Chapter 4: The Rating Game
As the signal was given, a sudden flare of magic lit up the arena. The intricate design of a teleportation circle materialized before Rias, and from it stepped Yubelluna, the queen of Riser Phenex. A mid-class devil of considerable power, she held herself with a confidence that immediately shifted the atmosphere in the room.
Millicas's eyes narrowed in confusion, his breath catching as, one by one, more devils appeared around Yubelluna. It was the rest of Riser's peerage—temporarily aligned under Rias. Only, Riser's two knights were missing from the group.
His mind raced. What is this? His pulse quickened, his fists clenching at his sides. This was perfectly legal within the rules of a Rating Game—borrowing members from another peerage—but to see Rias standing there with the very devils tied to Riser Phenex a man who she had recently discovered to be her fiance, the man she openly despised.
The irony was suffocating.
Rias stood tall, her chin held high as if daring him to question her choices. She showed no outward sign of shame, but Millicas could see it in her eyes—a flicker of discomfort, a momentary crack in her confident facade. He knew her well enough to recognize it. She didn't want this, he realized. This wasn't her decision, she would never ask a man she hated for help.
But whose decision was it? The answer came to him almost immediately. His Father.
Sirzechs. Of course, it had to be him. His father, who had spent days warning him about tearing the family apart, had undoubtedly orchestrated this. It was all about helping Rias—it was about stacking the deck against Millicas, ensuring that the match would go in her favour. Riser's assistance would bolster her team significantly.
After all, his queen, Yubelluna, was known as the "Bomb Queen" for a reason, and the rest of his peerage was formidable in its own right.
Millicas felt a surge of anger, hot and consuming, but he forced himself to remain calm. This was the kind of manipulation he should have expected. His father had warned him of consequences, and this was one of them. But to see it unfold before his eyes, to see Rias standing there with devils she had every reason to resent—it stung in ways he hadn't anticipated.
Koneko, standing at his side, frowned, her golden eyes narrowing as she observed the scene. "This doesn't seem fair," she muttered under her breath.
"But it's legal," Millicas said bitterly, his voice low. "Everything he does is within the rules. That's how Father works."
Rias's borrowed allies fell into formation behind her, their presence imposing. Yubelluna smiled faintly, her gaze flickering to Millicas with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Behind her, the others stood ready, their stances relaxed but confident. They didn't see him as a threat—not yet. They thought he couldn't win such a match.
The referee overseeing the game made no objection, merely observing as the new additions took their places. No one would stop this. No one could. This was legal, after all.
Millicas's jaw tightened. To think Rias would stoop to this...Millicas couldn't tear his gaze away from the scene unfolding before him. It wasn't just about the borrowed peerage; it was about what it symbolized. This wasn't a contest of pure skill or power anymore—it was a calculated move to corner him, to ensure his defeat. And the fact that his father had likely been the mastermind behind it made his blood boil.
This isn't a fair fight. It never was.
But fairness wasn't a luxury he could afford to dwell on. The Gremory name carried too much weight and political power. He had chosen this path, knowing full well it would be anything but easy. Still, seeing Rias, his opponent, standing there with borrowed strength stung more than he wanted to admit.
If this is how it's going to be, so be it. His crimson eyes darkened with resolve. I'll still win.
Koneko's voice broke through his thoughts. "So, what's the plan?
They've got numbers and power on their side."
Millicas glanced at her, appreciating her calm demeanour despite the situation. "We focus on strategy. Numbers mean nothing if we play this smart." His lips curved into a faint smirk. "They're underestimating us. That's their first mistake."
Koneko nodded, her golden eyes narrowing. "Let's make them regret it."
The referee's voice echoed across the arena, pulling everyone's attention. Both peerages were teleported to their places, the Rating Game would soon begin.
Millicas and Koneko made their way towards their starting position. The battlefield was a vast, simulated urban landscape—a mix of towering buildings, narrow alleyways, and open plazas. Each team was assigned a fortified base at opposite ends of the map, where their Kings would start alongside a single piece for defence. The rest of Rias's pieces were likely to be strategically placed across various buildings along the battlefield.
As they moved, Millicas took a deep breath, focusing on the task ahead. He couldn't afford to let his emotions cloud his judgment. Every step of this match would need to be calculated, every move deliberate.
Arriving at their base, Millicas took a moment to observe the holographic map displayed in the centre of the room. It showed the battlefield layout, with key locations marked. From the positioning, it was clear she intended to use her borrowed allies to create a layered defence, forcing him to fight through each one to reach her.
"They've spread out," Koneko noted, studying the map. "They're forcing us into one-on-one or small skirmishes. It's a good strategy."
Millicas nodded. "It's predictable, though. We'll exploit that." He pointed to the marked locations. "We'll take them out systematically, moving in a pair to ensure we're never caught off-guard. Koneko, you'll stay with me. "
She nodded without hesitation. "Understood."
The atmosphere was tense but focused, with Millicas and Koneko preparing for the battle ahead. Millicas spoke to Koneko "This won't be easy. Rias has stacked her odds, but we can't let that intimidate us. We've trained for this."
