Part I:
Dawn broke over Kuoh Academy, but the school was eerily empty.
Today was Saturday—no classes, no students wandering the halls. Just the supernatural beings who would soon turn this place into a battlefield. Caelan stood in the empty courtyard, hands in his pockets, watching as magical barriers were erected around the school.
The Rating Game would take place in a dimensional replica of Kuoh Academy—identical in every way except that damage here wouldn't affect the real world.
Behind him, Hoarfrost sat patiently, the massive dire wolf somehow sensing the tension in the air.
"You're up early," a voice said.
He turned to find Grayfia approaching, dressed not in her maid uniform but in formal referee attire—a sharp black suit that made her look every inch the Strongest Queen.
"Couldn't sleep," he replied.
"Nervous?" "I'm not fighting."
"That doesn't answer my question." Caelan doesn't need to.
"They're going to lose."
"You calculated the odds?"
"Twenty-eight percent chance of victory. Even with two weeks of intensive training, Riser's experience and immortality give him an overwhelming advantage." Grayfia stood beside him, looking out at the empty school.
"And yet you trained them anyway."
"Twenty-eight is better than zero."
"True."
She glanced at him. "You care about them."
"I have my motives. I'm being paid to consult—"
"Caelan."
Her voice was soft. "You can lie to yourself. But don't lie to me." He didn't respond. They stood in silence for a moment.
"I'll be serving as referee today," Grayfia said finally.
"Neutral arbiter. I won't show favoritism."
"I wouldn't expect you to."
"But privately—" She hesitated. "Privately, I hope Rias wins. Is that wrong?"
"No. It's human."
"We're not human."
"You know what I mean." She almost smiled almost. Then the teleportation circles began to flare.
First Rias's peerage—Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, Asia, and Issei, all dressed in their battle gear.
Then Riser's team, fifteen women in various states of battle-ready (and revealing) attire, led by the smirking Phoenix himself.
"Well," Grayfia said, her voice returning to professional neutrality.
"Let's begin."
Part II:
The dimensional barrier activated with a flash of light. Inside the replica Kuoh Academy, two teams materialized at opposite ends of the school grounds.
Rias's Team - Occult Research Club Building:
Rias stood in the main room, her crimson hair tied back, wearing a modified version of her school uniform—reinforced with magic, shorter skirt for mobility, combat boots.
She looked every inch a King ready for war. Beside her, Akeno had transformed into her battle attire—that shrine maiden outfit that was more revealing than protective, her hybrid wings already manifested.
Kiba wore light armor over his school uniform, three swords at his hip—his chosen trio.
Koneko had changed into a simple white gi, her Nekomata ears visible, though her expression remained stoic.
Asia wore her nun's habit modified for combat—white and gold, flowing but not restrictive.
And Issei wore his school uniform with the Boosted Gear gauntlet gleaming on his left arm, Ddraig's presence palpable. "Alright," Rias said, her voice steady despite the nerves.
"Everyone remembers the strategy?" Nods all around.
"Kiba—eliminate the Pawns. Akeno—bait and destroy Yubelluna. Koneko—handle the Rooks. Asia—stay mobile, heal as needed. Issei—" She looked at her Pawn.
"You know what you need to do."
"Achieve Balance Breaker and smash the chicken bastard," Issei said with determination.
"Close enough." Rias took a deep breath.
"We can do this. We will do this."
Riser's Team - Main School Building:
Riser lounged in what would normally be the principal's office, surrounded by his peerage.
"This is going to be entertaining," he said, smirking.
"My adorable fiancée thinks she can actually win. How precious." Yubelluna, his Queen, stood beside him in her elegant purple dress that showed far more cleavage than necessary.
"Shall I simply eliminate them all at once, Riser-sama?"
"No, no. Where's the fun in that? Let them struggle. Let them hope." He gestured lazily.
"Send the Pawns first. Tire them out. Then you can play." His eight Pawns—all wearing various revealing outfits that ranged from maid uniforms to battle bikinis—giggled and headed out.
"This is going to be fun," one of them purred.
Riser's twin cat-girl, Ile and Nel, stretched languidly. "Can we hunt the pretty Knight?" they asked in unison.
"If you find him first," Riser allowed.
His Rooks—Xuelan and Karlamine—were already preparing, the Chinese martial artist and the knight-woman both looking far more serious than the rest of the team.
And his sister, Ravel, stood in the corner, looking troubled.
