Hope you enjoy the chapter, Readers! ^.^
"Where are you going... Hunter? Not going to watch your student perform tomorrow?" a familiar deep and carefree voice question, causing the Archdevil to stop near one of the entrance gates in Vesarima. She glances back to see a flock of black feathers form into Azazel.
"It's tomorrow... I have time to take on one contract to pass time. A small village nearby should surely have a billboard" Hunter reply monotonously, turning her head forward to look at the distance view of the sun setting down.
"Still the same... I honestly thought you would be bored of that life by now" Azazel truthfully tells, crossing his arms and stare serenely at the Archdevil's black cloak that covers her whole body. "What else do you expect me to do?" Hunter reply back, though her tone suddenly gets sharp "This is the life I live now... There's nothing else for me to do other than await my next command from Lord Sirzech" "I know well that isn't true... There's one thing you want in life... One person you want to kill. You are still searching for them, aren't you? That's why you are always out there. Because th—" "You are stepping on a mighty thin ice right now, Azazel. Shut your mouth" Hunter sharply cuts in; her low growl can be heard by the Fallen Angel.
Azazel decide to back off. Even though he may be considered one of the strongest being to exist right now in the supernatural world. The woman in front of him also is in that rank and is someone he dares not to battle or to even upset. Deciding the change, the subject, Azazel smile "So, how is training Issei Hyoudou been?" he questions "He is an interesting boy, though needs lot of training and discipline... Quite rash that one".
Hunter expression turn less tense and returns to blank "He is an interesting boy and he's been no trouble to train" "I see, I see. If he was trouble, then you would have left him stranded somewhere" "Hmm. What are you getting at, Azazel?" "Oh, nothing, I was just curious" he replies, swiftly.
Hunter's slit pupils narrow "He may not be a prodigy like your dear student, but for my case, I rather train him over the Makasha. Even though he started off rough, the kid shows that he got the guts to become strong. I rather train a boy who exceed through training with hard work and fails at time then a boring prodigy who soaks everything up with ease" she comments.
Azazel's eyes narrow and his expression turn serious by the Archdevil's words "I don't take well on what you say about my godson... Hunter" he said in dark tone and the Archdevil's cold expression creak slightly in shock, hearing the unexpected news of Nawin being the godson of Azazel.
Azazel turns around, black feathers form to existence and start swirling around him in steady speed "Interesting though, how you defended Issei. Does he remind you of him?" Azazel question in an almost taunting tone, triggering Hunter to throw a dagger at him in blinding speed. Azazel burst into black feathers just as the dagger was about to strike, instead it pierces the ground.
Hunter glare hard at the ground where Azazel once stood "Stupid Fallen Angel" she utters and turn around, resuming to exit Vesarima.
Present: Stadium Platform
Azazel blinks and glance at Issei, resting his head lazily on his right hand, that is rested on the chair's armrest 'Let's see what you got, Issei'. "Where is Falbium?" Michael questions, noticing the forth Satan is missing "Sleeping, probably" Serafall reply, rolling her eyes in irritation. "That idiot is so lazy that he doesn't even bother to see his village warrior fight" Ajuka add in, with distaste in his tone.
A frown appears on Gabriel's beautiful face, listening closely to the conversation "Is that appropriate behavior for a Satan to have, Lord Sirzech?" she questions, turning to face the crimson-haired man. Sirzech release a chuckle and smile "Although he may be extremely lazy, Falbium does help immensely when the subject involves combat and battle. He is the leader for the Military Affairs and since it is a peaceful time. Falbuim sees it as he isn't needed, so just laze around all day and let his Queen take care of the Military schools, forces, and other matters" he explains.
Gabriel slowly nod and turn her sight back to the arena ground "There are truth to your words, though he honestly should have showed up" "Don't bother worrying about it, Lady Gabriel" Ajuka insert, calmly "Let's focus on the match, shall we" Serafall add in, giving the Angel a side glance, holding annoyance in them.
