22 DXD

"They haven't?"

Ichika looked disappointed, she spoke in a raised voice, "Onii-chan and Rias-san look so good together. Way better than that Riser or whatever he was. Hmph, I don't like the vibes from him."

Rias looked at Tatsuya to see if he had any reaction to her words but all she saw was a small smile.

Still, remembering the words from the balcony she didn't directly agree to Grayfia's words and remained silent

Tatsuya forcefully patted Ichika's head, shaking her slightly.

"Ah, ah stop! Onii-chan!" Ichika grabbed his hand and after a moment of silence said, "That Riser guy looked strong, you won't get hurt will you?"

"In your dreams." Tatsuya laughed.

"I suggest you watch some of his Rating Games on Devitube, Yamamoto-san." Kiba decided to speak and Tatsuya looked at him with a smile.

"Thank you, I'll do so." Though for a second his expression froze as he looked at Kiba, 'Though... how do I use Devitube?"

Unexpectedly, Kiba chuckled at his confused expression.

"I'll show you."

Tatsuya stood next to Kiba as he magically summoned a tablet. After that, he wrote a domain while explaining, "The Devitube is just like YouTube on Earth. You can watch videos and streams of various Devils and Fallen Angels. You can also register a creator account after verifying your identity."

"Oh hoh..."

While Tatsuya and Kiba were engrossed in their conversation, Rias looked at them with a smile.

"Grayfia-san can Yamamoto-kun really win?" Akeno asked a bit more seriously to which the busty silver-haired maid just smiled and nodded.

"You'll be surprised tonight."

"But shouldn't you have asked for a bit more time so he could get used to his Devil Powers!? He just became a Devil yesterday!" Rias complained.

Grayfia looked at her with a complicated emotion.

The scene of Yamamoto piercing his own chest, almost killing himself was settled deep inside her heart.

It was not the Immortality that was the most dangerous, nor was it his strength.

It was his mentality.

Someone who could be so ruthless to himself... just how much worse would he be to others?

She hesitated for a second before shaking her head, "He doesn't need it."

"I believe in Onii-chan! He'll definitely win!" Ichika clenched her fist before waving it in victory. However, a second later she turned to Rias and smiled mischievously, "By the way, Rias-san, my brother doesn't have a girlfriend!"

Rias froze before forcefully calming herself, "I've never asked."

"Ever since middle school about 132 girls have confessed to him." Ichika ignored Rias' words.

Rias felt her lips twitch but there was slight girlish curiosity in her eyes as she raised a brow, "How many of them has he dated?"

Ichika giggled like a little devil, "I thought you didn't want to know?"

Rias felt a hint of red colour on her cheeks as she crossed her arms in front of her chest, "I don't care, but I don't mind knowing more about my new peerage member."

"Really?" Ichika smiled, "Well, I'll tell ya anyways! None!"

Both Rias and Akeno were surprised, "No past relationships!?"

"Onii-chan always claimed to be busy, wanting to focus on his studies but everyone thought he was just being polite. After all, who cares about studying in middle school? No one really knew how hardworking Onii-chan was and is!"

With them always being in danger of getting attacked by Yamamoto's past hunts it would be a wonder if he could really date anyone. Rias thought her judgment was flawless considering Tatsuya's story, Wait! Now that he's safe here in the Underworld does that mean...

While Rias was enveloped in her own daydreams no one noticed a small figure slowly inching away from the group towards Tatsuya and Kiba.

No one besides Akeno.

Akeno couldn't help but giggle seeing Koneko's shyness and Ichika's enthusiasm.

She really has blind faith in him.

Even earlier there wasn't a mention of defeat in Ichika's words, only concern if he would be injured. It was as if she couldn't perceive the fact that Tatsuya could lose.

It was quite heartwarming.

Or at least it should've been.

If... if only she didn't have to deal with the sorrow in her heart.

Perhaps this is karma... you left Mother and me alone in death and now... in your death, you too remain alone.

Akeno looked at the people around her.

The curious Koneko, who was watching the Rating Game with Kiba and Tatsuya. Ichika, who was excitedly talking with Rias and trying to get her together with Tatsuya.

And Grayfia-san who was watching the entire group with a kind motherly smile.

All her negative emotions washed away in an instant.

After all, why ruin things for everyone for someone who couldn't even bother showing up to protect them?

As the thought crossed her mind she felt a weight lift off her shoulders.

She held a small wish.

A wish that everyone including her could live happily just like this, after and forever.

"Ara ara~ Rias you've been glancing at Yamamoto-kun for a while now, could it be...?" Watching Rias become flustered Akeno's smile widened.

