Hope you enjoy the chapter, Readers! ^.^
Silence envelopes the arena. The only thing can be heard is the slow breeze passing by. Even through the crowd sees the two fighters just staring intently at one another. It was enough to create a high tension that made many of them start sweating a bit.
Grayfia's cold silver eyes stare at the contenders. She already positions herself at the end of the arena ground to stay out of the way. The Satan's wife can't help but feel like this battle will be an interesting one, but also there's this ominous feeling she is getting crawling behind her neck. Giving her a bad feeling that's start creeping into her stomach, but she continues to silently stare at the two female fighters.
Irina takes a few paces forward and see Akari still remaining in a casual posture, not even trying to get into a stance. 'She is leaving herself wide open... I need to remain caution' with that note. Irina takes one more step and disappear in pure speed, leaving only a gust of dust.
Akari take a step to the right and leans her body as well to dodge a fist flying from behind. Akari lean back to dodge a roundhouse kick and jumps up to miss another kick that followed suit.
The moment her feet touch the ground, Irina backflips to get away from the Fallen Angel. Thinking she might attack. But, when Irina gets to her feet, she sees Akari still remain calm with her hands remaining in the coat's pocket, not even looking or thinking of attacking back.
Akari's face hold an amuse expression, but Irina sees, in her cold blue eyes holds danger and malic. The pure negative emotions running in them was so intense that it was hard for Irina to keep an eye contact with her.
Irina shake her head, steeling her confidents and dash towards the Hirai. Irina lift her right hand, ready to send a right hook, but she quickly switches and instead kneel to swipe her right feet, intending to trick and knock the Fallen Angel down.
Knowing better, Akari moves her face for the fake fist, but also jumps after too narrowly miss the swipe kick. In a speed that many couldn't even catch, Akari bring her right hand out and send a hard backhand to Irina's right cheek.
"Gahh!" Irina let out a shout of pain, feeling the burning sting on her face. Before, she is send sliding away, on her back. Akari lip twitch into a menacing smirk and lowers her right hand back into the coat's pocket.
Irina slowly lift her right knee up, resting her right hand on it and look up to Akari. She tenses when seeing her hand moving around the coat's pocket, trying to find something, then slowly pulls it out.
"Are you going to keep me entertained? Because at this rate," Akari speaks, pulling out a pack of cigarette. Akari shake the packet to bring out a single cigarette bring it near her mouth. Her lip firmly grips the cigarette, then she places the pack back into the coat's pocket. "This cigarette will provide me more entertainment than you, girl" Akari state, flicking her fingers to summon a small crimson fire on her thump and bring it near the cigarette to light it up.
Irina didn't let the insult affect her. She knows the Hirai is trying to make her act recklessly and strike blindly, which will resolve leaving herself wide open. Irina takes a breather and lift her right hand, then expend her palm. Slowly, a golden rod of holy mana generates in Irina's hand.
Akari raise an eyebrow at the spell she has never seen before. At the platform, Gabriel smile proudly at seeing this. "Holy Spell Number 65! Hundred Rod!" Irina exclaims and throws the rod forward to the Hirai.
Akari stay still and watch the rod speeding toward her. But, something unexpected happen which catch her by surprise. She sees the single rod suddenly multiples into a hundred more rods. 'Angels and their tricks!' Akari cuss mentally, jumping back to create some space.
A wide smirk suddenly creaks on Akari's face, as she watches the hundreds of light rods speeding towards her. "Dark Spell Number 82! Light Escutcheon!" Akari exclaims. A crimson defensive, large rectangular wall made of potent dark mana form in front of her.
The rods smash into the wall and shatter in impact. The dense wall of mana can withstand all the rod's relentless assaults with only sustaining small creaks. When the last rod smash into the wall. Irina appear on the right from Akari, with her fist forward, intending to land it on Akari's face.
Akari sees this coming from a mile away, even with all the smokes the rod made when impacting the defensive wall. She counters by stepping back and bring her right hand out to grab Irina's wrist. "Nice try" Akari comment, gripping the wrist tightly and toss Irina onto the wall.