Arena Ground
Issei hops to the right to dodge another invisible strike from the wind. When his feet touch the ground, he immediately kicks it, allowing him to speed toward the Shiba. "I told you that trick won't work on me anymore!" Issei shouts and extend the boosted gear. The sacred gear shines in red and shoots out a hand made of pure mana that grab a hold of Taiki. Issei clench the boosted gear and pulls it, resulting the Shiba to fly toward Issei, with the large hand holding tightly around him.
Issei pull his left hand back, ready to give the Shiba one hard punch. "Blade of Wind" Taiki whisper, sharpening his right hand to look like a blade. Issei sees the wind aura start forming around the Shiba's hand, shaping into like a blade made of pure wind. Taiki bring the blade on the hand made of mana, slicing right through it, setting him free. Issei cuss and jumps forward, striking the boosted gear forward, making Taiki counteract with bringing his hand that is covered by wind toward the boosted gear, intending to cut it down.
Taiki is shock when he sees his hand bounce away when touching the red gauntlet. "My boosted gear has become incredibility durable over the past two weeks of training. Not even a Cyclops with its full strength can break it!" Issei boast and smash the boosted gear into Taiki's stomach.
Taiki cough out air from the huge blow smashing to his abdomen. He is send flying back in rapid speed and crash into the wall. Issei thrust the boosted gear forward once more "Dragon shot!" he exclaims, firing a red beam that ignite in an explosion when contacting the Shiba.
Issei return to his stance and looks closely at the smokes. He quickly step to the right to narrowly dodge a wind blast that boom out from the dark smoke. The fierce wind causes the smoke to disperse and reveal a slightly battered Taiki, standing straight, but gripping his expose and bruise stomach with his right hand.
'Huh... I saw that wind. It was more powerful than the other ones though,' 'The wilder and more violent the wind gets the more visible it become... Make sense' Ddraig adds in. Issei nod 'It will make things easier, but I still need to keep an eye open... Wind is a fast element just like lightning' 'Indeed, Partner'.
"Issei Hyoudou!" Taiki snarl in venom, losing his patients and composure "I won't allow myself to be embarrassed by lowly devil such as you! Who used to be a weak human!" he shouts.
Issei hold his ground when the Shiba blast his mana, causing violent wind current to circle around the arena. "Is that superior tone that I hate. I have beaten some sense into people who hold that kind of tone and I'm going to do the same to you!" Issei shouts.
Stadium
"I think he is indicating that to you, Riser" Rias giggles out and turn to an unamused Phenex "Yeah... I picked up on that, Rias". "I heard you were a major douchebag back then. Until Nawin-senpai and Issei beat some respect into you" Xenovia tease "I'm going to beat some respect into you if you don't be quiet, Xenovia. I'm still the Prince of the Phenex Clan!" Riser retorts, glaring at the smirking Knight.
Arena Ground
"Tell me..." Taiki compose himself and question "How did you figured it out?". Issei lower his stance "My senses have heightened exponentially thanks to my sacred gear. I may not be able to see your wind attack, but I can hear it... Even if it's faint" he answers. Taiki release a chuckle "That is the Achilles heel in my technique... No matter!" he suddenly shouts and swipe his right hand back, causing the ground behind to shatter into pieces by the violent wind current "My wind will still cut you down!".
Issei sprint forward to Taiki, and sees him immediately react by sending a wind slash. A powerful attack produces from the Shiba's hand to create a large near invisible blade. Issei hop to the right to dodge the attack. But, he sees Taiki sending a barrage more of them towards him.
'One of that can cut me like butter' Issei notes, hopping to the right and left. The Hyoudou focus turns to dodge all the wind blades. "You think you can dodge forever!?" Taiki shouts, swiftly waving his right hand to fire more of the blades "If one of these hits you! It's guarantee victory for me!".
Issei cuss, landing on all fours, then leaps up to dodge another wind blade. He backflips to land on his feet and see another one barreling toward him. "Haah!" Issei let out a battle cry and thrust the boosted gear forward, smashing with the wind blade. Issei grits his teeth, feeling himself being push back. "BOOST!" he exclaims, causing the boosted gear to glow brightly in red. With the boost ability taking effect, Issei is able to power through the wind blade with ease.
