Chapter 50: Unbreakable Defense

Three days later — The Day Of The Rating Game...

"Don't worry! I'll be back soon—just need to chop up that turkey real quick."

Inside the old school building of the Occult Research Club, Renji glanced at Rias, Akeno, and the others. Their expressions were filled with worry.

He smirked, trying to lighten the mood.

Then, before anyone could react, he leaned down and kissed Rias.

Turning away, he stepped into the teleportation magic circle.

In an instant, his surroundings blurred—and then the world around him shifted.

The scenery looked like Kuoh Town, but everything had a grayish tint.

This was an isolated dimension, specifically prepared for the Rating Game.

As Renji adjusted to the new environment—

"Ha! I thought you might run away!"

A mocking voice echoed.

At a short distance, Riser Phoenix stood, already waiting.

Behind him, his peerage of fourteen women stood in formation.

Riser's smirk widened as he examined Renji.

"Looks like you have some guts after all."

His eyes flickered with amusement—as if he was already imagining how this battle would end.

---

Meanwhile, in the Underworld, the battle was being broadcasted across noble houses.

For many high-ranking demons, this match was important.

It wasn't just a fight—it was a clash between two noble houses.

In one of the viewing halls of the Gremory estate, the head of the family, Zeoticus Gremory, sat watching the projection.

Beside him, Sirzechs Lucifer, the Demon King himself, observed the unfolding scene.

"Do you think this boy has a chance?" Zeoticus asked.

His tone was calm, revealing no emotions.

Sirzechs, resting his chin on his hand, spoke thoughtfully.

"According to Grayfia's assessment, he possesses powers that are on par with a Ultimate-Class Devil."

"More importantly, he's the wielder of a Sacred Gear."

"Based on power alone, he should be superior to Riser."

"But defeating a Phoenix is another matter entirely."

The room fell silent as the nobles continued watching the match.

Sirzechs glanced at Grayfia, giving her a subtle nod.

Understanding the signal, Grayfia activated a teleportation circle—

And vanished.

...

A few seconds later—

Grayfia appeared mid-air inside the battlefield.

She looked down at both combatants.

"The Rating Game… begins!"

A teleportation circle activated beneath both fighters, sending them to opposite ends of the battlefield.

The rules were simple:

Whoever remained standing at the end would be declared the winner.

---

As the countdown finished—

Renji stepped forward.

Slowly.

Casually.

There was no attempt to hide.

No attempt to take cover.

He simply walked straight toward Riser's camp.

Gasps erupted across the Underworld.

Even among the Occult Research Club, Rias, Akeno, and the others were stunned.

"What is he doing?" Rias murmured.

"Shouldn't he be avoiding them?"

Normally, in a one-versus-many battle, the logical strategy would be to stay hidden and look for openings.

Yet—

Renji was walking directly into enemy territory as if he were out for a stroll.

---

Riser narrowed his eyes.

"He's mocking me…"

For a moment, he clenched his fists.

Then, his lips curled into a sneer.

"You think you can just walk up to me like that?!"

His gaze flickered to his peerage.

"Take care of him. Show him what happens when a human disrespects the Phoenix Clan."

His queen, Yubelluna, nodded.

"As you wish, Riser-sama."

Within moments—

Riser's peerage charged toward Renji.

Swords were drawn.

Magic flared in the air.

A barrage of attacks rained down—

A direct hit!

A massive explosion erupted around Renji, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

Smoke and debris filled the air.

For a few seconds, silence.

Then—

A faint clinking sound.

Like metal striking metal.

As the dust settled—

Everyone froze.

Renji was still standing.

Untouched.

Unscathed.

Not even a scratch.

Riser's peerage stared in disbelief.

Yubelluna's eyes widened.

The Gremory household watching from the Underworld fell silent.

Even Sirzechs Lucifer narrowed his eyes.

Riser clenched his jaw.

"What… was that?"

Renji smirked.

The answer was simple.

Twelve Labors.

A defensive ability from a Sacred Gear.

It nullified attacks that weren't powerful enough.

And for someone of Renji's strength—

Regular mid-class demons couldn't even make him flinch, not even high class demons.

---

Renji exhaled lightly, flexing his fingers.

"That's it?"

His golden eyes locked onto Riser.

"If you're not coming yourself…"

He cracked his knuckles.

"I'll just come to you."

With that—

He charged forward.

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