The clubroom was silent long after the silver light from Grayfia's teleportation circle had faded. The temperature had returned to normal, but the weight in the air was still heavy. Asia clutched the edge of her skirt nervously.
Koneko sat on the couch with her usual impassive look, but her tail flicked slightly—betraying unease. Kiba stood straight, arms crossed, his expression serious.
Akeno was the only one who seemed to return to normal, though the usual spark in her eyes was dimmed.
Rias hadn't moved from her spot near the window. Her back was to us, arms folded, her crimson hair cascading down like a silk curtain. Her fingers were clenched around her upper arms as if to hold herself together.
Finally, she turned around.
"I won't accept it."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it was firm—final.
"I'm not marrying Riser. And I'm not letting my future be dictated by a decision made before I was even old enough to understand it."
I expected her to follow it with a sigh or an emotional outburst, but none came. Instead, she raised her head high and looked each of us in the eye.
"We have ten days."
"Huh?" I blinked.
She walked forward, her steps elegant but heavy with urgency.
"Grayfia told me before the teleportation that the Rating Game will be held in ten days. No extensions, no delays. The House of Gremory will not shield me any longer unless I win."
"So if we lose…" Akeno murmured.
Rias nodded. "Then I become Riser Phenex's bride."
A cold silence fell again. Asia's eyes widened, and she looked to me, then to Rias.
"No!" she burst out. "We can't let that happen! Buchou, we'll train—we'll do anything!"
Kiba gave a confident nod. "Ten days is short, but we can use them wisely."
Koneko, without looking up, mumbled, "I'll crush that chicken."
I stayed quiet. I already knew this was coming, but seeing Rias stand there with that mix of pride and desperation in her eyes—it stirred something in me.
Rias placed her hands on the desk.
"We've never fought in a formal Rating Game. This will be our first real one. And we're going up against someone who has fought in over a dozen. Riser and his peerage are experienced. Powerful. They've trained together for years."
Her words weren't meant to scare us. They were facts. Cold and clear.
"That's why… we need to train. Not as individuals, but as a team."
Everyone nodded. Even Koneko perked up a little.
"Ise," Rias said suddenly.
I looked at her.
"You've shown promise, but you're still unstable. Your Sacred Gear is powerful, but if you can't control it, it'll devour you."
I nodded slightly. I had no argument.
"We'll pair off. Train together, push each other. You'll focus on mastering the power you already have—especially the Boosted Gear and your magic. Akeno will help you with magic refinement. Kiba, you'll handle sword drills with Koneko and Asia for group coordination."
"What about you, Buchou?" Kiba asked.
"I'll monitor everyone's progress. And I'll be training too. We need to be more than just good—we need to be sharp, decisive. Every second we waste could be the reason we lose."
She paused, scanning each of our faces.
"This isn't just about me. If I'm forced to marry Riser, it affects all of you. You'll become part of his peerage. You'll lose your freedom. I won't allow that."
Koneko muttered, "I'll kill him if he tries to touch me."
Rias gave a small, sad smile. "Let's avoid that. Winning is a cleaner solution."
Akeno suddenly clapped her hands. "Then it's decided. Let's begin immediately. Ise, I'll take you out back."
"Eh? Right now?"
"You wanted to grow strong, didn't you?" she said with a teasing wink. "No time for perverted dreams this week."
I gave a strained laugh, but followed her. I could feel it already—the weight of expectation settling on my shoulders. But weirdly enough… it didn't feel bad.
As we left, I heard Rias sigh softly again, though this time with resolve.
~~~
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