P.S this story starts a few years before the start of our favorite DXD verse!
AND I DON'T OWN ANY DXD MATERIAL, ALL CREDIT TO THE ORIGINAL WRITERS!
"Talking out aloud"
'Thinking with ones mind'
"Spirits inside the sacred gears talking"
Without further delay, lets start the chapter!
A few minutes earlier
A flash appeared in the room as the Gremory peerage rematerialized in the room what looked to be an exact replica of their clubroom.
"What the hell? I don't think the transportation worked Buchou" Issie exclaimed aloud. "Or did I mess it up" Issie shook his head before looking around the room curiously.
"I think our transportation circle was damaged or didn't work as intended since we are still in the clubroom" Asia agreed with Issie as she looked around the clubroom. Curiously, she noted that neither Marid nor his peerage or Grayfia had been there in the clubroom as well. Soon others started to take notice of the same thing.
"No it should have worked" Rias spoke in just as confused expression before her facial features gained a furious look, "Unless Riser showcased his arrogance once again"
"What do you mean?" This time Kiba asked the question.
Before anyone could respond to Asia, the voice of Grayfia Lucifage rang through the room, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Welcome Everyone! My name is Grayfia and I am a servant to the house of Gremory. As per the agreement between the house of Gremory, Phoenix and Bael; I have been chosen as the referee for today's match. To create this battlefield, in which you all will be competing in, I took suggestions from Lord Riser Pheonix and Lady Rias Gremory" Grayfia's voice rang through the rating game field as members of both the peerage listened carefully. "Todays rating game would be played in an exact replica of the Kuoh Academy; an educational institute in the human world" Grayfia begun explaining the rules of the rating game.
"What exactly is Grayfia-san talking about" Issie wondered aloud, hoping that one of his fellow peerage members would know the answer to his question. Fortunately, for him, the answer did came.
"Look out of the window Issie" Rias spoke with a serious glint in her eyes.
Following his kings command, Issie looked out of the window with Asia shortly behind him. What they saw shocked them since the sky surrounding their school was completely purple.
"Is that a rating game field?" Issie asked aloud still gob smacked at the fact the Devils could replicate an entire school in an artificial dimension, Marid had previously told him about during one of his training sessions.
"It indeed is" Kiba nodded in agreement.
"It looks like Riser chose this school as the battlefield to showcase his superiority over us" Akeno spoke seriously. She was closer to Rias than anyone in the world and she knew about the countless nights Rias had cried herself to sleep due to the marriage that was forced upon her. But now, she had a genuine opportunity to take revenge on her Kings behalf.
"Each team will be assigned an area that will serve as their home base. Lady Rias and her peerage have been assigned the Old School Building as their homebase while Lord Riser has been assigned the principal's office in the new school building as their home base. Similar to chess, pawns from each team can earn promotion if they are able to make their way into homebase of the opposing team. Good luck to all!" With that Grayfia's announcement ended and a fifteen minute preparation timer started that would allow both teams to use this time to prepare for the rating game and conjure up any final strategy. A time Rias was planning to take full advantage of since she knew Riser would try to overwhelm her peerage with sheer numbers.
"Take this" Rias handed her team small devices to communicate with each other during the course of the rating game.
"Now that's some good equipment" Issie cheered before turning serious again, remembering he was not only about to fight for Rias but also his own fate.
'I won't lose to that Douche bag. No matter what happens' Issie willed himself to do what was necessary to secure a win.
"Akeno, Kiba and Koneko; please spread out your familiars to keep a track on any of Risers flanking pieces. Also start placing traps around the club house" Rias started to dish out her orders.
"HAI!" the three most senior members of Rias peerage accepted their order before rushing out to carry out the said order.
"What about us in the meantime?" Issie raised his hand to Rias to most obvious question.
Rias actually smiled at her pawns cute attitude, "I want you to prepare yourself for what lies ahead my Ise. I would suggest start warming up your muscles since you will be among those who will be heading out as soon as the rating game starts"
"Hai" Issie saluted before stretching his muscles and using his steel sword to get in the rhythm. He was going to make sure he made everyone who had helped him proud.
Rias eyes traveled to Asia who had understood her words and gotten into a meditative stance she had learnt during her training sessions with Millicas. Kassie was already summoned and was protectively flying around Asia. Much to Rias pleasant surprise, the sprite dragon had grown quite a bit since it was recruited by Asia. By now the sprite dragon was the same size as a small dog and was able to use its lightning which in of itself was strong enough to harm low class Devils.
'Asia has truly grown leaps and bounds when it comes to controlling her demonic energy. Her understanding of magic has grown almost as same as Issie's combat prowess' Rias noted inwardly as she saw her Bishop getting control of her demonic aura.
