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Thanks for reading!
I'll probably open one of those 'panty reons' and 'coffees' with a k sometime month end, mmkayy? *wink, wink*
just to make sure I don't lose focus. No paywall either btw,
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-voooom!-
Rias' crimson magic blazed as she hurled spheres of [Power of Destruction] towards Riser.
"Give it up, Riser!" Rias shouted. "You're the only one left!"
Riser laughed, the echo of his laughter echoing a sound I found to be kinda arrogant.
"You think I can lose!? I am immortal! My flames will heal any wound! You cannot destroy what will always rise again!" His wings of flame flared wide, burning brighter with every hit he took.
He then launched a blazing torrent of [Hell Fire] that exploded against Rias' guard, nearly sending her spiraling through the air if it weren't for Gasper's [Forbidden Balor View].
Gasper froze Riser in mid-air for a while, as it gave Rias enough time to fly out of the way in time as brightly hot flames raced through the air.
Once those flames hit the ground, the world burned gold and red around us.
Riser Phenex, the immortal insert-whatever-bird-you-want, floated high above, his wings of flame spreading wide as if to mock us. "Give it up, Rias! You're fighting fate, destiny, and most importantly, your duty!"
I glanced at Rias beside me as her crimson hair fluttered wildly as the [Power of Destruction] swirling around her like a storm.
Even though sweat beaded her brow, her sapphire gem-like eyes still held firm determination within them that didn't wane in the slightest.
Truly a thorny rose.
"Not a chance," Rias said coldly.
And I wasn't about to disagree.
Behind us, Gasper was trembling, but he was holding his ground.
It might not be particularly impressive, but compared to where his strength was at the time in canon, it wouldn't be too bad if I were to be a little proud of him, would it?
-shine!-
His violet eyes glowed faintly red, and Riser suddenly froze midair.
His Sacred Gear, [Forbidden Balor View], had activated, causing time within his line of sight to stop, trapping anyone caught in his gaze.
The duration of said effect depended on the user's mastery over their Sacred Gear, so for Gasper, who had much more to grow, he was constantly pushing past his limits in this battle.
"Now!" Rias spoke as she raised her hand, unleashing a flurry of destructive crimson orbs.
Seeing this, I also followed suit, which shocked poor ol' Rias a ton as our power struck Riser in tandem.
-baaaaam!-
I wouldn't use [Worthless] on Riser yet. It was too early.
Our attacks slammed into Riser in a violent explosion, shredding through his defenses and sending him spiraling out of the air.
He crashed into the ground, wings sputtering, and his regeneration already working to heal the damage.
Rias exhaled sharply beside me, eyes narrowing. "Tch. Still regenerating, aren't you, Riser?"
"But those spheres... Is it Demonic Power..? No, it isn't... Huh...?" Rias muttered under her breath, but I could pick it up with my enhanced senses "Hmmn... Daichi, just what are you? A half-human from the Bael Clan, or even... the Gremory's…?"
---Neither, Tomato Princess. Neither.
The fight raged on, but little by little, Gasper's energy was fading. His breathing grew ragged, the duration of his abilities grew shorter, and soon, he was running on empty.
Finally, Rias placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Gasper. Fall back. You've done more than enough."
He looked conflicted. "B-but Buchou, I can still—"
"No," I interrupted, ruffling his hair. "You've done amazing, kouhai-chan. You stood your ground. That's what counts."
He blinked up at me, surprised, then nodded shakily. "…Right."
And with that, Gasper stepped back, letting the battlefield shrink to just us and the Phenex.
"I'm not done with you all---!!!!!" Riser tried to attack once more, sending flames of hurt and pain my way.
Well. Tried.
[Time Stop]
[1]
As time stopped for only a second, I placed strength in my legs and leaped up into the sky, striking Riser from the air.
[0]
-craaaaassshhhh!-
Time resumed as Riser slammed into the ground, causing a mini dust explosion as he crashed to the ground.
For a split second, I did a little something extra to Riser using [Body Manipulation], something that he'd have to face much later on...
"This guy is quite durable, huh, Gasper, Rias?" I mockingly wagged my fist as if it hurt. "Something tells me that you guys have been at this for a while."
Her lips curved into a smirk. "Well, I guess you could say that."
Gasper nodded with a firm resolve on his cute little face. "Y-Yeah, but we didn't lose at all, D-Daichi-senpai!"
-fwoooosh!-
Above us, Riser healed as he descended. I saw the flesh on his body be replaced with flames of the Phenex Clan as he slowly pieced himself together.
