The ten days Rias and her peerage had to prepare and train passed quickly. Now, they were in the Occult Research Clubroom, waiting for the Rating Game to begin.
Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra were also in the clubroom, having been informed they'd be responsible for broadcasting the match to the other noble families of the Underworld. Suddenly, a magic circle appeared on the floor behind everyone, and Grayfia Lucifuge stepped out.
**Grayfia**: Everyone, are you ready? *She asked, checking if Rias and her peerage were prepared.*
**Rias**: Yes, but…
**Grayfia**: But?
**Akeno**: Akuro, he hasn't shown up yet. *She said with a worried expression, as the game was about to start and Akuro hadn't given any sign he'd appear.*
**Grayfia**: Huh? That human still hasn't arrived?
**Kiba**: No! *He said, also worried.*
**Raynare**: Hmph, where did that human get to?
**Dohnaseek**: Did he get scared and run off? After all, he's facing a high-class demon.
**Issei**: Hey, don't badmouth Akuro! *He said, defending his friend, feeling it was the least he could do after everything Akuro had done for him.*
**Asia**: Akuro-san said he'd help us and fight by our side. I'm sure he'll come… *She said, one of the people who believed in him the most.*
**Koneko**: Yes. *She said with her usual indifferent expression, but as someone who trusted him deeply and secretly admired him.*
They waited as long as they could, but Akuro didn't appear.
**Grayfia**: Miss Rias, I'm sorry, but we're out of time. You'll have to go now, or you'll forfeit.
**Rias**: Ugh, it looks like we have no choice—we'll have to go without Akuro. *She said, sighing and making her decision.*
**Issei**: Damn it, Akuro, where are you? *He wondered, seeing they'd have to proceed without him.*
**Rias**: Let's go! *She said, taking the lead.*
They all headed toward the magic circle, realizing they could no longer wait for Akuro.
They were teleported to an alternate dimension where the Rating Game would take place, a replica of Kuoh Academy chosen by Rias and Riser. Rias's base was the Occult Research Clubroom, while Riser's was the principal's office, which, if infiltrated by one of their pawns, would make that pawn the strongest piece.
Rias and Riser devised their respective plans and put them into action.
Issei and Koneko, facing three pawns and a rook from Riser's peerage, were winning. Following the plan, they left the gym where they were fighting to allow Akeno to destroy it entirely with a massive lightning bolt. Akeno, fighting seriously in her priestess outfit, was revealed by Koneko to Issei as the "Priestess of Thunder."
Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra, broadcasting the battle to the Underworld's noble families, noticed Akuro still hadn't appeared and were worried, as they and the rest of the Student Council had become close friends with him.
Kiba was battling three girls from Riser's peerage. Issei and Koneko were about to join him when Koneko was suddenly attacked by Riser's Queen, Yubelluna, and eliminated from the game. Furious, Issei wanted to confront her, but he had to stick to the plan and meet Kiba. Akeno would face Yubelluna—a battle between two Queens.
**Akeno**: Ara, ara. Looks like our paths have crossed again. *She said with her usual smile.*
**Yubelluna**: Yes, and this time, no one will stop our fight, where I'll prove I'm far superior to you, "Priestess of Thunder." *She said, calling Akeno by her nickname.*
**Issei**: Akeno-san!
**Akeno**: Issei-kun, I'll handle her. Hurry! *She said, referring to his need to meet Kiba.*
**Akeno**: Don't worry, I'll avenge Koneko-chan with all my strength. *She said, a yellow aura enveloping her body as she boosted her magical power.*
**Issei**: Got it, Akeno-san! *He ran toward Kiba's location.*
**Yubelluna**: I've been waiting to fight you, Priestess of Thunder.
**Akeno**: Ara, ara, that's an honor, Bomb Queen. *She said with her sadistic smile.*
After Akeno's words, a purple aura enveloped Yubelluna, indicating she was also increasing her magical power.
It was soon announced that three of Riser's pawns had been eliminated by Kiba, who had defeated the girls he faced. Suddenly, Issei was pulled aside by Kiba, who had finished his task and came to meet him. Rias decided Kiba and Issei would act as a distraction while she and Asia attacked Riser's main base.
