Volume 7 – Chapter 3 – Part 3 – Winners, Losers and Return of the King

Asia Argento's Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

This year again, we had the ball tournament. Our homeroom teacher this year was Penemue-sensei. She along with several others are staying in this school until everyone that's part of the supernatural graduates. This means it's until Princess Kunou graduates from the high school division.

However, they already have plans for what they'd like to do after their time here. This year, Penemue-sensei wanted to win against the other classes, and so did I since I was the new President of the Occult Research Club.

I also didn't want to disappoint Rias-nee-sama, Akeno-san and Aaron. Everyone new and old saw them as the leaders of the club, and we wanted to make them proud. Even though we didn't mention the ball tournament to them, they all knew and silently cheered for us to win any and all of our games.

Last year we won many games, as a club and as a classroom, and we aim to do so again this year. However, unlike last year, we wouldn't have Xenovia-san for our club since she'd be participating in the new Student Council. However, she and Irina-san weren't here during it, so this year would be their first and last.

Everyone was excited and wanted to perform to their best standard. I was happy with that, but…at times I wonder if I'm doing a good job as the new President. Yumi-san reassured me that I do, but even when she was still a male and just a member of the club, she would have said the same thing.

But I'm reassured by many of my friends and my…my boyfriend? I'm not engaged to Aaron yet, but many others girls are already. I have discussions that pertain to that with others too. Rias-nee-sama recently got engaged to Aaron. I was happy for her and also a bit jealous.

[Gooooooooooooooal! The score is now tied! [109 – 109] for both teams! There are only five minutes left on the clock! Whoever scores next will definitely be the winners of the game!]

"Hohoho! They sure are energetic. It does make you think, who will win?" His Eminence Vasco Strada said while laughing heartily.

"That's why this type of Rating Game is always—in my opinion even more intense than the others, because the weaker teams can come up with plans and strategies to win even if they can't match the stronger team in strength and power," said Rudiger-sama.

Rias-nee-sama nodded along. "There have been many upsets with [Rampage Ball], [Object Break] and [Scramble Flag] games in the original Rating Game and in the World Tournament so far."

I put my hands together in a prayer as I watched the match and then closed my eyes. I hope the ones playing come out of it happy with their own performance.

— ○ ● ○ —

Flashback

— ○ ● ○ —

Aaron and Latia-san returned from Ajuka Beelzebub-sama's visit a few hours ago and they came back from closing the restaurant just now. I was currently in the [Training Facility] practicing my own form for the basketball match we'll have against the basketball team for the ball tournament. Last year we won against them with Aaron acting as Point Guard.

This year, Yumi-san will play that position and I was left as Shooting Guard for some reason…I wasn't that confident in my own aim even with my higher-specs as a devil and from the training we received in Aaron's dimension. Though, he did say it just gives you raw strength. What we do with our time in there is up to us.

I aimed the basketball with my own form I saw from a video and shot it, the ball missed as it hit the backboard.

"Haa…I made six shots out of ten. Is that good enough as a Shooting Guard?" I asked myself.

"You could improve some of your arm placements, or we could try to find a unique form for yourself," said a voice behind me. I turned around and saw Aaron.

"Aaron…" I muttered and brought the basketball back with my powers and held in front of me. "H-how long have you been watching?"

"Oh, just for a few minutes. You're practicing for the ball tournament, right? I wish the college division had something like it, but it's on a smaller scale according to my avatar. It's a bit of a disappointment," he said and stood beside me.

"We are…but how do you usually shoot?" I asked and handed him the ball. He accepted it and casually threw it in.

"Like this," he said in deadpan expression. The ball made a swish sound as it didn't hit the rim as it went in.

"T-that doesn't really help…" I said and awkwardly smiled at him.

He nodded and said, "Alright, show me how you shoot again and I'll observe it more carefully."

He handed the ball to me, and I used my usual form and released the ball. It went into the air and hit the rim but went in. Aaron retrieved the ball using telekinesis and handed it back to me, so I shot it again. We repeated this a few times and he finally nodded.

"Out of the ten shots you took, you made seven of them. Your form isn't terrible, but you're copying someone, right?" he asked.

"Y-yes, I saw someone called Jewell Loyd and copied her form. Gasper was the one who showed me the videos. I thought they were part of the WNBA?" I said and he nodded.

"It's not a bad idea to copy forms since it's a decent way to start in a sport, but developing your own form would be better since it'll suit your own body, stature, and other areas…like, ahem," he coughed into his fist and glanced at my breasts, thighs, butt and other aspects of my body…

"I-I see…so what would you recommend?" I asked. When Aaron got behind me, he raised my arms at a certain angle, as well as repositioned my legs and body. But it felt very awkward and difficult to move with.

"That should be it. Try shooting with that," he said and I did. Just like Aaron's earlier shot, it went in without hitting the rim. I repeated this a few times and it went in…

"Good. Go back a bit and try it. Don't forget to adjust your strength," he ordered and I agreed. I repeated my motions and form while applying a bit more strength and like earlier, the ball went into the net without hitting the rim.

We repeated this until I was taking full-court shots in the strange form and making all my shots, which surprised me a lot.

"Good. I think you'll do fine like this," he told me. He stretched his body and yawned. "I'll go up and take a quick nap—"

"If you want, I can give you a lap pillow in my room!" I said, surprising him. He happily agreed and we went up to my room.

When we got there, I immediately changed into my usual pajamas, but quickly changed into something more—

"You don't need to, it's not like we're going to have sex—unless that's what you want to do?" he asked and peered at my face. I felt myself blush and shake my head. "But I'd appreciate it if you wore something where I could feel your thighs."

…As expected of the Thigh Dragon. I giggled at his request and changed into a different pair of pajamas that exposed my thighs. Aaron gave me a thumbs up before we got on my bed and laid his head on my thighs.

"Thighs heal my soul…" he muttered and started feeling my thighs which made me blush. We stayed like that for a short while and talked about nothing of importance, but after a while we fell silent.

It wasn't an awkward silence, but a comfortable one. I started stroking Aaron's hair as time went on.

"Is something bothering you?" he asked. When I looked back at him, he stared at me with concern.

"…I was wondering if Rias-nee-sama chose correctly. Am I fit to be the President for the Occult Research Club? Things have been progressing smoothly so far, so there haven't been many complaints. Yumi-san and Ravel-san help me a lot too, so I don't worry too much in that regard," I explained.

However, Aaron chuckled at me, confusing me. "I guess we're in the same predicament then. Before I evolved, and as time passed, I had a lot of thoughts about if I was fit to be a 'King' or 'Ruler'. I certainly don't act like it at times."

"But…even if I wasn't that kind of person, I had to become one, even if I'm not that yet, I'm trying to be. I still question a lot of things, and even recently Ajuka asked me a question that made me question a lot of things," he said and sighed. "Sorry, I'm rambling."

He reached up and touched my cheek. "What I'm saying is, even if you don't feel like you're one, doesn't mean you'll always feel like that. Even if this is your last year in Kuoh Academy high school division, make the most of it, and become the kind of 'President' you want to be. You don't need to completely follow in Rias' footsteps."

…Become a president that I want to be…?

"I told Hirokazu the same thing. I know he idolizes me a lot, the same with Bova and Ouryuu. They need to find their own path and walk it, and slowly shape it into one completely unique to them. When that happens, you'll surely grow as a person," he said and let go of my cheek.

He chuckled again and added, "The Asia Argento a year ago, and the Asia Argento now, are they the same person?"

The me from a year ago…before I met all of them—when my life changed. Was I still the same person? …No, definitely not. I've become taller…my chest and butt have grown. I've made a lot of friends, experienced many things and have been forced to change some of the way I think. However, I'd like to think I was still the same person to some degree…

"The Asia I knew from a year ago wouldn't be able to hurt a fly. But the Asia I know right now can one punch most ultimate to low god-class beings for the sake of her comrades and friends. I'd say you have changed a lot."

He sighed again and touched my thighs. "So, treat it like that, you're not Rias, you'll never be, you're Asia Argento—the [Bishop] of the Gremory peerage and [Team Rias Gremory], one of the kindest people I know. Become the new president of the current Occult Research Club—and when the time comes, you'll need to pass that position down to someone else, preferably Christmas…"

"…Yes, I'll do that," I replied. "Aaron."

"Hmm?"

"Let's have sex."

"Sure."

— ○ ● ○ —

Flashback End

— ○ ● ○ —

'Hirokazu-san chose his new path and is run straight down it. I also want to become a President that's different from Rias-nee-sama, and be remembered in the club's history.' I looked over at her and she smiled at me.

— ○ ● ○ —

Gabriel's Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

In our home, I was in my room reading over things Brother Michael sent me. He wanted me to come up to Heaven and help with a few things. I didn't mind and planned on going back soon. But since Altaria-chan and Layla-chan were there, he told me not to rush. Those two were very reliable.

"Gabriel, can we talk?"

My alone time was interrupted when Aaron came into my room and sat on my bed. I got up, smiled and hugged his arm. "Okay~?"

He told me about the secret organization [EXE] and how he's the leader. Altaria and Layla were already a part of it and he wasn't sure if he should tell me yet. It apparently operates like the CIA or the M16.

"During the Rating Game between [Team Phantastic Dragons] and [Team Trump Card of Heaven], the remnants of the Fallen Angel Faction of the Khaos Order will attack. After the death of Yomiel, Chazaqiel became the leader since she's the next strongest in it," he told me.

I froze, eh? W-why did Chazaqiel become the leader…?

"So, I was thinking of asking you to join us in the operation. I know you'd like to settle the score with her and also speak to her one last time. Asbeel, Ramiel, Zaqiel, and Bezaliel will be there. I also ordered Mīkhā'īl to be there too."

Those four…they disappeared after the Great War too. Bezaliel and Zaqiel stayed with Grigori for a little while but also disappeared…

"Please let me join! …I-is brother Azazel aware of this? What about Brother Michael?" I asked.

"Yes, they're aware. However, only Azazel will show up during it, Michael cannot, but I mentioned bringing you and he said it would be fine since you encountered her before," he told me.