Irina cough out at the hard and sudden impact. Akari runs forward and thrust her right hand to the Shidou. Irina, seeing this, quickly ducks down to dodge the attack. A loud creak erupts around the stage, sounding like a large wall of glass shatter into pieces.
Irina glance back and is beyond shock when seeing the magic wall that was able to withstand a hundred rods assault was destroyed by a single punch from the Fallen Angel's right fist. 'I-if I was hit by that it could have been over!' Irina thinks and quickly notice how close she is to the Hirai, so she quickly rolls to the right and use her feet to jump far back.
Akari smirk in amusement when seeing how hastily the Shidou roll away from her, after witnessing her strength. Akari bring her right hand up to grab the cigarette and pull it away to allow her to blow the smoke from her mouth. "A spell level above number 50. I honestly did not expect that, but you are Gabriel's student. So, I guess it shouldn't be a surprise" Akari comment, watching Irina slowly gets up to her feet.
Flicking the bottom of the cigarette gently to let the ashes fall from the front, Akari place it back to her mouth and gesture Irina to continue with her right hand.
Lounge
Issei clench his hands tightly, leaning over the railing to watch his childhood friend battle as closely as possible. "Come on, Irina" he whispers. "Don't worry, Issei" Lucy speak from behind, still sited on the couch and leaning on Nawin, who's also watching the match closely with stoic eyes.
"What you mean?" Issei turn around to face the sibling "Irina is just testing the water" Nawin decide to answer, not taking his eyes away from the Angel "It's a wise decision when going against an opponent you have vague knowledge about."
Issei slowly nod in understanding "I see, I guess it's best she is careful" he replies, remembering his short encounter with Akari in the stairway. Thinking about it still send shivers down the Hyoudou's spine.
Nawin's eyes glance at Issei for a moment, noticing a grimace expression on his face when Akari is mention. 'He had to have encountered her during the way up here... Something must have happened' Nawin notes, then turn his sight back to the battle.
Arena Ground
Irina slowly exhales and release her breath. Her eyes are close, and her expression shows deep concentration. Slowly, gold light starts emitting around her, before it explodes into pure aura.
Irina opens her eyes to show them glowing in golden. She extends her left hand forward, opening her palm. A golden bow made of pure holy mana form into existence and land on Irina's palm. The bow structure is basic, but its size is larger than normal bows.
A golden arrow appears on Irina's right hand. The arrow holds a sharp tip and unlike other normal arrows, it's fletch isn't like a feather sharp piece, instead it's fletch is shape into like a head of a cross.
Irina slowly bring the arrow to the bow, positioning it perfectly. She holds the fletch and pulls it back with the string. Her golden eyes stare intently at Akari, with calculative gaze.
Akari remain calm when seeing the arrow aim at her. Pulling as far as the string can take. Irina release the arrow. The arrow fire forward with such force behind it that the ground underneath creak as it travels from above.
Akari smirk and release the cigarette by opening her mouth, then poof out the smoke. As the arrow is less than a few feet away. Akari click her teeth together and a sudden ignition of explosion erupt.
Irina is shock by the unexpected explosion and wonders if her arrow has hit the target or if the explosion was strong enough to incinerate it. She stumbles back in fright when Akari burst out from the smoke, speeding toward her while wearing a menacing smirk.
Irina quickly summon another arrow and place it in position. Before she could pull it. Akari is already in front, up in the air, and bringing her right hand out. A crimson light lance form in Akari's hand "Let's kick this up a notch, shall we?" she comments and throws the lance forward.
Instead of jumping back, Irina sprint forward and when the lance is just inches away from her. Irina bend her upper body backwards, then collapse her legs so the knees is sliding on the ground. Irina dodge the lance. Akari is impress when seeing what the Angel's intention is. She watches Irina is sliding beneath her, with an arrow ready to fire near point-blank range.
Irina release the arrow and still have enough momentum to slid away. Akari bring her right hand forward, intending to destroy the arrow, but she is surprise when the arrow ignite into a golden explosion.
