Chapter 89

Not far away, a massive dragon, its entire body a deep, obsidian black, as large as an island, flew through the sky, its enormous pupils locked onto Riku.

Unlike the swarms of drakes, wyverns, and phantasmal beasts in the air, this dragon's presence was on a completely different level, utterly incomparable. In the High School DxD world, only the two Dragon Gods, Yurina and Ophis, had ever given Riku a similar feeling. Of course, that was based on the faint sense of their authority; as for pure power, he'd never actually fought them, so he didn't know who was truly stronger.

To meet a powerhouse of this level so casually, this really was the Little Garden, the realm of countless gods and legends. Still, why is it always dragons? I guess I'm fated to meet dragons everywhere I go, Riku mused, shaking his head in amusement.

"Human, answer me. Do you accept the trial of me, Juntan, the pure-blooded dragon? If you refuse, then leave this place at once," the black dragon demanded, frowning as Riku remained silent.

"Oh? A pure-blooded dragon, huh… No wonder you're so strong," Riku replied, sounding genuinely interested.

Even in Little Garden, home to the gods and Ashura, there were three races considered the mightiest of all:

The "Gods" were born as deities from the start.

"Star Spirits" are the supreme rank among spirits, demons, and other such beings.

And finally, at the apex of all phantasmal beasts, the "Pureblood Dragons," also known simply as pure-bloods.

Of the three, the Star Spirits are ranked highest not because they're the strongest, but because their existence has no origin in humanity, and they will always be born anew. To truly kill a Star Spirit, you'd need enough power to annihilate a multiverse instantly; otherwise, they simply can't be killed.

That's why, when the greatest Star Spirit, the original White Night King who ruled over the universe's total mass, was finally defeated, only her authority was sealed, not destroyed. It wasn't because the gods were merciful; it's simply that killing her was impossible.

Now, the black dragon before him was one of the pure-blooded dragons, the most elite among all dragonkind, even in Little Garden.

"May I ask, what level are you within Little Garden?" Riku asked, lips curling with curiosity as he pondered his own current strength.

"Curious human. Do you think I'm not qualified to test you?" Juntan replied with a hint of irritation. Being asked about his power sounded suspiciously like being looked down on.

But Riku hadn't meant anything by it; he was simply interested in gauging his own normal state by measuring against a pureblood dragon.

"I am Juntan, a pure-blooded dragon king who controls gravity an exceptional Four-Digit." Juntan's deep voice echoed out. "If you're afraid, leave. I won't trouble you. This place doesn't welcome humans who look down on others."

"You've got a good temperament," Riku replied with a faint smile. Even though there was a misunderstanding, he didn't bother explaining that it would just be a hassle. Compared to other dragon kings, this one really was decent. Even if he thought a human was looking down on him, he didn't immediately try to kill them.

"And you're pretty strong, too," Riku muttered, stroking his chin. Normally, a newly born pure-blooded dragon would have at least Four-Digit strength, and the more gifted could even reach the Three-Digit omnipotence realm. That's just how powerful the top three races were.

An "exceptional Four-Digit" meant that, while Juntan was technically still Four-Digit, he could match Three-Digit combat power. However, crossing into the omnipotence realm was an entirely different order of magnitude.

To put it in perspective, an ordinary Four-Digit could destroy stars at full power, but even the weakest Three-Digit, going all out, could obliterate a galaxy.

"So, what kind of Gift Game did you have in mind?" Riku asked, a confident smile on his lips. "Since I'm new here, you'll make a perfect opponent."

"Hm? You accept? Interesting…" Juntan was a little surprised by how easily Riku agreed, then grew increasingly intrigued.

Humans simply couldn't cross the boundary into the omnipotence realm. No matter how hard they tried, it was impossible for the innate Authority to set the limit.

As a Four-Digit who could stand up to Three-Digits, Juntan expected Riku to hesitate or even back out, but this human seemed genuinely excited, not a hint of fear. That was surprising.

"Very well, human. Prepare yourself for my trial," Juntan declared, his thunderous voice echoing through the sky as he proclaimed the start of the trial.

Even the nearby drakes, wyverns, and phantasmal beasts stopped and watched in fascination.

"Before the game starts, I have a request," Riku said, holding up a finger.

"Hm? What request?" Juntan asked, puzzled.

"If I win, you'll become my subordinate. If I lose, I'll grant you a gift of equal value," Riku said nonchalantly.

"Are you joking? Gift Games can only be played when both sides' stakes are equivalent," Juntan said, a little angry. How could a pure-blooded dragon's worth be the same as a single human's gift?

"I'm not joking. Whether it's equal or not, Little Garden itself will judge. If the conditions aren't fair, the game won't even begin," Riku replied, shrugging.

Juntan's heart skipped a beat. He tried to activate the game, and it worked.

A parchment scroll dropped in front of Riku.

Gift Game: PlayingGravity

Participant: Riku Dola

Host: [The King of the Dragon] Dragon King Juntan

Location: Juntan Mountains, until sunset

[Rules]

Participants may use any Gift during the game. The host cannot leave the Juntan Mountains during the game. If the participant loses, he must provide the host a Gift of equal value. If the host loses, he becomes the participant's subordinate.

