Life.3 The Battle to Decide who is the Strongest Youth Begins!-1

Part 1

The day of the Game.

"Amazing, the island really is floating in the sky."

I was looking at the floating island through the gondola lift which is connected towards the city in the sky. Besides me are Asia, Irina, Xenovia, Koneko-chan, and Gasper who are also looking out the window just as I am.

On the island floating in the sky, there is a city called –Agreas. It's said that the power which is making the island float was created in the Old-Maou era, but it's also said that only Ajuka Beelzebub-sama knows the details about it. Due to that, the servants of the current Beelzebub are maintaining the core of this place.

A floating island is indeed very rare. From the city, the water falls to the ground just like a waterfall. Not just one or two falls, but there are many of them falling to the ground. It really is like a fantasy.

Of course I will be fascinated by it. Just to be expected from the World that the devils live in, the Underworld. It really is like a fantasy! The city of the sky that is located in the Agares territory. It seems like they made a city on top of a floating island. Apparently, it's also a place which controls the flow of the air around this area. On top of that it's a tourist resort.

There are three ways to enter the city. One of the ways is to 'jump' to the place directly using a magic-circle. This way of entry is only permitted to the VIP's and also when there is a special matter. It's an important place and also a world treasure, so they don't permit transport there using demonic-powers as much as possible.

Well, there might be devils with ill intent that want to come and do evil deeds.

The second way is to use transport such as airships. This is used more than the 'jump'. The third way is the method we are using, and that is to use the gondola lift where the rope-line is connected from the ground to the city of the sky.

And we chose to use this third method. After hearing the words of Buchou who already knew how the view looks from the gondola lift, everyone said, "We want to ride on it!".

So like that, we are heading towards the sky while enjoying the view from inside the gondola lift.

Man, the weather is good today! It's a good day to have a match! So we will be having a battle in that city of the sky huh... I need to make sure I don't fall. It will be embarrassing if I was to retire outside the actual battle.

"To tell you the truth, there was a dispute between the higher-ups on which stadium to use for this game."

-Azazel-sensei says that while looking at the sky. Everyone looks at Sensei.

"Dispute? For deciding...the stadium?"

Sensei nods at my question.

"The higher-ups from the current Maou faction wished for the Game to take place in either the Gremory territory or the Maou territory. But then, the Bael faction who takes importance of the lineage protested to have it in the Bael territory."

--! S-Something like that happened…..? Sensei continues.

"The current-Maou aren't part of heredity, so for High-class devils who take importance in lineage and household, the house of the Great-King Bael is an important factor which has more fame than the Maou. They are in the first ladder among the 72-pillars."

"The devils who were siding with the Old-Maou also said that in the past and there was a dispute right? Why are they trying to do the same thing again...?"

When I asked, Sensei made a gesture using his hand and then sighed.

"That is that, this is this, something like that. Adults are complicated creatures both in the human world and Underworld. Appearance and influences. Well, it means that there are many things going on in the Underworld where the noble society has many powers."

"....So it became the Agares territory."

Koneko-chan mutters. Sensei nods.

"Yeah, it's said that the Arch-Duke Agares came between the Maou and the Great King. The middle manager, and the one acting for the Maou, the Arch-Duke Agares. Even if the era changes, they are the household which always has a hard time."

I then remembered that next-heir sis who wore glasses. She's the same age as us, so it seems like she will be the one who we will get involved with in the future….. It seems like we will get a scolding from her everytime something happens.

".....So will our match become like a representative War between the Maou Lucifer and the Great-King Bael?"

Kiba says that while narrowing his eyes.

Sensei also answers while stroking his chin.

"Well, there are many of those who look at it in that way. The Oppai-Dragon & Switch-Princess VS the Strongest Youth Sairaorg is just a cover, which is just to make the attention of the common people go there. On the other side, the bunch from the political side will be looking at it while making comments."

....Politics. So you are telling me things like that are happening behind our game?

"So troublesome. We are going to do the game because of our own ambitions….."

When I said that, Sensei laughed.

"It's good that you guys stay like that. That will be enough. Even if you guys were to lose, there is no way that Sirzechs would suffer politically. Except, the guys from the house of Great-King would be having a good time. And also the guys behind Sairaorg will also receive a good time as well."

"There are politicians behind Sairaorg-san?"

"That man who has risen up with only his body won't be influenced by the opinions of the politicians. Except, he himself has made connections with them so they could become a support for him to aim higher."

To fulfill your dreams or ambitions, you must get involved with politics huh. If I think about it, we also have connections with Sirzechs-sama and Leviathan-sama.

From their sides, does it look like we have connections with politics? After all, they are Maou…..

But, there are things I still can't accept.

"....The High-class devils who are using Sairaorg-san who went through hardship and who was born without the traits of his house huh."

I muttered it out loud. From the story, the ones who abandoned Sairaorg-san the main person is their side, the current head of the house of Bael. The people around Sairaorg-san must have been involved in it as well.

And they started to gather around him now, huh. –Around Sairaorg-san's power.

Sensei sighed.

"It might be complicated, but it's good that way. Just think that he finally has gathered attention after going through hardship. Whatever reason it is, being acknowledged by someone with fame is a result. What's left will depend on the result... You guys don't worry about him and go at him with full strength. You won't be able to defeat him if you don't use everything you have in order to accomplish your aim."

I know, Sensei. We don't have the time for also worrying about Sairaorg-san. This is a match. We are going to win in order to link it to our dream.

"But, will the Great-King faction acknowledge Sairaorg Bael's dream? He is wishing for the Underworld where devils can surpass their social status if they have powers so they can make their wish come true, correct?"

Kiba asks Sensei like that. Like he said, did the Bael-faction came into contact with Sairaorg-san while knowing his dream?

"....Do you think the Great-King faction who is still obsessed with being the former first ladder of the 72 pillars and who takes importance of the household will allow that? They are saying they will cooperate with him on the outside, but on the inside they are despising him. What those guys want are pawns that can be used to retaliate against the Maou. To them, the pure believers that gather around Sairaorg will just be like a tool to them which can support their backs in the political issues. Sairaorg also realised this as well. Even so, he made connections if it will make him go even higher. He is a pure and patient man."

Sensei answers. ....That's a horrible story. Even so, Sairaorg-san accepted those terms for his dream. ...I won't be able to understand how it must feel.

Ah, now I have a question. I say that out.

"It might be late, but will there be a possibility that this game will be targeted by the terrorists, -the Hero faction?"

"There is. It's getting this much attention after all, and many bosses of the industry will be coming. If they have to target them, this will be the place. To them, sending off their prideful Balance-Breaker users into the place with many people, that will become a big contribution to their actions. We put on maximum security around the stadium. Though, it will end with nothing happening."

Sensei answers naturally. So there is a chance! But it will end with nothing going to happen?

"How can you be so sure?"

Akeno-san asks. Sensei scratches his cheek.

"...I received a personal message from Vali."

[---!]

Including me, everyone gets shocked! Of course! I never thought that name will show up here!

"Vali? From him?"

I ask.

"Yeah, that bastard sent me a short message like this. "It's an important match between Sairaorg from 'that' house of Bael and the Gremory-group. I'm also looking forward to it. I won't let them intervene with Hyoudou Issei". You sure are being loved by him, Ise."

"P-Please stop that! It's freaking me out!"

S-So that bastard said something like that! That bastard sure likes to look down from a high position! But the reason why it feels reassuring having Vali say that means that I acknowledge his strength. Shit! I don't know why but I feel a bit frustrated!

Sensei continues while ignoring me who is being frustrated.

"Either way, since he said that, it might be certain that he has Cao Cao under his surveillance. They also won't be willing to fight the Vali-team at the cost of crushing the stadium. If their opponents are the Vali-team which is filled with monsters, then they will receive a great number of casualties. So there is a high chance that they won't do anything where they won't get any profit."

…..I see. So that's also another way to look at it huh.

"...So that makes us being protected by Vali huh."

Even though I don't quite understand, I felt relieved since I can have the match safely.

Sensei then says it while looking out through the window.

"We can also think that maybe Cao Cao hasn't been targeting here from the start as well. The other factions also have their guard up in their base because there is a chance that they might be attacked if their guard is down."

So we are still far away from getting true-peace huh.

To begin with, it's said that our battle against them would take a while.