Within the next few minutes Kiba, Koneko and Akeno had returned after setting up traps all over their base and the forest surrounding it, just like their King had asked.
The Gremory's hurriedly gathered around their King who was looking at the timer which now said one minute.
"Alright people listen up" Rias spoke aloud, grabbing the attention of everyone in her group. "In the next minute we will be taking part in a rating game that will not only decide my faith but potentially even yours. I apologize as your King due to my inability to protect you all from falling into these circumstances, but I swear to you by my pride as a Devil… I will make it up to you once we win this rating game!" Rias declared to her peerage who were now getting excited for the rating game.
"Kiba, please look after the forest and make sure you take care of any of Risers flanking pieces without taking any damage. We can't afford to be complacent in a match that is rigged to be against us from the start" Rias ordered her knight who himself nodded seriously.
"I will not let you down Buchou" Kiba nodded seriously before hurrying out of the clubroom to take his position in the forest. After all the group had come to a joint concession that Riser would try to swarm Rias and her peerage to show his dominance over them which is why they were prepared to counter attack any of Risers overly aggressive strategies.
"Koneko and Issie" Rias called out to her Rook and sole pawn, "I want you to take the most dangerous task. I want you to take control of the gymnasium. It is in the middle of two bases and provides a clear view to the courtyard. It is a strategic point we can't afford to lose!" Rias spoke to Issie and Koneko seriously.
"We will get it secured Buchou" both Koneko and Issie spoke in unison.
"Good, while you are securing the base, Akeno will act as your aerial support to take out any back up coming your way while Asia will stay with me at the base for the time being" Rias gave her final orders to which her peerage nodded in understanding.
Before long, the time ran out and a bell rang all across the training field. "With the end of the preparation time allotted to both teams… This rating game begins now!" Grayfia announced as a transparent barrier around the two bases was lifted allowing both the peerages to venture out in the Kuoh Academy replica.
"Good luck everyone and make me proud!" Rias smiled as her peerage members gave their last salutes before heading out to complete their appointed task, leaving the King and her anxious Bishop behind.
"Are you a little nervous Rias Buchou?" Asia asked her King hesitantly. Despite all the growth she had undergone through her life, she was never a fan of fighting and now, knowing the stakes of the rating game, her anxiety was at an all-time high.
"A little" Rias admitted to her Bishop with a small smile, "You would be foolish not to be knowing the outcome of the battle would not only plan out your own future but also the future of people you hold the most dear to you"
Asia gulped before nodding seriously.
'Please don't lose Issie-san' Asia thought worriedly about her friend who had gone to secure the most crucial point of the rating game.
Gymnasium
Both Koneko and Issie made their way towards the gymnasium. Since they were very knowledgeable about the Kuoh academy, both Koneko and Issie went through the forest to reach the gymnasium undetected. Their strategy proved time consuming but paid off when they noticed four of Risers pieces lurking around the main entrance of the gymnasium.
"Buchou was right in her guess of Riser sending someone over here" Koneko commented as Issie nodded his head in agreement before looking around the gymnasium to find a way in.
"Look they are going in" Issie pointed out as all four of Risers peerage entered the building.
"We can go in there and take them out one by one which will save our stamina and avoid detection" Koneko laid out her plan to which Issie soundly agreed with.
"How are we getting in there is the biggest question" Koneko thought seriously as she looked at her surroundings. Wondering if she and Issie could use anything around them to sneak into the building.
"I think I may have a way for us to get inside" Issie responded sheepishly. His answer made Koneko raising an eyebrow but she nudged him to tell her his plan to get into the building.
....
"Pervert" Koneko punched Issie in the stomach as he crumbled to the ground.
"What was that for Koneko-chan? I got us inside the building" Issie verbally defended himself while clutching onto his stomach.
"By sneaking through women's changing room" Koneko glared at Issie. Issie blushed slightly but didn't say anything else since him and his friends used this entry to peek girls changing into their gym attire.
"I will close this hole once we return" Koneko declared seriously.
"No?!?" Issie begun to scream in pure horror but found himself unable due to an angry Koneko covering his mouth with her own hands.
"Have you forgotten we are still in a rating game?" Koneko asked rhetorically which made Issie blush a little.
"Sorry" Issie meekly apologized before following Koneko out of the female changing room.
The duo quietly made their way through the gymnasium in an effort to quietly eliminate all four of Risers pieces. Soon the duo found themselves behind a curtain on the top of the stage within the main hall.
"I can see two of Risers pawns" Koneko quietly pointed to her partner in crime.
"We can both take one" Issie nodded as he understood Koneko's plan. Before readying himself to jump on the clueless pawns.
"Issie-senpai wait" Koneko tried to call out to Issie but her warning came way too late as the determined Issie walked towards the curtains not noticing the shelf that held all the gym equipment.
