"Fufu, I have also trained my powers ever since then. I won't go down that easily this time."
After finishing their talk, the two of them fired a powerful magic towards each other! Lightning shines stunningly everywhere and explosive magic also were going off non-stop to show that it won't' lose easily too.
At the same time, we heard explosions behind our back and when we turned ourselves around, we saw smoke coming out from the Old School Building.
"Woah, what's happening over there?"
When I asked, I heard Rias explaining the situation,
[Rossweisse and Gasper defeated the three [Pawns] from Riser's team. It was Yuuto's job last time but we had Gasper and Rossweisse deal with them this time.]
Then we heard Grayfia's voice,
[Riser-sama's three [Pawn]s retired!]
Ah, that also happened before. Riser's reenacting that part as well. But we had Rossweisse-san deal with that. The three [Pawns], Shuriya, Marion and Bürent might have some trouble with Rossweisse-san's magic and Gasper's monsters. Rossweisse-san has been practicing defensive magic and sealing technique and Gasper also has been working out, improving his hand-to-hand combat.
...…..By the way, the reason why I've memorized all the servants' name isn't because of this match or because I hold a grudge against them from the last match. It's just that whenever Riser and I talk, he mentions them so I naturally memorized them.
….damn it! That Riser. He's trying to discuss about the girls' problems with me as well! So annoying! But I do listen as well and he's kept saying how men's problem gets bigger when he makes a harem!
…ah, this isn't the time to think about that.
"So Kiba is…."
As soon I mention him,
"Yo, Ise-kun."
He appeared out of nowhere.
"What, you were here already?"
"Yeah, heh, so Koneko-chan survived and Xenovia is also here too. That's reassuring."
He's right! So far, no one from our side has retired! That's very important in terms of our tactics and our confidence! We are showing them completely a different team from before! Xenovia spoke triumphantly,
"Yes and we are going to win this way. Soon Rossweisse will join us and Akeno-zenfukubuchou will win against that [Bomb Queen] as well."
We decided to leave the gym to Akeno-san who is having a magic battle in the air and we headed towards the field behind the new building.
The person who was waiting for us at the baseball team's practice field is a female [Knight], wearing a body armor. Standing in the middle of the field, she seems like she was expecting us.
I remember her. She is Phoenix's [Knight] Karlamine-san. As someone who fought her previously, Kiba made a smile towards her while still being very bold. Back then, she also called him in the middle of the field.
Kiba spoke while he walked towards her,
"It's been awhile, Karlamine."
"Yes, I wanted to meet you, Kiba Yuuto."
Maybe they know each other's feeling as swordsmen. They seem to be happy that they have met again.
I then got curious and asked Kiba,
"Ah, I forgot to ask before, but who was the Excalibur user that Karlamine-san said she met?"
I remembered what those two were chatting about in our last battle. That time, she said she met someone who wielded an Excalibur, and she said that she will tell him the identity of the person if Kiba wins. Back then, Kiba despised the Excalibur and emitted a killing intent like he was a completely different person.
Now that he doesn't hold any more grudges from before, Kiba made a bitter smile and remembered the past.
"Ah, that person is…."
Just then, as to cut Kiba mid-sentence, Karimine-san laughed confidently,
"Fufufu, you will meet her soon. Actually, a reliable sensei has joined us this time! And she will be able to fill the hole created by the absent of Ravel-sama! Sensei, please, do your best!"
At her words, the person appeared in the air is…a Swordswoman who has a brown coloured hair in twin-ponytail style…..
"Ta-da! I'm the helper today!"
"I-I-Irina?!"
I'm so confused right now! Well, Irina just appeared from out of nowhere wearing her battle suit! Xenovia is dumbfounded at this revelation!
"This is surely surprising; I was wondering why you were so quiet…"
"But if Ravel-san asked her to help them…. Ah, so that's how it is then…."
Kiba nodded his head in acceptance.
Yes, the helper that Ravel has hired for today is Irina! She said this morning 'I've got something so I don't think I can see you guys off'… so this is the reason!
Karlamine-san said as she greeted Irina,
"She will be our [Bishop] substitute, Angel Irina-sama! She is also the Excalibur wielder that I met in the past!"
Irina made a peace sign.
"Fufufu, that's right, the devil swordswoman that I met two years ago in some country happens to be a part of the House of Phoenix. Don't you think it's an incredible coincidence?"
Yeah, it's quite an incredible coincidence. For a truth that's been kept quiet for more than half a year to be something as trivial as this!
"….Haaaaaaaaaa."
Irina sent a wink toward me while I was scratching my head.