....Looks like there will be lots of obstacles for us in order to make our wish come true.

While I was thinking such things, the gondola lift arrives at the city of the sky.

The ones who were waiting for us when we got off the lift were the groups of fans and media. The moment we got off the gondola, we were surrounded by shouts of joy and flashes from cameras. We got into a limousine which was stationed in the front, led by groups of bodyguards and staffers.

"I have been waiting for you all."

The one who was inside the limousine was Ravel. She came to the city of the Sky Agreas beforehand to do preparations for us. This girl sure knows how to do a lot.

....It was a crazy crowd. I realised it once again, but we are this popular huh....

When I looked back from the window inside the limousine, there were cars that look like they belong to the media following after us.

"...…You guys need to get your own personal manager. Especially Rias and Ise, which is a must. For this match, whether you win or lose your fame will rise. It will calm down after a few days have passed, but for a while it will be like this every time when you come to the Underworld. Ah, yeah Ravel, how about you become Ise's manager? You will learn a lot if you stay with this guy, though he's a sukebe."

Sensei says that with a lecherous face.

SPANK!

Akeno-san slapped his head with a harisen[1]!

"W-What was that for, Akeno!?"

Sensei argues back with teary eyes, but Akeno-san says it with a smiley face which has intensity in her smile.

"Ufufu, it is a delicate time right now, so please refrain from saying that. Right, Buchou?"

Akeno-san winks at Buchou.

"...."

Buchou put on an unpleasant face while making her cheeks go red. It seems like Ravel also noticed this atmosphere, so she didn't show much of a response.

Buchou has got better quite a lot. There is still stiffness when we talk, but not so much that she will talk back at me.

It seems like from the incident a few days back, the girls lead by Akeno-san comforted Buchou.

Thanks to that, Buchou has gone back to her usual self. .....It must be something related to me, but I wonder what Akeno-san and the others said to comfort her?

W-Well, I shouldn't pursue the information about it too much. It's just before that match, and if she has got better, then we can go forth with the game.

But a manager. So we need someone like that huh. I haven't even thought about it. But Ravel being my manager... The schedule for the group as a whole is being taken care of by Grayfia-san, but it seems like it will be a different story if it's a schedule for me individually.

I can't have someone from our group do it, and the only person who is a devil that I know is basically just Ravel.

While I was thinking like that, the limousine drives through the city heading towards the dome.

Part 2

There are many amusement facilities that exist in the city of the sky. Among them, there is a giant dome stadium that mainly does exhibitions for different types of matches and arts.

Agreas Dome. We moved to the high-class hotel which is located next to the dome stadium.

...It's luxuriously and gorgeously made. After becoming a devil, I sure have come to places like this quite often. This happened all because I became a servant of the High-class devil Gremory.

A spacious lobby and shiny and clean flooring. There is a giant chandelier on the ceiling. Even so, I still feel that the Gremory household is more amazing. Well, that is a castle after all.

We are being guided to our personal room by the bellboy. The match will take place at night. There is still time left. So we will be here until the time of the match.

Then there was a group coming from the other side that were emitting a weird atmosphere and a cold aura which feels like it's piercing through my skin.

They have their hoods worn down so much that we can't see their faces, and they are wearing long robes where we can't even see their feet.

And at the centre of the group, there is one wearing an outfit which looks like that of a priest... Wait, what the heck is that.....?

I became speechless after seeing the one at the centre of the group.

-It's a skeleton.

A skeleton is wearing an outfit that looks like the one worn by priests. On his head is a cap worn by priests as well. I think it's a cap called Mitre. And he has a staff in his hand.

The skeleton-priest stops after seeing us.

The eye socket which has no eyes shines.

<<Oh well, oh well, if this isn't the crimson-haired Gremory and the Governor of the fallen-angels.>>

That voice isn't something which came from a person's mouth. ...From where did it come from? Is it using something like a magic and sending its words to us?

Hearing the words of the skeleton-priest, Sensei smiled sarcastically.

"Oh if this isn't the God that governs death, Hades-dono, who lives in the lower part of the Underworld, the realm of the dead which is also known as the depths of Hell. So you have come here bringing so many grim reapers with you. But I never thought you, who hates devils and fallen-angels more than anything to come all the way here."

....The God of the realm of the dead.....Hades!? So this skeleton is a God! That's why it's emitting this itching kind of aura…..

<<Fafafa….., you sure know how to talk, damn crow. Lately it's been noisy up here, so I came to observe.>>

"Skeleton geezer, it seems like you are the only one from the Grecian-side who is still uncertain about the alliance between the factions."

<<And what of it? Will you also get rid of this old man here, just like with Loki?>>

After that conversation, the group around the skeleton…..Hades, increases their killing intent.

....Are they planning to fight us here? Give me a break; it's just before an important match!

Azazel-sensei shook his head and sighed.

"I'm telling you to become more open-minded like the perverted geezer Odin. I only hear black rumours about you."

<<Fafafa..., if the herds of crows and bats start to make noises, then even I will want to make sure I don't hear those noises.>>

What intense hostility. Does crow refer to the fallen-angels? Then that makes the bat being devils right.....?

Then this skeleton changes his sights....to me!? M-Me!? His eye socket glows.

<<Welsh Dragon. It sure brings back memories of when you and the Vanishing Dragon were rampaging at the depths of Hell together...>>

.....He knows you? Ddraig?

[There was a little something a long time ago.]

I see, so a little something happened huh. ....It's not something where his grudge will be directed to me who is the current Sekiryuutei right…? If the opponent is a skeleton, it's scary because it feels like I will be cursed for real.

<<Well, then. I will have myself enjoy today. You should hope you won't die. I didn't come here to take all your souls with me today after all.>>

Saying just that, the skeleton…..Hades, walks pasts us.

I wiped the sweat on my forehead and took a breath. When I looked, it seems like the other members were also nervous, and were loosening up now.

"...I did hear about Hades-sama from my senior back when I was a Valkyrie, but... It sure doesn't feel like you are still alive when it seems like he holds a grasp of your soul."

Rossweisse-san mutters.

Yeah, it felt exactly like that! The feeling of our soul being looked through! I see, so this is what it means to govern death…..is it?

"....S….Scary... That Skeleton-san had intense pressure..."

When I said that, Sensei started to move around his neck as if he was stiff until now.

"Well, yeah. His power is among the Top-classes within the whole major faction after all."

"....Is he stronger than you, Sensei?"

"He's stronger than me, that Skeleton-geezer that is….. All of you, don't turn him into your enemy definitely. Not just Hades, but the grim reapers around him are also creepy."

Seriously!? He is a serious issue if he is stronger than Sensei and Sirzechs-sama! And his escorts being grim-reapers! It's too scary!

He definitely came up on the top list of "People I don't want to encounter".

"So he is an evil God then...."

When I said that, Sensei shook his head.

"No, he just hates devils and fallen-angels... Rather, he hates other kinds which are from the different mythologies. He is a God who confronts humans normally. He is a being who is necessary in the realm of the dead. But I hate him."

Ara, he just clearly hates him. I also dislike him. That's because the way he looks at us devils is hostile.

I took a breath after having a scary encounter, then lively laughter echoes throughout the corridor.

"Dehahahahahaha! I have come, Azazel!"

"I have also come, Azazel! Gahahahaha!"

Two well-built old men with moustaches came and surrounded Sensei.

Sensei also sighed with his eyes half closed.

"...So you came, Zeus-geezer and Poseidon-geezer... You guys are really hard to be with like always. It would have been better if Hades was lively and easy to understand like these two."

Zeus and Poseidon! The moustache geezer who's wearing no top, Poseidon-sama, is someone I met due to a certain case before. But the moustache geezer who was wearing a crown and toga[2] is someone I see for the first time. I see, so he is the legendary Zeus-sama....!

Such a famous God came running towards us! It sure is an amazing view!

It seems like these two know Azazel-sensei, and they started picking on him.

"Aren't you going to find a wife, Azazel-bou[3]!? Being still single feels lonely doesn't it!"

"I can introduce someone! There are many great women in the seaaaaaaa! Gahahahahaha!"

"Ah~, you don't have to worry about unnecessary things…."

Sensei is being pushed back! It's my first time seeing it. Hee, so there were actually Gods that Sensei can't act too high to! Even if they are the same Gods from Greece as Hades, unlike him they are friendly.

