Pawn

Sirzechs Lucifer, the formidable Crimson Satan, watched the Rating Game unfold with a calm yet intrigued expression. His piercing blue eyes narrowed as he observed the battlefield, not missing a single movement. Although he had always known that his little brother, Izashi, possessed extraordinary potential, he couldn't help but be surprised by the sheer power Izashi was displaying. It was clear now that Izashi had been holding back all this time.

Izashi stood tall in the center of the battlefield, his right hand dripping with fresh blood—not his own, but that of his opponent, Riser Phenex. The contrast between the crimson liquid and Izashi's cool demeanor was striking. He held Riser by the arm, his grip firm but not overly aggressive, and asked in a voice that carried a quiet authority, "Do you surrender?"

Riser's face contorted in pain and fear, his usual arrogance nowhere to be seen. His eyes, wide with terror, darted around as if seeking an escape from the nightmare he found himself in. "Yes! I surrender! Save me, anyone, save me from this monster!" Riser's voice cracked as he shouted, his bravado completely shattered. The once-proud Phenex heir was now nothing more than a desperate man, pleading for mercy.

The realization hit Riser like a ton of bricks—he had been a fool to think he could best Izashi. Throughout the entire game, he had been nothing but a clown, a mere stepping stone for Izashi. He finally understood why Izashi had remained so calm and confident. It wasn't arrogance; it was a quiet assurance born from absolute power. Izashi wasn't worried because he knew he had the strength to shape his own fate, to dominate his opponents with ease.

The arena was silent for a moment, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Then, a loud voice echoed through the space, breaking the silence and making the announcement everyone had been waiting for. "Due to the surrender by the King Riser, the winner of this Rating Game is Izashi Gremory!" Grayfia's voice was clear and authoritative, leaving no room for doubt.

In an instant, the battlefield dissolved, and they were teleported back to the grand hall of the Gremory Estate. Awaiting their arrival were Zeoticus Gremory, Venelana Gremory, and Lord Phenex, the patriarch of the Phenex family. Riser and his entire peerage stood in a somber line, their heads hung low in defeat. Kuroka, who had fought alongside Izashi, remained close by his side, her sharp eyes surveying the room.

Sirzechs and Grayfia materialized through a teleportation circle, their presence commanding attention.

Despite the loss, there was no immediate exchange of words. Riser was too broken, both physically and mentally, to speak.

The first thing Lord Phenex did was rush to his son's side, using a vial of Phoenix Tears to heal Riser's physical injuries.

The glowing liquid worked quickly, sealing cuts and mending bones, but it could do nothing for the wounds inflicted on Riser's pride and spirit. He stared blankly ahead, his once fiery spirit extinguished, unable to process the magnitude of his loss.

Izashi, unfazed by the somber atmosphere, turned his gaze towards Lord Phenex with a sly grin playing on his lips. "I trust Lord Phenex won't go back on the terms of the Rating Game?" His tone was light, almost casual, but there was an underlying edge to it—a reminder that the Phenex family was now bound by the rules of the game.

Lord Phenex, though visibly distressed by his son's condition, nodded solemnly. He had no intention of dishonoring the agreement. "Yes, I won't go back on the terms. As agreed, my daughter Ravel Phenex, along with another member of Riser's peerage, will leave his service and join yours. This is a fitting consequence for my son's arrogance."

Riser flinched at the mention of his sister and peerage members being taken from him, but he remained silent. He had no strength left to argue, no will left to fight. The battle had taken everything from him—his pride, his confidence, and now, even his companions.

Izashi's grin widened as he scanned Riser's peerage, his eyes lingering on each member. He took his time, enjoying the moment, before finally pointing to the most seductive member of Riser's group—Yubelluna, the bomb queen. "I want her," he declared, his voice firm. "I want Yubelluna to serve me."

Lord Phenex glanced at his son, who remained unresponsive, and then addressed him in a commanding tone. "You heard his demand, Riser. Now, remove your Evil Pieces from Ravel and Yubelluna."

For a few moments, Riser didn't respond, his mind still reeling from the battle. The command seemed to echo in his head, too distant for him to grasp fully. But Lord Phenex's patience was wearing thin. "Riser," he repeated, more forcefully this time, "I said, remove your Evil Pieces from Ravel and Yubelluna!"

The authority in his father's voice snapped Riser out of his daze. With a trembling hand, he extended his arm towards Ravel first. The air crackled with energy as he pulled the Evil Piece from her body. Ravel, though feeling a noticeable decrease in her magic reserves, maintained her composure. She had always been resilient, and this was no exception.

Yubelluna, however, was hit much harder. The removal of the Queen piece left her feeling strangely vulnerable, her body weaker than she had ever felt before. All the enhancements she had enjoyed under Riser's service were gone, leaving her feeling almost hollow. She swayed slightly, the weakness overwhelming her senses.