She began teasing Rias alongside Ichika.

...

Tatsuya separated from the group after a while with the excuse of needing to prepare.

He exited the main chambers and walked along the narrow hallway.

The decorations in Gremory were really splendid.

If only Sirzechs hadn't appeared beside him casually, he could've enjoyed the view a bit more.

Tatsuya turned his head, smiling at the shorter red-head.

"I thought the esteemed Maou was busy."

"I'd rather not listen to a lecture from Father. It was hard to convince them of your abilities in the first place." Sirzechs smiled his pace and steps exactly the same as Tatsuya.

"Is there something else you wish for me to do?" Tatsuya asked politely and seeing his demeanor, Sirzechs was satisfied.

He nodded, "Two things. First, the fight can go however you wish for it. As long as you're smart Riser has no chance of winning against you. Before the match ends I want you to give a simple speech or perhaps a statement would suffice."

"What kind of speech?

Sirzechs was still smiling but his eyes held frost, "Humiliate and destroy the pride of all Noble Devils."

"... You're insane." Tatsuya pretended to be shocked.

"To be in my position and not crumble you have to be insane." Sirzechs smiled wryly, "Don't worry. No one will dare touch you. I'll keep all the older Devils in check. Though, some young Devils will inevitably challenge you... it shouldn't bother you, right?"

"As long as you keep my earlier request in mind I'm not averse to anything." Tatsuya shook his head bitterly, "What's the second request?"

"How do you feel about Rias?" Sirzechs asked bluntly and Tatsuya was a bit stunned.

He frowned as silence etched between them.

After a moment he smiled, "She's a good girl."

Sirzechs looked at him profoundly before nodding in acceptance though reluctance hid deep in his eyes.

"Don't hurt her." His words echoed as his figure vanished.

Tatsuya looked at the previous spot Sirzechs was standing and pondered.

Humiliate the prideful Devils?

An uncontrollable grin spread across his face which vanished as soon as it appeared..

His elegant and refined image could not be sullied.

Not yet.

****

—At Midnight.—

Deep within the Gremory Territory was a personal arena belonging to the Family.

Visitors had arrived from far and the entire arena was buzzing with excitement.

How could they not be?

Riser, an experienced noble Devil, with the power of Immortality, Wind Manipulation and Hellfire, a true High-Class Devil, was fighting a newly reincarnated Devil!

But if that was all there would not be so much curiosity and excitement.

The real reason was much more shocking!

Rias, the Princess of Gremory and the younger sister of the Lucifer, had declared her love for her new peerage member in front of the Phenex Family!

One of the most sought-after and prettiest Devils was having her marriage decided by a Duel!

Who could afford to miss such an event?

Not to mention the millions of spectators on Devitube were already getting impatient.

They wondered just what kind of man it took for the sole Heiress of Gremory to declare her love so boldly.

And these spectators weren't the only ones.

Sona looked at Rias in shock.

They were both standing with their peerages together, only Tatsuya was nowhere to be seen.

"What the hell is going on?" The cool and calculating young lady of the Sitri Family was beyond shocked.

"I... don't know. Onii-sama arranged for all of this."

Rias could only answer like this while sitting in her own private room.

The Arena had multiple private viewing rooms at the top that were spacious enough to allow visiting guests. Rias and Sona were sharing the same room.

The one-sided glass window allowed them to view the entire arena and the twenty thousand or so spectators.

"Your brother must be really confident in him." Sona's voice held a tinge of curiosity.

"I know." Rias nodded, equally confused..

From what she knew all Tatsuya had was incredible physical strength.

Why was her brother so confident?

Confident to the point the entire Underworld now knew there was a fight deciding her marriage.

Tsubaki behind Sona was much more curious, she remembered the look Tatsuya had given her on the first day of school. At that time she thought he was interesting and her curiosity only grew knowing that he had joined Rias peerage.

Of course, conversations like Rias and Sona were being held everywhere.

There was a particular viewing room that had not hidden who was sitting inside.

There were four seats and most Devils didn't dare stare too long at the inhabitants. Only throwing glances of worship and admiration occasionally.

****

"Quite the fanfare, Luci-chan~" A giggly and childish voice sounded inside the private room. The voice belonged to a beautiful girl looking in her late teens with black hair, tied into twin tails and pink eyes. She had a child-like body, albeit with large breasts that jiggled deliciously with each movement.

"I must say, I've never seen you so enthusiastic towards someone." Another calm voice echoed. It belonged to a bewitchingly attractive young man in his early twenties, with light blue eyes and green hair that was slicked back.

