The battle situation was proceeding according to plan.
While Xenovia suppressed the Rooks and Yumi held back the soldiers, Issei focused entirely on storing power in his [Boosted Gear].
'Two of Diodora Astaroth's "Rooks," retired.'
When the announcement finally came that Xenovia had defeated the enemy Rooks, the jewels of the [Boosted Gear] began to glow.
'It is time!'
"Akeno-san!!"
"Yes!"
Issei placed a hand on Akeno's shoulder and shouted.
"Let's go! Boosted Gear Gift!!"
"Transfer!!"
The second ability of the [Boosted Gear], 'Transfer.' An overwhelming stream of energy flowed from Issei into Akeno.
"Guh!? ───With this!!"
A red and golden two-colored aura erupted from Akeno, spiraling upwards.
"Feast on this!!"
Akeno unleashed a super-massive lightning bolt.
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!"
The lightning rained down upon the soldiers pinned down by Yumi's [Demonic Sword Meteor Shower], and their figures vanished.
'Eight of Diodora Astaroth's "Pawn" soldiers retired.'
"Hmph, you should be grateful I didn't fire [Holy Lightning]!"
"Hahaha..."
As expected, the women of their team were incredible! Akeno, of course, and everything was going exactly according to Rias's strategy! Issei recalled the pre-match strategy meeting.
<><><><>
"Alright? While Xenovia suppresses the two Rooks and Yumi holds back the eight pawns, Issei, you focus on storing power. Once the power is stored, use 'Transfer' on Akeno, and we'll wipe them out in one go."
"But, President, even for Yumi, facing soldiers is difficult, isn't it?"
"The Yumi from before might not have been able to, but the current Yumi has [Demonic Sword Meteor Shower]. If she uses that well, she should be able to buy us about a minute. What do you think, Yumi?"
"Yes, I'll show you I can do it."
"But President, a minute isn't enough to store power, is it..."
"It's fine, Issei. You've become stronger. The current you should be able to store enough power in about a minute to defeat all ten opponents."
"President..."
"Issei, and all of you. Believe in me, and believe in yourselves who have worked so hard to become strong until now. It's fine, it will definitely work."
<><><><>
Rias's strategy fit perfectly! The first round was their complete victory…
"...To think that with ten people, they couldn't defeat a single one... I'll admit it plainly, you win the first round. Enter the temple. The second round will be held there."
Diodora's frustrated voice echoed. But Rias paid it no mind and answered calmly.
"Much obliged. Let's go, everyone!"
"Yes!!"
They strode triumphantly into the temple.
CRASHHHHHH!!!
In his fury, Diodora smashed his glass against the floor.
"Damn it! Those useless pieces of shit, ten of them couldn't take down a single one!? ...Well, whatever. The temple interior is rigged with numerous traps. I should be able to reduce their numbers before the second round begins. Damn it, this is so infuriating... Next time. Next time, I'll crush Rias and her lot!!"
Diodora's face was contorted into an ugly mask of rage.
<><><><> <><><><>
"I see. So this is a Rating Game. It's quite fascinating."
Artoria's eyes shone with interest.
"Took a liking to it, eh? You'll probably get to do it yourself once you gather your own set of servants, kid."
"Kazuki-sama! I want to try it too! Let's gather servants quickly!!"
"Yeah, yeah, sure."
Artoria, who had been egged on by Azazel, was tugging at Kazuki's arm. Sirzechs couldn't help but offer a wry smile at the sight.
"But to dominate so decisively with that difference in combat power... Rias has really grown quite a bit as a [King]."
"That's right. She's getting better at assessing combat strength. It's probably the result of her constant research with Sona."
Kazuki nodded happily at Azazel's praise. Sirzechs, too, felt proud of Rias's growth.
"But the real test starts here. The temple interior is Diodora's territory. It's probably rigged with numerous traps. As long as they don't let their guard down, they should be fine, but..."
Azazel muttered worriedly. However, paying no mind to Azazel's concern, Kazuki smiled and declared confidently.
"It's fine. Our team has HER."
…
"Ah, Rias-tan, don't step there, nyaa."
"Huh? Whoa, that was close!"
"Stop, Issei-tan! Don't carelessly touch the wall, nyaa. We don't know where the trap triggers are, nyaa!!"
"Whoa!? My bad!"
Koneko and the others were currently advancing through the temple interior. The temple should have been rigged with numerous traps, making it extremely dangerous...
However, ever since Kuroka took the lead partway through, she kept discovering traps one after another, and their progress remained smooth.
Senjutsu is the art of manipulating the flow of life. Kuroka, a master of this art, could apparently read how people had acted from the residual energy left in a place. Applying this, she proceeded to discover the installed traps one by one. It was only possible due to Kuroka's exceptional skill, something her little sister could hardly imitate.
After bypassing traps for the umpteenth time, they arrived at a spacious area where three figures were waiting for them.
"...To think you'd make it this far without triggering a single one of the many traps I set... You seem to possess incredible good fortune, Rias."
Diodora spoke in a tone that suggested Rias had relied solely on luck. However,
"That's right. Well then, shall we start the second round? We'll deploy two Bishops and Queen."
Rias ignored Diodora's provocation and briskly moved the conversation forward.
"Koneko, and Kuroka, I'm counting on you."
"Yes!!"
"Okay, nyaa~!"
Nominated by the President, Koneko replied. Her sister also stepped forward with a combative smile.
"No specific strategy this time. My only instruction is this: Crush them!!"
Yep, simple and clear. Leaving Koneko and Kuroka behind, the others stepped back.
"Kuh, you talk awfully big for someone who's being looked down upon. Fine. The second round begins. Get them!!"
Along with the signal to start the match, Diodora's two Bishops and Queen charged.
"Koneko~, the Queen is yours, nyaa!!"
"Yes!!"
Following Kuroka's instruction, Koneko dashed towards the Queen. Kuroka swiftly activated her Youjutsu; black lightning struck the two Bishops who were trying to take up support positions in the rear.
"Kyaaaaaahhh!!"
Kuroka's Youjutsu, '[Black Lightning]'. Her Youjutsu inflicted negative status effects on opponents. It was a technique she excelled at, dealing a preemptive strike to the enemy while also paralyzing them temporarily, rendering them immobile.
In the previous Battle of Angels, the two priests had excelled at support magic, aiding their allies.
Kuroka's nice call to cut off the enemy's support. Deprived of support from her allies, the Queen showed signs of agitation.
'Sorry, but I won't let that opening slide.' Koneko thought.
"Hah!"
"Tch!? You're annoying!!"
Perhaps because Diodora, the [King], was a wizard-type, the Queen was a type proficient in close combat, using a spear as her weapon.
The Queen, who had recovered from her agitation in an instant, began utilizing the spear's reach to prevent Koneko from closing in. 'This person is quite strong. But the President and my sister entrusted this to me. I will definitely be the one to defeat her!'
...
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