"Brother," she said quietly, "are you sure about this? Rias Gremory is—" "Is outmatched. Inexperienced. Desperate."
Riser waved dismissively.
"This is a formality, dear sister. By sunset, she'll be mine."
Grayfia's Voice - Announcement:
The air shimmered, and Grayfia's magically-amplified voice echoed across the battlefield.
"This is an official Rating Game between Rias Gremory and Riser Phenex. All standard rules apply. Victory is achieved by defeating the opposing King. Retired pieces will be teleported to medical facilities. The game begins... now."
The barriers flared. And the battle began.
Part III:
The school's sports field. Eight of Riser's Pawns had grouped together, giggling and chatting as they made their way toward the Occult Research Club building.
Then a blur of silver appeared. Yuuto Kiba materialized in their midst, three swords drawn.
"Ladies," he said with his polite smile.
"I'm afraid I can't let you pass." The Pawns scattered, pulling out various weapons—magical staffs, enchanted daggers, one even had a chainsaw (because apparently Riser had no sense of theme).
"Get him!" one shouted. They attacked as a group.
But Kiba was faster.
His first sword—Holy Eraser—cut through a magical barrier like paper. The Pawn behind it barely had time to scream before the blade's holy energy burned through her defenses.
"One Pawn retired," Grayfia's voice announced.
His second sword—Flame Delete—countered a fire spell mid-cast, the blade absorbing the flames before Kiba spun and struck the caster.
"Two Pawns retired."
His third sword—a nameless blade he'd mastered specifically for speed—became a whirling dervish of steel. Three Pawns fell in as many seconds.
"Three Pawns retired. Four Pawns retired. Five Pawns retired."
The remaining three Pawns tried to retreat.
Kiba didn't let them.
His Knight speed boosted to maximum, he appeared behind them, swords flashing in precise, lethal arcs.
"Six Pawns retired. Seven Pawns retired. Eight Pawns retired."
The sports field went quiet.
Kiba stood alone, breathing slightly harder but otherwise unscathed.
"Phase One complete," he said into his communication earring. "All Pawns eliminated."
In the Occult Research Club building, Rias pumped her fist. "YES! Kiba, fall back to position two!"
"Understood, President."
Part IV:
The library.
Asia stood on the second floor, nervously clutching her Twilight Healing rings.
This was the bait. And right on schedule— An explosion of purple magic blasted through the wall. Yubelluna floated through the smoke, her dress billowing dramatically, power crackling around her like living electricity.
"There you are, little Bishop," the Bomb Queen purred.
"Did you really think hiding in a library would save you?" Asia ran. It wasn't strategic retreat—it was genuine terror.
She sprinted through the aisles, Yubelluna's explosive magic detonating bookshelves behind her.
"Run, run, run~" Yubelluna sang.
"It won't help! I'll blow this entire building apart if I have to!" Asia rounded a corner— And Yubelluna was right there, having teleported ahead.
"Gotcha." Purple energy gathered in her palm, building to a devastating explosion— CRACK.
Golden-white lightning struck from above. Akeno Himejima descended from the ceiling, her six wings spread, power radiating from her like a storm given form.
"Ara ara~" Her smile was absolutely vicious.
"Did you really think we'd leave our healer undefended?" Yubelluna's eyes widened.
"A trap—"
"Holy Lightning - Layered Strike!"
The bolt that shot from Akeno's hands was massive. The outer shell of holy energy penetrated Yubelluna's defensive barriers, the inner core of demonic lightning following immediately after.
The Bomb Queen screamed.
She countered with her own magic—explosive orbs that detonated mid-air, trying to disperse the lightning.
But Akeno had practiced.
Two weeks of refining this technique.
The layered energy punched through. Yubelluna crashed through three bookshelves, her dress torn, smoking wounds across her body.
"You bitch—" She tried to stand.
Akeno hit her again.
And again.
And again.
Each strike perfectly layered.
Each one overwhelming Yubelluna's defenses.
"RISER-SAMA!" The Bomb Queen screamed into her communication device.
"The Queen is—she's too strong—I can't—" One final bolt. Yubelluna collapsed, unconscious.
"Riser Phenex's Queen has been retired," Grayfia announced.
Akeno landed gracefully, smoothing her torn clothing (the battle had definitely resulted in some wardrobe damage—her already-short skirt was now borderline indecent, and her top had several strategic rips).
"Thanks for the assist, Asia-chan," she called.
The blonde Bishop emerged from behind a shelf, shaking but unharmed.
"I-I was terrified!"
