Chapter 89 - 88

Bikou's party - Vali?!/Vali-san?!

Kuroka only sighed tiredly to herself because she knows that Vali would do this.

Everyone else in the spectator seat is also taken by surprise but before long they are starting to anticipate the match between them. The strongest White Dragon Emperor in the history versus the mystical Queen of Dragons.

Irene doesn't have any big reaction because she already expected this. The same goes for Albion...

Irene - Oh? And do tell me the reason why you decided to challenge me?

Irene smirked at Vali knowing fully well just what will his answer be.

Vali - Because I want to see just how far our strength differences are and also to test my limit... Now don't think that I see your other team members are weak but why settle for second when you have the best right in front of you? No offense intended but you are the strongest of them all right?

Vali smirked back at Irene.

Irene - Heheheh... Interesting answer but... I have to correct you on some part. I am not the strongest, our husband is.

Irene who heard his answer laughed slightly before she corrected Vali thinking that she's the strongest.

Ramius and the other girls also nodded to her statement because it's a fact after all.

Vali - That may be so, but... He's not here right now, is he?

Vali answered back once again.

Irene - Hmm, Indeed... Very well, I accept your challenge.

Irene chuckled lightly before accepting Vali challenge.

Vali - Thanks.

Both team members then spread out to give both Vali and Irene some room for their fight.

...

Bikou - Man, I knew Vali would do this...

Bikou muttered wryly but his face still looks carefree.

Arthur - Um... But that's what makes him the that Vali we know.

Arthur calmly answered Bikou mutters with a respectful voice. Vali never backs down against anyone after all. Kind of similar to Issei himself.

Le Fay - But... I wonder if Vali-san has a chance?

Le fay said worriedly.

Kuroka - Nope.

Kuroka said almost immediately.

Bikou and the others gazed at her suspiciously yet again because of how sure she is.

Kuroka - Like Albion said before. Even if Vali were to uses his strongest technique he won't be able to win against her.

Kuroka continued her words regardless of their suspicious gaze on her.

Bikou - Seriously... Do you know them, Kuroka? You seem so sure about it...

Bikou narrowed his eyes at Kuroka because this is the second time she sounded so sure like she knows Irene quite well.

Kuroka only grinned playfully at them before she set her gaze towards Vali and Irene once again much to their exasperation.

...

Albion - [Are you sure about this, Vali?]

Albion asked Vali inside his mind.

Vali - [Ah.]

Albion - [...Do as you like then... But don't say I didn't warn you]

Athough Albion said that, he's feeling proud at Vali for not backing down in front of an overwhelmingly strong opponent.

Irene - [Are you boys done talking with each other?]

Suddenly, Irene's voice is heard inside their mind and that alarmed both Vali and Albion because they were talking through their mind just now.

If Irene was just sending a telepathic message then they wouldn't be that surprised but the facts that she could hear their conversation is quite alarming.

Irene - [There's no need to be so alarmed, I can only hear tiny bits of your conversation]

Irene send a grin towards Vali and both of them screamed "Bullshit!" inside their minds when they heard her words... But they didn't say it out loud...

Vali - ...Then, sorry to keep you waiting...

Vali immediately used his Balance Breaker from the get-go. It's his usual white scale armor.

Irene is still standing there with a smirk on her face. She's thinking it's been quite a while ever since she saw Vali balance breaker, what a nostalgic sight...

Vali - Are you prepared?

Vali mechanical voice sounded, he asked Irene who seems to be standing still without her guards up but he knows that it's just an illusion... If he were to launch a sudden attack at her then she will react to it instantly.

Irene - Come at me whenever you like.

Irene calmly answered Vali.

Vali - Then... Here I come!

Vali instantly dashed towards Irene baring his fist towards her. He punched towards Irene's head right away which the later calmly evade with a tilt of her head but Vali has already expected this. He swiped his leg doing a roundhouse kick only to be blocked by Irene with just one hand.

Vali took a step back before he launched a barrage of magic attack but once again, it all got deflected by Irene with a wave of her hand. After seeing this, Vali knew at this rate that he won't be getting anywhere... Just from their brief close quarter combat just now he can feel his hand aching because it feels like he just hit a solid steel block instead of an arm from a seemingly delicate woman.

Vali -

!

Vali decided to use his Divine Dividing towards Irene aiming to decrease her power.

It indeed worked because Irene loses a tiny fraction of her power but right at the very next second, nay... Half a second, her power returned straight away.

Vali - ...Divine Dividing doesn't work?!