The audience look in awe at the oval shape explosion that completely envelopes the Hirai. "Yeah! Keep it up, Irina!" Xenovia shouts from the crowd "You can do it!" Asia joins in. Everyone else that is supporting Irina start cheering loudly at her.
Irina smile at the support, but quickly turn her focus back at the golden oval. The oval suddenly burst away, golden sparkles sprinkle around Akari. Who is still standing on her feet.
"H-how" Irina utters in shock, seeing only tiny bruises shown on the Hirai. Akari rubs the back of her neck with her right hand and let out a pleasant groan "Well, at least that blast took the annoying ache that's been nagging me for a while. Thanks for that, Angel" she replies in both taunting and gratitude way that is slightly unsettling.
Irina summon another arrow and is about to place it in, until a hand grabs her wrist, stopping her. "I don't think so" Akari whispers, standing right in front of the paralyze Angel, who is in utter shock at the speed of the Fallen Angel.
A menacing smirk grow on Akari's lip and a sickening sound of bone cracking erupts around the arena follows by a shriek of pain. "Aaaaahhhh!" the golden bow disperses as Irina continue to scream in pain, feeling her wrist completely dislocated. Then, she is pull up and toss aside effortlessly.
Irina crash to the ground on her side. She slowly gets to her feet; her right wrist hangs loosely and in an abnormal angle that it's hard to look at. She looks up and see Akari smirking sinisterly at her, her once cold blue eyes now glows crimson in menace.
Akari smirk widen when she feels a heating gaze penetrating from her right. She turns to the direction and sees the stoic, but cold gaze from the Makasha's red eyes. The two silently gaze at one another with such intense that the people who's watching the interaction thinks they are about to exchange blows.
'So, this Angel is special to him' Akari notes and her smirk widen 'Perfect. Instead of finishing this quick... I'll toy with her to make him suffer'.
Irina pants harshly at the pain and quickly grab her broken wrist. Her left-hand glow in gold aura and slowly, the pain lessens. Irina takes a deep breath and push her left hand on the broken wrist, creating a wincing creak noise. Feeling the bones are in line again, Irina moves her right hand around. She let out a breather in relief when seeing and feeling everything is back to normal.
Irina's expression hardens and stands back up. She set sight once again at the smirking Fallen Angel. "Shall we continue?" Akari questions, lift her right hand up to gesture the Shidou to bring it.
Knowing that she must give it her all to win this. Irina grab the white coat she's been wearing and toss it away to reveal her attire. Irina wears a black long-sleeves leather tunic with a lightweight silver breastplate. For the bottom she wears a long white battle-skirt that have layers of lightweight silver plated stuck down to the edge, for protection. Plated silver long combat boots shine brightly, and it's given enough display as the skirt stop just under the Shidou's knees.
Irina lift both her hands up to summon a large golden portal above her. Akari's expression turn serious seeing this. Steadily, dozens of light weapons float out from the portal. Swords, lances, spears, and daggers are the weapons that came out of the portal. Akari take notes that it's only sharp vertical weapons that is being summoned out of the portal.
The portal shuts and Irina thrust both her hands forward, firing all the sharp weapons to the Fallen Angel. Akari summons a light katana that glows in crimson. She speeds toward the storm of weapons without hesitation.
Akari cuts through the wave of weapons. Crushing the swords, lances, spears, and daggers, causing them to shatter into gold shards. Irina runs forward and grab a sword. Readying to dual with the Fallen Angel.
Akari grin and move to the right, grabbing a lance from the side and twist it around so the tip of it points forward. She brings the lance back and throws it toward Irina. The Shidou smirk and twist her left hand, causing the lance to halt midair, then it turns around and flies back to the Fallen Angel in rapid speed.
Not expecting that result, Akari kick her right feet on the ground, sending her body to the side and narrowly dodge the weapon, but the lance was able to graze the side of her stomach before it flies past. Akari didn't show signs of pain in her expression and continue dashing forward, dodging all the weapons while making way to the incoming Shidou.