Taiki watch in shock, seeing his attack disburse into a nimble, harmless breeze. 'H-how' he questions, astound by the Hyoudou's strength. Issei start sprinting forward and smash through all the wind blades with the boosted gear. "Rotation!" Issei exclaims, firing up his signature attack.
Taiki clap his hands together, concentrating large amount of mana around it, then thrust both hands forward to fire s powerful wind gale. Issei walk into the fierce wind and continue to push through it. His coat starts to show sign of shredding while small cut appears on his face and arms. Issei grits his teeth and fire up his mana on his feet, allowing him to burst forward in speed. "Take this!" he exclaims, thrusting the rotation forward.
Issei is caught by surprise when Taiki quickly release his attack and bring his right hand toward the rotation. He watches in speechless, seeing the Shiba's hand contacting the rotation and watch as the attack did no damage on his hand. Issei sees the Rotation start reducing in size, almost like it is being drain away.
"This belongs to you" Taiki remark, before Issei can register what he means. Taiki thrust his left hand to the Hyoudou's stomach with a rotation that formed on the left palm. Issei suddenly shatter into crimson shards when the rotation connects, shocking the Shiba.
"Your tricks won't work twice" a voice state from behind. Before Taiki can react, a huge blow impact his back and feels his flesh tearing apart. "Rotation!" Taiki hears Issei shouts, then is send flying away with the spinning orb.
Taiki, in a fit of desperation, spins his body around before he crashes to the group. Using his wind mana, Taiki is able to generate a violent wind current that swirld around his body, like a tornado. The wind is able to push the rotation away and send it instead crashing into the ground in a fair distance. A huge explosion ignites where the rotation landed. The audience watch in awe and marvel at the rotation's destructive power.
Lounge
Nawin release a bore sigh and lean his head on his right hand that is resting on the couch's armrest. Lucy is sited close to her brother leaning on him while eating some cheese cake that the lounge provides. "This is rather one sided battle. I expected more from this Taiki Shiba after his display on the beach" Lucy remark, cutting the cake with the metal spoon and bring it to her mouth "What do you think, Big bro?" she asks, chewing on the delicious dessert and turn her head up to look at her brother, who wears a tranquil expression though his eyes hold dull in them.
"I find this dull right now, though something will surely happen soon" he answers, keeping his attention focus on the battle. Lucy tilt her head "What makes you say that? Something will happen?" "Mhm. Issei may have significantly grown over the past two weeks, but it's hard to believe that he's grown so strong that he is dominating this battle... Taiki is waiting for something... Waiting for a comeback" Nawin reply, loosely, not sure if even he believes in his words. 'Perhaps underestimating Issei has already doomed Taiki. If he doesn't have more to offer than this battle will surely be one-sided' Nawin notes.
Irina listen to the Makasha's word and turn to him, since the couch she is sited on is next to where he is sited. "Why would he be waiting? Issei can finish this match if he continues this momentum" she questions "That's the thing. Issei still haven't finished the match. That rotation could have ended it, but Taiki found a way to avoid it" Nawin reply.
The Makasha, sensing the Angel's wariness send her a small smile of reassurance "Don't worry, Irina" he speaks up, softly, making her turn to face him "Issei will win this no matter what Taiki has up his sleeves" he reassures. Irina smile and nod "Yeah... He is the most stubborn person I have ever met... No way he will go down in the first round".
Arena Ground
Issei backflip to dodge a kick from the air by Taiki, and jump over him to dodge another strike. Issei spin in midair to land in front and strike with the boosted gear, but Taiki counter with his hand that is cover in wind mana, using it to slap the gear away.
Issei lean to the right to dodge a left hand and send his knee forward, smashing on the Shiba's stomach. Issei hop back and immediately send a roundhouse kick, which miss when Taiki ducks down and jumps back to keep a safe distance.
Issei slowly drop his right feet down and stand straight, staring conflictedly at Taiki. 'What's going on? This is too easy' he notes 'Indeed. He is definitely holding back... Partner I suggest you take great caution now... Or better, finish it now' Ddraig advice.
