Meanwhile, in the girls' bath…
"Ahh, this is so relaxing."
"I just hope it washes away the fatigue of the day…"
"Oh, it certainly will~."
The two beauties known as the "Twin Big Sisters of Kuoh Academy" giggled together, their ample assets bobbing gently in the water, four luscious fruits floating in the bath.
Watching from the side, the former nun of the Church dropped her gaze and sighed.
"It's okay, Akeno-senpai… I'm sure you'll grow, too…"
"Koneko-chan… doesn't it bother you at all?"
"I don't care. I'm definitely going to grow bigger. That's why I'm not worried."
Maybe she used to care. But after seeing a glimpse of her future self, the nekomata girl had found peace of mind.
"Hawww! I want that kind of confidence, too! I'm gonna drink lots of milk!"
====================
Day five of training.
So far, we've been alternating between basic drills and mock battles.
Akeno-san is about ready to start learning how to cast simple barriers. Issei's also been sneaking off at night to meet with her, probably to practice that ultimate technique of his.
Today, we're ending training early to rest our bodies and also for a lecture on the demon society, courtesy of Club President Rias.
"…And that's the biggest reason devils reincarnate humans."
With a breath, Rias paused.
"I think that's enough for me for now. Since Asia is here too, why don't we hear from her?"
"Y-Yes!"
Asia, prepared in advance, stepped forward with her holy water and Bible, ready to begin her lecture.
Thinking back to the fight with Riser, that scene where she used boosted holy water with the Boosted Gear gauntlet really stands out. They say senjutsu is effective against Phenex-types, but I won't know until I try. Maybe I should stock up on holy water and crosses just in case.
Still, the guy's got flames strong enough to scar dragon scales. Even with fighting spirit, I'm just a human, I can't expect the kind of defense Sairaorg has. I'd rather not get close unless I have to.
Watching Asia flinch every time she tries to read a Bible verse, I started thinking. When it comes to humans taking on powerhouses, I can't help but think of Cao Cao. Sure, his methods were nasty, but I respect how he exploited weaknesses.
Within the rules, finding an edge is fair game. While mulling it over, an idea popped into my head, one tactic from the original story that never actually got used.
Well… if no one used it, that means it's up for grabs, right?
"Um, President Rias. I came up with a possible strategy for the fight with Riser."
"Oh? What is it, Ikki? Please, share it with us."
"Yes! I'd like to include Issei, Akeno-senpai, and Asia for prep work. Here's the idea…"
After I finished explaining it, everyone stared at me, faces twisted in various shades of discomfort.
"…Ikki. Are you sure you're not the devil here?"
"What are you talking about? You're the devil, remember?"
Huh? Didn't we already have this conversation once?
"Maybe the real devil lives inside the hearts of men…"
"Just hearing it is enough to make my skin crawl. No way a real devil would come up with this."
"You monster."
"Oh my~ Just imagining the outcome is giving me goosebumps. I can't wait~"
Man, everyone's being kind of harsh… Though Akeno-senpai seems into it? I honestly don't think it's that bad…
Sure, that rogue priest might not approve, but I bet regular ones use it all the time.
"Listen, everyone. If we lose this match, Rias-senpai will be forced to marry that Riser guy. That's exactly why we need to go with the most effective plan possible!"
"…He's right. President! This strategy doesn't break any rules, right? If we don't go all in and end up losing, we'll regret it forever!"
President Rias silently closed her eyes, then nodded.
"Understood. I had a few strategies of my own, but maybe it's time to make some adjustments."
From that point on, Issei continued to train, even blowing off most of a mountaintop with a boosted energy blast. Before we knew it, the day of the decisive battle had arrived.
====================
Night of the final battle, just after 11 PM.
The Occult Research Club members were passing time in their own ways, waiting for the match to begin.
Just before 11:30, Grayfia appeared via magic circle.
"Everyone is present. Are you ready?"
"Always. We're good to go, Grayfia."
"Very well. Once the time comes, you'll be transported from this magic circle to the battlefield. Today's match will be observed not only by the heads of House Gremory and House Phenex, but also by Lord Lucifer himself."
