Indra & Sūn Wùkōng

Indra & Sūn Wùkōng

“Hahaha, he really is one energetic little Devil da-ze. The Sekiryuutei. What a grand entrance. —It’s allowed me to enjoy this a bit, wouldn’t you say so, Wukong?”

“Hohoho, Heavenly Emperor-sama, we enjoy the last of our youth at old age.”

“And for this reason you’ve decided to bring the first-generation Zhu Bajie, the first-generation Sha Wujing, the Dragon King Yu-Long, and even the Nezha Prince into your team, despite having already decided that you were going to retire them. You really are going all-out considering that it is your last youth, right?”

“Compared to me, Heavenly Emperor-sama, you plan to have a decisive battle against the God of Destruction if you attain the victory prize, right?”

“Of course. However, there is also the possibility that those plans will be overthrown. Hahaha, you can laugh at me, first-generation. I may be a bit immature, but I want to enjoy stirring up some trouble.”

“I understand. My comrades and I are also passionate.”

“In the meantime, this will go according to Shiva’s and Ajuka’s plans. …However, perhaps the opponents in our mind will be close at hand even if we don’t attain victory.”

“Hohoho, when it’s been said by a God, that inevitably increases its authenticity by some degree.”

(Part 1 of 1) (25/12)

Team Member

unofficial cover

Note1: The value of the chess piece is in tournament standard hence it will generally be different to the “Evil Piece” standard.

Note2: Only the [Pawn] would be given the value of the chess pieces with the bracket 『』.

○ “Sekiryuutei of the Issei (Blazing Truth) ” team’s tournament registration members.

・King ——— Hyoudou Issei

・Queen ——— Bina Lessthan

・Rook ——— Rossweisse

・Rook ——— Unregistered

・Knight ——— Xenovia Quarta

・Knight ——— Shidou Irina

・Bishop ——— Asia Argento

・Bishop ——— Ravel Phoenix

・Pawn『3』——— Bova Tannin

・Pawn『5』——— Unregistered

○ “Rias Gremory” team’s tournament registration members.

・King ——— Rias Gremory

・Queen ——— Himejima Akeno

・Rook ——— Toujou Koneko

・Rook ——— Unregistered

・Knight ——— Kiba Yuuto

・Knight ——— Lint Selzan

・Bishop ——— Gasper Vladi

・Bishop ——— Valerie Tepes

・Pawn『8』——— Mister Black

○ “Hakuryuukou of the Morning Star” team’s tournament registration members.

・King ——— Vali Lucifer

・Queen ——— Fenrir

・Rook ——— Gogmagog

・Rook ——— (Current) Zhu Bajie

・Knight ——— Arthur Pendragon

・Knight ——— (Current) Sha Wujing

・Bishop ——— Kuroka

・Bishop ——— Le Fay

・Pawn『5』——— Bikou

・Pawn『3』——— Unregistered

The Opening Ceremony of the Rating Game World Tournament, the “Azazel Cup”!

Part 1

It was already slightly past mid-April—.

After school, I — Kiba Yuuto started our club activities in the club room.

“Today’s activity is an investigative report on the Youkai.”

Asia-buchou had given us this task and we were now presenting the results of our report. Koneko-chan distributed a copy of the report to everyone, which was compiled from the information that all of us had previously researched and summarised. As new first year students, Le Fay-san and Bennia-san began to read it with great interest since they were also new members.

“So there are also Youkai in this town, but I wonder what kind of Youkai they are.”

<< There are many things that I do not know. From my knowledge, there should be a high variance in their appearance. >>

Both of them seemed to fit in to Kuoh Academy’s uniform very well.

“Umu! I will join you as well! If it’s about Youkai, then you can leave it to me!”

It was Kunou-san, who had come over to visit us after the primary school classes had ended. She had moved into the Hyoudou household starting from this Spring, and then officially enrolled into Kuoh Academy’s primary school. Because she had to mingle with humans, her ears and tails were usually concealed, just like Koneko-chan’s. There was also a new face in the club room—.

“…Umm, Isaiah. How do I read this kanji?”

Tosca asked me as she looked at the report. I immediately taught her how to pronounce it with

“This is—”

Indeed, Tosca had also transferred into Kuoh Academy’s middle school division. Although there were many areas that she was unfamiliar with, her new life was slowly, yet surely beginning. She was also able to come here to visit us after school. She was able learn a lot more at school, experience so many more things, and laugh more as well, so I was happy for her. Of course, your middle school uniform also suits you, Tosca. Like this, there were new members who joined our newly restructured club during the new school term. However, there were several members who were absent today. Kunou threw a gaze at the vacant seat.

“Ise and the others haven’t come yet huh.”

Kunou-san’s mumbled words revealed a trace of loneliness. Indeed, Ise-kun hadn’t yet come today. Likewise, Ravel-san wasn’t here either. Asia-san apologised to her.

“I’m sorry Kunou-san, Ise-san is—”

“I understand. —He’s preparing for the Tournament, right?”

Indeed, just as Kunou-san said, as the leader of his team – the [King], he was constantly recruiting members for the Rating Game World Tournament, as well as training his team since the beginning of the Spring break. It was because of that that he was late today. Asia-san and Xenovia originally wanted to accompany him, but both of them were unable to be absent due to their positions. Ise-kun had also said to them

“You two absolutely must be there as the Kaichou and Buchou [1].”

Then again, tomorrow was going to be the opening day of the Rating Game World Tournament. Time is running out, Ise-kun. Although our team doesn’t have you, what’s surprising is that we’re not only completely prepared, but everything has gone so smoothly that it’s hard to believe. —At that time, the sound of rushing footsteps came from the corridor. The door was forcefully pushed open as Ise-kun and Ravel-san made their way in.

“We’re late! Sorry!”

Wow, despite how busy he was, he still came for the club activities, as expected of Ise-kun.

“Well then, let’s all go over the report once more.”

After they heard that from me, the activity of the new Occult Research Club with all its members present officially began. The third years consisted of the Buchou Asia-san, me as the Fukubuchou, Ise-kun, Irina-san, as well as Xenovia who occasionally dropped by. The second years consisted of Koneko-chan, Gasper-kun, and Ravel-san. The new first years were Le Fay-san and Bennia-san. There were also our preliminary members consisting of Tosca from the middle school, and Kunou from the primary school. After Rias-neesan and Akeno-san left the Occult Research Club that they reconstructed, our members began their activities, and it became splendid and lively again—. But, Rias-neesan and Akeno-san occasionally come here in the afternoon from the university after their lectures have ended. Well, tomorrow is going to be the opening ceremony of the Rating Game World Tournament. After our activities, Koneko-chan, Gasper-kun and I will have to join Rias-neesan and the others for a strategy meeting. Ise-kun, I’m looking forward to it.  Your new team!