"But you did perfectly~" Akeno's smile softened.
"Good job."
Part V:
The gymnasium. Koneko stood in the center of the empty space, arms crossed, expression blank.
The two enemy Rooks entered from opposite sides. Xuelan—the Chinese martial artist in her combat qipao that was slit dangerously high up both thighs—moved with fluid grace. Karlamine—the armored knight-woman whose armor seemed designed more for aesthetics than protection, particularly around the chest area—hefted her massive sword.
"Two-on-one," Xuelan observed.
"That's hardly fair. For you."
"We'll make it quick," Karlamine added.
Koneko said nothing.
They attacked simultaneously.
Xuelan came from the left, a blur of kicks and palm strikes enhanced by Touki energy.
Karlamine came from the right, her massive sword cleaving the air.
Koneko moved.
Not fast—Rooks weren't built for speed.
But with precision.
She caught Xuelan's kick with one hand, the impact creating a shockwave that cracked the gymnasium floor.
She blocked Karlamine's sword with her other hand—bare palm against enchanted steel—and the blade stopped.
Both enemy Rooks' eyes widened.
"Impossible—" Karlamine started.
Koneko squeezed.
Xuelan's leg bone fractured.
The Chinese girl screamed, trying to pull away.
Karlamine's sword shattered.
Then Koneko struck. One punch to Xuelan's solar plexus—the girl flew backward, crashed through the wall, and didn't get up.
"One Rook retired," Grayfia announced.
Karlamine dropped her broken sword and drew a backup blade.
"You're stronger than you look, little one."
"I'm not little."
"Compared to me—" Koneko appeared in front of her.
How?! Rooks can't move that fast!
But Koneko had made a decision during these two weeks.
She'd started using Senjutsu.
Not much.
Not openly.
But enough to enhance her already monstrous strength and add a burst of speed when needed.
One palm strike to Karlamine's chest.
The armor crumpled inward.
The knight-woman gasped, staggered, and fell.
"Second Rook retired."
Koneko stood alone in the gymnasium, breathing slightly harder.
She looked at her hands—the faint glow of Senjutsu still visible. "Senpai was right," she muttered.
"It doesn't make me my sister. It's just... power."
From the shadows, Hoarfrost (who'd somehow snuck into the dimensional barrier) padded over and nuzzled her hand. She scratched his ears. "Good boy."
Part VI:
The school rooftop. Kiba stood with his back to the edge, three swords drawn.
The twin cat-girl —Ile and Nel—circled him from opposite sides, their movements perfectly synchronized.
"Pretty Knight~" they purred in unison.
"We're going to enjoy this~"
They attacked as one.
Twin blades flashing in perfect mirror images, their coordination was flawless.
Kiba parried both strikes—but barely.
They're good. Really good.
The twins pressed their advantage, their attacks coming faster and faster, giving him no time to counter.
And their outfits—skin-tight combat suits that left absolutely nothing to imagination—proved distracting in the worst way. Every time they flipped or dodged, Kiba got a perfect view up their extremely short skirts. Matching black panties with little cat-paw prints.
Don't look. Don't look. Don't— He looked. And nearly got his head cut off for it.
"Ara~ Is the pretty Knight distracted?" Ile giggled.
"Maybe we should give him a better view~" Nel added.
They both deliberately spun, skirts flying up, showing off their assets.
Kiba's face went red.
But then he remembered Caelan's training.
Focus. Three swords. Master them completely.
He stopped trying to parry both twins. Instead, he focused on one.
Holy Eraser went for Nel. She blocked— —and Kiba dropped the sword, drew his speed blade, and struck in the same motion. Too fast for her to counter.
Ile's eyes widened.
"NEL!" She attacked in fury. But now it was one-on-one.
And Kiba was better. Flame Delete countered her fire-enhanced blade. His speed sword struck her exposed side. Kiba stood alone on the rooftop, breathing hard, face still slightly red from the view he'd been subjected to.
"Note to self," he muttered. "Train resistance to ecchi distractions."
Part VII:
The chemistry lab.
Asia was cornered. —Mira (the magic specialist) and Mihae (the illusion user)—had trapped her.
"Nowhere to run, little healer," Mira taunted, magical energy gathering around her hands.
"We'll make this painless~" Mihae added, her body splitting into multiple illusory copies.
Asia clutched her Twilight Healing rings, looking terrified.
Then she did something unexpected. She smiled.
"You're right," she said quietly.
"I can't fight you."
