With nothing but his body, his only choice was to train his body and successfully became the heir. Like me, a devil without inborn talent. —This was not the result of short term half-assed training. And to think this young devil was from the same generation as Buchou. ...Buchou truly was in a difficult situation to compete with such a person. Sairaorg-san is definitely a massive wall obstructing Buchou's dreams. Furthermore, he is an even higher and steeper, absolute wall in front of my dreams. "Amazing." I said it naturally. From the brief exchange, I was already full of intense respect and admiration. "So you can reach this level of strength completely through training?" Faced with my question, Sairaorg-san replied. "—I just believe in my own body, that's all." Truly an amazing character. This sentence made me understand, that this person must have conquered unimaginable obstacles and hardships. And because of that, I must attempt to give my all and test my own limits. Even if it is me, I cannot admit defeat! ...This was a good chance to try out Beelzebub-sama's suggestion. After Beelzebub-sama helped me to adjust the pieces within my body, he also made a personal suggestion. About me and the pieces —
"Promotion to Rook!" I made the declaration, promoting to Rook. Yes, Rook, not Queen. Power flowed into my body. With that, offensive and defensive power rose accordingly! "The Rook?" Sairaorg-san showed a surprised expression towards my promotion. He must have expected me to promote to Queen. Sairaorg-san disappeared once again! —It's coming! I sent power into the legs and entered a defensive stance as if my feet were rooted to the floor! Gritting my teeth, I wrapped my body in aura! [ BoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoost!! ] Using the dragon's power to enhance defence! I also didn't forget to power up my right fist at the same time —
Crash! Sairaorg-san appeared from the front, and sent a heavy punch into my abdomen. — A powerful impact! The force of the punch penetrates straight into my backbone! ...Cough. Spreading throughout my entire body was intense pain as well as a feeling like everything was drying out! The impact transmitted straight to my feet, my legs trembled non-stop... Thanks to having lowered my centre of gravity, I withstood it. Though my consciousness was nearly lost at one point, but I returned to full awareness! If I hadn't gritted my teeth and struggled to endure it, my consciousness will definitely be overburdened and lost! The abdomen armour... Though damaged, has not been completely shattered. Aiming at the exact instant when Sairaorg-san withdrew his fist, once again I sent a powerful straight punch into Sairaorg-san's face! Crash! Though it felt like punching a thick stone wall—I felt through my hand there was a tiny feeling that something cracked. Spurt! Fresh blood came out of Sairaorg-san, but at the same time —
Choke! Blood also spurted out from the mask area of my helmet. Blood was rising from my abdomen and vomiting out of my mouth...
...How much damage has been taken from that punch to the belly...? Ribs must be cracked, perhaps broken? Just the act of breathing, caused intense pain all over the body. But, I endured it...! My armour and I made it through! Lately, all these enemies have been characters who could penetrate my armour with ease and made me think about focusing my energy towards defence. Well, this was a natural feeling when I keep fighting with all these existences that were stronger than me. However, diverting power to defence was an interesting thing to try. Though it hurt like hell, it made it clear, as long as the Sacred Gear's power was used flexibly for defence, it is possible to take the attack of a super power type straight on and survive. At the same time as withstanding the attack, going from full defence and switching to counter-attacking was also key. See, Sairaorg-san had a nosebleed. ...Finally, a decent counter-attack. This was it, though it wasn't always useful, this was my everything. Promotion to Rook to enhance attack and defence had proven its worth. —It works! I can fight with this man! Incredible new strength and motivation flowed into me simply from realising that. Well, no matter how you look at it, it's me who got more injured, but it is no longer the case that I cannot injure him. Perhaps, even if I lose, I can break an arm of his. Though I currently cannot defeat him, but at this level let me give it my all! Sairaorg-san wiped the blood off his nose with his fingers. —As if delighted from the bottom of his heart, he smiled. "...Promotion to Rook eh? Looks like it wasn't a wrong decision. I put quite a bit of power into that punch. Your attack and defence were excellent as a Rook. Perhaps the Rook which specializes in offence and defence, rather than the all-rounder Queen, is better suited to a power type like you. ...What is it? I see questioning in your eyes. You have a question about our fight?" "No, how should I put it... Those upper class devils often... umm, look down on me... But Sairaorg-san has been serious from the start, it's surprising." This man, I can feel he approved of me from the very beginning. All this time, Raizer, Diodora and other upper class devils, none of them gave me any respect, so the current situation makes me feel refreshed yet a little shy. Hearing my words, Sairaorg-san let out a sigh. "So that's why. You have been underestimated all this time. Don't worry, I will not underestimate you! To survive and win a direct battle against the old Maou faction as well as Loki the Norse god of evil, I have no reason to look down on you." These words... made me tremble with delight. Sairaorg-san made a fearless smile. "Fighting you also makes me happy. Your punches are pretty good. It's been a long time since I've been punched to a nosebleed. Facing a similar type is what makes me happiest. Your punch must have been trained? It is something that can be understood after being hit.—Don't worry, try to hit me with your full strength. Isn't that the reason why you are standing here?" I felt myself completely taken by Sairaorg-san's charismatic smile. —
Approving of me. ...This bastard. When clearly he is an opponent that I must beat...
You truly are an opponent I must have a good long chat with after the match! I extend my fist and enter a stance! Abdominal armour recovered! I will take back the promise to break his arm just now! —Even if I lose, I will break both his arms! This is my response to you here, giving my best effort! "Come! Hyoudou Issei! Just focus on beating me! Show me the power of the Sekiryuutei!" "Ok, here I come!" [ BoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoostBoost!! ] I fired off Dragon Shoot towards Sairaorg-san who was charging straight on. Smack! Crash! With a single brush of his fist in a horizontal sweep, Sairaorg-san deflected my Dragon Shoot into the wall of the training hall. No effect!