"I came, you guys."

This time it was a voice I've heard before. When I turned around, there is a chibi-dragon floating in the air. I don't know any chibi-dragons, but judging from his voice…..

"That voice, is that you old-man Tannin!? You sure have become small!"

"Hahaha, it will be hard to move around in my original size. I'm usually in this form at events like this."

So he can become this small! He's adorable! He's like Asia's familiar which is also a chibi-dragon.

Old-man says it while looking at all of us.

"The man you will be facing is said to be the strongest youth, but I don't think all of you are inferior to him. So go at him with all your might!"

"Of course! Look forward to our victory!"

I replied to him with confidence. My tension sure does rise when I meet those I know at times like this! It seems like he's cheering for us today, so it will be worth fighting today.

"Ah! Odin-sama!"

Rossweisse-san made a hysteric sound. In the direction Rossweisse-san is pointing at….Odin the geezer was there!

Odin the geezer shouted "This is bad!" when he saw Rossweisse-san and ran away from the scene!

Rossweisse-san made a howl seeing that!

"You are out of your luck meeting me here! Waaaaaaaait! This shitty geezeeeeeeeer! Who's that new Valkyrie next to yoooooooooou!"

Rossweisse-san who turned into an armoured Valkyrie state went after the geezer Odin who ran away.

"....Ise, Yuuto, Xenovia, please. Go and stop Rossweisse."

Buchou says that while making a sigh.

It's right before the match, but the hotel is getting livelier than I thought.

We get guided to our own personal waiting room.

Rather than a room, it's more like a spacious floor, and there are table sets so you can take a break (Green tea, snacks), and even training equipment.

It's a place with everything available. Members who will be doing some exercise got changed into our jersey and have started to do some warm ups.

If we don't do some warm ups now, then we might not be able to unleash our full power for the actual match. So there's still six hours until the game huh. We should use the remaining time for a light exercise and to relax.

It happened when I thought something like that and was doing some running.

"Pardon me."

A single man entered the floor. It was someone who we know! What the!

"Raiser!"

"Onii-sama!"

Buchou and Ravel exclaim hysterically at the appearance of that man.

Yeah, that man was none other than Raiser Phoenix.

"Yo, I've come. Looks like you are also doing well, Ravel."

Saying that, Raiser sits on the chair.

So Raiser also came to the stadium. It must be to observe our battle. And he's already back on his feet. At one point, he hid himself in his room due to his shock at being defeated by me.

Did he come to see how we are doing? I had doubts. The other members thought the same.

Akeno-san pours tea for Raiser. Raiser says it after taking a drink.

"I thought I would talk a bit about the match. Today's game has the same amount of attention as that of a popular pro's match. The fact is, the flow of the game will basically be the same as that of a pro's match. Even the seats are being filled with viewers. You guys will be fighting under that. You might feel bewildered because of the difference with the real battle where there is a thing called entertainment involved. But, it's such a big stage like this. Unleashing your power alone will contribute to your ratings. Rias, this will be one of the crucial moments for you."

Raiser was discussing seriously. I thought he came to taunt us or something, but it was the opposite. As a pro, and as a person who has experience, he talked to us.

Having Raiser say that, Buchou....narrows her eyes.

"....I'm not as good at making tactics as Sona, and I don't have power like Sairaorg. Though, I know I'm blessed with my servants. That's why I'm irritated at myself who cannot lead these children appropriately....."

Buchou declares.

....Buchou, you have been thinking something like that? That's right, Buchou is also a girl.

Even though she acted firm, she must have been facing forward to the game with anxiety.

Hearing Buchou's words, Raiser says it.

"You can improve your strategies and power with experience and also by doing something I hate called "Working hard", with that you can attain some level of power. But you know, Rias. Your fateful encounters---Your talent to draw those with talents is different. I think these guys all gathered here because of your good talent to draw people."

"But the dragon, --I think it's also because of Ise who is the Sekiryuutei that also has to do with it."

"It was your fate to meet the Sekiryuutei. The special something you have made you meet with the Sekiryuutei. That's why you met him. Even if the trait of the dragon drew the other ones after that, you were the one who met Sekiryuutei and made him your servant."

Raiser said it to Buchou straight.

"Have confidence Rias. These guys are your treasures."

--!

Raiser.... You said something good! Even I was moved! So he wasn't just a good-looking bad-boy type!

Maybe Raiser became embarrassed at what he just said, so he continues while scratching his cheek.

"I, who am a pro will guarantee it. You guys are already at a pro-level. Rather, you have enough talented members for you to go in the top-ranks. Even if you guys were to fight my group again, it seems like we will lose badly. Well, that goes the same for the Bael-group. They are also strong. Man, why are the young ones of this generation filled with exceptional ones."

Saying that, he got up from the chair and started to leave.

"Rias, I will be rooting for you. –Win."

With Raiser's encouragement, Buchou nods with a bright expression.

"Yes, of course."

Buchou, it seems like you got rid of another weight again. It seems like a [King] has to shoulder many things and also has to be troubled by it...

They need to shoulder the fate of all their servants and lead them to the path….

So that's what it means to be a High-class devil huh....

"Sekiryuutei."

Raiser calls me. Raiser makes a grip with his fist, and directed at me.

"Your fist….. It's a strike I can never forget. That punch is a strike you can use to aim to the top with. –Come up here quickly, to the same stage as I am. If it's you, then you can do it right? Let's have a rematch there. I will teach you the horror of the professionals in the world of pro's."

"…..Y-Yes! Of course! I will definitely fight you again, and beat you in the official game!"

This is my true feeling. I want to have a rematch with Raiser in the game properly and beat him!

Raiser then looks at his sister Ravel.

"Also I leave Ravel to you. She's as spoiled as Rias. Even so she's earnest. I will burn you if you make her cry, okay?"

"I-It's none of your business!"

Ravel responds with a red face.

Confirming that, Raiser laughs at himself saying "I sure have become senile" and leaves the room.

Raiser... He came all the way here to encourage us...

Thank you very much. Thanks to that, we can go forward with the game with even higher spirits.

I thank him inside myself….but the door opens again, and Raiser appears once more.

"That's right, I forgot to tell you. Sekiryuutei, I was asked by Sirzechs-sama to call you before. He asked you to show up in the VIP room. It seems he wants to show you something."

....Sirzechs-sama does?

I tilted my head, and headed towards the VIP room by myself.

Part 3

So like that, I entered the VIP room where Sirzechs-sama should be.

It's a room which has lots of expensive looking household furniture. It's spacious and gorgeous.

"I'm sorry Ise-kun. To call you before the match."

Sirzechs-sama welcomes me cheerfully.

"It's okay. So what is this thing you wanted to show me?"

"Yes, it's something good that your passionate fans sent you. I wanted to show it to you very much."

Sirzechs-sama picked up a circular looking thing from the table, and put it inside what seems like a video machine for the television.

"Disk? Is it a video or something?"

When I asked, Sirzechs-sama nods while turning on the monitor.

"Yes, it's a video letter."

What appeared on the monitor was a boy holding onto a toy of me when I'm in Balance-Breaker state. It's a homemade video.

The boy speaks bravely towards the camera.

[Oppai dragon, hello~. I like Oppai-dragon very much~. I can also sing the song as well~. I can't go to the dome for the match, but I will cheer-cheer for you from my house~. That's why please win the game~.]

-!

This is a video letter...

The video changed, and this time two siblings dancing around in a circle showed up.

[Oppai-Dragon~! Win, okay~! Zoom Zoom Iyaan~!]

[Ohyai~!]

This time it's a video of a child with his parents. He has a toy of me and the Switch-Princess in his hands.

[I will be cheering for the Oppai-Dragon and the Switch-Princess. I won't be able to go there, but I will be cheering for you all the time.]

...A video letter of support from the children to me.

They kept on changing, and many children have sent me lots of video messages. I had something coming out from my eyes.

There are…..this many children are thinking about me....

"Today, the match will be broadcast live throughout the whole Underworld. Many children…..will be watching you through the television."

Sirzechs-sama brings a box which was kept at the end of the room, and he opens the box and passes a letter.

...It's a fan-letter written in poor devil-letters from the children to me. On each of them there were poor drawings of me but you can tell they tried hard to draw me.

