Everyone falls silent…
The announcer intones Grayfia-san's update: Riser's team has retired, unheard of in such a high-stakes match. Issei, Yuuto, and Asia are all stunned, staring blankly. Koneko shakes her head with a resigned sigh.
"Th-That… was exactly as planned (retirements), but the outcome exceeded expectations (retirements count), didn't it…?"
Rias seems on the verge, her lip quivers slightly. I clear my throat to move forward.
The plan? To amplify my divinity, a trait uniquely compatible with God's system, with the Boosted Gear of the Red Dragon Emperor, then recite a verse from the Bible aloud. I'd even shown her the Verg Avesta, proof of my divine nature. If I'd lacked that, I could have simply boosted "Blessing" instead.
I took inspiration from Evald Crystaldi, once wielders of Excalibur, who suggested using a blessed holy sword to empower scripture reading in the original story. Grayfia's "Queen" survived, as expected. If I'd boosted "Blessing" instead of my divinity, at least her "Chariot" might've survived.
"So… what's our next move, President Rias?"
I pipe up, since Yuuto and the others aren't fully back yet.
"H-Hmm… yes. Riser and his remaining familiars are still clearly worn-down. Now's the time to press the attack. Giving Riser any time to heal would be more troublesome."
"Are we attacking all at once? Shouldn't you stay within the main camp's barrier?"
"No. I'm coming too. Though I hate admitting it, Riser's raw strength surpasses mine. After pushing yourself to your limit, he could sweep us away and charge in for a killer strike. It's safer to stay together, under one leader, even if I have to stay in the rear."
So… all the barriers and traps we set up mean nothing. Got it.
"Basic formation: Yuuto and Koneko front, Akeno in midfield, Asia and I in the rear. Issei, you're assigned to protect Asia and me."
"President… what about me?"
"You've just maxed out your power signature, stay in the rear for now. I'll redirect you based on the situation."
"Understood!"
Following Rias's command, we all made our way to the new school building. On the field between the old and new buildings, Riser and his familiars stand, surprisingly waiting, looking pale and ragged.
"Surprising you're here, Riser. I assumed you'd hunker down in the main camp and rest."
"Hmph! Against a virgin like you, there's no need for traps around the camp. I have everything under control!... Ugh."
He's nauseous, why did he come here?
"Aha, I see… No barriers, no traps. So by forcing us to meet here, you just blocked Issei's "promotion" move."
"I'm a pro! I see through your every plan!"
Wow, still sharp wits, even while sick as a dog. Impressive!
"So… could you not predict our opening move?"
"No demon could've predicted it!"
Riser roars in defiance, and almost everyone nods in agreement.
"All right! Yubelluna! Ravel! Crush these kids!"
"Yes, Riser-sama."
"I want to go home early today…"
Riser and his team gear up.
"Akeno is the Queen, Yuuto and Issei serve as Knight, Koneko will handle Riser, but keep it brief! Asia supports her. Once enemies fall, join the fight with Riser directly!"
"Understood!"
Each side takes position, maintaining distance, and the battle begins.
====================
(Issei's POV)
Koneko and I face a Queen who fits the pink dress, blonde twin curls, the polished aristocrat type. I've never seen her fight before, though I've seen footage of Riser's official matches.
And one thing's clear: that yakitori-loving jerk is my enemy, and not just any enemy. He's already surrounded himself with a harem of beauties… including his sister!
Honestly, I'm going for him next.
"Issei-kun, you're serious, aren't you? Always figured you'd have trouble going up against a pretty lady," says Kiba, brandishing his sword.
"I've got no choice. I want to beat that Riser bastard flat!"
"Likewise."
Hold up, Kiba's jealous of Riser's harem too? Maybe not, but…
"All right, let's end this!"
As I step forward, the enemy smiles wryly.
"Though not at my very best, I'm certainly not weak enough to lose to both of you."
Her expression gives me pause. Then, flames bloom behind her. Winglike flames, like Riser's.
"My name is Ravel Phenex. Riser Phenex is my brother. And yes… I am also immortal. I cannot lose."
Immortal too?! More shocking is… he made his sister a familiar for that creepy harem!
"Apparently some love 'forbidden siblings', he says this is for the shape of a harem," she shrugs.
Isn't that disgusting? Kiba's not wrong!
"We all know defeating a Phenex means using Demon-King-level power or mentally crushing them through repeated defeats. Us? We're ground combat types. She flies, she's ranged. It's hard to take her down fast."
That checks out. Even at full Red Dragon Emperor power, I'm not Demon-King level. In our training, I blasted away most of the mountain, still, high-tier evil spirits thought I was strong. But still: mental break strategy?
"Issei, our goal is Riser Phenex. If Ravel will take time, Kiba should hold her off, support Koneko. I'll step in once I see a chance."
"Wait, hold on, Kiba. I've moved. My secret skill. One strike's enough, if… you can open an opportunity."
"A move that might work on a Phenex sister? I'm interested. Let's flank her."
"Sure! Let's do it!"
As we close in, Kiba throws away his sword.
"What the, Kiba?!"
"Oh? Ready to surrender? So soon? You're impatient."
"Check this out: Magic Sword Creation—Sword Birth!"
Kiba slams his palm on the ground. Swords sprout and begin sucking in air at the tips. What in the world?!
"This is my Sacred Gear: Sword Birth. I can generate swords at will."
"Clever trick, damn!"
With Ravel airborne, struggling to hold herself, Kiba's move gives me my moment.
"Chi-ya!"
I leap, palm aimed at her. She notices just as it's too late. My palm strike hits her shoulder, and a faint magic circle glows, only she hasn't noticed.
"Huh? Was that meant as an attack? That's laughable."
She's confused, but I'm not done.
"Here's your finale! My ultimate move: Dress-Break!"
With a snap, her dress explodes into dust. …Amazing! She's slim, but… shella busty!
"Thank you!!" I might have yelled aloud. I lock that image in my head.
"Eek, noooo!"
After a few frozen seconds, she blushes scarlet, screams, covers herself, and flees the battlefield.
"Riser Phenex's Bishop, retired."
She withdrew voluntarily. That's golden. A noblewoman overwhelmed, expected, but still satisfying.
"Great job, Kiba!"
He walks over with a wry smile. "Issei-kun, you might want to tone it down a bit," he suggests. Fine, I won, so what?
BOOOOM!
No matter what, victory is victory. As I move to support Koneko, two big explosions ring out.
"Riser Phenex's Queen, retired."
Akeno hit her mark! Explosive impact. That leaves only Riser himself. When I look over, both he and Koneko look battered, though he seems oddly vigorous compared to before. How?
"Let's go, Issei-kun."
"Yeah!"
Kiba, Akeno, and I rush toward Riser's position.
=============
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