Following orders, Kiba and Issei distracted Riser's remaining pieces. Kiba fought Riser's knight, a woman named Carlamain, in a battle between knights. Issei, surrounded by Riser's remaining pieces, was attacked by a girl named Isabella. He also learned that a blonde girl with curled hair in Riser's peerage was Riser's younger sister, Ravel Phenex.
Issei fought better this time, thanks to his recent training.
The four former fallen angels, now demons, were battling Riser's remaining pieces. Raynare launched light spears, deadly to demons, not to kill but to defeat Riser's girls with a single strike—a result of her training with Rias in the mountains.
**Raynare**: Now that I've recovered my magical power, you're no match for me. In fact, I think I'm stronger than before. *She said, continuing to hurl spears.*
The other new demons weren't far behind.
**Kalawarna**: Yes, we got much stronger after that training.
**Dohnaseek**: I suggest you give up.
**Mittelt**: If you admit I'm cute, I'll make you disappear without much pain.
Raynare, Kalawarna, Dohnaseek, and Mittelt had grown significantly stronger after training with Rias's peerage.
Back with Akeno and Yubelluna, Akeno seemed to have the upper hand. Both were exhausted, but Akeno said she could recover her magical power with a short rest. Unbeknownst to her, Yubelluna had a trump card—a Phenex Tear, which instantly heals any injury.
Fully recovered, Yubelluna launched an explosive attack at the exhausted Akeno, creating a massive smoke cloud. Given the attack's magnitude and Akeno's condition, Yubelluna assumed Akeno was eliminated and went after Kiba and Issei.
What no one in or watching the Rating Game noticed was that seconds before the attack hit Akeno, a blue light sped toward her.
Kiba, still fighting Riser's knight, revealed his Sacred Gear, "Sword Birth," allowing him to create any sword he desired. Issei, struggling after defeating Isabella due to his energy depletion, now faced two more of Riser's pawns.
Rias and Asia had infiltrated Riser's main base, where Riser awaited them. They fought on the rooftop, and Issei and Kiba, battling outside on the campus, saw them. Realizing he couldn't waste time with Riser's pawns, Issei awakened a new power from his Boosted Gear: the "Dragon Booster Second Liberation," which transfers amplified power to a person or object. He used it on Kiba's Sacred Gear, causing countless swords to erupt from the ground, eliminating all of Riser's pieces except Ravel Phenex and Yubelluna.
Hearing the explosion from Yubelluna's fight with Akeno and seeing the smoke, Issei worried for her safety. His attention was drawn to an explosive attack heading toward Kiba, who, exhausted from his fight, couldn't dodge.
Suddenly, a blue light descended from the sky, standing between Kiba and the attack. When the explosive hit the blue energy pillar stretching from ground to sky, it was nullified.
A silhouette was visible within the blue energy. As it dissipated, raising some dust, Issei, Kiba, Yubelluna, and Ravel closed their eyes briefly.
**???**: Sorry for being late! *A cold voice said.*
As the dust settled, those present slowly opened their eyes. Where the blue energy pillar had been, a person stood holding another in their arms.
**Issei**: Akuro? And the one in your arms is… *He said, shocked to see Akuro at this point.*
**Kiba**: Akeno! *He said, finally opening his eyes and seeing Akuro in front of him with an unconscious Akeno in his arms.*
**Akuro**: Yes, I managed to save her at the last second while heading here. *He said, not looking at Issei or Kiba, his serious gaze fixed on Yubelluna.*
**Issei**: Where were you? Why'd it take so long? *He asked, wanting to know why Akuro was so late.*
**Akuro**: I was handling some things. *He said with a serious voice and expression, still not looking back, keeping his eyes on Riser's Queen.*
Issei didn't press further, sensing Akuro had his reasons for being late and not explaining.