"Then surrender—"
"But I don't have to."
BOOM.
The wall exploded inward. Issei Hyoudou burst through, Boosted Gear gleaming.
"GET AWAY FROM MY ASIA!" he roared.
[BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!] Five boosts in rapid succession. The power radiating from him was massive. Mira threw her strongest spell—a lance of pure destructive magic.
Issei punched it.
The spell shattered.
He grabbed Mira by the face and slammed her into the ground.
Mihae tried to confuse him with illusions— —but Issei didn't care which one was real. He just punched *all of them*. The real Mihae flew backward, hit the wall, and didn't get up.
Asia ran to him.
"Issei-san! Are you okay?!"
"I'm PERFECT!" His grin was manic.
"The power! I can feel it! I'm getting stronger! Ddraig, I can feel—"
[Partner. You're close. So close to Balance Breaker.]
"Then let's DO IT!"
Part VIII:
The main school building. Riser stood in the principal's office, looking considerably less amused than before.
His entire peerage—gone.
Except for one. Ravel stood beside him, looking worried.
"Brother, perhaps we should—"
"Retreat? Surrender?" Riser's laugh was sharp.
"Never. They eliminated my pieces. So what? I'm still here. And I'm immortal." He walked to the window, flames beginning to gather around his body.
"Time to end this personally."
Outside, Rias's peerage gathered in the courtyard. They were battered. Torn clothing (Akeno's outfit was now barely holding together, Rias's skirt had been shortened by magical damage, even Koneko's gi had strategic rips).
But they were all there. And they were winning.
"Everyone status check," Rias commanded.
"Tired but functional," Akeno reported, her smile strained.
"Combat ready," Kiba confirmed.
"Fine," Koneko said simply.
"I-I can still heal!" Asia added.
"And I—" Issei paused, looking at his gauntlet. "I feel different. Stronger. Like something's about to—" The air burned.
Riser Phenex descended from the sky, wings of fire spread wide, power radiating from him like a miniature sun.
"Impressive!" he called down.
"You actually defeated my entire peerage! Brava, darling! Brava!" He landed, the concrete cracking beneath his feet.
"But now the real fight begins. Me. Versus all of you. And I promise—" His smile was cruel. "—I won't make it quick."
Rias stepped forward, Power of Destruction gathering in her hands.
"Riser. You can still surrender. Walk away. The engagement can be—"
"Annulled? Never." Flames erupted around him.
"You're MINE, Rias Gremory. And I'll prove it by burning your precious peerage to ash."
"Then—" Rias's eyes hardened.
"—we do this the hard way. EVERYONE! ATTACK FORMATION OMEGA!"
They moved as one. Kiba from the left, swords flashing. Koneko from the right, fists glowing with Senjutsu. Akeno from above, lightning crackling. Asia in the back, ready to heal. And Issei straight ahead, Boosted Gear roaring. [BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!] Eight boosts. 256 times his base power. "DRAGON SHOT!" The beam of crimson energy struck Riser dead-on.
The Phoenix didn't dodge. He just tanked it.
The attack burned through his chest, leaving a massive hole. He looked down at the wound. Smiled. And regenerated. In less than five seconds, the hole closed completely.
"Nice try!" Riser laughed.
"But I'm a PHENEX! I can't die! Your attacks are meaningless!" He countered with a wave of fire.
The team scattered— —but not fast enough.
Kiba's uniform caught fire. He rolled, putting it out, but his skin was burned. Koneko raised her arms to block, but the heat drove her back. Even Akeno's lightning couldn't penetrate the flames.
"Asia!" Rias shouted.
"Heal them!" The blonde Bishop's hands glowed golden, but she could barely keep up with the damage.
Riser pressed his advantage.
Flames.
Everywhere.
The courtyard became an inferno.
And through it all, Riser walked untouched, regenerating instantly from every attack.
"Do you see now?" he called.
"THIS is the difference between us! I've been doing this for DECADES! You're children playing at war!"
Issei tried again. [BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!] Maximum power.
"EXPLOSION!" The blast was even larger this time. It vaporized half of Riser's body.
For a moment—just a moment—there was hope.
Then the Phoenix regenerated.
Again.
"Persistent, aren't we?" Riser's smile was sharp.
"But futile. I could fight you for DAYS and never tire. Can you say the same?"
He couldn't.
Issei's power was fading.
The Boosted Gear had limits, and he was hitting them.
[Partner... I'm sorry. We're not strong enough yet.]
