[Kiba's POV]
"Raiser Phoenix, retired. Rias Gremory's team wins!" Grayfia's voice rings out.
Everyone on the field Gremory and Phoenix servants alike witnesses the moment. Issei-kun defeats Raiser.
It's overwhelming.
Raiser's no weakling. His official Rating Game record: ten matches, two losses, both out of courtesy to allied houses. Virtually undefeated. A top candidate for a title among young high-class devils.
Yet Issei-kun shrugs off his attacks, dominating the fight. His final technique, a torrent of light, engulfs Raiser, piercing the sky and tearing a hole in the game field. A hole in the field? Unheard of.
That attack was Demon King-level, unleashed without a sacred gear. He toppled an immortal Phoenix.
Ten days of training made us stronger. This game proved it. But watching Issei-kun, I can't settle for this. I want to grow stronger, to protect the captain who saved me.
That resolve sparks within me.
[Kiba's POV Ends]
"Hah… hah…" My body's drained, hit by crushing fatigue. My right arm's numb.
Agni, my ultimate blast of stored energy, rivals Balance Breaker's power in raw form. But it takes time to charge and leaves me reeling.
"Recoil's worse than last time…" I mutter.
A gem glows on my left hand. Ddraig.
"No surprise. Agni's meant for the gauntlet's power. Using it raw amps the backlash," he says.
He's right. The gauntlet's doubling effect reduces strain. I skipped it for a reason.
"Even for Rias Gremory, you pushed too hard," Ddraig scolds.
"It's fine. The numbness'll fade soon. Just… don't tell the captain or the others. No need to worry them."
"Got it. I won't be that tactless," Ddraig assures.
Time to head back to the captain.
"Captain, you okay?" I rush to her on the old schoolhouse roof.
Her uniform's in tatters, but Asia's healing has erased her wounds. No burn marks. Good.
"I'm still numb, but I'll be fine. You okay, Issei?" she asks.
"I'm good. Just tired. No injuries… though my uniform's shot," I say, glancing at my shredded clothes, barely covering my upper body.
"Unlike your body, your clothes aren't tough," Ddraig quips.
Gotta buy a new one. Mom's gonna kill me…
Let's not dwell on that.
"Should we join Kiba and the others?" I ask.
"I'd like to, but I can't move yet. Sorry," she says.
"No problem." I scoop her up. "Excuse me."
"W-Wait, Issei!?" she squeaks, flustered.
"Sorry, Captain. I know it's awkward, but bear with me."
"It's… not that. Just… being carried like a princess, I…" she mumbles, blushing.
I catch only half her words, but she seems okay with it.
"Asia, can you fly?" I ask.
"Y-Yes! I'm fine," she says, cheeks puffed slightly. What's up with her?
Whatever. "Let's go!"
We meet Kiba and the others on the field. No major injuries. All safe.
The Gremory team returns to the club room, whole and victorious.
[Third-Person POV]
In the observation room, Gremory and Phoenix family members watch, stunned. Most expected Raiser's victory. Rias and her young, unseasoned team beating a Phoenix? Unthinkable, except to a few.
Sirzechs smiles alone. He never doubted Issei's win, though even he didn't expect this level of power.
"Remarkable," Lord Gremory says.
"Indeed. I'd heard of him, but this…" Lord Phoenix adds.
They're Rias and Raiser's fathers.
"Sirzechs, his name?" Lord Gremory asks.
"Issei Hyoudou, Father. Something wrong?"
"I don't think he used the Red Dragon Emperor's sacred gear…"
Sirzechs nods, understanding. "He didn't use it at all."
Lord Phoenix frowns. "Why not? It would've made beating Raiser easier."
Lord Gremory agrees. With the gear, Issei wouldn't be so exhausted.
So why avoid it?
"If he'd used the Red Dragon Emperor's power, what would nobles say?" Sirzechs asks.
They pause. "Likely, 'Rias Gremory forced her engagement's end with a legendary dragon,'" Lord Phoenix ventures.
"Exactly. I suspect Issei fought this way for Rias's future, to shield her from noble gossip," Sirzechs explains.
Both lords are floored. Issei battled not just for the engagement but for Rias's reputation.
After a moment, Lord Gremory turns to Lord Phoenix. "My apologies for how this marriage turned out. If I may be so bold…"
"No need, Lord Gremory. It's a shame, but this was a lesson for my son. Phoenixes aren't invincible. That alone made this worthwhile," Lord Phoenix replies.
"Your daughter has a fine servant," he adds.
"I never imagined she'd recruit the Red Dragon Emperor," Lord Gremory muses. "Next, perhaps…"
"The White Dragon, Vanishing Dragon. Red and white meeting isn't far off," Lord Phoenix finishes.
[Third-Person POV Ends]
Back at the club room, I shower and relax. First time using the club's shower. Akeno-san magically fixes my shredded uniform. No scolding from Mom. Phew.
Kiba, Akeno-san, Koneko-chan, and Asia head home. Koneko-chan's escorting Asia, so she's safe.
It's just me and the captain now. I'm sprawled on the sofa, exhausted from Agni. She's showering, now able to move.
Normally, I'd be hyped about her nearby, but I'm too drained for that. I'll enjoy her in my head instead.
Time to head home. Miu's probably worried, despite my text.
The captain emerges, wrapped in a towel. Wow, her figure's unreal!
"Issei, you sure you're okay?" she asks, concerned. "You look wiped out."
"Just a bit heavy. I'll recover soon," I assure her.
"Good," she says, smiling, sitting beside me. She seems… nervous?
"Captain, something up?"
"I was so glad… when you saved me from Raiser."
"It's my job. I promised to protect you."
"I know. Can you close your eyes? I have something for you."
"Huh? Sure." What's this about?
I close my eyes. Something soft touches my lips.
Opening them, I see the captain, arms around my neck, kissing me.
A kiss. Her kiss.
After a minute, she pulls back.
I'm frozen. I kissed the captain!?
"My first kiss," she says. "A thank-you for today."
"W-What!? You're okay giving it to me!?" I stammer.
"Of course. You earned it," she says, blushing, then hugs me. "Thank you, Issei."
Her usual voice, tension gone. She's smiling again. Good.
"I'm moving into your house," the captain says after changing.
"Huh?"
"Say that again, please," I ask, stunned.
"I'm moving into your house."
"Why!?"
"To bond with my servant and train with you. Two birds, one stone."
"You don't need to live with me to train!"
She looks up at me, eyes shimmering, fidgeting. "You… don't want to live with me?"
Zing!
My heart's pierced. That look from the academy's idol? Devastating!
"Don't give me those puppy eyes!" I plead. "Fine, I'll ask my parents…"
I call Mom. She says yes instantly. Apparently, they cleared a room during a big clean while we were gone.
"What was in there!?" I blurt.
So, the captain can move in. What a convenient twist…
"Alright, Issei. Starting tomorrow, I'm in your care," she says with a wink.
This is wild. My life's about to get lively.