"Shit" Issie cursed quietly as he tried his best not to hit the shelf, but it was too late for that. One by one, the equipment ranging from skipping ropes to actual weights started to fall off the shelf. To preserve whatever cover they still had, both Koneko and Issie leapt into actions and used their improved reactions to catch everything.
After a few panicked and high paced seconds, Issie and Koneko managed to catch everything before it hit the floor… everything but a used light bulb.
"Issie-senpai… can you get that light bulb. I cant reach it from here" Koneko asked her senpai for help.
"We can leave as it is. What is a light bulb going to do to us" Issie spoke carelessly, not knowing he was tempting the Gods of Irony. The only Gods Marid and Yumi truly feared.
In the very next moment, much to Issie's horror, the light bulb fell onto the ground, chattering on the spot. The noise of the bulb breaking alerted all four of Risers peerage of their presence.
"Idiot" Koneko glared at Issie who profusely apologized about it.
In the VIP box Marid face palmed and promised himself to lecture Issie on tempting the wrath of Gods of Irony.
"Come out servant of House Gremory. We know you are here" One of Risers pieces, who wore a Chinese Cheongsam, spoke with a heightened guard.
Not having any other choice, Issie and Koneko came out of their hiding spot into the literal spotlight.
"Oh look! It's just a Rook and a weak pawn who challenged Lord Riser" Mira laughed while readying her wooden staff.
Issie's eyes twitched when he remembered how close she had come to hurting him and Asia all those weeks ago in the clubroom had it not been for Kenta's timely intervention.
The woman in Cheongsam giggled as well before calmly introducing herself and her partners to Issie and Koneko, "My name is Xuelan and I am one of Lord Risers Rook. Beside me are Ile, Nel and Mira, all whom are pawns of Lord Riser"
Koneko nodded and decided to be the spokesperson for their side since Issie was struggling not to ogle at the extremely revealing outfits of Risers peerage members.
"My name is Koneko and he is Issie. We are both servants of Lady Rias Gremory" Koneko replied in her usual monotone voice.
"It is a shame that Rias Gremory sent you both. Personally I was hoping she would send that fetching knight of hers over here" Xulan grinned seductively before getting in a fighting stance facing Koneko.
"Issie-senpai, I will face the rook. Please handle the pawns… or try to survive until I can defeat the Rook and help you out" Koneko spoke seriously as she fastened her own gloves.
"Leave them to me Koneko-chan" Issie nodded seriously before pulling his gifted steel sword out of its holster.
"Look Nel! the pawn is readying up for a fight" Ile, one of Risers pawn laughed alongside her twin sister.
"Surely, he doesn't think he stands a chance against us" Nel giggled as well.
"I will be taking this fight" Mira cut through their conversation with a determined look. "I will fight and defeat Lady Rias Gremory's pawn" Mira spoke seriously.
"Go right ahead. You have been acting like a stuck up bitch ever since we met the boy a few weeks ago" Nel and Ile nodded and agreed not to interfere with her battle.
"You sure you want to face me alone?" Issie asked confidently, his chances of winning grew exponentially after all.
"I am" Mira nodded seriously. "I will show to Lord Riser that I am not the weakest member of his peerage and the only way I can achieve this is by defeating you"
"I guess there is honor somewhere in there" Issie shrugged as he got into his own fighting stance. His eyes lingering on Mira's physique a moment too long as Mira used his lack of focus to rush in.
"Shit" Issie cursed aloud before using his sword to parry Mira's staff.
Issie and Mira traded attacks at a good speed, something that clearly caught Risers three pawns off guard since according to their intel, Issie had just turned into a Devil and was fairly weak for even a reincarnated one. Yet he held his own against Mira, a strong low class Devil, comfortably. In their shocked state they forgot to keep an eye on the more 'dangerous threat' that was currently fighting against Xuelan.
Koneko and Xuelan
"That pawn has improved greatly if he is able to hold his own against Mira like that" Xuelan commented off handedly as she briefly saw Issie and Mira fighting with Nel and Ile spectating. Despite Mira fighting her rival pawn to a draw, Xuelan herself was confident that should it be required, the other two pawns would jump in to help Mira should she come close to losing.
"Issie-senpai can defeat all three of them on their own" Koneko spoke in her usual monotone voice before dodging high paced kicks from her rival Rook.
"I am sure he will put more of a fight against Mira if he truly learnt how to use his hidden traits" Xulan smirk grew as she continued, "I wonder if he has learnt how to use his sacred gear" Koneko didn't respond.
Xulan arrogance grew with each passing moment as she pressed on, "Lord Riser grew curious about your pawn which is why we made some inquiries. We know about his sacred gear you know" Xuelan responded with an arrogant smirk before continuing, thinking she had the Rook where she wanted her to be… figuratively and literally as she was able to connect a spinning kick to Koneko's abdomen.
