Even if they polish their techniques and strengthen their body, they’ll simply collapse if they lack mental strength. If this situation expands within the team, then that will lead to a collapse.”
Irina-san and Bova-san had already reached the limits of their physical and mental capacities, and their movements had become stiff. Xenovia’s reactions were also gradually slowing down. Rudiger-shi asserted
“Lady Ravel Phoenix is a rare talent. But she has the trait of [supremacy]. She is the complete opposite of Hyoudou Issei’s [kingship]. That has been displayed very clearly in this match. All of the members of his team have a promising future. —However, they’re still just teenagers. As youths, they still have immature personalities, and so cooperation does not exist for them. Overcoming this is impossible in just a dozen or so years.”
Rudiger-shi had already told Dulio-san and the others about the weaknesses of Irina-san, Bova-san, and Xenovia. By skilfully utilising this information in the game, they were able to generate a profound impact on the minds and bodies of Irina-san and the others. …We’re still young. We lack experience, and so when faced with a psychological attack — we can’t fully respond. Rias-neesan was unable to reply back with anything. “…That really hits a sore spot.”
“They are strong. You guys as well. But regardless of whether it’s them or you, you all still have human emotions such as joy and worry. —All I’m doing is aiming for these things. I’ve never thought of myself as a perfect person, nor a good strategist.”
Rudiger-shi removed a chess piece from his pocket — he spoke while playing with the bishop piece in his hand. “I’m able to win in a lot of games because high-class Devils are immersed in rationalism and the high society that they are unable to extricate themselves from. They treat pieces as mere pieces, and even the field is nothing more than a checkerboard.”
He turned his gaze towards Rias-neesan as he said
“You should be able to understand, Princess Rias…how foolish it is to look at your own pieces as mere pieces on a chessboard. Unlike chess pieces, your servants — reincarnated Devils are alive. Everyone has their own way of thinking, their own heart, and their own feelings. That is especially so for those who used to be human. Humans have a culture that doesn’t lose to the Devils, and there is a limit to how much you can try to deny their ideas, deny their culture, and try to order them as chess pieces. It might be debatable when it comes to non-humans, but they’re still creatures with emotions. That’s how simple and logical the situation is, yet the aristocratic Devils are unable to understand. No, perhaps it would be better to say that they’ve never wanted to understand it.”
Rudiger-shi asked me
“Kiba Yuuto-kun, you’re also a former human. From your point of view, do you feel the same about what I just said? When you realise that the opponent you’re fighting against has the same feelings as yourself—. These kinds of things are natural. But, it’s such an obvious thing that doesn’t exist in the professional Rating Games. Players who are high-class Devils simply regard it as an extension of chess. With their own servants — the chess pieces are simply treated like live versions.”
Rudiger-shi placed the piece on top of the chair’s armrest, and then declared
“Devils are conceited because of their superior existence in the supernatural world, and this arrogance is exposed in the Rating Games.”
“And, the one painting that image is…Rudiger-sama.”
Hearing Rias-neesan’s words, Rudiger-shi showed a sorrowful expression. “Regarding that…I don’t think it’s flattering, nor something worth feeling proud about, Princess. I just want to compete in an ordinary game. Of course, the top rankers such as Diehauser are well aware of this when they stand on the field. Even so, there are many others who make it into the top ranks. But when it comes down to the bottom line, all I want to do is enjoy a pure game.”
Rudiger Rosenkreutz’s expression became rather solemn when he recalled Diehauser Belial, but he also seemed a bit proud. —All of a sudden, a change occurred within the game. A mysterious bubble appeared on the field. Ise-kun was actually inside the bubble. Ise-kun had been trapped by the mysterious bubble. Seeing this, Rudiger-shi revealed an eloquent smile. “It looks like we’ll be able to see that one.”
What’s going on!? All of a sudden, a mysterious bubble has appeared on the field! Hyoudou Issei-senshu has been trapped within it, just what is this mystery space—! ?>>
Following the announcer’s cry, a mysterious voice was heard. [Come on, Gabriel-sama. Please.] [B-But…it’s so embarrassing. I’m actually dressed like this…! How shameless…!] [This is also for the sake of the ‘reincarnated Angel’ team, so that they can feel motivated in the Rating Games!] That voice — it seemed to be coming from inside the bubble. After Ise-kun heard Gabriel-sama’s voice, he yelled out
[G-Gabriel-san! The bubble is actually showing a video of Gabriel-san!?] It seemed as though the bubble was displaying a video that only Ise-kun could see. All of a sudden, a noseblood gushed out from inside Ise-kun’s armour. [Nnnnggggghhhhhhh! Gabriel-san, sheeeee! Gabriel-san, iiissssssssss!] Ise-kun shouted out in a loud voice that seemed to be filled with joy! Rudiger-shi spoke with a serious tone
“What I had Dulio and the others prepare was — a sexy video of the Seraph Gabriel. It was developed as a technique to restrain the Sekiryuutei within that bubble.”
—What! They went to all the trouble of getting a Seraph to do something like this!? N-No, in order to seal Ise-kun, the Sekiryuutei, perhaps this much is necessary!? Ise-kun always wanted to see Gabriel-sama’s breasts, so something this appealing was like a spell! The voice that we heard from the field is apparently from a video of some kind that was prepared by the reincarnated Angels, and it is currently deployed only in front of Hyoudou Issei-senshu!>>
While the announcer explained that to the audience, more voices from inside the bubble were heard. […D-Do I have to wear this?] [Yes, Gabriel-sama. By wearing this swimsuit, the [Brave Saints] will be saved. …You must become their weapon!] [B-But, the area of this fabric…is almost non-existent.] [Please wear it!] [Uuh, yes…I’ll wear it]
After listening to this conversation, Ise-kun—. [Gaaaaaaaaaahhhhh! Gaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!] He screamed out with joy that could not be conveyed in words! [Ise-samaaaaaaaa! Please be caaarrrreeefullllll!] The voice of his manager Ravel-san was not going to reach him! Rudiger-shi confidently said
“I did some research to determine that the Sekiryuutei’s weakness is bikinis which have a very small fabric area. I also heard that you and the others often dress like that for him Princess Rias, and that he becomes rather excited.”
—They even researched this and incorporated it into their tactics!?