When the two are just a dozen paces away from each other, they grip their weapon's tightly and slash it forward. The swords connect and cause a huge shockwave, sending the light weapons that are still in midair to scatter away.
Akari push forward, causing Irina to stumble back. But, the Shidou quickly get a hold of her ground and start pushing back. The light sword's blades clash together and scraping at one another. Irina take her right feet forward and quickly duck down, bringing the sword with her.
Akari's stumble forward by the sudden freeness. Irina push her knees up and swipe her blade horizontally. In the last moment, Akari jumps up and moves her forward, having her face point north while the feet point south. She starts spinning in midair and successfully dodging the sword strike.
Akari move her right feet out to send a spinning kick that hits Irina down her head. With how fast Akari was spinning, the kick had enough momentum to send Irina's face crashing to the ground. Akari gracefully place her right feet on the earth and then the left feet. "Not bad" she commends, looking down at Irina "You are able to keep me entertained for a few minutes, Angel... Can you continue?".
Akari twist the sword and thrust the blade down to Irina's head. Irina quickly roll to the right and grabs a lance that is stab to the ground with her left hand. Irina react quickly and throws it to Akari, using it as a distraction to give her a tiny amount of time to get up to her feet and hopefully think of a plan.
Akari easily dismiss the lance by cutting it in half with her katana. "Come now! Let's not go back to first gear! Pick it up a notch!" Akari shouts, releasing ten pairs of black feathers wings from her back. Everyone is speechless at the number of wings that the Crimson Reapers possess. Some are very weary now, knowing that she is one set of wings away from being at a level equal to a Seraph.
Akari burst forward in sound speed and grab Irina by the neck. Akari flaps her wings and the two shoot up to the air. Irina choke at the strong grip on her neck, but she is able to point the sword that's still in her right hand and thrust it to the Fallen Angel.
Seeing this, Akari release the grip and lean back to dodge the blade, then she flies forward to send a knee to Irina's abdomen, knocking her away. Irina coughs at the harsh impact, dropping her sword to hold her stomach with both hands.
Quickly seeing herself closing to the ground, Irina release her own wings. Six pair of golden feather wings explode from her back and flaps quickly to allow her to hover in air.
"Three sets, aye" Akari comment, hovering above and looking down at the Shidou, holding a menacing grin. "Quite a disappointment, but I guess it's something to be expected from you Angel bunch" she said. Not caring she just insulted a whole race, even when the leader of that race is present.
Irina let out a quiet growl at the insult. Akari perk up when seeing golden aura emits around Irina. "I don't take kindly of insults aim at my race!" Irina shouts and flick her index and thumb together.
Light weapons that were splattered around the ground, glows brightly and shatters into thousands of golden shards. The shards swarm together and spins around in rapid speed, shaping like an oval. Irina glares hard at Akari and the shards shoots up to the Fallen Angel.
The shards sudden boost forward in speed, catching the Fallen Angel off-guard. Akari quickly act in the last second and flies to the right, so only her left hand is envelope by the shards. Akari wince and pull her hand back, then flies away to escape from the pursuing shards of light.
Akari looks at her left hand and see numerous of deep cuts surround the whole arm. Blood start leaking from the cuts. Irina bring her right hand up and expand her palm, causing the shards to stop and explode into a swarm. Then it starts gathering into four small ovals. Irina thrust her right hand at Akari, causing the shards to shoot towards her and coming from all four directions.
Akari looks to see the shards speeding from the top, bottom, right, and left, perfectly cornering her. "I don't like being cornered" Akari utters, her crimson eyes glow in rage and distaste. Crimson aura burst around the Hirai, then unexpectedly, the aura explodes into a gigantic mana sphere that have Akari in the center of it.
The shards impact the sphere and is completely decimate by its destructive energy. The audience start sweating when they see the large crimson sphere is just a few meters away from them, feeling its overwhelming raw power.