Issei perk up when he hears a sound of a chuckle coming from the Shiba. His eyes narrow in caution "What are you laughing at?" he asks, slowly getting to his stance and keep an open eye for anything. Taiki lean his head to the right and place his left hand on his hip "It's just been a long time since I've been this injured. I forgot what it even felt like" he states in a cool tone "But, now I remember, and it makes me feel... angry" he said in a seething tone.
Taiki blast toward Issei and send a right jab toward the stomach. Issei is about to dodge it, but he hears a huge explosion of wind, then feel a hard blow smash to his stomach that knock his breath away. Taiki grin behind his mask and proceed to send another jab with his other hand, then another and another.
Everyone in the stadium watch in shock. Watching the wind swirling around the Shiba's hand, giving him the blinding speed to send a barrage of quick punches to the Hyoudou. "Gahhh!" Issei shouts out in pain, coughing out blood and feeling his stomach being completely crush by all the countless punches.
Taiki let out a scream and finish it with a hard-right swing. Smashing his fist perfectly on Issei's face. The fist holds enough power to send Issei exploding away and crash into the walls, before collapsing face-first onto the ground.
The audience watch in silence, staring at the unmoved Issei. Taiki flick his wrist, causing the wind aura to disperse. "It's over" he states, turning to Grayfia, who is staring stoically at the fallen Hyoudou. Grayfia send a glance at Taiki before returning to Issei "If he doesn't get up on the count of five, then you will be declared as winner" she announces.
Grayfia takes a breath and shouts "One!". Everyone that is cheering for Issei stares at him anxiously "Two!" Grayfia continues to count "Three!". Taiki cross his arms and wait patiently, confident of his victory. "Four!" Nawin's pupils narrow, staring at his fallen friend with stern eyes 'Get up... Issei'.
Grayfia opens her mouth "Fi—" she halts when spotting Issei slowly put his hand on the ground, pushing himself up. The crowd cheers loudly at him while Taiki clench his hands in frustration and start stumping toward the battered Hyoudou.
"I knew you would be a stubborn individual. Looks like I have to break every bone in your body to win this" Taiki state, stopping in front of the kneeling Issei. "You damn right" Issei spat out, grinning and looks up "This is nothing" he remark, which serves to angers the Shiba.
Taiki roughly grab Issei by the collar of his shirt. "Do say?" Taiki whisper and send a hard uppercut to Issei's already bruise stomach, earning him a painful groan. Taiki push Issei into the wall and send a right and left jab to his face, burying him deeper into the wall, surely damaging his back.
"Hehehe". Taiki is shock when hearing a chuckle release from Issei's mouth. "What is so funny!?" Taiki shout in rage and send a hard hook to Issei's face, then grab him by the neck and toss him back into the ground.
Issei slowly gets up to his feet and wipe the blood away from his mouth. He smirks and gesture Shiba to bring it "Come on. Show me more of that wind attack" he urges in a daring tone. Taiki clench his hands and wind start swirling into existence, covering his whole arms "I will end this and shut your aggravating mouth!".
Taiki advances in speed, both his arms cover in wind aura. Issei smirk grow wide when seeing this and takes a deep breath. "Fire Bullet!" he exclaims, exhaling out numbers of fire projectiles from his mouth.
Taiki freeze in shock and hastily begin dodging the dangerous fire blasts. Issei analyze closely at all Taiki's movement and secretly fire another projectile, while the Shiba'a attention is focus on the remaining ones.
The secret projectile hit Taiki's left hand, which immediately cause it to explode and fire swarms all over his left arm. "Aaaaahhh!" Taiki let out an agonizing scream, dropping to the ground and proceed to start rolling around to try and get rid of the flames. With the wind adding more fuel and heat to the fire. Taiki didn't see the flames going down and as a last resort. He smashes his left arm to the ground, burying it completely in the earth.
Issei stood behind Taiki, being completely unnoticed since the Shiba is solely focus on stopping the flame from permanently injuring his arm. Issei stare blankly at his opponent and slowly powers up the rotation "It's over" he utters and thrust the spinning red orb down.
