Ten days. The deadline, set by fate or, more accurately, by the arrogance of one conceited aristocrat from the House of Phoenix. Ten days that had transformed Rias Gremory's peerage into a continuous endurance test, with me in the role of a merciless hammer, beating the weakness and fear out of them. And now, that time was up. The hour of reckoning had come. The day of the Rating Game—a formalized slaughter that would decide whether the crimson-haired heiress would be free or would be added to Riser Phoenix's collection of trophies. For them, this was a battle for everything. For me, it was a long-awaited performance after a drawn-out intermission.
...
We gathered at the old warehouse on the outskirts of Kuoh Academy. The air here was thick not only with dust and the smell of rusted metal, but with a dense, vibrating magical energy. Before us pulsed a massive circle of light—a portal to the game dimension. Demon technology, allowing them to stage localized wars without the risk of turning the human world to ruins. Practical. And cynical.
Rias's team stood in a tight group. Their faces were pale, but their eyes burned with a feverish fire. Ten days of my "training" had left their mark—not just the bruises and scars that Asia had mostly healed, but a deep fatigue, mixed with desperate resolve. They were like taut strings, ready to snap at any moment. But there was also steel in their gazes—the kind forged in the crucible of despair.
Issei nervously rubbed his gauntlet. The crimson scales of his Scale Mail now covered his arm almost to the shoulder—a visible testament to the hell he had been through. He was drilling a hole through the portal with his eyes, as if trying to incinerate Riser before the game even began.
Kiba stood nearby, outwardly calm, but his hand never left the hilt of his sword. His aura had become sharper, more dangerous. Ten days of dodging my supersonic attacks had forced him to rethink the very concept of combat.
Akeno was adjusting her hair, but her usual playful smile resembled a predator's snarl. Electric sparks crackled faintly between her fingers. She was thirsty for battle, eager to unleash her power on the insolent Phoenix and his peerage.
Koneko, miniature and impassive as ever, was nibbling on a chocolate bar. But her small body was tensed like a coiled spring, and a cold fire burned in her hazel eyes—the fire of a Rook, ready to crush any obstacle.
Asia stood just behind them, her hands clasped in prayer. She was no fighter; her role was support. But in these few days, she had seen so much pain and healed just as much, that her spirit had undoubtedly been tempered. The fear hadn't vanished, but she was now ready to stand for those who had become her new, albeit strange, family.
Rias… The Crimson Queen. She stood at the front, straight, proud, her hair blazing like a banner. She knew the chances were negligible. She knew Riser and his peerage were on another level. But she had no intention of surrendering. Her eyes held the resolve of a leader taking her people into battle, perhaps for the last time.
And me… I stood apart from all this pre-game fever. My role was different. Spectator. Observer. I didn't need to go through the main portal. A separate entrance to the observation zone had been prepared for me—a privilege for a "special guest" not participating directly, but whose presence had been tacitly approved by both sides (though Riser was probably grinding his teeth).
Near the portal, like an impassive statue, stood Grayfia Lucifuge. Queen of the Satan Sirzechs, the strongest of Queens, clad in an immaculate maid's uniform. Her silver hair and icy eyes created an image of unearthly beauty and absolute power. She was here not only as a judge and guarantor of the rules, but also as… an observer. And her interest, I had already noted, was not directed solely at the game's outcome.
"Team Rias Gremory, it is time," Grayfia's voice was melodic, but devoid of all emotion. "The battlefield is an exact replica of the Kuoh Academy grounds. Team Gremory's base is the old Occult Research Club building. Team Phoenix's base is the main Academy building. The objective is the 'retirement' of the opposing King or all of their pieces. Remember the rules and… try to survive."
Rias took a deep breath and nodded firmly. "Yes, Grayfia-san. We are ready."
"Team Riser Phoenix is already awaiting you in the game dimension," Grayfia informed them. "Asia Argento, as the wielder of a healing Sacred Gear, is a high-value target. Protect her."
She paused, sweeping her gaze over Rias's team.
"Time has begun. Good luck, Lady Rias."
The portal flared brighter. Rias turned to her peerage. "Let's go! Show them the power of the Gremory clan!"
And they stepped into the shining circle. Issei, Kiba, Akeno, Koneko, Asia… and last, Rias. The portal closed behind them.
Grayfia turned to me. "Izayoi Jin-sama. A separate observation area has been prepared for you. Please. Lord Sirzechs requested that we provide you with the best possible view. He has taken an… interest in you."
'Interest from a Satan? Curious,' I thought. 'Looks like the rumors of my modest exploits have reached the top.'
"Appreciated," I replied dispassionately. "I hope the show is entertaining."
Grayfia gave the faintest of smiles. "I am certain the game will be… interesting. Please."
She gestured to a second, smaller portal. I stepped into it. The world distorted, spinning in a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, and then… stabilized.