"…So, my brother will be watching…"
"Wha—?! Your brother?!"
Issei shouted in shock. Yuuto explained that Rias's brother is none other than the current Sirzechs Lucifer, heir to the name of the former, now-deceased Satan.
That's right… this match is being observed by the Maou. If I can leave the impression that I, a human, am ruthless against my enemies, it could become an important stepping stone for future plans. Wait… hold up! If the Maou and high-ranking nobles are watching…!
"U-Um, Grayfia-san… or maybe… Grayfia-sama?"
"'San' is fine. Is there a problem?"
"Yes. A big one."
"What's wrong, Ikki?!"
Everyone looked uneasy at the serious tone of my voice.
"President Rias, we need to tell Grayfia-san our opening strategy. I mean, come on! The Maous are going to be watching this match!"
"You're right. That could've been bad…"
After explaining our opening move to Grayfia, she gave us an unreadable expression and said, "Understood. I'll handle preparations on my end," before teleporting away.
Not long after, the time came. We were transported to the battlefield via magic circle.
====================
We arrived in what looked exactly like our usual clubroom. Issei tilted his head. "Did the teleport fail?"
Then the school intercom crackled to life.
[Welcome. I am Grayfia of House Gremory, your referee for today's match between the Phenex and Gremory households. For this battle, we have recreated a replica of Kuoh Academy.]
"Replica?" Issei echoed in surprise. Rias gestured to the window. He opened it, and was stunned to see a green sky and shimmering auroras outside.
"This is a replica?! Devil tech is insane!"
Yeah, I have to agree. This is basically divine creation at this point.
[You've each been transported to your team's base. Rias-sama's base is the Occult Research Club room in the old school building. Riser-sama's base is the principal's office in the new building. When promoting, pieces must reach the area around the opponent's base. You have 30 minutes to plan and set up defenses. The battle will begin at midnight. Strategy time begins now.]
As discussed earlier, Yuuto, Koneko, and Akeno-senpai went around the old building setting up traps and barriers, while wearing magically-enhanced earpieces.
Meanwhile, Issei laid down on Rias's lap, er, I mean, had more of the Evil Piece's seal released.
Everyone returned, and the intercom chimed again.
[Time's up. The game begins now.]
With that, the school bell rang.
Showtime. Let's end this fast.
"Let's go, Issei!"
"Yeah! Come on, Ddraig!"
[Boost!!]
"Akeno!"
"Yes, President. I'm standing on the rooftop."
"Everyone, our enemy is Riser Phenex, a rising star of the immortal Phenex clan. But we can't afford to lose. No holding back, crush them with everything you've got!"
As Rias gave her rallying cry, the enemy made their move.
"They're here! Let's go, Ikki! Boosted Gear Gift!"
Issei powered up to the limit and transferred his boosted energy to me.
[Transfer!!]
"Akeno-senpai!"
Feeling the power surge inside me, I checked in with Akeno through the comms. Her voice came back, full of excitement.
[Ufufu… Coming through loud and clear. It's going to echo throughout the whole school~]
"Then, here we go."
A magic circle opened in my mouth. I looked to Rias for confirmation.
"All good. I can't hear a thing…"
Perfect. Time to unleash it.
From the massive magic circle Akeno had conjured above both school buildings, my voice, enhanced with magical amplification, roared through the replica campus.
====================
[I bring death. I grant life. I inflict wounds. I bring healing. None escape my hand. None escape my gaze.]
[Shatter. To the broken, to the aged, I call. Entrust yourself to me. Learn from me. Obey me. Rest. Forget not songs. Forget not prayer. Forget not me. I am light, lifting all burdens.]
[Do not pretend. To forgiveness, bring retribution. To trust, bring betrayal. To hope, bring despair. To light, bring shadow. To life, bring death.]
[Rest lies in my hand. I will mark your sins with sacred oil. Eternal life comes only through death. Forgiveness is here. I made flesh, swear it.]
["Have mercy on this soul."]
I gave the signal to Rias, and Akeno dispelled the amplification and the earplugs.
[…Eight "Pawns," two "Knights," one "Bishop," and two "Rooks" of Riser Phenex have retired.]
We did it. LOL.
=============
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