He's not the only one who's shocked. The other onlookers' also felt shocked knowing Validoesn't work on Irene... Well, it works but it might as well be called useless seeing how minuscule her power has been decreased and even then it returned straight away right at the very next half a second.

And for some reason, he also can't make that power as his own like usual.

Vali gritted his teeth before he started his chanting.

"I, who am about to awaken,

Am the Heavenly Dragon who has taken the principles of supremacy from God

I envy the infinite and I pursue the dream

I shall become the White Dragon of Supremacy

And I shall take you to the limits of white paradise

!"

Vali body grew larger and he assumed the form of his Juggernaut Drive once more.

Ramius and the other girls already knew about the whole rivalry going on between theand theso they're not too surprised seeing the similarity Vali possess with Issei, as in the way they chant.

They have to admit that Vali is indeed strong and if it were them from a while back then they wouldn't have stood a chance against him.

Jalter - Hmph, not bad but still far too weak... And what's up with his chant? Envy the infinite? Pursuing the dream? He can continue to dream on then.

Jalter scoffed after seeing Vali Juggernaut Drive form. And his chant ticks her off a bit because her beloved master is the true ruler of both.

Jeanne who saw Jalter getting grumpy smiled wryly at her because of how sensitive she is when something involved Issei's case. Not that she blames her though because she knows her feelings very well.

Vali then proceeded to attack Irene once again but the result still stays the same...

Vali size difference compared to Irene is quite large but it still doesn't help him to land a hit on Irene... If anything it made it harder for him to land a hit on her.

Irene only needs to sidestep a bit to evade his attack and sometimes she will land on top of his head as if to mock him.

Vali - Then how about this... !

Vali spread out his dragon wings wide and started using his other skill.

The

also has the ability to halve the size of objects and living beings through the use of it's Half Dimension, the user does not need to make any contact with the target to use this ability.

Irene - Hmph, child's play... .

Irene extended her right hand towards Vali direction before she clutched it. There's a scarlet light coming out from her extended hand and then it took the form of a miniature crimson dragon made out of light before it headed towards Vali.

*Screech!* *Zeng!*

Vali - What?!

And just like that, Valihas been broken to pieces. The other spectators also gasped in shock seeing how easily Irene destroyed Vali's skill.

Thankfully Irene didn't send her magic towards Vali or he might be dead by now...

Vali - ...What was that?

Irene - Surprised? That skill was invented by my husband...is an extremely powerful Magic that smashes everything the user comes into contact with into pieces. It can be used to both crack Magic into pieces, thereby nullifying its effects, as well as to reduce the Magic's power and to deflect it. Even the most powerful spells are rendered useless when faced with this destructive and advanced Magic, which is difficult to control by just anyone... So far only my husband and I are able to perfectly uses it.

It kind of uses the same concept asbut with a bit of tweaking here and there, Issei managed to invent a whole new magic skill.

Heaven defying... That's the only words they can come up with after hearing the detail of the magic she just used...

They got even more increasingly curious and even felt fear towards this husband of theirs. How come they never heard of such an anomaly beforehand? If this person decided to wage war against them all then what would happen? They are afraid just to imagine the consequences of such development...

Sirzechs and the other faction leaders are the ones that started feeling big trepidation... They can only hope that this husband of theirs are not evil just like they were told before...

Irene - Just so you know... If that magic were to hit you then you will be dead without a doubt.

Irene smirked playfully at Vali who's started sweating a bit thinking how close he was to death just now.

Albion - [...Vali]

Albion called Vali.

Vali - Ah... I know...

Vali then reverted back to hisform once more.

Irene - Oya? you finally decided to use yourform?

Irene asked in amusement.

Vali - How did you...?! Nevermind... Indeed, I am about to use my strongest technique.

Vali was a little bit shocked seeing that Irene also knows about hisbut then he chooses to just stop thinking about it and just focus on defeating her.

Vali - !

. This form is the combination of the White Dragon Emperor's power and the Lucifer power that Vali synced through Ophis' blessing. Similarly to the Diabolos Dragon God Issei possesses, the armor is a mix of silvery-white and jet-black, and also possesses the same organic characteristic. Vali gains twelve wings of Lucifer in this form, which can be ejected and turned into wyverns, similarly to the Dividing Wyvern Faeries that Issei is able to create. The power that Diabolos Dragon Lucifer possesses is enough to completely destroy a 5,000 meter-tall mountain in one attack and fight on par with Crom Cruach, the strongest Evil Dragon. Vali can only sustain this form for a short time.

The spectators are awed with this form of his because it radiates so much power.