....Each of the drawings have passion in them, and they were the one of a kind type of fan-letter in this world. While my hands were shaking with happiness, Sirzechs-sama says it to me.

"These children...are the future of the Underworld. For today's match, there will be parts where the politics of adults will get involved. –But all of you don't have to worry about those kinds of things. That's why I want a favour from you, Ise-kun. When all of you will be fighting for your dream, even a tiny bit is okay, but can you please fight for these children as well? I know it's a selfish wish. Even so, I ask you. I want you to protect the dreams of these children."

-Protecting the dreams of these children.

That's right. Today's game also has to do with that as well.

"I know that very well. I'm Oppai-Dragon after all."

I'm Hyoudou Issei. The current Sekiryuutei.

I'm also the Chichiryuutei, and the Oppai-Dragon.

So I will be fighting while carrying the dreams of many people, huh.

I need to take this match with a different feeling to that of the time when I had the Raiser-match and Sitri-match.

For myself, for Buchou, for my comrades, and for the children supporting me…..

Let's go, Ddraig.

There are many things we have to accomplish, but the things we need to accomplish are simple.

[Yeah, I know that, Partner.]

I will conquer this game, and give answers to everything!

Part 4

With the game approaching, we were waiting for the time to gather in the corridor, which is connected to the entrance of the Dome stadium. We can feel the heat and the brightness of the stadium from across the gate. At the same time we can hear the sound of the crowd.

Our battle costumes are the Kuou Academy uniforms like always. But they are different from our usual uniforms.

They are specially-made uniforms for this game. They're made with a higher resistance to heat, cold, bullets, magic defence, and such where the defence against many things has been improved.

Well, it's not that they have an insane defence to them, but they're still much better uniforms than the usual ones.

Xenovia is wearing her usual battle costume. Though it's made from the same material as our uniforms.

Rossweisse-san is in her armoured form. Apparently, she feels more relaxed in it.

Asia is also wearing her nun costume. It's Asia's battle clothes after all. This one also has enhanced defence.

While each of us stayed on standby doing something to stay relaxed, Buchou speaks with seriousness in her words.

"....Everyone, the match which is about to begin isn't a real fight. It's a Rating Game, but it has the same serious atmosphere as that of an actual battle. It will be a fight where people will be watching over us, but be careful you don't get pushed back by it."

[Now, the battle of the century is about to begin! From the east gate, it's Sairaorg Bael's team!]

" " " " " " "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!" " " " " " "

Cheers and shouts of joy could be heard even in here. The Dome shook heavily at the entrance of the Bael group.

"....I'm getting nervouuuuuus~!"

"....It's okay, it is said that you will feel better if you think everyone is a pumpkin."

That conversation is between the nervous Gasper and the calm Koneko-chan. It's like their usual conversation.

"Xenovia-san, is it true that Irina-san will be doing cheerleading from the Gremory-supporting side?"

"Yeah, Asia. That seems like it. She said she will be taking the role of an "Onee-san" from the Oppai Dragon's fan supporting area."

I heard the conversation between Asia and Xenovia. …..I see, so Irina would be doing that kind of role today huh. Ravel said that she was able to get a seat in the Oppai Dragon's fan area as well, so those two must be together then.

[And finally from the west gate, it's Rias Gremory's team!]

-!

We were finally announced.

" " " " " " "Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!" " " " " " "

The crowd is already heated up.

...I'm getting nervous! My heart is beating fast. Everyone else also changed their attitude and they have a serious expression.

Buchou then says it while looking around all of us.

"Thank you for following me till this far. –Now, let's go, my servants. Let's win!"

" " " " " " " "Yes!" " " " " " " "

We replied back to her. And we finally went through the gate--.

Being under the cheers, what we witnessed in front of us is…..a floating land which is floating above the spacious circular stadium. ...Actually I should say that there are giant rocks floating above the spacious field.

On one of the rocks floating above the field, the Bael group was already there.

[Now, will the Gremory group also please go to their base.]

The announcer says.

Our base is on top of that…..? What's connected to the rock base is a long snake-like stair case. We also walked up the stairs just like the Bael group did, and we arrived on top of the base.

I can see the Bael group from afar. .....Don't tell me it's going to be a sky battle where we'll be using this whole field? Maybe something like jumping across the rocks randomly, and the first one to destroy the base wins or something?

On the base, there are chairs with the same number of people as our group, and a mysterious stand. And the only other thing left is something that looks like a transfer-type magic circle located one storey higher than our base.

When I looked, the opponent's base looked the same.

Even when I looked down, what appears as a marathon-type track field. .... I'm sure we aren't going down there to have a battle by doing a marathon though…..

Hmm, I wonder what kind of game it will turn out to be this time.

I was thinking like that by tilting my head, and then I heard the announcer.

A super-flashy man who is wearing a microphone on his ears appears on the giant monitor positioned on the stadium!

[Hello, everyone! The broadcaster for this match will be I, Naud Gamigin from the house of Gamigin of the former 72 Pillars, who will be broadcasting to you!]

The stadium gets filled with cheers! So it comes with a broadcaster! Amazing! So this is a professional-style game?

[The arbiter for this game will be Rudiger Rosenkreutz!]

A magic circle appears on the air. A good-looking guy with long silver-hair, dressed in full uniform appears from the magic circle! Mainly the women make huge cheers at his appearance!

"...….Rudiger Rosenkreutz. He is a reincarnated devil who was a former human, and an Ultimate-class devil. On top of that, his ranking is 7th..."

Koneko-chan mutters.

-! A former human reincarnated devil! Even though he's a reincarnated devil, he's an Ultimate-class devil, and on top of that he is a current top game ranker! And he's in a single-digit rank of 7th! For him to be an Ultimate-class devil when he reincarnated from a human and he is also a top ranker! As someone who is aiming to go to the top, I admire him!

Wait, so someone like that is going to be arbiter, just how showy is this match going to be!?

"But it isn't Grayfia-san, huh."

I muttered. In the games we have participated in so far, Grayfia-san has been the arbiter until now!

"There is no way that the house of the Great King will approve it. Grayfia-sama is from the Gremory side after all."

Akeno-san says that plainly.

....If you talk about it, that's true. Grayfia-san is Sirzechs-sama's [Queen]. For the Great King faction who takes importance in ranks, she would only be a nuisance to them. There is no way that Grayfia-san would do something unfair to the match, but it sounds like the higher-ups of the Great King faction would use that.

[And our special guest! We have the Governor of the Fallen angels, Azazel-sama, as a commentator today! Hello there, Governor Azazel!]

-Then a man who we are familiar with appears on screen.

.....

We became dumbfounded and gazed at him. That man…..Sensei, introduces himself by making a smile.

[Well, hello there. I'm Azazel. I look forward to working with you tonight.]

...….S….S….S...That's Senseeeeeei!!

What is he doing!? He said he couldn't go to the VIP room because he has a special job tonight, so this is what he meant! So he will be involved in the game as a commentator! I didn't hear about this! We didn't hear about this a single bit!

While we were shocked, Sensei was being introduced by the broadcaster.

[Governor Azazel, you are famous for having a good relationship with Sirzechs Lucifer-sama, and also the leaders of various factions and you are also famous for being the leading expert in the research of the Sacred Gears. For today's match, having done the coaching for the Rias Gremory team, how would you look at this game?]

[Well, yes. Personally, I wonder if both teams can release their full power and--]

Saying such and such, Sensei started to make comments with a smile!

When it calmed down after Sensei's introduction, the camera shifts next to Sensei, and it showed a man with a graceful face who has grey hair and grey eyes.

-! I thought he looked like a brilliant man just with one look.

[And we have also called another person! 1st Ranker of the Rating Game! The current Champion! "Emperor" Diehauser Belial!]

" " " " "Uoooooooooooooooooooo!!" " " " "

There was an even more lively cheer than the time Sensei appeared. It's so lively that I can feel the shaking of the stadium even over here….

The man….The man called Emperor speaks brightly.

[How are you, everyone. I'm Diehauser Belial. Today, I will be doing commentary for the match between the Gremory and Bael.]

.....I decided to burn the appearance of this man into my eyes.

-This man is the conqueror of the game. Emperor. Champion. Ranked 1st!