Part 2

And so, although that was what I was looking forward to yesterday, when it came to the day of the opening ceremony, none of Ise-kun’s team members had arrived yet. It was just before the opening ceremony was about to begin. In front of us, Rias Gremory’s Team, was the enormous stadium that the opening ceremony would be conducted in. It had been newly constructed within the Maous’ territory of the Underworld for the purpose of the Tournament. The size of the facility was beyond belief, and if it was compared to the size of the Tokyo Dome [2], its width would be greater by at least ten times. Helicopters had begun filming from above the stadium and there were media cameras set up everywhere within the stadium, as it would not only be broadcast live throughout the entire Underworld, but also across every faction. The audience was composed of visitors of every faction who had come here today so it was full to the brim. Those of us who were contestants had all gathered in the centre of the enormous Game Field. Not only were there the Devils that the Rating Game originated from, there were also Angels, Fallen Angels, Humans, Youkai, and many other races. There were even God-class beings amongst them.

With Rias-neesan acting as the [King], the rest of our team included Akeno-san, Koneko-chan, Gasper-kun, our newly added members, and myself. The person who seemed a bit overwhelmed by seeing a crowd of so many other players was — Valerie-san.

“There sure are a lot of people.”

“Valerie, don’t leave my side.”

Gasper-kun was tightly holding on to Valerie-san’s hand out of fear that she would get lost if she left his side. Indeed, a new member of ours was Valerie-san. Naturally, she was not participating as one of Rias Gremory’s servant Devils, but as a non-servant member of our team in this tournament.

“Oh dear me, there are people everywhere I look.”

The person who spoke was a cloaked girl who had put the edge of her hand against her forehead as she gazed out into the distance. The girl’s white and black streaked hair was tied up above her head. The cloaked girl said to Koneko-chan

“It seems like there are more than a thousand teams participating. If memory serves, it was one thousand and forty five. That said, it seems like not all team members will be present here.”

“Nonetheless, the presence of more people doesn’t make a difference to me.”

The girl revealed a faint smile as she said that. I asked the girl

“Is it your first time at a large event venue like this? —Lint-san.”

“Well, it is the first time for me. After all, I’ve been in the training facilities affiliated with the warriors’ training institution for a long time. No, but there are simply humans humans humans, Devils Devils Devils, Fallen Angels, Angels Angels, and occasionally even Gods? Really, I wonder what is going on here?”

Lint Selzan’s tone was completely light-hearted. The new Gremory Team also had another new member. She had been added in as a [Knight], like me, to fill in for the vacancy that Xenovia had left behind as a sword-wielder. Details aside, both the Church and the Grigori strongly recommended her, so she became a member of our team. By the way, similarly to Valerie, neither of them are members of Rias Gremory’s peerage. At present, they are simply members who have been invited to our team for the sake of the tournament…. Selzan—. If she was introduced to Ise-kun, he would definitely be so surprised to hear that name that he would be left speechless. After all, even I was rather astounded when I heard of it. After meeting her, I could more or less see that person’s shadow. Their frivolous tone was quite similar, but she wasn’t vulgar in comparison to that person. In fact, our team actually has another new member, our other team member…. But it looks like they aren’t here. Well, whatever, I’ll see them when it comes time for the match anyway…. However, according to that person’s temperament, if the opponent isn’t immensely strong, then they may not show up…. At least after having completed the registration of members, there isn’t a problem even if they don’t show up at the opening ceremony…. Speaking of which, the opening ceremony only requires either the [King] or the [Queen] of a team to attend. In our case, almost all of us are attending.

Now then, I’ll briefly explain the general outline of this tournament. The first is eligibility for participation. There aren’t any particular restrictions on the participants, and Devils are able to participate in teams that aren’t the peerage they belong to. The only one who is essential for the registration is the core of the team, the [King]. As for the rest of the team members, all they have to do is finalise their registrations before the beginning of a match, and at the same time, changes of team members are also allowed. (Although there seems to be a limit as to the number of members who can be changed at a time), but only the [King] cannot be changed. It is also forbidden for players to participate for two different teams. If this is discovered to have occurred, they will be immediately disqualified. There is also a penalty for the teams that the player belonged to. That is to say, team members can be constantly replaced in this tournament, and new members can also be added to the team. Our team still had some vacancies, and it was not complete.

Next are the tournament’s rules for team formation. Like the Rating Games, there are at most one of the [King] and [Queen], there are at most two of the [Rook], [Bishop] and [Knight] roles, while there can be a maximum of eight [Pawn] positions. This caps the maximum number of team members at sixteen. Players are registered according to their respective roles. As mentioned earlier, the composition of a team is not restricted, so the [King] is able to register their players to roles in accordance with their preferences. Although a Devil might have originally been a [Knight], it is also permitted for them to participate as a [Rook] in this tournament. According to the original [Evil Pieces] and the rules of the Rating Game, the value and number of pieces used to turn someone into their servant varies based on their natural qualities and abilities. But, this concept has practically been abolished under the rules of the current tournament. The special characteristics of each of the chess pieces will activate at the beginning of a match. Even for people who aren’t using the Evil Pieces, as long as they are registered as a [Knight], they will gain the characteristic of increased speed at the beginning of a match. As for the Devils who use the Evil Pieces, if they are registered under a different piece from their original, their inherent piece’s characteristics will be overridden by their tournament piece’s characteristics at the beginning of a match.

For example, if I were to participate as a [Rook], then I would lose the characteristics of my [Knight] piece during a match, and instead gain the characteristics of a [Rook] piece. This was what I thought were one of the most interesting rules of this competition. Secondly, the concept of a pawn piece’s value had been invalidated in this tournament. Even if a servant originally possessed multiple pieces, it would become equivalent to having one unless they were a God-class being. A simple example would be Kuroka, who possesses two [Bishop] pieces, but according to the rules of this tournament, she is counted as having only one. That’s why it would be possible for Vali to register both Kuroka and Le Fay-san as his bishops.

For those who are God-class beings, a single God-class being takes up two of the [Rook], [Knight], or [Bishop] pieces. For those who are regarded as powerful Gods, if they were considered in a one-to-one ratio with others, the competition would become too unbalanced. As such, under most circumstances, one God-class being is considered as being equivalent to two [Rook], [Knight], or [Bishop] pieces. Of course, for the people whose strength is comparable to that of a God-class being, they are also judged according to this standard. However, there is a limit to the conversion of a piece’s value. The limitations for [Pawn] pieces are very strict. It is because a [Pawn] piece can be promoted to a [Queen] that such limitations are in place. Otherwise, there would be many [King] players who would register their strongest players as [Pawn] pieces, and thus the outcome of the Game would depend entirely on the pawns. If there were eight Ultimate-class Devils registered as [Pawn] pieces, who all then promoted to [Queen], the Game would become rather terrifying. Similarly, when God-class beings are registered as [Pawn] pieces, there are many limitations.

