"Ahem—this might just be the most unusual Rating Game in history."
The host's voice cut through the lingering chaos. The crowd, still buzzing from the news of Tenra and Sona's engagement, finally began to quiet.
"Everyone, please settle down! I'll now announce the official rules for today's match."
The arena lights dimmed as all eyes turned to the massive screen overhead. The image flickered, shifting to reveal a scene from another dimension: a sprawling forest, ringed by towering stone walls. At its heart stood a battle arena built of brick and stone.
"For this match, we've prepared a special battlefield. There are two stages: first, the Peerage Interception Battle. Second, the Grand Melee of Kings and Peerages."
"Once the match begins, Lord Tenra and his peerage, along with Lady Rias and Lady Sona, will be teleported directly to the central arena. Meanwhile, Lady Rias and Lady Sona's peerages will be sent to two random locations at the forest's edge."
"In the first stage, all three Kings remain in standby—they can't fight or give orders. Rias's and Sona's peerages must reach the central arena within the time limit to activate their respective Kings. Tenra's peerage must intercept them, doing everything possible to weaken the enemy."
"And here's the catch: if Rias's or Sona's peerages fail to reach the battle arena in time, or are wiped out before they arrive, their Kings lose the chance to activate and are automatically eliminated from the match!"
A ripple of excitement swept through the crowd. The rules were bold, and everyone leaned forward in anticipation.
One of the Rating Game's greatest charms was its ever-changing format, but no matter how the rules shifted, the King's position had always been the linchpin. Peerages could shine, but only the Kings decided victory.
Not this time. Now, peerage performance was everything. If Rias and Sona's teams couldn't reach the center and activate their Kings, they'd lose—no second chances.
No doubt about it: these rules tipped the scales in Tenra's favor. Facing two teams at once, he needed every edge he could get.
Interesting, Tenra thought, a competitive grin tugging at his lips.
The host continued, "If Rias's and Sona's peerages succeed in reaching the central arena and activating their Kings, then stage two begins—the Grand Melee. No further restrictions: defeat the enemy King and claim victory!"
"But—" The host paused for effect. "We all know Lord Tenra possesses a vast arsenal of Sacred Gears, and has the unique ability to share their powers with others. So, for this match, we've added a special restriction: any Sacred Gear that Lord Tenra has previously shared cannot be used by him in this match. No duplicate Sacred Gear abilities allowed!"
Tenra's smile faded. That restriction was brutal.
Most of his strongest Gears—Boosted Gear, Divine Dividing, Twilight Holy Spear, Dimension Lost, Holy Mother's Smile, Forbidden Balor View, Gravity Manipulation, Giant's Prank, Sword Birth, Holy Sword Creation, Blade Blacksmith, Ruyi Jingu Bang—he'd already shared with Rias and the others. Thanks to the new rule, every single one was off-limits.
He shot Rias a look. "Let me guess—this was your idea?"
Rias just flashed a smug grin. "I only suggested it to my brother. If you could use the same Gears as us, we wouldn't stand a chance."
She didn't bother to deny it. And Tenra couldn't argue—he'd shared his Gears to strengthen the girls and to push them into mastering new powers. In truth, he knew every trick they did, and then some. Without restrictions, the game would be hopelessly one-sided.
Still, that left Tenra with precious few options. He sighed, but didn't protest.
Handicaps or not, he was determined to win.
"Both sides understand the rules? Then let's begin!"
A roar of approval swept the arena. The legendary match—one King against two Queens—was officially underway.
Light flashed. Tenra, Rias, Sona, and Yubelluna's team materialized in the otherworldly battle arena. Akeno, Tsubaki, and the rest were nowhere to be seen—according to the rules, they'd been sent to the forest's edge.
"Attention, competitors—the match begins now!" The host's voice echoed from above as a gigantic countdown clock appeared in the sky: 30:00.
"Lord Tenra, please give us your orders!" Yubelluna called, her peerage assembled behind him.
Rias and Sona stood idle—unable to fight or command their teams. But Tenra, while barred from combat, could still give instructions.
He paused.
"Yubelluna, you're my Queen. If I'm not around, you're in charge."
He smiled, gently brushing her cheek. "Since Rias and Sona can't command their peerages, I won't either. I trust you—do what you think is best."
Yubelluna's eyes shimmered with emotion, but quickly sharpened with resolve.
"Yes, Lord Tenra!"
With Tenra's faith in her, failure was not an option.
She bowed, then led the peerage into the forest—vanishing into the shadows as the first stage began.
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