…I found myself on a high balcony, hovering in the air above an exact copy of Kuoh Academy. A transparent barrier separated me from the battlefield but didn't obstruct the view. Below, the familiar landscape stretched out: school buildings, sports fields, trees, paths. Everything looked real, but it felt artificial, dead. There was no wind, no birds, no students. Just an arena for a deadly game.
Grayfia appeared silently beside me. Her presence was almost imperceptible, if not for the icy aura of power radiating from her. On the balcony stood a comfortable chair and several magical screens, broadcasting different sections of the battlefield and the players' statuses.
"Is this comfortable?" Grayfia inquired, her silver eyes studying me again.
"It's fine." I ignored the chair and walked to the edge of the balcony, leaning on the barrier. "Excellent view."
Below, the teams were already taking their starting positions. Rias and her peerage were in the old club building, their auras focused but tense. Riser and his harem were in the main school building; there were more of them, and they radiated self-confidence and disdain.
"The game begins," Grayfia's voice announced, amplified by magic, echoing across the arena. "Pieces, to your positions!"
First Moves. A Chess Game
The game began not with a furious assault, but with cautious, measured moves. Riser, confident in his superiority, was in no hurry. Rias, understanding her forces' weakness, opted for a defensive strategy, banking on ambushes and using the terrain.
Several figures slipped out of the main building—Riser's fast Pawns, including the cat girl, and one Knight. They didn't charge the club building, but instead fanned out across the territory, taking rooftops, and intersections, clearly performing reconnaissance and setting up a surveillance net.
In response, two figures emerged from the old club building—Kiba and Koneko. They moved silently, using the shadows of trees and buildings. Their task was similar: recon, seizing advantageous positions, and trying to find weak spots in the enemy's formation.
'Smart,' I thought, watching their movements on one of the screens. 'Rias understands that a frontal assault is suicide. She needs to play a guerrilla war, pick off Riser's pieces one by one.'
Grayfia, standing beside me, shot me a brief, questioning look, as if expecting a comment.
"Sending a Knight and a Rook out on recon together is risky," I noted quietly, more to myself than to her. "Their combat styles are different; they'd be better off acting separately, covering different sectors. Right now, they're a single target."
Grayfia said nothing, but a faint line appeared between her brows. She was clearly analyzing not just the game, but my commentary.
On another screen, I saw Issei. He had stayed in the club building with Rias and Asia. His gauntlet was already glowing—building up power.
'Now that's a mistake,' I thought again. 'Keeping your main heavy-hitter in the rear means forfeiting the initiative. Issei should be on the front lines, ready to strike or create a diversion. Locking him in a building with the King and the Healer is like checkmating yourself.'
"Perhaps Lady Rias is saving her Pawn for a decisive moment, or for Promotion," Grayfia said softly, as if she'd read my mind.
"The decisive moment might not come if her pieces are picked off before then," I muttered in response. "And Promotion is useless if you're cornered."
Grayfia fell silent again, but her gaze grew even more attentive. The Satan's interest in me, it seemed, was not random.
...
The scouts were bound to clash. Kiba, checking the area near the gym, came face-to-face with Riser's Knight. But she wasn't alone. A shadow flickered nearby—one of the Pawn scouts.
"Gotcha, Gremory's Knight! Between the two of us, we'll take you down fast!" the Knight sneered.
Kiba instantly summoned several swords. "We'll see about that."
The fight began. Two on one. The Knight attacked with her incredible speed; the Pawn covered her, throwing energy needles. Kiba was in a tough spot. But ten days of hell hadn't been for nothing. He moved differently now—not trying to out-speed the Knight, but anticipating her attacks, using blocks and counters at the precise moment. His holy and demonic blades flashed, deflecting blows and forcing his opponents to fall back.
'He's holding his own, not bad,' I noted to myself. 'He's learned to use his head, not just his reflexes. But two-on-one is bad. Especially when one of them is a Knight.'
The Pawn tried to flank Kiba, but he, without breaking his parry against the Knight, hurled several ice daggers at her (a clear influence from his training with Akeno). The Pawn cried out and jumped back, clutching a wounded shoulder.
"Tricky bastard!" she hissed.
The Knight used the opening to land a powerful kick. Kiba managed to get a sword up to block, but the blow was strong. It sent him slamming into the gym wall. The Knight lunged to finish him.
But Kiba was ready. As he fell, he activated a trap—sharp spikes, created from his demonic energy, erupted from the ground. The Knight shrieked and leaped back, barely avoiding being impaled. And in that moment, Kiba countered. A sharp thrust—and his blade grazed the Knight's side. Not fatal, but it hurt.
"Siris-chan!" the Pawn cried.
But just then, Koneko burst from around the corner of the gym. She had obviously heard the fight and hurried to help. Without a word, she slammed into the Pawn, who was distracted by her injured partner. The impact was so strong that the Pawn was sent flying like a bowling pin, crashing into a wall.
