Asia walked beside Izumi down the street, her hand held tightly in his.
Her face, however, was burning red.
Even after… well, everything that happened, Asia simply couldn't handle this level of intimacy. By the time they reached the school gates, she finally mustered the courage to yank her hand away.
"U-uuu… th-this is too embarrassing…"
Even if their relationship had progressed, Asia's natural shyness had far surpassed its limit.
Returning to the way things were before was the only way she could calm down.
When they entered the school, Kato Megumi immediately noticed that something between Izumi and Asia seemed subtly different.
But after observing them for a moment, nothing seemed suspicious on the surface, so she quietly dismissed the thought.
After all—
who would ever suspect that the party's healer had secretly scored a home run?!
Classes ended, and in the afternoon, Izumi once again began training Rias and her team.
But unlike the gentle sparring he used with Koneko, Izumi didn't hold back against Rias and Akeno.
He unleashed his full physical capabilities—everything his human body could endure.
From the girls' perspective, Izumi was "suppressing his power" to match them.
But in truth?
His speed and explosive strength were all completely genuine.
Even without deploying Unlimited Blade Works or Imaginary Collapse, Izumi thoroughly overwhelmed them.
In his hand, Izumi wielded a projected crimson blade—
the anti-magic sword, "Red Rose."
Rias and Akeno's combat style relied heavily on releasing demonic power and clashing head-on with sheer magical might.
Unfortunately for them…
Izumi's weapon was practically their hard counter.
Just like Rule Breaker with its conceptual erasure, Red Rose nullified magical energy on contact.
Meaning—
Rias's vaunted Power of Destruction was completely useless against Izumi.
Rias charged; Izumi shifted minimally and flicked her away with a palm strike.
Akeno launched lightning; he dispelled it and tapped her forehead, sending her tumbling.
And worst of all…
Izumi clearly avoided stabbing them—
only to "accidentally" switch to palm strikes that made full contact with their bodies.
It was, without question…
peak LSP behavior.
From the sidelines, Megumi watched with a blank stare, unable to comprehend the morally questionable scene unfolding before her.
Even Akeno—who normally reveled in teasing others—was speechless.
Izumi just continued with a completely serious expression:
"I'm trying not to hurt you two."
They wanted to refute him. They really wanted to.
But there was too much evidence… and yet no argument they could make!
Eriri was also present, watching the battle closely—and every time Izumi moved, her artist instincts activated, collecting every motion as illustration material.
That creepy giggle she let out now and then made Koneko's fur stand on end.
After learning Eriri's true identity, Koneko could no longer see the "proper diplomat's daughter" image.
No—now all she saw was a closeted pervert pretending to be a refined lady.
Truly hopeless.
Koneko had a whole monologue of complaints stuck in her throat.
Regarding joining Izumi's team, Eriri still hadn't answered.
She hadn't discussed it with her mother yet, and she wanted to wait for a certain friend to arrive—
someone who might tell her whether she had any chance of becoming an angel.
If the answer was no?
Then she'd join Izumi's party without hesitation.
Her parents seemed to think the same.
Yesterday, when she'd come home after eating with Izumi, they had reacted suspiciously cheerfully.
Her mother even dropped obvious hints.
Eriri honestly felt exhausted.
One more word from them and she was ready to explode.
Over the next week, Eriri began spending more time with Izumi's group.
Izumi, already treating her as a member, even asked Megumi to teach her the incantation for the Cursed Bullet spell.
Whatever happened in the future, Eriri vowed she would repay this kindness.
Time passed quickly.
Throughout the week, Izumi consistently trained Rias's team.
Rias and Akeno had both suffered countless… indignities.
By the end of the week, they had become numb.
No longer did they blush every time Izumi flicked them away.
Even being slapped aside didn't faze them anymore—they simply returned to the fight with blank expressions.
Koneko, meanwhile, still couldn't match Izumi, but her growth was notable.
Akeno, especially, had improved dramatically.
Izumi had suggested she develop a Railgun, since she was already a lightning shrine maiden.
Akeno understood the concept instantly.
She even managed to fire it without using coins—a full magical version, complete with a magic circle for precision.
A true magical Railgun.
And yes—it could be spammed like a basic attack.
Her lightning control had leapt an entire tier.
Sona Shitori occasionally stopped by, watching with admiration.
She wanted to train too, but she understood Izumi was preparing Rias for the upcoming Rating Game, so she respectfully refrained from interrupting.
After six days of nonstop training, the day of the Rating's Game finally arrived.
It was Sunday.
The school grounds had been completely cleared.
Many students were aware of Rias's situation and were extremely curious about the battle's outcome.
Curious or not, however—
humans had no right to spectate a battle that belonged to the Underworld.
Only Izumi, Asia, Megumi, and Eriri were qualified to be here.
(Though Eriri herself stayed home, concerned about her affiliation with the Church.)
When the appointed time arrived, Izumi brought Asia and Megumi to the old school building.
Upon entering Rias's clubroom, they found Grayfia already waiting.
Seeing Izumi, Grayfia gave a gentle nod.
"You're right on time.
Please prepare yourselves."
She gestured toward the glowing magic circle in the center of the room.
"Step into the circle. It will transport you to the alternate dimension where the battle will take place."
"Nothing inside will affect the real world."
"Lord Sirzechs and the officials of the Underworld will be observing the battle through a live broadcast."
"The outcome will determine whether Rias Gremory's engagement to Riser Phoenix is annulled or not."
Rias swallowed and nodded firmly.
"Let's go, Izumi-kun.
After this battle… I'll finally be free."
Her determination unwavering, she stepped into the circle without hesitation.
Izumi chuckled softly and followed.
Akeno and Koneko exchanged a look before stepping in as well.
Sona, Megumi, and the others watched with sincere encouragement.
Please come back victorious.