Sirzechs smiled proudly hearing the words of Serafall and Ajuka.

"You'll definitely be shocked. I've come across quite the character for my sister."

The only one that didn't say anything was the bald middle-aged man with a goatee. He appeared quite lackadaisical while looking at the arena.

The Four Satans of the Underworld were passed down through respective titles.

The Current Lucifer, Sirzechs.

The Current Beelzebub, Ajuka.

The Current Leviathan, Serafall.

The Current Asmodeus, Falbium.

"Say say, what's he like? Can he beat Riser-chan?" Serafall seemed excited and Sirzechs nodded.

"Why would I spoil it? Just watch."

"...Then why did you nod Luci-chan? You meanie!" Serafall pouted before turning away.

While the Satans quabbled with each other the excitement in the Arena was reaching its peak as the time for the fight was beginning.

The most prominent visitors besides the Satans were The Phenex Family, The Gremory Family, The Bael Family, The Agares Family, The Astaroth Family and many more.

All major powers had their eyes on this fight, not only because of entertainment but because of Sirzechs attitude.

It made this fight all the more interesting and worth spectating.

****

The Arena was ready.

A specialised barrier was erected so that the audience would remain unaffected.

The Devitube had thousands of comments barraging the live screen.

The spectators were all waiting for the arrival of the two competitors.

And they didn't need to wait long.

The first to arrive was Yamamoto Tatsuya.

The moment he stepped inside the arena his demeanour caused the crowd to slowly grow silent.

His steps were calm and relaxed.

He exuded an almost divine aura.

He wore a loose black robe, flowing like midnight silk, open just enough to see his chiselled physique that was partially exposed, each muscle sculpted to perfection.

His long black hair cascaded down to his shoulders, smooth and untamed, framing a face that seemed almost too perfect. Sharp, handsome features gave him an ethereal charm. His onyx eyes, dark as the void itself, held an unfathomable depth.

Despite his tranquil stance, the confidence that radiated from him was extremely contagious.

As he locked his hands behind his back and closed his eyes to wait for Riser, cheers erupted in the arena, though more prominently from the female Devils.

"Oh my god..."

"That robe, those muscles... I can't take it!"

"He's so perfect, I need to see more!"

"Have my baby already, Yamamoto!"

"Where do I sign up for his fan club?"

"This arena just got a lot hotter!"

"We had Beelzebub-sama and now we have Tatsuya-sama!"

"Why does he need to fight for Rias? Aren't there much better options among us?"

"Look at your face, It must be a miracle for someone to be a Devil and ugly at the same time."

****

In the private rooms, Rias was already gritting her teeth as her eyes turned into fine lines from anger.

Sona glanced at her before looking at Tatsuya, she suppressed the faint blush on her face before coughing, "Handsome indeed. It seems his looks have only advanced after becoming a Devil."

Behind her, her pawn Saji seemed devastated by her remark, crying comical tears.

"You don't say?" Rias felt a vein pop up her forehead as she saw the barrage of inappropriate comments on Devitube. She couldn't say anything to those Devils on the livestream but seeing the lively crowd in the arena she couldn't help but hiss, "Sluts! Just because they're Devils they don't know modesty now!"

After all, in name, this fight was happening for the hand of Rias in marriage which meant technically Tatsuya could be her future husband.

They were making passes at her future husband!

Akeno giggled, "My, my Rias looks like the competition will be quite fierce in the future even if you do marry him."

While they knew the whole marriage was happening in name only, it was clear in Akeno's eyes that Rias held some affection towards Tatsuya.

Her feelings were like that of a high school girl's crush.

Of course, Akeno knew Rias wouldn't admit it for the time being.

But that was what made it all the more fun teasing her.

****

Riser too arrived, he was wearing his usual outfit.

His expression was nonchalant as he entered the Arena ready for the usual cheers that he got because of his handsome face.

"...Hmm?"

However, as soon as he stepped inside the arena he noticed the somewhat subdued silence.

"???"

How could've Riser known he had dampened the mood of the audience with his appearance?

While puzzled, Riser didn't let that stop him as he glanced at the pretentiously dressed Tatsuya.

His eyes twitched.

"Foolish vermin, you'll pay the price for challenging me." He didn't even bother waiting for a second before throwing an insult at Tatsuya.

Riser was not actually hot-headed and could remain cool and composed but there was just so much humiliation he could take from a newly reincarnated Low-Class Devil.

Unfortunately for him, Tatsuya remained silent and kept his eyes closed, as if Riser didn't matter.