Koneko smirked faintly. "I didn't come here to lose."
A soft chime rang out, signalling the start of the match. The battlefield shimmered as the magical barriers solidified, locking them into the game's parameters. Millicas glanced at the glowing emblem above their base, symbolizing their King's presence. He could feel the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, but it only fueled his determination.
"It's time," he said, his voice steady. "Let's move."
As they stepped out into the urban landscape, the air was thick with tension. Every shadow seemed to carry the threat of an ambush, every corner a potential battleground. Millicas's senses were on high alert, his mind running through possible scenarios.
Their first destination was a mid-sized building where one of Rias's pawns, Isabela from Riser's peerage, had been stationed. According to what he could see she was alone, but Millicas knew better than to take anything at face value.
As they approached the building, Koneko glanced at him. "Think she's got a trap waiting?"
"Probably," he replied, his tone calm. "But it won't matter. We'll deal with her quickly and move on. We can't afford to waste time."
Koneko cracked her knuckles, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Fine by me."
Millicas's resolve hardened as they entered the building. The air inside was still, the dim lighting casting long shadows along the walls. Somewhere ahead, their opponent waited.
Millicas's steps were quiet as he entered the building, Koneko trailing close behind him. The air felt heavy, and the faint hum of magic hung around them, a subtle reminder of the high stakes of the Rating Game.
His crimson eyes scanned the dimly lit space, catching movement in the shadows ahead. A figure stepped forward, her silhouette unmistakable—Isabela, one of Riser's rooks. Her confident smirk was paired with a relaxed stance, but her glowing aura betrayed her readiness for combat. As she moved, another figure emerged from the shadows beside her. Xuelan. The other rook from Riser's peerage. Millicas's brow furrowed.
Two of them together? It made sense—placing two rooks as a team was a solid strategy to maximize strength and durability in confined spaces. Their combined power would make them a formidable wall to break through.
Koneko tensed beside him, her golden eyes narrowing. "Two of them. They're not taking any chances." "They don't need to," Millicas muttered. "They think they have the advantage."
Before acting, he focused his thoughts. Observe. The information flashed in front of him, their statuses quickly appearing.
"Observe."
Name: Isabela
Tier: 2 (Low-Class Devil)
Level: 137
Race: Devil
HP: 2,200/2,200
Demonic Power: 1,700/1,700
Name: Xuelan
Tier: 2 (Low-Class Devil)
Level: 135
Race: Devil
HP: 2,100/2,100
Demonic Power: 1,600/1,600
They were strong for their class, but they weren't on his level. He felt his own power surging within him, a steady hum of strength that surpassed theirs by leaps and bounds.
"Do you want me to take them both?" Koneko asked quietly, her tone casual but edged with determination.
Millicas shook his head, a small, confident smile forming. "No need. I'll handle this."
Koneko blinked, surprised by his declaration. "Both of them?"
"They don't stand a chance," he said calmly.
Isabela's smirk faltered slightly as she caught the exchange, and Xuelan's confidence shifted into wariness. The two rooks clearly didn't expect Millicas to brush them off so easily, but he could see the doubt creeping into their eyes.
"Big talk," Isabela sneered, trying to regain her composure. "Let's see if you can back it up."
Millicas took a step forward, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "You'll regret underestimating me."
Before either of the rooks could react, Millicas raised a hand and released a surge of controlled demonic power. The force of it swept through the room, slamming into both opponents and forcing them back a few steps.
Xuelan gritted her teeth, digging her heels into the ground to maintain her balance. "He's... stronger than we thought."
Isabela growled, her pride clearly bruised. "Doesn't matter. We're still rooks. We're built for this!"
Millicas didn't respond. Instead, he lunged forward, his speed catching both opponents off guard. In an instant, he was in front of Isabela, his fist glowing with demonic energy.
"Too slow," he said coldly as he struck.
The impact sent Isabela flying across the room, her body slamming into the far wall with a loud crash. She groaned, struggling to stand, her HP dropping significantly from a single hit.
Xuelan rushed at him, aiming a powerful punch at his side, but Millicas sidestepped effortlessly, catching her wrist mid-swing. He twisted her arm and swept her legs out from under her, sending her crashing to the ground.
"You're out of your league," he said, his voice calm but firm.
Xuelan glared up at him, defiant but clearly shaken. "We're not done yet!"
Millicas sighed, releasing her wrist and stepping back. "Then come at me together. Maybe then you'll last more than a few seconds."
Isabela and Xuelan exchanged a glance, their pride keeping them from backing down. But even as they charged him again, Millicas knew the outcome was already decided. He was Tier 3, a level beyond anything they could hope to match.
The battle would be over soon, but Millicas couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. This wasn't a challenge—it was a warm-up.
Still, he'd make sure to finish this quickly. There was no point in dragging it out.
Millicas's eyes narrowed as he shifted his stance, the air around him growing heavy with his power. Koneko stepped back, recognizing the shift. "I'll handle this," he said, his voice cold and calm.
The two rooks charged toward him, their determination unwavering despite the obvious gap in strength. Isabela came in low, her fists glowing with demonic power, while Xuelan leapt high, aiming to catch him from above.