As a last resort, Taiki move his head and smash the Rotation with his mask, shocking everyone. The mask is able to withstand the attack for a few second, giving enough time to allow Taiki to get his burnt hand out and roll away, dodging the rotation.
Issei dispel the rotation and stare in speechless at the Shiba, seeing the mask creak completely and pieces of it falls to the ground. When the mask completely falls away. It reveals a handsome young man with sharp facial structure and cold blue eye though the left one is block by his long indigo hair bang.
The wind blow pass Taiki, lifting the bangs up to reveal a white eye that lacks any pupils, almost looking dead. Issei is surprise by this, along with the audience while Taiki's expression harden significantly.
"Y-your eye" Issei stutter out, staring at the strange eye "Weird? Does it bother you?" Taiki questions with annoyance and cold tone, clearly show signs of being familiar with the situation. The situation where people are either disgust or scared because of his left eye.
"This left eye is a lifelong scar... It is a sign that shows me as a failure!" Taiki shouts in rage, ripping the last pieces of the mask on his forehead and toss it to the ground. "What do you mean?" Issei question "My Father may be the Emperor of Drupada, but he is also the Head of the Shiba clan. The Shiba clan may not be in the 72 pillars like others because we are new, but my father was a man that singlehandedly made our clan become one of the most fame and feared clan in the past century. His prowess over the affinity wind is known to all the three factions, earning him the title of God of Wind" Taiki said with a tone that hold resentment in them.
Taiki clench his hands and grit his teeth, his eyes sharpen and set sight on Issei "Imagine being the son of that kind of person. Try to imagine all your whole life they always compare you to a person like that, holding such high expectation and never being able to live up to it. Disappointment after disappointment! Because they expect you to be a prodigy like your father!" he shouts, causing the ground beneath to creak.
Taiki points at his left eye "This is the result of me being weak and not being able to live up to my father's expectation" he tells, clenching his hands tightly "I'll prove him wrong and beating you is a step forward to that!".
Issei slowly lower his stance, his expression softens when he sees an emotion he knows to well in the Shiba's eye. "... You want your father to recognize you... Don't you?" Issei questions. Taiki's expression turn shock, signaling his statement is correct.
Issei smile in empathy "I know that feeling well... Very well. I strive to be recognize as an equal to a person I hold much respect. I also want to gain acceptance from a girl I love dearly." Issei chuckle and grin brightly "I was able to complete one of those" he said and turn his sight to Rias, who is smiling back at him with much love.
Taiki listen to the Hyoudou in silence, his expression hold stoic. Issei face the Shiba "You want to gain acceptance from your father, don't you?" he asks and receive a small nod "Yes. I was given the second opportunity to prove to him by being here. Everyone will see just how powerful I have become!" Taiki gets to his stance, wind start swirling around him in violent pace again "That's why I won't lose to you, Issei Hyoudou!".
Issei smirk and return to his stance "You need to prove your strength to your father, but I also have to prove my strength to someone as well" he said, his expression hardens "That's why I won't lose to you either, Taiki Shiba!".
Taiki lift his right hand up, wind start swirling around it. "Your left hand is useless... I suggest you give up" Issei comment, looking at the heavily burnt arm. The left arm appearance is gnarly and hard to look it. The arm's color is burning red with heavy swelling and blisters on it.
"Give up?!" Taiki spat in anger, his mouth twist into a scowl. 'You useless child! Was that it?! You might as well give up being a warrior!' a disappointed voice shouts in Taiki's mind. Issei notice the wind aura swirling around the Shiba become fiercer. "I won't lose to a lowly devil such as you!" Taiki exclaims, and dash forward.
Taiki jumps and start spinning his body in midair. The wind surrounding Taiki follow his movement and quickly spiral around in great speed, matching that of a tornado. Taiki is able to rotate in rapid speed to release huge cyclones. The cyclones make its way toward Issei, blowing everything away in its path and leaving scars in the earth.
