Underworld, Gremory Territory, Alaverus Estate.
This evening, the [Rating Game] between James Alaverus and Diodora Astaroth would take place. For the last hour, James and his peerage intended to relax so that their minds would be fresh before the [Game]. Even though James did not see Diodora as a threat, he had no intention of taking the heir of House Astaroth lightly.
James was sitting in his studio with Mizore, putting the finishing touches on the last few chapters of Sailor Moon. As he finished the page he was working on, James put his pen down and stretched.
"I'm a little nervous about tonight's [Rating Game]." Mizore said while inking some of the backgrounds for the page she was completing. "I don't feel like we'll lose, but I'm nervous about the spectators."
"I know what you mean." James replied with a smile. "Even though our works have become famous, not many people know that we're the ones that made them. But now, the entire Underworld will know about us."
"Then how do you stay so calm?" Mizore asked as she looked up from the page in front of her.
"Honestly, I don't know." James said while shaking his head. "Probably because there's nothing scarier than fighting all out with Master."
"Now that you mention it..." Mizore said as she remembered the fights she had seen James have with Scathach.
"Yeah, I think I understand." Mizore said. "This Diodora guy can't compare to Master Scathach."
"Yeah." James said with a nod. "Anyway, it's about time. Let's go."
With that, James and Mizore left the art studio. Then, they met up with the rest of James' peerage in the living room. After that, they teleported to the Capital City, Lilith where they would spend the last half hour waiting for the [Rating Game] to start.
Underworld, Capital City, Lilith.
The large arena, where most [Rating Games] were held, was filled to capacity. Many of the people in attendance were there because they were curious about the young half-devil, James Alaverus, who was said to have proven that he was the strongest in the younger generation. James' parents, Rias' parents, Sona's parents, Grayfia, Rias, Sona, and both Rias and Sona's peerages were also in attendance to cheer for James in his debut.
"Is James going to be alright?" Rias asked, somewhat nervous for her fiancé.
"Don't worry, Rias." Leona said in a consoling tone. "James' mind is strong. And if he happens to lose his nerve, Scatti is there to help him find it."
Just thinking about the hell Scathach would put James through if he lost his will to fight, everyone in their group shuddered briefly.
"It's about time." Zeoticus said as he looked down to the center of the Arena.
"Sometimes it baffles me." Cassiel said. "Why put the [Rating Games] in an arena like this if they're going to be teleported to a [Rating Game Board].
"It's to create revenue, Honey." Leona said with a smile. "It's a great way to make money."
Nodding in response, Cassiel also looked to the center of the Arena. And just as he did, Team Astaroth was introduced by the announcer. Following that, Diodora led his peerage into the arena with a gentle smile on his face.
"That's the devil I healed before I was excommunicated." Asia said in surprise while she pointed at Diodora.
Hearing that, Rias narrowed her eyes. Then, she remembered what James said about how something was fishy about the incident when Asia was excommunicated.
'I wish I could let James know about this.' Rias thought as she kept her eyes on Diodora.
A few moments later, James and his peerage were announced before they also entered the arena. After James was introduced, the announcer introduced to the participants how things would work for this [Rating Game].
James and Diodora would lead their peerages onto the two platforms on the arena floor. Then, the platforms would rise, and a bridge would extend from each platform toward the other. In the middle, there would be a pedestal for the two to choose what kind of [Rating Game] they would have.
As the announcer spoke, James and Diodora followed his instructions. By the end, they were both standing before the pedestal that was mentioned.
"May the best team win." James said in a sportsman-like manner.
"Of course, I will win." Diodora said arrogantly. "There's no way I will lose to a half-breed."
James could only shake his head in disappointment. Then, he placed his hand on the pedestal. Seeing that James was done talking, Diodora snorted and placed his hand on his side of the pedestal.
When both [King's] hands were on the pedestal, a roulette wheel appeared over the pedestal. Then, it began to spin. After about a minute, the [Rating Game] type was decided.
"{Ladies and Gentlemen! It looks like we'll be having a [Lightning Game]!}" The announcer shouted over the PA system in the arena. "{For those who are uninformed, a [Lightning Game] follows almost all of the same rules as a regular [Rating Game], however, the time limit is only three hours.}"
Without speaking to Diodora again, James returned to his peerage. However, Diodora had more to say.
"Just to prove that you are nothing, I'll wait for you in the middle of the [Game Board]." Diodora said loud enough for the entire arena to hear. Then, he also turned and returned and returned to his own peerage.