I don't know why, but I started to shiver. It's not because I'm scared. I don't know how to explain it but it's a shivering of excitement, and shivering of joy.

It's because I was able to have a look at one of my targets which wasn't clear until now.

The broadcaster asks Sensei and Emperor.

[It might be sudden, but I would like to ask Governor Azazel who was the advisor for the Gremory team and the Champion who was the advisor for the Bael-team something. It will be helpful if you can tell us about where we should pay attention for both teams.]

[Well yes, if we talk about the Gremory team, then it would be the Oppai Dragon and the Switch Princess! And also--]

Sensei answers the question from the broadcaster and—

[Yes, I do think that the combatant Sairaorg is an excellent [King], but more than that he has a power which makes him the strongest in his team and--]

Emperor Belial also answers. Buchou looks at him with a serious expression through the screen.

"...…Diehauser Belial....."

Yes, that Champion is Buchou's target in the future. Buchou's dream is to attain the title for each game. Achieving that means, that the last wall which will come in her way is that Champion…..

Buchou put on a determined face.

"One day, I will definitely--. But, right now I need to defeat the strong foe right in front of me, or else I can't even stand at the place where I can make my dream come true."

Yes. She's right! The battle against Sairaorg-san! We will put Emperor Belial away for now! The problem is whether we can defeat that man and his group!

I need to change my attitude. There is no way I can defeat that man while having such a restless heart!

When I was slapping my own face, the comments continue.

[First of all, it's regarding the Phoenix's tear.]

Oh! Phoenix's tear! I heard that we wouldn't know whether we can get them or not until the last minute, so I wonder how it turned out.

Buchou was also worried about it because having it and not having it will change the tactics quite a bit.

[Like all of you know, because of the continuous terror by the terrorists group [Khaos Brigade], each faction has became more tensed, and the importance and the prices for the tears have risen rapidly. Because of that, we are in the situation where preparing them is difficult. –Buuuuuuut!]

The broadcaster points at the huge monitor. What appears there are two small bottles inside an expensive looking box.

[Thanks to the kindness of the current head of Phoenix who produces and sells the tears, and also because of the voices of the supporters of both team of Bael and Gremory have reached us, it's decided that each team will be given the tears for this game!]

" " "Waaah!" " "

The stadium makes a roar with that information.

I see, so the tears will be given to us. If I remember, Ravel also said "It's an important match which will heat up the Underworld, so I would like to somehow prepare it".

It will be a great help! But, it also means that they will also be able to revive one of their members.

Most likely, that will be their –King.

"....It seems like we need to prepare to defeat Sairaorg Bael twice."

Kiba says that with a serious face.

Yeah, it seems like that's how it will turn out. If they have to use it on someone, then it will definitely be Sairaorg-san.

So we have to defeat that Sairaorg-san twice….. We somehow need to make him use the tear with the minimum of casualties as possible... Even an idiot like me knows that it's impossible to make them use the tear without any casualties if our opponent is that man.

Then the problem is who will use it on our side. Fortunately we have Asia who is a healer, so the importance of the tear isn't that high to us compared to the Bael group.

Even so, we can't look down on the effect of the tear which can heal wounds immediately, and also we will be forced to use it if Asia is nowhere nearby. Especially Buchou, who is the [King] needs to survive till the end. It will be appropriate to use it on Buchou when she is in danger.

When I was thinking like that in my head, we were finally given the explanation of something I wanted to hear the most.

[There is a special rule in this game!]

Like I thought, there was a special rule! We did hear that it won't be a rule which will seal our powers directly, but... This game has viewers involved, so it seems like they will focus on the 'entertainment' aspects of it.

[Before explaining the special rule, I would like to explain the flow of this game! This game won't be the type where all the team members will be running through the field, but will be done in a match-style! This is due to keeping in mind that this will be a blitz and also because it was organised to heat up all of you, the viewers! Even though this game is between the youths, the game-style of this game is the same as that of a pro!]

-! So it won't be the one where we run around! This will be my first time at having a match-style!

My comrades also put on a serious face because of the situation they never expected. If it's a match-style, we won't be able to have a team-battle then? We did train for one-on-one battles, but also trained for a team-battle, so I wonder if we can use the training results to the fullest for the match-style battle.

The explanation for the special rule continues.

[And now for the special rule which will determine the matches! Now will the [King]'s from both sides progress towards their personal stands in their bases.]

Stand? Ah, the stand located in our base. That has been bugging me this whole time.

Buchou and Sairaorg-san, who is at the opponent's side of the base, were urged to move to the front of the stands.

From the stand, something comes out.

The giant monitor also shows the vision of it. What appeared was a...die! A die!? I've been getting shocked continuously today!

[There is a die in front of you! They will be the key for the special rule! Yes, the rule for this Rating Game today is one of the major game types! It's the "Dice Figure"!]

Dice....Figure? I tilted my head in wonder by hearing a word I never heard before.

"So it's Dice Figure huh….."

Kiba says that, and he starts to explain it to me.

"The actual Rating Game has many special rules. The ones we have been doing till now were quite plain ones. Other than the ones like this one where you use a die, there are also ones where you take as many flags as you can on the field called "Scramble Flag". Dice Figure is the representative game for using dice."

-! ...So there are games like that huh. It sure is helpful to know them. The Rating Game, it seems like it's deeper than I thought…..

The explanation of the rule by the broadcaster continues.

[I will explain the Dice Figure so that those who don't know about it can understand it! The die prepared has six-sides like the usual die, and you can roll a number from 1 to 6 with it! By rolling it, it will determine which 'pieces (servants)' can be sent for that match!]

The dice will determine the person being sent for the match...?

It means that the dice will determine our fate then!

[The chess in the human world has values for their chess pieces! The standard value for the [Pawn] piece is 1, and they give numeric values to the chess pieces equivalent to their strength on the chessboard. And the evil pieces for the Rating Game also use this value standard as estimation! Of course there are parts when the person from the group unleashes the power higher than their potential capacities which surpasses the value of their chess pieces, or the part things happen where it surpasses our assumption due to the hidden factor which Ajuka Beelzebub-sama input into the evil pieces! But we will be using the standard value for the rule of this game!]

Ah, that thing huh. It's the values where [Knight] equals 3, [Bishop] is also 3, [Rook] equals 5, and [Queen] equals 9. When I just became a devil, I was told this by Buchou.

But it's just a mere standard. There are members in our group who won't fit in that standard value such as Kiba who gained the factor to become a holy-sword wielder after being reincarnated to a devil, and Gapser who reincarnated into a devil with a mutation piece.

[First, both [Kings] will roll the die, and the total value rolled will determine which combatants can be sent! For example, when the total value rolled is [8]! Then you can send combatants who will fit within that value! If it's [Pawn] which has the consumption value of 1, then 8 [Pawns] can be sent! Of course you can also send 1 [Rook] with the consumption value of 5 and 1 [Knight] with the consumption value of 3, since the total value will be 8! If it is within the value range, then it is possible to send a combination of combatants from different classes! Also, group members who have consumed several evil-pieces will have the value of their total values, so if it's the Gremory-team then the combatant Hyoudou Issei the Sekiryuutei who has consumed 8 [Pawn] pieces will have the value of 8.]

So if the value rolled turns out to be the maximum figure of 12, then it means we can have members go to the field within that value for the match. Then if that happens, from our side we can send the combination of [Queen] Akeno-san who has the value of 9 with one of the [Knight] or [Bishop].

So I'm 8 huh. That's a big number. Then there is a limit to who I can pair with. Even if the maximum figure of 12 was rolled, I won't be able to pair with a [Rook] which is just out of the value. It might be better to pair up with Kiba or Xenovia who is a [Knight].

Then what will happen if the value rolled turns out to be the smallest number? When I was questioning about that inside my head, it gets explained.

[But in both combatant Rias Gremory's team and combatant Sairaorg Bael's team they don't have a 'piece' with the standard value of 1 or 2. It means that they can send out their members only from the value 3 and larger! Since it will be the total values, if the total values rolled turns out to be the smallest value of 2, then we will have them roll it once again!]

Then what will happen if the servant loses and the number of members gets reduced? Do you have to keep on rolling it until the dice values fit with the value of one of the remaining members?

[As the match progresses, the combatants will be reduced, and possibly there might be a change in the value needed for the combatants to be sent. Then the dice will have to be rolled until the value reaches the number where combatants from both teams can be sent to the field!]