What follows are the so-called ‘basics’, which have essentially been abolished. Even though the number of God-class beings participating is less than ten percent, they are still opponents who cannot be underestimated. Among the Gods participating, the most famous one is Śakra [3]. He is one of the most watched figures. He was also attending the opening ceremony, and occupied a corner of the stadium. There was no one who dared to approach that God. When Śakra announced that he was going to participate, there were many other Gods who gave up on the tournament. He was the leader of the magnificent Four Heavenly Kings — Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Virūḍhaka, Virūpākṣa, Vaiśravaṇa [4]; he had immediately become the most favourable candidate.

“……”

And then there was the one who was staring silently at Śakra, the Prince of the Asuras, Mahabali. He had already entered a state of vigilance, and he seemed ready to unleash the fierce aura that covered his body onto Śakra at the earliest opportunity. And the person standing a slight distance away from him and watching on was—.

“Hohoho, you want to fight it out with the Heavenly Emperor? Don’t worry; it won’t be too late to think about it even when the time comes.”

It was the first generation Sun Wukong, the Victorious Fighting Buddha.

“Hey, monkey, why isn’t this opening ceremony thing starting yet?”

“…Grruu I’m hungry.”

The ones beside him who complained were a bearded elderly man, and an old pig-headed man. They were the first-generation Sha Wujing, Golden-bodied Arhat , and the first-generation Zhu Bajie, Cleaner of the Altars.

“Aahhh, aahhh, why do I have to join you as well!?”

Whilst on the other side, a miniature Eastern Dragon was weeping — Yu-Long. In order to suit the opening ceremony, he had reduced his own size.

“……”

The person who sat down silently in meditation was a boy wearing clothing of a lotus design — the Nezha Prince. This line-up was the team that the first-generation Sun Wukong originally led in the ‘Journey to the West’. They had been pushed into the category of being most noteworthy to watch due to their popularity. We had also greeted them earlier.

Next was the Flame Giant who had come from Northern Europe — Surtr. This Flame Giant was probably the most conspicuous person present. With a height of nearly twenty five metres (even this seems to be after a height limiter), a clone of him known as Second-sama was among one of Sirzechs-sama’s peerage members, but this one was the original.

[Gahahahaha!]

Amongst the people gathered in the stadium (at present), the largest one was a blue-skinned giant who was thirty metres tall. He had wings on his back, the upper body of a human, and the lower body of a snake. He was a player from the Greek Mythology, the King of Monsters — Typhon.  There were also Gods who had come from other mythologies, but the few who were just mentioned are the most unique Gods among them. Most of the Gods who were regarded as the most powerful beings from various mythologies participated in the Evil Dragon War against Trihexa as part of the main force…but from the looks of things, there are still quite a few powerful Gods remaining. However, in regards to Gods being able to participate, many had the view that the competition would become unbalanced…. This concern was not incomprehensible. But precisely because this tournament exists, the participants also include a few strong contestants who can compete against the Gods. Moreover, we’ve also overcome that brutal Evil Dragon War, so our own strength has considerably improved. Even if our opponents are Gods, we won’t go down against them so easily.

This World Tournament had gathered the strongest forces of every faction, so there was even the possibility of seeing an unknown team take down a God with strategy alone. According to the rumours, Champion Diehauser Belial, who should still be imprisoned, seems to have registered. It seems like it was something that the Maou Ajuka Beelzebub-sama did. Apparently his [Queen] is attending the opening ceremony on his behalf today. Under the circumstances that he is able to participate, knowing his personality, he would probably make some kind of statement, right…? Well, that’s also somewhat noteworthy.

Among the people who had formed a team within a short timeframe, they had other reasons aside from simply their reputation or honour. This was because the winning team of the tournament would receive a ‘victory prize’. —Being able to fulfil as many wishes as possible. That was what the ‘victory prize’ was. The VIPs of each faction had all supported Azazel-sensei and Sirzechs-sama who advocated the tournament, so they also made efforts to prepare the ‘victory prize’. The research of the Grigori, the technology from Heaven and the Underworld, the World Tree of Norse Mythology and so on, the mysteries of each mythology would be assembled together in order to fulfil the wishes of the champion team. There was no doubt that this announcement was the driving force behind the drastic increase in the number of participants. The participating Gods were also aiming for the ‘victory prize’. In the meantime, the request of ‘Please make the world more chaotic’ had already been denied in advance. Those who carried a wish gathered together. And as a result, the number of participating teams in this tournament was beyond measure. However, in order to enter the actual competition — there would only be sixteen teams in the final tournament. Looking at the number of participating teams, it would be very difficult to squeeze into the top sixteen teams.

According to Rias-neesan’s predictions, as the tournament progresses, the number of teams that abstain will slowly increase…. The qualifying rounds will begin tomorrow, and in comparison to Kuoh Academy’s schedule, it was good that it would continue until the end of our summer break. The system of qualifying rounds is based on the original Rating Game of the Devils, where the number of wins and losses — is in the form of points. This rule was borrowed from the game of chess that the Rating Game was based on. To begin with, each team had 1500 points, and they would accumulate more points by playing matches. If they defeated a team with a higher score than their own, they would receive more points. On the other hand, if they were defeated by a team with a lower score than their own, then their score would fall sharply. Matches in this format would last until the end of summer. At the end of this period, the sixteen teams with the highest score would progress into the final tournament. Since there are more than a thousand teams participating, with even Gods also participating, the threshold to progress into the finals is incredibly high. In addition, participation in the qualifying rounds was decided exclusively by each team. If they wanted to fight, and if they wanted to gain points, then they would register with the organisers, and they would then be matched to a team that also wanted to fight. In other words, the management of a team was entirely dependent on the team itself. Tuning the team’s status as well as its command was key. Rias-neesan said

“The adjustment of the entire team is the most critical thing. The key to victory is not about winning, but to avoid engaging in meaningless fights.”

“If you don’t plan out the schedule properly, you’ll only end up suffering.”

Akeno-san added. The most important thing would be the total number of points earned on the final day of the qualifying rounds. Even if there were several losses, as long as the final score was high enough, it would still be enough to pass the qualifiers. This was what Rias-neesan meant in that the key to victory was not winning. However, having more wins may well be a good thing since points could increase with every win. Even if there was a loss, it would not put anyone at a significant disadvantage. Therefore, it was important to adjust the whole team, so that when it came time to earn points, it wasn’t about winning every single match, but to manage the points in the most optimal manner. Speaking of which…Ise-kun is really late. I looked at my watch as I confirmed that. It was already time for the opening ceremony. There had also been a broadcast announcement saying ‘The opening ceremony will begin soon’. Gasper-kun also seemed worried about Ise-kun as he said

“Ise-senpai is somewhat late…. The minimum requirement for the opening ceremony is to have the [King] or [Queen] present…”

Could it be that someone new whom we don’t recognise has come here as his [Queen] on their own while he’s resting…? I don’t think that’s the case. After all, Ise-kun did say to me ‘I’ll definitely attend the opening ceremony!’. Just while we were worried about where Ise-kun was — the venue became even noisier than it already was.

“H-Hey! Look at that!”