Nodding my head, I agreed. Speaking to her again would be wonderful. I wanted to try to convince her to stop this and come back, but…I was doubtful. Staying positive during this will be difficult, but…

I felt Aaron's hand on my head and I looked back at him. "It'll be fine. I'll have other fallen angels deal with the others. I don't plan on killing them, just capturing them and having them detained in Grigori."

"…Thank you." I hugged Aaron and thanked him. Does he see redemption in them? He hasn't said that they had done bad deeds yet, right? Perhaps they didn't do too many when they were missing, but…I can't be sure, so I have to keep my expectations realistic.

Since coming down here, I have been forced to face many unpleasant situations that I wouldn't normally have to face or see. The multitude of humans who label themselves 'atheists', or the evil deeds that many commit because of selfish reasons…I believe my father and brother Michael tried to shelter me from it.

Even if I did fight during the Great War, I was led to believe that the ones I injured survived. However, thinking back on it now, many may have been killed, the devils certainly perished, but to the other fallen angels…

"Don't think too hard about it. Focus on Chazaqiel and leave the rest to us—Penemue and Raynare are joining too."

"Mmm."

— ○ ● ○ —

After I grabbed Chazaqiel and brought her to a different section of the Astaroth territory in [Dimension Lost], she looked at me in anger.

"So you came, Gabriel…" she said and glared at me.

"Because I wanted to speak to you again…"

She scoffed and summoned both her swords. "It's pointless. None of them will falter as we have steeled our resolve. If father failed us and the system he set up, we looked at Azazel, but he was also a coward and took too long to do anything, so we left. But now we're here and we can enact change…!"

"Your lover, the Middleman—Father should have done that from the start. He made humans suffer unnecessarily. Do you see how happy they are with so many of their viruses, diseases and other ailments gone?"

"…But there has also been an increase in how the government and private companies produce and distribute them—I've read about it online, certain new drugs and cures cost too much, even with the universal health care in the EU, other countries suffer, and—"

"That's just a temporary consequence! Your lover will just change it, won't he?! His new restaurant, there are rumors of him growing it just beyond that—if it comes larger, he will surely fix it!"

It's true that Aaron has many plans, but…leaving it up to him seems very dystopian…but I know Aaron wouldn't do anything bad, he wants to help people…

"We can't just rely on what Aaron will do in the future. Humans by themselves have to step up and better themselves…how can they ever evolve?" I asked and summoned a whip made of light. "It should be both the supernatural and humans working together to further all of us."

"Naïve, humans are failures that can't do anything—after our attack here, we'll go and take over various governments of the world, assassinate corrupt leaders and officials and bring a brighter future to the world!" she shouted and flew towards me.

I dodged her attack by flying upward. Next, I used my whip to attack her, but she quickly turned around and tried to block it with one of her swords. However, my whip wrapped itself around the score and I pulled it away from her. Now with only one sword she glared at me with a lot of animosity. Storing the sword in my ring, I looked back down at her.

"Chazaqiel please surrender. If you do, you might get leniency from the alliance. I can even speak to Aaron about it," I told her, almost begging. I didn't want to fight her, nor hurt her—I love everyone in Heaven and Grigori. They're all like brothers and sisters to me.

For the first time since I saw her again, her face softened up. It was like the one she used to have when we were back in Heaven all those years ago. "Gabriel. I chose this path, and I plan on walking on it. Back then it was the right one for me, even if last year had the most changes out of the time we've both lived…it's too late now, such changes should have happened years ago. So I can't stop now."

Her face changed back to what it was previously and she stared at me with hardened eyes. "So fight me like a warrior, Gabriel as a warrior and as the strongest woman in heaven! If you don't, I'll defeat you, get out of this dimension and continue with our current plan!"

Chazaqiel was serious about this, so I can assume that the rest of them have this same resolve. They're aware that what they're trying to pursue might not actually work, but they're still going through with it. I wonder what father would say right now?

I closed my eyes, sucked in some air and breathed it out. I opened them back up and stared at Chazaqiel. "You're still family to me, so I'll bring back the bad children. Please prepare yourself," I told her and increased my power by a significant amount.

"That's it…! Those are the eyes you had when we fought during the Great War! Show me that that power!" she shouted and flew back towards me with even greater speed.

I don't know what kind of eyes I have right now, and I don't think I'd like to see them if they're any way cruel, but I wanted to make this as painless as possible for her. Aiming my light whip at her, I changed its shape to mimic a bow and produced a single arrow of light.

She arrived in front of me and slashed her sword down, with minimal movement. I avoided the attack and kicked her back down—the impact and strength used was enough to knock her out temporarily as she fell to the ground with no signs of movement.

Increasing my arrow's power, it began to released a massive amount of light. Within seconds the entire realm was covered by my golden light and seconds later, Chazaqiel woke up. She put her free arm in front of her face to not be blinded.

This arrow is meant to convey how I feel to her. When she's hit, I hope all of our past memories, my feelings, and thoughts will be conveyed to her—in a way, I copied Dulio-chan's [Bubbles of Hope] into this single arrow.

She tried to get out of the way, but I had put a technique to bind her to the spot when I kicked her. The invisible light ropes became visible as she tried to run away. She continued to struggle for a few more seconds as I kept charging my attack. As if accepting her fate, she stopped and looked up at me with a despondent face full of sorrow.

My heart felt like breaking, but I finally released my attack and it turned into an enormous single light arrow that flew towards Chazaqiel. The size was almost comparable to the Eiffel Tower. It hit her and a powerful explosion consumed the entire area…and it brought us to a different place.

— ○ ● ○ —

These were memories. In front of us was when we were 'younger' and more naïve. Father was also still alive—it was a time that was considered peaceful. Many of my brothers and sisters were still alive and we frolicked through Heaven happily while father watched over us.

I was with several others including Chazaqiel and Penemue. In a way, we acted like teenagers having fun. When I looked to my side, I saw Chazaqiel there with a sorrowful expression watching the scene.

"It was peaceful back then," she said while holding her left arm in her right hand. "So many of us were still alive."

We saw many of our brothers and sisters that are no longer with us as they ran around with us or simply watched from a distance. Even brother Michael appeared slightly younger here. Azrael and Kokabiel were also there. They didn't look so…tired and broken in this.

We watched our younger selves play for a few minutes before the scenery in front of us changed. This time, I along with Brother Michael, Uriel, and Raphael were in father's office, and this time we had grown up quite a bit.

[Michael, Uriel, Raphael and…Gabriel. I'd like to appoint you to what I want to call [The Four Great Seraphs]. The four of you will have power and authority just below me. Michael, from now on you will be known as an Archangel. You will have power slightly above the other three,] father told them.

All their reactions were of surprise. I remember that day. Brother Michael looked very shocked

[I have will also have the [Ten Seraphs] after you four, but that will be made another time. Are there any questions?] father asked.

Brother Michael raised his hand and father nodded. [Why have you chosen us specifically? And…why was I chosen to become an 'Archangel'?] he asked. The rest of us nodded along, curious to know what his reasoning was.

Father nodded. [I have my reasons, however, to put it simply, all of you show qualities above my other creations—in other words, you four stand above the rest in terms of power, wisdom and qualities to become something more…as to what that is, even I do not know.]

[Michael, if a day ever comes where I stop existing, you will be appointed as the next leader.]

Our younger selves were shocked to hear that, and I ran up to father and hugged him while crying. Everyone tried to comfort the younger me, but she was inconsolable.

[Gabriel, it was just a theoretical scenario. I won't die, I promise,] he told me. However, now I know that father didn't know that for certain. Seeing his face from this third-person perspective, he looked unsure of his own words. I doubt my brother saw this either as they were consoling my younger self.

After speaking to father about our new roles, he told us that he would announce it to everyone else in a day, and dismissed us. The first person I went to tell this news to was Chazaqiel. In a way, I considered her my best friend back then—perhaps even now? I love everyone in Aaron's home and the new friends I made…maybe I just consider everyone my best friend? Thinking of it that way made me giggle.

When my younger self found Chazaqiel I told her about what had happened and she seemed shocked at the time.

[The Four Great Seraphs and Ten Seraphs…do you know who father will pick for the Ten Seraphs?] she asked.

My younger self shook her head. [But I hope you're one of them!] she said making Chazaqiel smile.

"I was a bit envious back then, but…I guess that in itself was a sin, right?" Chazaqiel asked me. "I'm surprised I didn't fall for having such thoughts—or did we need to actively be aware of that sin to fall?"

I didn't have an answer for her, so I kept quiet. Asking Aaron later should be my priority since he did change both systems, he should have knowledge on how it works…

Various instances started to flash in front of us, forcing us to relieve these memories. All the while we kept quiet and watched them. Chazaqiel would sometimes comment on the memory, but generally we stayed silent. That was until a certain memory played.

"The Great War," she muttered beside me. We had sat down beside each other and watched this transpire.

[It's the Great Seraph Gabriel! We're saved!] an angel shouted.

[Gabrieeeeeeeeeeeeeeel!] shouted Chazaqiel.

At that point in time Chazaqiel had already fallen along with a few others and since it was the Great War, a war between Fallen Angels, Angels, and Devils. Me fighting her back then wasn't out of the question.

[Chazaqiel…] my other self muttered—a look of sorrow etched across her face.

Chazaqiel in the memory didn't say anything else as she summoned both her swords and flew at me. My other self also summoned a blade and they battled in the sky. Anyone that got close to them was blown away—especially the devils that tried to interrupt it. They were simply slain by the light produced by the both of them.

"You were a crybaby back then, but that was the first time I saw you with those eyes," said Chazaqiel.

With that, I looked at my own eyes, they were crying but at the same time, empty, they looked soulless. Like a machine designed to only kill—seeing myself like that even scared me. Those were the kind of eyes I showed to everyone during the war? And even before we were transported here?

"You're too kind, Gabriel—just like your lover. Why do you cry for me?" she asked.

"Because you're my sister! I love my family, both my new and old one!" I shouted at her. Touching my face, I noticed that tears were streaming down my face.