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *In truth, I was binge-watching a new anime. Thanks to my Infinityverse God powers, I'm still connected to my old world. I forgot the Rating Game was today and only remembered at the last minute. I may be an Infinityverse God, the most powerful entity in all existence and non-existence, but when it comes to anime or manga, I still slip up sometimes.* *He thought, revealing the real, less serious reason for his delay.*
**Issei**: But how'd you get here? We're in another dimension and needed to be teleported. *He asked, confused.*
**Akuro**: I managed. *He replied vaguely, without a clear answer.*
**Issei**: In the end, you didn't answer anything. *He said with a comical sweatdrop.*
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *Honestly, I just teleported to this Rating Game dimension effortlessly. They need magic circles, but I only needed a single thought to get here.* *He clarified in his mind.*
**Kiba**: You've gotten stronger. Before, I couldn't sense your magical power, just some energy I couldn't identify. Now, I can feel it, and wow, it's stronger than the President's and Akeno's. *He said, analyzing his sword-dueling rival.*
**Akuro**: Yeah, I guess I got stronger. *He said indifferently, still staring at Yubelluna.*
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *Of course you couldn't sense my magical power or understand the energy in my body—it was spiritual energy from another world. I was using "Reiatsu" from Bleach for Getsuga Tensho, and when I activated Madara's Mangekyo Sharingan, it was "Chakra." They're energies from other worlds, so they couldn't recognize them. Now, I'm using DxD's magical power, so they can sense it. I limited my power, and Kiba thinks this is "strong." There aren't enough numbers to show how little of my power I'm using. Plus, I can convert energies to use attacks from other worlds—like using Chakra for a Kamehameha instead of Ki. That's what it means to be a true God.*
**Issei**: Looks like you trained hard these ten days. *He said, excited to see Akuro stronger.*
**Akuro**: Well, yeah. *He said, still focused on Yubelluna, not looking back.*
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *As the supreme existence with no one above me, I don't need to train. That's why I didn't join their training—it's pointless for me since my power is "infinite." All I did was release a tiny bit more of my suppressed power to make them think I got stronger. In those ten days, I just read manga and binged last season's anime.* *He thought, revealing what he actually did.*
**Akuro**: Enough questions. Kiba, take Akeno to a safe place and rest—you've done enough. Leave the rest to me. *He said, finally turning to Kiba and Issei, handing Akeno to Kiba.*
Before Akuro passed Akeno to Kiba, she regained slight consciousness and weakly grabbed his shirt.
**Akeno**: G-Glad you made it. I leave her to you. *She said, referring to Yubelluna, blushing slightly while looking at Akuro.*
Akuro gently removed Akeno's hands from his shirt, held her, and said…
**Akuro**: Leave it to me!!! *He said, handing Akeno to Kiba, who supported her as she regained consciousness.*
**Akuro**: Issei, go help the President. *He said seriously, turning his gaze back to Yubelluna.*
**Issei**: Yes! *He ran toward the building where Rias and Riser were fighting.*
On the rooftop, Rias and Riser, mid-battle, sensed a powerful magical energy and saw a bright blue light. Looking closely, they realized it was Akuro.
**Rias**: Akuro! *She said with a huge, happy smile, seeing her powerful ally had arrived.*
**Asia**: Akuro-san! *She said, also smiling happily.*
**Riser**: Huh? That damn human finally showed up. I thought he was too scared. *He said with an arrogant, confident smile.*
Back with Raynare and the other new demons, they initially had the upper hand, but Riser's pieces proved resilient, exhausting them. They won but were completely drained.
**Raynare**: I underestimated these demons. I should've known they weren't ordinary, being servants of a high-class demon from a major family. *She said, exhausted.*
**Dohnaseek**: Yes, we're completely spent. *He said, equally tired.*
**Kalawarna**: But we can finally rest a bit. *She said, sitting on the ground, barely able to stand.*
**Mittelt**: Ugh, I just want to go home and rest. *She said, lying on the ground.*
They felt a strong magical power and saw a light nearby.