Well, that would be obvious. I wonder what will happen about the [King]'s participation which will be the most vital thing here.

[The participation of the [King]'s will depend on the number which has been given from the people from the judging committee's estimation value beforehand! Of course, like the usual rule, the game ends immediately after the [King]'s defeat!]

That….will be a problem. Depending on the value, Sairaorg-san himself will be able to come out then!

Sairaorg-san is stronger than Buchou, and the strongest member in the opponent's team must be their [King].

If Sairaorg-san wishes to come out continuously, depending on the dice values rolled, then our chances of winning will decrease.

"More than that, what does he mean by the participation of the [King] will depend on the judging committee's estimation value?"

I muttered out my question.

"It's like how he explained. The judging committee has given the estimation value for Buchou and Sairaorg Bael about how much their value number will be in Dice Figure before hand. With that, it will determine the number needed for each of them to appear on field. It seems like this will be calculated from the strength of the [King] themselves, the value of their servants, and also by comparing with the opponents. That's why depending on the game, the number changes."

Akeno-san gave me an additional explanation. Thank you very much, Akeno-san.

I see. So the judging committee will choose the chess-piece value number for Buchou and Sairaorg-san then.

[Now then, the chess-piece value number the judging committee chose for each [King] is this!]

When the broadcaster shouts that out, Buchou and Sairaorg-san's name appears on the huge monitor written in devil-letters, and the numbers under their names are spinning.

Then the number appears while making a rhythmical sound.

[Combatant Sairaorg Bael is 12! Combatant Rias Gremory is 8! Oooh, combatant Sairaorg has a higher value, but instead it means that he won't be able to come out unless the maximum number is rolled!]

So for this game, Sairaorg-san has a higher value than Buchou huh.... Buchou's value is less than Akeno-san's and it's the same as mine, but from Akeno-san's explanation earlier, the way the value is determined is different from us, so it doesn't mean that the value is absolute. She did say that it changes depending on the game after all.

"....I just have to fix things up during the game then."

Since it's Buchou, I thought she would feel bitter because her value was lower than Sairaorg-san, but she's calmer than I thought.

If I think about it, since Buchou is 8, if a large number comes out then she can pair up with one of the [Knight] or [Bishop]! I should think positively. By the way how we do it, we can do it more effectively than Sairaorg-san who can only appear by himself only when the maximum value of 12 is rolled.

"Will Sairaorg-san definitely appear when the value of 12 is rolled?"

When I said that, Kiba put on a hard expression.

"It might not be certain that Sairaorg-san will appear. Especially in the opening."

"Why is that?"

"Even if he wins that match, his ratings might drop a bit depending on the situation. A one-man team doesn't get rated high after all. In this game, you get rated high when you are able to use your group to the fullest. But if a one-man team, where the [King] himself does that, then the media of the Underworld won't stay quiet about it, and it will affect the future of the [King]. On top of that, it's broadcast live. And if he does that in front of this large a crowd, then his ratings will go down. Winning is important, but it also means that how you portray yourself is also important. Well in this game Dice Figure, since his value is 12, Sairaorg Bael won't be able to appear that easily."

I…I see. If you think like that, then the official game might be quite hard... So it means your future might take a turn for the worst if you also don't think about how the society will view you. That's the world of pro's. Scary....

[Also another rule. You cannot send out the same combatant continuously. This also goes the same for the [King]'s!]

Roger that. So we won't be able to participate again unless we take one turn off between them, huh. So it means that Sairaorg-san won't appear continuously then.

"Even if the first value is 12, I don't think Sairaorg will appear from the opening. From his personality, he will make his servants form a group properly. For that reason, they went through hard training. But, he will definitely show up as well. It will depend on the total value rolled, but the problem will be in which timing he will appear. It's certain that he is a battle-maniac."

So you already saw through that far, Buchou. So the prediction between the two groups has started as soon as the explanation of the rules ended huh.....

Buchou then looks at Asia.

"Under this rule, sending out Asia by herself and also in a team will be a bad move. They will mainly aim for Asia, since she is a healer after all. It will be better for her to stay here, and heal those who won the match. This is one of the advantages for us, since we can heal without using Phoenix's tear. I'm sorry Asia. I can't send you in to the match. So please heal the ones who return back here. That is also an important role for this game."

"Yes, Onee-sama. I will stay here and heal everyone's wounds! That's why, please return safely everyone."

" " " " " " " "Of course." " " " " " " "

We answered together at Asia's encouragement.

Rather, it seems like Buchou's rating will get lower if she sends out Asia.

"Instead, they must have read through that Asia-san won't appear."

Kiba says that, and Buchou nods.

"Yes, so that makes it that we have 8 combatants."

Eight people! That's okay. By having Asia stay back, it gives me more courage because I can go serious. W-Well, I don't want to do anything reckless though...

Even Asia and Phoenix tears won't be able to replenish my stamina after all.

[Now, the game is about to begin! Both teams, are you ready?]

The broadcaster raised the tension, and the arbiter raised his hand high.

[Now, the Rating Game between Sairaorg Bael's team and Rias Gremory's team will begin! GAME START!]

Along with the sound of the start for the game, the cheer from the crowd echoes throughout the stadium…..

Finally, the game began....

Part 5

[So then, will the two [Kings] step in front of the stands.]

Being urged by the arbiter, Buchou and Sairaorg-san stand in front of the stands.

[We will start the first match. We will choose the combatants who will be appearing. Will both of you hold the dice.]

Buchou holds the die.

...…I'm getting nervous.　What value will come up? Whether it's a small or big number, I won't be able to predict before the value actually comes up.

[Shoot!]

After the arbiter's call, both of them roll the dice!

Dice are rolling on top of the stands! And the motion stops…

The monitor shows the image of the two die.

And the values are...

[The value combatant Rias Gremory rolled is...2! On the other hand the value combatant Sairaorg Bael rolled is 1! That is a total value of 3. They will be able to send out their servants within that value! In this case, since the value of the [Pawn]'s on both sides is large, they will only be able to send out 1 [Knight] or [Bishop] which have values of 3! So, which members will both sides send to the field!?]

The broadcaster says it with enthusiasm.

-Wait, a 3!? The smallest number came up right at the beginning! So things like this can occur from the opening, huh!

The arbiter then announces.

[You get 5 minutes of planning time. So please choose the combatant who will be participating within that time. Also the promotion for the [Pawns] will be available once they arrive at the field. The promotion will be deactivated every time a match ends, so please use promotion every time you get on the field.]

Five minutes huh... Like that, the planning time for the Gremory team began.

The moment it became planning-time, the bases of both sides were enveloped in a mysterious barrier.

"The soundproof barrier. It's used to stop our plans from leaking outside."

Kiba says that.

"It's also to stop people outside from reading our minds, so a special mark is placed onto the faces of each combatant."

When I looked at the giant monitor..... Oo, it seems like our faces are being covered by the Gremory-group magic-circle. I keep getting shocked by the pro-style game.

We sat on the standby chairs. Buchou says while looking at all of us.

"The opponents must have predicted that we will be sending Yuuto out."

"W-Why is that?"

I ask.

But the one who answered me is Kiba. Kiba holds up his fingers, which represent the numbers.

"Since the value of 3 was rolled, there are only four of us who can be sent. Me and Xenovia who are the [Knights], and Asia-san and Gasper-kun who are the [Bishops]. We can't send Asia-san and Gasper-kun who are support-types by themselves right? They are originally rearguards who show their true strength only when they pair with warriors who will become the vanguard. They are the members who should be sent when a value of 6 or greater is rolled. Since that is the case--"

"...It means that we only have the option of Kiba or Xenovia. So the reason Kiba is picked is….."

Buchou continues from where I left off.

"Xenovia is a power-type [Knight], since she would have to battle either a [Knight] or a [Bishop] of the opponent's team, there is a high risk that she could get hit with a technique…..a counter."

Xenovia nods.

"...…Yeah, it seems like it would be hard to win without taking any damage. But, I still won't be defeated by a technique-type."

Buchou continues speaking after the confident Xenovia.