The memory changed to countless other ones, it started with my happy yet slightly lonely life as a Seraph after passed away. I cried many nights, however, because I bore the title of a [Great Seraph], I had to smile for everyone and slowly over time the pain dulled. But father's presence always left a hole in my heart.

Many memories played, various incidents that happened in the supernatural world and human world played, many of them were sad memories because not many happy things happened during those years. But it changed when he came.

"So this is where the tale of the Dual Dragon Emperor started?" she asked and I nodded. Because it was from my memory, it started with our date which made me blush. "You went on a date with someone you barely knew?"

"I-i-it was an outing…! W-we—" However, before I could explain myself Aaron gave me the necklace as a gift and told me what it did. I still wore it, even if its effects were redundant. It was his first gift to me. Not including the dress.

More and more memories played until it reached the most recent one, his proposal to me and father being revived. That Christmas Eve…was one I would remember forever.

"I never thought I would hear father apologize like that," said Chazaqiel as she sighed. "All of those miracle-like scenarios were achievable because of him, right? Do you know what he's being referred to in our organization?"

I shook my head. I had no idea.

"He's referred to as a 'Miracle-like Existence'. The Outer God who goes against his very nature of chaos and destruction—but he's also a dragon, so a few started to call him the 'Miracle Dragon', but recently—the leaders of the Alliance of the Evil Gods started referring to him as—the Dragon God of Hopes and Miracles…that's the kind of impression he gives for people and they completely detest him."

I couldn't help but smile, that certainly sounds like the things people would call him…Chazaqiel suddenly stood up and stared at me, so I got up too. The memories had stopped at this point so we were back to silence.

"Chazaqiel, can you please stand down? Aaron himself doesn't need information anymore, but the alliance does, so can you come to our side…?" I asked. My aim was to use this technique to sway her using emotion.

She stared at me with an uncertain expression now. Her resolve must have waved, surely?

"I…"

— ○ ● ○ —

Third Person Point of View

— ○ ● ○ —

Aaron in his [Abyss Extinction] Balance Breaker walked around the Ajuka Stadium as he saw various members of [EXE] fighting fallen angels and cryptids. He had provided them with the [Dragon Tattoo] to boost their strength. People that were High-class became Satan-class, Ultimate-class became God-class (Low to Middle-tier) and Satan-class became God-class (High to Peak-tier).

With Nyarlathotep's blood gone from their veins, he could tell that the fallen angels ranged from Middle-class to High-class, with some being Ultimate-class, this included the leaders. Although they were close to breaking into Satan-class without the boost in power.

Aaron walked around with a certain Chinese goddess beside him. His various shadow soldiers did his work.

"You're not going to move?" he asked the goddess beside him.

"Along with your 'tattoo' I have also provided everyone with some enhancement magic to further amplify their powers," replied the goddess. "I believe they will be fine."

This goddess was called Nuwa. She wanted to meet him when he went to the Chinese Pantheon, but she wasn't there at the time and missed the chance—much to her dismay, so when [EXE] was set to go on their first mission, she jumped at the chance of meeting the Oppai Dragon.

"I see. You brought…the [8 Divas] didn't you? They're part of your group in [EXE]," asked Aaron.

"Yes. However, due to short notice, only the leader Rixia and the energetic Zhang Mei could come with me. Forgive me," said Nuwa.

Aaron shook his head. "It's fine, we have more than enough members here." He looked around them and saw a section of the dimension was covered in a white dome—Kanami with the Slash/Dog Team were also here.

"How is the Chinese team doing?" Aaron asked as they arrived in the stadium. There were a few fallen angels there, so he put his hand out and created large hands out of shadows from their own shadows that gripped their entire bodies.

"W-what the hell?!"

"Shit! I can't break free!"

"They're doing fine. They lost to a God-class team, but they've won their other matches apart from that single game." Nuwa glanced at the trapped fallen angels and asked, "What shall we do with them? Surely, we won't need to capture all of them, correct?"

"Right. There are only a few that we need to capture. The rest can be killed as they serve no purpose. The vast majority of them only joined to incite chaos and suffering, so they're practically useless scum," replied Aaron.

Nuwa nodded as she faced the fallen angels. She gestured with her hands and several pillars of light appeared around the fallen angels. They slowly closed in on them and crushed them—their cries and fear could be heard the entire time. Aaron only sparingly gave them one last glance before looking up at the sky and seeing more fallen angels being fought by various members of [EXE].

Aaron saw that the levels of [EXE] ranged from High-class and up. For now, it would do, but he would like most of them to be at least Ultimate-class to Satan-class and up, otherwise the enemies they face in the future would kill them.

Aaron summoned a magic circle beside him and connected it to Antares.

"Aaron-sama? How may I be of service?" asked Antares through the magic communication circle.

"Antares, build a condominium beneath my home in the Dimensional Gap. I'd like to make that the base of Organization [EXE]. You'll also be joining in this along with Lianne and the Stahlritter," said Aaron.

"…! Y-yes at once, I will create it right away!" replied Antares with a stutter.

"Good, I'm counting on you." Aaron dismissed his magic circle and noticed that the fallen angels that were previously in the sky were on the ground dead. To his left was Zhang Mei grinning at him.

"Yo! Leader-sama!" she said and put her hand up.

Aaron nodded her way and said, "The rest of your team, they're on a mission in China, right?"

"They are, they're in pursuit of two groups, actually. Latia-san told us about it briefly. The [Tiles of Dog City] and the [Z-Team], the former mostly operating in China while we believe the latter entered it for their own benefit, or they perhaps partnered up with them? We're not sure yet," replied Zhang Mei.

Aaron nodded. He already knew how those two teams were beaten and disbanded. However, he'd leave it to that then since various people that joined in those operations grew in experience—including his own mother. Although he was still quite worried about her. Zhang Mei saluted him once more before jumping away and fighting more fallen angels.

"Let's go south. A fight there will finish once we arrive," said Aaron. Nuwa happily agreed and they started walking at a leisurely pace.

— ○ ● ○ —

"You were nothing back then—just a year ago…how did you get so strong?!" a female fallen angel screamed at another.

The other fallen angel was Raynare, also part of [Team Lightning], and the fallen angel she was currently facing was Asbeel. Asbeel was someone she vaguely knew; she had heard things about Asbeel while she was in Grigori and from both Gabriel and Penemue while talking about this day's operation.

"Love and Dick!" shouted Raynare while blushing. This stunned Asbeel as she stared at Raynare in confusion.

Asbeel was a female fallen angel with the moniker of [The Deserted of God]. She fell for one reason, and that was having sleeping human males. To the God of the Bible back then, it was a sin, so she fell just like Baraqiel and Azazel.

She had long blonde hair with twin tails. She wore a black Gothic Lolita dress, black pantyhose and black kitten heels. She had a necklace that was silver in color that looked like fallen angel wings around her neck.

"W-what? Love and Dick? Did you finally lose it after being sexually assault for so long?" she asked while summon a light spear and throwing it at Raynare.

"No! My fiancé finally did! You know him, the Middleman!" she screamed back and slapped the light spear away. Raynare spread her 16 jet-black wings and countered Asbeel with hundreds of thousands of light spears.

'…I only wanted to settle down after having a lot of sex over the years. Why the hell did I agree to join the Khaos Order and this stupid operation…?' thought Asbeel as she stared at the lights spears that were coming down towards her.

"Raynare, wait! C-can't we talk?! I don't wanna die!" Asbeel screamed looking at her in desperation.

Asbeel wasn't a fighter. She nearly lost her life a few times during the Great War but she was lucky enough to hold out long enough for help to arrive. Azazel, Baraqiel, Kokabiel, and Penemue saved her during those times as well as many others.

She wasn't a researcher, scientist, or anything really—what she provided was…relief for the men she met, in other words—she was a glorified escort or prostitute. Yes, she was stronger than most as she was at least Ultimate-class, but she never trained much, and only did so when she was forced to.

However, apart from her escort duties, she would help with the general workings of Grigori, and then the Khaos Order. Because of that, she had lived a long life. In her words: 'I would rather live life as a cockroach or a leech, that's how I've stayed alive for so long.'

Asbeel knows that it isn't healthy, but she can't change her ways now—or at least she thinks she can't. Any time she did try, it ended in disaster and she would usually go missing for a few years before reemerging. She was weak in many ways, especially her heart.

But the truth of the matter concerning Asbeel…started after she fell from Heaven—the human she had sex with abandoned her. At the time she was quite naïve about many things. She thought the human loved her back and didn't just want to use her body to pleasure himself. However, she was forced to face that harsh reality and she broke.

She tried to sleep with as many people as she could to compensate for that 'love' that she lost and that's how she's been for the last few hundred years.

Asbeel closed her eyes waiting for the inevitable…but it never came. When she opened her eyes, she saw that the light spears had stopped right in front of her. Raynare was also in front of her, a bit of hope came back into her.

"Well, Aaron did say to bring back the 'leaders' of the Fallen Angel faction of the Khaos Order—I don't know how serious you are with your words, but he'll definitely won't let you escape. For now, goodnight, Asbeel-san," said Raynare as she appeared behind her and karate chopped her neck, knocking her out.

Raynare caught the woman as she fell. She stared at her for a few seconds before sighing. "Was I like this too? If I hadn't met him, where would I be now? Dead? In the fallen angel faction of the Khaos Order?" she shook her head, "I'd rather not think about it too much…"

— ○ ● ○ —

"Traitor!!" shouted Bezaliel.

The person he was fighting right now was…Mīkhā'īl, one of the original leaders of the fallen angel faction. However, due to various unknown circumstances, after the disappearances of Isrāfīl, and Jibrail, Mīkhā'īl stepped down from the position of leader and Yomiel took his place, but following his death, Chazaqiel became the next leader.

Bezaliel was a buff fallen angel with long black hair and red eyes. He wore a black t-shirt and tight brown pants with brown boots. He was a very devoted follower of the God of the Bible and because of that he was given the moniker [Shadow of God]. However, upon his death, Bezaliel lost much of his meaning in life—he didn't know how to act or live as an individual person, so in his spiral, he committed grievous sins which made him fall.