**Raynare**: Huh? Wait, I can't forget that feeling—it's that human.
**Kalawarna**: Akuro?
**Dohnaseek**: Seems like it. *He said, surprised, feeling Akuro's strong magical power.*
**Mittelt**: Hey, Kalawarna, since when do you call him by his name?
**Kalawarna**: Huh?
**Raynare**: That's what I was going to ask. *She said, narrowing her eyes, suspecting why.*
**Kalawarna**: Huh? Oh, it's no big deal, it's not what you're thinking! *She said, blushing like a chili pepper.*
**Dohnaseek**: Could it be that you…
**Kalawarna**: Ugh, shut up! *She said, blushing intensely, cutting Dohnaseek off.*
Sona Sitri and Tsubaki Shinra watched via the broadcast.
**Sona**: Akuro? *She said, surprised by his sudden appearance.*
**Tsubaki**: He finally showed up. *She said, slightly excited.*
Back with Akuro.
**Akuro**: Looks like Issei and Kiba are gone. *He said, seeing them enter the building where Rias was fighting.*
**Yubelluna**: Well, if it isn't the human who dared insult Riser-sama and his family. If I'm not mistaken, your name was Akuro something. *She said with a smug, arrogant smile.*
**Akuro**: Kenshin. Akuro Kenshin. And you're that show-off servant who let herself be groped in front of everyone. If I recall, your name was Yubelluna. *He said, returning the provocation with a smile.*
**Yubelluna**: Damn you! *She said, seething with rage.*
**Ravel**: Insolent human, you have the nerve to show up in this Rating Game after insulting my family! *She said, hovering with her fiery wings.*
Akuro turned his attention to her.
**Akuro**: And who might you be? *He said, feigning ignorance.*
**Ravel**: I'm Ravel Phenex! *She said with great pride, especially when saying her family name.*
**Akuro**: "Phenex"? Are you related to that "Grilled Chicken"? *He said, pretending ignorance again.*
**Ravel**: You're far too insolent, human! You dared insult my brother again! *She said angrily.*
**Akuro**: "Brother"? So you're his sister. Judging by your appearance, I'd guess his younger sister. *He said, feigning deduction when he already knew the truth.*
**Ravel**: I see that, despite being an insolent human, you're intelligent. *She said, acknowledging his smarts.*
**Ravel**: But tell me, what can a human like you do here? Do you think just because you showed up now, you have any chance of winning? *She said, starting to mock Akuro.*
**Akuro**: Who knows. *He said with a serious face, unaffected by the mockery.*
**Yubelluna**: HAHAHAHAHA, don't make me laugh! You have no chance of winning! *She said, laughing at the idea.*
**Ravel**: All your friend will do is take a beating from my brother! Hahahahaha! *She said, laughing too.*
**Yubelluna and Ravel**: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *They continued laughing at Rias's near-zero chances of victory.*
Akuro stayed silent, his face shadowed by his hair, hiding his expression.
**Akuro**: Don't you think you've laughed enough? *He said in a cold voice that those who knew him wouldn't believe was his.*
The shadow lifted from his eyes, and a surge of energy shot from his body toward Yubelluna and Ravel. Ravel, upon contact, lost consciousness instantly and was eliminated. Akuro kept Yubelluna awake intentionally, wanting to defeat her differently, though he could've knocked her out too.
The energy was none other than "Conqueror's Haki," used to knock Ravel out.
**Yubelluna**: Human, what did you do to Ravel-sama?
**Akuro**: Nothing much, just put her to sleep since she wasn't going to fight anyway. *He said indifferently, resting his hand on his sword's hilt.*
Since arriving, Akuro had his "Tensa Zangetsu" slung across his back, like Ichigo with his Zangetsu.
**Yubelluna**: You bastard! *She said, enraged by the human's arrogance.*
She launched her explosive magic at him, but he seemed unfazed, surprising Yubelluna momentarily.
Akuro swiftly drew Tensa Zangetsu and used one of its famous techniques.
**Akuro**: GETSUGA TENSHO!!!
A massive wave of blue energy met Yubelluna's explosive attack, overpowering and slicing it in half, nearly hitting her.
**Akuro**: Your attack might've worked on them, but not on me. I'm surprised how weak you are. I used a simple attack to nullify yours and almost took your arm. You won't survive a second one.
