Chapter 14: Yuuto Kiba vs Riser Phoenix

With a steady hand, Yuuto grips the hilt of his Zanpakuto and fixes his gaze on Riser, his eyes locked in an unflinching stare. A subtle smirk creeps across Riser's lips as he sizes up the young warrior, sensing the chasm between their respective strengths.

"Regretting this fight already, Rias' lapdog?" Riser taunts, his voice laced with self-assured confidence.

But Yuuto remains unfazed, his focus unwavering as he readies himself for the imminent clash.

"Nah, just clearing my head," Yuuto replies coolly, his words spoken with an air of calm assurance.

Riser's expression falters for a moment, surprised by Yuuto's nonchalance, but he quickly regains his composure, flashing a wry grin at the young warrior.

'Impressive,' Riser thinks to himself, relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

Meanwhile, Akeno watches the fight unfold with mounting anxiety, her heart heavy with fear for her beloved Yuuto. She knows all too well the vast discrepancy in strength between the two combatants.

"Rias, does Yuuto stand a chance against Riser?" Akeno asks, her voice laced with trepidation.

Before Rias can respond, Yubelluna interjects, her tone dripping with honeyed politeness.

"Your beloved boyfriend has a mere one percent chance of overcoming my master," Yubelluna acknowledges Akeno's formidable power. "I hope Riser shows him mercy, but I wouldn't hold my breath."

Akeno clasps her arms tightly around herself, her eyes locked on Yuuto, silently praying for his safety.

"Please be safe," she whispers under her breath, her heart heavy with worry.

Rias wears a pained expression, wracked with guilt at having put Yuuto's life in danger.

'If only I had stopped Yuuto from coming to the clubroom,' Rias laments silently, her mind plagued with remorse.

Riser stood in the middle of the empty field, his lean and muscular frame taut with anticipation. Yuuto faced him from the other side, his body coiled like a spring, ready to unleash his sword on his opponent. Yubelluna floated between them, acting as the referee.

"Set!" she declared.

Yuuto's breaths came quick and shallow, his eyes fixed on Riser's every move. Riser, on the other hand, seemed relaxed and confident, his lips curved in a smirk.

"Go!" Yubelluna shouted, and the battle began.

Yuuto launched a horizontal slash toward Riser's head, but Riser dodged it with a swift movement of his head. He chuckled at Yuuto's failed attack, but inwardly he felt a twinge of unease.

'That sword is dangerous. I can't let my guard down,' he thought, eyeing Yuuto's weapon with newfound respect.

Yuuto responded with another slash, but Riser ducked and countered with a lightning-fast punch to Yuuto's gut.

"Urghh!" Yuuto grunted as he stumbled back, clutching his stomach in pain.

Riser stood before him, arms crossed and a hint of a smile on his lips. "I acknowledge you, Rias Knight. What is your name? You will be great under me," he said, surprising the spectators with his sudden praise.

Yuuto looked up at Riser, his face still contorted with pain. He hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Yuuto Kiba," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Riser's eyes gleamed with interest. "Yuuto Kiba. I'll remember that name," he said, nodding in approval. "You have potential, Kiba. Don't disappoint me."

Yuuto's face hardened, and he gripped his sword tightly. "I won't," he vowed, ready to resume the fight.

Rias and Akeno watched from the sidelines, their faces tense with worry. But Yuuto didn't give up. He stood up straight, drew his sword from the ground, and took a deep breath.

"Let's continue," he said, his voice steady and determined.

Riser grinned, his eyes alight with excitement. He said "As you wish,"

Yuuto took a deep breath, his eyes turning scarlet red as his entire body was covered in a red aura. He knew that this enhancement would match Riser's speed, but it also consumed a lot of Demonic Energy.

His legs tensed up as the ground cracked beneath him, and he burst forward towards Riser, releasing an explosive burst of energy. Riser was taken aback by the sudden increase in speed, and even the spectators were amazed at how fast Yuuto had become.

As Yuuto closed in on him, Riser heard Yuuto muttering something under his breath. "Secret Technique: Tsubame Gaeshi (Swallow Reversal)," Yuuto exclaimed.

Suddenly, three slashes appeared in front of Riser, and he barely managed to dodge the one that was aimed at his head. The other two slashes struck his chest and stomach, leaving deep wounds that quickly began to heal. However, Riser's soul was also wounded in the process.

Desperate, Riser opened his mouth and let out a powerful flame breath that sent Yuuto flying backward. The spectators were shocked to see Riser coughing up blood and not healing as quickly as he should be due to his family heritage of immortality, which came from the Phoenix.

"Hahahaha," Riser laughed uncontrollably. "I never thought you could hurt me when you are far weaker than me. I acknowledge you once more, Yuuto Kiba, the strongest servant from Rias Peerage." Riser smiled at Yuuto for causing him so much pain.

Yuuto just stared at him, his expression unreadable.

"I give you this win, but next time remember, I'll be prepared," Riser said with a smirk as he walked toward Yubelluna. "Let's go back, Yubelluna. I've had enough fun for now."

"Hai, Master," Yubelluna replied, creating a magic circle beneath them. She then bowed to show respect to Rias, as she was still an heir to the Gremory clan.

As soon as the two of them disappeared, Yuuto fell to his knees, completely exhausted. Akeno and Rias rushed over to him.

'That took a lot out of me. I won't use that technique again until I have reserved enough Demonic Energy as a High-Class Devil,' Yuuto thought to himself, panting heavily.

"Are you okay, Yuuto?" Akeno asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine, just a little tired," Yuuto replied. "Can I rest my head on your lap, Akeno?"

"Of course," Akeno said, smiling gently. She sat down on the ground with her legs folded to the right side and carefully placed Yuuto's head on her lap.

"This feels heavenly," Yuuto said, his eyes closed as he relaxed.

Akeno chuckled, amazed at how Yuuto could still joke around after such a close call.

"See, Buchou? I survived in one piece," Yuuto said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yes, you did," Rias said, relieved that her servant was still alive and well.