Millicas raised his hand, summoning a sphere of swirling, dark energy. The Power Of Destruction. The volatile orb crackled with raw power, radiating an aura that made the very air tremble.
With a flick of his wrist, the ball shot forward, slamming into the ground between the two rooks. The resulting explosion sent a wave of energy outward, forcing them to halt their advance.
"Impressive," Isabela growled, her footing faltering. "But you'll need more than flashy moves to take us down!"
Millicas didn't respond. Instead, he stretched his hand outward, a chilling frost spreading rapidly across the floor. The icy tendrils snaked toward Isabela and Xuelan, freezing the ground beneath their feet. Both rooks struggled to move, their movements slowed as the ice climbed up their legs, locking them in place.
Xuelan swung her fist downward, shattering the ice around her, but Millicas was already moving. With a wave of his hand, sharp icicles formed in the air, glinting dangerously. He launched them toward the two rooks with deadly precision.
"Watch out!" Isabela shouted, managing to block one with her arm. The impact drove her back, her HP dropping further. Xuelan wasn't as lucky; several icicles struck her, forcing her to her knees as her HP dipped dangerously low.
"Persistent," Millicas muttered, summoning another sphere of destruction energy. This time, it grew larger, the chaotic energy within swirling faster. He raised it above his head, its glow illuminating the dim room.
"This ends now," he said, his voice carrying a finality that made both rooks pause.
He hurled the massive orb of destruction energy forward. The wave of power surged across the room, consuming everything in its path. Isabela and Xuelan had no chance to counter; the sheer force of the attack overwhelmed them.
When the dust settled, both rooks were on the ground, their forms flickering as they were forcefully retired from the game.
[You Have Leveled Up x4]
His new level was [268]...maybe the extra opponents would help to raise his level higher.
A voice echoed through the arena, clear and authoritative:
"Two rooks from Lady Rias's peerage have been retired."
Millicas straightened, his crimson eyes glowing faintly as the destruction energy dissipated. He glanced back at Koneko, who nodded approvingly.
"Efficient," she said simply.
Millicas allowed himself a small smile. "Let's keep moving. We've only just begun."
As the announcement faded, the location of the retired rooks was revealed—a distant building on the map, marked as part of Rias's territory. Their absence would weaken her strategy, but Millicas knew there were still plenty of challenges ahead.
Millicas's senses sharpened as he moved, his crimson eyes scanning the surroundings. The air around them hummed with the distinct presence of magic—four signatures in total, faint but growing stronger with each step.
He slowed his pace, signalling to Koneko to be ready.
"Four ahead," Millicas said quietly, his tone steady. "Be cautious."
Koneko nodded, her golden eyes narrowing as she followed his lead, her ears twitching slightly as she too sensed the oncoming danger. "Got it," she responded, her posture ready for anything.
They approached cautiously, moving through the dimly lit halls of the building. The faint glow of magic was like a beacon, guiding them toward their targets. As they rounded a corner, Millicas spotted them.
Four figures stood in their way, seemingly waiting for them. Two catgirls, each with long, flowing tails and sharp feline eyes. Millicas immediately recognized them- Ni, and Li. They were Rias's pawns, low-class devils with little more than basic combat skills, though their agility and ferocity were notable.
The other two were even less impressive-a pair of young girls- Ile and Nel armed with chainsaws, the buzzing noise of their weapons creating a sharp contrast to the otherwise silent hall.
Millicas sighed inwardly. This was going to be too easy.
The two catgirls were circling each other, their tails twitching in anticipation. Ile and Nel had a decent amount of speed, but compared to Millicas, it wouldn't matter. They were powerful, but their lack of durability would be their undoing.
The chainsaw-wielding girls were laughing to themselves, though Millicas could feel the tremors of their nervousness through their demonic power signatures. They were low-class devils, likely picked to serve as cannon fodder in the Rating Game.
Millicas glanced at Koneko, giving her a quick nod. "Stay back. I'll handle them."
Koneko looked at him, her golden eyes assessing him for a moment, and then she stepped aside, letting Millicas take the lead.
He extended his hand slightly, summoning spheres of destruction energy. The magical orbs flickered and crackled with power, his aura darkening as he focused.
Without warning, he launched the orbs at the catgirls, each one heading for a different target. They moved quickly, but Millicas had already anticipated their moves. Ile, the more agile of the two, dodged to the left, but the blast caught Nel squarely in the chest, sending her crashing to the floor, her body flickering as her demonic energy waned.
Millicas's eyes narrowed as he shifted his focus. Ile attempted a counterattack, leaping into the air with incredible speed, but Millicas was faster. He raised his hand, and the ice spread across the floor in an instant, freezing the area around the catgirl, and locking her in place just as she descended. She cried out, struggling against the icy grip, but it was no use.
Frozen.
A wave of destruction energy surged from his palm next, washing over her. She was gone in an instant, her form flickering as she was retired from the game.
The chainsaw-wielding girls were next. They charged forward with reckless abandon, their chainsaws revving loudly as they swung them at Millicas.