The sphere slowly begins dwindling in size and after a minute, all the raw mana flows back into Akari, who's still floating in the air, not looking harmed by the destructive protection sphere she created. Akari grin when seeing the look of shock on Irina's expression.
"With how destructive my mana is," Akari slowly floats down "I am able to detonate it into an explosive sphere that can annihilate anything that touches it while also protecting me from the inside" she states and stop at a height where Irina is floating.
"Let's see if you survive this" Akari said and swipe her left up, firing a magnifying crimson blast, containing the destructive mana that she holds. The blast moves in blinding speed and entirely envelopes Irina in it.
Everyone watch the towering blast slowly dissipate. When the blast vanquishes away, a figure cover in smoke can be seen hovering in the air for just a second, then start falling. The group flinch when seeing Irina crash to the ground, black smoke surrounds her battered body.
The wings on Irina's black slowly detract back into her unmoving body. Akari lands on the ground and retract her wings. "You put up a decent fight. I honestly didn't expect you to inflict this much minor injury" Akari said and look at her left arm, seeing the cuts are already closed. She swipes her arm to get rid of the remaining blood, that now splatter to the ground.
Stadium Platform
Gabriel grips the chair's armrest tightly that her fingerprints ingrain into the gold. The leaders of other races can feel just how angry she is and didn't say anything, worrying they might anger the strongest woman in heaven. Micheal, though place his hand on his sister's shoulder, giving it a comfort squeeze "Please calm down, Sister" he whispers in a soothing tone.
Gabriel blank expression breaks when she releases a sigh and nod "Sorry, brother. I'll keep my emotion in check" "It's not your fault. You have every right to be concern, but it seems," Micheal release his sister's shoulder and turn to look at Akari. "That girl is a powerful individual... Just like the rumors foretold. It's unfortunate, but no matter how much you tried... You couldn't have prepared Irina for this in such a short span of time" he asserts.
Arena Ground
Akari stare at the state of Irina. She is laid face-first on the ground. Bruises, cuts, and first degree burn marks littered all around her body. "You done?" Akari ask and in a move, that nerve the group and Gabriel. Akari stump her left feet down on Irina's head, burying her face deeper into the ground.
Akari smirk and twist her feet around, making the high-heel's sole grind on the back of Irina's head. The Hirai was still careful, since she didn't want to get disqualified by accidently killing the Shidou with the sharp metal heel that could puncture through a skull.
Nawin's stoic expression twitch and his hands clench tightly at his arms. But, he continues watching the scene unfold. Issei grits his teeth and clench the rail bar tightly that it bends into a small metal string.
Akari pause when she sees Irina's right hand grab her ankle. "Oh? What are you doing to do?" Akari question in a daring tone and push the Shidou down more with her feet. "Holy Spell Number... 85," Irina whisper. Hearing the number of the spell, Akari quickly goes on alert and tries pull her feet free. "Let go! You Moron! Do you even know what that spell will do with you close by as well!" Akari bellows out in rage.
Irina lift her head, showing her battered face, but a smirk tug on her lip. "I do know, but you're still taking a full blunt of it. Flaming Circle of Death!" Irina exclaims, and a gold creak shape marking grows on Akari's leg.
Irina let go and quickly jump back, summoning a bow and arrow. Akari quickly tries to move, but find her feet stuck to the ground. She looks down and see a fade gold light glow on the ground where she is standing 'She tricked me!'.
Akari look up and see the arrow pierce the ground, right at the center of circle shape gold light on the ground. The mark on her left leg glows brightly and slither down to the circle of light on the ground, disappearing into it.
The whole stadium goes silent, then a shockwave shakes the whole place follow by a massive pillar of gold fire erupts from where Akari stood.
The crowd watch in speechless and awe at the massive pillar of flames that reach as high as the clouds. The blast from the pillar is so forceful that some audience are send out of their sits and fall on their back. The arena's wall has deep creaks in them and the ground is no longer even, but full of creaks, rubbles, and craters.
Irina slams into the wall by the shockwave that the pillar released. She coughs out air by the harsh impact, then slides down to the ground, landing on her bottom. The bow in her hand vanish while she eyes at the pillar slowly dwarf in size.