"Mira! Retired!" Grayfia announced.
Riser's Knight was left alone against Koneko and a wounded, but still dangerous, Kiba. Realizing the odds were bad, she quickly retreated, disappearing behind the building.
"They're retreating?" Kiba asked, breathing heavily.
"Smart move," Koneko nodded. "You're hurt, senpai."
"I know…" Kiba winced.
"Kiba Yuuto! Retired!" Grayfia's voice rang out again. Rias had recalled her Knight.
Koneko was left alone. She had won the skirmish, but lost her partner.
'A risky trade,' I thought. 'She saved her Knight at the cost of taking him out of the game. Now she's down one fighter. But she took out a Pawn and wounded the enemy Knight. The losses are even so far, but Riser still has the initiative.'
...
Riser, it seemed, decided to shift his attention to the air. Three figures flew out of the main building—two Pawns with wings and a Bishop with a magical staff. Their target was obvious—Akeno, who was hovering above the rooftops.
'Three-on-one again?' I smirked. 'Riser doesn't like to take risks.'
Akeno met them with her signature smile. The aerial battle was joined immediately. The Pawns circled her, trying to get in close with energy blades, while the Bishop hurled spells from a distance.
Akeno moved gracefully, dodging and countering. Her lightning bolts struck true. One of the Pawns, taking a direct hit, tumbled through the air and vanished in a flash of light.
"Ile! Retired!"
But the second Pawn and the Bishop were better coordinated. They forced Akeno to constantly maneuver, dodge, and waste energy on defenses. Akeno tried to use her combination attacks, but her opponents were ready, splitting apart and attacking from different angles.
'She's too caught up in showing off her power,' I thought. 'She forgot the main rule—don't leave an opening. She should have focused on one target, taken it out quickly, not tried to fight them all at once.'
And my thought was confirmed. While Akeno was focused on the Bishop, the second Pawn managed to get behind her and land a blow with her blade, striking her wing. Akeno cried out in pain, her flight faltering. The Bishop immediately seized the moment and struck with a powerful dark spell. A black cloud enveloped Akeno, and she plummeted like a stone onto the roof of one of the buildings.
"Akeno Himejima! Retired!" Grayfia announced.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance. Losing the Queen was a serious blow for Rias. Akeno had been one of the strongest on her team.
"Overconfidence is punishable," Grayfia said quietly beside me. It seemed she shared my opinion.
...
Losing Akeno forced Rias to act. She apparently realized she couldn't just sit on defense any longer.
"Issei! Go!" her command came from the HQ.
Issei, who had been itching for a fight, burst out of the old building, his Scale Mail already partially formed thanks to the energy Rias had transferred earlier. He ran across the courtyard, roaring "Boost!", his target seemingly the main building—Riser's headquarters.
"Finally!" he roared. "Now I'll show that peacock!"
'Fool,' I muttered. 'Running straight into the enemy's den. Alone.'
Two figures immediately leaped out to intercept him—the remaining Knight (wounded, but combat-ready) and one of the Rooks.
"You're not getting through, dragon!" the Knight shouted.
They attacked Issei two-on-one. The Knight used her speed to confuse him, the Rook her power to break his armor. Issei fought back, his Dragon Shots shaking the air, but his opponents were experienced and coordinated. The armor saved him from serious damage, but he was taking hits, his stamina draining.
"Partner, hang in there! Use your power to the max!" Ddraig roared.
Issei was pinned. The Knight circled, landing fast strikes, while the Rook pressed him with her mass and hammer blows. A little more, and his armor would have failed.
But just then, Rias Gremory herself flew out of the old club building. A crimson-black aura of the Power of Destruction enveloped her. She didn't attack from a distance. She charged straight into the fray.
"Get away from my Pawn!" her voice was filled with the rage of a Queen protecting her subjects.
She struck the Rook with a stream of destruction. The Rook raised a shield, but it disintegrated under the onslaught of pure annihilation. The Rook was thrown back, barely managing to stay on her feet, her armor smoking.
The Knight tried to attack Rias, but she dodged easily and hit her with a concentrated blast of destruction. The Knight vanished in a flash of light.
"Siris! Retired!"
Rias stood beside Issei, shielding him. Riser's Rook, seeing the Gremory Queen before her in full battle-readiness, didn't dare attack alone and retreated toward the main building.
"Buchou! You…" Issei looked at Rias with adoration.
"No time to talk, Issei!" Rias said sharply. "We have to move! Koneko! To us!"
Koneko, having finished her recon, was already speeding toward them. Rias's team—King, Pawn, and Rook—was reunited. Against them remained Riser, his Queen Yubelluna, two Rooks, one Bishop, and several Pawns.
The game had entered a new phase. The stakes were higher. And I felt my boredom finally recede yielding to the thrill of the hunt.