Millicas didn't even flinch. He created a barrier of ice in front of him, the chainsaws screeching as they made contact with the solid wall. The girls, momentarily stunned by their failed attack, were wide open for Millicas's counterstrike.
In a fluid motion, he thrust his palm forward, and another wave of destruction energy rippled through the air. The blast was so powerful that it sent the girls flying, their bodies flickering as they, too, were retired in quick succession.
Millicas turned to Koneko, his expression unreadable. "All four. Done."
Koneko stared at him for a moment, her golden eyes calculating. "That was quick. Too quick."
"They were low-class devils," Millicas said, his voice emotionless. "No durability or speed. It was expected."
"Don't get cocky," Koneko cautioned, though her voice held no malice. "You never know when the next challenge will be tougher."
Millicas only nodded in acknowledgement, his gaze fixed ahead. There were still many more to face, but for now, he had cleared this hurdle with ease.
[You Have Leveled Up x8]
From [268] to [276] nice.
The announcer's voice echoed through the arena once more, confirming the retirements.
"Four pawns from Lady Rias's peerage have been retired."
Millicas exhaled slowly, his body tense but controlled. As the announcement faded, he motioned for Koneko to follow.
Millicas's steps were measured as he and Koneko moved forward, the tension in the air thickening with each passing moment. They had already dealt with four of Rias's lower-tier pawns, and now, ahead of them, a powerful magical signature was rapidly approaching. A figure materialized out of the shadows with a sense of confidence and power that he instantly recognized. Yubelluna.
She stood there, smirking as if she had already won, her posture relaxed but with a dangerous glint in her eyes. She was known for her devastating explosive magic—her bombs could level entire buildings in the blink of an eye. A mid-class devil—tier 3. She was an opponent he was confident he could handle, but Koneko... Koneko was only tier 2, a low-class devil in comparison, and her defences wouldn't hold up against someone like Yubelluna. Millicas glanced at her, then quickly said, "Koneko, hide. Stay out of sight, or you'll be a target."
Koneko hesitated, but then nodded sharply, slipping into the shadows without a word. Millicas's gaze flicked back to Yubelluna. He could feel the heat of her demonic energy building, preparing for the bomb.
"Observe."
Name: Yubellena
Tier: 3 (Middle-Class Devil)
Level: 253
Race: Devil
HP: 42,000/42,000
Demonic Power: 38,900/38,900
He had to finish this quickly. He raised his hand, fingers sparking with destruction energy as he focused. The air around Yubelluna crackled with tension as she smirked, holding her hands out to either side. "You're brave to face me head-on," she said, her voice thick with confidence. "But this will be your last mistake, Millicas."
Millicas's senses heightened, his body primed for the fight ahead. He could feel the power building in the air, thick and oppressive. The aura surrounding Yubelluna was like a boiling storm—unstable, but with the potential to destroy anything in its path. Her smirk deepened as she saw his prepared stance. She knew what was coming, and Millicas couldn't afford to underestimate her.
His fingers tightened around the destruction energy he had summoned, but before he could launch his first attack, Yubelluna's hand snapped out.
A series of bombs appeared before her—each one glowing with a dark, violent energy. Millicas's heart skipped a beat, but he was already moving, his instincts kicking in. He darted to the side, the bombs launching toward him with incredible speed.
His ice magic surged to meet the threat, a wall of jagged ice sprouting from the ground in a desperate defence. The first bomb collided with the ice, causing an explosion that shattered the wall and sent shards of ice flying in all directions. He barely had time to react before the second bomb hit, this time causing a massive shockwave that knocked him off his feet.
He grunted, landing hard on the floor as the impact rattled his bones. His body ached, but there was no time to rest. Yubelluna's laughter echoed in the space, cold and cruel.
"Is that all you have?" she taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. "You think you can take me down with a few little ice tricks?"
Millicas grit his teeth. He couldn't let her get under his skin. He had to focus, to outlast her. He pushed himself back to his feet, ignoring the pain that screamed from his limbs.
"I'm just getting started," he muttered, narrowing his eyes as he focused his energy. He raised his palm, and a fresh wave of destruction energy shot toward her, intent on overwhelming her in one strike.
But Yubelluna was fast. With a fluid motion, she spun around, dodging his blast with ease. As she moved, she summoned another bomb, bigger and more volatile than the last. She threw it with precision, aiming straight for Millicas.
The bomb detonated mid-air with a deafening roar, a wave of force crashing toward him. Millicas barely had time to react as the explosion slammed into him, sending him crashing into the wall with a sickening crunch. The impact left him gasping for breath, his vision blurry from the force.
He struggled to stand, his body aching from the blows, but he could feel the heat of her power building once again. She wasn't giving him a moment to recover. He had underestimated her—the strength in her attacks was far more than he anticipated.
"You're tougher than I thought, Millicas," she said, her voice tinged with respect, but still full of arrogance. "But you're still not enough. I'll finish this now."
Millicas's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing. His ice magic was useful, but it wasn't enough to handle her bomb blasts. He needed a new approach. There had to be a way to get inside her defences, to force her into a position where she couldn't dodge.