Jalter and the others are also pressured by Vali current form but they are not feeling dispirited. They have to admit Vali current form is very powerful and they're not sure if they could take him on unless they also go all out with him but since they're not sworn enemies they don't see any reason to do so.

Irene - Finally, something worth fighting... Well, I will need to unleash a bit of my power to face your current form. Rejoice, because there's not many who can force me to do so. Now let me show you why they call me the .

Irene took off her witch hat and stored it away in her space magic.

She closed her eyes for a brief second and when she opened her eyes once more, her previously green emerald eyes turned into red and there's a huge scarlet aura bursting out from her body.

*Boom!*

The air around her started tearing and the whole arena started shaking as if there's an earthquake going on. There's fissure created on the floor beneath her.

Bikou and the others reflexively put their hands in front of them to block the sheer wind pressure Irene created just by unleashing a bit of her aura. While Ramius and co are already used to this kind of thing happening and they also knew that this is not Irene's full power so they only calmly stand there without looking completely unperturbed.

From Irene's head, there's a pair of horns appeared and it curved upwards just like a Queen's crown would, there's a golden earring-like decoration on her horns making it look even more majestic.

There's also a tail sprouted from her behind with twin forked blade at the end of her tail. From both of her wrist, there's a red gauntlet appearing taking shape of a claw and the same goes on her legs.

And last but not least, there's a pair of beautiful scarlet wings spread out from her back which is also armored with golden decoration all over it which looks similar with Issei's wing and it serves to enhance her beauty even further, all of that made all of the onlookers' awe-stricken and also terror-stricken.

Now they understand why her enemies called her the ... But what's going inside their mind as onlookers' when they saw her was... Ethereal beauty... No... Goddess... She looks more like a Goddess in her current form...

Unlike Vali whose body is fully enveloped by armor, Irene only has her arms and legs partially covered in it.

Irene - Haaah... Then... Shall we?

Irene exhaled a hot sigh with a little bit of flame coming out from her mouth before she looks up to the already fully tensed up Vali.

Right before they start their fight, the whole recording on the stadium blacked out presumably because of the sheer pressure Irene emitted and what's going on inside the arena are unknown to the spectators...

While in truth, Irene is the one who shut down the camera feed.

...

There's only silent after the video feed has been cut off. The audiences are still frozen stiff after seeing Irene's display of power.

Sairaorg and the likes are also frozen stiffs.

Now they saw a glimpse of Irene's true strength looks like and they can only sigh bitterly at themselves thinking there's indeed a sky above the sky...

Azazel - ...Don't you think her gauntlets just now looks kind of similar with a certainthat we knew?

Azazel suddenly said.

After hearing his words, Sirzechs and the others are taken aback before they started recalling it... And indeed... The shape looks kind of similar now that they think about it.

Sirzechs - Indeed... But it's still only to the point of similarity... And it's not rare for such thing to occur, right?

They then started discussing it among themselves.

Sirzechs told his subordinates to investigate just what happened to the video feeds along with Azazel as well... While Yasaka and Sun Wukong who's nearby them look very carefree because they know the answer to everything already.

Shiva felt really ecstatic knowing that Irene holds such tremendous power. He thought that maybe she will give him the challenge he's looking for... Unbeknownst to him, Irene held greater power than he could think of, and that's not including Issei himself.

...

Irene started walking forward towards Vali with a slow but steady step, the way her boots heel clacking resounding in the arena make Vali heart beating erratically not in fear but in excitement because of how powerful she is.

Vali - Hah!

Vali decided to be the one who launches the attack first. He closed their distance in just an instant and finally managed to land a hit on Irene's... Or at least that's how it supposed to be but he only hit her after image.

Vali - After image?! Then where is-?!

Irene - Looking for someone?

Irene's voice resounded from Vali's back.

Vali got goosebumps all over before he hastily swiped a kick at his behind but once again, he only hit an after image.

Vali got frustrated because he can't seem to follow up her movements at all. He used an all-direction magic attack but to no avail yet again...

Irene suddenly grabbed Vali's leg with her tail and slammed him down to the ground. But Vali gets up back right away and proceeded to attack Irene again.

Vali tried to match up Irene speed but it's of no use... She's too fast for his eyes to follow... He can only use his battle instinct and play a guessing game where will she shows up next.

Even the spectators such as Bikou and the others can't see it... Not even a blur... It's like she suddenly appeared out of thin air much to their dismay...

Kuroka - Amazing right? That's her pure raw speed... She's so fast that she created an after images of herself and it's as if she's appeared out of thin air. And as for the individual that could match up to her speed... I can only count them with one hand at most...

Kuroka suddenly said when she saw their confused face.

