The morning sun cast long shadows over Kuoh Academy as Raizer Phoenix approached the Occult Research Club once again. This time, however, the stakes were even higher. The entire Gremory peerage would be present, along with his own, to finalize the terms of their peerage game in the presence of none other than Grayfia Lucifuge, the Queen of Sirzechs Lucifer.
Raizer's peerage walked behind him, their presence alone radiating an air of authority and power. Garp strode with his usual booming confidence, Mihawk walked silently, Yoru slung across his back, and Roger grinned like he was walking into a friendly tavern brawl. The rest followed in their own unique styles, each one clearly out of place on the quiet school grounds.
"This better not be a waste of time," Akainu muttered, arms crossed. "If I have to listen to more of that pawn's nonsense, I might lose it."
"Relax," Shiki said, floating lazily alongside him. "We're just here to finalize the match. What's the worst that could happen?"
Raizer sighed, pushing open the door. "You just had to say it, didn't you?"
The Club Room Showdown
Inside the clubroom, the atmosphere was already tense. Rias sat at her usual spot, flanked by her peerage. Grayfia stood near the center, her calm and authoritative presence commanding attention.
Raizer entered with his peerage in tow, and for a moment, the room was silent as the two groups sized each other up.
"Raizer Phoenix," Grayfia greeted with a nod. "You've brought your entire peerage, I see."
"Of course," Raizer replied smoothly. "This is a group decision, after all."
Rias rolled her eyes. "Bringing them here doesn't make your case any stronger. Honestly, I don't understand why you bother."
Raizer raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"
Rias smirked, leaning back in her seat. "It means your peerage is nothing but a collection of has-beens and old men. What's the point of gathering legends if they're past their prime?"
The Degenerate Strikes Again
Before Raizer could respond, Issei jumped to his feet, pointing dramatically. "Yeah! Rias doesn't need some old geezers protecting her! She has me, the Red Dragon Emperor!"
He puffed out his chest, clearly proud of his declaration. "And for the record, I've already claimed Rias's boobs, so you can back off!"
The room fell into stunned silence. Even Rias's peerage looked embarrassed, though Rias herself was fuming.
Raizer stared at Issei, his expression caught somewhere between disgust and disbelief. "You do realize we're discussing a peerage game, not… whatever fantasy is playing out in your head."
Issei grinned, unbothered. "It's not a fantasy—it's destiny!"
Raizer pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. "Yubelluna, remind me why we're wasting time with this."
"Because we were asked to," Yubelluna said calmly, though her lips twitched with amusement.
Raizer Questions Grayfia
Ignoring Issei, Raizer turned to Grayfia, his golden eyes sharp. "Grayfia Lucifuge, as the representative of the Devil Council, I'm curious. What do you truly think about me and my peerage?"
Grayfia's silver eyes locked onto his, her expression unreadable. "My personal opinions are irrelevant. I am here only to ensure the terms of the peerage game are agreed upon fairly."
"Humor me," Raizer said, his tone polite but insistent. "You've seen the reports, you've heard the rumors. What do you think of us?"
The room went silent as everyone waited for Grayfia's response. Finally, she spoke.
"You are ambitious, Raizer Phoenix," she said evenly. "Your peerage is powerful, and your methods unconventional. Whether that will lead to success or destruction remains to be seen."
Raizer smiled faintly. "Fair enough."
The Mockery Begins
As the discussion continued, it was clear that tensions were rising. Rias's peerage couldn't resist taking jabs at Raizer's team, their comments growing louder and more pointed.
Kiba smirked, glancing at Mihawk. "A swordsman, huh? You don't look like much."
Shiki, who had been lounging in midair, burst out laughing. "Did he seriously just say that to Mihawk? Oh, this is gonna be good."
Mihawk turned his sharp, golden gaze on Kiba, his voice calm but cutting. "You're a knight, yet you cannot even sense the difference in skill between yourself and Gol D. Roger, much less me. If you cannot feel that, there is no hope for you as a swordsman."
The words hit like a hammer. Kiba's smirk faltered, replaced by a flash of anger.
"You don't know anything about me," Kiba snapped.
"I know enough," Mihawk said simply, his tone icy. "You're blinded by pride and vengeance. That's not the path of a swordsman—it's the path of a fool."
Grayfia Intervenes
Before Kiba could retort, Grayfia stepped forward, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Enough."
Her gaze swept over both peerages, her tone firm. "This meeting is not an opportunity for petty insults. We are here to finalize the terms of the peerage game. If either side cannot maintain decorum, I will end this discussion and report the matter to the council."
The room fell silent, though the tension lingered in the air.
Raizer raised a hand in a mock gesture of surrender. "Fine by me. Let's get this over with."
Rias crossed her arms, glaring at him. "For once, we agree."
Finalizing the Terms
With Grayfia mediating, the terms were quickly finalized. The peerage game would take place on a neutral battlefield selected by the Devil Council, with the standard rules of engagement.
As the meeting concluded, Raizer stood, his golden eyes glinting with amusement. "This has been… enlightening. I look forward to our match."
"Don't get too comfortable," Rias shot back. "You won't win."
"We'll see," Raizer said, smirking as he turned to leave.
Aftermath
Outside the clubroom, Raizer's peerage was in high spirits, though Mihawk's expression remained grim.
"I can't believe that knight had the nerve to question Mihawk," Shiki said, still laughing. "The kid's got guts, I'll give him that."
"Or stupidity," Beckman said, lighting a cigarette.
Raizer shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Let them think what they want. The truth will be clear soon enough."
As they walked away from Kuoh Academy, the anticipation for the upcoming game hung heavy in the air. One thing was certain: the Gremory peerage had no idea what they were up against.
This chapter sets up the peerage game while highlighting the tensions and rivalries between the two teams. Let me know if you'd like to expand on any part!