Chapter 52: Claws of Resolve, Battle Begins!!

Three hours until the Rating Game.

The team members prepared in their own ways—some stretched, others ran simulations, a few relaxed.

Miu, Asia, and Gasper chatted together, their light banter easing their nerves.

As for me? I was holed up in my room, studying demonology. My tutor had assigned homework, and I was scribbling away in my notebook. Never thought I'd get homework, but I needed to finish to watch the game live.

"Let's see… Which of the original seventy-two pillars went extinct…?"

I vaguely recalled being taught this. Flipping through old notes, I searched for the page.

Knock knock.

"…Issei-senpai, got a minute?" came a voice.

"Koneko-chan? Sure, come in."

The door creaked open, and Koneko stepped inside, approaching me.

"…Excuse me. What's Issei-senpai doing?" she asked, peeking at my desk.

"Homework from the Gremory tutor," I said. "Gotta finish it to watch the game."

"How far along are you?"

"About halfway, I think. It's stuff I've studied before, so I should wrap up before the game starts."

"I see," she said, settling into a nearby chair, staring at me silently.

Was she nervous?

I paused my writing and turned to her. "Koneko-chan, you've got something to say, right?"

"…Yes," she nodded.

"For this game… I'm going to use my Nekomata powers," she declared.

I blinked, caught off guard.

She continued, her voice steady. "…If I don't, I might not be useful to everyone. So I've decided to use them."

Her eyes burned with resolve, embracing the powers she'd once rejected.

"…So, um… will you watch me use them?" she asked, her cheeks flushing as she fidgeted.

Goddamn, that upward glance was too cute! It stirred every protective instinct I had.

"No way I'd refuse you, Koneko-chan," I said. "I'll be watching you shine. So—go all out!"

"…Yes!" she replied, her voice brimming with energy.

Inspired by her determination, I made a suggestion. "Hey, Koneko-chan, how about I teach you some ki techniques later? Your kind excels at senjutsu, right?"

"Yes, but… you'd teach me, Issei-senpai?"

"Yeah. My technique, Renkan Keikikou, uses ki. It's kinda obscure, but from what I've heard, senjutsu's similar. I can teach you the basics, and since it's tied to martial arts, it suits your style. Wanna train with me?"

"Please, I'd appreciate it," she answered instantly.

"I want to get stronger, to help President Rias and everyone…"

"Got it," I said. "We'll talk details later. For now, focus on the game."

"Understood. I'll fight hard for you too, Issei-senpai."

"Hell yeah, Koneko-chan! I'm counting on you!"

Five minutes before the game.

A magic circle in the Gremory manor's basement served as the gateway to the game field. Everyone but me gathered atop it, ready to transfer.

Most wore Kuoh Academy's summer uniforms, except Asia in her nun outfit and Xenovia in her bondage-like battle gear—both claiming it boosted their focus.

Sirzechs, Venelana, Millicas, and Azazel called out from beyond the circle.

"Rias, give it your all," Sirzechs said.

"Fight without shame as the next head, and your peerage too," Venelana added.

"Go, Rias-neesama!" Millicas cheered.

"I've taught you what I can," Azazel said. "Now go kick ass."

As they encouraged the team, I approached Kiba. "Kiba, watch out for Saji. His resolve for this game is no joke. He'll do anything to win."

"…Got it. I'll keep an eye on him," Kiba said, nodding seriously.

The magic circle began to glow, signaling the transfer.

"Everyone, give 'em hell!" I shouted, my only contribution for now.

Light engulfed them, and they vanished.

The game was on!

[Kiba Side]

The magic circle dropped us onto a field lined with tables—a dining area, it seemed, surrounded by fast-food joints.

I recognized it.

"This is the department store near Kuoh Academy," Rias said beside me. "Didn't expect this as the stage."

An announcement echoed through the store.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Grayfia, 'Queen' of the Lucifer peerage, serving as referee for the Gremory and Sitri Rating Game," she said. "Under my lord, Sirzechs Lucifer, I will oversee this battle. The battlefield is a replica of the department store near Kuoh Academy, prepared in a pocket dimension."