"Fufufu, the truth is, I really wanted to participate in a devil's Rating Game! As a substitute [Bishop], I will fight Darling and Xenovia!"
That Angel, proclaiming such things and taking her Hauteclaire out…! She's full of fighting spirit!
"B-Buchou.. No, Rias, w-what shall we do?"
Maybe because the game's situation is like before, I'm shaken enough to call Rias as [Buchou]. But Rias laughed over through the communication transceiver.
[Fufufu, this became much more interesting. This is only allowed since this is friendly match.]
Culprit Irina fixed her sword towards us and spoke.
"So my opponent will either be Xenovia or Kiba-kun? But I'm also fine with Ise-kun or Koneko-chan!"
Hearing that, Xenovia stepped up and said,
"Interesting! I will be your opponent! I think it'll be fun fighting her. It's not bad having a match between me and Irina that never happened because of the peace treaty."
After the fight against Kokabiel, if we haven't made a peace treaty, these two might be facing each other as enemies and this situation might have happened.
Hearing Xenovia's proclaim, Irina made bright smile,
"Come! Let's have a match Xenovia!"
Finally, Irina and Xenovia, the two swordswomen have begun their match! This is a situation that didn't happen last time and so it is quite entertaining. Well, there is no doubt that unexpectedness makes matters more interesting. To deceive us into assuming that everything is going to plan as before bringing a surprise such as this, this brilliant tactic must have come from their advisor, Ravel. Kiba and Karlamine-san also went head on!
"Is this the rumoured Holy-Demonic sword? I wasn't able to fight against this before…..!"
"Well, here's a taste!"
They seem like they are enjoying themselves! Karlamine-san is using a different demonic sword to fight Kiba's holy-demonic sword. Now, when Koneko and I was wondering what to do….
"Nyan Nyan…"
"Nyan Nyan Nyan…"
Two cat-eared [Pawn]s, Ni and Li hve appeared! They are also nekomata, huh. But they seem like they are of a different species than Koneko…..
"We lost last time, but."
"We won't lose this time!"
These two glared at me. If I remember correctly, last time they lost against the combination between Kiba and I.
But the two cat-eared [Pawns] were stopped by the cat-eared [Rook] Koneko.
"…I want to fight against other cat-eared people. Since all of us use Ki, let's see who's more superior this time. "
Oh ho, Koneko also joined the fight! All three cat-eared girls are running around the field. If Kiba, Xenovia and Koneko have already joined the fight, then my opponent is…
"Your opponent is me."
I heard another person's voice. When I turned around, I saw a woman whose face is half covered in a mask! Riser's [Rook] Isabela-san. I did have some exchange with her before.
"It's been awhile, Isabela-san."
"Yeah, I never expected to meet you in the same battlefield like this…."
Isabela-san spoke with glee and got into a flicker stance. Ah, nostalgic. I was pushed against her flicker jabs, but now….
From my body and armor, red aura emitted out. Seeing that, Isabela-san exclaimed,
"…That is an impressive aura, it's so much different than before, Sekiryuutei."
"…Will you receive my improved punch?"
When I asked, Isabela-san smiled,
"I've been waiting for this moment! Show me the punch that defeated the Old maou, Loki, Cao Cao and Evil Dragons!"
Aura also emitted out of Isabela-san's body and it was denser than last time. It was evidence that they have been training much more than others.
Shortening the distance with a few light steps, Isabela-san's sharp fist came toward me! Flicker jab! Last time, each punch was so powerful that I nearly lost against her, but now….!
I dodged all of her attacks, and I aimed for her abdomen with my hand. Isabela-san tried to defend by switching her hand but it seems like my attack surpassed her expectation, my attack completely went through her defense. It was completely opposite to what happened before.
…Damn, I'm so moved…! I was pushed by her last time! And I was able to win after trying everything I've got! Maybe because I realized that every fight I had so far wasn't in vain, my chest tightened.
"That's a good punch. It is something I want to boast about as someone receiving the attack."
Not only that, Isabela-san said something so touching! As a reply, I readied to fire my dragon shot! I also defeated you with a dragon shot last time!
[Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost!!]
A voice came out of my gauntlet and a boosted aura is now concentrated on my right fist! Using my dragon wings I went high up in the sky and observed Isabela-san's movement, and when she showed a gap, I fired the entire shot from my hand.
"GO–!"
Gigantic Dragon Shot! Isabela-san also tried to dodge but…
"Curve! And Dress Break!"
I have also improved! I concentrated on curving the shot, and at the same time, activated my Dress Break! I was able to use that since I touched her body when I punched her.