"So the rumors are true, the nosy, arrogant human magician that everyone in the Underworld keeps talking about is real after all."
"Really? People are talking about me?" I looked up with a smile on my face. "Aww, now that warms my heart. Thanks for the compliment!"
"It wasn't a compliment!" Riser roared. "You are one of the reasons, Rias won't accept this engagement with yours truly!"
"What?" I sighed. "Riser, listen, pal... even if I weren't here, I still doubt that she would've liked you. You're like a frog, er, turkey, trying to eat swan meat."
Even Reincarnators and Transmigrators who end up in Riser's body in other fanfics have to deal with a Rias with a [-90 Affection Level] that barely goes down as time passes.
Not that they'd want it to go up, seeing as what they have to put up with in those stories, but still...
As for me? I'd cut my losses while I haven't lost anything yet, and move on, but when the [Plot] tells you to blow, some guys just lose their gag reflex altogether.
"So while I understand what you're trying to do... Just quit it, man. It won't work."
"Hah!" Riser scoffed. "What nonsense! I---"
"And speaking of nonsense," I interrupted, "What about your contracted magician? You don't have one? That's just bad form, man."
Riser scoffed, puffing his chest out. "A Phenex such as yours truly, doesn't need a magician! My flames easily make up for any perceived gap in my peerage!"
"Right," I whispered. "Guess I shouldn't have expected any reincarnator or sensible mage to hang around you anyway..."
Well, it's not like I expected anything, but there were times where I wondered if there were any other guys and gals who got isekai'd to this place as well.
Oh well.
"Anyway..." I walked behind Rias and put my hand on her back. "Wanna try something new?"
[Sensitivity Manipulation]
"M-Mmmf." Rias gave a heavy sigh as I could feel her tension fade away.
See, I can help people with this ability too!
"Try shooting one of those [Power of Destruction] balls at him, okay?" I gave her a small smile as I kept my hand on her back.
"G-Got it." Rias nodded as crimson magic surged through our surroundings.
Once she let it go, the sphere of utter destruction shot out faster than Riser could react, and swallowed him whole, as it lit the sky with an explosion
-booom!-
And when the light faded, only scorched earth and smoke remained.
And then...
-thud!-
"Nice isn't it?" I asked Rias as we took a look at Riser who fell flat on the shattered ground.
"It's... amazing..." Rias exhaled. "But I feel rather drained?"
"Oh, you'll get used to it eventually," I gently soothed her worries. "But forget that, the good part is, this entire chapter of our lives is dedicated to using our perfect regenerating punching bag over here."
As I said so, out came walking a very visibly damaged Riser-chan, who also seemed to be rather angry for some reason...
"Damned arrogant human!" Riser coughed. "I was planning on going easy on you, since you're a magician with some skill..."
"After Rias and I were wed, I'd show you my grace by training you to be a dutiful butler for the children Rias would have with me..." Riser explained, but I really wasn't interested in listening to any of that shit.
"Not a chance, dude! I want to have butlers, not become one!" I waved at him from behind Rias.
"But that chance is gone!" Riser roared. "When this farce is finished, I'll soon have you disciplined and banished!"
"Y'see, Rias? Now's when the fun begins." I patted her head. "So sit back and relax while I get to showing off."
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"I summon you---! Hati! Skoll! Save me!" I yelled as I stopped myself from giggling.
Riser's fist drove right for my chest, and right before he plunged his fist into my heart, I caught his fist firmly.
-creak, creak!-
His hand trembled inside my grip as I slowly, yet deliberately, started to apply pressure to his fist.
-crack!-
The satisfying crack of bone echoed through the battlefield.
"Gyaaaaaaaaah---!!!!" Riser screamed.
You wanna know why I wanted to fight you so badly?" I smiled wickedly.
Just kidding, it was a sweet, soft, smile that could warm the coldest of hearts.
Trust me.
Red and black energy spiraled up around me, and two horns of spiraling energy burst from my skull.
I could've sworn that it was blue and black...
No matter.
"Because I've been dying to test this out."
[Chaos Labyrinth Crown: Labyrinth Open]
The world around me shook as the power surged through my veins. I tilted my head slightly.
"Hey, Asterion," I murmured. "I think it's time I let these dogs out."
[No problem. They are ready, host.]
The horns on my head flared brightly, opening a gate in front of me.
