High School DxD: The Day Before the Rating Game
"A Chen, is this the Underworld? It doesn't seem much different from the Human World!"
Rimuru looked at the green vegetation covering the entire land and the clear blue sky, her small face filled with surprise.
"Hehe, Rimuru, what did you imagine the Underworld would be like?"
Rias looked at Rimuru with a smile, asking for her impression of the Underworld.
"A pitch-black sky, lava everywhere, and monsters spread across the entire world."
Rimuru thought for a moment and stated her preconceived notions about the Underworld.
"Uh... that is indeed the common impression of the Underworld for those who don't know the actual situation."
"However, the Underworld is different now. The Devil Kings are all reformist members, so policies and everything have become much more open-minded."
Rias thought of her brother, a proud expression appearing on her face as she explained.
"Rias, putting everything else aside for a moment, your train is quite good. I'll get a few for myself someday."
Zhong Chen pushed the window open, and a breeze blew into the carriage, making him comfortably narrow his eyes.
As the train continued to move, unique Underworld buildings began to appear in the distance. From their appearance, they truly had an exotic charm.
"Lord Rimuru, please have some tea. This is what I, your subordinate, have meticulously prepared for you!"
"Thank you, Diablo!"
Rimuru took the black tea brewed by Diablo and took a small sip, realizing that his tea-making skills had improved significantly.
She then looked at Diablo with a puzzled expression.
Diablo seemed to understand Rimuru's confusion and quickly explained respectfully:
"My tea-making skills were all taught by my master."
"Master?"
Hearing Diablo's words, not only Rimuru but even Zhong Chen looked at him in surprise.
He had never heard of Diablo having a master.
"It's Master Sakuya!"
"Sakuya? I see."
At this point, those present who knew Diablo no longer found it strange.
As Diablo, who considered serving Zhong Chen and Lord Rimuru his top priority, he would do anything to serve them better.
"Indeed, the black tea is quite good! It would be great if I could have red tea someday!"
A lazy yet elegant female voice suddenly sounded in everyone's ears.
"Testarossa, this is black tea I prepared for Lord Rimuru! You'd best remember your place!"
A sharp glint flashed in Diablo's eyes, and he spoke with a slightly cold tone.
"Oh dear, how scary. Master, look at him, he's scolding me!"
Testarossa showed no fear upon hearing this. Instead, she leaned closer to Zhong Chen.
A pair of magnificent breasts pressed tightly against Zhong Chen's left arm.
"Diablo, never mind. It's just a cup of black tea. If she wants to drink it, let her."
Zhong Chen looked at the woman beside him, who wore a cunning smile, and found himself utterly helpless against her.
"Um, I've been meaning to ask, why does this young lady call Teacher Zhong Chen 'Master'?"
Rias looked at the elegant and beautiful Testarossa, who resembled an ancient noble, and a hint of nervousness involuntarily appeared on her face.
"Hehe, Rias, let me introduce you. This is Testarossa, the diplomatic officer of the Monster Country Federation!"
Milim introduced Testarossa's identity with a mouthful of dessert, her words a bit slurred.
"Monster Country Federation? This is the second time I've heard of this country. Are all of you, Teacher Zhong Chen, from this country?"
"But I've searched all the material and haven't found a single piece of information about the Monster Country Federation!"
Hearing Rias's confusion, Zhong Chen revealed a profound smile and said aloud:
"Hehe, you'll find out soon enough."
Hearing Zhong Chen's words, Rias understood that he didn't want to elaborate, so she wisely didn't ask further.
After more than ten minutes, the train's announcement system chimed.
"We are about to arrive at the Gremory Main Family Mansion. We are about to arrive at the Gremory Main Family Mansion. Thank you for riding with us!"
"Teacher Zhong Chen, we've arrived. Let's get off."
Hearing Rias's words, Zhong Chen and the others prepared to disembark.
The train's speed gradually slowed down and then came to a complete stop. After the train stopped, they disembarked through the opened doors under Rias's guidance.
"Welcome home, Young Lady Rias!"
A roar-like cheer erupted around them! Immediately after... bang, bang, bang, bang... fireworks exploded in the sky, soldiers fired their guns into the air, and a band began to play in unison!
There were also soldiers riding unknown creatures flying in the sky, waving flags.
Among the crowd were many butlers and maids. As Rias walked towards them, they all bowed in unison to greet her.
Faced with this sudden grand display, Rimuru's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but ask Zhong Chen beside her:
"A Chen, I'm an emperor, right?"
"Yes, you are. What's wrong?"
"Then why have I never had such a grand display!"
Hearing Rimuru's question, Zhong Chen was momentarily stunned. He looked at the scene before him.
Then he placed both hands on Rimuru's shoulders, looking at her seriously and saying:
"Oh, Rimuru, these are all external things, useless. Grand displays and such... grand displays and such..."
At this point, Zhong Chen's voice grew softer and softer, eventually even tinged with a hint of a sob, until... "I want one too! Why do I, a prince, have no grand display at all! Waaah waaah waaah... Rimuru... waaah waaah waaah..."
"A Chen... waaah waaah waaah, why... waaah waaah waaah..."
Everyone looked at the two who had suddenly embraced each other and burst into tears, their faces lines of exasperation, not understanding why these two suddenly put on such a show.
"Master, Lord Rimuru, everyone is waiting for you two. Please mind the occasion!"
Finally, Sakuya, unable to watch any longer, stepped forward and admonished the two.
"*sniffle*... Alright... alright..."
The two, having finished their antics, put away their embarrassing demeanor and followed everyone to Rias's home.
Upon arriving at Rias's home, everyone met Rias's parents, who warmly welcomed Zhong Chen and the others.
Unfortunately, Sirzechs was absent due to official duties.
At the same time, Grayfia exchanged thirty bottles of Phoenix Tears with Zhong Chen for the half-dead Riser.
Until one day later, when the Rating Game began... "Is this the guy who scammed our family out of so many treasures?"
The Phoenix Clan Leader looked grimly at Zhong Chen and the others sitting in the special guest seats.
"Lord Devil Kings, please uphold justice for my Phoenix Family."
"My son is now a cripple. This Rating Game is simply an insult to him!"
Hearing the Phoenix Clan Leader's words, Sirzechs frowned slightly.
Serafall, dressed in a magical girl outfit, looked at Sona Sitri, who was also sitting in the special guest seats, with a doting expression.
As for the other two Devil Kings, Beelzebub and Asmodeus, they remained noncommittal, showing no reaction.
"Lord Devil Kings!"
Seeing that none of the Devil Kings had responded, the Phoenix Clan Leader anxiously spoke again.
"Phoenix Clan Leader, if there are any issues, let's discuss them after the Rating Game. For now, let's watch the match!"
Sirzechs could only helplessly try to appease him.
"This... Yes!"
The Phoenix Clan Leader, who still wanted to say something, could only reluctantly comply upon seeing Sirzechs's displeased expression.
At this moment, Rias also entered the barrier constructed based on Komaou Academy and began her Rating Game...