A familiar location should make things easier, but the Sitri team had the same advantage—no geographical edge for either side.

"Each team's starting position is their 'base,'" Grayfia continued. "Rias-sama's base is the second floor, east side; Sona-sama's is the first floor, west side. 'Pawns' seeking promotion must reach the enemy's base."

Without Issei, our only pawn, promotion was exclusive to Saji and Nimura from the Sitri side. Though only two, their potential promotion posed a serious threat. Rias was surely aware.

"A special rule applies," Grayfia said. "Details have been sent to each team. Each side receives one 'Phoenix Tear' for recovery. Strategy time is thirty minutes, during which contact between teams is prohibited. Let the strategy phase begin."

We launched into a strategy meeting. Every second counted.

"This game assumes indoor combat," Rias said, reviewing the rule sheet. "The special rule: 'Do not destroy the department store battlefield.' In other words, no flashy battles."

"That's tough for me and the vice-president," Xenovia said. "Wide-range attacks are off-limits."

She was right. Akeno's sweeping lightning and Xenovia's Durandal's holy shockwaves would wreak havoc, limiting their strengths.

"It's like our heavy-hitting attacks are sealed," Akeno said, hand on cheek, troubled.

I exhaled, adding, "Gasper's eyes won't work well here. Too many hiding spots—products and shelves block sightlines. We're open to ambushes. This field disadvantages us; our strength is flashy combat, and it's completely restricted."

Rias shook her head. "Gasper's eyes were banned outright. The rule: 'Gasper Vladi's Sacred Gear is prohibited.' It's simple—he can't fully control it. A rampage could ruin the game. He's also required to wear Azazel's Sacred Gear-sealing glasses."

I glanced at Gasper, already sporting the glasses. They suited him.

With Issei absent and Gasper restricted, we were at a numerical and tactical disadvantage.

"Only Kiba and Koneko can move freely indoors under these rules," I said.

Rias nodded. "Exactly. Gasper will rely on magic and vampire abilities alone. His Sacred Gear training has improved, but a rampage would be disastrous. I expected this. Gasper, you got that from Issei, right?"

"Yes, he gave it to me before we transferred," Gasper said.

"Good. Use it if needed," Rias said. "I'm counting on you."

"Yes! I'll do my best!" Gasper replied, brimming with enthusiasm.

He'd changed dramatically since meeting Issei. The old Gasper wouldn't have responded so confidently.

"This game puts us at a disadvantage," Rias said, smirking boldly. "But overcoming that will raise our standing."

"My, you're fired up," Akeno said.

"Of course," Rias replied. "And not just me—you too, Akeno. No, everyone here feels the same."

We all nodded.

Right. Issei was watching. We couldn't afford to look pathetic.

Though Rias and the others seemed driven by other motives too.

Koneko was especially pumped, more than ever. Did her talk with Issei spark this?

Rias clapped her hands. "Enough chatter. Let's start strategizing. First, we map the battlefield. If this replicates the department store, are the parking garage cars included? That could be trouble."

I stepped forward. "President, I'll scout the rooftop and parking garage. There's a staircase nearby."

"Please, Yuto," she said.

I hurried off to check.

Ten minutes later, I returned.

"I'm back."

"Good work, Yuto," Rias said. "What's the situation?"

I marked a detailed map, noting car placements and specifics.

"As expected, the cars are replicated, but fewer than I thought," Rias said, studying the map. "Less cover means we can use stronger attacks to an extent."

Akeno chimed in. "Then Xenovia and I should hit the parking garage."

"Exactly," Rias said. "Akeno, Xenovia, advance from the parking garage. Yuto, Koneko, take the store interior. Rules favor your mobility."

She turned to Gasper. "Gasper, transform into bats and scout the store. Early on, report everything you see."

"Understood!" he replied.

The strategy meeting continued, hammering out tactics, and a plan took shape.