Arthas was unaware of the events in the Underworld, of Sirzechs's opinion of him (Sirzechs being Lucifer's brother and one of the Four Great
Arthas was unaware of the events in the Underworld, of Sirzechs's opinion of him (Sirzechs being Lucifer's brother and one of the Four Great Satan Kings), or anything else.
The next morning, he reported to the Occult Research Club as usual, his role today being Rias's familiar.
The usual greetings were exchanged. Rias's face was flushed, looking adorable, suggesting she was remembering the previous night.
The atmosphere in the Occult Research Club was tense. Rias's familiars were all present, except for Asia, who seemed bewildered about the situation, slightly lessening the tension.
Despite having Arthas as a powerful asset, Rias didn't feel assured of victory. Riser, the third son of the Phenex family, was no pushover. He had far more experience in Rating Games than Rias and a full team of fifteen familiars.
Even if she lost, Rias was determined to make him look bad, to prevent an easy win for him.
If she truly lost… she could always elope with Arthas. And once her brother knew about Arthas's potential, he would surely protect her, right?
This battle didn't truly have a winner or loser. Winning was best, but even if she lost, her brother, Sirzechs, would surely help her clean up the mess of an elopement.
Thinking this with a smug smile, Rias looked around at her familiars, her companions, and felt a wave of warmth.
"So, that's it regarding the Rating Game against the Phenex family's third son. My happiness and future depend on you all."
Rias looked up and gave Arthas, sitting on the sofa, a sweet smile.
"Don't worry, President. It's just a roasted chicken. We'll win, won't we?" Akeno chuckled, her gaze subtly drifting towards Arthas.
"We will uphold the knight's honor," Yuuto said seriously.
"Knock them out," Koneko said concisely as always.
"Go… go for it."
Asia, finally understanding the situation, said timidly.
"Asia-chan, you can't be like that. We're about to face a real battle. You can't be so timid."
Rias leaned closer, speaking pointedly.
"A… Asia will try her best." Asia replied, gathering her courage.
"Excellent. Victory will be ours. Don't you agree, Arthas-kun?" Rias said, smiling at Arthas.
"Naturally, my President." Arthas replied with a smile.
"Hey, Asia, don't you think the President has suddenly become very affectionate towards Arthas?" Akeno nudged Asia, asking curiously.
"Well, Rias-nee is affectionate towards everyone," Asia said, tilting her head in confusion.
"Never mind," Akeno shrugged helplessly.
Three days passed quickly. Rias relentlessly trained and strategized with Akeno and the others, but Arthas was left aside.
Only when they practiced together did Rias realize Arthas's power was too overwhelming.
Once his ominous frost power was unleashed, no one could approach, making coordinated combat impossible.
Rias also worried that Arthas's ice-type power was countered by the Phenex family's fire-based power.
Arthas simply shook his head, smiling faintly and saying something that shocked Rias.
"Ice and fire never counter each other. Only strength matters."
Thanks to Arthas's simple words, Rias cast aside her worries and focused on preparations.
Soon, the day of the Rating Game arrived. Souna generously gave Rias full ownership of Arthas for a week, which Rias greatly appreciated.
She also knew this wasn't just generosity; once the Underworld Rating Game began, the entire Underworld would know Arthas was her familiar.
"Alright, let's head to the Underworld. The stage awaits."
Rias said excitedly, a crimson teleportation circle shimmering before them.
The crimson light enveloped them. When they recovered, they found themselves in a space that was an exact replica of Kuoh Academy's courtyard. Although bright, the sky lacked a sun, shimmering with strange lights.
"So… so amazing. It's exactly like Kuoh Academy." Asia exclaimed.
"This is a magically created subspace. Let loose. Don't worry about the destruction." Rias smiled.
"Ara, ara. My first major Rating Game. Let's have some fun."
Crackling with electricity, Akeno was already excitedly touching her cheeks and making strange noises.
Yuuto silently drew his wooden sword, while Koneko slowly put on her spiked knuckle-dusters.
"Hello, my lovely fiancée. I never expected you to use such a bold method to spice up our wedding celebration. But I don't mind."
Opposite Rias and her team, a similar light shimmered, revealing a handsome man in a red aristocratic suit.
"Wedding? You're mistaken, Riser. This will be a Rating Game that will disgrace you and the Phenex family."
Rias said coldly.
"Then… before the Underworld's esteemed guests, let's witness a magnificent battle! Riser Phenex, third son of the pureblood high-class devil family Phenex, and my fifteen familiars, are ready!"
After Riser spoke, flames and dazzling light swirled, and fifteen beautiful girls appeared behind him.
"Likewise, in the name of Rias Gremory, five familiars, present!"
Rias shouted with an aura matching Riser's.
In the Underworld, within Lucifer's castle, a lavish banquet was underway, courtesy of the Phenex family head. Rias had said that if she lost, the wedding would proceed immediately. Sirzechs didn't intervene, letting him proceed.
The Phenex family members were chatting merrily with the various devils attending. They believed Riser's victory was assured; as Riser had said, this match was merely a prelude to their wedding.
In the center of the banquet hall, a three-dimensional projection displayed the battle. No one favored the Gremory heiress; the experience and numerical disparity were too great.
"That Gremory brat is crazy. Does she really think she can beat that roasted chicken?"
In a corner of the banquet hall, two elegantly dressed girls watched the screen. The mature, alluring one spoke.
Her voice was low, but the term "roasted chicken" was heard by nearby devils, who didn't react angrily at the insult to the Phenex heir but scattered as if fleeing a plague.
The reason was simple: the girl was one of the Underworld's Satan Kings, Serafall Sitri, Leviathan.
"Well… sister, just watch. You'll be surprised."
Souna said with a smile, proudly staring at the screen. Those fighting weren't just Rias's familiars; they were also hers.
Though her identity couldn't be revealed, Souna was proud of her familiars' performance on that grand stage.
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my p@treon
[email protected]/kane45
Tier: 10$ Casual Reader - 20+ Advance Chapter
20$ Intermediate Reader - 40+ Advance Chapter
40$ Expert Reader - 80+ Advance Chapter
Update: "Monday to Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day"
"Saturday and Sunday - Off"