Issei and Riser completely abandoned other attack methods, fighting a pure fist-to-fist battle..
The scene became quiet for a moment, all eyes focusing on the two.
Yuuto and the others looked at Issei, who was fighting in front, with some worry. Ravel looked at her brother with similar concern.
"President, are they alright?"
"They should be fine."
Facing the inquiries from her peerage, Rias was also unsure, after all, the fighting between the two was too intense.
Riser was fighting not to be completely defeated and lose by too much, while Issei was laying the foundation for his dream?
Whether it was or not, that remained unknown.
The fists of the two continuously collided, and the aftermath of the power caused the surrounding air to subtly vibrate.
Issei's armor began to crack, and the flames on Riser's body slowly diminished. From the looks of it, both sides were almost at their wit's end. One's body couldn't hold up, while the other had overused his bloodline's recovery ability.
As the two simultaneously punched each other in the face, the headpiece of Issei's armor shattered, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
Riser also spat out blood.
Then, both staggered back a few steps.
"Hoo... Hoo..."
Both of them were panting heavily, looking at each other.
"You... can't you just fall down properly!"
"If anyone's falling, you'll fall before me."
Riser and Issei started bickering again.
Seeing the two separate, everyone rushed forward, wanting to provide treatment, but were simultaneously shouted at by both of them.
"No need! Wait until we're done fighting!"
Valerie and Ravel stopped in their tracks.
"Hoo... Hoo... Can you still go on?"
"Hoo... How can a man say he can't!"
Riser and Issei straightened their bodies. After exchanging another glance, they charged at each other again. This time, their speed had noticeably slowed down, with every step accompanied by heavy gasps.
Issei endured the severe pain in his body, concentrating his mind, for his future dream, for becoming stronger.
Riser was not to be outdone. He gritted his teeth, and the power of his bloodline surged again, though weak, it was better than nothing.
The two got closer and closer, and just a second before they were about to throw their punches, Issei's armor disintegrated, and he collapsed to the ground, out of strength.
"Hahaha! I still won..."
Riser didn't finish his sentence as his eyes also rolled back, and he fell to the ground.
[Rias's Pawn eliminated!]
[Riser eliminated!]
[This Rating Game, Rias wins.]
As the announcement from the sky sounded, Yuuto and Ravel rushed over. Yuuto helped Issei up, while Ravel knelt beside Riser, looking at him. Then Ravel took Riser and left this dimension.
...
With the end of the match, Rias and her peerage left the dimension and returned to the Occult Research Club.
When Rias saw Abel and Sona at the entrance, she smiled very happily.
Rias opened her arms and walked towards Abel, who opened his arms to embrace her.
"Abel! I won!"
"Mm, you did great."
The two whispered sweet nothings.
Then Rias gave Abel a smooch.
Sona was watching from the side, feeling a bit teary-eyed, as if to say: Lovers eventually become family...
No, Abel is my fiancé!
Sona wanted to say something more, but decided against it. Today was a good day, so she wouldn't argue with Rias.
—
Sirzechs was happy for his sister to be rid of this marriage. Abel had given him a surprise in just one week.
Unlike Sirzechs's happiness, the current heir of the Phenex clan, Ruval, felt as if he had missed out on a great opportunity.
However, he had a different view of his younger brother. Riser had finally become reliable, as he hadn't expected the battle to end with his exhaustion.
Sirzechs asked, "That was a good battle, don't you think, Ruval?"
Facing Sirzechs's inquiry, Revall agreed, "Yes, a good battle, I believe Riser will grow somewhat after this battle."
At the same time, he felt relieved by his younger brother's growth.
However, meeting Sirzechs's gaze...
Although nothing was said, everything was implied.
Alas, it was not meant to be.
Ruval said, "Lucifer-sama, my younger brother is fated not to marry Rias, so please abolish this engagement."
Seeing his attitude, Sirzechs gave him a way out. "Ruval, this was just a drunken jest between our fathers, no need to worry about it. I see Riser as a promising talent. With proper guidance, he can stand on his own."
—
"Ara ara. President is secretly eating again." Akeno pushed open the door and looked at the scene with some resentment.
Behind Akeno were Koneko, Gasper, and Yuuto, who was supporting Issei.
Rias heard the sound and let go of Abel. "Mm. I wasn't secretly eating. This is openly eating, and even eating in front of the rightful owner."
Then she looked towards Sona.
Sona understood perfectly and blushed a little.
Indeed, Rias, the inherently evil redhead!
Since Rias was being so direct, Sona wouldn't fall behind. She went up and pulled Abel by his collar, then kissed him.
Fortunately, Abel's peerage wasn't here. Otherwise, his mouth would be worn out.
"Alright, standing at the door isn't good, let's go in together."
"Mm."
Then everyone entered the Occult Research Club.
Soon after, led by Elisa, Riser and Ravel walked in.
Riser said straightforwardly, "Rias, I'll honor the bet. You won, the engagement is void."
Then he looked at Issei, who was sprawled out. "Although I lost this Rating Game, I won our fight."
"Hmph! If I had held on a little longer, you would have lost."
At this moment, the two started bickering.
However, men's friendships are sometimes inexplicable, but they always argue and then make up.
At this time, Sirzechs appeared before everyone through a magic projection.
"This battle was very exciting. Issei and Riser, your performances were excellent."
"Issei, you are gradually getting stronger
I believe you can successfully achieve your dream."
Issei excitedly clenched his fists. "I will continue to work hard to become stronger, for President, for my dream."
"Good, full of vigor."
Sirzechs said, then turned his gaze to Abel and Rias.
"You brat, you better treat my sister well."
"Brother-in-law, that goes without saying."
Abel waved his hand, indicating it was a small matter.
"Alright, you all have fun."