Defeat. Bitter, humiliating, final. The Rating Game arena emptied, leaving behind only the phantom echoes of battle and the heavy residue of loss. Rias Gremory's team had been crushed. Their efforts, their pain, their hopes—all of it had been futile against the experience, numbers, and immortality of Riser Phoenix. Ahead loomed the unavoidable wedding, which felt more like a sentence. And in the hearts of the vanquished, despair and self-loathing took root.
...
Night enveloped the Hyoudou household in a thick veil. In Issei's small room, cluttered with manga and empty chip bags, a half-darkness reigned. The room's occupant lay face down on his bed, his face buried in a pillow that was already soaked with tears. His body, aching from the bruises sustained in the game which Asia had only partially healed, trembled minutely. But this trembling wasn't from pain so much as from rage, shame, and an all-consuming sense of powerlessness.
He had lost. His team had lost. His Buchou… his adored Rias Gremory… had lost. And now she, the most beautiful and proud girl he knew, was forced to become the wife of that vile, smug peacock, Riser. To become a thing in his harem. And he, Issei, wielder of the legendary Boosted Gear, had been unable to protect her. His power, his Scale Mail—all of it had been useless trash against Riser's coordinated team. He was worthless.
Suddenly, the air in the room shimmered, and the crimson magic circle of the Gremory clan flared to life. Issei flinched but didn't lift his head. He knew who it was. And he didn't want to see her. He didn't want to meet her gaze, full of disappointment or, even worse, pity. He had failed her. He was unworthy to even look at her.
Rias stepped silently from the circle. She was in a simple silk nightgown that accentuated her stunning figure but now seemed out of place, fragile. Her crimson hair was unbound, falling in disarray over her shoulders. Her face was a mask of exhaustion and deep sorrow. She walked silently to the bed and sat on the edge, next to him. Her presence was almost a physical thing—a mix of floral scent, demonic aura, and… despair.
"Issei…" she called out softly. Her voice was broken.
He didn't answer, just gritted his teeth harder, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened to burst out.
"Issei, please… look at me," a plea entered her voice.
With immense effort, he forced himself to turn. His eyes met hers—blue-green, and now so full of pain and hopelessness that it stole his breath. He had expected to see reproach, but he saw only a reflection of his own despair. And it was unbearable.
"I-I'm sorry, Buchou! I'm so sorry!" He sat up, tears flowing with renewed force. "I… I'm such a useless weakling! I couldn't… I couldn't protect you! Now… now you have to… marry him… that…"
He couldn't force himself to say Riser's name.
Rias didn't try to comfort him with standard phrases. She just moved closer and hugged him. Tightly, desperately, as if seeking support in him. He buried his face in her shoulder, breathing in her scent, feeling the warmth of her body. Her embrace wasn't the comfort of a Queen to her servant, but the embrace of two people teetering on the edge of an abyss.
"It's not your fault, Issei," she whispered into his hair, her voice trembling. "None of you are to blame… We were weaker… He… he's just stronger…"
She pulled back, looking into his eyes. Tears glistened in her own.
"But I can't… Issei, I can't marry him…" her voice broke. "I can't belong to him… To that… creature… who looks at me like I'm a thing… who wants to add me to his collection… I'd rather die…"
She covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. It was the first time Issei had ever seen his proud, strong Buchou so… broken. So desperate.
"Buchou…" he touched her arm gently. "But… what can we do? The game is lost… The decision is made…"
"I don't know…" Rias whispered through her tears. "I don't know… I don't want to… I can't give it to him… My first night… My body… It should belong to someone I love… Not to him…"
She looked at Issei, and her gaze held so much pain, fear, and… a strange, desperate tenderness that his heart stopped. She wasn't seeing him as just a servant, just a Pawn. She was seeing him… as a guy. The one who looked at her with adoration, who was willing to die for her, who was now crying with her out of helplessness.
"Issei…" she whispered, her cheeks flushing. "You… you've always…"
She didn't finish. Instead, she leaned forward and touched her lips to his. The kiss was hesitant, salty with tears, but it held so much desperation, so much desire to find any island of warmth and closeness in this nightmare, that Issei responded without thinking.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her fragile, trembling body close. Their lips met in a long, desperate kiss. It wasn't like a ritual or a transfer of power. It was the soul-cry of two people backed into a corner. An attempt to find solace in each other before an unavoidable catastrophe.
Rias's hand slid up his back, her fingers tangling in his hair. She pressed herself even closer, seeking protection, warmth… oblivion. Issei could feel his heart hammering, blood pounding in his temples. He forgot everything—Riser, the defeat, his weakness. There was only her, Rias, her soft lips, her warm breath, her despair, which he shared…
But their fragile moment of closeness was not fated to last.
The air in the room turned sharply cold. Another magic circle flared to life beside the bed, this one a silver-gray. And from it stepped Grayfia Lucifuge.