'T-that's all I got left. It's a risk using that spell, but it's my last result of defeating her. Now... I'm out of mana' Irina note and wince when feeling a stinging pain on her abdomen. 'That blast didn't look much, and it looked like she just throws it without much effort, but it did substantial damaged. My whole body feels like it's been beaten from all sides and drowned in boiling water'.
"Ohhh... That's chilly" Irina's expression turns in utter disbelief and horror when hearing a familiar voice comes from the pillar of flames. The flames suddenly scatter away to reveal Akari floating in the center of a massive crater that's left by the blast. Two pair of wings are retracted from the Hirai's back. Crimson barrier surrounds around her, that shielded her from the pillar of flames.
"Without this barrier... I would have indeed been in trouble" Akari state in honest, then her face breaks out in a bloodlust grin. "Since you've shown to have more fight left. Let's continue this playtime!" she exclaims and dispel the barrier.
Irina sees Akari retract her wings and start dashing towards her. Using all her strength, Irina push herself to the right to avoid a kick to her face. Instead Akari's feet bury deep into the wall, shocking the Shidou. 'I-Is she trying to kill me?!' she thinks and tries to get away, but gets grab by the neck.
"Let's hear how loud you can scream" Akari whispers to Irina's ear and send a right hook to the Angel's back. "Gahh!" Irina let out a short scream in pain, then let out another one when the second punch is deliver in the same spot. Akari let go of Irina's neck while pulling her right arm back to the full extend and deliver the final and hardest punch to the Angel's back.
Irina is send flying away and crash face-first into the ground. "Come now! After that display, I wanted to see more!" Akari shouts and release her mana in explosive manner. The crimson aura surrounding the Hirai destroys the earth beneath.
Using every ounce of mana left in her, Irina summon a light lance and stab it to the ground to use it as support to get her up. "Go ahead!" Akari spread her arms wide open, grinning widely. "Aim perfectly and you might just win this" she said, shocking everyone at such a bold move.
Not seeing any other way, Irina takes the opportunity that arise and fire the lance in perfect marksman accuracy. She intends to aim it near the heart, it will do extensive damage, but won't kill the Hirai. The moment the light lance touches the crimson aura that swirls around Akari, it bounces away and shatter into pieces, shocking the Angel.
"You see now," Akari speaks, taking a step forward and appear right in front of Irina, towering above her hunch form. "You're so weak that your weapon can't even get past my aura" Akari assert and send a right knee up, smashing it to Irina's stomach with such devastating force in it. The Angel throws up blood and her eyes widen out in pain.
Irina start falling forward, but Akari grab her by the face and push her back onto her feet. "Just look at you... All battered, burnt, and bloodied... A sight I never get tired off" Akari whisper, staring at the wobbling Shidou, trying hard to stay on her feet.
Akari lowers her power, causing the crimson aura to fade away. "You knew this didn't you" she said, and send gut punch with much force in it. Irina's body fly up a few feet from the ground. "You didn't have a chance to begin with!" Akari shouts and send a roundhouse kick that connect to Irina's face when she lowers down in perfect height.
Irina limp body spins in midair and slams to the ground. "You trying to impress someone? Is that why you were so determined?" Akari continue talking in a taunting and sadistic manner, the menacing smirk never leaving her face.
She leans down and grab Irina at the back of her head, then lift her up "Trying to impress your teacher no doubt and maybe... a special someone" Akari said and throws a glance at the lounge, but she is caught by surprise when seeing the is Makasha missing.
Out of nowhere, Akari feels a fist smash to the right side of her face. The force behind the punch send Akari spiraling away in rapid speed and crash deep into the walls.
Everyone in the stadium gasp in surprise when seeing Nawin catch the falling Shidou and hold her closely to his chest. "N-Nawin-kun," Irina open her right eye since the left one is swollen up "Irina..." he whispers back, his brown eyes shine in concern "It's over... You did good. Now rest, please" he ushers.