He looked at the rubble around him. It was scattered and jagged, and most of the ice had melted from the heat of the explosions. But there was something else he noticed—Yubelluna's own stance was becoming less fluid. Her breathing was heavier now, and the strain from using so much of her power was starting to show. She wasn't invincible, not even close.
He could feel it—her strength was waning.
Millicas's fingers twitched, and he channelled more destruction energy, letting it pulse through him until it burned like fire. He rushed toward her, his movements faster than before, hoping to catch her off guard. She launched another bomb at him, but this time, Millicas was ready. With a burst of ice magic, he created a thick ice shield, but he didn't stop there. He used the momentum of the explosion to slide under her defences, moving like a shadow.
He was too fast for her to dodge.
Just as he was closing the distance, Yubelluna's eyes widened in surprise. Before she could react, Millicas struck with a devastating blow. He thrust his hand forward, his destruction energy releasing with enough force to rip through her barrier. The impact hit her squarely in the chest, knocking her back with a scream.
She staggered, but recovered quickly, glaring at him with fury. Blood trickled from her lips, but she wasn't done yet. Her eyes were burning with an intensity that only came when someone had pushed her to her limits.
"I'll make you regret that," Yubelluna hissed, her hand reaching out for another bomb. But this time, Millicas was prepared. His ice magic surged around him, forming a massive wall of spikes that shot forward, impaling the ground between them. She flinched, giving him the opening he needed.
With a roar, Millicas unleashed his most powerful attack yet—his destruction energy mixed with a surge of ice magic, creating a combination blast that hit Yubelluna head-on.
The explosion was blinding.
When the smoke cleared, Yubelluna was on the ground, her body smoking from the impact. Her barrier had been shattered, and her power was nearly spent. She struggled to rise but collapsed back to the ground with a final groan.
She had lost.
[You Have Leveled Up x15]
From [276] his level jumped to [291] all in the breath of a few moments.
The announcer's voice rang out, breaking the tense silence.
"Lady Rias's Queen, Yubelluna Phenex, has retired."
Millicas's chest heaved as he watched the smoke dissipate, revealing the defeated Yubelluna. She lay sprawled on the ground, unconscious, her body battered from the devastating combination of his ice and destruction energy. Her confident smirk was now gone, replaced by a quiet, defeated expression.
Koneko emerged from the shadows, her eyes sharp as she assessed the situation. She nodded approvingly at Millicas, but there was no time for celebration. His heart still raced, and his mind was already calculating his next move.
Rias was still out there, and he knew that the battle had only just begun. As Yubelluna's body was removed from the field, Millicas turned his attention to the next challenge. He could feel the magic in the air shift again, the presence of more opponents drawing closer.
Millicas's gaze sharpened as the magical signatures began to converge. He had expected Rias to send in her pieces after the loss of Yubelluna, but the absence of Ravel caught him off guard. He hadn't noticed her earlier, and the lack of her presence now sent a ripple of confusion through him. Her parents hadn't allowed her to participate, it seemed.
Ahead of him, four pawns and a bishop entered the fray. Mihae, the bishop, stood confidently at the front. Millicas had heard of her before, a low-class devil, and though she wasn't the strongest opponent, her tactical skills and magic support made her a valuable member of Rias's peerage. Behind her, the four pawns— also low-class devils—prepared to swarm him. They weren't strong individually, but in numbers, they posed a serious threat, especially considering Millicas's growing fatigue.
He'd been pushing himself hard in the earlier fights. Yubelluna had given him more trouble than he'd expected, and the effects of the battle were starting to show. His movements were slower, his magic reserves weren't what they'd been at the start, and the constant pressure of the Rating Game was taking its toll.
Koneko stood beside him, her sharp golden eyes taking in the enemy's formation. She had already sensed the change in his energy, and though she remained stoic, Millicas could feel the concern emanating from her. He could tell she was ready to step in if needed, but he wasn't about to back down. Not now.
"They're coming for me," Millicas muttered, eyes narrowing on Mihae and the pawns. "They want to finish this quickly. I can't let them."
Mihae's voice carried through the air, sweet but laced with confidence. "You've come this far, Millicas, but it's over now. Surrender, and we'll make it quick."
Millicas gritted his teeth. His fatigue made him hesitate for a split second, but that was all the opening the pawns needed. The four rushed forward, working in unison to overwhelm him.
The first pawn lunged, a burst of magic surrounding her as she aimed for his midsection. Millicas barely managed to dodge, but the blast grazed his side, causing him to stagger back. The second pawn was already on him, her magic flowing as she swung a barrage of energy blasts in his direction.
The attacks weren't enough to break through his defences, but they wore him down. His movements were slower now, more laboured, and he could feel the strain in his muscles as his magic reserves continued to deplete.
Mihae stayed back, watching carefully as her pawns pressured him. She wasn't going to waste her magic unless she had to. The moment Millicas faltered, she would strike.
Koneko, seeing the situation worsening, took a step forward, but Millicas shook his head. "No. Stay back, Koneko. I've got this." He couldn't afford to drag her into the fight—she was too valuable, and he needed her to be ready in case things took a turn for the worse.
