I'm still rushing toward the sports court when the sudden announcement echoes from above, Grayfia's voice carrying across the battlefield with that clear and unwavering tone.
[Raiser Phoenix-sama's three [Pawns] retire.]
I stop in my tracks for a moment, stunned.
Three of Raiser's [Pawns]—defeated?
That's huge.
They had five [Pawn] pieces total. If three are gone now, that's a major dent in his numbers. And since Akeno is still engaged with Yubelluna, and Rias and Asia haven't joined the fight yet—
That only leaves one possible culprit.
"Koneko…"
A gentle but firm grip suddenly clamps down on my arm from behind.
I whirl around—tense and ready—but it's her. Koneko.
Emotionless as always, her eyes fixed ahead.
"Oh, it's you," I say with relief.
"Yup," she replies simply, her tone flat but steady.
She's crouched behind the storage unit at the edge of the court, tucked into a blind spot with a clear view of the open floor. I kneel beside her, following her gaze.
"You were the one who defeated those [Pawns], right?" I whisper.
Koneko gives a small nod. "They were too noisy."
I almost smile. That's Koneko for you. No bragging, no dramatics. Just raw, efficient strength.
She then turns to me and speaks without emotion, like she's listing groceries.
"The enemies here are one [Knight], one [Rook], and one [Bishop]. Three pieces total."
"...That's a tight defense," I murmur, narrowing my eyes. "They're holding this position hard."
Before we can come up with a plan, we hear it.
CLANG!
A sharp, defiant noise rings out from the center of the court.
Standing there was a young woman with light brown hair and green eyes. Her outfit consists of a full set of silver armor with black accents that appears to be a cross between a European knight (her chest plate, gauntlets, and greaves) and a Japanese samurai.
"I am the [Knight] of Raiser Phoenix-sama, Carlamaine!" she declares, her voice bold and echoing. "This creeping, sneaking game of positioning has grown tiresome! Rias Gremory's [Rook]! Come out and face me in open combat! I, Carlamaine, challenge you to a duel!"
Her voice is theatrical and dramatic. She thrusts her sword into the ground as if to punctuate her challenge.
Koneko's eyes narrowed slightly. "She wants me."
"Rias Gremory's [Knight] has already been eliminated," she said with disappointment. "I was looking forward to crossing blades with him. But it seems I must settle for the [Rook] instead."
From the opposite side of the court, another figure appeared, as if summoned by her declaration.
Isabela is a voluptuous woman with short, light brown hair and grey eyes. Her hair has three red highlights across it, and she wears a plain white mask that covers the right side of her face. Her outfit consists of a black jacket and matching jeans.
"She's their [Rook]," I whispered.
"Then that makes the last one the [Bishop]," Koneko muttered.
"Since they already found us, there is no need to hide."
"I'm the [Rook] of Rias Gremory, Koneko Tōjo."
"I'm the [Pawn], Hyoudou Issei!"
Koneko and I named ourselves after Raiser's [Knight], Carlamaine. The female knight then makes a happy face.
"I'm happy that there are warriors like you two in Rias Gremory's group. Coming out here directly from the front. That's something people with normal sanity won't do."
Their [Rook] didn't say much.
"I'll take the [Knight]," Koneko says bluntly, already standing.
But before we can act, another voice rises from the other side of the court.
"Honestly, Carlamaine, you're too loud."
A girl with long, curly blonde hair and striking red eyes walks toward us, her steps calm and measured. She wears a refined red dress, her hands folded behind her back. Her bearing is noble, almost regal.
Ravel Phenex.
Raiser's younger sister—and his [Bishop].
She glances toward Koneko, then her gaze lands on me.
"Hmm. So this boy is the [Pawn] that Rias Gremory cherishes?"
She tilts her head, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Does that person have such poor taste in men?"
"Oi," I mutter under my breath. "That's rude."
She snickers, covering her mouth daintily.
"I have no interest in fighting," she says. "I've already contributed enough by providing support and restoration magic from behind the scenes. My job isn't to sully my hands."
That explains why she's still in the rear-support role.
Still, her presence makes things trickier. She can heal the others if we don't take her out early.
Carlamaine slams her sword into the ground once, calling attention back to herself.
"You—[Rook]—Koneko Toujou, was it? Come. Let us test fists against blade!"
"Since I said I will not be fighting. Isabella, why don't you be his opponent?" Ravel said.
The masked woman who is called Isabella nods obediently. The girl wearing a dress moves away from us after she gets a confirmation from Isabella and is looking at us from a distance.
"Now then, let's fight since I am bored." Ravel said to Isabella.
~~~
I have posted 70+ advance chapter on my Patreon. If you are interested, join my Patreon.
Support me:
patreon.com/BlackBolt517