When James arrived back at his platform, Mizore was the first to speak.
"That guy is provoking us." Mizore said unhappily. "And it would make you look like a coward if you didn't meet him in the middle of the [Game Board]."
"It's fine." James replied with a smile. "This is a [Lightning Game], right? Then let's show them what lightning looks like."
Hearing that, everyone in James' peerage smiled with bloodthirst.
"Search and destroy." James said sporting the same bloodthirsty smile. "I'll take my time getting to the center of the [Game Board]. I want his entire peerage eliminated before I get there."
"Understood!" The younger members of James' peerage cried happily.
"I will only step in if you all miss someone before James arrives." Scathach said with her spear resting over her shoulder.
"And if any of you are unable to eliminate at least one opponent, I'll assign you a training session with Master." James said with a devious smile.
Scathach mimicked the smile as she looked at the younger devils.
Hearing that, the expressions of all the younger members became determined.
"{Now, please step into your respective teleportation circles.}" The announcer said. "{After the teleportation, you will have ten minutes to strategize. Then the [Rating Game] will begin.
A moment after the announcer finished, the two teams were teleported onto the [Rating Game Board].
[Rating Game Board].
For this [Rating Game], the [Board] was a valley situated between two adjacent mountains. Stretching one and a quarter miles (approx. 2 km) wide and a little over three miles (approx. 5 km) long, there were many rocks, bushes, and large trees that could be used to obstruct the enemy team's line of sight. Also, there were several narrow paths on the mountain walls to either side of the valley that could be used to cross the length of the [Board]. At either side of the valley, there was a castle wall with the symbol that represented each team. These castle walls were the points pawns had to reach in order to promote.
"{Each team is now standing on a wall that marks where their base is located.}" The announcer said. "{Pawns must reach the opposing team's wall to promote. Now, you will have ten minutes to strategize. After that, the [Rating Game] will begin!}"
"Here, everyone, take one of these." James said as he pulled a small case from his pants pocket. "These are transceivers that are allowed in [Rating Games]. This way we'll be able to keep in touch."
After they each took a transceiver, James and his peerage did not say much or spend any time planning. Diodora, on the other hand, was seen frantically explaining the plan to his peerage. And like that, the ten minutes quickly passed.
"{Ten Minutes have passed!}" The announcer said the second the ten-minute planning period was over. "{Now, let the [Game] begin.}"
And with that, Mizore, Cu Chulainn, Moka, Dante, Lady, Flora, Ayame, Shuna, and Shion shot forward toward the opposing team. At the same time, James jumped from the castle wall leisurely.
"So, Master, are you going to wait here?" James asked curiously while looking back over his shoulder at Scathach. "Or will you roam the battlefield."
"I think I will stretch my legs for a while." Scathach said as she stretched with her spear held over her head."
"Alright, I'll see you when this is over." James said with a smile.
After that, James began to walk leisurely toward the center of the valley. At the same time, Ayame was the first to encounter an enemy.
"I've got eyes on a [Bishop]." Ayame said. "Engaging."
A moment later, Ayame snuck behind one of Diodora's [Bishops] and quickly slit her throat. Before the damage could become lethal, however, the woman was covered in light blue light particles before she was forcibly teleported off the [Board].
"{One of Diodora Astaroth's [Bishops] has retired.}" The announcer stated.
A moment later, Dante came across two of Diodora's [Pawns]. Deciding that he could take them down from long range, Dante drew Ebony and Ivory. Then, he pulled each trigger once.
*Bang!* *Bang!*
A moment later, both [Pawns] were covered in the same light blue light particles.
"{Two of Diodora Astaroth's [Pawns] have retired.}"
Shortly after that, Mizore, Cu Chulainn, Moka, and Lady found enemies of their own. And with blinding speed, they eliminated their targets, almost simultaneously.
"{Diodora Astaroth's [Queen], one of his [Rooks], one of his [Bishops], one of his [Knights], and four of his [Pawns] have retired.}"
At that moment, Diodora, much like the audience, was stupefied. However, the audience was excited by the show of dominance. Diodora, on the other hand, was livid.
"How is this even possible?" Diodora asked hysterically. "It hasn't even been ten minutes. Those useless women can't even put up a decent fight."
Eventually, after throwing a tantrum, Diodora was able to calm himself. Then, he continued moving toward the center of the valley. However, he was unaware that he was moving faster than before. As he walked, he continued to speak to himself.
"Even if all of my [Pieces] are retired, there's no way that half-breed could defeat me." Diodora said smugly.