With a growl of frustration, Millicas gathered his remaining strength. His hands crackled with destruction energy as he pushed back against the pressure of the pawns. With a swift motion, he blasted a wave of energy out, knocking two of them off their feet and sending them crashing into the walls. But the other two were quick to regroup, using their magic to counterattack.
Fatigue weighed heavily on him now, and the battle had become a test of endurance as much as skill. His vision blurred slightly, but he refused to let that stop him. Mihae's magic hadn't made its move yet, and that gave him a window of opportunity. The pawns were scattered, but they weren't defeated yet.
He forced himself to his feet, his chest heaving as he steadied his breath. "Come on, Millicas," he muttered to himself, gritting his teeth.
Koneko watched from the sidelines, her fists clenched. She could feel Millicas's power waning, but she trusted him to push through. She knew he wasn't the type to give up.
Millicas focused on his opponents, his eyes locking onto Mihae. She hadn't attacked yet—he couldn't let that happen. He couldn't give her the chance to take him down. He needed to finish the pawns now, or they would keep coming at him with more power than he had left to handle.
With a swift motion, Millicas raised his hand again, calling upon the last of his energy. The destructive force surged in his palm, and he hurled it at the closest pawn. The blast sent her flying back, and with one more push, Millicas dispatched the second pawn, sending her into unconsciousness.
Now, with two pawns down, Millicas staggered toward Mihae. She was no longer holding back. Her magic flared, and she unleashed a barrage of energy blasts at him, each one targeting him with precision. Millicas raised his hand to block, but his fatigue made him sluggish. One of the blasts struck his shoulder, sending a jolt of pain through him.
He gritted his teeth, forcing his body to keep moving. There was no time to hesitate.
With a cry, he charged forward, summoning all the strength he had left. Mihae raised her hands to deflect the attack, but Millicas was faster. His destruction energy engulfed her in a wave of raw power, and with a final push, he blasted her back, sending her crashing into the wall behind her.
The fight wasn't over, but Millicas had won. Barely.
The announcer's voice rang out:
"Four pawns from Lady Rias's peerage have retired."
"One Bishop from Lady Rias's peerage has retired."
He staggered back, breathing heavily as the pawns he'd defeated began to stir. Koneko was already by his side, steadying him.
"That was too close," Millicas muttered, his voice hoarse before energy hit him. Millicas staggered slightly as the wave of energy hit him, his breath coming in sharp gasps. The feeling was overwhelming—like an intense surge of power flooding through his veins, revitalizing him in ways he couldn't quite comprehend. He quickly accessed his status, eyes widening as the numbers flickered before him.
[You Have Leveled Up x10]
"Status"
Name: Millicas Gremory
Age: 7 years old
Tier 4: Middle-Class Devil
Level-301
Race: Devil
Hp:434,000/434,000
Demonic Power: 514,700/514,700
Stats:
Strength:112
Speed:117
Endurance:132
Mental:35
Powers:
Power Of Destruction/ 10 demonic energy
Ice Manipulation/ 5 demonic energy
Summary: The son of Sirzechs Lucifer and Grayfia Lucifuge. Second in line to the Gremory Heirship. Member of the House of Gremory. He also has Sin of Wrath, Sin of Greed, and Sin of Pride.
Peerage:
Pawn=Shirone
Quest: [Becoming Heir]
Holy shit... He had completely recovered. His body was pulsing with raw, untapped energy. A euphoric rush flooded him, filling every part of him with a sense of invincibility before the feeling slowly died down to a more manageable, but still powerful, state.
Koneko, still by his side, observed him carefully. Her golden eyes narrowed slightly, sensing something had changed, but she was cautious. She had witnessed the toll the battle had taken on him only moments ago.
"How are you okay?" she asked, voice steady but laced with concern. She didn't understand how Millicas could be standing, let alone more powerful than before.
Millicas exhaled, wiping a hand across his forehead as the euphoric feeling settled into a calm, collected confidence. "I don't know," he admitted, though there was a hint of amazement in his voice. "It just... happened. I feel stronger. I think I've pushed through some barrier somehow—my magic, my strength—it's all back to full power."
He looked down at his hands, feeling the power surge within him. His previously worn-out body now felt like it was on the brink of something else entirely. It was almost as if he had been granted a second wind, one that came from somewhere deep inside him.
Koneko's brow furrowed. "A sudden boost of power like that isn't normal. Are you sure it's not some side effect of the battle?"
Millicas clenched his fists, feeling the raw strength in his arms. His senses were sharper, his movements faster, more precise. There was no doubt about it. "No... it's real. I've become stronger. My magic is more refined now. I feel like I can take on Rias."
Koneko didn't seem entirely convinced, but she didn't press the matter further. She'd seen Millicas push himself to his limits and had felt his energy drain, but now there was no sign of weakness. She couldn't argue with the results, though the sudden shift was still concerning.
"We still have to finish this," Millicas said, shaking off the lingering feeling of disorientation.
