Three days slipped by in a heartbeat. At last, the day of Rias and Sona's long-awaited showdown had arrived.
"Sairaorg. Miss Seekvaira. You made it too."
In the VIP box, Tenra—cradling a black cat—greeted Sairaorg and Seekvaira as they approached.
"Hahaha! Of course I did. This is a duel between two princesses of the Underworld—I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri. Their match is one I've been eager to see," Seekvaira added, adjusting her glasses with a faint smile.
Both nobles took their seats with their entourages, settling beside Tenra and Yubelluna's group.
Rias and Sona—heralded as two of the new generation's "Four Great Kings"—were more than just heirs to the Gremory and Sitri houses. They were icons: beautiful, brilliant, powerful, and noble. Their popularity in the Underworld was second to none.
The match hadn't even begun, but the colossal arena—built like a Roman coliseum—was packed to the rafters. Nobles and luminaries from every corner of the Underworld filled the stands, anticipation crackling in the air.
High above, on the dignitaries' platform—
"Ohoho… You've put on quite the spectacle this time, Sirzechs."
Stroking his beard, Odin chuckled with approval.
"You flatter me, Lord Odin. Both teams are ready—the match will begin soon."
Sirzechs's mood was bright as he turned to the silver-haired maid at his side. "Grayfia, let's begin."
"Yes, Lord Sirzechs."
Grayfia stepped forward, her gaze sweeping across the sea of faces below. With a touch of magic, her voice rang out, clear and commanding:
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Grayfia, Queen to Demon Lord Lucifer, and referee for today's Rating Game between the Gremory and Sitri families."
Her words echoed throughout the arena, amplified by sorcery. At the same time, a massive three-dimensional projection shimmered into being above the arena floor, displaying both teams—Rias's and Sona's—poised and ready.
"In the name of my lord, Sirzechs Lucifer, I will bear witness to this contest. I ask for your attention."
"The battlefield for today's match is the shopping mall near Kuoh Academy, where both Lady Rias and Lady Sona attend. Each team will teleport to their respective bases—Rias's on the second floor, east side; Sona's on the first floor, west side."
"This match comes with special regulations. All details have been sent to each team. Each side will receive one Phoenix Tear as a recovery item, and—"
Grayfia continued, outlining the rules and restrictions. The crowd hung on every word. At last, the moment arrived.
"Now, I declare—the match begins!"
The arena erupted in a thunderous roar.
"Is everyone clear on the plan?" Rias's voice was steady, but her eyes sparkled with excitement as she surveyed her gathered servants.
"Leave it to us, President Rias!"
"We'll win for sure!"
All wore eager, determined faces—except Gasper, whose nerves were written plain as day.
"Asia, stay in the rear and keep yourself safe. If anyone gets hurt, we're counting on you."
Rias ruffled Asia's hair with gentle confidence.
"I'll do my very best, Sister Rias!" Asia replied, balling her small fists in determination.
She couldn't fight directly, but she would help in every way she could.
Rias drew in a deep breath, a sharp glint in her eyes.
"All right—let's begin!"
Meanwhile, on the other side—
"Let's move out."
Sona's eyes opened, calm and resolute.
"Yes, Lady Sona!"
"Irina, don't get carried away out there."
"Hmph, look who's talking, Xenovia. You're the one who's already fired up."
Clad in sleek black battle suits and wielding holy swords, Irina and Xenovia strode through the mall's corridors.
It was their first real Rating Game, and both were riding a high of adrenaline. The opposition was formidable, but their confidence was unshakable.
Before long, two figures appeared ahead—Sona's [Knight], Meguri Tomoe, and [Rook], Yura Tsubasa.
"So, these are our opponents."
"Not your lucky day, Meguri-san, Yura-san," Xenovia quipped, her smile sharp as a blade.
Irina mirrored her, both girls exuding the predatory confidence of seasoned hunters.
On the mall's rooftop, Rias and Akeno faced off against Sona, Tsubaki Shinra, and Reya Kusaka.
"Leaving your own base to come here… That's not like you, Rias."
Sona pushed up her glasses, a sly smile on her lips.
"You're hardly one to talk, Sona. Looks like we had the same idea."
Rias smiled back, a spark of camaraderie beneath the rivalry.
They knew each other too well—so well, in fact, that they'd both chosen this as the stage for their final clash.
"Rias, I have both my [Queen] and [Bishop] here. You've only brought your [Queen]. That puts you at quite a disadvantage."
Sona's gaze flicked to Akeno beside Rias.
"That's true. But once my other servants finish their battles and join us, it'll be you who's in trouble, Sona."
Rias nodded, utterly unruffled.
"So it comes down to which side finishes first, then…"
"Koneko-chan, I—I'll protect you!"
Gasper's voice trembled as he crept along, eyes darting nervously to every shadow.
Koneko watched him, exasperated. You should probably worry about protecting yourself first.
As they searched, it didn't take long to find their opponents: [Pawn] Nimura Ruruko and [Bishop] Kusaka Reya from the student council's side.
"Gasper-kun, over here—this way!"
Nimura and Kusaka waved cheerfully from around a corner, then vanished from sight.
They're up to something, Koneko thought. But after finally finding their targets, there was no way they'd let them escape. She and Gasper hurried after them.
But the moment they rounded the corner, Gasper let out a bloodcurdling scream—
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