[227] : Mika’s Quiet Observations—Late Arrival!

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In the Underworld—the Four Great Satans stood at the pinnacle of power.

However, they weren't necessarily the—World's Strongest.

The Satan-class corresponded to the level of a God.

Above them were the Super Devil/Major God-class—Heavenly Dragon/Supreme God-class—Dragon God-class.

Hence, while some Satans has True Satan-class power, others far surpassed it...

Sirzechs Lucifer, for instance—was among the Top Ten Strongest Beings in the World.

After the previous generation of Satans perished in the ancient war against the God of the Bible—Sirzechs had inherited the title of Lucifer—becoming one of the new Four Great Satans.

This was also why Rias was now the heir to the Gremory clan.

Grayfia—who was also his wife—has Satan-class power as well, earning her the title of Strongest Queen.

Therefore, upon hearing her command—both Rias and Riser ceased their confrontation.

"Sirzechs-sama's peerage are all known; I have no desire to make enemies of them—" Riser said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace as he stepped back.

Rias also retreated, crossing her arms.

Grayfia sighed inwardly.

As Rias's sister-in-law, she didn't want to pressure her too much.

However, Rias's engagement to Riser had been arranged long ago and held significant importance.

After the devastating war against the Angels and Fallen Angels, the Devil population had dwindled drastically.

To address this, Ajuka Beelzebub—created the Evil Pieces system, allowing other races to be reincarnated as Devils.

These new Devils were known as—Reincarnated Devils.

Over time, the growing number of reincarnated Devils restored the Devil faction's strength, even surpassing their previous power.

However—this created a new problem: the declining status of pure-blooded Devils.

Unlike reincarnated Devils, who could be created indefinitely, pure-blooded Devils, as mythological beings, had difficulty producing offspring. This led to a decline in their numbers, threatening their position within the Underworld's hierarchy, which was still dominated by Pure-blooded Devils.

They had to consider the future of their lineage!!

The Gremory Clan—only had two members in this generation: Sirzechs and Rias. And since Sirzechs had inherited the title of Lucifer, Rias was the sole heir to the Gremory clan.

To ensure its continuation, she needed to marry another pure-blooded Devil.

However, she adamantly refused to marry Riser.

"Lord Sirzechs and the Phenex Clan are well aware of your—reluctance, Lady Rias," Grayfia said.

"Therefore, this is our final meeting. Since a peaceful resolution seems unlikely, they have decided to implement the final measure."

Rias's heart sank.

"The final measure? What do you mean, Grayfia?"

"Lady Rias, if you insist on refusing this engagement, then perhaps you should settle this with Lord Riser in a Rating Game."

'Just As Planned…' Rias thought, clenching her fist.

She knew this was the inevitable outcome.

After all, their objective was to find a suitable husband for her, not to force her into an unwanted marriage.

As the future head of the Gremory clan, neither her father nor her brother would resort to such drastic measures.

To make her yield—they had to convince her through strength.

And for Devils, strength was everything.

She knew a confrontation with Riser was unavoidable.

The only question was how.

She had considered a Rating Game precisely because of its popularity in the Underworld.

It was the most logical way to settle their dispute.

"Very well. I accept," she declared. "As they wish, my engagement to Riser will be decided by a Rating Game."

"If I lose, I will accept the engagement."

"But if I win, I will decide my own fate!"

"What do you say, Riser?"

"I accept," he replied without hesitation. The terms were heavily in his favor.

"I understand. I will act as witness and oversee the game." Grayfia said.

"Fine by me." Both Rias and Riser agreed.

"Then I will inform both families," Grayfia said.

"By the way, Rias, are these all the members of your peerage?" Riser asked, looking around the room and laughing.

"What if they are?" Rias retorted.

"Hahaha! Then this isn't even a competition! The only one who can even remotely challenge my peerage is your Queen" He snapped his fingers, and a Magic circle bearing the Phenex clan crest appeared, summoning his peerage.

Fifteen Devils materialized, all of them—beautiful young women.

Issei, who had been silently observing their conversation, stared at them, his jaw agape.

....

Fifteen beautiful girls—For Issei, who dreamed of a harem, it was an overload. He couldn't help but burst into tears.

"Rias, why is one of your…servants crying at the sight of my peerage?" Riser asked, disgusted by Issei's reaction.

Rias sighed, rubbing her temples. "He aspires to be a 'Harem King.' He's likely…overwhelmed by the sheer number of girls in your peerage."

Riser smirked. While he was a known womanizer, he despised Issei. Perhaps because of their difference in strength.

"Are you jealous, boy?" He pulled his Queen closer and kissed her passionately before turning back to Issei. "You'll never reach my level, low-class."

"Bastard!" Issei's face burned with anger.

"I've had enough of you, you damn bird!"

"You're not worthy of Buchou! Besides, she doesn't even like you! She likes Mika!"

"And you dare mock me?! I can defeat you right here and now! I don't even need a Rating Game!" Boosted Gear materialized on his left hand.

"Boost!" Ten seconds had passed, and his Sacred Gear activated. Feeling the surge of power, he charged towards Riser.

" It seems you have no respect for your superiors." Riser sneered.

"Mira, deal with him."

"Yes, Lord Riser." A girl wielding a staff stepped forward, blocking Issei's path.

"Move!" Issei roared, but she ignored him, thrusting her staff forward with blinding speed.

If this were the Issei from the original story, he would have been defeated instantly.

However, thanks to Mika's training, he reacted swiftly, raising his left arm to block the attack with Boosted Gear. He then pushed her staff aside and punched her, sending her flying backward towards Riser.

"Argh!" She screamed as Riser's Queen caught her.

"Mira!" Seeing their comrade injured, several members of Riser's peerage moved to attack Issei.

"Stop!" Riser's voice was cold and hard. "Have you no shame?! Attacking a low-class with superior numbers? We're here to negotiate, not to brawl." He was there to enforce his engagement, not to humiliate himself by ganging up on a weaker opponent.

"Yes, Lord Riser." They retreated, returning to their positions.

Yuuto pulled Issei back to Rias' side.

Riser, no longer interested in prolonging their argument, turned to Rias. "So, Rias, how about we schedule the Rating Game for ten days from now?"

"There's no need. Three days is enough," a voice suddenly said from behind him.

"Who's there?!" Riser turned, but there was no one behind him.

"Who's there?!" the voice repeated.

He spun around, and Mika's figure materialized beside Rias.

"I am Mika, a member of Rias Gremory's peerage. It's a pleasure to meet you."

…

Mika's sudden appearance startled everyone, especially Grayfia. Even with her Satan-class power, she hadn't sensed his approach. She didn't even know when he had arrived. It was unsettling.

However, she recognized him; as Rias's sister-in-law, she was familiar with the members of her peerage. She had seen their files.

Riser was still in shock.

"Mika!" Issei exclaimed. "You're finally here! This bird-brain wants to marry Buchou! He's not worthy of her!"

Mika chuckled. "There's no need to explain; I already know."

"You know? Were you here the whole time?"

"Indeed."

"When did you arrive?" Riser demanded, his voice cold and hard.

"Let me see…" Mika mused, then replied casually, "I believe it was when Grayfia stopped your argument with Rias. I was outside the school, but I sensed your magic power, so I came over and—listened in." He waved his hand dismissively.

"I was actually planning to assassinate you, but it seems you're more reasonable than I anticipated." He turned to Rias, a playful grin on his face. "Apologies, I'm late."

"Not at all. You've arrived at the perfect time," she replied with a smile.

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