From the left stepped a sharp-looking guy with grayish-blue hair and silver eyes, wolf ears twitching, and a butler's vest left open over a white shirt. Despite the uniform, his delinquent look ruined any sense of professionalism.
From the right stood a 'girl', slender, with dark gray hair and matching wolf ears, wearing a maid outfit that looked one wardrobe malfunction away from scandalous. 'Her' golden eyes glowed as she cracked her knuckles.
---Gentlemen, and the few Ladies(also gentlemen in disguise) who read my saga, enter Hati and Skoll.
Riser blinked. "What in Lucifer's name---?"
"Riser, meet Hati and Sköll. My familiars." I grinned. "All right kids, go easy on the chew toy."
He sneered. "Familiars? Hati, and Skoll? What manner of foolishness do you think you can do with these fake mutts---"
He didn't finish.
Because Hati blurred forward, his fist connecting with Riser's jaw in a sonic boom that launched him into the sky, and Sköll appeared above him, heel crashing down on his spine, slamming him back into the earth hard enough to leave a crater.
It was like one of those Drag-so-ball fight scenes.
The ground shattered as Riser screamed again as the two wolves descended upon him, their movements a blur of claws and magic-infused strikes.
Rias and Gasper stood speechless.
"Who… are they?" Rias asked with wide eyes.
"My familiars," I said casually, watching as Hati dragged Riser up by the collar and kneed him in the gut.
"The hell d'ya think yer talking too, huh!?" Hati growled.
"Yeah, this one thinks he's Master! I say we show him why he shouldn't run his mouth!" Skoll sneered.
"They seem… powerful for mere familiars," Rias said warily.
"Ah," I smiled, "that's because they're the sons of Fenrir."
Her eyes widened. "Sons, plural?"
"Yup."
And right on cue, Hati and Sköll looked at each other, then howled.
Their bodies exploded with light, growing, shifting, and morphing until two massive wolves towered over the battlefield, their fur glistening with divine aura.
---One silver-blue like moonlight. The other dark gray like twilight.
Riser screamed as Hati's tail swiped him across the ground, Sköll pouncing on him like a dog playing with a toy.
Riser's flames flared as his family's fabled regeneration kicked in, but the wolves' power snuffed them out every time it happened.
They didn't just defeat him. They bullied him. Mercilessly.
Each blow sent shockwaves through the arena, Riser's regeneration struggling to keep up with the damage.
I folded my arms, watching with satisfaction.
"Perfect time to finish this dance," I said.
"I don't even know where to begin with you." Rias looked at me, a mix of awe and exasperation in her eyes. "How did you even get these two to come under you?"
I smirked. "Trade secret."
And with that, I raised my hand, and the two ceased their playtime and stepped aside.
[Hmmn. They could use a bit more training, but this much is fine.] Asterion muttered.
The battlefield was silent as dust hung in the air, the ground beneath us creaking as if it were made out of rotten wood, and the smell of scorched ozone mixed with burnt phoenix feathers wafted in the air.
---Riser's groans echoed faintly from the smoking crater. The guy looked… bad. Not "handsome villain licking his wounds" bad, but "cooked turkey at a buffet" bad.
Hati and Sköll stepped aside, their eyes gleaming in twin shades of feral silver and gold.
Their enormous lupine forms loomed behind Rias and me like living shadows, each exuding a divine pressure that made even my skin crawl slightly, and I was their master.
Good thing I've gotten that [Giant Wolf], and [God Slayer] DNA sample from them, then.
Rias stood beside me, her crimson hair billowing as she turned her head toward me, her voice soft but laced with awe. "Daichi… how…?"
I cracked a grin, brushing off some ash that wasn't even mine. "Didn't I say I'd pull out my best stops for you, President? I'm a man of my word, y'know."
Her eyes widened slightly, not because of the words, but because of how casually I said and meant them. She then bit her lip, trembling slightly.
I sighed, gently flicking her forehead. "Oi, oi, oi! Don't tear up now. You can cry after we fry this bird."
"..."
"Hehe..." After a brief pause, that earned a small laugh from her. Small, but real, so I didn't mind.
-fwooooosh!-
Then came the sound of wings igniting.
Unfortunately for Riser, his Phenex regeneration factor was under serious duress after the serious trashing he took from Hati and Skoll, and it was so bad that if this wasn't a Rating Game, the idea of him ending up dead wouldn't be a far-fetched one.
"H-How!? How could this be!? Y-You… you'll pay for this, you damned human…!"
He roared, gathering what was left of his demonic power and life force into a massive inferno. The sky above us turned orange, heat waves distorting the air.
