Two years of relentless training in the Time Chamber had forged them into something new. Back in the real world, Shuo insisted they take five days to unwind—feasting, laughing, living like teenagers again. But today, the fun was over. The moment they'd been waiting for had arrived.
Inside the Occult Research Club, Shuo and Rias's team gathered, nerves humming beneath their calm exteriors. The Underworld's envoys would arrive any minute.
Unexpectedly, the Student Council girls showed up too, claiming they wanted to cheer for Rias. Anyone with half a brain could see the truth—they just missed Shuo.
Sona had no intention of bringing her Peerage to spectate, especially with magical broadcasts available. But against a barrage of pleading, she'd finally relented.
"Rias, I heard you've spent the last few days relaxing, not training at all. Have you given up? No… you're not that kind of person. So, you must already have the power to beat Riser Phoenix, right?" Sona's gaze was sharp, her deduction clear as she took in the team's quiet confidence.
What she couldn't fathom was how they'd changed so much in just two days.
Rias met her eyes, hands clenched, a spark of anticipation burning in her gaze. "You're right, Sona. I'm ready. This match will end the engagement once and for all."
Kiyome Abe grinned, practically bouncing in her seat. "No way I'm letting that 'turkey' get the last laugh. He's about to see what my magical beasts can do."
Akeno's eyes glittered. "Ara ara, Kiyome-chan—don't hog the spotlight. Remember, we're all in this!"
Yuuto just smiled, silent but resolute. Shuo's brutal training had transformed him—he was ready.
Koneko clenched her fists, determination written all over her face. "This time, I'll help President Rias break free."
Rias ruffled Koneko's hair, her affection obvious. Koneko had been the weakest, but she'd worked the hardest—Rias couldn't be prouder.
The Student Council girls watched, curiosity flickering. What had happened to make them so confident?
A red magic circle flared to life. Riser Phoenix and his sister Ravel stepped out, followed by Evelyn, Maou Sirzechs's Queen.
Evelyn curtsied gracefully. "Good morning, Rias-sama, Sona-sama, Riser-sama."
Polite greetings exchanged, Riser wasted no time. "Rias, the week's up. Ready to taste defeat?"
Rias's reply was cool, almost bored. "Heh. Riser, I think you're the one who should brace for defeat. Let's see if you're still so smug after I win. Maybe pray you don't lose your nerve."
Riser's eyes widened. Why was she so calm? Didn't she realize the gulf between their teams?
"Hmph! Rias, you barely have a full Peerage—just five members. I have fourteen. You really don't get the difference here."
Rias didn't flinch. "Numbers don't decide victory. You should prepare yourself for a hard fall."
Riser's face darkened. "You…!" His anger simmered, but Rias wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
"I want to see what that human boy's really capable of. Only a week, and you dare talk big?"
Evelyn's voice cut through the tension. "Rias-sama, Riser-sama, are you ready? The Rating Game is about to begin."
Rias nodded, her confidence unwavering. "I'm ready. Let's start."
Riser forced composure. "I'm ready too. Begin."
He still believed in his immortality, his unbroken record. No matter how much Rias had changed, he was certain of victory.
Moments later, both teams were whisked away to an alternate dimension—a battlefield crafted by Maou Ajuka Beelzebub, designed for Rating Game combat.
Here, any fighter who suffered serious injury would be instantly teleported out for treatment. No risk of death—unless the gap in strength was so vast that even teleportation couldn't save you. But that was rare.
As the Rating Game began, broadcasts lit up the Underworld. Factions across all three realms tuned in—Vali, Cao Cao, and more. Everyone wanted to see what Rias could do with Shuo backing her.
Back in the Occult Research Club, the magical broadcast was live. Shuo, meanwhile, was sprawled across his girlfriends' laps, flirting shamelessly. Sona pushed up her glasses, watching Shuo tease Tsubaki, her lips twitching.
"Rias's match is about to start. Aren't you even a little worried?"
Shuo grinned, pulling Tsubaki closer. "Sona, trust me—there's no way Rias loses. You're all in for a shock."
Sona eyed him, curiosity burning. Why was he so sure? Riser Phoenix had never lost a Rating Game.
As she debated whether to press further, the broadcast announced the start.
Shuo caught her look, smiling knowingly. "You'll see soon enough, Sona. This battle's going to shake all three realms."
Would it really be that dramatic? Sona wondered, turning her attention to the screen.
On the battlefield, Rias and Riser's teams materialized.
"This match will take place in Kuoh Town," Evelyn announced. "Rias and Riser command opposite sides. The participants are as follows:
Rias Gremory and her Peerage:
Queen: Akeno Himejima
Knight: Yuuto Kiba
Rook: Shirone Toujou
Pawn: Kiyome Abe
Riser Phoenix and his Peerage:
Queen: Yubelluna
Knights: Karlamine, Siris
Rooks: Xuelan, Isabella
Bishop: Ravel Phoenix
Pawns: Julia, Marion, Brent, Mira, Ni & Li sisters, Nel & Iru sisters
The rules are simple: unlimited combat, any weapon, any method. The match ends when one King is severely injured and teleported out, or surrenders. I hereby declare the Rating Game officially begun."
Evelyn's words echoed, signaling the start.
Unlimited combat—raw power versus raw power. No tricks, no mercy.
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