"Aghh" Koneko groaned as she grabbed her stomach.
"A simple twice critical. It is a shame that was all Lady Rias was able to muster for this rating game. But don't worry we will win regardless of his small growth" Xuelan arrogantly replied thinking she and her team had already won the battle. However, she failed to notice a subtle smile on her rival's face.
"Now we can.." words in her mouth died as the Gremory Rook connected a devastating haymaker on her face sending her sliding a few feet backwards.
"You may have gotten some information about us. But that information doesn't tell you what we are now" Koneko spoke seriously as she saw from the corner of her eye Issie countering Mira with a kick to her stomach, sending the pawn to the ground.
'Looks like Buchou and Lord Marids plan is working' Koneko thought inwardly before glancing towards Issie who himself was having success against a frustrated opponent. 'Just hold them off for a little bit longer Issie-senpai' Koneko thought briefly before returning her attention back onto her opponent who now was looking at her more cautiously.
Back with Issie
"Don't let this brief success get to your head. Sooner or later I will beat you" Mira gritted her teeth as her frustration kept on rising. She had thought Issie to be a weak perverted pawn and not someone who was as strong as her.
'He still hasn't used his twice critical that Lord Riser was told about' Mira teeth grind further with each other as she failed to land a single strike on Issie.
There back and forth soon turned one sided as Issie started to use his knowledge of sword fighting in battle, which quickly neutralized Mira's own reach advantage due to her staff.
"I will not be beaten that easily" Issie used a little more of his power to deflect Mira's staff before hitting her in the face using the hilt of his sword.
"Aghhh" Mira groaned aloud as she briefly lost her vision due to being hit in the head. However, once she got her vision back, she was surprised to see that her fellow pawn was in the midst of slashing her across torso, something that would have surely retired her. Thankfully for her someone came to her rescue.
"I don't think so" Ille suddenly spoke before blocking Issie strike on her fellow peerage member.
"What the?!?" Issie's eyes widened in surprise but before he could do something, he was forced to dodge another chainsaw attack from Nel.
The next few moments for Issie was incredibly tense as he was forced to defend himself against two coordinated fighters. While they didn't fight with the same intensity as Marid or any of his peerage members; their coordinated strikes confused him greatly. To the point where he was barely able to dodge quite a few of their strikes. One of the chainsaw swings managed to nick him as well, drawing his blood.
"Hey what gives?!? I thought this was supposed to be one on one fight" Issie shouted back at the two twins who had interrupted his fight Mira when he was about to eliminate her.
"We can't let you eliminate her" Nel spoke for the first time.
"Riser-sama has ordered us to defeat all of you without losing a single member" Ille grinned as she readied her chainsaw.
"While I didn't like you all interfering with our fight… I do appreciate the save" Mira sighed as she joined the other two pawns.
"You all have no honor" Issie grimaced as he got the idea he would have to fight all three pawns at the same time. He quickly glanced towards Koneko only to find her in her own battle with Xulan. While he wasn't the best at analyzing fights like the others, he had gotten enough experience by now to conclude that Koneko won't be able to complete her fight anytime soon. Meaning he would have to fend off for himself.
'Looks like I have no other choice' Issie grimaced internally before adopting a mask of severe concentration. His opponents, who were clearly amused by the concentration on Issie's face thought about attacking him but decided to humor the fellow pawn.
Their eyes grew wide as Issie finally summoned his sacred gear…. in its twice critical form.
"So the information Lord Riser received were true… you do have a twice critical" Mira commented offhandedly despite keeping a keen eye on the summoned sacred gear.
"But did you forget how focused he had to be to summon that sacred gear" Ille laughed at as she pointed out the sweat that started to drip down Issie's brows. "He probably doesn't even know how to use his sacred gear"
"I must agree it was a rather pathetic showing" Nel laughed alongside her twin sister.
'Draig you are a life saver! Your training sessions within my sub consciousness every night, to bring out a lesser version of Boosted Gear on my command just became my lifeboat. Even though it took a lot out of me, I feel like they are falling right into my trap. Now I just have to wait for the right time' Issie eyes gained a glint of anticipation which no one was able to notice in his vicinity.
Upstairs in the VIP room, a certain father looked at his son expectantly with his son shaking his own head in disbelief, conversing his own surprise over the sudden development. Sirzech's felt his eyes widened ever so slightly as he realized the only entity who could have help Issie evolve his sacred gear must have awakened during the training camp Marid had set up. A smirk appeared on both his and Marids faces, as the two silently decided to watch the rating game that was getting interesting by the second.
"Lets go eliminate him so that we can help Xulan beat Lady Rias white haired look. By the looks of it she looks quite formidable" Mira spoke off handedly as everyone looked towards the two Rooks fighting with Xulan taking the bulk of the damage that had landed that fight.