"No... no, there has to be a way—" Riser appeared in front of him.
Grabbed him by the throat.
And threw him into a wall.
"ISSEI!" Rias screamed.
She unleashed everything. Power of Destruction in massive waves. Crimson-black energy that could disintegrate matter itself.
It hit Riser. Erased his arm. Burned through his torso. He regenerated.
"My turn." He struck her with a pillar of flame.
Rias flew backward, her uniform burning, pain exploding through her body.
Akeno tried to intercede— Riser batted her aside like an insect.
Koneko charged— He burned her.
Kiba attacked from the blind spot— Riser didn't even look, just released a pulse of fire that sent the Knight flying.
Asia tried desperately to heal everyone— But there were too many injuries.
Too much damage. They were losing. Badly.
Part IX:
Issei struggled to his feet, blood running down his face.
[Partner. We need Balance Breaker. Now.]
"I... I don't know how—"
[Then LEARN! Your desire! Your determination! That's what powers us! WHAT DO YOU WANT?!]
"I want—" Issei looked at Rias, collapsed and burned.
At Akeno, struggling to stand.
At his friends, his comrades, his precious people. "—I want to PROTECT THEM!"
The Boosted Gear began to glow.
Brighter.
Brighter.
[BALANCE BREAKER!]
Red light exploded outward. And Issei Hyoudou transformed. Crimson armor covered his body—draconic scales forming a protective shell. Wings burst from his back. Power radiated from him like nothing before.
[WELSH DRAGON BALANCE BREAKER!] Riser's eyes widened.
"Balance Breaker?! Already?! But you're just a—"
"I'M THE RED DRAGON EMPEROR!" Issei roared.
"AND I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS!" He charged.
Faster than before. Stronger than before. His punch connected with Riser's face— —and the Phoenix actually staggered.
"What?!" Another punch. Another.
Issei's powered-up attacks were overwhelming Riser's regeneration. Almost. But the key word was almost. Because even in Balance Breaker, even with all that power— Riser was still immortal.
Every wound closed.
Every burn healed.
And Issei... Issei was burning through his stamina at an incredible rate.
Balance Breaker wasn't sustainable.
Not yet.
Not for a new user.
He had maybe three minutes.
Two.
One.
[WARNING: BALANCE BREAKER TIME LIMIT APPROACHING]
"No... not yet... I can still—"
The armor began to crack. Riser saw his opening.
He grabbed Issei's face. And unleashed a point-blank fire blast.
The Balance Breaker shattered. Issei collapsed, unconscious.
"One Pawn retired," Grayfia's voice echoed.
No.
Rias struggled to her feet, tears streaming down her face.
"Issei... everyone..." She looked at her peerage.
All of them down.
All of them hurt.
Because of her.
Because she'd tried to fight fate.
Riser walked toward her slowly, wings of flame spread wide.
"It's over, darling. You fought well. Better than I expected. But the outcome was never in doubt."
He reached her. Extended his hand.
"Come. Be my wife. This doesn't have to be painful."
Rias looked at his hand. Then at her fallen peerage. Then at the observation area, where she could feel Caelan watching. I'm sorry, she thought.
I couldn't do it. I wasn't strong enough. She took Riser's hand.
"I surrender," she whispered.
The words echoed across the battlefield.
"Rias Gremory has surrendered. Victory: Riser Phenex."
Part X:
The dimensional barrier dissolved.
Medical teams rushed in to collect the injured.
Riser stood victorious, his peerage reassembling around him (all healed from their retirements).
And Rias Gremory sat in the ruins of the courtyard, surrounded by her unconscious friends, and cried.
She'd lost. The Rating Game was over. And in three days, she'd be married to Riser Phenex.
In the observation area, Caelan stood with his arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Grayfia approached. "The outcome was... expected."
"Yes."
"You don't seem surprised."
"I'm not. Twenty-eight percent chance of victory means seventy-two percent chance of defeat. The mathematics were clear."
"And yet you trained them anyway."
"I gave them the best chance I could." His voice was flat.
"They weren't ready. Issei achieved Balance Breaker, but couldn't maintain it. The strategy was sound, but execution failed against Phoenix immortality. They fought well."
"But they lost."
"Yes."
Grayfia looked at him closely.
"You care?"
He didn't respond. Down in the courtyard, Riser was helping Rias to her feet, his expression triumphant.
And Caelan Lucifuge, the King of Winter, watched with cold silver eyes.
Feeling nothing.
Or so he told himself.