**Yubelluna**: S-Shut up!!! *She said, launching multiple explosive attacks at once.*
**Yubelluna**: Let's see you escape this! *She said confidently, thinking Akuro couldn't dodge attacks from all sides.*
Before the attacks hit, Akuro gave a small smile.
**Akuro**: Full Counter!!! *He used one of Tensa Zangetsu's most powerful techniques.*
The attacks meant for Akuro were redirected at Yubelluna with over double their original power.
**Yubelluna**: Huh? W-What's this… *She said moments before being hit by her own attack.*
Akuro eliminated Yubelluna and looked to the rooftop where Rias, Issei, and Asia were fighting Riser. Kiba and Akeno were resting on the building's first floor, too exhausted to help. The new demons were also drained, leaving only Rias, Issei, Asia, and Akuro capable of fighting Riser—or rather, Akuro, who had an absolute chance of winning but chose not to.
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *Issei, you need to lose here like in the original story. Only this defeat will motivate you enough to sacrifice your arm and awaken your Balance Breaker.* *He thought, revealing why he wouldn't help.*
As in the original, they lost, with Rias surrendering and begging Riser not to kill Issei.
Issei woke up at night in his room, where Grayfia appeared and explained everything, as his memory was fuzzy after the beating from Riser. Moments before waking, he had a brief talk with Ddraig, the Red Dragon Emperor in his body, as in the original story. Grayfia informed him that everyone except Akuro and Asia was in the Underworld for Rias's engagement party—Asia because Rias ordered her to stay and care for Issei, and Akuro because he refused to attend. The reason Akuro was invited, despite being human, was that those watching the Rating Game were intrigued by his abilities. Issei thought Akuro was mad at him for losing pathetically again. Grayfia gave him a magic circle to teleport to the engagement party and vanished.
As in the original, Issei crashed the engagement party and met Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the Maous, for the first time. He demanded Rias's return as his reward if he won. The fight proceeded as in the original, with Issei and Riser in a Rating Game dimension, where Issei showcased his Balance Breaker for the first time, displaying immense power.
Everyone at the party watched the fight via broadcast. Among them, someone approached Rias and her peerage unnoticed.
**???**: Looks like he awakened his Balance Breaker. *He said indifferently, watching the broadcast.*
Only when he spoke did they notice him.
**Rias**: A-Akuro!!!
**Kiba**: What are you doing here? I thought you didn't want to come to the engagement party.
**Akuro**: Nah, I just had something important to do, but I finished, so I came as fast as I could. *He said, lying.*
**Raynare**: And what was this important thing? *She asked curiously.*
**Akuro**: Wow, this fight's intense, huh? *He said, dodging the question.*
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *I just went home to finish the anime I was watching. Since I knew I had time before coming here, I took a bit.*
Nearby, observing Akuro's interaction with Rias's peerage:
**Sirzechs**: So that's "Akuro Kenshin," the human allied with Rias who broke your barrier. *He said with a smile, looking at him.*
**Grayfia**: Yes. *She replied, standing beside him.*
**Sirzechs**: As you said, he's quite interesting. I didn't sense his presence until now. *He said, still observing from afar.*
He turned his attention back to Issei and Riser's fight, nearing its end, as Issei's Balance Breaker had a ten-second limit.
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *You're nearing your limit, Issei. Sorry, but I'll take over now.*
With a snap of his fingers, Issei's armor shattered, unnoticed by even the strongest person present (besides Akuro), Sirzechs Lucifer.
In the Rating Game dimension:
**Issei**: Huh? It hasn't even been ten seconds, Ddraig, what happened? *He asked his partner in panic.*
**Ddraig**: I don't know. *He replied, confused.*
**Riser**: Looks like your time's up, brat! *He said, flames forming around his hand, ready to attack.*
Akuro, at the party, teleported to the dimension with a single thought, standing between Issei and Riser's attack. With a wave of his hand, he made the fire attack vanish.