Despite not knowing who shouted that out, we all looked up at the sky. As soon as we looked up — we noticed that there was an enormous object flying towards the venue! It was a flying boat with a hull that was reminiscent of a dragon! Every one of the media’s cameras turned to capture that scene, and the host of the venue also exclaimed loudly.

<<Wow! A flying boat has appeared in the sky above the stadium! What’s more, it’s a flying ship adorned with the design of a dragon, and it has just appeared directly over the stadium! Ah! If we take a look at the footage from the helicopters, it appears as though there are people on board that airship!>>

The large screens within the stadium displayed a live stream. Upon seeing the figure of the person who was on the screen, we couldn’t help but feel amazed. The people who appeared there were Ise-kun and the others wearing a crimson uniform! Rias-neesan exclaimed in surprise

“Ise!? T-Then, that flying ship is Ise’s familiar?”

I see! There was a high chance that that flying boat was Ise-kun’s familiar! The magic boat that Sirzechs-sama’s [Rook] Surtr Second-sama had given to Ise-kun. It was originally so small that it looked like a model ship…but after a while of not having seen it, it had actually become such an enormous airship! Perhaps because of Ise-kun’s growth, it had also grown large in proportion. After growing to such an extent, it had naturally become a flying fortress. Ise-kun’s Dragon Deification may have also influenced its exterior dragon-like appearance. Ise-kun clicked his fingers, and the flying boat became enveloped in a dense smoke — and then became small. Ise-kun and the others then jumped directly down into the stadium, followed by a splendid landing. Ise-kun held Asia-san with a princess carry before letting her down, and moved towards us as soon as he caught sight of us. Ise-kun, Asia-san, Xenovia, Irina-san, Ravel-san, and Rossweisse-san weren’t wearing Kuoh Academy’s uniform, but a similarly styled red uniform; this was probably their team uniform. Following behind Ise-kun was a dragon who was more than ten metres long and with an appearance that was quite similar to the Devil Dragon Tannin-sama. He was Tannin-sama’s son who had wanted to assist Ise-kun. So he also became a member of his team. With the body of an enormous dragon behind him, Ise-kun was really becoming more and more ‘king-like’. However, there was also another member that we didn’t know. It was a masked person who wore a red cloak. Their mask was also red, and one couldn’t help but think of a dragon upon seeing it. They had a slender body, so it was probably a woman…. Ise-kun smiled wryly as he said

“Ah, sorry to make you all wait. We finally finished our uniforms, but only at the last minute.”

I see, so they were late because they were preparing their clothing. Rias-neesan asked Ise-kun

“Then that flying ship — is Ryuuteimaru?”

Asia-san nodded.

“Yes, in fact…its recent growth is what caught Ise-san’s attention…”

…So he only noticed it by coincidence? Well, after all, since he wasn’t always looking at it, perhaps even Ise-kun, as its master had almost forgotten about it. Unusual things always seem to happen at the beginning and end of the year.

“You finally came, Hyoudou Issei.”

—At that time, upon seeing Ise-kun’s flashy entrance, familiar faces began to come over one by one. The first one was Sairaorg Bael-san. Ise-kun also looked pleased to see Sairaorg Bael-san.

“Sairaorg-san! Yes, I’ve come. —Along with my team.”

The next person was — Cao Cao.

“Hehe, it looks like I’ll have an opportunity for revenge.”

“Cao Cao! Yeah, I’ll defeat you head-on this time!”

Ise-kun courageously responded to Cao Cao’s challenge. Then, a special man stood before him. —Vali Lucifer.

“Hyoudou Issei, so you’ve come. Excellent.”

Vali extended his fist out, to which Ise-kun also extended his. Their two fists bumped with each other.

“Yeah, Vali. Let’s have a good battle as the Heavenly Dragons.”

Afterwards, Rias-neesan majestically declared to Ise-kun as his master, lover, and opponent

“Ise, since you’re participating, we’ll be opponents. —I won’t lose to you.”

Ise-kun held Rias-neesan’s hand.

“Me too. Rias, I will defeat you!”

Beside her, Koneko-chan also said to Ise-kun

“Even if it’s Ise-senpai, I won’t let you defeat Rias-neesama. Right, Gya-kun?”

“Of course! —Ise-senpai, since we’ll have to fight, I’ll fight head-on!”

Gasper-kun also fearlessly declared that to Ise-kun. Ise-kun replied delightedly

“Yeah, Gasper. That’s right, us Gremory males have to show our talents.”

I also frankly declared to Ise-kun

“Me too, Ise-kun. I’m also looking forward to a serious match against you from the bottom of my heart.”

I — am Rias Gremory’s sword. Even if the opponent standing in front of me is Ise-kun — I will still cut though him. Ise-kun thrust his fist towards my chest as he said

“Kiba, wait until that time. There’s no need to worry. —Fight me with your true skill!”

After we told each other our true thoughts, our rivals who have fought side by side with us gradually gathered together.

“It looks like we’re all here. Well well, it looks like this competition will become quite interesting.”

“Ufufu, I won’t lose. Rias, Ise-kun.”

“Rather than the [Rookies Four], it would be better to call this a competition between the elites of every faction.”

“Since you’re here to participate, that’s better than anything.”

Dulio-san, the Sitri team, Seekvaira Agares-san, Ikuse Tobio; the members of [DxD] had all gathered together. And then, the official announcement for the opening ceremony was broadcast.

<<The time has come. The Rating Game World Tournament, the opening ceremony of the [Azazel Cup] is now officially starting. Would the teams please—>>

Just like that, our short and long final high school life began with the opening ceremony of the World Tournament.

[1] Council President and Club President respectively.
[2] A multi-purpose squarish stadium in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward, with a width of approximately 216m.
[3] Śakra goes by various names, such as Indra, The Heavenly Emperor, and Taishakuten.
[4] The romanised Japanese names and their meanings respectively: Jikoku-ten (he who upholds the realm), Zōchō-ten (he who causes to grow), Kōmoku-ten (he who sees all), Bishamon-ten (he who hears everything).

cr: http://www.zxzxzx.info, https://shincodezeroblog.wordpress.com

It begins feast.

Around a bit after Rias-neesan’s graduation when it entered the Summer holiday———

All of us that had an express tour starting from the Hokkaido located at the North down to Okinawa located in the South for the graduation tour. It was a tour filled with many kind of emotions, but I’ll use another occasion to talk about that.

During such tour, on the morning of the final day when we were at Okinawa when we all woke up ——— Ise-kun, Asia-san, Xenovia, Irina-san, Ravel-san, and Rossweisse-san had already left the hotel in Naha.

Rias-neesan who found that out sighed in astonishment.

“……To behave like, no, to make action like a [King]. It sure is like him.”

Yes, during the holiday no matter how much spree he stirred, he must have left the hotel with the right attitude.

Rias-neesan looks out to the blue ocean from the window of the hotel room as she stroke her red hair back.

