Chapter – The Challenge
Andrew POV
Man… that was a nice nap.
I stretched, feeling the satisfying pop of my shoulders. School was over, and the air was warm enough to make me a little sleepy again.
Rias had said to meet in an hour for "something important," so I figured I might as well head over early.
If she's calling the whole club together, it's serious…
I grinned to myself as I strolled toward the Occult Research Club building. Instead of going in right away, I leaned against a tree in the courtyard.
"Guess I've got time for some image training."
I closed my eyes and pictured Future Gohan as my sparring partner—fast punches, quick dodges. My body tensed with the phantom exchanges.
One day I'm going to need a gravity chamber… gotta ask Rias if that's possible.
After a while, the school shirt started to feel constricting. I stepped inside the building, changed into the black undershirt of my gi, and swapped my pants in the bathroom. I was just about to open the ORC door when a sharp, furious voice echoed through it.
Rias: "I won't marry you, Riser!"
My brows furrowed. That… didn't sound like the calm and collected Rias I knew. I pushed the door open and stepped in, casually waving as I moved to stand beside her. My stance put me slightly in front of her, just in case things turned physical.
Andrew: "Hey, Rias. Everything okay? Sounded like you could use a hand."
She glanced at me, a flicker of relief crossing her face.
Rias: "It's fine. I thought you'd still be in the cafeteria by now."
I smiled faintly.
Andrew: "I felt your energy spike. Thought you might be in trouble. But… looks like it's just some guy. Want me to drag him out of here?"
That earned me a snort from the blonde man lounging arrogantly in a chair—Riser, I guessed.
Riser: "And how does a lowly human think he can do that? I will be the one to marry Rias, whether she likes it or not. Unless…" He smirked at her, "…she prefers someone as lowly as you to die instead."
He raised a hand, flames gathering in his palm—
??? "That's enough."
The temperature in the room dropped instantly. A tall woman with white hair and a maid's uniform stood in the doorway, her icy expression making even Riser hesitate.
Grayfia: "Lord Sirzechs anticipated this. There is one way to resolve the matter—through a Rating Game."
Riser straightened, his arrogance returning.
Riser: "Hmph. I, Riser Phenex, accept. So, Rias… are these all your pieces?"
Rias' voice was calm, but I caught the edge beneath it.
Rias: "They are—except for Andrew. I haven't asked him yet, but… I doubt he'd want to be my piece."
She wasn't wrong. I crossed my arms.
Andrew: "She's right. My pride wouldn't let me take a shortcut for power I didn't earn myself. But…" I met her eyes and smiled faintly, "…if there's a way to help you out of this mess, you can count on me. That's a promise."
For a moment, Rias actually blushed—just a little—but enough for Grayfia to make a mental note for her master.
Riser: "Tch. Do what you like. It won't matter."
He turned on his heel and left, Grayfia following to finalize the arrangements.
[Timeskip – Underworld, Gremory Estate]
Sirzechs: "So, Rias agreed to the Rating Game? Good. And you say there's someone else willing to help her if it means her freedom?"
Grayfia: "Yes, Lord Sirzechs. This Andrew Hayado is… unusual. From what I've gathered, he's traveled the world and even beyond it, helping those he could along the way. His reputation may be understated, but his abilities are… remarkable."
Sirzechs leaned back, intrigued.
Sirzechs: "Interesting. This wouldn't be the first time he's stepped into a tricky situation to help someone, then…"
[Retcon Backstory]
Andrew Hayado had always been here—no sudden crash-landing. The Hayado family had found his space pod when he was a baby and raised him as their own, fully aware of his Saiyan heritage. By the time he was 11, he'd already decided that training was his life's calling.
At 13, with his family's blessing, he set out to travel the world, honing his martial arts and helping people in trouble. His two-year Earth journey was followed by a three-year space adventure—exploring new worlds, fighting stronger opponents, and pushing himself to the limits of his Saiyan blood.
By the time he returned to Earth at 16, he was stronger, sharper, and more experienced than ever… just in time to walk back into Issei Hyoudou's life.