**Riser**: Huh?
**Issei**: Akuro?
**Akuro**: You fought well, Issei. I'll take it from here. *He said, standing in front of Issei, facing Riser.*
**Rias**: Huh? *She looked to where Akuro had been and saw he was gone.*
**Rias**: What's Akuro doing there?
**Kiba**: Is he really going to fight Riser?
**Dohnaseek**: That kid's lost it. Facing Riser is completely different from defeating his Queen or anyone else. He's a high-class demon.
**Kalawarna**: Plus his Phenex regeneration.
**Raynare**: He's going to get himself killed.
Rias and her peerage looked worried. Issei had lost his power, Akuro (to them, a human) was facing a high-class Phenex demon, and if Riser won, Rias would have no choice but to marry him.
**Sona**: Don't underestimate him. Don't forget he's strong even by supernatural standards. Plus, he's not foolish enough to face Riser without a plan. He's smarter than even me. *She said, approaching Rias's peerage, as a member of an Underworld noble family invited to the engagement party.*
**Rias**: Sona!
**Kiba**: Student Council President, what do you mean "smarter than you"?
**Sona**: Well, after I got his number during the sports duel to decide who'd get a familiar first between Issei and Saji, Tsubaki insisted I call him to hang out. Since I didn't know what to do, I suggested something I excel at—chess. *She said, blushing slightly, embarrassed to admit she called him.*
**Rias**: So what's the big deal? *She asked, not understanding why Sona said he was smarter, as she considered Sona the smartest person she knew, having never beaten her at chess.*
**Sona**: In our first chess match, he completely crushed me. *She said, setting aside her embarrassment with a serious expression.*
**Everyone**: Huh?
**Sona**: Unsatisfied with one match, I called him again to play, and every time, I lost decisively without a chance of winning. *She said, the glint of her glasses hiding her eyes.*
**Rias**: How's that possible? *She asked, unable to believe it.*
**Sona**: There's only one answer—he's incomparably intelligent.
Nearby, Sirzechs and Grayfia were shocked.
**Grayfia**: How did he get there without a magic circle? *She asked, her face showing rare surprise.*
**Sirzechs**: I don't know, but one thing's certain—this kid is far from normal, even by supernatural standards. *He said, his smile replaced by a serious expression.*
Everyone at the party was stunned by what a "human" had done.
Back in the Rating Game dimension, Issei looked at Akuro's back.
**Issei**: Why… Why…
**Akuro**: Huh?
**Issei**: WHY AM I SO WEAK? WHY CAN'T I PROTECT ANYONE? WHY AM I ALWAYS THE ONE BEING SAVED? *He shouted, crying fiercely.*
**Rias**: Issei… *She said, hearing him through the broadcast.*
**Akuro**: Listen, Issei, you're not weak. You made it this far, don't you see? *He said, placing a hand on his shoulder.*
**Issei**: What's the point if I always fail in the end? *He said, still crying.*
**Akuro**: Then listen—hold onto that feeling and get stronger so you won't lose to anyone in the end. *He said, trying to motivate Issei.*
**Issei**: Hold onto it…
**Akuro**: Yes, hold onto it.
Issei wiped his tears and stood up.
**Issei**: You're right. I need to get stronger. *He said with a smile.*
**Akuro**: Glad you get it. Now let me handle the rest and join the others.
**Issei**: Yes!
**Issei**: Uh… How do I do that? *He asked, unsure how to return to the party.*
Akuro approached Issei, touched his shoulder, and Issei vanished from the arena, reappearing beside Rias and her peerage.
**Issei**: Huh? I'm back?
**Rias**: Issei!
**Issei**: President? So I really am back. Guys, I'm sorry, I lost again.
**Rias**: No one's blaming you, Issei. *She said with a smile.*
**Kiba**: Yeah, and like Akuro said, you're really strong, Issei. *He said, also smiling.*
Everyone smiled, showing they didn't blame him or think him weak.
