"Y-Yes... But I might just hold you back, Issei-san. Please don't worry about me and just join whichever events you like."
With a brave yet lonely smile, Asia said this, and instantly, sharp glares from all around the classroom pierced into Issei.
"Uh, well, actually, I was thinking of entering the three-legged race too! Let's run it together, Asia!"
"Really? I'm so happy!"
The boys around them clicked their tongues in envy at Asia's radiant smile.
They wanted to support the pure-hearted, beautiful nun... but they also desperately wished for Issei's downfall. A storm of inner conflict raged within them.
Amid barely audible mutters of "explode" and "fall off already," the lineup for the sports festival events was finally decided.
In the afternoon, students across all year levels began training for the upcoming festival.
It was rare for all three grades to have PE together, but Kuoh Academy was big on school events. With the new school building's field, the old one, the gym, and even the tennis courts available, space was no issue.
We second-years were in the new field, doing various measurements and training.
"The competition between the energetic new transfer beauties, Irina-chan and Xenovia-chan, is certainly a feast for the eyes… But tell me, Motohama, what do you think?"
"Indeed. They're moving so fast I can barely track the movement of their boobs."
"Exactly! It's better when they bounce, yussa yussa style, you know?"
"I still can't believe bloomers are the standard here. These days, even elementary schoolers don't wear them anymore."
"What nonsense! Spats are good, but nothing beats the tight cling of bloomers!"
"Isn't it just your weird personal preference talking at this point?"
Shut up! I was just stating a fact, bloomers are an endangered species now! It's not about my taste, alright!?
As we bantered, Saji walked over with a clipboard in hand.
"Yo, what are you guys up to?"
"Observing bouncing boobs!"
"You guys never change... Well, as long as no one gets hurt. Anyway, what events are you entering? I'm doing the bread-eating race."
"I'm in the spoon relay."
"Heh! I'm doing the three-legged race with Asia!"
"Dammit! You lucky bastard. I wish I could run closely with the President like that!"
Saji groaned in frustration, though really, they're in different grades, so that was never gonna happen.
Then I noticed something, Saji's arm was wrapped in bandages.
"Saji, what's up with your arm? If you're hurt, Asia could probably heal you. Or are you three years late to your chunibyo phase?"
"No, damn it! It's from absorbing the Red Dragon Emperor's blood and aura during the Rating Game with Hyoudou and the others. It reacted weirdly."
Saji removed the bandages and showed us his left arm. Matsuda and Motohama were too busy ogling girls in gym uniforms to notice.
Dark, snake-like markings coiled around his arm like tattoos. Embedded in each snake's eyes were gems resembling the Boosted Gear jewels.
"...Saji, you really have entered your edgy phase."
"I told you, that's not it!"
"Come on, though. You could totally say, 'Grr… The evil dragon sealed in my left arm is awakening!' You're already halfway there. Vritra's known as the Black Evil Dragon King, so why not embrace it? Call yourself the Dark Dragon King, Black Satan, and name your finishing move 'Dark Breath: Zero Form!'"
Now that sounds badass! Azazel-sensei would probably applaud it.
"Who the hell would shout such an embarrassing name!? And why Zero Form!? Also, pretty sure that's not how you use the word 'form'!"
Because Zero Form is always the strongest! I mean, come on, shooting breath from space? Final Fantasy taught me that much.
"Ugh... I'm jealous of Vritra. My host is the damn Oppai Dragon. Black Satan sounds so much cooler..."
Oh no. Ddraig is actually starting to get drawn into the chuuni vibes of Black Satan!
"Snap out of it, Ddraig! Keep going down that path and you'll meet Azazel-sensei in hell!"
Thankfully, my desperate plea worked. Ddraig shook himself free.
"Huh?! What was I thinking...?"
=====================
Later that day after school, we all gathered in the clubroom to review the Rating Games between young devils.
Irina and Kuroka were with us too. Apparently, Irina was trying to start her own sketchy club, but since she's the only member, she was temporarily hanging around the Occult Research Club.
Kuroka, on the other hand, didn't want to go to school and got bored staying home. So she dropped by after school. During the day, she'd apparently accept whatever chaotic tasks Azazel threw her way. Typical battle maniac.
With the Khaos Brigade stirring up terrorist attacks, Azazel appreciated having someone strong like her to take on dangerous assignments.
We were now watching a match between the Bael and Glasya-Labolas households. The difference in power was overwhelming.
Even if the matchups weren't ideal, the Bael side crushed the opposition with raw strength.
Eventually, Glasya-Labolas's Zephyrdor stood alone and demanded a one-on-one match between kings. Sairaorg Bael accepted, calmly pushed through all of Zephyrdor's attacks, and ended the match with a single punch through his defenses.
"The so-called cursed child and heir of the hated Glasya-Labolas line didn't stand a chance," Yuuto muttered with a grim look.
That's basically just an insult, isn't it?
"He's the top of the young generation. If we fought him head-on without a plan, we'd lose for sure... This is where my skills as a King and strategist will be tested."
Despite her troubled smile, Rias's eyes blazed with determination, she had no intention of losing.