Bikou - ...Okay, what the hell, Kuroka? You do know them, don't you?

Bikou said with annoyance because she keeps talking about Irene like she fully knows them well.

Arthur and Le fay also feel very suspicious of her.

Kuroka - Isn't it obvious nya~? We're fellow sisters after all.

Just when Bikou and co thought that she will evade their question once again, Kuroka admitted to his question with a grin and that made them all dumbfounded.

Kuroka then proceeded to show them her Dragon wings which made them become completely stupefied with their eyes went wide open. She also released her Dragon aura which manages to alarm even Vali who's currently focusing on fighting Irene.

Along with the reappearance of her wings, they can see that on her belly, she also possess the very samewhich Irene and her team members have.

Kuroka - Gurigura-chan~!

Kuroka then flew over to Gurigura and the other girls' location leaving Bikou and co who's frozen stiff because of her sudden revelation.

Gurigura who saw Kuroka calling her waved back at her.

Gurigura - Kuroka-nee!

Kuroka glomped at Gurigura who hugged her back. Then Kuroka proceeded to rub her cheeks with Gurigura's.

Gurigura - Eheheh, it's ticklish, Kuroka-nee.

Gurigura giggled. Black meets Black and they look like a true sister with how similar looking they are.

Ramius - Mu? Is it fine for her to disclose her true identity?

Ramius mused while seeing Kuroka who's currently mofu-mofuing Gurigura.

Kathryn - Meh, it's fine... The video feeds have been cut off anyway because of Irene-nee.

Kathryn lazily replied.

Vali - ...Kuroka? What?

Vali is just as confused like his teammates.

Irene - Don't you think it's rude to ignore your opponent, boy?

Vali - !?

When Vali is distracted by Kuroka, Irene said those words from behind him which snapped him out of his thought.

He was going to refocus his attention towards Irene once again but it is too late.

Before he could fully turn his body around to face Irene direction, she grabbed him by his head and slammed it down towards the ground.

*Bam!*

Vali - Guh!

Thankfully Irene doesn't aim for Vali's life or that attack of hers just now might just pulverize his head like a splattered watermelon. But it still cracked open his helmet and Vali entire head are out in the open.

She then brought her other fist down towards Vali face... There's nothing included in that punch of hers, just pure raw physical power.

*BAM!*

There's a loud explosion and the whole area near them are enveloped by a cloud of smoke.

Bikou's party - VALI!?/VALI-SAN!?

They are snapped out of their thoughts when they saw Vali has been brought down by Irene to the ground and what they saw made them shocked fearing Vali's life has been forfeited by that punch of Irene just now...

When the area cleared up, they could see that Vali is totally fine but the ground beneath him and Irene have become a giant crater...

Irene - You do realize if this was a life and death battle then you should be dead by now, right?

Irene smirked amusingly at the dumbfounded Vali below her.

Irene - Now get up... It's about time we conclude our battle and besides... You can't keep up your current form for an extended period of time, right?

Bikou and the others sighed in relief knowing that Vali is still fine.

Vali - ...Haah, I know...

Vali exhaled bitterly because of what Irene just said is the truth. Sure he could keep this form up for another few minutes but it will cost him his life force and stamina...

He felt indignant knowing that he still hasn't unleashed his strongest attack though...

Irene - Heh, seeing your bitter face I know what you're just thinking about... Fine, give me your best shot. Use youron me.

Vali eyes went wide knowing that she even know about his strongest attack name but soon he accepted her offer...

...

And as expected, it doesn't work... Well, he managed to scratch Irene a little but that's about it...

Irene - Don't look so down. You're the first one in a while being able to land a hit on me and deal some damage. It's already healed though... Heheh, as expected of the strongest White Dragon Emperor in history... And Albion... I know you already remembered just who I am, are you still planning to feign ignorance?

Irene compliments Vali a little before she glared at Albion that resides within Vali that becomes quiet for some time now.

Albion - ...Long time no see... Ddraig's mate...

Albion muttered in a low and even a bit bashful voice...? Vali is confused because of how timid Albion being right now.

He recognized Irene when she unleashed her dragon aura and that manages to jolt Albion memories from the past.

Vali and co - Ddraig's mate?!

Vali and his team shouted in unison after hearing Albion words.

Irene's eyebrows twitched after hearing Albion words. This stupid dragon still thought that she's really Ddraig's "Mate" until now... She really wanted to beat the crap out of him.

It's not Albion's fault though considering she's the one who tricked him back then... But women are quite well-known for their unreasonableness...

