Chapter 108 - Time To Fight - Part 2
"My engagement with Riser was over, but I left some unresolved issues with how I handled it. So, I need to have a Rating Game with Riser to settle things," Rias responded to Sona's doubts, keeping it short and to the point.
"A Rating Game with Riser?" Sona frowned. "It's pretty reckless to go up against Riser Phenex, given your current strength."
Like Rias, Sona couldn't stand Riser either, thinking the third son of the Phenex Clan wasn't fit for Rias. But she had to admit, Riser was strong, especially in Rating Games, where he excelled.
Sona had done her homework on Riser and his peerage. She knew how powerful they were.
If it were just any other High-Class, Rias might have had a shot. But Riser Phenex? He wasn't your run-of-the-mill High-Class.
The Phenex Clan had powers similar to the legendary Phoenix, able to regenerate from nearly any injury in seconds, making them damn near unbeatable.
According to Sona's intel, Riser had competed in ten Rating Games, winning eight and losing two.
The odds were clearly in his favor, and those two losses? They were against families close to the Phenex Clan, where Riser intentionally threw the match to keep things civil. So, really, Riser was undefeated.
With that kind of record, he was in the top ten. And Rias, who didn't even have all her pieces and had zero experience in Rating Games, was going up against him? No one, not even Sona, could feel confident in Rias's chances.
"It's not me who's fighting Riser; Mahiro-kun will be the one facing him," Rias explained, shaking her head, correcting Sona's assumption.
Sona was speechless for a second. She hadn't expected that.
"Wait, Rias, you're serious? You're not kidding, right?" Sona asked, her voice serious. She had thought Rias would be the one taking on Riser, but Mahiro?
Naturally, Sona had looked into Mahiro's background after he applied for admission. It was clear Rias held him in high regard, so Sona had done her homework. As Rias's friend, she had access to more info, including Mahiro's strength.
"It's true. Mahiro-kun will fight Riser, and Riser has already agreed. Grayfia is setting up the battlefield, and the duel's at eight tonight," Rias confirmed.
"Rias, do you realize what you're doing?" Sona's voice grew louder. "You're sending a human against Riser? Are you really going to watch him walk into his death?"
Sure, Mahiro was strong, but going up against Riser? That was a death wish. Besides, it was unheard of for a human to take part in a Rating Game.
"Rias, what the hell are you thinking?" Sona was pissed now.
"Sona, you're overreacting," Rias said, almost amused, remembering how she had felt the same way not long ago.
"Rias, you're not the type to drag innocent people into your problems. Have you even thought about what could happen if Mahiro fights for you?" Sona asked, taking a deep breath.
"Mahiro-kun is sure he can beat Riser," Rias said confidently.
"???" Sona couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I know you've got high hopes for Mahiro, but he's still human. How the fuck is he supposed to beat Riser?"
"That's a secret," Rias replied with a teasing smile. "I came here to gather information on Riser for Mahiro-kun. It's smart to know your enemy before a battle."
Sona studied Rias for a few moments. Seeing no hesitation, just pure confidence, Sona sighed and gave in. "Do whatever you want."
"Tsubaki, get Rias the info on Riser Phenex," Sona ordered.
"Yes, President," Tsubaki replied, bowing slightly before retrieving a USB flash drive from a drawer.
"Rias, give me a second," Sona said.
After a moment, Tsubaki handed the drive to Rias. "Here's all the data on Riser Phenex."
"Thanks, Sona," Rias said, genuinely appreciative. "I'll be heading back now."
With that, Rias left the Student Council room under Sona's watchful gaze.
As the door closed, Sona muttered to herself, "Rias, what the hell is Mahiro hiding that makes you so sure he can beat Riser?"
Sona figured Rias might be exaggerating, but she couldn't shake the feeling that Mahiro had some kind of hidden power.
"Ruruko, you're in the same class as Mahiro. What do you know about him?" Sona asked curiously, turning to Ruruko.
"His grades are good, he's popular with the girls, and..." Ruruko blushed, remembering how Mahiro would tease her.
Sona was unimpressed. That was as good as saying nothing and pretty much hinted that Mahiro's popularity extended to Ruruko herself.
"We'll find out at eight tonight," Tsubaki said from the side.
"Yeah, I'm curious to see what'll happen," Sona agreed.
"President, this Mahiro's a freshman, right?" Saji asked.
"Yes, and for Rias to put so much faith in him, his strength must be something else," Sona nodded.
"Impressive? Hmph, I won't lose to him," Saji said with confidence, being a Sacred Gear user himself.
"That's good ambition," Sona acknowledged. "But right now, you're no match for Mahiro. And if Rias is right, Mahiro's real strength might be terrifying."
"He's just a newbie. How strong can he be?" Saji said, dismissive of the praise Mahiro was getting.
"Confidence is fine, but don't let it turn into arrogance. You've still got a long way to go before you can challenge Mahiro," Sona warned, quickly checking Saji's ego.
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