As one of the original heroines, Roy naturally recognized Asia Argento.
What puzzled him was why she was here.
From Raynare's memories, Asia should still be en route to Kuoh Town at this point.
"I brought Asia here."
Sensing Roy's confusion, Rias, seated nearby, explained.
"After we split yesterday, I sent someone to find her and met her myself."
"Using that recording crystal you gave me, I laid out the whole story for Asia."
"After that, I invited her to join as my Bishop, and she agreed."
Roy raised an eyebrow. "That easy?"
"I hesitated a bit, actually," Asia chimed in.
Raised in the church, her faith ran deep.
But after being exiled by the church and betrayed by the fallen angels who took her in, even Asia couldn't help but waver.
When Rias, her savior, extended the offer, she accepted.
"Not being able to pray as a devil is tricky, but Miss Rias is kind, and meeting Mr. Roy makes me happy."
"Pretty straightforward reasoning."
Roy flashed Asia a smile, then turned to Rias.
"You recruited her for the fight with Riser, didn't you?"
"Can't slip anything past you."
Rias nodded, owning it.
The saying goes: strategically dismiss your enemy, tactically take them seriously.
Rias trusted Roy's strength, but she wouldn't underestimate Riser.
A rising star in the Underworld, Riser was no pushover.
To prep for a potential drawn-out battle, Rias had her eye on Asia.
Twilight Healing offered top-tier recovery, effective even on devils.
With Asia on board, Riser's immortality wouldn't outlast them in a war of attrition.
"To repay you for saving me, I'll do my best to help Mr. Roy and Miss Rias win."
Asia clenched her fists, her face set with determination.
No need to go that hard.
Glancing at Asia and Rias, Roy's expression flickered with something unsaid.
Their enthusiasm was so high, he almost felt bad dropping the truth.
Buzz—! Buzz—! Buzz—!
A magic circle bearing the Gremory crest flared up on the floor nearby.
Flames erupted from it, a wave of heat rolling out.
A moment later, Riser and Grayfia stepped through.
"Phew~ Been a while since I hit the human world."
In a red suit, Riser flicked his hair, eyes landing ahead.
"My dear Rias, I'm here for you."
Rias's face hardened. "I don't think we're that close. Watch your tone, Riser."
Riser shrugged. "Same old merciless charm."
"You came all this way just to chat?"
"Not quite. I'm here to confirm something."
Riser asked, "Rias, I hear you want a Rating Game with me. True?"
"Dead true."
"Why bother with something so dumb? You know you can't win."
Riser's confidence oozed.
Since his debut, his Rating Game record stood at eight wins in ten.
The two losses? Intentional, for family politics.
Real score: ten for ten—a legit powerhouse devil.
"You talk too much."
Roy's voice cut in from the side.
"Fight or don't. Just say it—quit stalling."
"Ha? Who're you?"
Riser's expression shifted.
"Roy's my new Pawn," Rias answered.
Riser glanced at him. "Rias, you should train your servants better."
"Cross the wrong pure-blood devil, and it won't end as nicely as with me."
"So much hot air."
Roy dug at his ear. "How about we skip the fluff and throw down right here?"
Riser's eyes narrowed. "Kid, you trying to piss me off?"
"Yeah, saves time."
Roy didn't mince words. "Outcome's the same either way—let's wrap it up quick."
"Funny. Guess you don't get what 'Phenex' means."
Surging demonic power flared from Riser, flames whipping up a scorching tide.
But just as Roy smirked, ready to end it, Grayfia—silent till now—stepped between them.
"Please, both of you, no nonsense. This isn't a brawling ground."
"…Fine, for Lady Grayfia's sake, I'll spare you this time."
Riser hesitated, reeling in his flames.
"All bark, no bite, huh, turkey?"
Roy rolled his eyes, disappointed.
"Turkey?!"
"Enough."
Grayfia cut in again.
"Lord Riser, you've achieved your purpose here. Your answer?"
"After all this, what's left to say?"
Riser snorted. "Rias, you're my fiancée. I wanted to settle this peacefully."
"But if you're dead-set on fighting, fine—Rating Game it is. Winner calls the shots."
"Exactly what I wanted."
Rias nodded.
"When do you two want this Rating Game set?" Grayfia confirmed.
Riser: "Whenever. Just don't drag it out—I'm not wasting time on this."
Grayfia: "Rias?"
Rias didn't answer right away, glancing at Roy.
"Right now works."
Roy replied, itching to go.
"Not today."
Grayfia shook her head. "This involves a pure-blood devil engagement—guests need time to be invited."
"For the soonest option, I can schedule it three days from now."
"Then three days it is."
Rias locked it in.
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