Millicas and Koneko moved through the increasingly tense and labyrinthine arena, their footsteps quiet yet purposeful, their senses heightened after the intense battle they'd already fought. The energy around them was thick with the lingering power of magic, the echo of their previous confrontations still in the air. He could sense them now, the magic signatures of Rias and Kiba just ahead. His heart pounded in his chest as he approached, but this time, it wasn't fear he felt—it was focus. A strange, intense confidence surged within him, something brought on by the surge of power he'd recently experienced.
Millicas was ready. He could feel it deep within him, a readiness to finally end this and prove that he wasn't just a son, a byproduct of expectations and bloodlines. He was Millicas Gremory, and this battle—this Rating Game—was his to win.
As they rounded the corner, he saw her.
Rias stood at the far end of the arena, her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowed in frustration, though there was a flicker of surprise as she spotted Millicas and Koneko. Beside her stood Kiba, his blue eyes watchful, sword in hand, but he didn't make a move yet. It was clear that this was the final stand—the final confrontation between the two, between Aunt and Nephew.
Millicas stepped forward, Koneko beside him, both of them making their way toward Rias. He met her gaze, his expression unyielding but with a calmness she could see through, the kind that came only when someone knew they had control of the situation.
Rias's voice broke the silence. "How... how are you still standing?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion and genuine concern. Her brow furrowed as her eyes swept over him. Millicas, to her surprise, didn't look like he had just fought through several rounds of intense battles. If anything, he looked stronger. More alive. More confident.
She stepped forward slightly, her eyes narrowing, and for the first time in a while, Millicas saw a hint of something different in her—vulnerability. "You were barely standing before. How did you..."
Millicas tilted his head slightly, not an ounce of malice in his voice, only calm assurance. "I've gotten stronger," he said simply. The words sounded almost casual, though his tone held an underlying edge of pride. "That's the benefit of having a bit of time and fighting against people stronger than me."
Rias blinked, still processing the statement. "You got stronger... but... you weren't even supposed to be this strong. How... how could you have done that?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Millicas lied a hint of mystery in his voice. "But whatever happened, it's given me a chance to finish this, and I plan to take it."
Rias sighed, looking over at Kiba, who was standing a little behind her, his sword raised and ready for anything. Kiba exchanged a glance with Rias, his face unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—something that Millicas recognized. Kiba wasn't going to hold back. They had no choice now but to fight, and Rias, though visibly conflicted, knew that her role in this match was to give it everything she had.
"Very well," she said, stepping back and motioning for Kiba to take the lead. Just as Millicas did the same. "Koneko... You're up."
Koneko didn't hesitate for a second. Her golden eyes narrowed with focus, her fists clenching at her sides as she took a few steps forward, her body brimming with the raw power that had only intensified throughout the fight. Rias's expression flickered with something like regret, but there was no turning back now.
Kiba stepped forward, his blade shimmering in the dim light, his posture confident. "I'll make this quick," he said, his voice calm but dangerous.
Millicas gave a slight nod, stepping aside as Koneko advanced toward Kiba, her eyes set on her target. The arena felt still for a moment before everything erupted into motion.
Koneko's speed was unmatched. She closed the distance between herself and Kiba in the blink of an eye, her movements a blur. Kiba, no slouch in speed himself, met her head-on as he was a knight, swinging his sword in a wide arc. But Koneko was faster. With a fluid motion, she dodged under the strike, her body low to the ground, and delivered a brutal blow to Kiba's side with a well-placed punch.
Kiba grunted, his body jerking with the force of the impact, but he quickly recovered, using his sword to deflect Koneko's follow-up. The two clashed repeatedly, a flurry of steel and fists that sent sparks flying and echoed through the arena. Koneko's fists were quick and powerful, each punch landing with a force that rattled the air, while Kiba's sword was elegant but deadly, each slash cutting through the space between them with precision.
Millicas watched the fight intently, his gaze never leaving Koneko's movements. Despite her growing exhaustion, she was holding her own. But it was clear that Kiba was growing tired as well. He wasn't able to land a decisive blow, and with each passing moment, Koneko's resilience and speed overwhelmed him.
Then, with a final, decisive movement, Koneko ducked under one of Kiba's sword strikes, using her momentum to land a powerful uppercut to his jaw. Kiba stumbled backwards, dazed, before Koneko finished the fight with a well-placed kick to his chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. He didn't get up.
The arena fell silent for a moment. Koneko stood there, breathing heavily, her golden eyes flashing as she looked back at Millicas. "It's done."
"One knight from Lady Rias's peerage has been retired."
Millicas nodded, though there was no time to celebrate. He turned his gaze back to Rias, who was standing a little further away, looking at Koneko in disbelief.
He then forcibly retired Koneko. The announcer spoke.
"One pawn from Lord Millicas's Peerage has retired"
Kiba had retired, and now it was her turn.
Rias swallowed hard, her lips pressed into a thin line. She didn't say a word. Instead, she took a step forward, her posture tense but determined. She had no choice now but to give it her all.
Millicas's eyes narrowed as he surveyed her, knowing this was the final stretch. The battle had shifted in his favour. He had become more powerful. Much more. Now he would put Rias in her place.
