The Rating Game.
Rias had explained it earlier that morning, her tone calm but firm. We were gathered in the Occult Research Club room, but it felt more like a war briefing. She stood at the head of the long table, her crimson hair glowing under the sunlight pouring in through the old windowpanes.
"The Rating Game is a system created by Ajuka Beelzebub after the invention of the Evil Pieces," she told us. "It's used to evaluate the strength of a devil and their peerage. Social status, honor, and sometimes even noble houses are staked on these matches. Think of it like a high-stakes chess game—except the pieces are us."
I already knew all of this thanks to the memories in my head. But to Asia, it was new. She listened carefully, her hands folded neatly on her lap, eyes wide in focused attention. She looked both nervous and curious, and I could tell she was trying her best to follow along.
"What about the top players?" Asia asked softly.
Rias smiled gently. "The top ten are treated like heroes in the Underworld. They have wealth, fame, and power. But right now... my concern isn't about the rankings. It's about defeating Riser Phenex."
That name soured the mood instantly.
Now here we were.
The mountains.
Rias had shown up to my house unannounced early this morning. She gave us fifteen minutes to pack before whisking us away through a magic circle. Asia and I barely had time to eat breakfast.
And now I was regretting not eating more.
Because this slope was hell.
We were deep in the mountains, far from the city. The sky above was beautifully clear, the wind cool and fresh. Trees surrounded us on all sides, their leaves swaying with each breeze, and birds called from somewhere high up.
But I couldn't enjoy any of it.
"Ugh… this slope is trying to kill me…" I muttered, dragging myself up the steep incline. Sweat dripped from my forehead, soaking into the collar of my training shirt. My legs felt like lead.
Still, I had to admit—I was doing better than I would've a month ago. My stamina had definitely improved thanks to the daily sparring and training with Kiba. It was still rough, but I wasn't collapsing just yet.
"Come on, Ise. Hurry."
Rias's voice rang out clearly from up ahead. She stood with her hands on her hips, her long red hair swaying in the breeze like a war banner. Asia stood beside her, nervously glancing back down the slope toward me.
"Are you okay, Ise-san?" she called out.
I waved a hand. "Yeah… just enjoying nature... by suffering through it."
"I'll help—"
Asia started to move, but Rias gently raised a hand to stop her.
"No," she said calmly. "He needs to push himself. If he can't handle a slope like this, how can he handle Riser?"
Harsh. But not unfair.
I bit back a complaint and pushed forward.
Step by step.
Asia stayed at the top with Rias, visibly concerned. I appreciated her kindness more than I could say. I wasn't sure what I'd done to deserve someone like her in my corner, but I was grateful.
Eventually, I reached the top, gasping for air.
"You made it," Rias said with a small smile. "Not bad."
"Glad I could impress you by not dying," I muttered, flopping onto the grass.
Rias turned her attention back to the terrain. "This is where we'll train for the next ten days. Each day will be split between physical training, magic practice, and combat drills."
"And our opponents?" I asked, wiping sweat from my face.
"Simulated. At first. Then sparring among ourselves. I want you to fight everyone—Kiba, Koneko, Akeno, even me. You'll need to understand your limits. And then break them."
She sounded so confident, so sure.
Ten days.
It didn't feel like enough.
"Grayfia told me how strong Riser's peerage is," Rias continued. "Most of his pieces are veterans. Some are reincarnated nobles; others are just plain monsters. You all are powerful—but we're outmatched in experience and coordination."
She glanced toward me again.
"That's why I need you to grow, Ise. Not just in power, but in mindset. You can't keep thinking like a foot soldier."
Foot Soldier? Who? Me?
Her words stung. I opened my mouth to respond but stopped.
Since my power is weak, anything I say is just an excuse.
If I didn't want to lose…
If I didn't want to lose Rias…
I had to become stronger. Fast.
"Understood," I said quietly.
Rias nodded, satisfied. "Good. Asia, you'll be trained in healing magic. Your Sacred Gear will be vital during the match. We'll build your casting stamina and range."
"Y-Yes!" Asia said, straightening her back with a smile.
Looking at her now, you'd never guess she was a frightened girl tied to a cross only days ago. She was standing tall.
Damn. I am starting to like her.
"What a sweet smell!" Rias murmured as she looked at Issei.
~~~
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