“Now then. We should also start making plans for the tournament. Obviously after we eat our breakfast, that is.”

And so, the feast begins quietly———

What will begin now is an intense feast to find out who is the “strongest” among all of those rivals we have met till now as well as those strong foes we would be meeting from now.

Life.3 Gremory’s Graduation Ceremony

On the day of the graduation———

On that day, Rias woke up early as usual and started to put her uniform on as usual.

However———this will be the last time she will be wearing it as a high school student. She said she wanted to head to school before others finds out so she went to school while taking Akeno-san with her.

———She says it to me as well.

“Ise, you come with us as well.”
Rias, Akeno-san, and I head to school with just the three of us. On our way there Akeno-san grabs my arm so there was a situation where Rias competes with her by taking my other arm. It’s like usual. But from tomorrow, this won’t be happening anymore. When I think about that……I start to feel sad.

The Kuou Academy where no one is here yet……or that’s what I thought anyway. Two familiar faces are standing at the school gate and are cleaning the area.

“Oh, Rias, Akeno, and Ise-kun. How are all of doing?”

Oh man, the former student president Sona and the former student vice-president Shinra are cleaning the school gate with a broom! Wow, I never imagined there would be someone who would come to school earlier than Rias and Akeno-san……

The former president then says.

“Ufufu, I couldn’t help myself but to wake up early today. There wasn’t anything I could do at home so I decided to come a bit early to start cleaning here. Then I found Tsubaki here……”

“Yes, for some reason I woke up early today of all days……”

So the four graduates ended up waking early huh. Rias, Akeno-san, the former student president, and the former student vice-president starts to laugh.

After saying good bye to the former student president and the former student vice-president, the place we headed to wasn’t the school building but the old school building. ———We are on our way to the ORC room.

The three of us enter the room.

The view of the clubroom which is no different than usual. Even though Rias and Akeno-san hasn’t been showing up that much, we still continued to use it normally. We can’t suddenly become pathetic just because the seniors left after all.

This place is……a room which Rias and others rebuilt.

Rias goes to the club president’s desk slowly.

“Ufufu, I will make some tea then.”

Akeno-san starts to boil water like usual.

Rias sits on the club-president’s chair. It really has been a while seeing this view. Right now it is Asia who is sitting on that chair. I feel bad for Asia but it certainly does suit Rias better sitting on that chair.

Rias then says.

“……It was just the two of us until Yuuto and others joined here, wasn’t it, Akeno?”

“Yes. We went around the academy in order to preserve this club somehow. Even though we lacked in number of members.”

Akeno-san starts to chuckle.

“Even still, we couldn’t increase members if we take in account about our identity…… Did you know, Ise? That at the beginning Sona and Tsubaki came here frequently? That’s why it wasn’t unexpectedly lonely at all.”

“That was something we could do only at that time.”

Hmm, it’s my first time hearing that. So when Rias was in her first year, the former student president and the former student vice-president came here where the four of them spent their time here quite often.

“Even a year after that, the only person to join our club was just Yuuto and even still we only had three members. That boy was very formal and considerate with us than he needed to be because he was a year below us.”

“He sure did come here before both of us arrived and was cleaning this place. He did things from cleaning the floors to cleaning the windows and he even went so far to clean the whole old school building. ……Even though it was only the three of us using this place. I am quite sure that Yuuto-kun was working really hard because he wanted us to use this place to our heart’s content.”

……That Kiba had a time where he acted like that when he was a first year, huh. With his personality it won’t surprise me he would act that way. He adores Rias and Akeno-san like his older sister more than anyone———

“……It really was a shock when we became a third year. When we thought the only new members were only going to be Koneko and Gasper———there were Ise, Asia, Xenovia, Irina, and Ravel that joined this club while Azazel and Rossweisse who became the supervisor of this club. Fufu, we increased the number of people all at once.”

“Ufufu, now we won’t have anyone question our club due to the lack of members anymore.”

Yeah. More people started to join after I came here. ……I don’t know about the club when they lacked in numbers so I can’t imagine what’s it like to have just two or three people.

This is quite a big old school building. ……So it was too big for them I guess.

From there Rias became silent. That’s because she is looking around the room with such sad and loving eyes———

But Rias is also laughing as if she found it funny.

“……Though we will continue to use this place for Devil’s work from tomorrow as well. Rather than separating from this place for eternity, we will be using this place more frequently from now on. ……Though I do feel really sad that I won’t be able to visit this place after school as a student anymore.”

“……These three years, it sure does feel like it was short, hasn’t it, Rias?”

“……For a Devil’s life, three-years is just an instance. ———But.”

“ “It sure was a good time.” ”

Both of them says the same thing at the same time with the same tone.

The two of them starts to laugh.

Akeno-san then says.

“This experience will be my eternal treasure. Rias, thank you for inviting me to this place. I really enjoyed my time here.”

She gives me and Rias a black tea she just made and then said that. ———There are tears in her eyes.

Rias says it as she lifts her cup.

“I am also glad that I invited you here. You have my thanks for supporting me this far as my club vice-president. And please do take care of me from now on as well, Akeno. My [Queen], as well my best friend……”

Rias makes the brightest smile she can.

It sure does make me think that there are times which only these two can share.

Rias then says it to me.

“The story of the past of me and Akeno. I wanted to share it with you so that’s why we brought you here with us. But it seems like we need to share it with others as well.”

That’s because we started hearing noisy footsteps.

The one who comes in by opening the door is ——— the other members! It seems like they came chasing after us since they somehow predicted this. It seems like Kiba and Gasper also got a call from them so they are with them as well.

Irina then says.

“Geez! Rias-san, Akeno-san, and Ise-kun! You came here while keeping it a secret from us!”

Rossweisse-san came rushing in with her formal uniform.

“Please don’t leave me, your supervisor, behind!”

Kiba then says it with a smile.

“How about we do the final club activity with the members here? Even just having a talk sounds fine.”

The remaining students and Rossweisse-san also responded by saying “sounds good!”.

Rias and Akeno-san looks at each other and bursts in laughter.

“Yeah, I guess I will have all of you tag along with Akeno and my final ORC activity till the time for our graduation ceremony. Akeno, please make tea for everyone as well.”

“Oh my. Understood, Buchou.”

Like this, we are told of the past story of Rias and Akeno-san till the time allowed us———

It was really fun since we are told of an embarrassing story of Kiba and Gasper.

……This may be the last time Rias and Akeno-san comes here in their uniform.

But ——— even from now, we will always be together.

And furthermore, they will always be Rias-buchou and Akeno-fukubuchou to us.

It happens right before the ceremony.

When we came walking out from the classroom and are walking on the corridor which leads to gymnasium. I get a glimpse of someone talking to Rias.

Oh my! It’s Sairaorg-san!

“So you came, Sairaorg.”

“Congratulation on graduating, Rias. It is my cousins and my peers’ important graduation after all. Let me congratulate all of you today.”

I run towards them and talked to them.

“Sairaorg-san!”