Sirzechs, who had been silently observing the proceedings, finally spoke up, a hint of excitement in his voice. "It's incredible to see how well my little brother controls the Power of Destruction. But you know, Izashi, I can still help you improve. How about some training sessions with me?"

Izashi chuckled, shaking his head with a playful grin. "I'd love to, big brother, but I've already taken a week off from school. I have to get back and attend the rest of my classes." His tone was casual, almost as if they were discussing everyday matters, not the aftermath of a high-stakes battle.

Sirzechs pouted at Izashi's refusal, an expression that seemed out of place on the face of a Satan, but it was endearing in its own way. Lord Phenex, watching the interaction, couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. If Sirzechs held Izashi in such high regard, then Ravel would undoubtedly be safe in his care. The Phenex family's future seemed a bit brighter now, despite the heavy losses they had suffered.

Venelana, ever the doting mother, rushed over to Izashi and enveloped him in a warm embrace, her large breasts pressing against his chest. "You weren't hurt in the fight, were you?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. She pulled back slightly, her hands cupping his face as she searched for any signs of injury.

Izashi smiled warmly, savoring the affection. "No, I wasn't hurt, mother," he reassured her, his voice soft. The worry in Venelana's eyes eased, and she let out a sigh of relief. She had been anxious, despite knowing how strong her son was. Seeing him safe and sound was the greatest comfort she could ask for.

As the tender moment unfolded, Grayfia stood silently by, her thoughts echoing Sirzechs' earlier words. 'Sirzechs, if only you knew... Izashi's control over the Power of Destruction far surpasses even your own. He's on a level that few can reach, and with time, he'll be able to match you—even with his hands tied.'

Meanwhile, Ravel couldn't take her eyes off Izashi. A faint blush dusted her cheeks as she contemplated her new reality. 'So, Izashi-sama is going to be my husband and my master…' The thought sent a thrill of excitement through her. She had always admired Izashi from afar, and now, the prospect of being by his side as his wife made her heart race.

Despite her excitement, Ravel couldn't bring herself to express her feelings openly. When Izashi turned to her and asked, "So, Ravel, what do you think about marrying me? Are you unhappy with this arrangement?" she averted her gaze, trying to hide her embarrassment.

With a feigned indifference, Ravel replied in a cold, formal tone, "Well, I don't care much. You won the Rating Game, so by all rights, my opinion doesn't matter." She inwardly cringed, mentally scolding herself. 'Why can't I just be straightforward with my feelings? I'm definitely happy with this, but it's so embarrassing to admit…'

Izashi couldn't help but chuckle at her response. She was exactly as he had imagined—an innocent little tsundere, trying to mask her true emotions behind a facade of indifference. He found it utterly charming. 'She'll be fun to tease,' he thought with a grin, deciding to take his time before fully pursuing her. For now, he would enjoy getting to know her better.

Shifting his attention to the unconscious Yubelluna, Izashi announced, "Alright, I'll revive her as my servant first." He walked over to where she lay and knelt beside her, a Pawn piece materializing in his hand. He placed it gently on her chest and spoke in a commanding voice, "I, Izashi Gremory, give you a second chance to live as my Pawn. Serve me for eternity!"

The words reverberated in Yubelluna's mind, jolting her awake as if struck by lightning. As the Pawn piece merged with her, she felt an overwhelming surge of power coursing through her veins. Her magic reserves doubled, far exceeding anything she had ever experienced as Riser's Queen. Her physical strength, too, was greatly enhanced, her body now stronger and more resilient than before.

Yubelluna's eyes fluttered open, wide with disbelief. 'This power... it feels like I'm a Queen again, but Izashi said I'm just a Pawn... How can this be?' Before she could voice her confusion, Izashi leaned in close, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "Ask your questions later."

Though his tone was gentle, Yubelluna understood it as an order—one she had no intention of disobeying. She nodded slightly, composing herself as she rose to her feet, the newfound strength coursing through her. Grayfia, watching closely, noted the significant boost in Yubelluna's aura. 'It's remarkable... He's able to grant such power even with a simple Pawn piece. Just how strong has Izashi become?'

Izashi then turned to address the room, his eyes sweeping over the gathered crowd. "Everyone, I'd like to speak with Ravel-chan alone for a moment. I want to revive her as my Bishop in private."

The request was met with understanding nods, and one by one, the others began to file out of the room, giving Izashi and Ravel the privacy they needed. As the door closed behind them, Izashi smiled warmly at Ravel, the tension in the air slowly dissipating. The real conversation was just about to begin.

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A/N: I hope you all liked this long chapter.

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Also, If you like Harem Stories, check out my new story, Harem Master: Seduction System.)