…I don’t know it if was because of the outcome, or because we knew that the game was over, but there were many players who collapsed. …I looked at the score once more. …But, the score didn’t change. ……I see. …I lost. …Really, we didn’t make it by just a bit. …But, it doesn’t feel bad. It feels so strange even though I clearly lost. It was the first time that I was able to enjoy a battle like this. It wasn’t about life or death, it was just contest in which we fought with our honour on the line—. Dulio dragged his swollen and tired body to my side. “……I lost.”
After I said that, Dulio sat beside me. “Hehe, it was very close. You were able to do that because you guys had so many secret techniques hidden up your sleeve.”
“Are you afraid? Our strategist-sama prepared various tactics to make use of our strengths.”
All of our techniques were basically Ravel’s ideas. But, we had also been amazing for being able to actualise them. “Ise-kun, the talent of your team is certainly terrifying given that you were able to prepare all that.”
Dulio seemed fearful of us. While the two of us spoke to each other harmoniously as the [King] of our respective sides, Xenovia and Nero on the other hand were gasping and arguing with each other. “…You’re still the same power idiot as always.”
“I don’t want to be told that by the original power idiot.”
But, the two of them smiled as they shook hands. “Thank you, Nero.”
“Yeah, same here. —Also, call me [Captain Angel].”
On another side, Diethelm-san who was also a healer shook hands with Asia. “…It is truly a flawless healing ability, Sister Asia.”
“…No, I also feel honoured by the diversity that I have been able to encounter in healing.”
“It seems you didn’t get a change to summon Fafnir.”
Diethelm-san was right. That dragon sat in the commentary box from beginning to end. Whatever, that dragon should only come out in critical situations where life and death are at risk. “Although it was passionate and fiery, it was still a peaceful match.”
—Asia said. “It would be better to discipline that dragon a bit. —Doesn’t he value underwear too much?”
“…H-He isn’t a bad person.”
But you still think he’s a pervert, right? Mirana-san and Irina then gave their respects to each other after the game. “…Ah, umm…”
Irina reached out to Mirana-san, who seemed slightly fearful. “A handshake! We’re comrades, so you don’t need to feel so concerned from now on. —Mirana-san, let’s be friends!”
“…Ah, okay…Irina-san…!”
…From the looks of things, we had gained various things in this match, and we had also gained a deeper understanding of each other. …It was still the first time that we had experienced a game like this. It was wonderful that we were able to have feelings like this after the battle. Dulio and I exchanged a handshake. With our faces covered in injuries, we both said to each other
“I won’t lose next time.”
“I won’t lose again next time.”
That’s right, as expected of the Joker! The leader of [DxD]! The announcer cried out
The [King] of both teams have shook hands and hugged each other! Audience members, please stand up and give them your applause!>>
Like this, the curtain was closed on the battle between the [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] team and [Trump Card of Heaven] team which concluded with the [Trump Card of Heaven] team being victorious—. Part 2
“Oooooooooooooooooooohhhh!”
After the game finished, the [Sekiryuutei of Blazing Truth] team gathered in the waiting room. What echoed about in the waiting room — was Bova’s wailing. Bova pounded on the walls of the waiting room over and over again. “Even so! I! I was clearly ordered to become the [Fang of the Sekiryuutei]…! If only I moved around better! If only I fought harder…! I wouldn’t have let My Lord fail…! Even though My Lord is much stronger…!”
I pat Bova as I said
“—Don’t say that Bova. The opponent was strong. That’s how simple it is.”
Bova lay flat on the ground as large tears streamed down his face and he spoke his true feelings. “…I…if I could fight in a match like the one that you and Sairaorg-dono had…that’s the kind of match that I’d like to have…!”
……I see, so he wanted to make it similar to how it was in my battle against Sairaorg-san. To me, that was also a special battle for me. I felt truly fortunate to be able to look forward to a fight like that. “Thank you Bova. But a loss in the preliminaries is not a total defeat. We still have the upcoming matches. It’s no big deal, I’ve also been defeated a few times. —We must become stronger before the next match. To catch up to them. I, all of us, we’re always chasing after something.”
Bova looked at me with a smile as I said that, and then he shed manly tears. “…Ooh, oooooooaaah…”
…Bova, you will become stronger. You’re a dragon with the blood of Tannin-ossan flowing through you, so you’ll definitely become stronger. I looked towards Nakiri. “…Nakiri, you’ve had to participate in a real battle right off the bat. Thank you for your efforts. If we didn’t have that awesome technique of yours, the difference in our score would have widened and we would have had a more convincing loss.”
“…No, I still lack training. But — you’re the most disappointed aren’t you, senpai?”
Nakiri wiped off his sweat with a towel as he spoke. “……”
…Seriously, I was left speechless by a single sentence that my junior had said. —But, I won’t let you see that. I won’t allow my junior to see my regretful expression. I — was not only his senior, but also his [King]. If I was going to cry in the tournament, then it would be after I was victorious. Just as Rias did to me, as his senior as well as his [King], I cannot show regret in front of my comrade. “I am indeed disappointed, but we have learnt a lot in this game. In my view, phrases like ‘there’s no meaning in losing’ or ‘there’s nothing to be gained in losing’, are not true okay? Listen up, Bova, Nakiri.”
That’s right, this is from my experience. Having tried the taste of defeat—. And standing amidst a dilemma—. “Self-attribution is what makes the people who are defeated more powerful. Because — in order to erase any regrets, you must obtain victory.”
This was an important thing. Only victory and success can blow away the disappointment and regret of the past. To some people, what I’m saying might be taken for granted…but to the people who are filled with deep regret, they will realise that this is the most important thing. After Nakiri finished wiping his face with a towel, he stood in front of me and said
“…I have long since resolved myself in this tournament to struggle through victory and defeat under your command. And now I’ve decided. —I won’t lose next time. Even if the opponent is a god.”
“Yeah, of course!”
That’s right, even if they’re god, all we have to do is defeat them if we encounter them in a match! Nothing more! I originally wanted to say something to Elmenhilde as well…but it was unfortunate that due to her fatigue, she had already fallen asleep on the bench whilst wrapped in a blanket.