learned that devils are weak against crosses and holy water. So, increasing both of them at the same time will give enormous damage to even high-class devils, right," Issei sprinkled what was left onto the cross in his hand looking around the area around Riser. "Kiba told me to widen my line of sight and look toward the enemy and the surrounding area."
Issei gathered all the demonic power that he had left, then changed it into dragon power and transferred all of the power into the holy water covered cross.
[Transfer!]
"Akeno-san told me to gather the demonic power that flows throughout me, to concentrate and feel the waves of demonic power. Yea, even an idiot like me can fell it, Akeno-san!"
Issei then stood into a stance meant to go into an attack.
"Koneko-chan told me when you hit your opponent, aim for the middle of their body and nail it deep inside them accurately!"
Kiba, Akeno, and even Koneko smiled slightly as Issei did everything that they taught him, then saw Issei running for Riser with the intent of striking him. Riser held up his hands looking as if he was truly panicking at the moment after suffering such wounds.
"H-Hold on! Don't you know what you're doing?! This engagement is important to the future of devils! This isn't a matter that a low-class devil brat like you can butt into!"
"I leave complicate stuff like that to Kazuki! But, there's one thing that I can remember before losing against you clear as day! Buchou was crying! And she was even crying before! That's reasoning is enough for me to beat the shit out of you!"
Issei declared as he punched Riser in the stomach causing a noticeable sound before he coughed up blood from his mouth.
"F-For me to lose like this…."
Riser said those words before falling to the ground unconscious.
"Onii-sama!"
Ravel appearing to be unable to handle seeing her brother on the ground like that flew onto the field by using her flame wings. She then stood in front of Riser as if to protect him as Issei pointing his Boosted Gear at her without showing much care about whatever she was going to say.
"If you have a complaint, then come at…ouch!"
"Stop being rude."
Kazuki walked next to him then performed a karate chop on his head causing some pain in his head.
"Why'd you hit me? She was being rube to me first during the rating game!"
"Before you also stripped four women in clear view of several people during the rating game being broadcasted I think, then threatened to do the same thing. Just consider whatever a woman does to you that doesn't entail your life being threatened as karma. Besides, don't you have something more important to do?"
Kazuki questioned pointing his thumb toward Rias who seemed beyond ecstatic at what happened and the fact it was the person she had come to love who did it for her.
"Y-Yea, I'm coming Buchou!"
Issei declared as he started to head in the direction of Rias as Lucina seemed to appear above them watching as he walked toward his king.
"Well, Nii-san never changes even after a large battle," Kazuki laughed lightly noticing that a magic circle shined underneath him and turned to face Ravel who knelt near her brother. "By the way, Ravel-san?"
"…."
She didn't say anything but merely turned to face Kazuki not showing much of an expression.
"A friend of mine up there has a sacred gear able to heal wounds. You've heard about Twilight Healing, correct," Kazuki noticed that her expression lightened up a little. "So, if you want. I'm sure Asia-san wouldn't mind healing up your brother and his queen."
"…why?"
"Huh?"
"Why would you want to heal Onii-sama and Yubelluna? They've done nothing but belittle you, your Onii-sama, and Rias-sama's peerage. Onii-sama even beat yours into a temporary coma. So, why would you…?"
Ravel couldn't comprehend someone offering to heal someone who's done nothing but belittle you.
"It's not like we're mortal enemies or anything. I mean, I was mad about the fact that both of them did that to Nii-san and the others. Neither of them is the type to hold a serious grudge because of something like this, Nii-san, in particular, is more focused on other things," Kazuki explained. "Also, my conscience wouldn't allow me just to talk away leaving someone in a state like this especially if someone looks this worried about them. And Riser isn't that bad a person to where he can be called evil, right?"
Hearing his honest words caused something to resonate within Ravel who couldn't believe someone would say such words, which unconsciously caused her cheeks to turn redder as she looked more bashful.
At around that same moment, the magic circle appeared underneath them all as everyone reappeared in the hall.
Kazuki could see Issei bowing his head apologetically to Rias' mother and father with Sirzechs being nowhere to be seen. Her father didn't appear mad at all, but merely sighed and closed his eyes as her mother merely smiled lightly after seeing their daughter leaving with Issei. Standing in the balcony, he pulled out the paper that Grayfia had given him, which shined and summoned a winged creature from it.
"…a griffon?"
Someone in the hall pointed out before Issei and Rias jumped onto the back of the griffon to flew off into the sky.
"We'll be waiting in the club room!"
Issei called out to his friends who waved back smiling after seeing how everything ended.
As promised, Kazuki asked Asia to heal Riser and Yubelluna, which she agreed to without hesitation, while Ravel stood beside her as both of them were covered in green light. Kazuki stood there noticing that he was receiving some attention from the high-class devils who remained in the hall.
"I guess that's to be expected since we kinda ruined the engagement."
Kazuki didn't care about the glares since it was understandable.
"Kazuki-kun."
He turned to see Sona and Tsubaki silently approaching him, which caused him to wave toward them.
