Three days later, around 11:40 PM.
Tatsuma pushed open the door and walked into the Occult Research Club just before the Rating Game.
After greeting everyone, he looked at the sofa not far away.
A petite figure wearing a Gothic Lolita dress was holding a teacup, leisurely enjoying her black tea.
Tatsuma asked, "Natsuki-chan, why are you here?"
Natsuki raised her head and gave a surprising answer. "I'm the advisor of the Occult Research Club, after all. Is it strange for me to be here?"
"You're the advisor?"
Exchanging glances with Rias and seeing her nod in acknowledgment, Tatsuma was silent.
What kind of advisor doesn't come to the club for over a month? You're too lax as an advisor.
As if seeing through Tatsuma's thoughts, Natsuki explained casually, "I've been investigating a dangerous organization called the Khaos Brigade recently, which is why I haven't had time to come to the club."
"Speaking of which, I've heard about your recent active performance. Are you confident today?"
Tatsuma made an OK gesture. "Of course, I'll finish the fight in three minutes at most."
"Three minutes? Then I'll go to the spectator area first, so I don't miss your performance."
Natsuki put down her teacup and activated spatial control. Her figure flickered and disappeared from the spot.
"Speaking of which, when you first returned to school, Natsuki-sensei asked me to look after you."
After watching her leave, Rias seemed to have thought of something, and a smile appeared on her face.
"I originally thought it would be troublesome, but I didn't expect that so quickly you would be the one looking after me."
"That's nothing, and with your connections, I've also gained a lot." Tatsuma was sincere when he said this.
Whether it was Jujutsu High or the later contact with Shigeo, Tatsuma got to know them through the connection with Rias. If Rias hadn't been providing him with information and opportunities to fight, the efficiency of him getting traits would definitely be greatly reduced.
"It's good that I could help you."
Seeing that Tatsuma didn't seem to be lying, a faint smile appeared on Rias's face.
Just then, the magic circle on the ground not far away began to glow, and Grayfia walked out from it.
"Everyone, time is almost up. If you're ready, come gather."
Under Grayfia's arrangement, Tatsuma and the others stood on the magic circle.
The next second, the teleportation array activated, and they appeared in a familiar room.
"Is this home field advantage?"
Looking at the Occult Research Club before him, which was exactly the same as before the transfer, Tatsuma looked around with interest.
Rias explained, "Although we initiated the declaration of war, we are, after all, new generation Devils who haven't officially participated in a Rating Game. It's normal to have a bit of an advantage."
[Everyone, I am Grayfia, a servant of the Gremory. I will be the referee for this Rating Game between the Gremory and the Phenex clan.]
Just then, Grayfia's voice sounded through the school broadcast.
Following the predetermined procedure, she began to introduce the venue conditions, the locations of both sides' main camps, and the rules of this Rating Game.
Finally, after Grayfia announced the official start of the game, the school bell rang throughout the school as the starting signal.
"Time's up, I'll head out first."
After greeting everyone, Tatsuma pushed the door open and walked out of the Occult Research Club.
Regarding the battle plan for this Rating Game, he had already discussed it with Rias and the others three days ago.
To sum it up in one sentence: let me have all the resources.
Inside the observation room.
"Long time no see, Witch of the Void."
Looking at Natsuki, who had suddenly appeared, Sirzechs, sitting in the main seat, greeted her.
"It has been a while. I didn't expect you to come."
Natsuki pondered. "Are you here to see Rias's first battle performance?"
Sirzechs nodded. "That's one of the goals. Besides that, I'm also very curious about the young man named Tatsuma Nakamura and want to observe him up close."
"I see."
Natsuki sat down next to him, a look of understanding on her face.
Although she had been out on missions for most of the past month, she had also been paying attention to Tatsuma. Precisely because of this, she was clearer than most people about his uniqueness.
Whether it was his growth rate or the new abilities he continuously displayed, he was an existence of an anomaly level.
Sometimes, Natsuki couldn't help but wonder why Tatsuma, with such potential, hadn't shown any abnormalities in the eighteen years prior.
If Tatsuma had revealed his potential earlier, and started growing stronger sooner, even if it was only for a week, that tragedy wouldn't have happened.
Of course, it's also possible that it was precisely because of that tragedy that Tatsuma completely awakened.
Fate plays tricks on people, it's nothing more than that.
"It's starting."
Sirzechs's voice sounded.
Natsuki came back to her senses and looked at the screen in front of them with him.
"Hmm?"
Looking at Tatsuma, who was leaving the Occult Research Club alone and flying towards the teaching building, Natsuki blinked, a hint of surprise on her face.
"So he wasn't just bragging just now."
Sirzechs cast his gaze. "What are you referring to?"
Natsuki looked at the screen and said, "Before coming here, Tatsuma told me he would end this battle within three minutes. Now it seems like he's really preparing to do that."
"Interesting."
Sirzechs's curiosity was piqued.
Together with Natsuki, the two focused on the screen in front of them.