In the designated rest area for the match, Tenraku was reclining on a sofa with his eyes closed, recuperating.
"Tenraku-Sama, it's time for us to go on stage."
His entire Peerage gathered behind him as Yubelluna's soft voice reminded him that it was time.
"Finally, it's time to begin…"
Opening his eyes, a slight smile formed at the corner of Tenraku's lips as he muttered.
"Alright, let's set off!"
"Yes!"
With a tap of his magic staff, Yubelluna activated the magic formation, enveloping Tenraku and the women in a burst of light before they vanished.
Meanwhile, within the enormous arena—
"Let's welcome the once again, the next team entering the stage— Team Kamiya Tenraku!"
"Oh oh ohoh oh!!!"
A wave of thunderous cheers erupted like a giant wave. As Tenraku and his women emerged from the transmission formation, they were now standing on the arena's stage.
The colossal arena resembled a Roman coliseum, with nearly a million spectators seated in the surrounding tiers. Roars of enthusiasm echoed one after another, igniting the hearts and minds of everyone present.
Notably, Tenraku's group hadn't been transported to ground level but to a towering conical floating platform.
These platforms were merely two in number, serving as the stages for the competitors. On one side stood Tenraku and his women, and on the other stood Sairaorg and his Peerage, who had entered the arena ahead of them.
Though the platforms were hundreds of meters apart, both Tenraku and Sairaorg, with their remarkable vision, could detect each other's excited expressions.
They were itching for a battle, eagerly awaiting this day!
"Good evening, everyone!"
"I am Naud Gamigin of the 72 Pillars House of Gamigin. I'll be your host for tonight's match!"
Suddenly, a massive screen materialized above the arena, revealing a splendidly dressed male figure wearing earphones.
Beneath the resounding cheers, Naud Gamigin, the host, continued speaking: "Now, let me introduce our judges for tonight's match. First up, we have Rudiger Rosenkreutz!"
As the host's words concluded, a magic circle materialized in the air, revealing a man seated on a throne. He possessed silvery hair and an imposing appearance.
Raising his hand in greeting, the silver-haired gentleman's action triggered countless screams from the female audience members.
"Tenraku-sama, that Rudiger Rosenkreutz was originally a human turned Devil. He holds the title of Top-Class Devil and is ranked seventh in the high-class Devil's Rating Game."
Knowing Tenraku wasn't well-versed in these matters and likely unfamiliar with this supposed judge, Yubelluna whispered quietly at Tenraku's side.
The fact that Rudiger was a reincarnated Devil surprised Tenraku a bit. The true rulers of the Underworld had always been the rare pure-blooded Devils. Reincarnated Devils, in the end, were mere servants and members of Peerages, subservient to those high-and-mighty pure-blooded Devils.
Unless they possessed unique talents and abilities, most reincarnated Devils were content with being Low-Class or Middle-Class Devils at best. The fact that Rudiger Rosenkreutz had achieved such a status hinted at his exceptional nature.
"Next, we have a special guest joining us tonight— Governor General of the Fallen Angels, Azazel-sama!"
"Hey there…"
As the host continued introducing, Azazel, who had one hand supporting his cheek, appeared from a magic circle. Lifting his hand with a lazy wave, he greeted the audience nonchalantly.
"Governor General Azazel maintains friendly relations with leaders of various factions and has deep knowledge of Sacred Gears."
"Governor General Azazel, may we hear your thoughts on tonight's match?"
"Well, that's a tough one. Whether it's Sairaorg or Kamiya Tenraku, they're both remarkable young individuals. However, if I were to compare, I'd lean more towards Kamiya Tenraku."
"That lad possesses an array of Sacred Gears that even I envy. He wields powerful Longinus, including the [Gauntlet of the Red Dragon Emperor – Boosted Gear] and [Light Wings of the White Dragon Sovereign – Divine Dividing]. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him the most monstrous existence in the Underworld's history. Sairaorg has his work cut out if he wants to defeat him."
Despite everyone present being familiar with Tenraku's reputation, Azazel's words still elicited gasps of astonishment. Regular Sacred Gears were one thing, but even possessing several prohibited Longinus was remarkable. Such an individual was undoubtedly a monstrous existence!
"Oh, it seems Governor General Azazel has a strong inclination towards His Highness the Red Dragon Emperor. Nevertheless, we'll have to wait and see the real outcome during the upcoming match."
"Now, let's welcome our final guest for tonight, the current king of Rating Games— Diehauser Belial!"
As the host introduced, a man with gray hair and gray eyes stepped into the spotlight. He was incredibly handsome.
