At this moment, inside the alternate dimension.
The sky was split in half.
The Red Dragon Emperor's and Phoenix's auras continuously surged.
Both abandoned their usual fighting styles, clashing like it was their very first battle.
Shards of Issei's armor flew everywhere.
The blood dripping from Riser also splattered, then transformed into sparks of fire.
The battle grew increasingly fierce, and the entire alternate dimension trembled from their impact.
One fought to conquer the person before him.
The other fought not to be conquered by the person before him.
This was a war for a man's dignity; this battle was Riser's own rear-guard action!
"Riser!!!"
"Boost! Boost! Boost!..."
Issei roared, his gauntlet glowing brilliantly.
This punch carried a world-shattering force, aimed directly at Riser's abdomen.
Pffft!
Riser spat out a mouthful of blood.
Issei's punch had pierced his abdomen.
The flames on Riser's body gradually weakened, and blood slowly dripped, turning into tiny flames.
Riser looked at his abdomen.
He froze for a moment, and then a wave of exhaustion washed over him.
Just as he was about to collapse, a voice came from within him.
"Stand up!!"
Who?
"Master, stand up!!"
But it hurts so much, and I'm so tired. This match, losing is fine.
As this thought emerged.
Whether it was an illusion or not, a voice came from within him.
"Stand up! Riser! You don't want to lose your ass, do you!!"
The previously exhausted Riser's eyes instantly widened.
That's right.
I can't lose this!!
I've staked a man's dignity on this!!!
At that instant, Riser's collapsing body straightened up.
Riser, he stood up!!
"Issei!!!"
Riser suddenly roared.
From the wound in his abdomen, an even hotter flame erupted directly.
This flame enveloped his entire body, and at the same time, a bird's cry echoed throughout the arena.
This was the rebirth of the Phoenix!
"Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh!!!"
Riser roared, the flames on his body instantly recovering and growing even more vigorous.
He clenched his fists.
Flames billowed around him.
At this moment, Issei stared blankly at Riser.
The Riser before him had grown stronger.
But... this is how a conquest should be!!
"Issei! For my dignity, I will not lose to you!!!"
Riser, enveloped in flames, charged towards Issei.
That's it, that's it.
"Come on, Riser!!"
"I'll make you submit willingly!!"
Issei responded to Riser's determination and charged forward.
He was a man who intended to conquer Vali!
Before conquering Vali, he would first conquer this roast chicken!
For his dream!
For his harem!
And even more so, for you!
Come on, Riser!!
Issei's and Riser's fists simultaneously slammed into each other's faces.
This was one of countless punches exchanged by the two, yet they were still as powerful as when they began.
The two once again swung their fists at each other.
"Ora Ora Ora!"
"Muda Muda Muda!"
The two punched each other in the face, blow after blow.
At this moment, there was only primal combat.
At the same time, Ddraig in the Boosted Gear also laughed loudly.
"Hahaha, that's it! That's it, partner!!"
"Take him down!"
"And then take down the White Dragon for me."
"The White Dragon should kneel under my, Ddraig's, crotch and sing of conquest!!!"
Hmm... Ddraig seemed to have been assimilated a little by Issei's wish, after all, a Sacred Gear's desire grows stronger with its master's desire.
So... Ddraig had unknowingly become a bit twisted.
He just hadn't noticed it himself.
Nearby, Rias and the others watched the battle before them, their faces filled with shock.
Kiba looked at the situation with a worried expression.
Valerie quietly asked, "Is it really okay for them to fight like this?"
Rias hesitated, saying, "It should... be fine."
South American Wind, Riser's Bishop, watched this scene with tears streaming down his face.
It's just a match, Master, just surrender, it's not shameful.
Unfortunately, Riser didn't know.
If he knew, Riser would angrily retort, "I'm doing this to protect my sexual orientation!!"
After an unknown amount of time.
Riser's flames had extinguished, but he was still swinging his fists.
Issei was the same; his armor was cracked, and his headpiece shattered.
At this moment, Ddraig came to his senses.
Looking at the man before him, he couldn't help but feel some admiration.
"Alright, partner, the guy in front of you has lost consciousness!"
"What?"
Issei looked closely; Riser's eyes were vacant, and though his fists were still swinging, they were soft and powerless.
Riser had lost consciousness.
Damn Riser, to exit in such a way!
As expected of the man I set my sights on!!
Issei slowly lowered his fists, and all his armor was dispelled.
Visible scars covered Issei's entire body.
This fierce, almost insane battle finally came to an end.
"Phew..."
Issei let out a long sigh.
This battle was truly exhilarating.
Just then, an announcement echoed through the sky.
[Riser Phoenix, surrenders.]
[Judgment: Elimination.]
[Game Over.]
[Rias Gremory's team wins!]
At this moment, the announcement echoed throughout the arena.
The residents of the Underworld watching the battle began to cheer one by one.
"A splendid battle."
"Indeed, a different kind of spirit."
These were the evaluations of the two Kings.
And the Four Great Satans nodded with relief as they looked at Riser.
The future of the Underworld, a future full of promise.
Phenex Family.
Ravel wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, "Nii-chan, you're the coolest!"
Riser's older brother, Riser, smirked, "You've grown, Riser."
Everyone in the Underworld had a changed opinion of Riser.
Of course, except for Abel.
After all, only he knew that Riser's actions were merely to avoid being 'man-on-man'.
This drink is for Riser.
He found his future reliance (wry smile).
Infirmary.
Riser slowly opened his eyes.
An unfamiliar ceiling, a fatigued body, hmm... the explosion of potential, a promising future.
He... still lost.
Thinking of this, Riser felt his future was hopeless.
Although the Underworld's atmosphere was open and free, and various sexual orientations were not unacceptable.
But a loss was a loss.
The wager was in effect.
He wasn't someone who couldn't afford to lose.
"Yo, you're awake."
At this moment, Issei's voice came.
Riser turned his head to look, only to see Issei lying on his side on the adjacent bed.
"Mm, looks like I lost."
Riser said, looking at the ceiling, then turned his head again and said, "As for the wager, I..."
Issei waved his hand, "Forget it, forget it. If you're unwilling, I won't force it."
Listening to Issei's words, Riser smiled.
However, as the third son of the Phenex Family, a pure-blooded devil, he was not so petty as to be unable to afford a loss.
"Issei."
"Hm?"
"The wager stands. I'm not someone who can't afford to lose."
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