"Sounds good to me" Nel spoke before leaping at Issie with her chainsaw. Her twin sister and Mira weren't too far behind.
"Shit" Issie cursed lightly before using both his sword and his sacred gear to combat all three pawns at the same time.
As expected, Issie was almost instantly overwhelmed by the diverse strikes sent his way leading him to gain a few bruises and cuts all over his body. But nothing serious enough to warrant a concern for his retirement.
What did shock the three pawns and the viewers watching from the relative safety of the VIP room, after some time Issie actually started to find his own footing in the rating game as he was able to avoid all significant strikes. He even managed to land a few strikes of his own on Nel and Ille using his own sword leading them to start bleeding.
In the following few minutes, it was clear to all watching that Issie had the speed and power advantage among all the pawns present.
"Why can't we hit you!!" Nel groaned in frustration as she felt Issie land a left hook to her abdomen before she or any of her fellow peerage members could land a strike on him.
"I believe I should end this fight now" Issie remarked with a confident smirk on his face despite having quite a few injuries of his own.
"You cant defeat us! Our unity is our special move. You cant overpower us you brute" Ille shouted back.
"I have been waiting to use my special move for a long time" Issie spoke with glee before using his superior speed to quickly dodge and lightly tap each of the pawns on their body… much to their embarrassment.
"Pervert" all three pawns yelped in varying forms of embarrassment.
"Dress Break….*SNAP*"
VIP Room
"I have been waiting to use my special move for a long time" Issie spoke with glee before using his superior speed to quickly dodge and lightly tap each of the pawn on their body… much to their embarrassment.
"Special move huh?" Marid raised his eyebrow at that proclamation. After all, during the last two weeks he hadn't seen the Gremory pawn create any special moves. Well other than that one…
'Is he seriously thinking about using his dragon shot here in such a small space?? No, despite his moments of extreme dumbness, Issie is smart enough to not unleash one of his trump cards this earlier on in the battle' Marid reasoned within his mind.
"There you go Issie! Show them what I have trained you in!" Kenta cheered for Issie from his seat. Sirzech and Grayfia along with rest of the populace of the VIP room looked at the Kuroshishi with some amusement and interest.
"I assume you know of this special move he is talking about" Marid inquired off his Rook.
However, before Kenta could reply, two faithful words occurred which returned everyone's attention back to the screen.
"Dress Break….*SNAP*"
What immediately followed was sounds of clothes ripping echoed throughout the VIP room as all eyes were glued to the screen. Eyes widened considerably as they saw what this special move was. Despite the status of the people present, Marid was sure he saw a few people gain a lustful look while some gained a minor blush.
"So, this is the special move you have taught Rias Gremory's pawn?" Lady Rivia Abaddon stoically asked Kenta. Despite her tone, everyone could see the amusing glint in her eyes.
"I… what… why" Kenta mouth open and closed like a fish as he wasn't able to come up with a response.
"As articulate as ever Kenta" Marid commented on his Rooks behavior. Something that brought the said rook out of his stupor.
"I definitely didn't train him to do something so vulgar" Kenta snapped back at the accusing look sent his way by the occupants of the room.
"So how did he manage to learn this…barbaric spell" Yumi asked disdainfully while clutching onto her clothes subtly. She was not the only one since both Sona and Seekvaira did the same while having an irritated look on their faces.
"I mean I did see him go to the forest with Asia in the night during our training camp" Marid spoke hesitantly.
Kenta snapped back at his own King when he heard those words, "Are you saying a sweet and innocent person like Asia came up with that vulgar spell?"
"I think what Marid-sama is trying to hint is that Asia might have been the one Issie practiced the spell on to the point where he could use it perfectly in the rating game" Yumi hesitantly elaborated.
In the next few moments Kenta's face turned comically red, "THAT INSOLENT PERVERT DARED TO USE SUCH A VILE SPELL ON SOMEONE I CONSIDER MY BABY SISTER!!!"
"Something that could be addressed after Rias wins the rating game" Marid spoke with an amused tone. Kenta wanted to say something but was stopped when he saw Marids glare.
"Honestly I don't understand what you all are mucking about! This spell is ingenious. One could use it to disrupt someone's magic bar.." Sairaorg found his words dying in his mouth as he saw Seekvaira murderous look. Suddenly he had found the ground to be far more interesting.
Sirzech shook his head in amusement while Millicas looked embarrassed for the ladies and had turned his head away from the rating game screen to respect the modesty of the pawns that had found themselves unwillingly stripped off their clothes.
Inside the Gymnasium
"Pervert"
"Curse you"
"Enemy to all woman"
The three stripped down pawns cursed at Issie for using such a vulgar technique on them. However, them cursing out Issie didn't stop him for leaking a few tears of joy.