Participant's Victory Conditions:

Lift the gravity in the Juntan Mountains within the time limit. Defeat the host.

Host's Victory Condition: The participant fails to meet the victory conditions.

Oath: By the above rules, Riku Dola and Dragon King Juntan will conduct a Gift Game.

[Seal of The King of the Dragon]

Juntan was still stunned that it actually started. Without realising it, he'd ended up in the most dangerous type of Gift Game, one where he'd have to bet his own freedom. Just what kind of human is this…?

"A gravity game, huh?" Riku muttered, rubbing his chin as he studied the parchment scroll.

"Human, the Gift Game has already begun. I won't give you time to strategise!" Suddenly, the Black Dragon King Juntan roared. His enormous horns shone, a wild aura erupted, and the entire Juntan Mountain Range's gravity skyrocketed to terrifying levels. Even a Four-Digit powerhouse without some special means would be crushed flat here; anyone weaker would be instantly pulverised.

Even Riku felt his body grow heavy, nearly plummeting from the sky before he adjusted to the sudden gravity.

All the other wyverns, drakes, and phantasmal beasts were instantly ejected from the mountain range as the game began. With their power, there was only one fate in this gravity death.

"So passionate," Riku remarked, stabilising his body as it creaked under the immense pressure. "Guess I have to get serious too."

"Hmph, you're so relaxed. Don't blame me if you die, I won't hold back," Juntan replied with a snort.

As he spoke, he opened his massive jaws and unleashed an invisible wave of gravity, blasting it straight at Riku.

The host's authority in Little Garden was originally created to counter Demon Lords. The host can use it to forcibly draw others into their game, increasing their odds of victory. On their own ground, the host's strength increases drastically. Right now, under this gravity, Juntan was far stronger; he could easily face a normal Three-Digit head-on.

Riku knew Juntan was overwhelmingly strong right now, but he didn't back down. Instead, he grinned and chose to face it head-on.

BOOM—

In the next instant, Riku punched out, distorting the gravity around him. A crimson tiger formed from his power, its blow strong enough to shake the stars.

RUMBLE—

Gravity wave and crimson tiger collided, a deafening roar filling the air as shockwaves exploded from the impact, ravaging the mountains and forests below.

Riku's destructive magic could even annihilate gravity itself. His punches could shatter planets. But even combined, this power was blocked and suppressed by Juntan's gravity wave.

Riku himself was blasted back several kilometres by the force, unable to halt his retreat.

"Human, I admit you're strong. But this trial isn't something you can clear with brute force alone," Juntan praised, seeing that Riku could actually block the attack head-on.

"That much I understand," Riku replied, regaining his stance, calmly enduring the crushing force.

On the host's turf, Juntan's power was boosted; as a participant, Riku was at an overwhelming disadvantage. He not only had to resist the gravity, but also evade Juntan's attacks.

That's the truth of Little Garden, sheer power isn't enough; you need wisdom to win.

That, Riku certainly didn't lack. In fact, his real goal was to gauge his current strength.

From that exchange just now, he had a good sense of where he stood, an exceptional Four-Digit, but not quite at a Three-Digit level. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been forced back by Juntan.

"Oh? You seem very confident," Juntan observed curiously.

"Of course. Your Gift Game isn't as tricky as it seems," Riku replied coolly. "From the start, I knew how to clear it."

Juntan blinked, sceptical. His game wasn't the hardest, but it wasn't the sort of thing an ordinary person could solve. See through it at a glance? That had to be a bluff.

"Victory Condition #1 for the participant: Lift the gravity over the Juntan Mountain Range. In other words, avoid direct conflict and search for the source of the gravity, then destroy it." Riku raised a finger calmly. "This is tied to your dragon horns. Your first attack was just misdirection. If I follow the link between your horns and the mountain's gravity, I can pinpoint the root."

"Of course, this method is troublesome. Even if you know the trick, it takes time to unravel..." Riku shrugged, unconcerned.

Juntan was left speechless. Riku had seen through everything. He did, in fact, amplify and control the mountain's gravity through a connection to his horns. His opening attack was just to create a false impression, but Riku had seen right through it.

"Victory Condition #2: Defeat the host directly. No need to elaborate, that's the most straightforward and effort-intensive method."

"And the final way is also the easiest." Riku continued.

Juntan narrowed his eyes, listening closely.

"The rules say the host cannot leave Juntan Mountain Range," Riku explained with a smirk. "If you violate that, you automatically lose. So, if I can force you out of the mountains, I win. Simple as that."

"Hahaha, remarkable! You're an interesting human!" Juntan, after his shock, burst out laughing. "My trial isn't the hardest, but for you to see through it in an instant, your wits truly are extraordinary."

"But, for your 'easy win' method, if I stay in the centre of the range and stay alert, how could you possibly force me out?" Juntan asked, curious.

"That's impossible, right? But you're obliged to pressure the participant. If you just sit there, I could destroy the root of the gravity, and you'd lose. So, even if you don't want to, you have to chase after me, especially if I head for the mountain's edge," Riku replied calmly.

"In that case, there's my opportunity," Riku added with a sly grin. "After all, the rules don't say the participant can't leave the mountains. If I run out, I'll be free of the gravity and can calmly plan my next move, raising my odds of victory."

Juntan fell silent at that...