Dragon Shot made a sharp turn and Isabela-san, who was trying to dodge, got her clothes torn off with my Dress Break.
"Kuu… we are even mimicking this as well!"
Isabela-san looked surprised after her clothes were torn off. Yup, if we are going to do this, we have to do it right!
"It's great view! Thank you very much!"
I thanked Isabela-san. Her busty figure nearly made me have a nosebleed inside my armour! If I look closely, her mask doesn't break even if I use my Dress Break! That was also the case last time; it's the same this time as well! Hmm, maybe it has an anti-spell magic on it? Or maybe this technique only applies to my sexual fetish?
Getting hit by Dress Break as well as Dragon Shot, Isabela-san is surrounded by the retiring light and disappeared quickly.
[Riser-sama's [Rook] retires!] Grayfia-san's voice covered the field.
…. I'm finished but what about Kiba and Xenovia….
"Would you like to see my other demonic swords? I can show you the others except for Gram if you want."
"Oh ho, interesting proposition, but I would like to see your Glory Drag Trooper if possible."
Kiba and Karlamine-san are chatting while enjoying their fights. Meanwhile Xenovia and Irina…
"A few years ago, during the Evil Spirit Mansion mission, I defeated more evil spirits than you!"
"No, it was me! You were late, Xenovia!"
"That was a different time! That was during the necromancer mission!"
"You were late both times! Why are you always forgetting all those times where I won against you?"
They were now reminiscing about their past from when they both belonged in the Church….this might take some time….
"….Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame[1]."
"AHHHHH! Li, Help!"
The fight between Koneko and the two cat-eared [Pawns] is basically a catfight and it is quite entertaining to watch as well.
…Hmm, I think we are forgetting someone. When I was thinking that, a girl in Kimono approached me. She's Riser's [Bishop]…. Mihae right?
She bowed and said,
"Please, follow me. My master is waiting for you."
… I left this area to my friends and followed her to Riser.
The place she led me to was a front door of a new building. I got in using the back door last time. There, Asia, Rossweisse-san and Gasper were waiting.
"Ah, Ise-san."
"Senpai, we were waiting."
"You came quickly."
Three of them greeted me but I couldn't see Rias. If they are here, Rias should be with them….
"Where's Rias?"
"She's upstairs."
"She went in alone at Riser-san's request."
….At my question, Asia and Rossweisse-san replied…..
Honestly, for this to be same as last time….. That's right, Rias came here with Asia last time in order to finish the fight with Riser.
When we were looking up, Mihae-san spoke,
"Riser-sama is waiting for you up there, please go up and meet him there. However, only Sekiryuutei-sama and Asia Argento-sama can go in there."
We looked at each other. Rossweisse-san and Gasper nodded their head.
"Please go, I'm sure both [King]s are thinking of something."
"Yes, that must be true… Then our opponent is…."
Having said that, Rossweisse-san and Gasper faces Mihae-san. She, wearing a kimono, is emitting an aura all over her body, clearly showing that she's not intending to allow Rossweisse-san and Gasper through.
Asia and I nodded at the same time and went inside.
"I'm leaving it to you guys, Gasper! Rossweisse-san!"
I held Asia and flew inside the building. Soon, I heard a loud noise behind us. Rossweisse-san and Gasper must have started fighting Mihae-san.
Flying through the corridor, I remembered what happened back then.
After being beaten up badly, while gasping for air as well as trying to suppress my pain, I ran through this corridor. To save my [King] Rias, to save Buchou, I ran as if my life depended on it. I fell down several times on the way but I always got up…
In this battlefield, there are so many things that make me emotional. The reason for all these is waiting in front of me.
[Riser-sama's [Bishop] retires!]
As I hear the announcement of the victory of Rossweisse-san and Gasper, I reached the roof of the building.
There, those who were waiting for me was Rias and….. Riser Phoenix!
It looks like those two have not yet started their fight. Their clothes weren't in a mess and there were no signs of fighting on the roof.
After letting Asia down, I stood next to Rias.
"Buchou! Hyoudou Issei, here at your service!"
I said the same thing I said to her before. Rias must have felt nostalgic hearing those words as she made a small smile.
"Thank Ise, it's bit embarrassing that this is exactly the same as before."
That's right, it's a bit weird! Riser looked at me and…
"The Dragon brat huh, That Ravel, she let him pass, huh…that is also what I said last time."
… and made bitter smile. Ah, he did say that before. While I was thinking about the past…
[Riser-sama's [Queen] Retires!]