Jalter and Kuroka covered their mouths holding back their laughter, the other girls are also not having it better.

Irene - ...If any of you dare to laugh then I will confiscate your private time alone with Issei for a month!

Irene growled at them seeing that they're about to laugh out loud. And her threat works like a charm... Jalter and the other girls instantly went into poker face mode.

Taking their private lovey-dovey time alone with Ise? And a month at that? No thanks...

Vali and his teammate don't miss her words though...

Vali and co - ...Issei?

They muttered in confusion. Why does Issei name is mentioned by Irene?

Irene - Haah... I think it's about time I tell all of you... The thing is...

Irene grumbled in annoyance because she needs to explain the reason why Albion called her "Ddraig's" mate...

...

When Irene's finished explaining, Vali and his party mouths become wide open... They are completely dumbfounded after hearing her story.

Vali for one started questioning his life as the ... What the hell... Their whole rivalry is apparently because of a love "triangle"? And not because of some epic rivalry or anything?

Albion - ...

Even Albion has nothing to say after hearing it. He honestly doesn't know how to feel after knowing his rival is just a made up individual and his actual greatest rival is his first crush?

But he has to say that he truly knows how to choose a woman... Although, that woman didn't become his mate in the end...

Bikou was about to laugh but when he saw Irene glare he immediately stopped himself and hurriedly change the topic.

Bikou - S-So your husband is that Issei Hyoudou?! The Oppai loving Drago-!

*Bam!*

Bikou never got to finish his words because he got smacked by Irene in the head and he got teleported out of the arena just like that...

Everyone who saw him suddenly appeared outside the arena are confused. How come he's the one to come out first while being knocked out cold?

Vali and Albion thought that he is sure are stupid... Even Arthur thought the same thing...

Le Fay started looking at Irene and the other girls including Kuroka with an envious look... She's envious of them for being able to become Issei's wives. She has a crush on Issei for quite some time after all.

Kuroka who saw her gaze grinned at her.

Kuroka - What's wrong Le Fay-nya~? You're feeling jealous of us?

Le Fay - Hoe?! N-N-N-N-No...

Le Fay waved her hands erratically and tried to deny her words for being exposed by Kuroka in front of the other girls. But even she could tell that she's not being very convincing right now...

Kuroka - Really nya~?

Le Fay face turned completely red with tears brimming in her eyes threatening to burst free being teased by Kuroka. But before long she looks down while her head nodding slightly proving that she's indeed feeling jealous of them.

Kuroka - Nyahahaha~ Don't worry, I'm quite sure Ise would love to make you as his next bride~

Le Fay - R-Really?!

Le Fay instantly looked up at Kuroka with a bright face only to found that the latter still has the teasing grin on her face.

Le Fay finally can't take it anymore being teased by Kuroka and hid behind her elder brother.

Croix - Maa~ She's really a shy one, isn't she?

Croix smilingly looks at Le Fay who's currently hiding behind Arthur.

Jalter - Tsk, looking at both of them kind of put me in a bad mood because of similar they are with that detestable woman...

Jalter snorted while looking at both Arthur and Le Fay which made them flinch a little thinking that she hates them. It especially affects Le Fay because Jalter is one of Issei's wives... If she hates her then...

Jeanne - Please don't take her words to heart both of you... She's just having a temper tantrum because both of you looks kind of similar to one of her friends back home.

Jeanne placated both of their feelings with an apologetic smile.

Jalter - Who's having a temper tantrum?! And what friend are you talking about?! That detestable woman is not my friend!

Jalter snarled at Jeanne who only smiled gently at her which annoys her even more.

Jeanne - The woman we're talking about is both of your supposed Ancestor...? Well, maybe not since she's from a different world from both of you. Although... She might be a little different compared to the history that you knew...

Jeanne smiled wryly at Arthur and Le Fay who looks taken aback by Jeanne's words.

Their Ancestor? The Arthur Pendragon? Isn't "she" is supposed to be a man? Then what's up with the "She" suffix?

Irene - Anyway, let's just end this match already...

Irene said tiredly.

And with that, the fight between Vali and Irene's team are concluded and the next fight will be the final of the rating game...

...

When Irene and Vali team teleported out of the arena once more. The spectators are looking at Irene with a completely awe-struck look.

Irene already reverted back to her human form and she also wore back her witch hat once again.

The spectators applauded at her. They don't find it weird that Irene came out as the final winner and even though they are lamenting at the fact that they couldn't see their fight they don't dare to complain about it.

Just from the brief recording beforehand, they already knew that Irene is many times stronger than Vali so it's totally understandable that Vali loses against her. It's not that Vali is too weak but it's just that Irene is just on a whole another level.

