(Third Person POV—Issei Hyoudou)
"It's about time. Everyone, please head to the magic circle."
Grayfia Lucifuge's voice carried the kind of authority that didn't allow hesitation. The moment her words fell, the entire Gremory peerage moved in unison.
Issei Hyoudou stepped forward with the others, his boots scraping lightly against the wooden floor as they gathered around the glowing summoning circle at the center of the Occult Research Clubroom. The air hummed with dense demonic power, thick enough to prickle against his skin. It wasn't hostile—but it was heavy, like the world itself was holding its breath.
"Also," Grayfia added calmly, as if stating an obvious fact, "once you are transported, you will not be able to use the magic circle until the game ends."
No retreat.
No escape.
It was victory or defeat—nothing in between.
Issei swallowed, his throat suddenly dry.
The magic circle beneath their feet began to shift. Symbols twisted and rearranged themselves, lines bending into unfamiliar runes. This wasn't the Gremory crest, nor the Phoenix emblem. It was something neutral, refined, and absolute—designed solely for the Rating Game.
Light exploded upward.
For a moment, Issei felt weightless.
Then—
"…Huh?"
His eyes snapped open.
They were still in the clubroom.
At least, that's what it looked like.
Issei blinked, scanning the room carefully. The same shelves. The same couch. Even the faint crack near the corner of the wooden floorboards was there. The ceiling fan hung at its familiar crooked angle, unmoving.
"…Wait," he muttered. "This is…?"
"A replica," Kiba said calmly, already inspecting the window. "An exact one."
Asia let out a quiet sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly. Koneko and Akeno remained composed, as if they had expected this outcome from the start. Rias stood near the center of the room, her expression unreadable.
Issei scratched his cheek.
Honestly? This was good.
If the battlefield had been something insane—floating islands, lava fields, or some ridiculous hellscape—it would've ruined half his planning. A familiar environment meant familiarity bred advantage.
My advantage.
"This works for me," Issei thought, lips curling faintly.
Grayfia was gone. No trace of her physical presence remained.
Then the speakers crackled to life.
[Hello, everyone.]
Issei stiffened slightly as Grayfia's voice echoed from every corner of the room.
[I am Grayfia Lucifuge of the House of Gremory. I will be serving as the arbiter of this Rating Match between the House of Gremory and the House of Phoenix.]
Even knowing it was coming, the announcement sent a shiver through him. This was it. No more preparation. No more waiting.
By the authority of my master, Sirzechs Lucifer, I will oversee this match. Using the input of both Rias-sama and Riser-sama, the battlefield has been created as a replica of Kuoh Academy, the human-world school Rias-sama attends.
Issei nodded slowly.
Figures.
Home turf—for better or worse.
Each team has been transported to their designated base. Rias-sama's base is the Occult Research Clubroom in the old school building. Riser-sama's base is the Student Council Room in the new school building.
That confirmed it.
[For any Pawn wishing to promote, they must reach the enemy's base.]
Chess rules.
Clear. Simple. Brutal.
Issei glanced at Rias.
She stood straight, hands folded beneath her chest, crimson hair flowing softly as demonic energy stirred the air around her. Her face was calm—but Issei knew her well enough now to see past that.
This game wasn't just politics.
It was her freedom.
Her pride.
Her declaration that she wasn't a bargaining chip.
"Everyone," Rias said, her voice steady and commanding, "remain alert. We don't know how Riser will divide his forces, but we can assume he will attack aggressively."
Kiba nodded. "He'll likely use multiple strike teams. His queen is known to be extremely powerful."
Akeno smiled softly, though there was something sharp behind it. "Overconfidence is his greatest flaw. Devils like him tend to mistake arrogance for inevitability."
Issei stepped forward before he could second-guess himself.
"I'll move out first."
Every eye in the room turned toward him.
Asia's hands clenched. "I-Issei-san…"
"I'm a Pawn," Issei said simply, grinning as if this were obvious. "If I want to promote, I need to reach their base anyway. I'll scout the route between buildings and test the waters. I won't engage unless I have to."
Kiba frowned. "That's risky."
"Yeah," Issei replied. "But that's literally my job."
Rias studied him for a long moment.
Then she nodded.
"Very well. Kiba, shadow him. Do not engage unless necessary. Koneko and Akeno, defend the clubroom. Asia, stay with them."
"Understood," they replied in unison.
Issei felt the familiar mechanical sensation crawl over his left arm.
Clunk.
The Boosted Gear manifested, crimson and solid, its emerald gem glowing faintly.
"Boost."
The jewel pulsed once, power flowing into his body.
Rias met his gaze. "Be careful, Issei."
He smirked. "Careful" is my middle name.
(It absolutely was not.)
"And if I lose," he added under his breath, "Arthur-san is going to roast me for eternity."
He turned and pushed the door open.
Kiba followed closely behind.
The hallway beyond was eerily perfect. Lockers stood in neat rows. Bulletin boards were plastered with the same notices Issei remembered seeing during normal school days. Even the scuff marks on the floor were there.
It felt wrong.
Like the school itself was holding still, waiting to be shattered.
"You've changed," Kiba said quietly as they walked.
Issei didn't look back. "Yeah."
A brief pause.
"Sebas-san didn't exactly give me the luxury of staying clueless," Issei continued. "After that training… I realized something."
"What's that?"
"If I keep being the same idiot," Issei said, eyes forward, "I'll lose everything that matters."
Kiba smiled faintly. "Still planning to sneak into the women's changing room afterward?"
Issei snorted. "Of course. Character development doesn't mean character assassination."
He didn't reply, but Issei heard the smile in his breath.
This was it. Game on. Onee-san's waiting for me; you knights in shining armor are coming.
❌❌❌
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