We heard an announcement of Yubelluna-san's defeat. This means the victory belonged to Akeno-san. Having heard the announcement of the defeat of his servant, Riser quietly closed his eyes.
In our last battle, Yubelluna-san flew towards the roof after the defeat of Akeno-san. I was really shocked to hear that Akeno-san had lost.
Just now, Akeno-san flew towards the roof but her miko outfit was in a mess…. I guess she didn't win without taking any damage. It means that Yubelluna-san was that strong.
"Yubelluna's power definitely increased from her training… but she can't win against Rias's servants huh… Well, the amount of real fights we had is different from them."
Riser muttered in a cold tone.
If it was the Riser before, he would have been enraged and insulted everyone but it seems like he's accepting the result.
Having muttered that, he took his top off. It seems like he's wearing a fighting suit that's close to being topless. On his back, wings made of flames appeared…. Seeing the flame, I was really surprised…. The flames were much more dense and larger than before!
I could feel the heat even when I was wearing the armor. If I get hit by that, I won't be safe even If I am wearing an armor.
Riser said to Rias,
"…Rias, I'm sorry but don't interfere. I…. want to fight against him. I asked an Angel for help because I wanted this fight for myself…. Ravel also understood my feelings."
…Ku!
….everybody was shocked after hearing Riser's confession. Riser…. desires to fight me again right here. Having not allowed Rias to fight against him, he is now looking forward to our fight.
"I am interested in that guy over there and not you, Rias. Unless I defeat him, I can't really say that I have overcome my fear of dragons!"
Realizing Riser's intention, Rias sighed and replied,
"Even if you are immortal, it's still reckless to fight Ise, who had a lot of near-death experience and also defeated strong foes…. You still want to fight him, right?"
Emitting an overwhelming aura, he walked towards us step by step.
"Rias, I… am fine with losing. I will use my defeat as a stepping stone to become stronger. Whatever the case, I realized that fighting those stronger than me has real meaning! Hyoudou Issei!"
Riser shouted while pointing at me!
"Feel the hellfire of the undying House of Phoenix with your body and burn up!"
Shouting such lines, Riser enveloped himself in fire and made his body into a Phoenix and flew into the sky! It feels like what happened in that engagement party previously is happening again!
He's thinking of heading straight onto me in that form!
Seeing Riser I… felt something boiling inside me.
"…Rias, I ask of you, please don't interfere! I… really want to fight Riser Phoenix right here!"
She nodded her head lightly to respect my wish. Getting her approval, I blasted myself towards the sky! To fight his hellfire head on!
"There's no way I will be defeated by your stupid flame!!!!!"
I was shouting while boosting head on towards Riser!
BANG! With a loud noise, we exchanged blows into each other's face! The shockwaves from our clash shook the entire building.
We both clashed with each other! Whenever Riser's attack hit me, I could feel an intense heat but I've already experienced this before! I can endure this! Due to him having the traits of a Phoenix, he will always regenerate no matter what happens. This is the troublesome part!
In the past, I was afraid of Riser and I also wanted to run away after having experienced the difference in strength against him. But it's different now!
Riser shouted while aiming his punch at me!
"Are you scared?! No, you won't be scared at all, Hyoudou Issei! You are a true warrior who fought countless times with your Boosted Gear! With or without your armor, you won't die with my hellfire! Your true worth is much more than just your Boosted Gear!"
....Ku!... Shit! Are you an idiot?! What the hell are you saying?! Insult me like before! Treat me like an idiot! Getting praised by you… I want to cry now!!
Riser's fist and feet are enveloped in flame and sharply hits my body! Watching the way he dodges my attacks, I realized! Riser learned hand-to-hand combat!
"I didn't know that you learned those fighting skills!"
"Well, I'm also training lately! I invited Sairaorg Bael as my training partner! If it's fistfight, I'm confident!"
Sairaorg-san is your training partner?! So that's why I felt a bit of déjà vu when fighting him! If you fight against Sairaorg-san, you'd naturally prefer fistfight!
This is what a fight between men should be!
One by one, exchanging blows between the face, abdomen, legs and arms. It only has meaning if you put all your will into each punch and kick! My fist punched his face, and he landed a kick to my abdomen!
….I won't hold back anymore!
"—I, who is about to awaken, am the Red Dragon Emperor who has discarded the principles of domination. Holding the infinite hopes and unbreakable dreams and walking the path of righteousness, I will become an Emperor of Crimson Dragon. And I will lead you to the path of Heaven, glowing in deep crimson light!"
[Cardinal Crimson Full Drive!!!]