Now they understand that if she were to directly participate in the rating game then the whole rating game will have no more meaning to it.

But they're confused about Rias Gremory team. So far they still haven't fought a decent opponent at all. They don't know whether to call them cheating or just pure luck at this point... Or maybe they are just that strong as well? And maybe their team could give Irene's team a good fight?

If that's true then that would be something to look forward to.

Azazel announced that there will be a quick break before the final.

Vali and his team now gaze at Rias and her peerage members with a different look. Their gazes are cold and full of despise.

Even Le Fay frowned deeply while looking at them but she can't keep up looking at them for long because she's being teased by Kuroka yet again which made her face turned red from shyness.

Kuroka keeps telling her that if she were to see the current Issei then she will have her heart stolen all over again, she guarantees it. Le Fay is getting even more curious and full of anticipation to see Issei once more after that.

...

-At the space dimension near the rating game location-

Semiramis, Scathach, and Forzelotte are gazing at Rias's team with gazes full of killing intent. They are on top of a majestic prototype of thethat is shaped like a massive warship. Its name is .

Yes, this ship is the familiar of Issei but it's only able to materialize after undergoing a process of evolution which is his current form, that's why back in the world of Eve Issei couldn't use it.has grown into an enormous flying ship adorned with the design of a dragon.

It wanted to copy the Babylon design but since their level is too different apart it can only become a warship in the end.

The one controllingis a heroic spirit that goes by the name of Francis Drake. She is a female pirate captain with long wavy crimson pink hair, blue eyes, and a scar across her face. She wears brown choker collar almost attach to her dark pink captain vest that shows her bountiful chest, as for her bottom she wears white pants and long dark brown boots.

(AN: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/typemoon/images/e/ea/RiderFrancisDrakeStage3.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20180303155613).

It's quite small compared to the original Babylon but it's still big enough to hold hundreds of passengers. It didn't really need a person to maneuver it but it will be better if there's someone took control of it.

Behind them, there is Rakia, Ekate, Paniverna, Ultinia, Marialis and also a group of Angels, Devils, Demonkin, and Heroic Spirits alike.

There's also some Overlord such as Shuten-Douji, Ibaraki-Douji, Minamoto no Raikou, etc along with their respective subordinates behind them.

The former group is asked by Issei to "Assist" Irene while the latter group is just a bunch of tagalong.

Semiramis - Hmm... Now that I see them at first hand, I can barely contain my rage... I would kill them outright but I know that they will have it easy that way...

Semiramis mumbled with a low voice with his gaze filled with rage.

Scathach - Fumu...

Scathach hummed in agreement with her red eyes glowing. She's holdingon her right hand as if she's about to throw the spear right at them at this instant.

Forzelotte - Hmph... I would devour their soul but it would just make me feel sick and I don't want to disgust Ise with it.

Forzelotte scowled with her aura went a little bit wild.

Rakia - Semiramis-sama, Scathach-sama, Forzelotte-sama. Ise-sama has left me a message... He said, "No matter what you decide to do, I will totally support it".

Rakia said with a slight bow from behind the three of them. Although her face is calm, she's also feeling anger from the sight of Rias and the other girls.

After hearing Rakia words, the three Goddesses gaze went soft right away knowing that their beloved husband completely got their back no matter what their decision will be.

Semiramis - Ufufufu... It seems that we can't hide it from him after all...

Semiramis said with a wry smile but her eyes held nothing but endless love and devotion for Issei. They were planning to go silently to assist Irene but they met up with Rakia and the others along the way.

Scathach - Well, considering how intelligent and observant he is, I doubt we could keep things hidden for long from him... He's my most prided disciple after all.

Scathach push her chest forward in pride.

Forzelotte - Umu... As to be expected from the King of Kings, the .

Forzelotte nodded calmly but she can't hide her smile when she's talking about Issei.

At the mention of Issei, all of them who are present of thevicinity smiled in gratification and become went into a worshipful mode for having such wonderful King/Master.

Francis - Gahahahaha! That's Boss for you!

Francis laughed out loud totally uncaring about how unladylike she currently is. Well, she never really care about those kinds of stuff anyway. That's why in the history book she's described as a man rather than a woman because her crewmates never saw or depicted her as a woman.

According to a sailor who serves under her before, "Ergh, we cannot call ourselves men if we look the captain as a woman, or rather, it would be rude towards her".

She also never interested in romance and the like until she met Issei. The only man that could awaken her womanly side with just one glance... Other people often felt repulsed when they saw her scar or know her reputation but Issei genuinely sees her as a normal woman through and through without any strings attached.