"He isn't playing around anymore" Issei utters, looking at the huge cyclones speeding toward him. The boosted gear's claws glow in red, generating mana. Issei wait for all the cyclones to a line close, as they are closing towards him. '.... Now, Partner!'. "Dragon Slash!" Issei slash the boosted gear forward to release a long, sharp four red blades compose of mana.
The blades flies toward the cyclones and completely cut through all of them with ease. The cyclones burst into nimble breezes after being slice into pieces. The blades continue its path toward the Shiba. Taiki sees the dangerous blades and quickly halt and jump to the side to narrowly dodge from being cut into pieces.
Taiki turns around to face Issei, but sees him missing. "It's over" a voice speaks from behind. Taiki scream in agony, feeling a familiar pain on his back, hearing his flesh being torn to bits before he is send flying forward.
Issei watch the Shiba crash into the earth, which cause the rotation to ignite in to a large explosion that shake the whole stadium.
Black smoke pours out from the large crater created by the rotation. The smoke slowly rises out of the stadium and spread to the skies. The audience's eyes are glue at the crater, anticipating whether the Shiba will be able to make a comeback after such an attack.
Issei let out a tire sigh and dispel the boosted gear, causing it to shatter into light shards and disappear from existence. 'Well done, Partner... Even though you don't feel so victories' Ddraig comment, proudly 'Yeah... I can relate to him in some ways. Hell... I'm like him right now... I am striving to be equal to him' he replies and turns his sight at the lounge. Issei gaze set at Nawin, who has his eyes close, knowing the battle is over.
Issei turns back to the crater and see the smoke slowly lifting away by the wind. 'Taiki goals seems much harder than mine. I can feel that someday I can reach up to Nawin's level, but Taiki... he is trying to become stronger than a ma—' 'Stop, Partner" Ddraig interject 'Don't forgot you entered this tournament for your own intentions. It's not the time to sympathies with your opponent. You have already given him a lesson today with this victory... Now just accept this win and move on'.
Grayfia watch the smoke clear from the arena and sees Taiki lay face down on the crater with rubbles scatter around his body. The silver-haired woman listens closely to Taiki's breathing pattern and conclude that he is unconscious. Grayfia turn to Issei and gesture toward him "Taiki Shiba is unable to continue this match. The winner of this round is Issei Hyoudou!" she announces.
The stadium erupts in loud applauds and cheers at the exciting first match. "Yeah! Way to go, Welsh Dragon!" "Splendid display!" "This kid holds lots of potential!" "Isn't he adorable! Look at his smile!" "I know right!". Praises after praises is thrown around. Issei blush a bit at some of them and nervously wave back at the crowd, which gives him a louder and positive response
Stadium
"Wow, looks like he didn't waste the two weeks spent with the Archdevil" Xenovia comment in impress, staring at Issei with respect shining in her yellow eyes. "Indeed," Akeno adds, crossing her arms while eyeing the fallen Shiba "Issei was in a completely different level. There was no chance for Taiki Shiba to come out as the victor." "I think the thing that ultimately hurts, Taiki. Is in the beginning he criminally underestimated, Issei" Rias comment, shaking her head, wearing a stern expression. "Honestly, this tournament is meant to gather the brightest warriors of each factions. He should have treated Issei as a big threat." "Works to Issei-kun's advantage. You can't really complain, Buchou" Yuuto insert "I guess you are right, Yuuto-kun".
Elise smile proudly at her king "I'm excited to see what other tricks Issei is hiding" "Yeah. I'm positive he as more stuff to show" Kokoro comment with a smirk. "It would be interesting if you two had a rematch wouldn't it, Big brother?" Ravel questions, facing her brother "You have also become stronger ever since the rating games". "You have?" Rias perks up, holding a skeptical look "Have you, Riser Phenex actually started training?!" she exclaims in an exaggerating shock, getting a chuckle from everyone.
Riser grit his teeth and glare at his old-time friend "That beating I took taught me a lesson to start training and not relay on my power so much. I thought I told you this already?!" he replies. Rias put her index finger on her plump lip, holding a thinking expression "Hmm... Must have slipped past my mind" she said "Y-you! Why am I friends with you" Riser utter in frustration, crossing his arms on his chest and whip his head to the side in annoyance.