"I cant believe I was able to use that spell. All those hours of practice finally bore fruits. I owe Asia everything" Issie cried tears of joy as he wiped his eyes.
His attention was soon diverted as he heard a painful groan from his side. Realizing Koneko had been fighting as well, Issie quickly turned around to help out Koneko but was pleasantly surprised when he found Xuelan grabbing her clearly broken arm while breathing heavily on the floor.
His surprise turned to fear when he saw the murderous look Koneko sent his way, "If Kenta-senpai doesn't kill you after the rating game I definitely will"
"Come on Koneko-chan, they are our enemy" Issie tried to justify himself.
"Even enemies deserve some respect" Koneko snapped back at him.
Fortunately for Issie, he was saved by the petite Rooks wrath when a communication circle appeared beside their ears, "Issie Koneko, how is it going for you both?" Rias asked from the other side.
"We were confronted by three pawns and Rook. All of them are defeated" Koneko responded stoically.
Rias wasn't sure but felt like she heard some anger in her Rooks usually stoic voice, "That's good. Proceed to the next phase of the plan quickly. I doubt Riser will take this lightly"
Both Issie and Koneko nodded in understanding before rushing out the Gymnasium, avoiding the heckles made by Risers defeated pieces.
Once outside, Koneko breath a sigh of relief before using a basic first aid healing spell Kenta had taught her during the training camp on Issie… from a safe distance.
"Come on Koneko-chan I promise I will never use that spell on you" Issie tried to come closer to Koneko but was embarrassed when she glared at him.
"Don't touch me" Koneko glared at him.
Issie sighed as he understood that he would just have to earn his respect with the smaller Rook, "What about the Gymnasium?"
"Akeno-senpai is the one…." Before Koneko could complete her sentence, both her and Issie saw bolts of potent demonic lightning descend down onto the Gymnasium at incredible speed.
*BOOOM* With a massive burst of energy, the Gymnasium exploded, levelling the massive structure to the ground. Something that deeply scared Issie.
'Riser Phoenix's Rook has been retired'
'Riser Phoenix's pawn has been retired'
'Riser Phoenix's pawn has been retired'
'Riser Phoenix's pawn has been retired'
The announcement of Grayfia Lucifage rang all across the battlefield. Informing everyone that Rias Gremory had drew the first blood in the rating game against a vastly superior opponent. Something that irritated a group of people present in the VIP Room.
VIP ROOM
There was a pin drop silence in the room since most people tried to come with terms with the fact Rias had played such a masterful stroke in her first rating game. While others were just pleasantly stunned.
"It was an incredible move from Rias. While reckless, in one move she not only destroyed the biggest strategic point in the rating game but also eliminated four of Risers pieces" Sona concluded with a thoughtful look on her face. Seekvaira and Sairaorg just shook their heads in agreement as Marid smiled at the outcome of the first battle of the rating game.
His good mood didn't last for too long since he started hearing grumbles from both Zeoticus Gremory and Lord Phoenix at the outcome of the first battle of the rating game. He did his best to read Lady Phoenix and Lady Abaddon but for the life of him he wasn't able to conclude whether they were happy or irritated at the outcome.
"Honestly Grandfather, you should be happy at the success your own daughter is having in her first rating game" Marid snapped back at his head of house.
"You should hope Rias loses this rating game otherwise you would be in a heap of trouble Marid" Zeoticus glared back at Marid. Glare that only lasted until he met his own Sons impassive look.
"Why can't Rias marry someone she truly loves rather than being forced to marry some asshole for the 'greater good' of the underworld. As I remember it you married Grand Ma for love even though you were part of another marriage agreement" Marid shook his head at his grandfather's hypocritical attitude.
"That was different" Zeoticus replied hotly but wasn't able to meet anyone's eyes.
"I am sure it was" Marid replied while giving Zeoticus a disgusted look.
"While I cant speak on behalf of Lord Zeoticus and his own marriage to Venelana, I can speak on the betrothal agreement between Rias Gremory and Riser Pheonix" Zekram Bael entered the conversation for the first time that evening, "Considering the political and international dispute the Devils have found themselves in, we need to create betrothal agreements between Devils that can produce powerful and capable heirs"
"Disputes that we have an answer for" Marid raised an eyebrow towards the Great King.
"Perhaps but we cannot be too careful. It is the duty of the members of the Great Satan Faction in helping the Satans safeguard a prospering future for the Devils" Zekram shrugged. His response brought back the confidence that all three Lords of Phoenix, Gremory and Bael houses had lost after they had faced strict opposition by various different occupants of the room.
Marids eyebrows twitched at that since Zekram Baels words all but confirmed Riser Phoenix's words to him that the Great Satan faction didn't believe he would be able to secure peace with the Great Satan faction.