"Ah, hello, Sona-senpai, Tsubaki-senpai," Kazuki said before scratching his head laughing lightly. "I apologize for not greeting you two, but things kinda got hectic."
"Yes, I could see that. I was impressed with how you were able to defeat Riser's strongest servant using such a degree of tactical ingenuity. But, there was one thing that I couldn't figure out."
"What's that?"
"How were you able to perform all those movements without tiring yourself out," Sona questioned. "I believe that you mentioned that even with reinforcement magic you couldn't fight and use Dividing at the same time for extended periods. But, before and after, you haven't shown signs of exhaustion at all. However, I witnessed that your brother sacrificed his arm to Ddraig to use that balance breaker for a short time. So, did you do something similar?"
That question also reached the ears of Kiba and the others who seemed to have arrived to converse with them but stopped in their tracks after hearing that question.
"I did."
Kazuki nonchalantly replied causing them some surprise since it was such a surprising response.
"Could I ask what that part was?"
"My heart."
Everyone was once again surprised about that sudden shocking reveal, which caused even Ravel to stare at him with a surprised look since it was more than sacrificing an arm. Kazuki noticed all their expressions then chose to give his reasoning for it.
"I thought that even with more physical training, it would be difficult to continue fighting serious battles if I didn't have a stronger body to use Divine Dividing. And I wasn't until Albion brought up that I could sacrifice a part of myself and replace that part with a dragon," Kazuki started before going on. "During the training, I thought about if I did decide to agree to this. What part would I choose to give up? An arm, leg, or eye wouldn't help much since it wasn't those parts I had trouble with. I then that I thought about the heart since it naturally circulates blood throughout the entire body. So, if it was a dragon heart, then it would circulate dragon blood throughout the body instead."
Hearing the explanation, there wasn't one person who wasn't surprised and amazed that he was able to come to that conclusion using pure logic. In response to that, Sona couldn't help laughing a little after heading his reason behind it causing Tsubaki some surprise.
"I never thought that you would come up with something like that, but I can see the logic behind it."
"Yea, but Albion said that there might be some problem with it since dragon blood will be flowing throughout my body…something about certain parts likely gaining outer dragon traits and might turn into an actual dragon part."
"Ararara, what're we going to do with our two kouhai," Akeno laughed lightly. "But, since both of them managed to get revenge for us, I wouldn't be able to call myself a senpai if I didn't help."
Kazuki felt grateful for Akeno for offering to assist both him and Issei since they had fought so hard against Riser and Yubelluna, two opponents neither of them could defeat.
"Kazuki-san, I'm finished healing Riser-san and Yubelluna-san."
Asia informed him as she approached him wearing a smile on her face, which caused him to in turn smile.
"Thanks for that, Asia-san."
"You don't have to thank me. I'm just happy that I was able to help."
Seeing Asia smiling at him brightly almost brilliantly caused Kazuki to once again gently pat her hair, causing adorable laughter to escape her mouth as she blushed. It was at that same moment that he felt light killing intent being directed solely on him, but he didn't react or turn around to look around him.
"Albion, did you feel that?"
[Yea, it feels similar to what I sensed from the forest that time after the fight against that fallen angel.]
"Could it be that a high-class devil here has been falling me around? But, for what reason?"
[Don't forget that as the Hakuryuukou, you'll find friends and foes alike.]
"If it was around this time, then it would have made far more sense. But, at that point, it hasn't even been a week since I began officially using Divine Dividing. It didn't even seem that anyone here knew that it was your host until I brought up."
[That is odd though, but it appears that whoever sent the killing intent at you left using a magic circle around the same time as other devils. But, you should remain vigilant.]
"Agreed."
Kazuki and Albion ended their talk as Akeno suggested that all of them return to the Occult Research Club, but it was noted that both Rias and Issei shared a kiss riding on top of the griffon. Kazuki couldn't help notice that there was more interest in Issei's love life from Akeno based on how she said it. Before long, a magic circle was made so that all of them could teleport into the Occult Research Club room.
"Wait."
Before Kazuki entered the magic circle with the others, he was stopped by Ravel who seemed to have something in her hands. But, different from the rating game and moments ago, she appeared more bashful about whatever she was going to say next.
"Is there something wrong, Ravel-san?"
"I-I wanted to show my appreciation for what you did for Onii-sama," Ravel said as she presented him with a vial of Phoenix Tears and a paper that had a magic circle on it. "So, I wanted to give you a phoenix tear and a magic circle to contact me…or rather the household. You should be grateful to receive such things that most high-class devils would give anything to possess."
Kazuki laughed lightly at her response, showing her tsundere side causing Koneko to stare at her dubiously and Asia looked conflicted.
"Thanks, I appreciate this Ravel-san. I think that it'll be fun talking to you."
Kazuki graciously took the phoenix tears and magic circle from Ravel who seemed to smile lightly.
"Then, I hope to hear from you soon."
Those were the last words that he heard from Ravel as he and the others teleported to the Occult Research Club.