I exhaled slowly, stepping closer behind Rias. "Alright, Rias. Let him have one last blast. And let's make it flashy."
[Sensitivity Manipulation]
She glanced over her shoulder, cheeks tinted pink as I slid my arms around her waist, guiding her hands forward. Her [Power of Destruction] pulsed violently in her palms, crimson lightning crackling between her fingers.
"E-Eeek! D-Daichi… this…?"
"Channel everything," I whispered against her ear as she breathed heavily. "It's not the first time a bird has gone extinct. Unlike the Australians who lost a war against freakin' birds, how about we win this one?"
"You! Let go of her, you damned mongrel!" Riser screamed, flinging his full-powered firestorm at us.
The world turned gold and red as the ground trembled, as Rias' crimson aura flared, and intertwined with my very own [Power of Destruction] in a violent swirl of red and black.
[Oh, this one will definitely sting that Phenex whelp, host.]
Glad to hear it. Now let's lace it with some of that [Worthless] strain that will fuck him up.
And together, our magic merged into one monstrous sphere of annihilating energy.
I could see Rias' expression of shock, focus, and… something softer.
"W-We're merging… our powers?" Rias asked.
"Yep. It's almost like our kid, don't you think?" I teased with a grin, feeling the energy hum between our palms. "So, what should we name it?"
Riser's blast neared us, the heat nearly unbearable, but we didn't flinch.
Rias blushed as her eyes glowed with an otherworldly crimson, and for the briefest second… horns, red and black, spiraling like mine appeared faintly on her head also.
Even Riser froze at the sight, panic flashing across his face.
I smirked. "Almost time."
Our combined energy reached its peak, a swirling, luminous sphere of black-red destruction, vibrating with pure annihilation.
"Thinking what I'm thinking? If not, I'll whisper it in your ears." I said. "Alright, let's say it together, okay?"
"[Crimson Extinction Chaos Spiral!]"
-booooooom!!!!!!!-
The blast erupted forward like a crimson supernova, consuming Riser's flames, his screams, and everything else in its path. The area turned white, and then silent.
-baaaaaaaammmmm!!!!!!-
And second later, the system voice echoed through the shattered battlefield.
If there was something, then there was dust to replace it, because not even shattered concrete was left in the space where we let off our attack.
It was just the emptiness of space around the blast radius.
[Riser Phenex Peerage's [King], Retired.]
[Rias Gremory's Peerage, Wins.]
If there's a crowd somewhere beyond the magical simulations, then they're probably roaring in applause at our match.
But I wasn't concerned about that right now.
Rias and I's gaze locked firmly for a while, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Nice, huh?"
Rias blinked, then giggled softly, before rising on her toes and pressing her lips against mine.
-chuu!-
It was soft. Warm. Chaste even.
So, me being the one who, when given an inch, takes a mile, leaned into the kiss even more as I savored Rias' taste.
Yum. Like strawberries and honey.(maybe)
When I let her go, she breathed heavily for a while before smiling faintly. "You really are full of surprises, Daichi."
I shrugged. "Well, I try."
Above us, the fragments of light and dust after our combined attack continued to fall, and honestly, everything felt great.
And no, it wasn't because when I hit Riser earlier, I had secretly used [Body Manipulation] to insert a fast-acting, constantly evolving Y chromosome based on a virus template that rapidly multiplies and causes changes in the human body.
And it's definitely not because, after a few hours to a day, Riser and his Peerage with the exception of Ravel, had a few surprises and new discoveries of themselves to look foward to.
Definitely not.
Heh...Hehe...Hehehe...
Oh, how deliciously diabolical.
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Next Chapter: 042: Ecchi Young Man And The Gremory's Victory? Banquet Time! Meeting Friends And Family!
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Trivia Time! (Againx41!!)
Did you know(ofc)
The Rating Game Field created using Devil magic and technology, can perfectly reproduced not only buildings but also any items inside them products such as books, medicines, and even food, as shown in Volume 5 during the Rating Game between Rias and Sona.
In that Rating Game, the battlefield is set in a department store, where Issei read Ero books in a copied bookstore, Rias drink tea on the copied dining floor, Gasper eating donuts in a copied donuts shop. Yuuto also used the medicines he gathering from the copied drug store to treat Xenovia's injuries.
In fact, the Sitri Peerage even used Garlic from the simulated store to defeat Gasper with.(L dhampir, straight up anti-feat of strength if you could call it that)
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