"In the name of Sitri, I declare the final winner of this ranking game to be… Arata Hayashi!"
In the silent remains of the alien space, Sona Sitri's voice trembled slightly as it echoed across the battlefield.
The next moment—A brilliant magic circle lit up beneath Arata and his companions, and their figures faded from the warped dimension in a cascade of light.
When they reappeared, Arata found himself standing before a familiar face.
"I knew you would win!"
Rias Gremory's crimson hair shimmered under the light as she ran toward him. Her ruby eyes locked onto his with pride and affection.Without hesitation, she cupped his face gently in her hands.
"You must've used up a lot of magic power just now…" she murmured softly, her voice carrying a faint, teasing tone.
Then, with a mischievous smirk, she leaned closer."So… how about replenishing it?"
Arata smiled. "Then I'll trouble you, Rias."
"Mm…"
Rias froze for a second as he pulled her close. Her eyes fluttered shut as their lips met.
Nearby, Sona Sitri's eyes widened in disbelief.Magic replenishment? she thought blankly.He only fought once! Does he really need that much "replenishing"?
These two… can't they keep their affection in private?
Even so, a faint blush crept up her cheeks.Rias-senpai is… really bold!
Koneko, standing beside her, turned scarlet, fidgeting as she tried not to look. Her cat-like ears twitched in embarrassment.
Moments later, Arata finally broke the kiss.He brushed a strand of hair from Rias's flushed face and asked with a grin, "How's that for a reward?"
"W-well, it's just magic replenishment," Rias muttered, trying to regain her composure. "If it's a reward, shouldn't that be at night?"
"Huh?" Arata tilted his head innocently. "But you said that yourself the other night, didn't you?"
Rias froze, her face going completely red. "You—! Don't say that here! People are watching!"
Sona covered her face with one hand. "You two really need to control yourselves…"
Esdeath smirked from behind, arms crossed. "They're devils. Public displays of affection come naturally."
Rias glared at her, embarrassed beyond words. "Stop teasing!"
Arata chuckled, then turned serious as Rias's expression hardened.
"But, Arata… killing Riser Phoenix may bring trouble," she said quietly. "His family won't let this go easily."
"Even if it's troublesome, I had to do it." Arata's voice was firm, unshaken."No one—absolutely no one—can lay a hand on you."
Rias felt her heart skip a beat. That commanding tone, that unwavering certainty—it made her chest tighten.
So domineering… and yet so reassuring.
Before she could respond, a flash of crimson light filled the room.A massive teleportation circle appeared, glowing with intricate patterns.
A moment later, a tall man with long fiery red hair emerged.
"Brother?!" Rias exclaimed.
Sona's eyes widened. "Rias's brother? As in… Sirzechs Lucifer—one of the Four Great Devil Kings?!"
The air in the room immediately grew heavier. Even Esdeath and Akame turned their attention to the newcomer.
"With something this big happening, how could I not come?" Sirzechs said with a soft smile. His calm gaze landed on Arata."I didn't expect you to actually have the power to kill Riser Phoenix… but you've stirred up quite a storm."
Arata smiled faintly. "Long time no see, Sirzechs. Don't worry—I'll take responsibility. If anyone has complaints, they can come to me."
Sirzechs blinked, surprised by Arata's confidence. Then his expression softened into a small smile."You've really changed, Arata Hayashi," he said quietly.
"Don't worry. I'll handle the politics. I've already prepared explanations—those old devils won't have an excuse to interfere."
"Then what brings you here?" Rias asked, crossing her arms. "Were you trying to scare him?"
Sirzechs sighed, smiling helplessly. "No. I just wanted to meet my new brother-in-law."His tone was half-teasing, half-serious."Besides, my presence is a statement—to warn those old fools not to touch you two."
Arata nodded. "In that case, I hope we'll see more of each other."
Sirzechs chuckled. "You're bold, I'll give you that. Just… try not to overdo it, alright?"
He studied Arata closely for a moment. Beneath the easy smile, he could feel something vast—something ancient and immeasurable.This man… even I can't see through his power. Perhaps Riser's so-called immortality never stood a chance.
"As long as no one provokes me, I won't start trouble," Arata said simply.
"I'll hold you to that."
Sirzechs nodded, then waved his hand. His body shimmered and vanished into the crimson light of the teleportation circle.
"Anyway, it's all resolved now," Rias said, relaxing. Her bright smile returned as she looked at Arata. "How about we celebrate?"
"Celebrate?"
"Of course! My house is big enough for a party."
"Sounds perfect," Arata said with a grin.
Before long, the group left Kuoh Academy and gathered at Rias's luxurious villa. Even Sona joined them at her invitation.
"Speaking of which," Leone said, stretching her arms lazily, "a celebration needs drinks, right?"
"Of course." Rias nodded and turned to Akeno. "Akeno, I'll leave it to you."
"Understood~," Akeno replied cheerfully, forming a magic circle.
Moments later, she returned with an impressive haul of bottles, barrels, and chilled glasses.
Sona looked at the pile and sighed. "Do we really need this much?"
For some reason, she had a bad feeling.
"Leave the food to me!" Akame announced suddenly, rushing toward the kitchen with a knife gleaming in her hand.
Leone laughed loudly. "I'll help! Just don't burn the place down this time!"
Esdeath smiled faintly, sipping her wine. "It's fine. Even if she burns the house, I'll freeze it back together."
Arata leaned back on the sofa, watching his companions laugh and chatter.For a brief moment, the tension of battle melted away.
After the bloodshed, the storms, and the power struggles…this warmth, this laughter—this was what he fought to protect.