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The tennis court shimmered under the afternoon sun. On opposite sides of the net, Rias Gremory and Sona Shitir—two high-ranking devils—locked eyes, both brimming with competitive fire.
Outside the fence, Jack could only give a strained smile.Seriously? This was their idea of a duel—tennis?
Though, to be fair, having devils play a human sport did feel like a bit of a cheat.
The match was set as a doubles game. Sona's partner was her ever-calm vice president, Tsubaki Shinra. Rias, naturally, teamed up with her trusted queen, Akeno Himejima.
All four had changed into sporty outfits—short skirts, tight tops—and together they were a sight that made the air around the court practically shimmer.
As soon as they stepped onto the court, people started slowing down, stopping, and eventually crowding around.Within minutes, word spread like wildfire: Rias Gremory and Sona Shitir are having a tennis match!
That was all it took for half the school to show up. After all, the match featured three of Kuoh Academy's most admired beauties—plus the student council's vice president, who was no slouch herself.
The game hadn't even started, and already a small crowd was pressed against the fence, whispering and cheering.
Jack could only facepalm."Could they be any more high-profile…"
Koneko Toujou, standing beside him, overheard and couldn't help a soft chuckle. She knew he hated drawing attention—he was the kind of guy who preferred to stay in the background.
On the court, Rias picked up the ball, giving her rival a confident smile."Ready, Sona?"
"Always," Sona replied coolly.
The tension between them was almost tangible as the game began with Rias's serve.
Their technique was professional-level—no, beyond that. With their demonic reflexes, every move was lightning-fast, every hit thunderous. Even pro players wouldn't stand a chance.
The crowd was immediately swept up in the spectacle.
"Waaah! President-sama looks so cool!""Go, Rias-senpai! Go, Akeno-senpai!!"
All four were stunning in their own ways—gorgeous, graceful, and deadly competitive.To the poor onlookers, it was less of a tennis match and more like watching a live battle between goddesses.
Koneko murmured quietly as she watched, "At least they can't use magic this way."
Jack sighed. "You were expecting them to?"
Before his words even finished, Sona flicked her wrist, and the next instant, the tennis ball glowed faintly blue—imbued with demonic power. Its spin and trajectory twisted midair like something alive.
The crowd gasped."Whoa! It's the President's Magic Ball! Amazing!!"
Koneko was speechless.…They really thought that was just a fancy technique?
Jack stared, half-amused, half-horrified.Their natural strength was already breaking every human rule in the book, and now they were adding magic? What happened to the spirit of fair competition?
He imagined the headlines:"High School Girls Annihilate National Tennis Team—Are They Even Human?"
As the game raged on, the crowd outside started taking sides.
"Our president's totally going to win," said Shiro, one of Sona's underclassmen, puffing out his chest proudly. "Don't you think so too?"
Jack tilted his head. Normally, he didn't care—but since Rias was involved, he couldn't let that slide.
"I believe in Rias and Akeno," he said casually. "They won't lose to your president."
"Oh yeah?" Shiro smirked. "We'll see about that."
But then his brow furrowed slightly. Wait… did this guy just call her by name?
He wasn't her servant? Then… were they that close?
When would he ever get that close to his president…? His mind immediately spiraled into wild fantasies involving Sona, sweat, and—well, let's not go there.
Trying to act casual, he sidled closer to Jack."So, uh… you and your master seem pretty close, huh?"
Jack shrugged. "I guess."
"'I guess'? You called her by name! How'd you pull that off?" He elbowed Jack eagerly. "Come on, teach me your ways!"
"…It's just calling someone by name. What's the big deal?"
"What's the big deal?! That's huge! She's your master! Tell me, how'd you get that close?"
Jack thought for a moment, then said evenly, "We're, uh… about at the neck-kissing stage."
"Huh? Neck-cutting stage?" Shiro repeated blankly.
"No," Jack said slowly, enunciating every word. "Neck. Kissing. Stage."
"…???"
A few seconds later, the realization hit."Wait—WAIT, WHAT?!"
His eyes went wide as saucers. "Neck-kissing?! That neck-kissing?! Are you serious?!"
Jack just gave him a calm, unreadable look.What was this guy getting so worked up about?
"I said almost. The neck's been kissed, but that's as far as it went."
—After all, that had only happened this morning.
"THAT'S STILL INSANE!"
Shiro suddenly bent at the waist, bowing ninety degrees. "Master!!! Please accept me as your disciple!!!"
"…Huh?"
Jack stared blankly.Did he just call me Master?
He squinted. "Who even are you?"
"Please, Master! Teach me the art of… of neck-kissing!!"
"Get lost."
"Master!!"
"Go die."
The two of them started wrestling in the grass, much to Koneko's confusion. She watched them silently, head tilted.Men's friendships were… really weird.
Meanwhile, on the court, the battle raged on—tennis balls streaked like comets, some glowing with demonic light. The rackets cracked, the air sizzled, and still, neither side could claim victory.
Finally, the match ended in a draw, with all four rackets splintered and the crowd roaring for more.
At that moment, Shiro ran back onto the court, still fired up."President! I think I'll skip my familiar-hunting trip today! I'm giving my turn to my Master here!!"
Sona blinked. "...What?"
Even Rias and the others froze mid-step, all eyes turning toward Jack.
"Master?" they echoed in confusion.
Jack just stood there in silence.There were no words.
"..."
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