He briefly stayed with Grigori, but after some time, he left without telling anyone a reason. He seemingly disappeared for years until he reappeared as part of the fallen angel faction in the Khaos Order.

No one knew what he had been up to for all those years. He had not told anyone even after reemerging into the supernatural world. The rumors within the faction say that he lived a quiet and honest life in a European country, while others say he was a serial killer that went from country to country—hence why there were a string of unsolvable murders all across Europe for a period of years before it suddenly stopped.

No one knows the truth and the only ones who do know are Bezaliel himself and Aaron Toole due to his powers.

Mīkhā'īl floated in front of Bezaliel without a change in expression. This only served to annoy Bezaliel, as the man's body was covered in a mix of light energy and a shadow-like aura. He quickly arrived in front of Mīkhā'īl and several light swords appeared around him. Bezaliel also threw a punch with light and shadows mixed together at him.

Mīkhā'īl a sword and blocked the punch. He stared at Bezaliel and said, "I have not one betrayed you for I have never been part of your faction. I was merely a spy."

Bezaliel gritted his teeth and launched the light swords at Mīkhā'īl, who swung his sword sideways and destroyed them.

"So you're saying the time you spent in our faction was all a lie?! The things you said, the actions you did—they were all—!"

"They were." Mīkhā'īl didn't want to hear the rest of the man's grievances, so he interrupted him and told him quite bluntly. Mīkhā'īl was changed just like Regalzeva after Aaron evolved, so he had no recollection of his past self. The others he turned into 'double agents' had the same thing happen to them, with the exception of Kirino and Mitsuya from Cross Times Kiss.

Bezaliel clicked his tongue and sighed heavily. "This world is built upon lies. With the Khaos Order we can build it anew and have a world where no one lies, just like Father. He promised to be always here, he promised to be always alive. Now look at where he is, gone."

"…And liars deserve nothing but death," he said, and his power increased again. He fired thousands of light spears towards Mīkhā'īl, so countered with his own. Thousands of explosions covered the sky of [Dimension Lost] as both fallen angels battled.

Bezaliel covered both his fist with holy and shadow attributes and sent a barrage of punches towards Mīkhā'īl, each one could kill High-class to Ultimate-class devils with ease. Yet, Mīkhā'īl dodged them effortlessly, and swung his sword in a single motion—cutting off Bezaliel's right arm.

"Ugh?!" Bezaliel let out a pained groan as his right arm was chopped off. However, he didn't stop there as he continued to attack Mīkhā'īl with his left arm and began using his legs to attack too.

The difference in strength was palpable even before he was injured, and because of that injury Bezaliel had become slower, and his power had decreased significantly. Mīkhā'īl didn't need to use as much effort as previously, and even Bezaliel's light attacks had weakened to a considerable degree too as Mīkhā'īl only slapped them away.

"…Sleep, Aaron-sama needs you alive, after all," said Mīkhā'īl with indifference as he kicked Bezaliel in the neck. The fallen angel's vision blurred and began to blacken—his eyes began to close as the figure of Mīkhā'īl slowly faded.

Bezaliel was a simply minded person. He followed the orders of the God of the Bible very closely, and he looked up to him very much. So when he died, his world was turned upside down—for a time he tried to ask others to give him tasks, especially Michael, but he was told to try to find his own person and reason for being alive.

And that was when his troubles began. He spiraled and fell and became a fallen angel. In that despair, he committed unforgivable acts like a broken child trying to get attention from anyone—for someone to give him direction in life. Bezaliel wanted to change and find his own reason for existence, but couldn't and fell victim to the sweet words of the Khaos Order.

"…Damn…traitors…"

Mīkhā'īl caught him and began flying towards Aaron. He wanted to fulfill his job without delay. He glanced at Bezaliel and sighed. "You failed to change after father's death, try again when Aaron-sama has a hold of you."

— ○ ● ○ —

Ramiel stood on top of a tower while Penemue and Baraqiel stood on a smaller one. All three fallen angels stared at each other with Penemue pouting slightly.

He was a man in his late thirties. He wore a black fedora hat, had gray hair and emerald green eyes. He wore a long gray trench coat, blue jeans and black boots. He had gloves on both hands and had a single earring on his left ear that resembled a crescent moon.

Ramiel, like many of the fallen angels like Azazel and Baraqiel fell because he had sexual relations with humans. Ramiel and Baraqiel had a long history with each other. Baraqiel was known as the [Lightning of God] while Ramiel was known as the [Thunder of God].

Both Baraqiel and Ramiel worked together like brothers for the longest time—even during the Great War when they had to go against their brothers, sisters, and father. They took down many devils and angels during that time, and were known to be the unstoppable duo.

"It's been a long time you two, I take it you're well? …Certainly, brother Baraqiel has done well, hasn't he? A wife, a daughter and a very famous son-in-law," said Ramiel. "How about you, Penemue?"

Penemue put both hands on her hip and proudly boasted, "I lost my virginity recently and I'm engaged!"

Both men fell silent as they stared at her with varying emotions. They were both happy for her as she had been single for the longest time—no, she was the only fallen angel who had fallen for very different reasons. The others fell for more worldly desires.

"I-is that so? I'm glad for you then, if it's the Middleman, then you'll be fine," said Ramiel as he awkwardly chuckled.

"Ramiel, brother, are we going to fight?" Baraqiel asked looking uncertain. However, to both their surprise he shook his head.

"Do you wish to know why I disappeared for so long?" he said to them and they agreed. "I was soul searching. After the Great War, and after so many things that happened in the supernatural world, I wanted to find more meaning in life, so I travelled the world as a 'human', and not as a fallen angel."

"I was known as 'Congenteen Malvholik'. Yes, it's a strange name, but it did its job. Over the years I have seen many things happen in the human world that made me sad, angry and happy. But I think…by the end, I saw hope for humanity and in turn—when the Middleman came along, that hope came back for me for the supernatural world."

"I joined the Khaos Order to bid my time. Every assignment I was assigned to—if I could help it, I would try to prevent as many casualties as I could. Of course, I am only one man, so I couldn't prevent it all, nor did I have the power to stop the ones I traveled with."

"So…you're coming back with us?" Penemue asked.

"Yes. Mīkhā'īl worked for the Middleman did he not? I simply asked him in the last few months and he told me, so I worked with him with hindering the Khaos Order as much as we could. I think we succeeded," he said with a smile after explaining himself.

Baraqiel flew over to him and they linked arms. "Good to have you back, Brother. If given a chance, I'd like to help you find your happiness too."

Ramiel laughed. "If given the opportunity, then I'll gladly accept, Baraqiel."

"Well, we didn't need to fight, that's good then. Aaron just informed me that Asbeel and Bezaliel have been captured. All that's left are Chazaqiel who Gabriel left to confront and Zaqiel who's being confronted by…the Slash/Dog Team."

"Zaqiel…it's best to be careful around him. He's quite unstable and unpredictable, even Mīkhā'īl and the others were wary of him," said Ramiel while frowning.

"We never knew much about him, did we?" asked Penemue as she looked over at the white dome where the Slash/Dog Team were at.

"Yes. As his epithet suggests [Hidden Weapon of God], he's quite a mysterious individual. The rumors that spread in our organization were that he had powers like Samael," Ramiel said grimly.

"…Then we need to go and warn them!" Baraqiel said as he turned to face the same direction as Penemue.

"Baraqiel, back when the Slash/Dog Team were still students under your guidance in the Nephilim Institute, you saw their potential and power. You helped raise them too. Even if most of the members now are new, there are still those who are the same—can't you trust them?" explained Penemue.

"They've also been under the care of Aaron and you know how people grow and change when they're near him," she said and chuckled.

Baraqiel stared at Penemue then back at the dome. He sighed and felt a pat on the back from Ramiel. "Alright, let's go back to Aaron then. I'll trust them."

— ○ ● ○ —

"Is this really necessary, Kanami?" Meruem asked. He was holding down the fallen angel Zaqiel to the ground. Although he couldn't even move any more because of Kanami's [True Longinus] Balance Breaker.

"It's fine, better safe than sorry, right?" Kanami asked while putting some handcuffs on him. Those handcuffs were designed by Aaron to completely seal supernatural powers and abilities while also forcing the wearer to have the power of a newborn human baby.

"I…am…judge, jury and executioner—!"

"Yeah, yeah, we heard you scream that a bunch of times already, jeez, do you ever shut up?" Natsume asked as she put her light gun away.

Zaqiel gritted his teeth. He had a slim stature, short green hair and green eyes, his teeth were sharp like those of a shark, and he had a necklace with a tooth from an unknown animal. He wore white and black robes that had 'fallen angel' written on the front and back.

Without those robes, it revealed that his legs were akin to a crow's and his wings were slightly crooked. This was unlike the regular wings of a fallen angel. Zaqiel himself was an abnormal existence that the God of the Bible created—almost like an assassin that could use light and shadow manipulation.

"I will kill—" Meruem slammed his face into the ground again, stopping his sentence. He kept going that until Zaqiel stopped moving, he checked his face and confirmed that the fallen angel had lost consciousness.

"So, we just have to bring him back, right?" Kouki asked.

"You don't need to go that far," said Aaron. The Slash/Dog Team turned around and found him there with everyone else. "Good job, things should be done just about now…"

On cue, the sounds of fighting around them and the blizzard that had filled the entire dimension also disappeared. A magic circle appeared beside Aaron and a blonde magician emerged from it while smiling.

"Good job, everyone~" she said and looked around them—it was Lavinia Reni.

Aaron also looked around as the rest of [EXE] joined him. Not everyone could be contacted on short notice, but a decent portion of this new organization was present for it.

"I'd say this was successful. Let's bring them back to Grigori and interrogate them—I'll deal with the bodies," he told them and he clicked his fingers and gathered the bodies in a pile in the distance.

Aaron summoned a ball the size of a marble and stored them in it. Once that was done, Georg cancelled the dimension and they were brought back outside Ajuka Stadium in the Underworld.