I run towards them while waving my hand. But Sairaorg-san smiles at seeing me and then says;

“Hyoudou Issei, behave more elegantly. You are a High-class Devil after all.”

“Y-Yes. Though I still don’t get the feeling that I am one.”

“Fu, you will eventually. That’s what a real man is.”
When we are having such discussion, Rias gets called by another graduate: “Rias-san, it’s about time we return to the classroom once.” Rias also responds by saying, “Yes, thank you.”

“Then Ise, Sairaorg. I will be heading off then. Thank you for coming today.”

Just saying that, Rias goes inside the school building.

Sairaorg-san and myself that are left behind.

Sairaorg-san then says it to me.

“I couldn’t say it last time since it was your important ritual…… But I am also planning to participate in the tournament.”

“Yes, I knew you would.”

Or else it wouldn’t be like Sairaorg-san at all. It’s the tournament where all the strong people and Gods will be gathering at. There is no reason for him to not participate.

Sairaorg-san then smirks.

“It’s those guys that we are talking about. They must have sent you a declare of challenge. It isn’t hard to imagine at all.”

“Well, I did have all these people sending me their words.”

……Yeah, there were Vali, Saji, Raiser, Shiva, Mahabali, and Cao Cao that spoke to me about it,

Sairaorg-san says it again straight to my face.

“I don’t like to say it in a vague way so let me say it clearly. ———Participate in the tournament. No matter in what way. I don’t know if I can have a rematch with you and Rias, but knowing you two will participate will burn up my passion. Even if our opponent may be a God, the intense days of battle which you and I overcome won’t be a vain. Hyoudou Issei, I shall be waiting for you.”

Just saying that, Sairaorg-san walks towards the gymnasium as one of the guests.

……I know, Sairaorg-san.

……I have already made up my mind!

I crunch my fist. But right now I am a student who needs to send of the graduates. I walk into the gymnasium with a clear mind———

And then the graduation ceremony begins———

As there are claps from the current students and the guardians, the graduates enter the gymnasium.

I become curious and look at where the guardians are sitting.

A crimson-haired gentleman with a digital camera in one of his hand appears within my sight. Ah, it’s Rias’s dad! Next to him is Rias’s mom. She looks young! Other guardian probably thinks that she is Rias’s older sister or something.

Barakiel-san is also here……and he’s already crying so much where he has things coming from his nose. And he’s obviously recording this with his digital camera. ……Barakiel-san, the ceremony just started. Ah, Akeno-san who is walking at the centre of the gymnasium sees Barakiel-san and has her face turn red! She must be embarrassed since her dad is in tears already……

I wonder what will happen to Barakiel-san when Akeno receives her certificate or when she sings the graduation song……

Ah, a silver-haired woman! Grayfia-san is also sitting a bit away from them. ……It’s been awhile since I last saw Grayfia-san. Oh, and next to her is a crimson-haired boy ——— Milicas! Maybe they came here on behalf of Sirzechs-sama.

And so the ceremony begins by the national anthem, the school anthem, and then it ended with the passing of their certificate.

Xenovia who is the student president comes up to the stage to represent the current student to give their farewell to the graduates by giving her speech.

I would never have imagined this scene where Xenovia would give her thanks to the graduates. You wouldn’t imagine her in this situation when you first met her or when she was the member of our club.

[The formal reply from the graduates will be made by their representative, Shitori Souna-san.]

“Yes.”

Then the former president gets called over for the formal reply from the graduates where she comes up to the stage.

[Today at March where the smells of Spring would float, we will adventure out from this school.]

The former president who stood at the stage started with such greetings and then starts to give her thanks for all of those involved in this ceremony.

She spoke from her memory when she was a first year till events which left strong impression to her.

[We experienced by having many kind of meetings in the past three years……as well as separation. The experience we had by meeting many people in this place will definitely become an irreplaceable memory to us. And also with those we separated from———]

The former president stopped her words for a moment there. There is a single tear drop falling from her eye.

[……I would like to move forward while believing that we will meet with those who we separated from one day in the future. I believe showing them how much we have matured when we reunite with them will be the most important thing.]

……I can understand that is her reply from thinking about Serafall-sama and others that weren’t able to come here.

Yeah, it’s exactly like what the former president said. We need to move forward while believing that we will definitely meet them again and need to show them how much we have matured when we reunite with them.

That’s the most important thing———

[———From the third-year representative, Shitori Souna.]

After she bows her head down she receives many applauses.

Like this, the graduation proceeds forward quietly where we sent off the graduates———.

The third year who has just finished their ceremony———

Those who are smiling. Those who are in tears. Those who are embracing each other. Those who are taking picture together. There are many different responses.

Among those students, Rias and Akeno-san who has finished their ceremony goes past the school gate while carrying the cylindrical container with the certificate inside it.

The one who awaits them are us, the ORC members. We need to take Rias and Akeno-san to a place where they won’t be seen much by the other students.

As the ceremony has ended there is something I want to tell Rias. It’s an important issue. Something important for the both of us———.

But before that there are those who needs to say something to her,

It’s the three of Kiba, Koneko, and Gasper. The truth is I had been consulting with these three. That’s why I will give my all in helping them. More like, do it guys!

I push the three of them and make them face Rias.

“First of all, the three of Kiba, Koneko-chan, and Gasper wants say something. Hurry, you three have made up your mind already, haven’t you?”

Kiba, Koneko-chan, and Gasper stands in front of Rias and have a nervous look.

“Y-Yeah. U-Umm……congratulation on your graduation.”

“Congratulation.”

“Congratulation!”

It’s rare to see Kiba turn this red and make a panicked voice. Well, I can understand the reason why after hearing it from them. But these three are the ones who said they want to do it so then they need to become brave and do it.

“Yes, thank you, Yuuto, Koneko, Gasper.”

Rias smiles happily.

But Kiba continues while feeling shy.

“S-Since……you have……already graduated……from Kuou academy high school division and retired from being the club president of ORC……”

Rias starts to chuckle at seeing Kiba and the other two acting a bit confused.

“Geez, Yuuto, Koneko, Gasper. What is it? The three of you aren’t acting like you usually do. You need to tell me clearly of what you are trying to say———”

Then the three of them says it while interrupting Rias’s words.

“———Rias-neesan.”

Koneko-chan and Gasper continues after Kiba’s bold act.

“R, Rias-neesama……”

“R, Rias, o-oneechan~!”

Rias who is at the centre of attention gets shocked the moment they said that and froze.

It must have been something she didn’t anticipate.

“We thought it would fit better to call you in such way rather than calling you Buchou……”

Yes, that’s what they consulted me and other girls about. As Rias and Akeno-san’s graduation approached us, we were called by those three regarding how they should address Rias.

Rias will be graduating and she will officially resign from being a “Buchou”. It would be weird to call her the former club president, hence the reason why they used their courage to make such determination.

