Not all of the demonic energy shots that came out of the [Holes] in his blind spot were able to hit Sairaorg. Whether it was the intuition of a beast or the accumulated experience that he had, Sairaorg was able to evade to some degree. —But, that was it. Bedeze’s attacks became more intense. Sairaorg intended to counterattack and thrust out his fist, but it was absorbed by a [Hole] which appeared in front of him, after which a [Hole] appeared beside his face; the fist which had been absorbed emerged out of another [Hole] and struck him squarely in the face. “…It’s the first time that I’ve been hit with and endured a strike with my own fist. …I see now, it’s very effective just as Hyoudou Issei said.”
The unsteady Sairaorg laughed at the strength of his own fist. He had taken a blow that he had never foreseen, and its strength exceeded even his own expectations. After all, it was the fist of the youth who never stopped training, so it couldn’t be helped if his body was unable to withstand it. Wiping off the blood at the corner of his mouth, Sairaorg adjusted his breathing, and then readied his fighting stance again. Nevertheless, Sairaorg’s attacks had no effect on Bedeze. Compared to Saji Genshirou before, his compatibility with Bedeze was even worse. No, it would be best to rethink that. Almost all of the people with Bedeze as an opponent would be at a disadvantage. This just went to show how otherworldly Bedeze Abaddon’s manipulation of the [Hole] ability was. No matter what kind of opponent he faced, he was able to maintain his own rhythm…he was simply an embodiment of the technique-type—. Eventually, Sairaorg accumulated too much damage, and knelt with one knee on the ground. Although Magdaran had not seen Sairaorg’s fight against Grendel…he recognised that this fight was even more difficult. “Guh…”
His attacks had failed, he had suffered many injuries, and so Sairaorg wore a bitter expression in the current situation. “…H-How can this be, even Master Sairaorg is…!”
Even Saji Genshirou felt stricken by Sairaorg’s current condition. But, Bedeze shook his head. “You guys are wrong, you shouldn’t be so optimistic. To be honest, I’m surprised as well. I’m often described as someone with Maou-class strength. If I had the intention, I could make a massive [Hole], and then release demonic energy into it, which could blow away this entire castle. If I did that, the winner would be determined too early, which is why things are the way they are now. —However, simply letting my demonic energy pass through a [Hole] of normal size without compressing it won’t be able to harm the Vritra on that side, nor the next head-dono. That is to say, people like you, the Devils of [DxD] already have significant strength.”
Bedeze held his chin as he nodded. “I’ve experienced many life or death battles. Needless to say, that is the greatest method of becoming stronger. …I am once again in reverence of the current situation of people like you.”
That was the sincere praise of a high ranked Rating Game player. He then continued
“Precisely because of this. Sairaorg, you’re also someone who’s worried about your own talent and bloodline. Isn’t that right? You also want to use it right? —Use that [King] piece.”
Bedeze extended his hand out, as he let out flattering words from his mouth. Sairaorg frowned. “…Could I ask what you mean by that?”
Facing Sairaorg’s question, Bedeze answered
“I’ve heard news that those old Devils have [King] pieces. After removing the heads of Great King, I’ll work together with my collaborators, and give one of those pieces to you. You can use it, and become a true Great King. If it’s a Devil like you who has the support of the public, you’ll definitely be able to build a more brilliant family business. A brand new Great King will begin with you.”
While Bedeze looked at Sairaorg, Magdaran and Saji Genshirou, he said
“Listen up, young rookies, you should remember what I say. —The Rating Games are a noble’s thing. It’s a form of entertainment only for the upper class. Low-class Reincarnated Devils who do not have talent, wealth, or status delude themselves with enjoying the Rating Games, it’s really such a joke.”
Those blunt words really only belonged to someone who came from an upper class background. To some extent, that was the truth. If things continued as they were without any major changes or reforms, getting a promotion through Rating Games was quite difficult. Sairarog — only said one thing towards that. “…I refuse.”
Bedeze seemed to doubt his own ears and asked Sairaorg again
“…What did you say?”
Sairaorg endured against his trembling legs and stood up to explain the meaning of his words. “I will never deny the way that I’ve lived my life up until now! The path that I’ve walked until now is my pride! You want me to throw away all of the pain, regret, laughter, joy, victory and defeat that I’ve had until now!? I absolutely reject this! These two fists, this body, this soul, and my peerage, are all the treasures which I’ve obtained through fighting! Discarding that for false talent is something I will never do!”
Sairaorg edged closer to Bedeze, with each step full of vigour. “Not only me, Saji Genshirou here, and the Sekiryuutei Hyoudou Issei are the same. —The value that strength obtained through great pains has…! You want to let them discard all of the harsh things that they’ve experienced in the past year and have them pursue something like that!? Well, regardless of whether you’re an experienced competitor or a puppet of the old Devils, I will defeat you right here without a shred of hesitation!”
Sairaorg’s fierce roar caused Saji Genshirou to cry. “…Master…master!”
Sairaorg’s gaze — suddenly turned towards here. “Don’t worry Magdaran. —I’ll definitely protect you.”
A smile emerged on Sairaorg’s face. …He understood it himself. This man, he had been fighting while constantly keeping watch out for this side—. In order to prevent Bedeze’s attacks from spreading to this side, he didn’t allow him to direct attacks towards this side, and was always carefully watching. Magdaran realised this. If not for that, the battle should be more even. Nonetheless…that guy still chose to ‘protect’. —I vowed that I wouldn’t call him. Ani, aniue, I had already decided not to call him that. Magdaran still hadn’t forgotten about the time when the position of next Head of the House was taken away from him. But, what surfaced in Magdaran’s mind was a childhood memory. Although it was only for a few years, he had followed behind Sairarog, the time when he would play with his ani every day. Together in the Bael castle, they ran within the courtyard, they played together every day in the secret base that they had created in the Bael castle—. —I can’t afford to call him. One day, in order to find a rare flower, Magdaran went to a mountain near the Bael castle and was attacked by demonic beasts. He had come out on his own without any guards.