Beth smile when seeing Rias quietly let out a giggle, clearly just messing with her son. 'It's nice to see those two get along again' she notes and turn to her friend, Venelana, who is also wearing a pleasant smile at the scene.
Akeno tilt her head "It's rather smart of him to use the magic technique like Bullet Fire against a wind user. Even though it is one of the beginner's spells... He made it into a dangerous one against Taiki" she commends. Rias nod, smiling proudly at her lover "Indeed. Seems like Lady Hunter must have taught Issei about the Affinity Diagram" she states in relief, then mentally berate herself at forgetting to teach Issei about that.
Asia perks up and face the two women "You mean the diagram that shows which affinity has an advantage and disadvantage to one another?" she asks, curious. "Yes, Asia" Rias turn to the blonde, smiling pleasantly "I'm glad you've got the chance to learn that" "Hehe, there are lots of books in the occult building. One of them contained very detailed pictures and vast information about the Affinity Diagram. I found it very interesting" Asia answer, happily.
Arena Ground
Issei silently watch two paramedics that teleported here, and are now gently picking up Taiki and place him on the stretcher. "You let that goal consume you, Taiki. That is why you lost... You were blinded by your overconfident on your powers. That is my last advice for you" Issei speak out, knowing the Shiba has regain some conscious.
The paramedics nod at Grayfia and pick up the stretcher. Taiki didn't give a response to the Hyoudou's words and is teleport away in a bright light with the paramedics.
The large screens suddenly turn pitch black and turns back on with the contender's names once again scrolling down in rapid speed. Everyone's eyes are glue to the screens, waiting to see which of the two fighters will be called out next.
The name on the right stop first and reveal it to be Irina Shidou. The left side stop a few second later to reveal Akari Hirai. The crowd pop thunderously in excitement, seeing a match that pits an Angel against a Fallen Angel.
Lounge
Akari's face breaks out in a wide grin that holds evil intention and excitement. "This is going to fun" she utters and push herself off the couch, heading down the stairs. Irina slowly gets up and receive a supporting nod from her fellow companion "Good luck" he said "Thanks" she replies with a smile.
Irina turns around and start to walk, but after a few paces she is stop by a hand grabbing her shoulder from behind. She turns around to see Nawin looking down at her, his expression is stoic, but his eyes hold concern in them. "Irina... Be careful" Nawin whispers, looking down at the stairs where the Fallen Angel just left "She is dangerous adversary. Be vigilant and on guard the whole time" he advice, facing back to her.
Irina is surprise by the warning, but she quickly calms the Makasha down with a bright smile and placing her hand on his cheek in a comforting manner. "Don't worry about me" she said with unwavering attitude "I will be careful. Don't forgot my teacher is your Godmother, Nawin-kun" she reminds.
Nawin feels the comforting warmth produce by the Shidou's touch. His lips tug up a bit into a faint smile "I know you are strong, Irina. Do your best and win this" he whispers in encouragement. Irina nod, hesitantly bringing her hand down and take a few steps back, then pumps her right fist toward the Makasha and grin brightly "I sure will! Just sit there and cheer for me" she exclaims and turn around, bolting down the stairs.
Stairway
Issei slowly walks up the stairs with his hands in the coat's pocket. He halts when hearing a loud footstep coming down, making him look up to see Akari slowly descending the stairs.
Suddenly, a bloodlust and sadistic grin breaks out on Akari's face. Issei's whole body freeze in terror when seeing that grin. Sweat pours down Issei's pale face as he can only watch the Fallen Angel walking down, closing to him.
Akari stop on the same steps as him and slowly glance at him. Eyeing him with her chilling blue eyes. "Fine show you put out there, though still a bit dull for my taste... See you in the later rounds, Welsh Dragon" Akari comment with amusement, never losing that haunting grin and her eyes shines in enjoyment at seeing the Hyoudou's frozen state.