"Thanks for the help, Georg. You guys were busy training, right?" asked Aaron.

Georg shook his head. "It's fine, it didn't take that long either. I also got to test out new magic so it wasn't bad."

"Are we going to have a meeting in the future, Leader-san~?" Zhang Mei asked as she stepped closer to Aaron along with Rixia. A few of the members looked at Aaron and waited for his answer.

"Yeah. It's due soon, so I'll try to set a date for it and have as many of the leaders join it. Certain events in the future will be dealt with by us and not by Team [DxD]," replied Aaron. After they heard that, the rest of [EXE] started teleporting away.

"Phew! So, are you heading back to watch the match?" Kanami asked.

"Yeah, it should be ending soon, but I'd like to see it. A lot of them evolved and changed during the match after all." Aaron looked over at the stadium and could hear the loud cheers of the fans. "Feel free to join Rias' team in their VIP room," he added before walking away and undoing his Balance Breaker.

Lavinia Reni followed after him as they entered the stadium.

"Jeez, so we're bringing them back, right?" asked Natsume.

"Eh? But …t-they're gone," said Shigune. Their team looked over at where the prisons were and they were gone. The only one left was Chazaqiel in handcuffs with Gabriel waving at them.

"Let's go~! I haven't been to Grigori in a little while~" she said and the rest of [EXE] joined them.

"What are you going to say to Azazel?" Baraqiel asked Ramiel.

"The truth, I think he'll accept it and hopefully give me leniency," said Ramiel.

"I'll convince Avezza to give you some too, and she'll definitely convince Azazel!" Penemue added and flexed her right arm.

— ○ ● ○ —

On the game field where [Team Phantastic Dragons] and [Team Trump Card of Heaven] fought for the Rating Game, they were down to the last few minutes of the game and the score was tied at [109 – 109] for both teams. The next goal would decide who the winner was, and on the field, it had become even more intense.

"Ryoooooooo!!" shouted Caeda as she threw the golden ball towards one of her team's [Rook]. The man caught it but was immediately body slammed by Nero Raimondi, one of Dulio's [Rooks].

"Dammit, old man!" Ryo screamed as the ball left his hands and Nero caught it and began running away.

Both teams were running towards the goal—their stamina were all low and were considering the last bit of their power to use at the goal. It was obvious to all of them that their next 'fight' in that area would decide everything. Nero kept running until he was interrupted by one of the [Pawns] of [Team Phantastic Dragons], Daiki Kimura!

He torpedoed towards Nero at a much faster speed than he could counter with and Daiki slammed his foot into his arm, forcing the man to let go of the ball. As Daiki passed the ball—Minato, the other [Pawn] of Hirokazu's team stared at the ball with bloodshot eyes.

Griselda stared at the [Pawn] and didn't feel any threat from him, but she also felt strange. 'He can't teleport anymore! He's reached his limit…but what's this uneasy feeling I have?'

Minato's body twitched as he remembered something from their last sparring match with Aaron.

'Don't give up so easily, Minato. At the most crucial moments in a fight, that's when you're supposed to surpass your limits and keep on evolving! You have that potential and drive in you.'

Minato grimaced as his body teleported towards the ball. However, he was mere inches away from grabbing it as he coughed up even more blood. His body felt like it was burning even more. He couldn't believe he was sacrificing it like this, but at the same time adrenaline coursed through all of his body.

'Dammit! Why am I getting caught up in all of this?! It's just a game where I'm just trying to earn money…!' he shouted in his mind.

"Kiyotora-san, send an aura slash!" Griselda shouted at one of their [Knights]. Kiyotora Shinra had also been staring at Minato like everyone else, but he was taken out of his own stupor when he heard Griselda's voice.

He swung both his arms down with both katanas and sent out two powerful slashes with his katana in a cross shape. As the aura slash neared him, a powerful and large bullet deflected the attack and Minato successfully grabbed onto the ball and teleported away before he started running.

In the distance, Lance Katz had summoned another unique looking gun and fired it at Kiyotora Shinra's attack and stopped it!

"I'm not done yet!" Lance screamed and grinned at Kiyotora at him.

'Fuck I'm going to pass out from blood loss and fatigue…!' Minato shouted in his mind, but he saw Yowanaku, one of his team's [Bishop] in front of him and he threw it to him before collapsing to the ground.

Yowanaku glanced at Minato before running at a full sprint, he and everyone else had entered the place where the goal was and he felt all their eyes on him which made him even more tense. But he forced the anxiety building up inside of himself and kept running. With the remaining power in him, he summoned as many ice attacks as he could and fired them towards [Team Trump Card of Heaven].

At first, it looked like a reckless attack, but several magic circles appeared all around them and they began to rapidly bounce off each other before scattering in all directions and multiplying. This was Yowanaku's last act and attack, as he threw the ball towards Mason Walker, his fellow [Bishop].

It wasn't for naught though as the attack had hit Ryuu Heikan and Jessica Lagerkvist, the [Rook] and [Knight] of Dulio's team, slowing them down temporarily. Mason increased his speed using enhancement magic and blew threw everyone else who was tired.

Irina flew towards him to try to stop him, but Caeda slammed into her in an attempt at stopping her, but to Caeda's surprise, Irina Shidou was easily blown away by her, but as she took a glimpse at the young girl, she saw a small smirk on her face. Irina flew away from the location and slammed into the field's barrier across the map!

Caeda grabbed the ball before throwing it towards Nathan Lewis, the other [Rook] on her team. However, a sudden cyclone enveloped the area and the ball's speed decreased and it stopped mid-air before being sucked up.

[It's a rush to the goal! The final score means winning it all! Player and [King] Dulio has stopped [Team Phantastic Dragons] attack!]

However, as the ball was about to reach Dulio who was in the middle of that cyclone, another person showed up flying on a sword and grabbed it before flying away. It was the [King] of [Team Phantastic Dragons], Hirokazu. He used his boosters to fly away from the suction of the cyclone and he flew towards the goal—but was quickly stopped by several lightning strikes. So he was forced to pass the ball to someone else.

Hirokazu had thrown the ball in the direction of Caeda. However, it was intercepted by Mirana Shatarova's light spear that came out of the ground, forcing the ball to go up again! But it didn't stop there as another light spear appeared and hit the ball forcing it away and towards—Griselda!

Griselda caught the ball and flew towards the goal at blindingly fast speeds. Such speed created a shockwave that disrupted both teams! Griselda drew her arm back and threw it towards the goal!

[Player Griselda just threw the ball! Is this the end of the game?!]

The entire field slowed down as if the world was coming to an end—people held their breath, but a lone voice screamed out.

"Not yeeeeeeeeeet!"

It was the [King] of [Team Phantastic Dragons], Hirokazu Miller. He himself was near his limit too, so with the last bit of his strength he sped through the air towards the goal and collided with the ball mid-air.

Griselda had superior power and Hirokazu was doing everything he could to stop the ball from going into the net. However, he started to lose the power struggle and his body began to move towards the goal. Just then—

"Don't give up…!" shouted a voice.

His cousin Daiki had appeared beside him as also began to support him. Both of them used their strength to deflect the ball away and it flew to their right! They had successfully prevented the goal. However, Hirokazu was unaware that Caeda was the one to throw Daiki towards him. The force was enough to upset Griselda's strength along with Hirokazu's will.

Diethelm Waldseemüller, the [Queen] of Dulio's team had grabbed the ball as it landed on the ground and began running towards the goal too. As he did, the other [Rook], Nathan Lewis appeared and tried to attack him. However, he was blocked by Dulio himself and was blown away by a powerful wind attack.

The [King] has joined the attack, and he was defending the [Queen]. As both of them ran towards the goal with the rest of the [Brave Saints] around them, Caeda herself charged toward them—using everything she had she decided to take them on.

Griselda sensing that her team would be wiped out, flew towards Caeda and sent a powerful beam of light towards her. Caeda countered by sending a powerful beam at her attack and they collided creating a tremendous explosion and shockwave that blew away several of the [Brave Saints].

The ball that Diethelm was holding was also blown away, but none of them could find it. However—

"Over there!" Ryuu Heikan shouted. They all turned their heads toward it and found Hirokazu Miller with the ball. However, he wasn't in his Balance Breaker anymore, he was just in his 'base' form.

But that didn't stop him from running towards the goal. As he did various attacks were aimed at him. Their [Knight] Lance did his best at sniping those attacks with his [Gun Birth]. However, he was also running out of power and stamina, so he was a lot slower.

"He can't reach it, he doesn't have the power anymore. He'll need to use his [Queen] who's still full of stamina!" shouted Nero.

'I'm…not done yet…!' Hirokazu forced it—everything in his body was pushed to the limit. Even if it meant hurting himself, he would force more out of himself.

His body erupted in light and a very incomplete form of his regular Balance Breaker was equipped! The armor around his legs appeared along with the boosters on his back, to him, to Hirokazu Miller—at that moment in time, it was enough.

He jumped and the boosters behind him forced him to the sky! However, his body was at its limit and as he brought back his arm to throw the ball, it felt like he was being held back by 1000 people.

Griselda was the only one left who could stop him as Irina hadn't come back yet, much to her confusion. She prepared to flew towards her, but felt arms grabbed onto her ankle! When she looked down, she saw Minato Hayashi, one of the [Pawns] of Hirokazu. On her other ankle was Yowanaku, the [Bishop].

"You're…not going anywhere!" they both bellowed and used their entire body weight to stop her from taking off.

That small distraction was enough for Caeda, as she quickly left the ground and joined Hirokazu. She brought his arm back and helped him throw the ball! She also amplified it with a magic circle that used wind magic, further increasing the speed at which the ball flew at!

[He threw it with the help of his [Queen]!! It's going and going! Does this mean [Team Phantastic Dragon] wins?!] the announcer shouted.

Dulio put his hand forward and began to use his Sacred Gear, but Lance Katz appeared in front of him, confusing him.

'Why is he here? I don't have the—'

"If you guys can do it, then I'll give it a shot too!" Lance shouted and he spread his angelic wings and his body immediately glowed brightly.