"But, even if she were to win, there is a high chance that she will reveal the specifications of Ex-Durandal. The identity of the Ex-Durandal will be seen through if she shows even a single ability. We also want to reserve it until much later in the game. During mid-game, after rolling a large number, the match will most likely turn into a fierce battle. If we have to show it to them, that would be the time. It would be a waste to use it from the start. That's why it's Yuuto. The one who is able to fight in various situations while having their ability already known, that would be Yuuto and not Xenovia. "

.....She's right. Even if the holy-demonic sword and his new technique is exposed, he can still adapt to the situation. Instead, Xenovia's Durandal-cannon (Which I made up and am calling) has a charging time, and it's not that fast after it's been shot, so it could be stopped or dodged.

It seems like Xenovia will consume more stamina than needed, and it also seems like she will take lots of damage...

"Muu, Ise. Did you just think that I don't use my brain or something?"

Xenovia accuses me, but I just put on a smile and shook my head.

High school dxd v10 195.jpg

The truth is, I don't think you use your brain. You are more reckless than me after all! You started to attack without any warning in the fight against Loki and also the battle in Kyoto!

"I still have to go, even if they know my abilities. –I'm going."

Kiba takes a step forward while fixing his collar.

"Don't lose from the start okay?"

I picked on him. Well, I don't think he will lose though. I know his strength best since I'm his training partner.

"I will definitely win."

You sure gave me the best reply with a good smile, handsome!

The arbiter continues.

[The five minutes are about to be over. Would the combatants participating in the match please make their way to the magic-circle. The magic-circle is a transport-type. You will be transferred to a battlefield prepared in a different dimension. The match will then be fought on that battlefield. The battlefield will be randomly picked from the ones already prepared. Until the combatants are transferred to the different field, the bases of both sides will be placed in a barrier so the bases will become invisible. And that barrier will only be taken off every time a match ends.]

I see, so that magic-circle is to transfer the combatants to the battlefield. A special field is already prepared in another dimension. So this place won't turn into the battlefield.

Wait, neither of the bases will be able to be seen, from the outside, until the transfer is over?

Koneko-chan says as if she were reading my mind.

"....The reason why it's invisible is to prevent changing your 'piece(servant)' after seeing who will be sent from the opponent's team. Observe, and then change, and seeing again and then changing again. Rather than the match, that itself would be a problem. And we are also under surveillance to prevent us from doing anything unfair while under this invisible state."

Hmm, that certainly seems troublesome. So the opponents will be a secret until they are transported to the field huh.

And we are under surveillance huh. ...So maybe there are cameras hidden inside this base or something? More than that, I wonder what she means by unfairness…...

Man, there are a bunch of things I don't know! Even though Koneko-chan knows it, I don't! My lack of studies has finally shown up! After this game ends, I'm going to study about the various game types!

"The reason why you won't know which combatants will be sent, until they are sent to the field, is probably to please the crowds as well."

Rossweisse-san says.

While we are having this conversation, the barrier covering our base gets denser, and it cuts us off from the outside area.

"I will be going then."

Kiba who has a microphone on his ear stands on top of the magic circle. That instant, the magic circle glows and Kiba disappears.

Then above the base, several visions showing certain scenery appear in the sky. One of them shows the crowds.

And in the largest-size vision, scenery of an unknown place is shown. ....It's a very wide green land.

And Kiba is there. Near him…..is an armoured knight riding on a horse which is emitting blue-white flames!

[Oooo! The combatants for the first match have appeared! As you can see, the field is a vast green land! And this vast green land will be the stage for the first match! The ones chosen from both sides with the value of 3 are.... The young noble man of god-speed from the Gremory team! It's combatant Kiba Yuuto! Princess Rias's [Knight] has appeared!]

" " " " " " " "Kyaaaaaaaa! Kiba-kyuuuuuuun~!" " " " " " " "

Having been agitated by the broadcaster, the women in the crowd yell happy cheers.

Wow….., our handsome prince really is super popular huh.... Shit! He's taking the good position by himself! I beg you so please set up a mixer-party next time!

[And from the Bael-group...]

Before the broadcaster introduces him, the armoured knight has his horse walk ahead and he takes off the mask of his helm to show his face.

I know that guy. I did watch the video of the match against Glasya-Labolas.

-He's a [Knight] of Bael group.

[I'm one of the [Knights] that serve our master Sairaorg Bael-sama, Beruka Furcas!]

That's a magnificent introduction indeed.

"Furcas is the household that has a trait to rule horses."

Buchou says. Their trait is a horse. So that's why he's riding a horse.

[I'm Rias Gremory-sama's Knight, Kiba Yuuto. Nice to meet you.]

Kiba responds by introducing himself to his opponent.

Furcas points his circular-shaped lance up high.

[...…I have luck being a swordsman because I was given the opportunity to exchange swords with the infamous Kiba Yuuto-dono of the holy-demonic sword, by my master.]

[I also look forward to having this duel with you.]

Oh, Kiba responds back fearlessly!

[Governor-Azazel, will you please explain about that horse covered in blue-white flames?]

The broadcaster asks Sensei.

[--[Pale horse]. That's a high-level beast which lives in the deepest part of hell, Cocytus. It's been said that famous devils and grim reapers ride on it. It's also said that it's a horse which brings death and destruction. It's not an easy task to master riding on it. It has a violent nature. It's said that it will kick to death those it doesn't like, including its master.]

Sensei, thanks for the explanation!

[My favourite horse, Altobrau's legs are god-speed. Kiba-dono. I wish for a serious fight with you.]

Furcas was already in a battle position.

Sensei has already told us about the dangers of that horse. More importantly, if its combination with the rider is superb, it's said that the Pale horse's ability can be drawn up to the max!

The arbiter appears on the field through a magic-circle, and he stands between the two combatants.

"The first match, starts now!"

Both of them took a distance when the signal was given.

It started! The Rating Game against Bael has started! The one who will be doing the opening match is Kiba! Show them what you've got, Kibaaaaaa!

[I challenge you! Let us see if the speed of Altobrau and I can match you!]

They disappeared when the blue horse made a cry!

[-Fast!]

I had the same response as Kiba! Since I train while having Kiba as my opponent, my eyes are used to fast speed. Even still, I thought they were fast. That's how superb their starting dash was.

Kiba uses his eyes…..no. He takes a stance as if he is trying to feel the presence of his enemy. Then…

GIIIIN! GUUN!

The sound of the metal colliding echoes. Kiba didn't move from the spot, but he is warding off the attacks coming in fast speed.

He took a distance, and he went towards the enemy with fast speed after feeling the presence of the enemy for quite some time.

GIIIIN! GUUN!

Both of them are in a state where it only looks like two moving things are colliding at very fast speeds. The things which become visible on the field are the sparks created when the weapons collide and the sounds of metal colliding.

There are deep holes created in the field due to the waves created by several swords and the charging of the lance.

.....I can only see them when they collide against each other. That's it. That's how fast Kiba and that knight are!

Both of them finally show themselves when they are using the lance and swords to push against each other.

[A draw even against the legs of my Altobrau... You are truly frightening indeed, Princess Rias's Knight!]

Furcas laughs fearlessly.

[You also have an excellent combination with your horse. If I were to try to cut the horse down, your lance will stop me and even if I try to take you down, the horse won't allow it. Seems like I have to destroy your foot path!]

Kiba who said that forms an aura around his body, and he made his eyes sharper.

That instant, many holy-demonic sword blades appear from the earth surrounding Kiba! The swords of flowers blossomed in the field!

Maybe he will be able to stop Furcas's horse with this!

I became overjoyed, but….. Furcas's horse jumps up high!

--! That horse can run in mid air!?

But Kiba swings his holy-demonic sword down without giving a moment to spare!

[Holy-demonic sword of Thunder!]

FLASH! The sky flashed, and thunder comes down towards Furcas! The thunder taught directly by Akeno-san! It isn't as strong as Akeno-san's, but Kiba is still able to create thunder.

[Not enough!]

Furcas threw his lance up towards the sky, and he survived the thunder by using the lance as a lightning rod. Furcas who has lost his weapon puts his hand inside the mane of his horse which is made of fire. It seems like he is trying to take something out of it. The mane creates a swine in the atmosphere. It seems like that mane is connected to a different dimension.

What he got from the mane was a second lance. So he still had a lance huh…..

They have researched Kiba very well. He warded off all of Kiba's attacks!