A moment later, Flora, Shuna, and Shion found targets of their own. And like their comrades, they wasted no time taking their opponents down. A moment later, the announcer's voice rang throughout the [Game Board] once again.
"{Diodora Astaroth's [Rook], [Knight] and two [Pawns] have retired.}"
At that moment, Diodora realized he was the only member of his team left on the [Board]. And once again he was livid. In less than fifteen minutes, his entire peerage was retired. However, believing that he was superior to James, he continued walking to the center of the valley. After two more minutes, he finally arrived at the center of the valley. And when he did, he saw James standing there, alone, waiting for him.
"Yo, you sure took your sweet time." James said as he waved at Diodora with a friendly smile on his face.
Underworld, Satan Territory, Capital City, Lilith.
"This kinda feels like bullying." Venelana said as she watched the [Rating Game].
"Diodora finally made it to the center of the valley." Akeno said with a smile. "It looks like the bullying is only going to get worse."
Hearing that, all those who were close to James nodded, almost feeling pity for the young Astaroth.
[Rating Game Board].
"Honestly, I didn't think you'd show up after your entire peerage was retired." James said casually. "So, how does it feel to lose so badly to a half-breed, as you like to call me?"
"Silence." Diodora said, his expression taking on a shade of madness. "I will destroy you."
As Diodora finished speaking, he was covered in a cloak of black energy. Then, his demonic power spiked noticeably.
Noticing the spike in Diodora's demonic energy, James raised an eyebrow. Then, he smiled when he realized that this feeling was familiar.
"Oh, how did your power spike like that?" James asked in a playful tone. "It feels really similar to something I've experienced before. Now, let me think..."
James began to tap his index finger on his chin like Rias does when she thinks. Then, he struck his left palm with the side of his right fist and spoke once again.
"I know where I felt this before!" James exclaimed as if he was excited to remember something. "It was when that Leviathan chick was fighting Azazel. Does that mean you have one of Ophis'..."
"Ahh! Just shut up and fight!" Diodora shouted in an attempt to drown out James' voice.
When Diodora heard James mention the "Leviathan chick" he began to panic. Then, when he heard the name Ophis, he shouted at the top of his lungs and attacked in a hurry to stop James from speaking. He attacked with everything he had, too. He fully intended to kill James with this attack.
Seeing that Diodora had attacked, James simply raised his left hand with the palm facing Diodora. Then, he spoke.
"[Bakudo Number 81: Danku]."
With that, a translucent shield formed in front of James and effortlessly blocked Diodora's blast of demonic energy. However, Diodora continued to bombard James with as much power as he could muster. And because of these frantic attacks, James' surroundings were covered with a cloud of dust and smoke.
Once Diodora ran out of demonic energy, his attacks stopped. Then, he began to laugh madly.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" Diodora laughed uproariously. "Was that all the so called strongest of the younger generation amounted to? Just what should be expected of a half-breed! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"Hmm... you managed to jump up to intermediate-level; ultimate-rank." James said from inside the dust cloud. "Not bad. Not bad at all."
Hearing James' voice, Diodora's laughter stopped abruptly. And the proud expression on his face was replaced with one of fear.
"How... How are you still alive?" Diodora asked as he began to backpedal.
"I think everyone knew that I was in the minor god-rank after the Meeting of Young Devils, right?" James asked with his head tilted to one side. "So, why did you think ultimate-rank power would be able to kill me?"
As James spoke, Diodora lost his footing from the uneven terrain as he backpedaled. Then, he began to drag himself backward in fear.
"Clear the middle of the valley." James spoke into his transceiver. "I'm gonna try an attack for the first time. I don't know how much damage it's gonna do."
A moment later, James drew Ochiru Sakura. Then, he raised it above his head with both hands. Concentrating his demonic energy into it, James' blade took on a black hue with a dusk pink tint.
"[Getsuga]..." James shouted as his sword was fully saturated with his power.
Then, James swung down with all his might.
"[Tenshou]!" James shouted the rest of the technique's name.
AS the blade was swung down, the black energy coating the blade flew forward along the path of the sword swing. And unfortunately, Diodora was in line with James' sword swing. A moment later, Diodora was engulfed by the energy James released, then he was covered in light blue light particles. The energy slash did not stop there, however. Instead, it cleaved the rest of the [Game Board] in half.
"{[King] Diodora Astaroth has retired. The [Game] is over. James Alaverus wins in spectacular fashion!}"