Issei just stay silent and listen to the Fallen Angel's footstep heading down to the arena ground. He didn't dare glance back at the frightening woman. Issei release a breath that he didn't realize he was holding after sensing the woman's presence left the dark stairway.
Another footstep clacks from above, causing Issei to snap his head up. He sees Irina running down, holding a bright and exciting smile that lights up the dark and chilling mood that Akari left. Issei feels his heartbeat settle down when seeing his childhood friend in such a positive mood.
"Great match, Issei!" Irina stop in front of her friend and commend "T-thanks, Irina" Issei reply and mentally cuss himself for stuttering. Irina's facial expression turn concern when seeing her friend's tense posture. "Are you ok, Issei?" Irina ask and sees Issei expression suddenly turn serious "... Be careful of her, Irina. She's..." he glances behind, then turns back to face her "Bad news" he finish.
Irina is surprise by the sudden comment, but slowly nod in response. "I will, don't worry" she said in reassuring tone, giving a gentle tap on Issei's shoulder and continue town the stairs. "Just do your part and cheer for me!" Irina shouts out, waving back. Issei can't help but chuckle and turn around to shout back "I will!".
Stadium Platform
"Issei Hyoudou seems to be developing into a fine warrior. I'd seen potential in him back at the summit" Michael comment and turn to face Sirzech "Who is responsible for training him?" "That would be my Archdevil, Hunter" Sirzech answers with a smile. Michael's expression brightens in surprise "I see... I never expected her of all people to take a student under her wings" "It took lots of convincing, but she begrudgingly agreed".
Gabriel let out a melodic giggle "If Ms. Hunter is his teacher, then I guess we shouldn't be surprise by his sudden growth. The boy holds a Longinus that possessed a spirit of a dragon. It's genius of you to put her as his teacher. I think there is no one better than her to train Issei Hyoudou" she praises. Sirzech chuckle and nod "Thanks for your kind commend, Lady Gabriel".
Ajuka takes notice at how quiet Azazel has been and sees him solely eyeing Akari, who is now standing in the center of the arena, waiting for her opponent. "Azazel," he calls out, gaining the Fallen Angel's attention "Yes?" Azazel reply, turning to face the Green Satan "Is something a matter?" "No... Everything is fine. I'm just surprise at Issei's growth... That boy is full of surprises" he answers. Ajuka slowly nod, though knows that wasn't all the truth, clearly something is bothering the Fallen Angel and judging by how intently he is eyeing Akari, it must be because of her.
Gabriel suddenly clap her hand and smile brightly when seeing her dear student entering the arena. "You are very excited to see Irina perform, Sister" Micheal state with a hearty chuckle, turning his gaze at one of his youngest, but promising warrior. "Of course, my dear student will amaze everyone! She holds such potential" Gabriel reply, confidently.
Sirzech, Ajuka, and Serafall did not miss the grimace look Azazel made when Gabriel made that comment. 'Is that girl really that wild?' Sirzech wonders, already studied the background of Akari Hirai and was extremely impress by her achievements, especially succeeding them at such a young age. 'I've heard that she has the tendency to go out of control in battles... There shouldn't be much worry, Grayfia will take care if things go overboard' Sirzech reassure himself, trusting his wife to intervene if the battle goes out of control.
Arena Ground
Grayfia quietly watch Irina stop a few paces away from Akari, keeping a safe distance. The silver-haired woman turns to look at the Fallen Angel and see her casually have her hands rest inside the coat's pocket and stare at Irina with an amuse expression plaster on her face.
The crowd are ever lively and roars loudly for the second match to begin. They are split to the middle of who to cheer. Some decide to stay silence and care not to cheer for either of the fighters.
"Both fighters ready?" Grayfia question, looking at the two girls and get the nod. Grayfia lift her right arm "Second Match shall commence on my mark!" she shouts out loudly, silencing the rowdy crowd and now their eyes are glued on the fighters.
"One!" Grayfia starts "Two!" Irina gets to her stance; her expression turns sharp serious while Akari just remain in her casual posture "Three!" "... Begin!".
Next Chapter: Akari's Cruel Power vs Irina's Willpower!