Issei was still sprinting toward the sports court when the air itself seemed to stiffen.
Then it came.
Grayfia's voice—calm, absolute, and impossible to ignore—rang out from above, echoing across the entire battlefield like a divine decree.
[Raiser Phoenix-sama's three Pawns have retired.]
The words hit Issei like a physical blow.
He skidded to a halt, boots scraping against the floor, his breath catching in his throat. Kiba stopped beside him just as abruptly, both of them staring ahead in stunned silence.
Three.
Three Pawns—gone.
"That's…" Issei swallowed. "That's huge."
Raiser had five pawns in total. Losing three in one exchange wasn't just a setback—it was a collapse of his frontline. And Issei knew for a fact that Rias and Asia hadn't arrived yet. Akeno was still locked in combat elsewhere.
Which meant—
"Koneko…" Issei muttered.
As if summoned by his voice, a hand suddenly clamped down on his arm.
His body reacted instantly.
Issei twisted, muscles tensing, demonic energy flaring—only to stop short when he saw who it was.
Koneko Toujou.
She stood behind him, expression as flat as ever, golden eyes calm and focused. No visible injuries. No heavy breathing. Just… there.
"Oh," Issei exhaled, relief washing over him. "It's you."
"Yup," Koneko replied simply.
She released his arm and crouched beside a storage unit near the edge of the sports court, positioning herself in a perfect blind spot. Issei and Kiba followed her instinctively, kneeling beside her as they peeked out toward the open floor.
Kiba glanced at her, eyes sharp. "You were the one who defeated those Pawns, weren't you?"
Koneko nodded once. "They were too noisy."
Issei almost laughed.
Almost.
That was Koneko—no pride, no drama. Just overwhelming force applied efficiently.
Her gaze never left the court as she continued, voice steady and emotionless.
"There are three enemies remaining here. One Knight. One Rook. One Bishop."
Issei frowned. "That's a tight setup."
"They're fortifying this area," Kiba added quietly. "Holding the court itself."
Before any of them could formulate a plan—
CLANG!
A sharp, metallic sound rang out as steel struck the floor.
At the center of the court stood a woman clad in silver armor, its design a fusion of European knightly plate and Japanese samurai influence. Her light brown hair flowed freely behind her helm-less head, green eyes blazing with confidence.
She drove her sword into the ground and raised her voice.
"I am Carlamaine—Knight of Raiser Phoenix-sama!"
Her declaration echoed proudly through the space.
"This tiresome game of sneaking and positioning has grown dull! Rias Gremory's Rook—come forth! Face me in honorable combat!"
Issei winced. "She's loud…"
Koneko's eyes narrowed a fraction. "She wants me."
Carlamaine scoffed, resting one hand on her sword's hilt. "Your knight has already been handicapped. A pity. I wished to cross blades with him properly. But if fate denies me that, I shall test myself against the Rook instead."
Kiba stepped forward slightly, jaw tightening. "If it's a duel you want, I can fight—even without my right hand."
Carlamaine turned her gaze to him, disappointment flickering across her face. "Victory gained under such imbalance leaves a foul taste. I refuse."
Before Issei could respond, movement stirred on the opposite side of the court.
A second figure emerged from the shadows.
Isabela.
A tall, voluptuous woman with short light-brown hair marked by three crimson streaks. A plain white mask concealed the right side of her face. She wore a black jacket and jeans, her posture relaxed but dangerous.
Issei's eyes sharpened. "That's their Rook."
"Then the last one is the Bishop," Koneko said.
Isabela cracked her neck once, eyes fixed on them, but said nothing.
Koneko rose to her feet, stepping out into the open.
"Since we've been found, there's no point hiding," she said calmly.
She met Carlamaine's gaze head-on.
"I am the Rook of Rias Gremory, Koneko Toujou."
Issei stepped forward beside her, chest puffed out. "Pawn—Hyoudou Issei!"
"And Knight—Yuuto Kiba," Kiba added smoothly.
Carlamaine's stern expression broke into a wide, delighted grin.
"How refreshing!" she laughed. "Warriors who step forward without fear! Such recklessness is rare among those of sound mind!"
Isabela remained silent, arms crossed, watching.
Then—
"Honestly, Carlamaine… you really are too loud."
A new voice entered the field, refined and dismissive.
A girl with long, curly blonde hair and piercing crimson eyes approached calmly. She wore an elegant red dress, her posture composed, her presence unmistakably noble.
Ravel Phenex.
Issei stiffened.
Raiser's younger sister. The Bishop.
Her eyes flicked briefly toward Koneko—then settled on Issei.
"…So this is the Pawn that Rias Gremory favors?" Ravel mused. "Does she truly have such poor taste?"
Issei bristled. "Oi! That's rude! And for your information, Buchou's into that bastard Arthur—not me! And he's not even that handsome!"
Kiba blinked. "Arthur-san is handsome."
Issei stared at him. "Dude. On some level, that's gay."
Ravel laughed softly, covering her mouth. "How amusing."
She stepped back slightly. "I have no intention of fighting. I've already provided support and restoration from afar. I prefer to keep my hands clean."
So she was the reason their opponents were still standing.
Carlamaine slammed her sword into the floor again. "Enough chatter! Rook of Gremory—come! Let us test fist against blade!"
Koneko rolled her shoulders once. "I'll take the Knight."
Ravel glanced toward Isabela. "Since Carlamaine insists on her duel—and I won't be participating—Rook, you may handle the Pawn."
Isabela nodded silently.
Ravel retreated, watching from a distance, crimson eyes gleaming.
"Now then," she said lightly. "Let us begin. I am rather bored."
Issei clenched his fists, heart pounding.
Three enemies.
No backup.
And nowhere left to run.
He grinned.
"Guess it's showtime."
❌❌❌