As my armor turn crimson, Riser made a smile full of joy and excitement, enough to send shockwaves through his entire body.
"Here I goooooooooooo!"
My right fist swell! "Solid Impact Booster"! I will pierce through his flame in one punch!
[Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost!!]
With a loud voice, an enormous amount of the Dragon's power is concentrated on my right fist!
[Solid Impact Booster!!]
Riser moved his flame from his back to put out a defensive barrier in front of him but… My fist pierced through his flame and hit his body!
"Kuaaaaaaa"
Riser screamed while falling down the rooftop! Although he received a lot of damage, he staggered up! Regenerating himself with his flame, his eyes are still sparkling. It seems like he hasn't given up yet.
Even if he is immortal, it seems like the damage received just then was quite critical as he is staggering. Even with his trait of immortality, his mind isn't as such. My fist…. must have reached his mind.
"Ise, Riser!"
Although Rias shouted our names, Riser doesn't seem like he can hear her. He laughed and shouted towards me,
"Hyoudou Issei! I might lose against you tens of times, no, hundreds of time! However, remember this! The lives of Devils are close to infinite! In that time, I will win against you! No, I don't need 10,000 years! In a few years, I will burn you with the hellfire of Phoenix and turn you into ash!"
After re-igniting flames on his back, once again he flew into sky! After getting hit by my attack, his mind should have been exhausted but he did not back off!
"Okay, I like that! I can easily understand that! Riser-san! You are becoming my rival! That's awesome!"
I fought Riser once again! He was smiling!
"Here I go, Hyoudou Issei! Oooooooooooooooo!"
"I won't lose! Ooooooooo!"
My fist covered in crimson aura and Riser's fist covered in hellfire. Our fists clashed within the bounds of the game field.
After the fight, I heard from Akeno-san that Rias and Asia were exchanging remarks with each other.
"Asia. Guys are really…. Stupid."
"Fufufu, but both of them look like they are enjoying themselves."
"Yeah, I can't believe it. Riser to target Ise… I never imagined it. But I'm a bit envious… only guys can understand this feeling."
Talking to each other like this…
Part 3
A few days after the Phoenix match…
We were victorious in that match. The fight between Riser and I also ended with my victory. The others had finished their fights before, but since I was concentrating on the fight against Riser, I couldn't hear the announcer.
In the end, the friendly match ended with the flawless victory of the Gremory team.
…Last time, I fought until I became a mess but I lost in the end. It's not an exaggeration that this match was our overwhelming victory. The only match that ended in a tie was the match between Xenovia and Irina. I heard that they were continuing their sword fight while also arguing with each other as my fight with Riser finished before them. In the end, the match was won after their [King] retired.
"Auuu, it's not done yet!"
"That's right, I won't lose against Irina!"
Those two, who weren't satisfied with how things ended, often have a match of chess or sport after the fight… My goodness, the both of them don't want to be a loser.
Nevertheless… that match was proof that we have improved significantly. Also the fight against Riser was…. fun.
Kiba, Koneko, Akeno-san and Gasper felt some resentment deep in their heart but it seems like they were satisfied in the end. It's quite satisfying to not retire until the end. I also became emotional when I defeated Riser.
After the match finished, Riser spoke to both me and Rias,
"Hurry and come to Pro scene… I want to fight you guys in an official match."
…Yes, I want to get there quickly. Not just Riser but there is also the Sitri team, Sairaorg-san, and others that we have yet to meet are all there….
Actually, I want to rest for a bit. A rating game takes quite a lot of physical and mental energy so after each game, your body becomes tired. I got tired a lot more this time so I need to take a rest for a few days.
…While I was thinking that, Rias and Ravel are again talking to each other while playing chess.
"….If it was me, I would do this in this situation."
"However, the opponent might anticipate Rias-sama's movement and therefore…"
…. I got curious this time again so I was looking towards them, suddenly Azazel-sensei came in saying "Hey~". At that exact moment, Rias and Ravel ran towards sensei.
"Azazel! You know about the fight between Sona and Seekvaira Agares right?!"
"Sensei! If Rias-sama and Seekvaira-sama fought in a Scramble Flag match, what do you think will happen?!"
…Ku! I made a soundless cry! No way! Those two were talking about… the match between former-president Sona and Seekvaira-san!? Were they discussing about [What if the Gremory team fought them instead…] again!
Hearing those two, Sensei was like…
"Oh ho, sounds interesting. Should I ask the House of Agares?" He was grinning while saying such a thing!
No way! Please! Think before arranging a match!
I am very bewildered as I am being involved in these two pure-blooded ladies' entertainment!