[Is that the [Brave Saints], 'Five Card' move?! Oh my, I didn't think he could do it himself!]

[No, it looks similar, but it's different. He's doing a fine job at mimicking it though,] said Ajuka Beelzebub.

"Agh?!" Dulio was forced to cover his eyes and stop his attack. The ball that Hirokazu and Caeda had thrown drew closer to the goal and as it was about to pass through it—

A glowing bright radiance appeared beside it, it was a silver and gold aura—and this was…the only [Pawn] of [Team Trump Card of Heaven], Irina Shidou. Both Hirokazu and Caeda stared at her in complete shock.

"…The hero arrives at the last second, right?!" Irina shouted, she got in the way of the ball and was hit by it, she then twisted her body and used her light powers to smack the ball into the goal!

A brief silence enveloped the arena and the commentator booth. Before a buzzer interrupted it and the score changed. [109 – 110]. A [Pawn] was worth a single point, the score was tied at [109 – 109]. That singular point decided it all.

[G-goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!! Player Irina Shidou stops [Team Phantastic Dragons] attempt at a goal and shoots it herself! Earning [1] point for her team and winning the game!]

Just then, another buzzer rang out—the time for the game had also run out. Finally—the crowd reacted.

[The winners of the Rating Game is Dulio Gesualdo from [Team Trump Card of Heaven]!!!!]

[Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohh!!!]

[They won! The angels wooooooooooooooooon!!]

As the players on the field began to fade away as they were teleported back to their own waiting room, Dulio, the [King] approached Hirokazu and Caeda. Hirokazu couldn't stand up anymore. He was exhausted as he went above what he was usually capable off.

"Nice game…Hirokazu-kun, Caeda-san…" said Dulio as he held his outstretched hand to him. Hirokazu stared at it before accepting it and being pulled up by both Dulio and Caeda.

"You…too…Dulio-san…nice…game…" he said in between breaths. "Next time…we'll win…"

"Hehe, I won't go easy on you either!" replied Dulio. He stretched out his arm, and silently asked for a fist bump. Hirokazu chuckled and shakily put his arm up with the help of Caeda.

This scene happened around the game field as players from each team congratulated each other as they slowly faded from the field.

The final score between [Team Phantastic Dragons] vs [Team Trump Card of Heaven] was [109 – 110], along with two marriage proposals and a love confession. It was one of the more eventful matches of the day.

— ○ ● ○ —

"Fufu…so this is what he meant. Certainly, a lot of changes happened in the game on both sides. Jessica-san and Mirana-san became more proactive because they had their own wishes and dreams they wanted granted, Griselda-san and Irina-an achieving those unique-looking wings, and not to mention [Team Phantastic Dragons] pushing themselves to the limit," muttered Rudiger Rosenkreutz.

"Perhaps I underestimated the power of youth and their ability to change—no, not just youth, but people in general and their ability to adapt and change at a rapid pace," he said to himself. "It was a learning experience; I will keep this in mind for future games in this tournament."

"Still, your tactics at the start of the halfway point shook up Hirokazu-san's team, Rudiger-sama," said Rias.

Rudiger smiled and looked at Yumi Kira. "I'll ask again, not to Princess Rias, but to the holy-demonic sword girl there. After watching that game, what are your thoughts?"

"…I think fighting in Rating Games are more than just your usual battle—each player in there has a dream and they fight for it. One must have 'passion' if they want to win in it, if they lack the 'passion' then…well, that's all I can say," replied Yumi.

Rudiger Rosenkreutz looked back at the display which showed two shots of each team as they left for their waiting room.

"If you tell any of them that they lacked 'passion' during this game, I wonder how they would feel? Although it was clear that none of them lacked it because of their performances—some even pushing themselves past their current limit," he said and sighed.

Rias nodded. "I hope that we'll be able to learn from your teachings next time at another place outside of the tournament."

After Rudiger Rosenkreutz finished his preparations to leave, he gave a slight smile to [Team Rias Gremory]. "You flatter me too much, Princess Rias. All I want to do is to make [Team Trump Card of Heaven] win because my son is a big fan of them, as well as Jin-san's request for creating a formidable team to face against in the tournament."

After saying that, Rudiger walked towards the doorway. Before he stepped through the door, he looked back and said just one last thing. "All members of the Gremory team, if we meet on the tournament stage, then I shall give you much guidance then. Well then, I shall excuse myself."

"…The [Upsetting Sorcerer], we'll have a hard time when we fight him since he'll expose many of our weaknesses to us," said Shirone.

Rias nodded and said, "All we can do is do our best. Now then, let's go back and strategize and train for our next game."

— ○ ● ○ —

In [Team Phantastic Dragons] waiting room, the rest of the team had been moved to the infirmary since many of them suffered a lot of damage, the two left were Hirokazu and Caeda. However, a slightly awkward atmosphere had taken over the room as the two sat side-by-side.

Caeda was unsure if she should address his confession now or wait until a better time. However, as she was about to speak, her leader and [King] beat her to it.

"C-Caeda, about earlier…" Hirokazu said with a stutter.

"Y-yes?!" she replied instantly as her voice cracked.

Hirokazu scratched his cheek and blushed. "C-can I get an answer?"

Caeda's brain overloaded and her cheeks flushed. She heard his confession, but since they were still in the middle of a Rating Game, she didn't have time to completely process it all and instead she was influenced by her excitement. Now that they were here alone together, she could think about it all.

Caeda liked Hirokazu—she loved him, but she was also worried about their future together. But at the same time, she was hopeful. Her new 'boss' was Aaron, an 'Outer God' and she wanted to believe that he'd make things right.

"If you're not sure then I can give you more time—"

"No! I love you! I'd be happy to date you!" she exclaimed as soon as she heard Hirokazu start backtracking.

It wasn't long before she stood up, followed by Hirokazu, though he struggled a bit as well. They stared at each other and then kissed. It was both their firsts and they felt elated. As their kiss ended, they heard a knock on the door and Aaron entered the room.

— ○ ● ○ —

Aaron Toole's Soliloquy

— ○ ● ○ —

"Sorry for interrupting your moment there," I said and looked at them as they blushed. "But congrats and good job on the match. Everyone was very excited in the stadium. Even now, you can hear the cheers."

The cheers hadn't stopped as everyone in that place was still reeling in the shock of the entire thing, especially the second half of it and of course, the final few minutes. I managed to come back with Lavinia to witness those few minutes of intense back and forth.

"We still lost though…" muttered Hirokazu as he looked at the ground sadly. Caeda put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

I walked over to them and put my hand on his other shoulder. "Losing doesn't feel good, but you along with everyone else in that match grew even more. You achieved a new evolution for your Sacred Gear and I can confidently say that Azazel and I will add it to the [New Longinus]. So…did you come up with a name yet?"

Hirokazu looked at me and shook his head. "I'm sorry, I've been too preoccupied with so many things that I forgot about that."

"It's fine, take your time. We haven't announced all of them yet, but I'll get back to you when it's time," I told him and he agreed. I turned around and walked away. "Keep on growing stronger, Hirokazu, Caeda, so we can make this world—this universe a better place."

"I'll be under your care!" Hirokazu screamed as I left the room.

As I quickly made my way through the Ajuka Stadium, I came into the main lobby where Rudiger Rosenkreutz was being interviewed by a lot of people.

"A defeat is generally divided into two types. There's the type of defeat in which people realize the strength of their opponents and hope not to encounter them again out of fear. The other type is one where people walk away with a sense of accomplishment in order to be victorious the next time."

"Under my command, I originally wanted to give the [The Budding Dragon] (Hirokazu) and his team the former, but in the end, they obtained the latter. If there is ever another encounter, they will definitely be a stronger and more competent team in the future," said Rudiger.

"I have heard that skilled players can grow not just on their own team, but also on their opponent's team in a game. Supervisor Rosenkreutz, could it be possible that the Angels, as well as Hirokazu Miller's team have been able to learn something in this game?"

Upon hearing the journalist's question, Rudiger smiled happily.

"Even you're giving me too much credit. But that's right, it looks like some promising youths have the potential to cause an upset, and this is something that fans around the world wish to see. Today's match was nothing more than a prelude, and it's an honor for me to be a part of it."

Just then Rudiger's eyes met mine and he said, "…The Champion Diehauser Belial often speaks of growing teams, unexpectedly strong teams, and teams filled with youth…regardless of whether it's my team or Hirokazu Miller-san's, all of that applies to both of them."

Rudiger Rosenkreutz closed his eyes as if he was talking to someone in his mind.

"He isn't just watching this game, but the whole tournament…no, even if he can only hear rumors. That is just my wishful thinking. He desires an upset more than anyone else—"

Rudiger left those words behind and left the venue.

—A giant killing or an upset.

Perhaps the man regarded as a hero among reincarnated Devils foresaw a future trend in the game. After that interview, countless upsets kept on happening throughout the tournament.

— ○ ● ○ —

I arrived in [Team Trump Card of Heavens] waiting room with a few of them being treated after consuming slime pills.

"Yo, good work," I said. As I walked there, Lavinia joined me while Rias and her team left.

"Oh, Jin-kun! I didn't think you'd be—is that food?!" Dulio got up and almost screamed. I had also recreated some dishes I made from my restaurant using my powers. I would have liked to make it myself, but I was short on time.

I nodded and handed it over to him. Dulio and the other [Brave Saints] crowded around the basket and he started pulling out the various items I created. They ranged from sandwiches to salads and other assortments of foods.

I had sent the same basket to Hirokazu's team while they were in the infirmary, however, I left it was a surprise for when both [King] and [Queen] went over there to join them.

"Ah…this is 'Heaven'! After a grueling two-hour match, we can eat delicious food like this!" exclaimed Dulio as he sat there stuffing his cheeks full of food while crying.

"You're exaggerating too much, they're just normal food…" I replied and joined Griselda and Irina who were silent and avoiding eye contact with me. More so Irina than Griselda, but the older woman still felt a bit shy.