Even with her face swelling in pain and her body completely exhausted, Irina muster enough willpower to give the Makasha a faint smile. "Thanks" she whispers and allow herself to slip into unconsciousness.
Akari burst from the rubbles and glare at the Makasha, who returns it with his own. His eyes glows in red and hold fury in them. "You just made a big mistake hurting this girl. I swear," Nawin speaks, holding Irina closely "By my life that I will make you pay for this, Akari Hirai".
Akari let out a laugh "Ahahah! Oh, you will?! Just don't disappoint like that sack of boredom that you are holding" she points out. Nawin didn't allow the insult to bother him, instead he turns to Grayfia and start walking toward her. "I know your trying to lure me," he stops and speaks, glancing back and send a faint smirk "But I won't bite. Because it would be undignified of me to attack a scum such as you, bullying around the helpless... Such pitiful".
Akari snap at the Makasha's words and charge toward him with murder and fury in her glowing eyes. "MAKASHAAA!" she roars out, crimson aura explodes around her, giving her speed to burst forward.
When the raging Hirai is near Nawin. She is halt by Azazel appearing in front of her and stop her by simply placing his index and middle finger on her forehead. Akari's expression turn into shock, then weary when seeing Azazel's dark expression glaring down at her.
"The match is over... Stand down, Akari" Azazel orders in an authority tone, losing all his usual carefree persona that he always shown. Akari grind her teeth tightly and twist her legs to swiftly turn around, releasing a scoff "Whatever. I'll have my opportunity to teach that insolent brat to dare disrespect me!" she swears, slamming her hands in the pockets of her coat, then proceed to head back up to the lounge.
Nawin watch the whole scene unfold, then turn back. And, continues his way toward Grayfia. "Grandma," he speaks, stopping in front of her "Nawin-sama" Grayfia reply, looking at him straight in the eyes. "You just interrupted a match on Irina Shidou's behalf... You know the consequences, yes?" "She gets disqualified... Yes, I know the risk, but you know it was pointless to let the fight go on any longer" Nawin reply with stoic tone, matching the same cold tone from the Strongest Queen.
Grayfia nod and flick her fingers to summon the paramedic, then she turns to the crowd. "Due to the interruption by Nawin Makasha! Irina Shidou is disqualified! The victory goes to Akari Hirai!" Grayfia announce loudly, and receive a mix response from the crowd.
Some boos resonate around the arena with the way the match ended. Nawin didn't give any care at the crowd's reaction by his action. He wasn't going to allow his friend to continue being pummeled by a bloodlust and dangerous individual, especially when she was completely defenseless.
The paramedic let the stretcher down and Nawin gently place Irina on it. "I'll visit you later, Irina" he whispers, holding the Shidou's hand gently, giving it a soft squeeze. "Take good care of her" Nawin said, turning to the paramedic. "She will be treated with great care, Sir Nawin. You have our word" they reply with a bow, then grabs the stretcher and teleports back to the hospital.
Stadium Platform
Gabriel release a long sigh. It's not of disappointment, but glad since her godson stepped in to stop the match before the Fallen Angel could injured her student anymore and leave a long-lasting injury. Gabriel smile fondly when looking at the Makasha 'You've grown into a fine man, Nawin' she notes.
"Are you alright, Lady Gabriel?" Sirzech ask, kindly "I'm alright, Lord Sirzech. Although it was hard to see my dear student gone through that... I think this is an experience she had to go through to get even stronger. I'm just glad my sweet Nawin stepped in time and stop it before it gotten out of hand" Gabriel reply, wearing a bright smile.
Sirzech nod while Michael smile at his sister's word. "Wise words, Sister. Even though Irina may have lost, she has proven to have grown immensely under your wing. Casting a spell above number eighty isn't something most warrior can do... It honestly took me off-guard" Micheal commend, causing Gabriel to smile in pride.