From the rumors she overheard, he's supposed to become a total sex-beast when he's drunk... But as to date, she has yet to successfully trick Issei to have a drink with her and the other girls. Mainly because Jalter becomes overly protective against them all especially against her fellow Avenger/Alter Ego.

Francis Drake always believes things will come to an end no matter what they are and there is no exception for it... But recently, she found an exception... It's Issei himself.

She for some reason cannot see nor imagine the end of him... It's like he's an absolute existence ever existed...

Semiramis - Be that as it may... We've already promised Kuroka that we're not going take it too far against her little sister... Koneko, was it?

Semiramis wondered. She then gazes at Koneko who's currently looking very upset because Kuroka never meets or talk with her anymore ever since that day where she visited them at Hyoudou household.

And even during this tournament, all she does is only gazing at her with a disappointed gaze which makes Koneko become upset even further.

Forzelotte - Ise himself promised Kuroka... The word of a King is gold.

Forzelotte reminded them all.

Scathach - Hmm... But we still need to punish her regardless.

Semiramis - Don't worry about that... I'm pretty sure Irene and the other girls will properly punish them all. Now get ready all of you... It's about time...

Hearing her call, all of them started preparing.

The sheer line up for the so-called "backup" is overwhelmingly imposing that no matter who saw them now will think that they're about to go to war instead of just a plain backup...

...

During the break time, Sirzechs was about to beg Irene to take it easy on Rias team but he's met with a threatening glare by Jalter which halted his advance towards their location.

Azazel and Michael could only sigh bitterly at that because they know there's nothing they could do to change their mind. Well, they suppose this is it... If things go too far they're not sure if they should assist Sirzechs or not...

They mean... Did you see Irene display of power just now? They're pretty sure that her true power is perhaps on par with Great Red itself.

If there are Ophis and Lilith here with them then they might still have a chance since both of them saw Rias and co as their friends, right? But alas... They're not here...

Serafall went towards Irene location or to be more specific towards Croix location.

Serafall - Ne ne, why did you all seem so hostile towards Rias-chan and her teammates?

Serafall asked innocently even though she herself kind of feeling disappointed towards the latter group because of how they basically abandoned Issei to his own luck before.

Croix - Umm... It's a secret~?

Croix tiled her head acting clueless. But Serafall notices how her tone held a bit of anger when she's talking about Rias's team.

Serafall stopped talking about Rias and talked about them instead. But they mainly talk about Croix and the other girls' husband.

Only when it comes to their husband that they all seem very enthusiastic. Even the usually scowling Jalter smiled thinly in a longing manner. She really can't wait to meet up with her beloved master once again... Even though it's only been a few hours ever since she left his side...

This makes Serafall and the others such as Gabriel increasingly more curious just who is this husband of theirs for being able to make this array of amazing women to love him with all their heart. He must be quite an amazing individual.

Gabriel and Grayfia joined in to listen to their conversation not too long ago.

Rias's team is preparing for their last match so they excuse themselves before this to formulate a strategy.

Their strategy is quite simple... They will aim at one of them that seems the weakest of them all and if they are able to defeat her then they would instantly gain victory.

Since they have a greater number than them then they would split the team to hold back each one of them while the assault team headed towards their designated target. In this case, they are aiming for Yunyun because she seems to be the weakest of them all.

But unbeknownst to them... They won't even have a chance to execute their "Perfect" plan...

When it's time to start the final match, Irene seems to be looking at a thin air above her with a knowing grin on her face.

Irene - Fufufu, I see... Let's go girls... It is time.

Hearing her words the girls instantly prepped themselves up and teleported themselves to the arena to meet with their target...

Sirzechs for one had a very bitter and frustrated face. He even prayed to God hoping Rias's team will be fine... Which earned him a massive headache since he's the Maou after all...

...

When both teams arrived at the arena, Rias and her team doesn't pay any respect towards Irene and her team and was about to execute their plan right away. But they stopped in their track in the very next moment because of the intense bloodlust Jalter emitting right now.

Jalter - Ehehehehe... Ahahahahaha! I've been waiting for this for a long time!

With a bloodthirsty grin on her face, Jalter maniacally laugh. Her aura went wild with glee...

Irene and the others are also emitted their respective bloodlust towards Rias's team.

Rias and her whole team started shivering greatly while also sweating profusely because they've remembered that they've sensed this bloodlust before.

Their mind may have not remembered it but their bodies do. It's an instilled fear they gained back then. Their whole mind, body, and even instinct are telling them to run but they can't even move right now...

