Even if the next head Sairaorg appeared to be working together with Sona Sitri for now…the current head and all of the politicians were constantly hunting for opportunities, and would exploit them to destroy that with all their effort as soon as they could. But, Saji Genshirou declined. “…This is unacceptable. This way of doing things…is unacceptable! You’re ranked third in the Rating Games? If you really do that, there will definitely be fans who would be saddened!”
It was an immediate reply that lacked any falsity. He didn’t think about the thoughts of the politicians, nor the situation of the higher-ups, he simply asserted his own thoughts. Bedeze paid no mind to it. “The Champion Diehauser brought to light the truth about the misconduct, and as the one ranked third, I was pointed out as a culprit. …Don’t you think that this is a good thing?”
Saji Genshirou’s face was filled with bitterness, chagrin and anguish—. “…Your thoughts are too simplistic. This kind of thing…is too ridiculous…! If you really did that, you’d just be inviting more hatred from us!”
“For the civilians though, that is enough. The civilians would accept something plain, simple and direct like this. After this matter has concluded, I will take responsibility for the misconduct and retire from the Games. That’s right, in order to eradicate all misconduct, the third ranker will resign on his own.”
That’s what Bedeze’s plan was. He would retain his honour, turn over the higher-ups of Great King, and use that as an excuse for his resignation. Bedeze continued
“You are…a nakamaof the Sekiryuutei. He…what does he have? As the Oppai Dragon supported by the public, he’s been used by the Maou side as a pawn to raise public opinion in their favour. To me…it’s rather funny. It’s simply foolish to the extreme. That kid would actually have interest in the Rating Games because of those kinds of things…. It was originally a competition that only chosen people could compete in. Only people who possessed talent or something special that was different from ordinary people, or people who had special privileges could participate. The Top Ten is exactly like that. So what if you can motivate those fools into participating in the Rating Games? Most people are disillusioned from having their dreams shattered, and simply wait for their future deaths.”
Bedeze sighed and then continued
“—Effort is nothing more than a dream given to fools by the stupid government. Moreover, this dream is the ultimate goal for those weaklings who don’t have talent, money nor status. I was different. Precisely because I had wealth, and status, it made up for my lack of talent. I truly am thankful that I’m a noble.”
The words of the person ranked third caused Saji Genshirou’s expression to change. “…You hold him in contempt? He’s worked harder than anyone else, yet you you’re looking down on my nakama! ?”
Tears leaked out of Saji Genshirou’s eyes as he cried out. “He’s constantly been risking his life for the sake of the Underworld and for his nakama! He’s been a step away from death several times, that’s how hard he’s worked! And what about you!? Not only did you not put your life on the line to fight against Trihexa and the army of Evil Dragons, you instead came here to do something like this…! Please go and fight…! Fight for the Underworld, and for the fans who admire you!”
“Of course, I will fight. But first, I need to take down the heads of Great King.”
Bedeze’s indifferent reply drove Saji Genshirou’s anger to the breaking point. A ferocious aura cloaked in black flames burst forth. “YOU BAASSTAAAAAAAARRDDD!”
While equipping his helmet again, Saji Genshirou extended tentacles from his armour towards Bedeze, yet Bedeze remained calm. In a place where nothing existed within this space, a hole suddenly appeared. The tear in space was the special ability of the Abaddon House — it was [Hole]. All of the tentacles that Saji Genshirou had extended were sucked in by a [Hole]. At the same time that the [Hole] was closed, the tentacles were cut off. Abaddon was able to create a hole in any empty space, and then absorb or discharge anything from it. This special demonic power had been inherited by each generation of his bloodline. “Damn it!”
Saji Genshirou directed the black flames which covered his own body towards Bedeze. Those black flames possessed a strong curse. They were normally supressed, but as soon as he began fighting, his surroundings would be enveloped with a dense, cursed inferno. If the opponent was to be bathed in these black flames, their entire body would definitely suffer from a fierce curse and would be doomed. However, the black flames that Saji Genshirou released were all absorbed by the multitude of [Holes] which appeared within the space. That’s right, Magdaran had seen it before on television so he knew about it clearly; Bedeze had maintained his rank as third by controlling many [Holes]. Even if he had misconduct, and he obtained the power that he had now through the [King] piece, his inherent strength wasn’t something to be underestimated. Bedeze was also able to infiltrate this Bael castle because of his [Hole] ability. A [Hole] appeared beside Saji Genshirou, and the black flames which had just been absorbed were released back towards him. However, he returned the black flames to his own body, and then charged forwards for a direct attack. With speed that could not be perceived by the eyes, he shrunk the distance between Bedeze and himself…but Bedeze leapt into the [Hole] which had manifested behind him. Saji Genshirou’s fist struck the air. —But from behind, Saji Genshirou was dealt a kick which propelled him into the wall. Bedeze had actually used a [Hole] to appear behind him. Indeed, Bedeze was able to use a [Hole] to evade attacks, but he was also very good at close-range combat. Despite that, Saji Genshirou showed no signs of giving up, and focused his tentacles, black flames, kicks and punches towards Bedeze, yet all of that was evaded, or blocked by [Hole], and it was essentially impossible for him to reach Bedeze. On the contrary, Bedeze extended a single hand into a [Hole], while a [Hole] appeared near Saji Genshirou, from which Bedeze’s hand emerged and then dealt a direct hit. Bedeze also used demonic energy, and without any sense of the correct distance, Saji Genshirou wouldn’t know what would fly out of the [Holes] nor where they would appear. Saji Genshirou was completely within the palm of his opponent’s hand. He was unable to predict where the [Holes] would appear; even if he was able to dodge the kicks, a [Hole] would suddenly appear and he would tumble over Bedeze’s outstretched foot. Bedeze was able to skilfully open a countless number of [Holes], and freely control them. He was able to absorb all of his opponents’ attacks, and all of his own attacks were able to land a strike on his opponent—.