"Arrogant bastard." Flames rose around Riser as he glanced at the judges, the four Satans.

"You may not kill each other. When either of you surrenders or falls unconscious the match shall be ended. Whoever wins shall have the right to marry Rias, the Heiress of Gremory." Sirzechs' voice boomed in the arena.

"Start!"

The moment 'start' was uttered a huge wave of dark flames crashed towards Tatsuya,

Tatsuya looked at the approaching flames before dodging. The speed of the flames was nothing special. It was the destructive force behind it that Tatsuya needed to watch out for.

Riser snorted in disdain before fiery wings erupted behind him. The wings flapped as he was raised in the air.

Wind currents surged around him as his hands were engulfed by raging flames.

"Dodge this!"

Another wave of flames came crashing towards Tatsuya but this time the flames spread throughout the Arena using Wind Manipulation.

Tatsuya stood amidst the swirling inferno, his stance relaxed, unreadable. Flames roared around him, the air thick with heat, yet not a single bead of sweat formed on his skin.

Riser floated above, his wings burning with noble arrogance. His gaze was condescending, yet laced with confusion.

He sneered. "Not even trying to counterattack? Or are you finally realizing your place, Low-Class trash?"

"You talk too much." Tatsuya finally spoke, his voice as steady as ever.

Riser's smirk twitched. "Is that so? Then I'll talk with fire!"

With a powerful flap of his wings, he surged forward, his body bursting into a streak of golden-red flames, spiraling toward Tatsuya like a meteor. His fist, wreathed in devastating heat, struck-

But he hit nothing.

Tatsuya tilted his head. That was all. No wasted movement, no unnecessary flash. Riser's punch barely grazed the air where his face had been a millisecond ago.

Riser's eyes flickered with confusion, but he didn't stop. He swung again, his other fist now wreathed in Hellfire flames-stronger, hotter.

Again, Tatsuya slipped past it.

Then again.

And again.

A flurry of Phenex-infused blows stormed toward him, yet none connected. Tatsuya wasn't dodging like a normal fighter-his movements were eerie, inhuman.

He bent, twisted, and shifted with grace, his eyes locked onto every micro-movement of Riser's body.

Ayanokoji's memories made sure he fought like a flawless machine.

And then, when Riser's frustration peaked-

Tatsuya struck.

A single step. A single shift. A single movement.

Riser's chest caved inward.

The impact sent shockwaves rippling through his entire body. His ribs cracked, organs compressed-but there was no pain.

Riser stumbled back mid-air, blinking. "Hah...!?" His body already began knitting itself back together, flames bursting along the wound.

Tatsuya tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "Phenex Immortality..."

Riser grinned, flames licking at his lips. "Idiot. You could punch me a thousand times and it wouldn't matter." His arms spread wide, his flames surging with renewed arrogance. "I am Immortal. You are nothing but a weakling who-"

Tatsuya was suddenly in his face.

A fist collided with his throat.

His head snapped backward, cutting off his words instantly. His vision blurred for a fraction of a second before his body auto-corrected, regeneration forcing his posture back.

But Tatsuya was already moving again.

Another blow-this time to the side of his knee.

Hyperextension.

The joint nearly buckled before repairing itself instantly.

Another- spine.

The vertebrae momentarily fractured before flames forced it back together.

Another- jawline.

A precise shockwave punch that disoriented his senses, scrambling his equilibrium for a half-second before being undone.

Tatsuya's movements were relentless.

Calculated and vicious.

This wasn't even a fight anymore.

He was breaking him.

Strike. Rebuild.

Strike. Rebuild.

The crowd stared, awestruck, as the Third Son of the Phenex struggled against an opponent with next to no demonic energy, no flashy magic, no overwhelming presence.

Just raw technique.

And it was working.

Riser growled, flames bursting outward, forcing Tatsuya to leap back.

"Enough!"

His voice boomed, his wings expanding into a spiraling vortex of fire. "I don't need to dodge, because I can't be hurt! But you-"

He raised his arm and clenched his fist.

The arena ignited.

Flames exploded from every direction, forming walls of burning hellfire, turning the battlefield into a domain where escape was impossible.

Riser grinned, his aura flaring. "Try dodging now, rat!"

Tatsuya looked around, a smile forming on his lips "I won't dodge."

And then-

He walked forward.

Straight into the raging inferno.

The audience gasped. Riser smirked.

Then-

His smirk vanished.

Tatsuya emerged, completely unharmed.

No, completely unharmed was wrong.

His figure was wreathed in fire, skin peeling, muscle charring, bones blackening-yet instantly restoring.

The audience gasped.