**Issei**: Thanks, guys. *He said with a smile.*
**Issei (Thinking)**: *You too, Akuro.*
**Kalawarna**: Akuro and Riser's fight is starting. *She said, drawing everyone's attention to the broadcast.*
In the arena:
**Riser**: You again, damn human. Here to die in place of that demon trash?
**Akuro**: The only trash here is you, "Grilled Chicken." *He said with a serious face.*
**Riser**: Enough! I won't tolerate your insults anymore. Die, worm! *He said, unleashing a massive wave of fire at Akuro, seemingly hitting him.*
**Riser**: HAHAHAHA, see, human? That's what happens when you insult me! *He said, laughing, thinking he'd won.*
**Akuro**: What are you laughing about? *He said, appearing beside Riser.*
**Riser**: Wha— *He couldn't finish, taking a punch to the face.*
**Riser**: Damn you, don't you get that attacking me is pointless? *He said, flames covering the punched area, regenerating.*
**Akuro**: Is it? *He said with a smile.*
**Riser**: I'm curious, though—how'd you dodge my flames? *He asked with a confident smile.*
**Akuro**: Nothing special. I just used my speed. I went so slow I thought you'd hit me. Wait, don't tell me you couldn't see me. *He said, mocking Riser, pointing out that even a high-class demon couldn't track his "slow" speed, bruising Riser's ego.*
Riser's confident smile turned to pure rage.
**Riser**: DON'T MOCK ME, HUMAN! *He shouted, firing flames everywhere, trying to hit Akuro, who dodged effortlessly.*
**Akuro**: Oh, did I hurt your pride? *He asked with a smile, knowing the answer.*
**Riser**: Die!!! *He said, launching more flames.*
**Akuro**: I don't think I can fulfill that request. *With a single thought, he made Riser's flames vanish.*
**Riser**: My flames… What did you do, human? *He asked angrily.*
**Akuro**: Why do you think I did anything? *He said with a smile, playing dumb.*
**Riser**: Don't toy with me! *He shouted, eyes blazing with rage.*
**Akuro**: I'm tired of looking at your face. Let's end this. *He said, replacing his smile with a serious expression.*
**Riser**: You, end me? Don't make me laugh. *He said, still underestimating the human.*
Akuro didn't respond, closing his eyes and raising his arm. When he opened them, his arm was covered in black.
**Riser**: Huh? You think you can beat me because your arm turned black? HAHAHAHAHA! *He said, seeing nothing special.*
Akuro dashed at high speed, appearing before Riser and landing a powerful punch to his face.
**Riser**: HAHA, I told you, it's pointle—
Riser stopped, shocked as blood dripped from his nose—his flames hadn't regenerated the punch.
**Riser**: H-How is this possible? What did yo—
He couldn't finish, taking a punch to the stomach.
**Riser**: Arghhhhhhhhh!!! *He grunted, kneeling and clutching his stomach, blood spilling from his mouth.*
**Riser**: H-How… This makes no s-sense. *He said, feeling pain for the first time in his life.*
**Akuro**: It's not over yet!
Akuro rushed Riser, delivering a barrage of punches and kicks at terrifying speed. The black covering his arm was "Armament Haki."
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *His regeneration reminded me of Logia-type Devil Fruits from One Piece, which make users intangible. Since his power is similar, I used one of the few things that can counter a Logia—Haki, alongside water and Seastone. But since the worlds differ and Riser's power isn't exactly a Logia, I tweaked Armament Haki to nullify his regeneration.* *He explained in his thoughts.*
The one-sided massacre continued. Without his regeneration, Riser was helpless. Akuro used this to test more powers: "Observation Haki" when Riser tried counterattacking with flames, advanced Armament Haki for internal damage, advanced Observation Haki to see the future, and advanced Conqueror's Haki to amplify his strikes.
**Akuro**: Let's end this now. *He said, stopping his assault and stepping back.*
Riser was battered, blood streaming from his head, nose, mouth, and legs trembling, barely able to stand.
**Riser**: I-I w-won't lose to a h-human. *He said, clinging to his foolish pride.*
**Akuro**: Your power's tied to fire, right? This move's perfect to finish you.
His hand ignited with fire as he prepared to attack.
**Akuro**: Here we go…
**Akuro**: HIKEN!!!
The flame on his fist expanded into a massive fiery fist, charging at Riser and hitting him directly.
