Chapter 39: The Two Satans
In the world of devils, money was something that none worried about. The concept of being 'financially poor' did not exist in the Underworld.
At worst, being poor in the Underworld meant not being filthy rich.
Thus with all the money and materials that they possessed, it was not difficult for them to create a different stadium for every Rating Game that they hosted.
The stadium that the devil families decided on was designed to look like Kuoh Academy. Mostly to give Rias a little advantage as Riser still had an advantage in terms of number and experience.
"It is quite interesting, isn't it?"
Surrounded by a one way glass panel far above the general audience and judges rooms, sat two beings –ones with appearances as beautiful as one would find in storybooks.
The first, who was a little shorter than the other, had entirely green hair with eyes bluer than the sky while the taller one had crimson hair as dark as blood and eyes equally blue as the other man.
"A game that you created to motivate the devils became a trial for my sister's life."
The statement made by the crimson devil did not come off as a blame, instead it was amusement mixed with respect.
"It provided her with a chance to possibly escape her predetermined fate." The green haired devil replied, aware that his friend had no intention of blaming him.
"But we both know." He continued. "No matter the outcome of the game, the final result will still be in your hand and as your friend, I will be with you –even if it requires me to unseal my powers again."
The crimson devil smiled. "I know." He said. "But I hope that we do not need to go to such an extent."
"That depends on the display." The other replied. "Do you think your sister has a chance on this? The people she chose, even if they are strong, are new members that will lack the synergy needed in a team, Sirzechs. While Riser's peerage cannot be called strong, their team synergy is undeniable."
"Rias inherited the Power of Destruction from my mother just like myself and she has her queen whose lightning manipulation is quite commendable for her age. Her knight possesses a gear that gives him an advantage over most others as for her rook, she has strength that could knock a few devils out even without the amplification from her rook piece."
The green haired devil looked at Sirzechs. "Is that enough?"
"Not even close." Sirzechs replied honestly. "Even with the new members, her team is still outnumbered. And Rias' Power of Destruction is not developed enough to face a Phenex's immortality."
"The possible variables are the temporary members –the bishop and knight. And I heard she recently got a pawn?" Lucifer's friend analyzed the probability. "If Riser did not add the condition of not being able to take people as substitutes who are already in a peerage –it would have been a bit easier for your sister."
"That is the issue, Ajuka." Sirzechs showed his friend a tired smile. "It gives me confidence that I have your support in case I need to take any action."
Ajuka –the current Satan Beelzebub and the creator of the Evil Pieces and the Rating Games– smiled.
"We have been friends for centuries. Our friendship is not worth sacrificing for a marriage set by the old folks. So, whatever is the outcome, I will stand by you." Ajuka assured. "But for now, let's watch the match. After all, there is still a chance that we won't need to interfere."
"That is what I hope for, Ajuka." Sirzechs sighed. "That is what I hope for."
…
…
While the two Satans had a private room for them to enjoy the match, the others responsible for overlooking the match had a room right below the kings.
In that room were six people –three from each of the families responsible for the Rating Game.
The Phenex and the Gremory.
From the Gremory side, there were Zeoticus Gremory, Venelana Gremory and Grayfia Lucifuge.
While from the Phenex pillar, it was Riser's parents –the current Lord of the Phenex pillar and the Lady of the Phenex pillar alongside the heir of the Phenex pillar, Ruval Phenex.
The heir of the Phenex was a devil that was respected by almost all younger devils. Unlike Riser who had an arrogant and flamboyant personality, Ruval was polite and kind. He dressed in noble clothing, followed every noble etiquette and possessed the elegance of a true heir.
Even his strength was something to not look down upon. He was stronger than his parents, the same ones who fought in the civil war and won. Ruval was not just strong physically but was also gifted in leadership skills which allowed him to have his peerage get a position within the ten strongest Rating Game teams.
And it was also rumored that he was soon going to be promoted to an ultimate class devil.
"Thank you for allowing me to watch this match, Lord Gremory." Ruval said. "Reiner could not attend as he had to meet with Diehauser Belial."
"You are the older brother of Riser. So, it was only appropriate for us to invite you, Ruval." Zeoticus said. "As for Reiner, it is a shame that he won't be coming. However, Diehauser Belial is a big name and one cannot miss a chance to be on good terms with him."
"I heard Rias was able to find some people to fill in the missing spots." Lord Phenex said. "It is impressive that she was able to do that in such a short period."
"Rias has always been good at making friends." Venelana said proudly. "But only time will tell if the people she found are capable of going against Riser's peerage."
"That reminds me." Zeoticus said. "It is time for the match to start." He looked at his daughter-in-law. "Grayfia."
The strongest queen nodded. "I will be making the announcement."
Saying this, she teleported to the stadium.
As she was the one going to judge the match.
…
…
The simplest and easiest way to win a Rating Game was to make the king resign. Just like in chess, it was the most common way of winning a Rating Game.
However, there were other ways or events that led to victory or loss. Yet they were rare circumstances.
"Peerages!"
Kento heard the voice of Grayfia resounding in the place.
"Get in position! The match will begin in five minutes!"
Kento saw Rias' peerage members taking deep breaths and doing warm ups.
"What's your strategy?" Kento asked, interested in how they were going to deal with Riser's peerage.
"Riser won't move from his spot." Rias said. "From all his previous match recordings that I went through, not in one does he fight unless his peerage cannot continue. And from that, I believe it will be the same this time around too."
"What about Ravel Phenex?"
"Same as Riser." Rias answered. "She stays with him and strategizes from there. Riser knows that Ravel is important for the composition and thus keeps her safe."
Kento nodded, realizing that he would have to go to them as waiting for Rias's peerage to deal with Riser's will take too long.
He looked at Asia and Issei. "It is your responsibility to keep Asia safe, Issei." He said. "She is the most important part of the team because of her healing ability. Protect her at all costs."
Issei puffed his chest. "Leave that to me!"
He smiled. "Good luck. And to you too, Asia."
This made the former nun motivated. "I will do my best, Kento!"
"Leave the rest to us." Kiba assured. "You deal with Riser and we will take care of his peerage."
"Affirmative." Koneko added while Akeno had a sadistic smile on her face.
"I have heard a lot about his queen." She said. "Let's see who is the better queen~"
Hearing this, Kento got a bit of assurance.
After all, he did want the Phenex immortality. And unless it was him to deal with Riser and Ravel, there was no hope for him to obtain it.
"The match shall begin–" Everyone heard Grayfia. "Now!"
Kento smiled. "Good luck, everyone."
"Good luck to you too, Kento." Rias said, as her peerage teleported to the stadium.
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