Riser's smug grin flickered. "What...?"

Tatsuya's body was in a constant cycle of destruction and rebirth. His flesh was burned to the bone, only to be immediately reconstructed. Limbs were devoured by the flames, yet reformed faster than the inferno could consume them.

He was walking through absolute destruction and treating it as irrelevant.

Riser's hands clenched. "No... that's impossible."

Phenex Regeneration was the pride of his clan, their absolute defense, a power that granted Immortality so long as their stamina and demonic energy held out.

But this-

This was beyond that!

Tatsuya shouldn't be able to heal like this.

Immortality belonged to the Phenex!

Not him!!! Not belonging to a Low-Class Devil that had just reincarnated!

It should be impossible!!!

Yet it wasn't.

Every step he took, his body tore apart and rebuilt, the cycle happening within milliseconds.

Faster than even a Phenex.

The realization sent a chill through Riser's spine-his first real sensation of fear.

Tatsuya smiled as another wave of flames ripped his torso apart, exposing ribs, heart, and sinew-only for his entire upper body to reform instantly.

He exhaled. "This is annoying."

Then-

He vanished.

*BOOM!*

A sonic boom cracked through the arena as Tatsuya closed the distance in an instant.

Riser's instincts screamed. He barely managed to flare his wings and throw up a wall of hellfire between them-

It didn't matter.

Tatsuya's fist pierced through the flames.

His knuckles collided with Riser's ribs-and this time, he didn't just fracture them.

He obliterated them.

The impact sent shockwaves through Riser's entire frame, his body folding around the strike before being blasted backwards.

Yet, as expected-his regeneration kicked in.

Bones snapped back into place. Organs stitched together.

But the moment his body recovered-

Tatsuya was already behind him.

*CRACK!*

A vicious elbow strike caved in Riser's spine.

Riser's flames flared wildly as his body tried to force itself back together.

Tatsuya didn't let him.

Before his back could heal, Tatsuya grabbed him by the skull and slammed him into the ground.

*BOOM!*

The arena ruptured from the impact, the stone floor caving in as a massive crater formed beneath them.

The crowd watched in horrified awe.

Tatsuya wasn't just overpowering Riser.

He was humiliating him.

Destroying him.

Piece by piece.

Faster than Riser could recover.

It didn't matter that Phenex regeneration made him immune to pain. It didn't matter that he was Immortal as long as he had stamina.

Because Tatsuya's assault was relentless.

Because Tatsuya's regeneration was faster than his.

Riser's mind raced. 'How? HOW!?'

His body flickered with golden flames, healing the crushed bones, the ruptured lungs, the torn muscles -only for another strike to undo all his efforts instantly.

A fist to the throat.

A heel to the stomach.

A palm strike to the jaw.

Each attack landed before the last wound could even finish healing.

For the first time in his life-

Riser couldn't regenerate fast enough.

Tatsuya finally gripped his collar, lifting him off the ground, their faces inches apart.

Riser gasped, his vision blurry, his wings flickering between life and death. "You.. you can't... kill me.... I'm... a... Phenex..."

Tatsuya stared at him and for the first time ever since the beginning of the match his calm smile faded into a mocking sneer.

"A Phenex?" His voice was filled with disdain, "I remember you called me a Filthy Human. It seems like your disdain for Reincarnated Devils like me comes from your bloodline and nobility. But what does that matter now? No matter how noble your bloodline, aren't you just a bug I can crush whenever? My Immortality is greater, my strength is infinitely more and my willpower is incomparably nobler. Tell me"

He slammed his knee into Riser's gut.

Riser's stomach collapsed inward, his body folding around the blow like a ragdoll.

His regeneration struggled to repair the damage.

But before it could-

Tatsuya's hands tore into his chest.

Literally.

Flesh ripped.

Bones cracked.

Bloodless wounds gaped open.

The audience gasped in horror.

For the first time ever, Riser Phenex's body was not regenerating.

Because Tatsuya had drained him completely.

His demonic energy.

His stamina.

Gone.

Tatsuya leaned in, his voice cold.

"-Does bloodline grant Nobility or does Strength do?"

"Are you the Noble or am I the Noble?"

He threw Riser's broken body to the ground.

The proud son of the Phenex family, the Immortal devil, lay sprawled on the stone floor-unmoving.

Defeated.

He turned around, his black robe untouched and his skin as pristine as ever.

Then, without even glancing back, he left the arena.

"Match over."

Sirzechs blinked, then raised his hand.

"The winner is-Yamamoto Tatsuya!"

The arena erupted into chaos.

-x-X-x-