"Hello, everyone. I am Diehauser Belial. Please treat me kindly."
"Ahhhhhhhhh… Diehauser-Sama!!!"
The audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers as Diehauser Belial made his appearance.
The man named Diehauser Belial smiled and greeted the audience, and instantly, the entire arena erupted like an explosion. Countless girls went wild, screaming in excitement. In fact, quite a few became so overwhelmed with excitement that they fainted on the spot!
This time, without Yubelluna's introduction, Tenraku recognized who he was. Diehauser Belial, the reigning king of Rating Games, the Emperor at the pinnacle!
His fame was immense, especially among the young Devils of the Underworld. You might not know the Four Great Demon Kings, but if you didn't know Diehauser Belial, you'd undoubtedly be deeply scorned!
As the current king of Rating Games, Diehauser Belial was idolized by countless individuals, even the likes of Rias, who carried an inner pride, regarded him as a goal to strive for throughout her lifetime.
Tenraku's gaze flickered as he observed Diehauser Belial seated in the floating platform above.
Unsurprisingly, this guy possessed the strength of a Demon King and was undoubtedly one of the most elite among the Demon Kings.
And if Tenraku remembered correctly, Diehauser Belial was the only one among the top-ranking individuals who had never used a [King] piece. He had climbed to the summit purely based on his own talent.
With Tenraku's current insight and power, there weren't many people he feared, but this guy was undoubtedly one of them!
"All the judges and guests are present. Now, let me explain the rules of this match."
Clapping his hands, as the cheers in the arena gradually subsided, the host continued:
"Based on the conditions of the kings and Peerages on both sides, to provide a more thrilling match, we have established special rules for this match."
"This match consists of four rounds: the Knight Battle, the Rook Battle, the Queen Battle, and the War of Kings."
"In the Knight Battle, two [Knights] from each side will face off; in the Rook Battle, two [Rooks] from each side will face off; in the Queen Battle, the [Queens] from each side and two [Bishops] will face off; and in the final War of Kings, the kings from each side and athe[Pawns] will face off!"
"As for the ultimate victory, it will be determined by the total piece value of the Peerage that remains on the field after each round. The value of a [Knight] and a [Bishop] is three, a [Rook] is five, a [Queen] is nine, and the king on both sides is universally valued at twelve."
"Additionally, for the sake of fairness, the use of Phenex's Tears is prohibited in the match, but various recovery magic and healing-type Sacred Gears can be freely used."
The rules for each round varied, which was part of the allure of Rating Games. With the host's explanation, everyone had a clear understanding of the rules for this match.
The Knight Battle, Rook Battle, Queen Battle, and War of Kings— this match provided a direct comparison of the strength of the kings and Peerages on both sides. Moreover, with four battles, the audience would be thoroughly entertained!
As for the restriction against using Phenex's Tears, anyone with a bit of sense would understand that this was aimed specifically at Tenraku's side. Tenraku, as a member of the Phenex family, naturally had an ample supply of Phenex's Tears. If unrestricted usage was allowed during the match, Sairaorg's side would be in trouble.
"Are there any questions from either side?"
The host looked down at the floating platforms where Tenraku and Sairaorg were standing and asked.
"None."
With a strong sense of determination, both Tenraku and Sairaorg replied.
"Okay, since both sides have no further questions, I hereby announce that the match between House of Bael's Sairaorg-sama and House of Phenex's Tenraku-sama officially begins!"
The entire arena erupted with waves of cheers, and the host continued:
"Now, let us proceed to our first battle— the Knight Battle."
"Both [Knights] from each side, please step into the transmission formation at the front of the floating platform. The formal duel will take place in a separate dimension."
Upon receiving the host's instruction, Karlamine and Siris took two steps forward. Similarly, on Sairaorg's side, two armored men stepped forward.
"Karlamine, Siris, I'll be watching you. Give it your all in the battle."
Having full confidence in the two women's abilities, Tenraku encouraged them.
"Yes, Tenraku-Dama!"
Taking a deep breath, Karlamine and Siris stepped into the transmission formation.
Under the gaze of everyone present, a bright light shone, and both sides' Knights were transported to a separate dimension…
To be continued…
You can read up to 70 chapters on my patreon and I've also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/darkshadow6395/posts.
5$- 5 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS
10$- 10 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS
20$- 20 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS
40$- 40 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS
70$- 70 Chapters For Both OPTM & EPHS
Hey guys
I have made a goal in which as soon as I reach 500 dollars on my Patreon, I will star posting 2 chapters per day instead of 1 for both my novels (EPHS & OPTM).
So please support me.
Thank You.