A black aura was continually leaking from her body, and it was quite obvious that her strength was constantly weakening. The giant Fenrir’s body had also been covered in injuries as a result of its fight against Rias, and blood had soaked its fur, but it was still intent on fighting. Xenovia bitterly said
“Damage can be healed by Valerie’s Sacred Gear…”
Irina then said
“But it cannot replenish stamina. It’ll be dangerous if Rias-san’s stamina runs out.”
Rias descended onto the rooftop of a building that had yet to collapse, and she tried to gather demonic energy into her hands. In the distant sky, something was flying over—. Taking a closer look, it appeared to be a golem, it was Gogmagog! The ancient golem was firing its engine as it flew towards Rias at high speed! The commentator explained
<<Oooooohh! Gogmagog-senshu was wrecked in the early stages of the game, but it is re-joining the fight now! The ancient weapon has the ability to repair itself, and that’s why it is able to catch up at such a critical point in the game!>>
Gogmagog fired off laser beams towards Rias. Rias planned to use the demonic energy in her hands to retaliate—. But Fenrir howled and then bit off a nearby iron pipe and tossed it out. The iron pipe pierced the wall of a large building that was nearby. I don’t know what the purpose of that was — but Gogmagog released a powerful laser beam into building where that iron pipe had been stabbed! Suddenly, Gasper’s scream echoed out! <<Valerie!>>
The beam mercilessly drilled out an enormous hole in the building! The next instant, an announcement from the referee was broadcast. <<Of the [Rias Gremory] team, one [Bishop] has retired.>>
—That was the announcement of Valerie’s retirement. I see, Rias hid Valerie in one of the large buildings in case of an emergency. But Fenrir noticed that, and it was able to communicate that to Gogmagog. The teamwork between that golem and wolf was surprisingly good! The outstanding silent cooperation between the monster and weapon of the Vali team left us all surprised! The announcer yelled
<<A vicious ray of light! After making it this far into the game, Valerie Tepes-senshu has retired! The team of Rias Gremory has now lost its means of recovery!>>
After defeating Valerie, Gogmagog flew through the air and then aimed at Rias. Fenrir also followed closely and kept its eyes glued to Rias. It seemed as though both of them still had the capacity to fight. I couldn’t help but feel worried upon witnessing this scene. “No matter how strong Rias is right now, facing both Fenrir and Gogmagog at the same time is—”
If this goes one, she’ll lose — just as I thought that, someone jumped between the buildings and arrived at Rias’ side. [Princess! I’ve come to help!] —It was His Eminence Vasco Strada! Not only me, but the entire venue began to brim with excitement! <<He’s finally coomeeee! Vasco Strada-senshu has made it!>>
Such a development actually occurred! His Eminence had arrived just when Rias was in a pinch! Uwah, even I can’t help but feel emotional when an old swordsman arrives when my girlfriend is in a pinch! “Was there an announcement about Arthur’s retirement! ?”
I asked. The fact that His Eminence was able to rush over to this side meant that a winner must have been decided, but—
“No, I don’t think he’s retired—”
Following this, Xenovia looked over to the screen which Arthur was on. Arthur had collapsed on the road, and it seemed as though he was unable to get up. His stamina had already been completely exhausted. It looked like he couldn’t even move a finger anymore. Arthur had actually become physically exhausted. His Eminence descended onto the rooftop of a skyscraper in order to protect Rias. He looked at Fenrir and Gogmagog as he said
[The wolf or the golem. Or is it both?] His Eminence raised the holy sword in his hand—. But the aura of darkness — Gasper separated from Rias’ body. From that dark form, Rias returned to her usual form…and Rias instantly collapsed onto the rooftop. Her breathing was greatly perturbed, and it looked like she was unable to stand up as well. The dark Gasper said
<<Rias-oneesama…our [King] has already reached her limits. I think you should announce your retirement.>>
Gasper proposed that they surrender. In response to this, Rias tried to protest. The colour of her face…also looked pretty bad. […Gasper, what are you saying…]
The dark Gasper shook his head. <<This technique…it will be dangerous to continue using it. Taking into account the future of this Tournament, everything will have been for naught if you don’t retire now…. Please, Rias-oneesama, any more is…>>
Gasper pleaded. Rias was currently in a very dangerous situation, and that was clear to everyone who was watching. [……Kuh…]
Rias let out a regretful moan. After gasping and breathing roughly for around ten seconds—
[…I surrender.] Rias — surrendered, and declared her own defeat. The announcer cried out
<<What what whaaaaaat!!!! Rias-senshu has chosen to declare her own retirement!!!! !>>
A broadcast of the referee’s voice was also immediately heard
<<Rias Gremory-senshu’s declaration of surrender is accepted. The game is over! The winner is the [Hakuryuukou of the Morning Star] team!>>
—Hmm. …We were also lost for words. Xenovia and the others closed their eyes quietly. …Arthur had been beaten to a point where he was no longer capable of movement, Kuroka had been defeated, Bikou was heavily pressured, Gogmagog had been broken once, and the true Fenrir had suffered so much damage…. What an incredible match. The team lead by the one known as the most powerful Hakuryuukou had been hit so hard. I — clapped! My comrades also followed suit and applauded. This spread throughout the audience seating area, and the entire venue was soon flooded in applause. The audience gave them a standing ovation! On the display, both Vali and Crom were completely battered, and their battle had come to an abrupt end. With his armour damaged in various places, Vali’s chest heaved in great motions as he said
[…To think that it ended like this. I guess this is a so-called game.] Crom wiped the blood flowing down from his forehead as he said
[Hmph, there are a few things that are still quite unresolved, but it’s also true that I haven’t been able to enjoy something like this for a long time. Don’t worry, the Tournament still has a long way to go. Will you be able to win if we meet again?] [Yeah, that’s right. That is the principle of this Tournament. Even if this Tournament is not enough, there’s always the next one. And besides, if you just want to spar, then there will surely be a chance.] Crom excitedly laughed in response to this. [Fuhahahaha! This is such a good era! I can actually fight openly against you, the Sekiryuutei, other dragons, and even with gods. When this first began, I thought it was a mere joke…but to people like you and I who look forward to such battles, there couldn’t any better Tournament than this.