Chapter 15: The Wildcard

News of the Rating Game between Rias and Riser Phenex traveled quickly across the underworld. Another noble family's daughter was challenging an arranged marriage.

It was political. Dramatic. A test of pride.

But then came an announcement that shocked even the elders:

A wildcard would be participating. Not aligned with either side. A free agent.

Ren Kurokami.

The boy without faction. The mystery from Kuoh.

"Isn't he a student?"

"He's not even part of a peerage."

"How did he get approval?"

"Sirzechs himself signed the exception."

That shut the doubters up.

Even Rias hadn't expected it. But deep down, part of her was relieved. She had seen what Ren could do. Having him on the battlefield—even neutral—was better than facing him.

Chapter 16: Collapse of the Phoenix

Riser's team was confident. Elites from the Phenex family. Veteran fighters. Trained devils with pride and experience.

Ren showed up late.

No armor. No gear. Just his school uniform, sleeves rolled to the elbow. He cracked his neck, glanced at the roster, and smiled faintly.

"Guess I'll play a bit."

He didn't start the fight.

He ended it.

One by one, Riser's team fell. Some tried fire magic. Others used illusions, traps, coordinated group attacks.

Ren didn't flinch.

He moved like a ghost, fought like a demon. Fluid, efficient. His fists broke barriers. His kicks silenced chants.

In less than five minutes, the Phenex team's frontline was gone.

Then came Riser himself.

"Ren Kurokami," Riser sneered, wings blazing. "You're nothing. I'm immortal."

Ren's smile faded. "You're loud."

He stepped forward.

Riser moved first, conjuring a storm of phoenix flame—but Ren walked through it like mist. One punch to the chest and Riser's immortality cracked like glass.

He fell, coughing blood. The match ended.

The underworld trembled.