Hearing their determination, the new ORC consisted of Asia, Xenovia, Irina, Ravel, Rossweisse-san, and myself motivated them to do it by saying “You guys must do it!”

And so, Rias who was called in such way———

“…………”
She is silently shedding her tears and is covering her face with her hand.

Kiba and the other two panics at her sudden change.

“U-Umm, was it weird!? Were we impolite!?”

“W-We are sorry!”

“S-Sorry~!”

Kiba, Koneko-chan, and Gasper who apologises to her. But Rias shakes her head to the side.

Rias wipes her tears with her finger but it doesn’t stop her from shedding more tears.

“……No, that’s not it. It’s because I’m so happy…… I never thought I would hear words which would make me more emotional than the ceremony once I passed through the school gate.”

She must really be happy. Rias is simply shedding her tears.

She really must have wanted them to call her that way. Rias thinks her peerage as her family. She saw these three as her younger brothers and younger sister.

That’s why she must have wanted them to call her like that.

After Rias calms herself down she says it to these three with a naughty look.

“Call me that one more time.”

“ “ “Eh?” ” ”

The three of them are dumbfounded by her sudden words. She says it again while putting her ears towards them.

“Oh, you won’t call me that then?”
Kiba, Koneko-chan, and Gasper turns red again and says it with courage.

“Ah, umm……Rias-neesan……”

“……Rias-neesama.”

“……O-Oneechan.”
“Ufufufu, this sure does make me happy.”
Rias becomes so happy that she starts skipping on the spot.

Yeah, she really must have wanted them to call her that way. It really must have been an amazing surprise.

Seeing this, Akeno-san says it to them in a teasing manner.

“Oh my, I want to be called Oneechan as well.”

Kiba says it with a troubled look.

“We think of you as our older sister as well……but it’s become so fitting to call you Akeno-san both at private and public times……”

The good-looking guy is acting like a younger brother fitting his age……no, more like younger than his age. The former student vice-president Shinra……No, Shinra-senpai will also have blood bursting from her nose if she sees this.

“W-We will call you it one day! But our heart was already at its limit by preparing to say Rias-oneechan~!”

Everyone burst in laughter after hearing Gasper’s words.

Well, I guess time will solve the way they address Akeno-san. ……Yeah, it sure does feel like its peaceful. Maybe the Great Red and Ophis inside me are being very satisfied at seeing this.

……Now then, I guess it’s my turn then.

I take a step forward to Rias.

“Can I also say something?”

“Sure, so what do you want to say, Ise?”

I continue while scratching my cheek.

“Umm……there’s one thing I made up my mind about. Once you graduated, you will no longer be the Buchou of this ORC nor will you be the student of this division, so that’s why I wanted to make a proper decision and……”

What I made my mind about ——— is my usual conversation with Rias.

To be honest, I was a bit troubled in the way we had talk to each other. I know inside my head that during our private times I need to talk to her without being formal or without creating a gap between our social standing since we are dating.

But the situation around us has been hectic where we had to go the Underworld, the Heaven, and the country of Vampires……where we met all sort of people and there were times we had to talk to VIP people. And everytime we encounter such situation, our public life and private life gets mixed up and there are times where the way I talk to her gets mixed up as well.

———Right now I am confused in how I should talk to Rias.

But I thought being confused by it when I’m dating Rias would be bad. So I felt I need to make a proper decision definitely.

That’s why her graduation ceremony was a good occasion.

Yeah, I shall act like it from today. The relation between me and Rias———

I say it to her straightforward. In order to show my manly side———

“Rias, congrats on graduating. From today, I am hoping I can talk to you casually. My own graduation from talking formally to you……I guess. There will be times when I need to speak in formal manner to you at public as you are my Master. But apart from that, I am hoping I can talk to you in a casual manner like this at other times.”

Rias makes a big smile. She then grabs my hand and shows how happy she is.

“Yes, I’m so happy to hear that. Today really was the best graduation!”

I’m so glad.

The others and myself made a certain determination today and it feels like we can enter a new relation with her.

Yeah, that is why I should tell her about it right now.

“And there is more thing I need all of you to hear.”

I make eye-contact with Asia, Ravel, and Xenovia. They gather around me. I say it after confirming that.

“———I will also be participating in the Rating Game tournament with my own team. Asia, Xenovia, and Ravel are determined to follow me.”

I revealed my thought to Asia, Xenovia, and Ravel on that day when we were returning from my high-class promotion ceremony when we were inside the train.

They accepted my thought gladly.

I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t resist the flame ignited inside me.

If this was an ordinary Rating Game then I would have happily participated as Rias’s [Pawn]. But due to several factors such as the world tournament, the requirement to participate in it, and the words passed on to me from my rivals, I turned into a state where I couldn’t resist participating since the “manly” passion inside me was burning.

I’m going to create my own team so I can fight those guys———.

I ask Rias straightforward.

“Will you allow me to participate, Rias?”

Rias put on a courageous look and nods her head.

“Yes, of course. Since you have become a High-class Devil, there will be no way you could decline Sairaorg and Vali’s request.”

Yeah, I knew you would say that……! You always watched over me while standing next to me. And she’ my important benefactor, my master, and my lover who has led me this far!

Akeno-san, Kiba, Koneko-chan, and Gasper gathers around Rias.

Rias then says it front of my team.

“———I will also participate. As I am going to officially participate in the Rating Game in the future, the upcoming event will be a good opportunity. No matter what result we get, participating in it will be a great experience for us. Even if that means that we have to fight you———”

Yes, as the rule goes it is possible for us to fight each other. This is indeed the factor you would rarely be able to experience in your average Rating Game.

Rossweisse-san who doesn’t know which side she should pick is acting really confused.

Rias then says.

“Rossweisse.”

“Y-Yes, what is it, Rias-san?”

“You would be going to Ise’s team as well.”
[———!?]

Everyone becomes shocked at her words! It was natural for Asia, Xenovia, and Ravel to be in my team since they have told me that they wanted to since before.

But it’s not like I made such promise with Rossweisse-san so it wouldn’t be weird if she stayed in Rias’s team.

“You would be a able to fill the hole by going to Ise’s team rather than staying in my team.”

“B-But, Rias-san! E-Even still, I am your servant and———”

Rossweisse-san turned into a Devil in a rush, but now she is feeling grateful to Rias from bottom of her heart and is now one of the important members of Rias Gremory’s peerage. Rossweisse-san is also feeling proud of that fact.

Rias hugs Rossweisse-san gently and then says this gently.

“Yes, you are my precious servant. However, I believe that you will be able to release all of your potential the most by serving under Ise. And Ise will also be needing your help. He will need your strength more than me. I believe that your magic will become Ise’s support. I didn’t bring you up in the trade several days ago, but still, Rossweisse, I want you to help Ise.”

Rossweisse-san hugs Rias while having tears in her eyes.

Rias then says.

“Didn’t I say that this isn’t going to be an eternal farewell before? From a large perspective the members here are all Rias Gremory’s peerage, you know? My comrades and my family. It’s just that we may happen to be competing with each other sometimes. We are family that will continue to live together tomorrow and even the day after tomorrow.”

