"Tenra's group has been gone ages now…"
"Is Lord Tenra okay? I'm really starting to worry…"
"That bastard Diodora! Onii-chan will crush him, just watch!"
Asia, Gasper, and Ravel huddled together in the VIP section, nerves fraying with every passing minute.
It had been over an hour since Maou Lucifer had officially authorized the Rating Game. Tenra and Diodora were sequestered with their teams in private prep rooms, strategizing for the battle ahead. Meanwhile, Grayfia and a squad of maids worked frantically, weaving a dimensional space to serve as the arena.
They trusted Tenra absolutely, but the wait was torture.
"Asia, Gasper, Ravel."
Rias approached with Akeno and Koneko in tow, her voice gentle but steady. The trio shot to their feet.
"Rias-nee-san."
"Sister-in-law!" Ravel's earnest cry made Rias blush, but the warmth in her heart was unmistakable—a quiet joy she didn't bother to hide.
"Don't worry. Your brother is my fiancé. He won't lose to anyone."
Rias patted Ravel's forehead, her confidence infectious.
"Mm! Onii-chan will win, I know it!" Ravel nodded fiercely, anxiety and faith warring in her eyes.
Rias soothed Asia and Gasper as well, then settled beside them with Akeno and Koneko. Together, they watched the hall, waiting for the battle to begin.
The guests had all taken their seats. At last, Grayfia's voice rang out, clear and commanding:
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Grayfia, maid to Maou Lucifer and referee for tonight's Rating Game between His Highness Tenra Kamiyo of House Phenex and His Highness Diodora of House Astaroth."
"This Rating Game will be held in a dimensional town. Each contender will command fifteen servants."
"Phoenix Tears are strictly forbidden. The match continues until one side surrenders, or their King is unable to fight."
With her words, a massive magical projection shimmered into the air, revealing a cityscape of towering buildings and shadowed alleys. Tenra and Diodora appeared on opposite skyscrapers, their servants arrayed beside them.
The hall erupted in cheers.
Grayfia's voice cut through the noise:
"Let the battle begin!"
High above the city, Diodora glared at Tenra from across the divide. Thousands of meters separated them, but he could see that face—etched into his nightmares, fueling his hatred.
His twisted soul trembled, not with fear, but with anticipation.
The day of revenge had finally come.
"Tenra Kamiyo is mine. The rest are yours. If you fail, you know the consequences."
He turned, eyes cold, to the fifteen girls behind him.
Once, they'd been famous nuns and holy maidens. Now, they were just slaves—captured, broken, and pressed into service.
"Yes, Lord Diodora!"
The girls flinched under his gaze, voices trembling. Led by a silver-haired girl, they leapt from the rooftop, melting into the city below.
On the opposite tower—
"Yubelluna, Tosca, Minami, Kalamaina, Siris, Sheila, Isabella, Maru, Bilent, Shuria, Ni, Li, Iru, Neru, Mira."
Tenra called each servant by name, voice strong and steady.
"Present!"
The girls dropped to one knee, heads bowed in respect.
"You're my finest. This is our first Rating Game—show them what you're made of. Bring victory home."
Tenra's words were a command and a promise.
"Yes!"
With a chorus of fierce cries, the team launched themselves from the rooftop, streaking into the city.
Tenra glanced back toward Diodora, their eyes meeting across the distance. Sparks flew.
Their personal duel could wait—first, their servants would show what they were worth.
The city streets were eerily silent as Yubelluna led her team forward, swift and focused.
The town was a maze—built just for this match. Tall buildings, tight alleys, endless places to hide or ambush.
"Hold!"
Yubelluna's voice was low but commanding. Instantly, the group froze.
They'd reached the town center, but not a single enemy in sight. Yubelluna's eyes narrowed, scanning every shadow for movement.
"Minami."
"On it."
Minami pressed her palms together, closing her eyes. A gentle aura shimmered around her as she reached out with her senses.
Moments later, she opened her eyes, a confident smile on her lips.
"Nine o'clock—three pawns."
"Sis, let's go!"
"Haha, battle time! Let's tear them apart!"
"Leave it to us!"
Iru and Neru grinned, Mira spun her iron staff, and the trio darted off toward the enemy.
"Six o'clock—five pawns."
"Bilent, Shuria, you're up."
"Sis, we're going too—nya!"
Maru cracked her knuckles, Bilent and Shuria nodded, and the nekomata twins Ni and Li followed, each choosing their own targets.
"Three o'clock—two knights."
"Siris."
"Got it."
Kalamaina and Siris exchanged a glance, then vanished in a blur of speed.
"Eight o'clock—two rooks."
"Our turn, Isabella."
"For Tenra-sama's victory."
Sheila stretched, Isabella smiled, and both launched skyward, the ground cracking beneath their feet.
"Twelve o'clock—bishop, queen…"
Minami's voice faltered as the enemy's final three appeared before them.
"Good day, Queen and Bishop of the opposition. I am Semilia, Queen to Lord Diodora."
Silver hair gleaming, Semilia curtsied, her smile flawless as she introduced herself.
"Bold of you, showing yourselves so openly."
Yubelluna's eyes flashed cold, staff gripped tight, magic already swirling at her fingertips.
"We wouldn't dare underestimate the servants of Lord Tenra. But since we arrived a bit early, we made some… preparations nearby."
Semilia's smile was pure innocence, but Yubelluna's instincts screamed danger.
Before she could react, a magic circle blazed beneath their feet—light exploded, followed by a deafening blast.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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