Afterwards, Dulio expressed his intent to participate in the Rating Game World Tournament. His wish after attaining victory was to modify the Sacred Gear system. By using all of the mystical power of the gathered factions, he wanted to re-adjust the Sacred Gear system so that no one would ever suffer because of their Sacred Gear again. Interfering with the Sacred Gear system was a taboo idea that even Archangel Michael hesitated on. Even so, if he could attain the winning prize of the tournament, and achieve this wish, then it should be possible; the thoughts of Dulio and the reincarnated Angels were the same. —They hoped that there would be no further children who would have to suffer because of their Sacred Gears. After hearing of the aspirations of the reincarnated Angels, Rudiger Rosenkreutz made a decision. He was determined! He volunteered to become the supervisor of the Joker team. …Rudiger made a vow for victory as he stood in front of his child’s grave. The small hill that this tombstone was erected on faced the Vatican. Even if he was the child of a Devil, it was the wish of his parents to allow him to rest somewhere a bit closer to Dulio. “Ah, you’re already here, supervisor.”
He heard a familiar voice. He turned around to see Dulio. He…had arrived here punctually. When asked, he revealed that there were actually other children buried here, which was why he occasionally came to visit. Dulio placed flowers and a small toy onto Rudiger’s child’s grave and then said
“I think Ise-kun will definitely use an ero technique.”
“In the meantime, we have a countermeasure. I think it’s almost certain. Isn’t that the kind of man he is?”
“Of course, that’s precisely the kind of person he is.”
Dulio laughed. He seemed to be looking forward to the battle. Rudiger said
“Oppai Dragon-kun is strong. In the span of a year, there have been many so many historical events that it’s almost unreal. And he has often appeared at the centre of these events. His incredible strength and merits have certainly made him no less than a hero. Moreover, supporting him from behind is Ravel Phoenix, who is also very talented. In thirty years…no, in just twenty years, he’ll become a master of tactics and strategy in the Rating Games of the Underworld.”
The next opponent was a powerful one. There was no doubt that he would be the strongest that they had faced so far. “However, the most terrifying thing is the Sekiryuutei’s black armour. That cannon blast is very similar to the miracles that god-class beings can trigger. No matter which team it is, anyone would be defeated if they took a direct hit from that. It is a simple and blunt trump card. Its mere existence incites dread in the opposing team. It’s a major factor that any opposing team has to take into account when considering their performance in the match.”
Regardless of whether it was the offensive power of that armour, or the abilities of the opposing team members, those were still unknown factors. Although an extensive investigation had been performed, and they had also rushed over to his house to get a grasp on his living habits, he was still a formidable enemy. —Someone capable of performing a miracle could always break through expectations and calculations easily. Rudiger wasn’t an existence as loved by fate as the Joker or the Sekiryuutei. All he could do was continually prepare, and aim for gaps to strike and defeat the opponent. …But, in order to fulfil my wish, I have to surpass them, no matter who the opponent is. Rudiger asked Dulio
“But even so, the ones to win — will be us. Am I right, Trump Card of Heaven — Dulio Gesualdo?”
“Of course.”
Dulio smiled with a carefree look, the same as when he had smiled towards my child at that time. Rudiger solemnly made an oath to the photo of his beloved child that he kept in his pocket. …Ah, I understand. You also want to see this Angel’s in action, right? —Dulio Gesualdo is the best Angel. I will definitely allow this man to win. That was the present goal of Rudiger Rosenkreutz—. Part 1
And then, it was the day of the match—. Our [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] team had already arrived at the venue half a day before the beginning of the match. We were able to arrive early precisely because today was a school break day. The venue for this match was the [Ajuka Stadium] in the Astaroth territory. It was a stadium which had been built to commemorate Ajuka Beelzebub-sama, so it was very modern, and it even used some unknown technology. The corridors were equipped with automatic cleaning robots, and all kinds of facilities were present. The waiting room was also very spacious; there were obviously no problems with human-like beings entering, and there weren’t any issues with giants entering the room in their original bodies either. That was why Bova had reverted back to his original dragon form. Incidentally, our new members Nakiri and Elmenhilde were both wearing the uniform of the [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] team. They were specially prepared for this day. But it was actually so spacious that I didn’t know what to do…. The vastness of the space made it difficult to calm myself down. “Do you best, Ise!”
Kunou ran over to my side. …Ophis and Lilith who were normally with her had stayed behind at home today. Regardless, it wouldn’t be good to let them come out. The person who came after Kunou was—. “Yo, Ise. Asia-chan and everyone else too.”
Tou-san! Although I did give them tickets, I didn’t think that they would actually come! “Tou-san! Did you come over to watch?”
“Yeah, I came to see the glorious match that my son and daughters will be participating in. Though it still feels strange when I come to the world of the Devils.”
Tou-san was transported here via the magic circle that was set up in the basement of the Hyoudou residence, it was something that I had already gotten used to. Tou-san spoke to me with slight consideration
“In fact, I’m quite hesitant to see you before the match because I’m afraid that it’ll bring you strange emotions or tension that may affect your ability to participate in the game.”
“…What about kaa-san? So she didn’t end up coming in the end huh.”
I had given them a pair ticket, but I couldn’t see kaa-san around. Tou-san sighed. “Well, you don’t have to feel so worried about kaa-san, Ise. You’re her only beloved son, so even if it’s just a game, she still won’t budge. Kaa-san is simply too worried that she won’t be able to bear it, so it naturally doesn’t work out. Asia-chan is also like an important daughter to us, and she’s also going to participate in this competition. I don’t think your mother’s heart is prepared for this, especially if she had to watch it directly.”
“…Hmm, she did ask me quite a few times about the safety of the games at home. Although kaa-san didn’t object…I can understand from her reaction that she doesn’t feel happy about it.”
Rias had also told me
—Kaa-san is just an ordinary woman.