'Just you wait Zekram. I will make you drink those words' Marid thought furiously within his mind.
However, before the conversation could continue the occupants of the room were treated to a sight of an explosion. Marid sucked in a deep breath as he listened to the announcement that rang shortly after the explosion
Back in the field
*BOOOM* Issie found himself being harshly pushed away from his spot next to Koneko. Before he could make sense of anything, a sound of an explosion ringed his ears as debris flew all around him, further confusing him.
"Koneko-chan are you ok?" Issie shouted aloud. His eyes searched widely around him but the smoke and debris from the explosion made it increasingly difficult to find anything.
His efforts bore fruit but showed a sight that made his heart drop into his stomach. He found Koneko lying lifelessly where he had previously stood. Her clothes were ripped apart and her body was covered with burns and bruises all over.
"Koneko-chan!" Issie shouted in distraught as he rushed towards the Rook.
"I am sorry Rias-Buchou…. I wasn't able to do more… Issie-senpai, Kiba-senpai, Asia-senpai and Akeno-senpai it is all on you now" Koneko weakly muttered before getting enveloped in a blue translucent light much to Issie's horror.
"Koneko!!"
"She is not dead" a feminine voice took Issie out of his haze as he quickly turned around to face a purple haired woman from the other day flying in the air using her two Devil wings. If he remembered correctly, her name was Yubelluna, Risers Queen.
As if proving her point, the announcement of Koneko retirement was made.
'Rias Gremory's Rook has retired'
"Did you do this?" Issie asked as he felt his anger slowly rise.
"I did!" Yubelluna smirked before continuing, "I wanted to get you out but that Rook of yours had better instincts than I anticipated. No worries, you will soon join her" Yubelluna arrogantly responded before creating a magic circle.
"You coward! Why don't you come down here and face me!" Issie challenged Yubelluna but knew she would never accept his challenge.
As he had expected, he saw the same arrogant smirk on her face before she unleashed another explosive blast at him. Fortunately for him, he was again saved only this time through a presence of a defensive barrier taking the brunt of the attack.
"Who is there?" Yubelluna called out to see who had stopped her attack.
"Ara Ara, I can't let you defeat Issie-kun" Much to the surprise of both Yubelluna and Issie, the Gremory Queen flew into their view wearing a Miko outfit.
"So Rias Gremory has sent the Priestess of Thunder to face me" Yubelluna smirked but her tone had lost its arrogant touch.
"So she did. It would be an honor to fight against the Bomb Queen" Akeno giggled as she too prepared to fight her fellow queen. However, before she engaged the Queen in ariel combat, Akeno quickly glanced towards Issie who looked at her with wide eyes.
"Run along Issie-kun. I will take avenge for Koneko-chan with every fiber of my being" Akeno replied with a smile.
"I will hold you to that Akeno-senpai. Beat this purple haired Bimbo into the ground" Issie roared as Akeno giggled at Issie's words. Yubelluna eyebrows twitched at being referred to in such a vulgar manner.
"I promise you I will beat her Issie-kun" Akeno replied with a serene smile but those who were watching her could tell there was an undertone of violence behind her words.
Issie grinned at that response before running off to the main courtyard where he assumed Kiba would be waiting for him.
'I swear we will win this rating game for you Koneko-chan' Issie vowed with determination as he jogged towards his destination.
Meanwhile
It had been some time since Kiba had left the clubroom and made his way into the forest surrounding the Old School building. Once he had left, he was quick to find himself a hidden spot among the trees to hide his presence from any flanking members of Risers peerage. It was a strategy Rias had come up with in an effort to thin out Risers numbers without facing any of their heavy hitters like Yubelluna or Riser himself.
'I wonder if someone would indeed show up' Kiba thought to himself. As if in the queue, he heard a few twigs snap some distance away from him.
At the thought someone trying to slip past him to get to their base, Kiba repositioned himself to scout the infiltrators. It was just as his master and Marid had predicted during one of the strategy sessions, Riser had sent some of his pawns to promote them in an effort to overwhelm them even further.
'What is with all members of Risers peerage wearing either a maid outfit or extremely revealing dresses' Kiba sweat dropped when he observed the attires all three of Risers pawn were wearing.
"Are we anywhere near their base, Burent?" one of Risers pawn, who wore metallic Egyptian style bikini, groaned aloud.
"According to the map provided by Lady Ravel, we should be getting closer" Burent replied while cleaning the dirt off her maid outfit. Apparently she had absolute zero grace while walking through the woods. Kiba found himself cringing when he saw the woman in question even trip over a dead branch.
'Wasn't bringing outside sources like a map considered illegal in a rating game?' Kiba shook his in disbelief. He had thought of this rating game to be stacked against them from the start, but he hadn't expected the use of such underhanded tactics by their opponents.