After arriving there, they found a strange sight as Issei was nuzzled against Rias' thighs in a lap pillow wearing a perverted look on his face. Rias, on the other hand, seemed to be smiling pleasantly about giving him a lap pillow after all he did to her.
"Ara, it seems that you two are getting closer than ever. How was the kiss?"
Akeno teased, but there seemed to be more meaning behind those words, which caused both Issei and Rias to blush lightly.
"…what a perv."
Koneko said as she took a seat on the couch.
"Kazuki," Rias said getting his attention. "I wanted to thank you too for assisting Ise during that time and fighting against Riser's queen."
"I didn't do much really. My fight against Yubelluna-san was more personal and it wouldn't have to change the result of the match or your engagement. So, the hero this time is Nii-san…the pervert equal to Riser."
"Well, Ise-kun is more lovable."
Akeno pointed out as she also took a seat on the couch beside Koneko laughing lightly.
"Even then, I'm still grateful to you. I'll ensure that Onii-sama gives you something incredible."
"I didn't expect to get anything extravagant or whatever. Besides, I received from a phoenix tear and also a communication magic circle from Ravel-san."
"Riser's sister?"
Rias was confused as to why Riser's sister would give something like to someone who essentially helped defeat her older brother, but the reason soon came to her as Akeno laughed lightly.
"It appears that our Kouhai has attracted the attention of someone else~"
"Ah, I see."
Akeno and Rias seemed to be looking at him wearing a teasing smile.
"I don't like the looks that are currently being directed at me."
"…I don't like her."
Koneko pointed out as she glanced to the side.
"You know, Koneko-chan, I've been looking at how you and Kazuki-kun interact with one another. So, could your dislike of Ravel be similar to a little sister hating the girl who likes her brother."
Koneko didn't give a single response as she maintained her stoic look as she continued glancing toward the side and Issei caught attention to what was said.
"I wonder what she would think if she found about your little maid fetish."
Issei pointed out as smirked feeling as if he were on the top of the world right now.
"W-What was that?!"
Kazuki seemed flushed after Issei pointed that out in front of everyone, causing everyone in the room to stare at the brothers in wonder.
"I don't know why you're being so embarrassed about it. I mean, I already told everyone here."
"Y-You didn't…."
[Yea.]
Everyone in the room replied, which caused Kazuki's expression to turn a brighter shade of red after that secret was revealed to all the people in the room.
"I was honestly surprised since I didn't think that our pure-hearted kouhai would be interested in maids."
"It was certainly a surprise."
"…it doesn't change anything, but I was s surprise."
"If Kazuki-san wanted to, then maybe I could dress up as a maid."
Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and Asia all replied much to his embarrassment about the situation. Even Sona and Tsubaki who were there were surprised about that sudden reveal, which made it more embarrassing for him.
"Hahahaha, I didn't mean it. It just came out in conversation and…."
Throw! Thwack!
"Ouch!"
Issei shouted and lifted himself from off Rias' lap after Kazuki launched the bladeless hilt at him, hitting him hard in the middle of his head causing a notable bump.
"What the hell was that for?!"
Issei shouted as he approached Kazuki who approach him too.
"Why the hell would you tell them that?! After everything that I've done for you! You don't see me going around telling everyone your weird fetishes! Oh, wait, I'm sorry, you always do that by yourself!"
"Who do you think you're talking to?!"
"Someone who has to get his ass kicked before he starts taking anything serious!"
"I was taking that fight seriously!"
"Do you call stripping several girls serious?!"
Kazuki countered as him and Issei began butting foreheads against one another forcing one each other back and forth as their glares become more intense by the moment.
"That's how I get serious! I was kicking ass the entire time!"
"Well, we all know how that ended!"
"Yea, I didn't get kicking Riser's ass and saved Buchou!"
"Well, let's see how you handle fighting someone who won't go half-assed against you from the start."
"Is that a challenge?!"
Everyone watched amused as sparks starting flying between the brothers, but become worried after noticing that the two of them brought out their Longinus; both of them were covered in an aura.
""BRING IT ON, YOU MAID/BREAST OBSESSED WEIRDO!""
Both Issei and Kazuki shouted aiming their fists at one another with the genuine intention to punch one another, which resulted in a cross counter. Both of them felt the impact behind one another's punch, but neither of them backed down as their glares were still locked on one another, then it progressed to them getting into a miniature fight with one another.
Seeing this caused Rias and the others laugh as the fight itself was something that one would see in a cartoon. None of the tension left behind by the Riser incident or forced engagement remained and it instead returned to their old lifestyle.
A/N: And there goes chapter twelve of The Twin Dragons, I thought that a second chapter for this was in order as I was late updating the previous one. In his chapter, it was the rematch between Issei and Riser, with the addition of Kazuki and Yubelluna. Kazuki revealed the results of his training with the Vali Team and defeated the Bomb Queen, then revealed that he sacrificed his human heart for a dragon heart giving him a stronger physical constitution than before.
Although I should note that the next chapter will not be the start of the Excalibur Arc, there will be one more chapter before the start of that arc.
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.