“Uuu~! Rias-saaaaaan~! I! I will help Ise-kun, don’t ya worry! Watch over me with warms eyes, will yaaaa~!”

Ah man, her accent is back……

I see. So Rossweisse-san will also be coming to me———

But, I wonder if that’s okay? I look at Rias’s face after feeling worried. Perhaps she read through my mind so this is what she says.

“I am also exploring my own team. One of the fixation is to build a new team while having the old ORC members is the centre of it. Though the one I’m planning right now will be for the upcoming tournament.”

So ——— a new team which has the old ORC members as the core of it, huh.

Rias continues.

“……After meeting Ise, I have encountered many situations and have met with all sorts of people. That may have been destiny, but what triggered it is the meeting with Ise and Asia. From then on, I have met people starting from Xenovia. That is really important to me. But somewhere inside me is telling me it was something which was brought by Ise who is the Sekiryuutei.”

“No, Rias that is———”

That isn’t it! This is all destiny! It’s not just me, but I think those were the destiny which was attracted by you!

It seems like Rias understand that too, so she continues by interrupting my words.

“I know what you want to say. If I start think too seriously about it in such ways, then I would be devaluing myself. That’s why I have got rid of such thinking out of my head and concluded that everything because it had to happen. But you know, planning a new team with the original ORC members as the centre of it definitely seemed interesting. More rather, simply imagining it would take my interest. I am positive there is a team which is possible to plan by using all the battle experience we had as a reference. ———How can I defeat Sairaorg’s team, Sona’s team, and Vali team……? I wasn’t able to go to sleep by simply imagining it. Being able to have such imagination is what the upcoming tournament is.”

———That is true.

I couldn’t help but feel my dream and ambition of making my own team freely which is accordingly to the upcoming tournament’s rule. I ended up thinking all the time for what I would need to do in order for me team to defeat Vali’s team and Cao Cao’s team.

Perhaps the thing Rias has been writing on my desk at night before the ceremony as she got out of my bed means……that she was coming up with a team for the tournament!

Irina raises her hand when Rias and I spoke of what was going in our minds.

“U-Umm…… This is a good occasion so can you guys listen to me for a sec?”

Saying that she continues.

“Currently there are teams organized for the tournament which is mainly consisted of the Reincarnated Angels. The team which has the Joker as the [King] has begun being formed. But I’m planning to decline from joining that team.”

Irina looks at my way. She has determined eyes.

“———I want to join Ise-kun’s team.”

[———!?]

Everyone becomes shocked at her words! If Irina who isn’t a Devil or my servant says that then everyone here will be shocked!

Irina then continues.

“It is something I decided on my own which I kept it a secret from others ever since when Ise-kun’s High-class promotion ceremony ended. Even the higher-ups are fine if it’s Ise-kun and they are even supportive of it.”

Irina who looks up the sky.

“Everyone in Heaven is important to me. I haven’t forgotten my faith. There isn’t a day where I don’t think about the lord and Michael-sama. ———But the feeling of wanting to fight alongside Xenovia and Asia-san in a big competition like this was also strong. At the end, I couldn’t let go off that feeling.”

She walks towards my team and then stands besides me. She then shouted out from her heart.

“I-I……want to be honest with the feeling of love inside me and live like that! That’s why I want to fight as a part of Ise-kun’s team!”

……Irina. You are that determined to come to my team……

“If Irina is willing to come then I can’t ask for a more strong support. ———Will you join my team?”

When I ask her, she replies with a big smile.

“Yes, of course! Darling!”

Irina jumps into where Asia and Xenovia are.

“Xenovia! Asia-san! Once again, please take care of me!”

“Sure, Irina! You and I are eternal swordswoman pair! And with Asia———”

“Yes! The team of this three is unbeatable!”

The three of Irina, Xenovia, and Asia are hugging each other and starts spinning around together.

So Irina and Rossweisse-san are now in my team…… Looks like I need to discuss about the team with Ravel from the scratch.

Now then. I have discussed my relation with Rias and the Rating Game tournament.

This is the final stunt. The man, Hyoudou Issei’s biggest and the most important shining moment! I decided that I will tell Rias once she graduates!

I take Rias’s hand and then tell her.

“I want to tell you something last which is really important.”

“……What is it?”

I then tell her directly!

“One day, I will be able to stand beside you equally……more like, I will achieve a social standing equal to you. I want us to become a pair which would be called fitting from anyone’s perspective as the same High-class Devil. What I want to say is———in the future I want you to lead the same life as me.”

———The promise of the future.

I decided to tell her once I become a High-class Devil. I decided I will tell Rias once it is her graduation.

That’s why I told her. I told her, god dammmmmmmmmmmmit!

It seems like this was something really unexpected for Rias.

“———!”

Seems like she has a feeling she can’t express by words.

She turns all red, and then———

“……Yes!”

…………! She gave me her answer!!

The promise of our futureeeeee!!

She gave me her consennnnnnnnnnnnt!!

[Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo~!!]

Everyone becomes so hyped that they start shouting.

“Alrighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhht!”

I scream at the spot and shouted my joy by full throttle!

Azazel-sensei! I did itttttt!

I! I will polish myself as a manlier man and definitely will become a man who is suited for Rias, oh yes I wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiill!

———Perhaps they came because they heard my voice. Matsuda and Motohama suddenly appears from nowhere.

“Ah, you were here, Ise!”

“Ah, Rias-senpai is crying!”

Both of them gets shocked when they see Rias crying.

Yeah, this is a good occasion. I’ll tell them. Let’s tell them.

I stand besides Rias.

“Ah, I should be clean about it. Matsuda, Motohama. ———The truth is, we are dating.”

I tell them while stroking below my nose with my finger.

“……………………”

“……………………”

The two of them couldn’t understand what they were told for a moment. But it appears they know it’s real after they looked at Rias and my face where Rias even nodded her head.

“ “Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?” ”

The shout of their soul which was even louder than our shouts from before echoed within the area———

That day, at the after party for the graduation ceremony, the two idiots started asking me for answers about this and that.

……The two guys who seemed like they are shedding tears of blood started screaming in tears by calling me a “traitor!” and telling me to “go and die!” with hatred in their words.

Hehe, well, it looks like I solved many issues today.

After the after party, I did a trade with Rias to make Rossweisse-san my servant.

———Now then, let’s do this. Let’s go.

The real deal starts from here! First of all, I need to find potential team members!

Even if they aren’t my servants, I will gather my own team members in order to win through the world tournament and defeat strong foes!

Ddraig, I will have you tag along with me, okay?

[Yeah, of course. As long as Albion and Vali Lucifer participating in the tournament, then there is no reason for me, no, there is no reason for us to not appear.]

You’re right about that. I won’t allow Vali to lose against someone besides me.

———Wait for me, Vali. Wait for me, my rivals!

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