Chapter 49: The Ranking Game

Well, it would be a pain to try to change 43 - 45+ chapters just to change my lil mistake of calling him "R"enji instead of "K" enji. So, I hope you can overlooked this and don't spam reviews saying "the translator can't stay consistent and changes the mc name every few chapter, ugh!" Sorta haha 😅

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"Are the Gremorys trying to cover for him?"

Riser Phoenix's voice was filled with frustration, but even in his anger, he hesitated to take action.

Because standing before him was Grayfia Lucifuge.

Even in his rage, Riser wasn't a fool.

He knew exactly who she was—the strongest Queen in all of the Underworld.

Though his pride burned with indignation, he didn't dare challenge her head-on. Instead, he chose to direct his frustration toward the Gremory family as a whole.

"The Gremory family has no intention of disrespecting the Phoenix Clan," Grayfia stated calmly.

"But this is our territory. If you cause an incident here, it will be seen as an act of provocation."

Her silver eyes remained locked on Riser, her expression unreadable.

"If there is a dispute, it should be settled according to the rules of the Underworld."

"A Rating Game."

Grayfia's voice echoed through the room, carrying absolute authority.

"This is the decision of Lord Sirzechs."

Hearing her brother's name, Rias's eyes widened slightly.

"Onii-sama…"

Did he already predict this would happen?

Did he leave her a way out?

For a moment, a wave of relief washed over her.

The family she had been fighting against… had given her a second chance.

But before she could say anything—

"Fine," Riser said, crossing his arms.

"I'll accept a Rating Game. But if I win…"

His golden eyes flashed dangerously.

"Rias will honor our engagement."

"And that human—"

He turned his gaze toward Renji, venom dripping from his words.

"Will be handed over to me. Personally."

"No."

A voice rang out, cutting through the tension.

All eyes turned to Renji.

For a moment, the room fell into silence.

Then—

A smirk spread across Riser's lips.

"Are you scared, human?"

The Phoenix Clan behind him chuckled in amusement, but Renji's expression remained calm.

"I'm fine with a Rating Game," he said steadily.

"But I won't fight as part of Rias's peerage."

Rias's eyes widened.

Akeno and Kiba exchanged shocked glances.

Even Grayfia raised a delicate brow.

"I will fight you alone," Renji continued.

His voice was clear and unwavering.

"So that means your only wager is my life."

Riser's smirk vanished.

"What?"

Renji's golden eyes locked onto his.

"Rias is not a bargaining chip."

"She is not a possession."

"And she sure as hell isn't going to have her future decided by a game."

Renji's voice carried a sharp edge, one that sent a chill down Riser's spine.

"This match will only decide one thing."

"If you win, you take my life."

"But if I win…"

He took a single step forward.

"You die."

For a moment, no one spoke.

Even the Phoenix Clan was taken aback.

Riser, who had expected Renji to beg for mercy, now stared at him in disbelief.

This human…

Was he mocking the Phoenix Clan's immortality?

Did he not understand what he was up against?

Or—

Did he truly believe he could kill Riser Phoenix?

Behind him, one of his family members, Ravel Phoenix, observed Renji with deep curiosity.

---

"Since both sides have agreed…"

Grayfia's voice cut through the silence.

"The Rating Game will take place in three days."

She glanced toward Riser.

"The entire Underworld will be watching."

"This match will be witnessed by all noble houses."

Riser clenched his fists but forced a smile.

He shot Renji a murderous look before stepping back into the teleportation circle.

"You've just dug your own grave, human."

As his body was engulfed in golden flames, he sneered—

"I'll see you in three days."

And just like that—

He was gone.

Grayfia cast one last look at Renji and Rias before turning on her heel and leaving as well.

---

The moment they were alone, the room erupted.

"Renji!"

Rias spun toward him, her voice filled with shock and concern.

"Why did you do that?! This isn't just about you!"

Even Akeno looked worried.

"Su~re, that was very manly of you," she teased, clinging onto his arm.

"But you do realize Riser is a Phoenix, right?"

She leaned closer, her voice dropping into a sultry whisper.

"He's immortal."

Tension filled the air.

Even Koneko and Asia seemed worried.

However, renji simply flashed a confident smile.

"You're all overthinking it."

His golden eyes gleamed with confidence.

"He's just a turkey with an overinflated ego."

"He won't last five minutes."

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