Then Issei turned to me.
"Hey, Ikki... Could you beat that Sairaorg guy?"
Everyone stared at me.
"From what I saw in that video? Yeah, I think I could win."
"...You could? Wait, that wording..."
"Think about it, Issei. Did he look like he was going all-out in that footage? He crushed them without even trying. There's not enough data."
I believe he's stronger than in canon, but I've never met him in person yet.
"Ikki, you really underestimate yourself. You took down the Juggernaut Drive form of the White Dragon Emperor. You should be more confident, nya~"
"...Ikki-senpai is strong," Kuroka and Koneko both chimed in.
Still... this world's power creep is insane. I'd at least like to be at Maou level by default.
"Haha, just the fact that you can beat the version in that video is impressive enough."
That said, the Sairaorg in that footage was likely holding back, and possibly even wielding a Longinus-class sacred gear.
"All the young devils are ending their matches with one-on-one King battles. Even Rias and Sairaorg did it despite having the upper hand. Is that a Bael family trait?"
Rias blushed a bit from that comment.
"How strong is that Glasya-Labolas guy really?"
"Among these six households, he's not the weakest... But the original heir recently died in an accident, so this guy's a stand-in. Also..."
Before Rias could finish, a teleportation magic circle appeared in the room.
"...That crest, it's Astaroth."
"Wait, that means, !"
When Rias recognized the symbol, Issei immediately grew tense, remembering the guy who kissed Asia's hand. Asia clung to Issei's hand and slightly hid behind him, a rare show of fear.
Apparently, that guy was still sending her mountains of gifts and love letters daily. Creepy stalker much?
"Good day, everyone. I'm Diodora Astaroth. I came to see Asia."
...Great, now he's added 'uninvited guest' to his list of stalker traits.
His smiling entrance immediately soured the mood in the room.
=====================
In the clubroom, Diodora sat across from Rias on the couch. The other members stood behind her, while Kuroka, Azazel, and I observed from a little distance.
Akeno, ever the graceful Queen, was preparing tea, though her usual smile had vanished.
"Let's skip the small talk. I'm here to propose a trade. The piece I want, naturally, is your Bishop."
"KYAAH! You mean meee!?"
Rias momentarily flinched at Gasper's shriek but quickly recomposed herself.
"Wait, Diodora, are you saying you're into both sides!? Just so you know, Gasper's a guy. A trap. A very sparkly one."
"Issei, be reasonable. Nobles often develop eccentric tastes. Though I gotta admit, I didn't expect the real target to be Gasper instead of Asia."
Diodora had proven himself a top-tier stalker by now, so we had no hesitation in teasing him.
Then, Gasper stepped forward, bowed deeply, and declared,
"I-I'm sorry! But I can't date you!"
Diodora, rejected before he even confessed, twitched with irritation as a vein popped on his forehead.
"...Rias-san. You certainly have... colorful servants."
"They're my pride and joy. And I'm not giving you Gasper, or anyone, for that matter."
Rias coolly deflected his sarcasm and told him to leave. Her tone was ice-cold, especially toward someone troubling her beloved Asia.
"Even if it's Asia?"
"I already said, no one. I won't trade anyone."
"...Is that because of her power, or because you find her personally appealing?"
"Both. I see Asia like a little sister. She's family to me."
Asia looked truly moved by those words.
Just as Diodora sipped his tea, a faint demonic aura leaked from Kuroka.
"I see... In that case, let's make a wager. If I win in the upcoming Rating Game between our households, Asia will come with me."
"Oh? Bold words, considering you just lost to the Agares family."
Wait, he lost to Agares?
"Also, you talk about love, but you've been treating Asia like a prize this whole time. I don't like that."
The tension rose, but after a moment of silence, Diodora turned toward Asia, dropped to one knee, and took her hand again.
"Asia, what do you think? I'll defeat the powerful Gremory family, for your sake."
Just as he leaned in to kiss her hand again, Issei firmly grabbed his wrist.
"She doesn't want this. And from now on, I'm not letting you lay a finger on her."
Diodora yanked his arm away and wiped it with a handkerchief.
"Kindly don't touch me. I'd rather not be sullied by a filthy dragon."
Before Issei could explode, a sharp sound rang out.
"Don't say things like that to Issei-san!"
No one expected it, Asia had slapped him.
Everyone froze in shock, except Diodora, who calmly stood.
"You're clearly upset. I'll withdraw for today. But once I defeat the Gremorys, you'll understand that I'm the right choice for you."
Just as things reached a boiling point, Azazel stepped in.
"Perfect timing. The match date's been set, Gremory versus Astaroth. Five days from now."
=====================
After Diodora left, I turned to Kuroka, curious.
"Hey, what was that spell earlier?"
"Oh, that? I slipped a little surprise into his tea, an explosive that hits a day late."
"Wait, like a bomb?"
"A very special bomb that makes you really love the toilet, nya~"
...You mean laxatives.
"It'll last for three full days, nya~"
So right up to the game, Diodora's gonna be the Maou of the Toilet...
No sympathy here.
=============
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