He raised his hand, the power of destruction energy swelling around him like a storm ready to break. He focused, gathering every ounce of his demonic energy, his body crackling with raw power.
Rias seemed to sense the danger as she stepped back, her own magic beginning to swirl around her. She raised her hands, forming her own spells to counter whatever Millicas was about to unleash. His power flared with a light that momentarily blinded the arena, the magic swirling around him as he poured [200,000 demonic energy] into his attack,
Before Rias could fully prepare her defence, he released a wave of destruction energy, a torrent of power so concentrated that it tore through the arena, levelling everything in its path. The ground shook beneath them, and the air was thick with the force of the blast. The arena crumbled, the walls disintegrating as the destructive wave cut through Rias's magic, overpowering it in an instant.
Rias was instantly removed, from the battleground no doubt very injured from the fighting.
The announcer's stunned voice rand out. "Lady Rias has retired."
"Millicas Gremory is the winner of this rating game".
[Quest Completed]
[You have levelled up x40]
Millicas stood there, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from his brow, but the sense of victory was undeniable. He had done it. He had won. He had proven himself, not just to his father, not just to his family—but to himself.
With a final, satisfied breath, Millicas let his energy settle, his body buzzing with the aftermath of the battle.
"It's over," Millicas said quietly, his gaze drifting over to the remains of the arena. He had emerged victorious, and the future of House Gremory had just taken a dramatic turn.
The Rating Game was his.
Millicas stood in the teleported space, his mind still reeling from the battle, but his body now thrumming with raw power. He was finally free from the Rating Game, and as his surroundings slowly cleared, he saw the familiar faces of his mother and grandfather waiting for him.
Zeoticus was the first to approach, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, well, Millicas! I see you're still in one piece. Quite the show you put on out there. Though, I do wonder if you had to do that to Rias. But, hey, you earned it. You're a Gremory—powerful and smart."
Millicas's lips twitched into a small smile despite his exhaustion. His grandfather's attempts to lighten the mood were always appreciated. Zeoticus slapped him on the back with a hearty laugh, his large frame towering over Millicas, but there was a hint of something serious in his eyes.
"I must admit, your actions were...bold," Zeoticus continued, his tone changing just a fraction. "I'm not sure I agree with everything you did, but you've proven your strength. Just don't forget that this family—this name—requires more than just power. You need wisdom, too."
Millicas nodded, still processing the earlier conflict and how his victory had unfolded. "I understand, Grandfather."
At his side, Grayfia gave a soft, approving smile before speaking. "I'm just glad you're safe. You've done well, Millicas." Her voice was calm, though there was a noticeable lack of concern for the political fallout of his actions. She cared only for his well-being.
Millicas glanced back toward the arena and then shook his head, a sigh escaping him. "Rias... she borrowed Riser's peerage temporarily."
Grayfia raised an eyebrow but didn't comment on it further, choosing instead to focus on him. "You're the one who fought and won. That's all that matters now."
Zeoticus chuckled again, "Ah, that girl... don't worry about her. You've set the bar, Millicas. I will speak with both her and your father. You've shown what it means to be a Gremory."
Millicas met his grandfather's gaze, the pride there was unmistakable, even as he felt the weight of his actions settle on him. Winning was important, yes, but what came next? How would the family move forward after the tension he'd stirred?
Grandson as heir you have new responsibilities and duties which we must discuss soon for today you may celebrate but before your upcoming birthday we must discuss these and that is also when I plan to announce that you won.
Zeoticus smiled, his voice soft yet filled with a sense of pride. "You've made quite the impression today, Millicas. A victory like this isn't something easily earned." He paused, his gaze shifting slightly as if pondering something else. "But there are things we need to discuss soon. Your responsibilities have changed. You'll need to understand what's ahead."
Millicas nodded, trying to suppress the weight of it all. His mother, on the other hand, offered a brief, approving glance. She didn't seem particularly concerned with Rias or the others. The focus was now on Millicas—her son. For now, he was allowed to enjoy the victory, but soon enough, the discussions would begin, and with them, the shift in expectations.
"Let's not rush into everything at once," his grandfather added, his tone a bit more lighthearted, though there was still a sense of seriousness behind it. "Enjoy the moment, but remember, we must speak and discuss your new duties before your birthday.
Millicas made his way to meet Koneko, who was resting nearby after the match. When she saw him, she raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"Well, look at you, all victorious," she teased, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement.
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, not exactly how I expected things to go, but I got through it."
Koneko snorted lightly. "Guess that makes me an official peerage member of the heir of Gremory now, huh?" She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, her tone light but filled with a hint of pride.
Millicas gave a small, genuine smile. "Seems like it. You did well."
"Did I? I think you did all the hard work," Koneko teased, though there was a flicker of warmth in her voice.
"Doesn't mean you didn't do well." He shot her a grateful look.
She shrugged, not one to show much emotion, but Millicas could tell she appreciated the recognition.
"Guess we can call this a win, huh?" Koneko said, her voice more relaxed now that the tension of the match had passed.
"Yeah. For now, anyway."
They shared a quiet moment, both knowing there were more challenges ahead, but for tonight, they could allow themselves a brief respite.