"Look there is old school building" Marion pointed to the old school building that was slowly coming into their view.
"Finally" Shuriya sighed in relief. "Now lets get promoted and start kicking some butt" Shuriya spoke aloud to which others nodded in agreement.
Much to the shock of the three pawns, the visage of the old school building disappeared in front of them when they attempted to get closer to it.
"What the hell?!?" Marion exclaimed aloud. "Where did that building go?"
The three confused pawns were forced to raise their guards when they saw Kiba finally come into their view with a sheepish smile on his face, "Sorry about the deception but you three fell into an illusionary trap designed by our Queen" Kiba informed the three pawns.
"So that's what it was. I felt something off about the place" Marion looked around the forest curiously.
"No matter you are here, and we can beat you up while we have the chance" Shuriya spoke with a evil grin on her face.
"It truly is a shame we have to defeat you. You are kind of cute" Burent admitted with a small blush.
"Cuter than that perverted pawn for sure" Shuriya snorted as she remembered the pawn that almost got beat by the weakest member of their peerage.
Kiba smiled at the compliment, "I appreciate the praise, but I think you are overestimating yourselves a little bit"
"It's a three on one battle. Surely you don't think you could beat us" Burent snorted aloud, her fellow pawns joining in giggling at opposing knights seemingly deluded thoughts.
'Riser Phoenix Rook has been retired'
'Riser Phoenix pawn has been retired'
'Riser Phoenix pawn has been retired'
'Riser Phoenix pawn has been retired'
Their smirks were wiped from their faces when the announcement of three of Risers pawns and a Rook echoed throughout the rating game field.
"Like I said, you are underestimating us quite a bit" Kiba replied with a smile as he summoned a regular demonic sword to combat the three pawns.
"It cant be! Xuelan and the others would have never been defeated so easily" Sharion spoke in disbelief.
"From the looks of it they did" Kiba responded with a smile yet again as his confidence in his team coming out the victor soared high in the sky.
Unfortunately, his good mood didn't last long because before he could engage the three pawns, another announcement rang through the rating game field that made his heart drop.
'Rias Gremory's Rook has been retired'
"You were saying?" Shuriya responded with an arrogant smirk.
'Looks like Issie and Koneko-san ran into some trouble. I need to end this battle quickly' Kiba thought furiously, "Come on girls show me the depths of your confidence"
"Your funeral" at that all three pawns rushed the sole knight. Much to their surprise, Kiba didn't move from his spot, only repositioning his sword. Their surprise soon turned to horror as Kiba finally sped at them with such speed that the three pawns lost their sight of him.
*Shplitch* *Shplitch**Shplitch*
Kiba performed three deep cuts on the three pawns in quick succession. The pawns in their shock and then alarm didn't even got the time to react to the attack since they were quickly teleported in a blue light, away from the battle field.
'Riser Phoenix pawn has been retired'
'Riser Phoenix pawn has been retired'
'Riser Phoenix pawn has been retired'
'That's three more down. Now onto the rest' Kiba sighed inwardly as he quickly sheathed his sword.
'Kiba report' the communication device glowed as Rias voice filled his ears.
"Buchou I have cleared the forest. All three of Lord Risers pawns are defeated" Kiba quickly informed Rias via their communication device.
The device glowed brighter for a moment, 'Good work Kiba. Please head to the courtyard. I fear Issie will be facing quite the resistance there'
"What about Risers queen?" Kiba asked seriously.
'Akeno is fighting her right now' Rias quickly replied. 'Make haste Kiba. Since Koneko is defeated, I don't know how long Issie would be able to last against whatever fight he might face there. Especially if he is facing the combine might of Risers remaining pieces' Rias spoke urgently as Kiba's eyes widened in alarm.
"I will head there immediately Buchou" with that Kiba ended the communication before sprinting towards the courtyard to assist Issie. He knew if they wanted to win this rating game then they would need every single person for the final battle. After all a Phoenix has never been defeated in a rating game.
Chapter End
There you go, the first part of the rating game is done. The second part of the rating game should come out shortly. Definitely before my one month timeline since I am planning to start the 'Trip to the underworld' arc/section before the years end.
Eliminated Members from the rating game
Risers Team: Xuelan(Rook), Shuriya (pawn), Marion (pawn), Burent(pawn), Mira (pawn), Ille (pawn), Nel(pawn).
Rias Team: Koneko(Rook).
Furthermore, before I end this chapter, I just wanted to urge you all to please COMMENT on the chapters and let me know what you all think. Please write constructive criticism so I know where I am lacking or if my story has some plot holes. These help me greatly improve the quality of my chapters.
Until then stay safe and have fun!
DGZalama out!
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