"D-darling~ th-thank you for accepting my proposal, ehehehe~" Irina said and acted cutely. She started rubbing herself against me and I patted her head. "I-I—I'd like one child! A daughter preferably! For now!" she declared, making the entire room stop and stare at her.

I gently flicked her forehead. "You're taking way too many steps forward, Irina. Slow down a bit, but I'll keep that in mind," I told her.

"That's right, Irina. You only got engaged not too long ago, don't start demanding such things from Aaron yet." Griselda tried to reprimand her, but—

"Aren't you also engaged to her, Griselda-nee? Why can't—"

"This and that are t-two separate things! I have some moderation!" Griselda told Dulio who just sniggered at her.

"Fufu, that's right, Irina-chan, Griselda~ I'm the one who'll become pregnant first!" Lavinia declared. No one responded to her because they just accepted it. The woman in question was also satisfied with it.

After that bit, I spent a bit more time with the [Brave Saints] as they had their fill. Many of them had the same dream as Dulio, so they're all working towards that goal. However, at the same time it's the same as mine, so he'd just give his wish to someone else.

— ○ ● ○ —

Time passed and it was now nighttime. I along with everyone one else were relaxing in my home while we watched a game between an unknown team and [Team Leisure of the Kings]. It was clear that the team full of gods and monsters were dominating the other team, even if the game they played was [One Day Long War].

As the name implies, this variant of a Rating Game gives the teams a whole day to fight each other on a vast field. The rules are similar but opposite than that of [Lighting Fast] as this game type is a drawn-out battle that takes an entire day.

It is long and drawn-out as the rules enforce a full-day time limit, during which players would traverse a vast area and take down their opponents. Due to the size of the prepared field, the ability to search and locate an opponent became important, and it was a test of each player's stamina and endurance. The game can be ended early only if one of the [Kings] is defeated.

Since the early day was focused on [Team Trump Card of Heaven] versus [Team Phantastic Dragons], this didn't get a lot of coverage. However, it was the second most anticipated game of the day—and [Team Leisure of the Kings] indeed took their sweet time with it.

The gods and monsters took a stroll through the vast field, very much underestimating the other team, but even when they used tactics and ambushes…the other team was blown away any time they tried to attack them, so the other team became cautious and tried to ambush the [King] instead…and it caused more retirements as the [King] for [Team Leisure of the Kings] was Typhon, the [King of Monsters].

It ended with an overwhelming victory for them. As they arrived back at the stadium, their only [Rook], Vidar stepped forward and started speaking to the journalists and reporters.

[Who are your next opponents, Vidar-sama?!] asked a reporter.

Vidar with a giant grin on his face said, [Our next opponent…is…[Team Golden Rakshasa]! And I'd like to challenge Jin Skyward to a duel! Be a temporary member of that team and fight me! You've avoided my sparring match for the entire year already, didn't you promise to fight me?!]

The venue became silent for a few seconds before it erupted into even more ruckus. Vidar kept his grin the entire time and summoned a magic circle that connected to me. [Well?! What's your answer, Jin?!]

Everyone around me in the living room stared at me, waiting to respond.

"…Normally I would accept, but I don't think it's a good idea for me, an organizer to just hop onto any team to fight. That's why I set up the exhibition match at the end for the winning team," I told her through the magic communication circle.

[Hmph! How about we let the viewers make the final decision! Let's make a poll online on the supernatural internet! Everyone at home, vote if you want Jin Skyward—the Middleman to substitute for [Team Golden Rakshasa] and fight our team!] Vidar shouted to the crowd and it made them go into another frenzy.

"Uwaaaaaaaa! A-Aaron-nii! A poll was just made and it's getting hundreds—thousands, no millions of upvotes! And they're all agree with Vidar-sama!" Gasper shouted and threw his tablet towards me and I caught it.

The poll only said: Let Jin Skyward substitute as a player in [Team Golden Rakshasa]?

[Yes] – 65,263

[No] – 2

And it was still increasing.

"Hmm? I'm more impressed and curious as to who voted for no…" said Rias. She then looked at my other hand with a phone. "…It was you?!"

I awkwardly smiled at her. Indeed, it was I, the great Aaron Toole! Also, mom voted [No] for me since she's been spoiling me since she came back to life…

Through the TV Vidar laughed and said, [See?! You can't say no to the viewers at home now, can you?!]

"…Well, I still need to confirm with the other organizers that this will be a one-time thing, and that it's okay," I replied.

[F-fine, but I expect great results!] replied Vidar before dismissing the magic circle.

However, the TV changed to show the games that would be played.

[Team Imperial Purpure] vs [Team Spear of the Draconic Emperor]

[Team Sona Sitri] vs [Team Golden Rakshasa]

Sairaorg versus Cao Cao then to Sona and Aurelia, huh? However, the next games after them were announced. These were games that would take place immediately after them—not many of them caught everyone's interest except one. Well, two for me.

[Team White Dragon Emperor of the Morning Star] vs [Team Rias Gremory]

And the other one that not many cared about was…[Team Shooting Star] vs [Team Moon Rabbits]. Shooting Star and his team versus Kurousagi and Vera's team…

"Who challenged who?" I asked Rias.

"Vali approached me and I accepted. We'll have our match after Sona and Aurelia have theirs," she explained. "I wanted to challenge myself and my team agreed with me, especially—Cro—our [Pawn] looks forward to it."

…You can just call your [Pawn] by his name you know? The rest of us already know who he is…hell, he's eating a banana and grinning like a maniac in the corner of the room.

"I see, good luck to both of you then. I'll be cheering for both teams," I told her and looked back at the team. Lavinia who sat on the couch with Shin was muttering to herself. She looked troubled; she must be wondering who to cheer on for.

— ○ ● ○ —

Third Person Point of View

— ○ ● ○ —

Diehauser Belial awoke quietly in a room made for one person. The place he was staying at was a prison in the Underworld that housed political prisoners.

Upon awaking in the single room, he sighed deeply. He had a dream recalling memories from his childhood. The Belial House could be considered among the poorest aristocracy. He grew up in a house located in the depths of a small mountain.

Although his father was a High-class Devil with average ability, his ancestors from the previous few generations were unknown people, and in the previous War of the Three Factions as well as the Civil War of the old government, they had constantly made various errors, so the strength of the Belial House continued to decline, and the family's authority also fell significantly.

During the two generations spanning his grandfather's and his father's time, when Diehauser was young, the Belial family faced financial difficulties. However, they managed to get by. Under circumstances where his entire family could have broken apart, the two heads of the Belial House still maintained their ideals.

'You should take proper care of your family and country's citizens. As long as you strengthen the bonds between your relatives and protect the citizens' lives, the House of Belial and the Belial territory will continue to exist.'

That was the ideal his grandfather and father had always practiced. Hence, the family did not scatter from their small territory. They gathered together to prosper in a small community. Although their lives were more difficult than those of other aristocrats, if their entire family worked together, they were able to protect their territory and their citizens.

Regardless of whether it was his grandfather, father or uncle, his relatives swore together that they would protect the Belial family and territory. Because of all that, the territory was not particularly prosperous. However, there were almost no citizens with difficult lives, and the Belial territory's tax system was also praised.

The amount of tax received from citizens meant their rank was considerably lower than other nobles. This was also why the House of Belial was ridiculed by some of the elite. Although their own standards of living declined, the citizens were able to lead prosperous lives.

Diehauser was proud of his grandfather and father who acted in this manner. As Devils, his grandfather, and father didn't have particularly high levels of demonic energy, and weren't particularly skilled at battle. However, they were deeply appreciated by their own people, and they cherished their own people.

Diehauser loved the Belial family and the Belial territory. In the years when Diehauser was young, he often saw his cousin Cleria. His family treated him and Cleria as true brothers and sisters in their upbringing. The other 72 Pillars of the same generation—the extravagant lives of the children of other High-class Devils were no match for Diehauser, but Diehauser didn't seem to mind.

It was during this time that Diehauser realized the extraordinary power within his body, and everyone else also recognized his incredible power. Diehauser was a rare once-in-a-millennium talent and a Satan-class Devil.

Afterward, Diehauser participated in the Rating Games and obtained exemplary results, and that instantly solved the Belial family's financial problems. Diehauser also began to spread self-promotions of his own, so that his territory's specialties could be sold throughout the Underworld. Thanks to Diehauser's outstanding achievements, his cousin Cleria was also able to become independent from the family. Cleria obtained her own peerage and entered the human realm to develop herself.

Diehauser was incredibly proud of his own success which allowed his family to have a future, and he became their pillar of support. He truly valued his family. This was something that was always rooted deep within Diehauser's heart. The fact that Cleria was able to go to the human realm made him just as happy as his own circumstances. However, a turning point came not long afterward. News of Cleria's death arrived.

Diehauser investigated the cause to find out who to direct his hatred at and target; since someone had robbed the life of his most cherished family member, that was the person he would eliminate.

It was because Diehauser was convinced that Cleria could not have made any mistakes. And then, his obsession eventually led him to find an answer. Cleria was eliminated because she found out about the existence of the [King] piece. But at the same time, he also understood. The opportunity for Cleria to investigate the [King] piece was always something that raised his doubts.

He had always used his innate ability to help his family. It was to prevent them from being ridiculed by other nobles, and to allow his family to lead happier lives. His actions were all for the sake of the Belial family. However, as a result, this led to her death, and Diehauser constantly blamed himself for that.

During the battle in Agares, he heard from the Dual Dragon Emperor—Jin Skyward, of the final words left behind by Cleria's soul, and he felt as though some part of him was saved.

But the crime he committed could not be erased. He originally wanted to use his power to make his most valued family member happy. He once believed that fate had gifted him this power. But in the end, he brought trouble to his family and other factions, and sacrifices were made.

Diehauser intended to spend the rest of his life here quietly, and repent for his own sins. He would definitely cause trouble if he stepped out again. If someone with immense strength misused their power, it would cause an unfortunate chain reaction.

The news was played in a corner of the single room. The guard took proper care of him and told him about news from the outside world. The Rating Game World Tournament was held on an international scale. Diehauser suddenly recalled something the detective had said when he was interrogated.

