We were led to a spacious waiting area—more like a floor with a lounge and training space, fully equipped. The physical fighters, including me, changed into tracksuits for light warm-ups. Kiba and Xenovia sparred with wooden swords, while Koneko and I did light hand-to-hand.
Gotta keep the body loose or tension might freeze us in the match.
"Well said," Ddraig muttered. I ignored him.
Earlier, I dove into the Sacred Gear. Ignis had already wreaked havoc, softening up the past female hosts (Elsha escaped). Too much, so I stopped her. Ddraig recovered… somewhat.
"Hyah!" Koneko struck.
"Nice!" I said, warming up.
Then—
"Excuse the intrusion," a man said, entering.
"Raiser!" Rias exclaimed.
"Big brother!" Ravel gasped.
Raiser Phenex! Last seen during the "Roasted Chicken Revival Plan" before the school trip.
"Yo, came to check on you. Looking good, Ravel," Raiser said, plopping into a chair.
Seems his shut-in phase is over. He's here to watch our game.
Akeno served him tea. He sipped, then got serious. "Let's talk game. This match is drawing pro-level attention. Packed seats, pro-style flow, special rules."
The dome was swarmed when we passed. Unlike past youth games—simple "defeat the King" rules—this one's pro-tier with unique twists.
"You're fighting on a pro stage. The entertainment vibe might throw you, but shine here, and your rep soars. Rias, this is your crucible," Raiser said.
He's speaking as a pro, a veteran. Rias narrowed her eyes. "I've only come this far because of my team. They've protected me, but I'm frustrated I can't lead them better."
Rias feels the pressure. Even her strength hides a normal girl's doubts.
Raiser nodded. "Leading takes effort and experience, which you'll gain. But attracting talent? That's your gift. This team's here because of your knack for drawing good people."
"But Issei, the Red Dragon Emperor, pulled them in," Rias said.
"You met and recruited him. His dragon magnetism helped, but you made him your vassal," Raiser said, locking eyes. "Be confident, Rias. They're your treasure."
Damn, Raiser! That's deep! I'm tearing up!
He scratched his cheek, embarrassed. "Says the guy who lost last time. Anyway, I'm rooting for you, Rias. Win."
"Of course," Rias replied, her face brightening.
Raiser's words eased her doubts about being King. She'd been wrestling with that.
Noticing my stare, Raiser said, "What, Red Dragon Emperor?"
"You're different, man. You're a damn good guy!" I grinned.
"Shut up! That's my black history!" he snapped, flustered.
Yeah, that was a low point.
Raiser coughed, thrusting out his fist. "Get to high-class devil, build your team, and join the pro world. I'll beat you next time and show you real pro terror."
"Deal! I'll make an epic team and win!" I said.
"No, I'll win!" he shot back.
We grinned, fist-bumping. What a change from the old Raiser.
His gaze shifted to Ravel. "Take care of Ravel. She's stubborn but loyal. Make her cry, and I'll burn you."
"Brother! Mind your own business!" Ravel blushed.
Muttering about getting soft, Raiser left. Thanks, man. You fired us all up.
He poked his head back in. "Forgot—Sirzechs wants you, Red Dragon Emperor, in the VIP room. Something to show you."
"Sirzechs? Got it," I said.
What's he got?
I headed to the VIP room alone.
The VIP room screamed luxury—spacious, ornate furniture. "Sorry for calling you before the match, Issei-kun," Sirzechs said warmly.
I waved it off, grinning. "No worries. I'm done warming up, just chilling. So, what's up? Rias's childhood videos!?"
Those tapes we talked about! I haven't seen them!
"I want to show you those! We'll have a viewing session someday. But work keeps us busy, and Grayfia'll scold me if I slack," Sirzechs sighed.
Tiny Rias! Those photos were adorable!
"We'll reschedule the videos. Today, I've got this," Sirzechs said, holding a disc.
"A video?" I asked.
"A gift from your fans. Take a look," he said, inserting it into the player.
A boy appeared on the TV, holding a doll of my Balance Breaker form. A home video.
"Oppai Dragon, hi! I love you! I watch you always. I can sing your song. I can't go to the game, but I'm cheering from home. Win!" the boy said.
The scene shifted to siblings. "Oppai Dragon! We love you!" "Win!"
Then a kid with parents. "I'm cheering, even if I can't be there!"
Fan video letters from kids. Scene after scene, they sent me support.
"The game's live across the Underworld. Not just the crowd—kids are watching on TV," Sirzechs said, placing a box on the table. Inside, stacks of letters.
"Can I read them?" I asked.
"Of course," he said.
I read a few. Simple devil script, but brimming with heartfelt support.
Sirzechs smiled. "Issei-kun, a request. Fight for these kids today. They're the Underworld's future. Protect their dreams."
"You're still everyone's hope, hero," Ignis said.
"Despite the name Oppai Dragon, she's right," Ddraig added.
Protecting dreams… being hope. I've become that guy.
"I can't lose. For Rias, for these kids," I said.
I'll answer their hopes with everything I've got!
Ten minutes to game time. We waited in the tunnel to the dome's entry gate. The crowd's heat and cheers poured through, lights blazing. Our battle outfits: Kuoh Academy uniforms, reinforced for heat, cold, bullets, and magic. Sturdy stuff.
Asia wore her nun outfit, Xenovia her form-fitting combat gear, Rossweisse her Valkyrie armor—familiar and comfortable, built like ours.
Everyone relaxed their own way. I turned to Rias. "You good?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I'm fine," she said.
"Cool. Turn around for a sec?"
She did, puzzled. I placed my hands on her shoulders, guiding her qi flow.
"You did this before Raiser's game," she said.
"Better than any massage, right?" I grinned.
She smiled back.
The announcer's voice boomed. "Here they come! From the east gate, Sairaorg Bael's team!"
"Woooo!" The crowd roared, the energy electric.
"Shaking!" Gasper whimpered.
"Think of them as pumpkins, Gaspy," Koneko said calmly.
"Xenovia, I heard Irina's leading the cheer squad in the Gremory section," Asia said.
"Yeah, for Oppai Dragon fans. She's got cheerleader outfits ready," Xenovia replied.
Irina's cheer captain? With costumes? Prepared!
Ravel got seats in the fan section—probably with Irina. Miu, Alice, and Reyna must be with Venerana in a private room. Good—Alice isn't used to this chaos. Festivals in her kingdom were different.
"And from the west gate, Rias Gremory's team!"
"Ooooo!" The crowd erupted.
Here we go! We nodded to each other.
Rias faced us. "Thank you for following me. It's our time. Let's win!"
"Yes!" we shouted.
We stepped through the gate.
The game begins!
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