Kiba's sword is the holy-demonic sword. It has the attribute of holy. Devils aren't able to evade the fate of receiving heavy damage if they get cut with it. Because of that, not being hit by the holy-demonic sword is a must for opponents in order to win. It's easier said than done. To be able to pull that off without a scratch while having Kiba as his opponent means that our opponent is quite formidable.

It's a common situation, that the enemy is slain when Kiba makes his move. But that hasn't happened yet.

Sairaorg-san's first servant sent. His first servant is this strong huh.

[Even if your holy-demonic sword has a deadly effect on devils….!]

Furcas makes a stance. He's trying to do something!

[It won't mean a thing if it doesn't hit!]

At the same time as he jumped.....many duplicates of Furcas and his horse were created! So it's a phantom or a clone huh! Having several Furcas duplicates in front of him, Kiba.....has his swords stiff, and his face looks stern.

-! Don't tell me he can't tell which one is the real thing!? If even Kiba can't tell them apart, then it means that the phantoms have the same presence as the real thing!

Several Furcases move randomly in fast speed, and they start attacking Kiba.

At the beginning, he fended off the attacks with his swords, but Kiba receives damage which comes from all direction!

[Ku!]

Kiba created a second holy-demonic sword, and he creates a huge aura with the two swords. The surrounding grasses are blown away by it, but Furcas dodges it and takes a distance.

That move was originally meant to make Furcas step back.

Furcas returns back to only himself after making the phantoms vanish.

Kiba took a breath, and put on a fearless smile.

[…..I didn't want to show my trump card from the beginning,,,,,,,, But it looks like I will lose more stamina if I continue to hold back. I am in no position to say things to Xenovia.]

Kiba says that as if he's talking to himself.

...Is he planning to use that already? No, this might be the best time to use it. For Kiba who has less stamina than me, fighting much longer would affect his legs for future matches.

Kiba made the holy-demonic sword vanish, and created a holy-sword within his hand.

So he is planning on using that! I confirmed my guess after seeing that.

Kiba declares very boldly.

[I am stronger than you. This match, I will eventually grasp your movement. But for that, I would consume a lot of stamina. Thinking about later fights, it's better to take you down in a blitz.]

Hearing Kiba's declaration, Furcas smirks.

[Looks like you are confident in yourself. Certainly your talent will eventually surpass me and Altobrau. But I won't go down just like that! For the later matches, I will cut one of your limbs to take your stamina away!]

Such amazing determination. He's planning to grind down our man power as much as possible.

[Yes. That's why you are scary. There isn't anything scarier than an opponent who is resolved. I'm...thinking of showing my other possibility.]

Kiba makes a stance with his holy-sword and mutters quietly.

[--Balance-Break.]

That moment, an atmosphere different from the holy-demonic sword is emitting from Kiba and he gets wrapped with a holy aura. Then several holy-swords appear from the earth, and at the same time strange-looking beings with armour on them are created. The armoured knight things take the holy-swords growing from the ground into their hands, and they gather around Kiba. It seems like the helm of those armoured things is based on a dragon.

Kiba becomes surrounded by armoured knights. If I had to describe it, he looks like a captain who is leading a knight troop.

Seeing that, Furcas gets shocked.

[.....! Im..impossible!? Balance-Break!? Your Balance-Break is supposed to be the [Sword of Betrayer]! How can you use another Balance-Break!?]

Yes, Kiba's original Balance-Breaker is the [Sword of Betrayer]. But that's the Balance Breaker for the [Sword Birth]. That guy also has an ability which he acquired afterwards.

Furcas then says it as if he finally understands.

[...….! Don't tell me that it's a Balance-Breaker of the "Blade Blacksmith"...!?]

Kiba nods quietly at his words.

[-[Glory-Drag Trooper], it's the Balance Breaker of [Blade-Blacksmith] and is a sub-species.]

You got the right answer, Furcas-san. During the Kokabiel incident, Kiba gained the factors to become a holy-sword wielder from his former comrades. He also received a Sacred Gear ability which lets him wield and create holy-swords. As a result, he became an insane swordsman who has the Sacred Gear abilities of both the Sword Birth and the Blade Blacksmith.

Jeanne from the Hero-faction was a possessor of a Blade Blacksmith, and she showed us her sub-species Balance Breaker of it during the battle in Kyoto.

Kiba who saw that, thought of this.

He said, "Ise-kun, with my irregular powers, do you think I will be able to awaken another special power?"

After that, I tagged along with activating his Balance Breaker. That guy told me to seriously go at him while he was in a state wielding a holy-sword instead of a holy-demonic sword. That guy fought me in a very disadvantageous situation many times, and he finally reached it.

And this is his so-called new technique. The Balance Breaker of Blade Blacksmith! Except, in this situation he won't be able to use his holy-demonic swords. He can only use the holy-swords. And conversely, he won't be able to materialise these knight troops while he is using the holy-demonic swords.

The trait of Kiba's new ability is that the user's speed and techniques can be copied on to the knight troops. Right now it can only copy his speed, but it seems like it can still grow. Rather than that, your talent sure is marvellous that you were able to pull off something you imagined, Kiba!

I'm getting jealous of your talent! I'm glad that Kiba is Buchou's [Knight]! You really are the best!

[To reach this stage, I had to fight the Sekiryuutei with just holy-swords, but... Fufufu, I was truly scared. I was even prepared for my death. That's because Ise-kun came at me while intending to kill me for real. Though, thanks to that I was able to attain a second Balance-Breaker.]

You told me to do that! I thought it would be rude to you, my friend, if I didn't even do that.

Actually, I believed that fighting while intending to kill you was my duty as your friend.

On another vision Sensei, who is a commentator, puts his hand on his chin as if he finds it amusing.

[Naturally, the Balance Breaker for the [Blade Blacksmith] is the [Blade Knight Mass] which creates several armoured knights who are wielding holy-swords. It seems like combatant Kiba was able to alter it to his taste and materialise it as a sub-species. On top of that it's dragon knight troops! Kaa~! Kiba, you really are influenced by Ise! It sure is a situation that adult women will get fired up about!]

Sensei says that lively! Stop it, it's disgusting!

But is the reason that Kiba was able to attain a new technique my fault...? From one of the informants we captured from the Hero-faction, they said "Those who get involved with Sekiryuutei and Hakuryuukou, especially the Sacred Gear possessors tend to awaken in abnormal directions"... Hmm. I don't get it.

While I was thinking about it, Kiba stands in front of Furcas while taking his knight troop with him.

In his current situation he doesn't hold that much offensive power compared to the holy-demonic swords, but since he is controlling the knight troops, he has manpower. If those attack at the same time, then Furcas's phantoms will…..

[Furcas-dono! Here I come!]

Kiba sprints ahead with his knight troops! Several of them heading towards Furcas were very fast!

[Ku! I can't fall here yet!]

Furcas shouts, and kicking the blue horse's stomach, he leaps forward. At the same time he creates several phantoms!

Kiba's knight troops and Furcas' phantoms collide!

GIIIIIIIN!

A single sound of metal echoes.

Kiba and Furcas exchange a single strike while having the knight troops and the phantoms disappear.

A moment passes…..and Furcas gets covered with light. There is a crack on his armour from his shoulder down to his stomach, and there is smoke coming from his wounds possibly due to the damage from the holy-sword.

That's the light when you retire! Kiba caught the real Furcas within the phantoms, and he conquered the speed battle!

[...Splendid.]

Furcas disappears along with the light from the field after saying that.

--At the same time, the arbiter announces it.

[Combatant Sairaorg Bael's [Knight], retires!]

The crowd cheered with that announcement, and we were overjoyed.

For the first battle, the one who gained victory is us!

Part 6

[The team which dominated the first match is the Gremory team! Now then, what will happen in the next match!?]

While the broadcaster agitates the crowds, Kiba returns using the magic circle. At the same time, the barrier lightens up and we can be seen from the outside now.

The time for Buchou to roll the dice has come again.

Once again, the two [Kings] started to roll the die. The value rolled was...6 by Buchou and 4 by Sairaorg-san! It's total value of 10! This time it's a big value!

[Oooo! This time the total value is 10! Both sides will be able to send out combatants within the value of 10! Of course it's a value where you can send several combatants!]

It's like what the broadcaster said. It's a number where you can send out a team.