[My son turns nine this year. He's a big fan of yours. Most children are looking forward to seeing Princess Rias, who is engaged to an Oppai Dragon, or Prince Sairaorg, the Lion King. But my son isn't interested in the Oppai Dragon or the Lion King at all. He's only fascinated by you.]

The detective wore a complex expression on his face as he spoke proudly about his own son.

[Although what I'm saying may sound exaggerated, my son is very clever. He also has exemplary grades at school, and he never forgets to study at home. Teachers also praise that 'he's a model student'.]

[My son always watches your recordings whenever he has free time. He watches each match over and over several times. When I ask him 'don't you get tired of it?', he tells me 'I won't get tired of it because the Champion is so cool'. His room is also filled with posters of you.]

The detective looked straight at Diehauser as he said, [As a detective, my son says things to me like 'Please forgive the Champion', and 'The Champion wouldn't do horrible things like that'. I'm someone who stands in a public position. I have to prosecute you for breaking the law and committing a crime. But from the perspective of that child, I'm a completely horrible person.]

Diehauser then said, […Please pass this on to your child. There are many other heroes out there who are better than I am. Most importantly, your father is one of them.]

The detective shook his head in silence. […Champion, those words are completely useless to that child. To a boy, there are many heroes they have, but their number one will never change. This is something that my friend who is a former human reincarnated Devil told me.]

Diehauser had no words to say to that.

[I'm actually one of your fans as well. So though I'm disappointed, there's nothing I can do. At the upcoming World Tournament, I look forward to seeing more of your heroic figure. I would like to see the most powerful player in the Underworld in an exciting game.]

The World Tournament. If he hadn't committed a crime, he could have participated as a normal player. When that idea surfaced in Diehauser's mind, he shook his head.

'I can't think about such things. As someone who has committed a crime, I can't fantasize about such things. I can no longer return to the Rating Games. After I've committed such crimes, how could anyone look forward to my return…'

In the single room, he was submerged in all kinds of thoughts. The Champion covered his own face. At that time, a guard appeared.

"Diehauser-dono, someone wishes to see you."

As he stepped into the visiting room, the person waiting for him was a man who was roughly fifty years old. He was a man who looked like himself. This was the current head of the House of Belial—his father.

After seeing his father whom he had not seen in such a long time, he appeared slimmer. Through the visiting room glass, his father smiled.

"Diehauser, I'm sorry for not visiting you sooner. A few things kept me away from coming to visit you," the man said.

"…Father," replied Diehauser. He couldn't look him in the eyes. His father casually began the conversation.

"Have you been watching the Games?" he asked.

"…I haven't watched television…but I heard the news," explained Diehauser. "It has been a series of continuous defeats for the professional Devil players. Even the much-anticipated underdog, Hirokazu Miller-san was defeated by the Angel team not too long ago. As the makers of the Rating Games, we Devils have been defeated by various factions one after the other."

"…After all, there are players who are God-class beings, and there are also highly-ranked players who have chosen to assist other factions, so I don't consider Devils weak. But…"

"…But?"

In response to his father's question, Diehauser shook his head. "…Nothing, it's nothing."

Diehauser swallowed his words. 'If it was me'. Those were words he could not speak. As someone who had committed a crime, he didn't have the right to speak such words. He still longed for it, and he realized it. Diehauser also realized that his father had also understood his yearning after just a brief exchange of words.

"…Is mother well?"

The current head of the House of Belial nodded at Diehauser's question.

"Yeah, she's doing just fine. I originally wanted to bring your mother along today…but only one person can visit. So I let her stay at home."

"I must be an unfilial son to my mother. Even at first she opposed my participation in the Rating Games."

Diehauser's mother was not pleased with his participation in the Rating Games. No matter what he did, his mother refused to watch his games. But that didn't mean his mother hated him.

The current head said, "…You don't have to worry about the Rating Games, as I've already stated many times. Your mother would rather not see you fighting. Your mother is afraid of her only son fighting. Even though it's practically impossible for you to lose. But even so, your mother doesn't want to see you get hurt. But I watch your mother's share as well, so it's okay."

Diehauser apologized to his father. "…You've obviously put in a lot of effort, but I…can no longer compete in a game again. Father, you've done so much for me to allow me to participate in the games…"

For his sake, his father did everything possible to ensure a high education standard. His father allowed him to receive education equivalent to those of the same generation from Houses that produced Satans.

At the same time, finances were difficult, and for the poor aristocrats of the Belial House, this was not an ordinary expenditure. However, his father did his best to support him without causing trouble for the family. Diehauser knew this. To pay his tuition fees, his father reduced the number of social outfits he kept, and his mother sold her valuable jewelry.

This was an immense amount for nobility, and even the young Diehauser understood that. And so, when he won his first Rating Game, he gifted the finest noble clothing to his parents. He never once thought that would be enough to repay all of the expectations that his parents had. Just the fact that his father could wear the finest noble clothing made Diehauser happy.

Noticing this, the current head pulled on his sleeves and said, "Hahaha, these clothes…it's a brand that even the Satan-samas often wear. Diehauser, the Belial House's subjects, as well as all citizens are thankful to you for allowing them to be seen by the outside world. There is no one on Belial territory who blames you."

The current head of the House of Belial moved onto the main topic.

"I think you should get out of here," his father told him, leaving Diehauser speechless. His father continued.

"Thanks to your fame and established relationships, through various channels, I want you to return to the Rating Games anew. I have also pleaded to the Four Great Satans. This is something that I can do."

As the current head spoke with an overbearing tone, he suddenly remembered something as he said, "Ah, I can't use the connection to the Great King's side anymore."

A puzzled expression appeared on Diehauser's face. His father had joined the Great King faction in the past, and his own status in the Underworld had continued to climb, resulting in his father being in a similarly high position.

'Father said it couldn't be used anymore…?' thought Diehauser.

The current head answered his doubts. "No, it's nothing. I just spoke to the First Generation Bael-sama to ask about you and Cleria. Hahaha, well, what should I say? In the end, I couldn't hold back and I ended up hitting that First-Generation old man. So that's why I can't use my connection to the Great King faction. I'm sorry, your father is still immature."

His father laughed boldly. In a sense, the First-Generation Bael could be considered an authoritative figure even higher than the Satans in the entire Underworld and for all Devils, a secret dictator.

His father actually hit him. Diehauser understood that his father truly cherished his family. After learning the truth behind his and Cleria's circumstances, he must have attacked the First Generation Bael. His father's actions evoked a certain emotion in Diehauser's heart.

"That's what happened, so I'm now in the care of the current Satan-sama's faction."

"H-how could I possibly allow my father to deal with this alone…!" He could no longer allow his father and his people to be troubled by his own problems.

However, his father looked up at the ceiling and said, "Calfa…as of late, your mother has constantly been watching video recordings of your matches. It's a bit ironic. You've already been locked up here, and she's been watching as if she's looking back on the path that her son has walked."

'...What?' He was shocked. His mother was watching his matches. His mother had always avoided it, but she was now watching his games. The current head continued.

"Seeing your mother like that, I also made up my mind. No matter what happens, and regardless of what I need to do, I want to send you onto the Tournament's stage. Don't worry, as long as you and the family are fine, I'll even start over back in that house deep in the mountains. Hahaha, after all, I've long been accustomed to the lifestyle of a poor noble. Ah, if I say that, I'll be scolded by my ancestors."

In that instant, Diehauser's feelings poured out as he could no longer contain them. Tears streamed down his face without stopping. His father smiled gently.

"I want to see you fighting in the World Tournament. Your fans are also looking forward to it. Their voices reach me every day. If Diehauser was there, it definitely wouldn't be the same. As long as the Champion is there, the Devils will fight better."

"As long as it's the Emperor Belial, he can defeat them no matter which team it is. Everyone has been shouting or begging for this. In any case, they all wish for you to get out of here. There are so many people looking forward to you."

His father thumped his own chest as he faced Diehauser. He said to his son, "I have neither talent nor merit, but I am your father. So, I want to protect my son's honor."

With his face covered in tears, the Champion could only cry. He expressed his gratitude to his mother and father, to his citizens and fans.

"...Father, I…I…!"

The Champion loved the Rating Games.

"That's why...I approached another person, and shared my—our story with him. The Four Great Satans were the ones that pointed me in his direction," his father told him.

"And with the support of those around him, he told me 'Leave it to me, I'll see what I can do'. There were many rumors about how much he treasured his family and loved ones, but after meeting him...I finally understood. Perhaps it is greater than ours—than yours."

Diehauser understood who his father was talking about and even more tears fell from his eyes. To him, he only caused trouble for that man, yet he's helping him.

"Diehauser, let's repay your crimes together. The House of Belial will not abandon you. So, I also hope you won't cast aside your own possibilities, as well as the hopes of the fans that are waiting for you."

Diehauser suddenly remembered something his cousin Cleria had said to him.

[Diehauser-nii-sama, I really admire the way you look when competing, it's really cool. You're the pride of me and the Belial family.]

'…Cleria, will you also watch over my battles from afar? Can I fight as the Champion that you, my father, mother and my fans admire?'

[The Champion will return.]

"—The Champion of the Rating Games, Emperor Belial, will you allow us, your admirers to see your heroic figure once again?"

[The Champion will return!]

"…Yes, father…!" In Diehauser's eyes, in the eyes of Emperor Belial, a fire was ignited once again.

[The strongest Champion will return!]

This news immediately spread like wildfire in the Underworld. Emperor Belial's shocking participation in the Rating Game World Tournament! Diehauser had been released on a temporary basis under the conditions of strict limitations on movement and surveillance.

Rias Gremory and Vali Lucifer would clash in the preliminaries, while Jin Skyward would participate as the [Pawn] of [Team Golden Rakshasa] and fight as only the [Red Dragon Emperor]. As soon as his participation was confirmed, the supernatural world became engulfed in a frenzy.

[Team Leisure of the Kings] versus [Team Golden Rakshasa], the hype for the game was even larger than the matches that would take place before it. Many were looking forward to it.

— ○ ● ○ —