Her face was, as always, impassive, but her icy silver eyes held clear disapproval. She took in the sight of them—Rias in his arms, their lips just having parted, tear tracks on their cheeks, the atmosphere of intimacy hanging in the air.
"Lady Rias," Grayfia's voice was cold and distinct, instantly shattering what was left of their closeness. "Lord Sirzechs is waiting for you. Immediately."
Rias flinched, as if struck. She pulled away from Issei abruptly, her face flushing with shame and, perhaps, fear of her brother's Queen. She quickly straightened her nightgown, trying to regain some dignity, but her trembling hands and ragged breathing betrayed her state.
"G-Grayfia-san… What… what is it? My brother…"
"Lord Sirzechs will explain himself," Grayfia cut her off, her gaze cold. "Please, follow me. Do not keep the Lord waiting."
She did not look at Issei. It was as if he wasn't even in the room. Or as if he were something beneath her notice.
Rias cast one last, lost look at Issei, full of turmoil and unspoken words, and then, lowering her head, she stepped into the magic circle after Grayfia. The circle flared and vanished, taking them both.
Issei was left alone. Sitting on his bed, bewildered, humiliated, his cheeks burning and his heart pounding. What was that? What had just happened? Why did Grayfia take Rias? What would Sirzechs say? And that kiss… that closeness… what did it mean? Was it just a moment of desperation? Or something more? He didn't know. He just felt empty, and even more lost than before.
...
I returned to my empty den late. The show at the arena had left behind a feeling of emptiness and irritation. Rias's defeat was predictable, but Riser's triumph was disgusting. And my own challenge, thrown at him… it seemed childish now. A duel before the wedding? In front of all the nobility? What a circus. But the word had been spoken. And I wasn't going to back down. If only to wipe that smug smirk off Phoenix's face.
I opened the door with my key and stepped inside. And froze.
Someone was in my apartment.
I hadn't seen any sign of a break-in. Hadn't sensed a hostile aura before I entered. But he was here. Sitting in my only threadbare armchair as if it were his own personal throne room.
Crimson-red hair, falling to his shoulders. A calm, almost childlike smile on his face. An expensive, perfectly tailored suit. And an aura. An incredible, oppressive aura of power, which he didn't even seem to be trying to hide, but which at the same time didn't feel aggressive. It was just… a statement of fact. Like the presence of the sun, or gravity.
Sirzechs Lucifer. One of the Four Great Satans. Rias Gremory's brother.
My irritation instantly shifted to cold wariness. An uninvited guest of this caliber in my pathetic hovel—this didn't bode well. I silently closed the door behind me, my eyes never leaving him.
"Good evening, Izayoi Jin-kun," Sirzechs's voice was soft, almost purring, but there was steel in it. "Forgive the intrusion. The door was… shall we say, not a very reliable barrier."
He smiled wider, looking around my apartment with a polite curiosity that felt like outright mockery.
"Very… ascetic. I didn't expect the hero all the Underworld is whispering about to be living in such spartan conditions."
I ignored his jab. "What do you want, Lucifer?" My voice was sharp. I hated when my personal space was invaded. Especially by figures this powerful.
"Oh, no need to be so formal, Izayoi-kun." Sirzechs waved a lazy hand. "You can call me Sirzechs. We're practically… acquainted. I've heard a lot about you. From Riser-kun. From Grayfia. From my dear little sister Rias, though she did try to hide your existence. A very intriguing personality. Power that defies classification. Independence bordering on insolence. And a complete lack of respect for authority. You are an anomaly in our ordered world. And that… is very curious."
He watched me with his piercing blue-green eyes, the same as Rias's, but far deeper, wiser, and… more dangerous. I felt like I was under a microscope. He was studying me, analyzing me, weighing me.
"I don't like being studied," I said coldly. "And I don't like uninvited guests. Say why you're here, or get out."
Sirzechs laughed. Lightly, carefree. "So direct. I like that. Very well, down to business. The Rating Game. You saw it?"
"I did," I nodded. "A pathetic sight."
"I agree," Sirzechs nodded unexpectedly, and his smile faded, replaced by a shadow of sadness. "My Rias… she tried. Her team has grown stronger, thanks in large part to you, I assume? Your training methods, as Grayfia described them, are quite… unorthodox. But against Riser and his peerage, they stood no chance. And now… now she must marry that… peacock."
His voice held unconcealed dislike for Riser.
"That's her problem," I shrugged. "She accepted the challenge."
"Formally, yes," Sirzechs agreed. "But you understand she was forced into it. The rumors, the pressure from the Phoenix clan… Rias is proud; she couldn't back down. But this marriage… it will kill her. Not physically, no. It will kill her spirit. Riser doesn't love her. He sees her only as a beautiful trophy, a status symbol. He will humiliate her, use her, turn her life into a gilded cage. I cannot allow that. I love my sister. I want her to be happy."
His voice grew quiet, but it held such a depth of emotion, such a force of brotherly love and rage, that I involuntarily tensed. This wasn't just a Satan before me, but an older brother, ready to do anything for his sister.