The partygoers watching were slack-jawed, as were Rias's peerage, Sona, Ravel Phenex (present as Riser's sister), and even Grayfia and Sirzechs, unable to believe what they saw.
And for good reason—unlike Issei, who partially negated Riser's regeneration in the original using a cross and holy water (deadly to demons), Akuro did it without either.
Riser collapsed, unconscious and heavily injured.
Seeing this, Ravel created a magic circle and stood between Akuro and the unconscious Riser, arms spread. Akuro extended his Armament Haki-covered arm toward her and said…
**Akuro**: Any complaints, come to me. I'm always available. *He said with a big smile.*
Ravel, surprised by his attitude, blushed.
**Rias**: Akuro, you… *She tried to say, too emotional to finish.*
**Sirzechs**: The match is over.
The dimension began to collapse. Ravel grabbed the unconscious Riser and flew off. Akuro started to fall but considered using his powers to levitate, as he often did to observe from afar. Before he could, Rias caught him in the air.
**Akuro**: Rias!
**Rias**: Akuro! Thank you, Akuro, my Akuro! *She said with a beautiful smile.*
**Akuro (Thinking)**: *Huh? What's this "my" talk?*
After landing, they emerged from the magic circle Grayfia had given Issei, revealing a griffon.
**Akuro**: Look at that, a griffon! *He said, awestruck, still an otaku excited to see anime elements in real life, despite being an Infinityverse God.*
**Kiba**: Why don't you escort the President back, Akuro?
**Akuro**: Me?
**Rias**: Good idea. Can you? *She asked, blushing as she looked at Akuro.*
**Akuro**: No problem, but where's Issei? I haven't seen him in a while.
**Koneko**: Issei-senpai was hitting on women at the party, so I took care of him. *She said, dragging an unconscious Issei by the leg, a comical bump on his head.*
**Akuro**: Hahaha, only you, Koneko. *He said with a big smile, making Koneko and other girls blush.*
Akuro and Rias mounted the griffon, preparing to fly back to the human world.
**Akuro**: We'll be waiting for you at the clubroom!
With that, they flew off on the griffon, temporarily parting from the others.
Soaring through the sky, Akuro was mesmerized by the view.
**Akuro**: Whoa! *He said, eyes sparkling.*
Rias placed a hand on his face and said…
**Rias**: You're such idiots!
**Akuro**: Rias?
**Rias**: Issei, who sacrificed his arm for me, and you, who revealed powers I know you didn't want others to see, all for someone like me. *She said with a sad look.*
**Akuro**: I don't regret it, and I bet Issei doesn't either. After all, we brought you back!
**Rias**: This time it was canceled, but another marriage proposal could come anytime.
**Akuro**: Next time, Issei will sacrifice his other arm, then his eye, and I'll use whatever powers I can, even if it means revealing ones I don't want others to know about.
**Rias**: Akuro!
**Akuro**: I'll save you, no matter how many times. *He said with a smile.*
**Rias**: Huh? *She said, blushing.*
**Akuro**: After all, I'm Rias Gremory's strongest ally.
Immediately after, Rias kissed him unexpectedly, catching him off guard.
**Akuro**: Huh?
**Rias**: That was my first kiss. It means a lot to Japanese girls, right? *She said, still blushing.*
**Akuro**: Yeah, and that was my first kiss too. *He said, not blushing but slightly surprised, as he didn't expect her to kiss him since he didn't recall doing anything to make her fall for him.*
**Akuro**: Are you sure it's okay to have your first kiss with me?
**Rias**: What you did was invaluable, so consider this a reward!
Akuro looked at her, then approached, touched her cheek, and pulled her into another kiss—this time a passionate, tongue kiss. They continued until they parted for air.
**Rias**: *Pant, pant* W-What was that? *She asked, redder than before.*
**Akuro**: You stole my first kiss, so I stole your first tongue kiss. *He said indifferently, not blushing at all.*
**Rias**: Why, you…
Rias pulled him into another long kiss, and they continued like that all the way to the clubroom.
**To be continued…**