—Ravel’s true nature is the path of supremacy. ……Using all of our power and knowledge on the path towards supremacy huh. This is Ravel’s talent…. If Riser was able to make use of Ravel’s talent — perhaps that Rating Game might have resulted in a one-sided loss for us. ……Unshakable determination and a spectacular way of executing it. All of it was so that people could acutely realise it. —Ravel was the cornerstone of this team. In order to continue surviving in this tournament, Ravel’s strength was indispensable. And at the same time, because she was the heart of this team, our chances of victory would immediately collapse if she were to be attacked. …Throughout this game, there may be people who become aware that Ravel is the core of our team. And so, as the tournament progresses, there will be more people aiming for Ravel than me. …Through this tournament, the slumbering talents that people of various factions possess will be discovered. Is this one of aspects that the managers — Beelzebub-sama and the God of Destruction Shiva are expecting? Or was this an earlier plan of Azazel-sensei and Sirzechs-sama? If that’s the case, then perhaps Ravel is the first person to fit this category. This reliable and promising strategic advisor-sama sent another message. “The number of [objects] that our side has destroyed puts us into a check position. We just need one more to win. This is something that the other side also knows. They will no longer hesitate, and will probably begin to attack while looking for [objects] or seek to snatch it from us. Now is the crucial moment where everything matters, everyone!”
Alright! In that case, Barakiel-san will have no choice but to appear! I asked Ravel
“Ravel, where is Barakiel-san right now? Is he still fighting against Xenovia and Irina?”
“—Hmm, so you want to decide the victor of the game? I understand, since you want to determine a winner, please proceed.”
Ravel accepted my suggestion! Since the game had already progressed to such a stage, it was perfectly feasible for me to act like this as a [King]. Although Armaros-san was caught up in the western side of our territory which was within the range of my Blaster, we did not hear an announcement about his retirement, and so I was somewhat worried, but my team members would deal with him. “Ise-sama, acting as a [King] to take down another [King] will greatly boost morale, and the evaluations from everyone definitely will not be low! Please show them just what kind of man the [King] of Hyoudou Issei’s peerage is! “No problem!”
As expected of my peerage! And my manager! I then flew towards the location where Xenovia and Irina were fighting against Barakiel-san! They were in the north-eastern corner! I focused my strength into my dragon wings, and flew towards there at high-speed! Although Pseudo-Dragon Deification had used up the majority of my stamina, I could still continue to fight! “Hold on!”
“We’ve found Hyoudou Issei!”
On the way, several of Barakiel-san’s team members attempted to stop my progression—. “Don’t get in the way of my lord!”
The one who crashed into the Fallen Angels from their flank was my [Pawn], Bova! Bova spat out a powerful torrent of flames which did not lose to his chichi’s in intensity, and then stood in front of the Fallen Angels to block them off! Bova fearlessly said
“[King]! Leave this to me!”
“Alright, I’m counting on you!”
I left that to Bova, and then flew towards Barakiel-san’s location without any hesitation! Although I was panting heavily with ‘Haa haa…’ noises…I could not stop here to rest! [Of the [Lightning] team, one [Pawn] has retired.] Yeah! An update from our side! It seems like Bova has already taken care of an opponent! As I flew at high-speed over the field, I was soon able to see thunderclouds! That’s where Xenovia and Irina were fighting! Xenovia and Irina were up against Barakiel-san and two other Fallen Angels in a two-to-three fight. One of the two Fallen Angels was a woman who used a greatsword forged of light, while the other one was a male Fallen Angel who wielded a halberd of light. “Ise! You came!”
“Sure enough, my darling was thinking of having a showdown between the leaders!”
Both Xenovia and Irina welcomed my arrival. Speaking of which, even if it was the two of them up against Barakiel-san’s lightning, they had done very well! Although their uniform had already become tattered, and they were low on stamina, both of them were still fine and lively, and evaded a direct strike from the lightning. “I’ll leave the other two to you two!”
I left the two other Fallen Angel opponents to Xenovia and Irina, while I flew directly towards Barakiel-san! “Barakiel-san! Let’s finish off what we started!”
I changed my right arm into its Solid Impact mode whilst I evaded Barakiel-san’s lightning—. [Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost Boost!!!!!!] [Solid Impact Booster!!!!] I quickly sent Barakiel-san flying through the air! Barakiel-san’s beaten body was languid, but he steadied himself and prepared for a direct confrontation. “Very well. But, do not be careless. Are you able to understand what I’m thinking?”
From here, it was a melee fight between [Kings]! My punches and kicks all hammered down upon Barakiel-san’s face, shoulders, torso, and legs! On the other hand, Barakiel-san’s lightning-imbued punches and kicks also struck my face, torso, and my legs! His attacks of lightning, a combination of electricity and light, were transmitted to me through my armour, and because my reserves of stamina and demonic energy were low, I couldn’t stop myself from trembling due to the damage that was done to my entire body! And amidst the heated exchange with Barakiel-san, I deeply felt it. —Barakiel-san had pulled the rug out from underneath me when it came to strategy. It was as if he was trying to guide me. It was as if this person was acting in the place of Azazel-sensei. Even his words just then were the same. He deliberately said “Are you able to understand what I’m thinking?” in order to guide my thought process. …He was encouraging my growth through this Rating Game. A year ago — I died once because of a Fallen Angel. And in the year following that — I’ve grown to this point by the hand of a Fallen Angel. And precisely because of that, I know that I have to repay that debt now! I have to respond to their expectations! Barakiel-san, I will defeat you! But before that, I have to repay you for what you just did! I faced Barakiel-san directly and said
“I…at night, I occasionally sleep together with Akeno-san! Being caught between Rias and Akeno-san while I sleep is the best!”
Instantly, Barakiel-san seemed taken aback by what I had just said! At first he was embarrassed, and confused, and then he became mad! “……. …Kuh! Y-You’re using that trick!”
My attack accurately struck Barakiel-san as he let his guard down! However, my breathing had already become heavy and disturbed! My stamina had almost reached its limits as well!