"And you came to me to solve your family problems?" I raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Why don't you intervene yourself? You're a Satan. One word from you, and Riser would forget the way to Kuoh."
Sirzechs sighed, running a hand through his hair. "If only it were that simple, Izayoi-kun. I am a Satan. I must uphold the laws and traditions of our world, even if I find them disgusting. The marriage between Rias and Riser was approved by the Council of Elders, by our fathers. To cancel it with a command would be to go against all of demonic society, to provoke a schism, possibly another civil war. I cannot risk peace for the happiness of one, even one dearly loved, sister. My hands are tied."
"But you found a loophole, didn't you," I guessed. "Me. The independent player. The one who challenged Riser after the game. The one who can fight him in an unofficial duel before the wedding."
Sirzechs smiled. Sly, like a fox. "You are very perceptive, Izayoi-kun. Yes. Your challenge to Riser… it's a chance. The only chance to save Rias without breaking the laws. If you defeat him… if you humiliate him in front of all the nobility… his reputation will be destroyed. The Phoenix clan cannot insist on a marriage with a Gremory daughter after such a disgrace. The wedding will be canceled. Rias will be free."
He leaned forward, his gaze serious, almost pleading. "I am asking you, Izayoi Jin. Fight Riser. Defeat him. Do it for Rias."
I was silent, mulling over his words. Manipulation. Pure and simple. He was using me, my emotions, my irritation at Riser, to solve his own problems. Just like Rias had tried to.
"You know, Lucifer," I said slowly, "your sister takes after you. Just as fond of pulling strings and using others for her own ends. You aristocrats are all the same. You think you can buy or force anyone to do what you want. At least Rias didn't hide her desperation. You're hiding behind concern for your sister to solve your own political inconveniences and save face before the Council."
Sirzechs didn't take offense. He only smiled sadly. "Perhaps you're right. Power corrupts. And yes, I am using the situation. But my goal, right now, truly is my sister's happiness. And I am willing to pay for your help. Any price."
"Any price?" I narrowed my eyes. And then a plan formed in my mind. Audacious, arrogant, but perfectly suited to the situation. "Fine. I'll fight your peacock. Not for your sister—I don't give a damn about her happiness or her freedom of choice. But for myself. Because he pisses me off. And because a duel in front of all the nobility promises to be an entertaining show. But not for free."
"What do you want?" Sirzechs was prepared for anything.
"I want you to hire me," I said clearly. "This won't be an ally's help, not a favor between friends. This will be a one-time job. I'm the mercenary; you're the client."
Sirzechs blinked in surprise, and then he laughed. "Hire me? To defeat Riser? Original! I like it! What is your price, mercenary?"
"First: money," I said, remembering my empty apartment and finished ramen. "A lot of money. Enough that I can forget about that pathetic allowance and live how I want, without counting every yen."
"Reasonable," Sirzechs nodded. "Considering your… living conditions,"—he glanced around my apartment again with a slight smirk—"that is fair. The sum will be more than sufficient. What else?"
"Second: free passage," I continued. "I want to be able to move freely between the human world and the Underworld. No questions, no permits, no oversight. I want permanent, unrestricted access to your world."
Sirzechs's eyebrows rose slightly. This was more serious. Giving a being with my power and unpredictable nature free access to the Underworld… it was a risk. But he saw the resolve in my eyes. And he desperately wanted to save his sister.
"Very well," he said after a short pause. "I agree. Money and free passage to the Underworld in exchange for your victory over Riser Phoenix in the duel before the wedding. We have a deal."
He held out his hand. I looked at it, then at him. Shaking hands with a Satan? Amusing. I shook it. His grip was warm and surprisingly firm.
"Excellent." Sirzechs smiled, withdrawing his hand. "I'm glad we could come to an agreement, Izayoi-kun. I will provide you with anything you need to prepare, if you require it. And I will arrange your… triumphal entrance to the duel."
He rose from the chair, preparing to leave. His aura became light and carefree again. But at the door, he turned back, and his gaze became serious, almost icy. The smile was gone.
"One condition, Izayoi Jin," his voice was quiet, but it held such a threat that a chill ran down my spine. "You must win. And you must not harm my sister or her friends, during or after the duel. If you lose to Riser… or if you betray my trust… then believe me, Riser Phoenix will seem like a sweet kitten compared to what I will do to you. I love my sister very much. And I will destroy anyone who stands in the way of her happiness. Anyone."
The threat was real. I looked into the Satan's eyes and knew he wasn't joking. His power was immeasurable. And his rage, if I disappointed him, would be more terrifying than any Phoenix flame.
"I wasn't planning on it," I nodded. "I won't lose. Especially not to that buffoon."
Sirzechs smiled his usual smile again, as if nothing had happened.
"Splendid. I'll see you at the… performance, Izayoi-kun."
A magic circle flared beneath his feet, and the Satan vanished as suddenly as he had appeared.
Rias Gremory's wedding promised to be unforgettable. Especially for the groom.