Back in Underworld, Around 11:40 PM
The old school building stood in solemn silence beneath the moonlight, its weathered walls soaked in shadows and lingering mystery. The wind whispered faintly through cracked windows, carrying with it the quiet tension of what was to come. This forgotten structure—abandoned by normal students long ago—was the perfect place for the Occult Research Club to gather before a battle that would mark their first true step onto the grand stage of the supernatural world.
Inside the clubroom, the atmosphere was heavy, despite how relaxed everyone appeared on the surface. The members of the club occupied their usual places, each lost in their own thoughts, preparing in their own way. It was the calm before a storm.
Or perhaps more accurately—
The stillness before a war.
Issei Hyoudou sat beside Asia Argento, his posture casual but his mind anything but. He could feel his heart beating just a little faster than usual. He didn't let it show. If Asia noticed his nerves, she'd only get more anxious—and she already looked like she was about to jump at every sound.
Across the room, Yuuto Kiba leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. His face was calm, almost serene, but Issei noticed the details others might miss. The subtle flex of Kiba's fingers over his armored gauntlet. The way his weight shifted, ready to move at a moment's notice. He had already donned light armor—practical, efficient. His twin swords rested nearby, close enough to grab in a heartbeat. He looked like a knight awaiting the signal to charge.
Koneko Toujou sat on a chair near the shelves, quietly flipping through a thick, old-looking book. Her expression was serious, her sharp eyes scanning every page with focus. Fingerless gloves covered her hands—simple, functional gear that stood in stark contrast to her petite, doll-like appearance. The combination was unsettling in the best way. Anyone who underestimated her because of her size would pay for it dearly. Issei knew better. He'd seen what those little fists could do.
Near the table, Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima sat gracefully, sipping green tea as if tonight were no different from any other club meeting. Their composure was almost unnerving. Rias's posture was elegant, befitting a high-class Devil, though her crimson eyes were distant, thoughtful. Something weighed on her mind—Issei could tell. Akeno, on the other hand, wore her usual teasing smile, though there was a sharpness beneath it, like lightning waiting to strike.
Asia sat close to Issei, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. Her anxiety was obvious. Issei wanted to say something reassuring, but the words didn't come easily. Instead, he simply stayed there, close enough that she wouldn't feel alone.
The ticking of the old clock on the wall echoed through the room.
Tick.
Tick.
Tick.
Then—
Light burst forth from the center of the clubroom.
A magic circle formed instantly, intricate and refined, glowing with power that felt ancient and absolute. The sudden surge of magic made the air feel colder, heavier.
From the circle stepped a woman with silver hair and sharp, steel-colored eyes.
Grayfia Lucifuge.
The maid of the Underworld emerged with flawless grace, her presence alone commanding attention. She didn't need to raise her voice or assert herself. Authority clung to her like a second skin.
"Is everyone ready?" she asked calmly. "It's ten minutes before the match."
That was all it took.
Everyone stood.
The casual atmosphere vanished in an instant, replaced by something far more serious. Even the air itself seemed to tighten.
"Grayfia," Rias greeted, inclining her head respectfully.
Grayfia returned the nod before addressing the group. "When the time comes, you will be transported to a separate dimension designed specifically for Rating Games. The battlefield is disposable. You may fight without restraint."
Issei's lips curled into a faint grin.
No holding back.
Good.
Riser Phenex was going to feel everything—every ounce of frustration Issei had bottled up over the last ten days.
Still, one thought had been bothering him all evening.
Before he could stop himself, Issei turned to Rias.
"Hey, Buchou?"
She looked at him. "What is it, Issei?"
"Buchou… you've got another Bishop, right?" he asked carefully. "Why not use that person too?"
The moment the words left his mouth, Issei regretted them.
Not because the question was wrong—but because of what it implied.
He had only remembered Gasper an hour ago. Rias's other Bishop. If they trained him properly, the match would be far easier.
'That was a stupid thing to ask,' he thought grimly.
Rias's expression softened slightly as she looked down at her teacup.
"Unfortunately," she said quietly, "the other Bishop won't be participating in this game."
Issei nodded and said nothing more. Pressing the issue wouldn't help anyone.
Grayfia stepped forward again, drawing everyone's attention.
"Two minutes," she announced, glancing at a glowing magical hourglass hovering nearby. "Prepare yourselves. This game is not decided by strength alone. Resolve will determine victory."
Everyone nodded.
Rias straightened and moved to the center of the room. In that moment, she was unmistakably their King.
"This is our first official match," she said, her voice steady and resolute. "And our opponent is Riser Phenex—arrogant, powerful, and dangerous. We can't afford mistakes. But I believe in all of you."
Her crimson eyes swept across the room.
"I know we can fight with pride."
Issei clenched his fist.
He hadn't said it out loud, but the determination burned fiercely inside him.
Even if he wasn't the strongest.
Even if he lacked experience.
He was going to win.
Not because Rias needed saving.
But because he wanted to.
The reason didn't need to be noble. It didn't need to make sense.
He wanted to fight.
And that was enough.
A stray thought crossed his mind, and a crooked grin tugged at his lips.
Arthur said I could ask him anything if I performed well…
Yeah.
He'd make sure this performance was unforgettable.
Riser Phenex was about to learn exactly how it was done.
❌❌❌
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