Only Kiba and Gasper are confused as for why their teammates suddenly stopped moving with their teeth clattering and Little Hijama even pissed himself from the get-go.

But they also can't move from their spot feeling the intense pressure Rias and co emitting right now.

Even Azazel screamed at Sirzechs with an urgent voice.

Azazel - Damn! Sirzechs! They are the possessor of those bloodlusts from back then!

Even without Azazel telling him, Sirzechs has already started to move.

Sirzechs - Cancel the match immediately!

He screamed at his subordinate and even at Tiamat who's serving as the judge of the rating game.

Subordinate - W-We can't Sirzechs-sama! We can't recall Rias-sama and her team for some reason! Something is preventing us from doing so!

Tiamat - The same goes on my side! Something is interfering with the system!

Tiamat shouted back in a dire voice. She and the other gatekeeper are trying everything they can to teleport Rias and her team back here.

Everyone in the stadium become restless. The match turned from an anticipated match into a nightmare straight away without anyone knowledge except for the selective few...

Vali - Give it up, Sirzechs Lucifer... Your sister and her team will meet her judgment soon.

Vali said calmly from the side with his hand crossed in front of him.

Azazel - Vali, What do you mean by that?

Azazel asked Vali who seems very calm with all of this commotion that's currently happening.

Sirzechs - Vali... If you have anything to do with this whole incident then-

Sirzechs was about to say something towards Vali but the latter beat him to it.

Vali - Hmph! You of all people should know just what they fault are.

Vali scoffed at Sirzechs with a mocking face.

After Sirzechs and Azazel heard his words they stopped in their tracks right away and started recalling Rias's peerage blunder...

Shiva - Heheheh...

Shiva only laughed slightly seeing the whole predicament. This ought to be a good show he thought to himself.

The parents' party started bombarding Sirzechs and Azazel with questions of what did Vali meant by that. But they cannot say it out loud in public, obviously... With thousands and thousands of eyes out here in the open, it would be catastrophic if it were to be known...

Vali - You haven't told them yet? No matter, it's all will be revealed soon enough.

Vali said once again.

Sirzechs and the others are still a bit confused by what Vali meant by that. They know Rias's fault but what do Irene and her team got to do with all that?

When Sirzechs was about to ask Vali once more about it. They all heard a scream from the arena...

*Kyaaaaaaah!!!*

It is the voice of Rias and Akeno...

Jalter can be seen grabbing Rias and Akeno together directly on their head.

She appeared to have slammed both of them down to the ground with a massive force until the ground beneath them burst open and created a miniature crater. Thankfully both of them are Devils so their head doesn't explode right away because of that.

But their head still bleeds a little from the impact just now.

Jalter made sure to savor her time with them so she didn't use her full power on her smash just now.

And there's another addition appeared on the arena without any of them noticing it. It's Ravel who was on the backup seat on Rias's team side... She appears to be distressed but from the looks of it, there's no immediate harm has been done to her, unlike Rias and Akeno.

Sirzechs's party - Rias!!!/Akeno!!!/Ravel!!!

Only after this happen that Kiba and the others broke free from their fear and tried to help them.

But before any of them could launch their own respective attack, there's suddenly someone appeared in front and each one of them.

Reiji and the others are the only exceptions of all this because they all are still frozen stiff from fear. They have never faced with a life and death battle situation after all...

In front of Koneko, there's Gurigura.

Xenovia is confronted by Millet.

Irina by Jeanne and Natal.

Kiba by Ramius and Riche.

Asia by Yunyun and Wiz.

Ravel is currently being stepped on by Kathryn feet which is imbued byso she can't move in the slightest.

It's unknown when, but Gasper is already in Croix's front being held by her, Croix put both of her hands on his shoulder. Unlike Ravel, he's being held in a gentle yet firm manner by Croix.

Gasper started panicking after being held by Croix and was about to use hisonly to hear the voice of Croix from behind him.

Croix - There there~ Don't struggle too much~. Just stay with big sister for now, okay?

She said with a gentle smile which is a total contrast compared to his other teammates' situation.

Gasper blushed feeling something very soft behind his head. His whole head is almost enveloped by Croix massive bust.

Gasper knows that this is not the time for this but for some reason he can't muster any power at all to use his . So he can only watch his teammates in dire strait helplessly in Croix's grasp.

His magic power has been sealed by Croix that's why... Being a Half-Vampire and Devil at the same time doesn't really help his situation in any way...

Croix - Ufufufu, so your name is Gasper-chan? Maa~ you're indeed a cutie for a boy just like otouto-kun said~