"That actually took me by surprised as well" Gabriel reveal, which makes Micheal turn to her with a confuse look, while the other leaders listen in closely. "I've only shown that spell to Irina once in training, since she was begging me to show any spell above eighty. After seeing her improvement in a spar match, I decided to allow her wish and showed that spell... So, it's unbelievable to see Irina able to replicate a technique she saw only once demonstrated!" she explains.
Ajuka let out a quiet chuckle and form an amusing smile "It seems you have a bright student under your wing, Lady Gabriel" he praises. Gabriel smile, happily "Thank you, Lord Ajuka. I am indeed blessed with such a strong and passionate student" she replies.
Azazel lands on the platform and quietly sits back on the chair. "Thanks for stopping your fighter, Azazel" Gabriel leans forward to look at the Fallen Angel. Azazel shake his head dismissively, not making it a big deal and leans back on the chair "It's fine. Akari has the tendency to go out of line" he replies and send the Angel a faint smile.
Stadium
Yuuto look at Xenovia with concern, seeing her downcast and angry expression. "Irina did her best, Xenovia" he said, squeezing her shoulder in comfort "Yeah... I know, but it still hard to watch her lose like that" she replies, moving her head up and stare at the destroyed arena ground.
Yao is replaying the whole battle in her head and has conclude something. "I hate to say it to you children," she speaks up, catching everyone's attention "But, Irina stood no chance against Akari... There was no possible hope of her even coming out of that battle victories" she states. "A-are you sure, Yao-san?" Rias question "Irina was holding herself well in the beginning of the match." "Akari wasn't even trying, my dear" Venelana joins, her tone serious.
Xenovia turn to the two women "Are you saying that Irina was being toyed through the whole match?!" she shouts in anger, but is calm down when Yuuto move his hand above hers, giving it a soft squeeze. Yao slowly nod "Just replay the match in your head. Akari never once got into her stance and never once even looked at Irina like she was a threat. Sure, there were some surprises that Irina was able to pull, but Akari always found a way to counter it... The reality is that she was using Irina as a play thing to entertain herself" she asserts.
The group find themselves disgust by the Fallen Angel's actions. "Someone will teach her a lesson in respect... It's undignified to treat someone like that. Especially in this tournament. The tournament that's meant to build a bond between factions" Rias comment with displeasure tone.
"She has her eyes set for Nawin" Kokoro points out, remember their tense encounter at the conference and the one just now. "Yeah!" Xenovia suddenly lights up and grin in excitement, looking at her Senpai "I'm sure, Nawin-senpai will teach that dishonorable Fallen Angel a lesson!".
"Yeah! Onii-chan will teach that mean Akari how not to treat people like that!" Asia join in, pumping her fist in the air with Xenovia. The two girls giggle at each other, while the others smile at the scene.
"What's with this generation of fighters using all these fancy spells" Rizel complains, cross his arms behind his head and leans back on the sits. "Not everyone is a brawler like you, Rizel" Zeoticus reply, simply "Bah! Back in the day we always fight with our fist or weapons! Not hiding behind barriers and magic spell!".
Beth turn to her husband, holding an unamused expression. "Not everyone holds your regenerative ability, dear. They can't recklessly charge into battles all the time like you" she said, silencing the head of the Phenex clan. Zeoticus and Venelana chuckle at truth behind the comment "Also, you can't expect the next generation of fighters to battle the same as us. That's what evolution is called, Rizel" Venelana informs, wisely.
Rizel roll his eyes "Ok, I got it, you two. Now stop teaming up on me" he groans in annoyance, getting a giggle out from the two noble ladies.
Akeno looks down at the arena, more specifically looking at her lover. She sees him return her gaze and send her a reassuring smile. Akeno tilt her head lovingly and returns the smile with her own.
Everyone turns to the screen when hearing the contender's names start spinning once again. The two names selected are Alis Bethan and Kailo Goto.
Lounge
Akari enters the lounge and immediately notice the tension around the room. She smirks and look up to see Issei sending a side glare at her. Deciding to amuse the Hyoudou. Akari eyes flash crimson and she glares back at Issei with so much intense and force behind it that it causes the Hyoudou to flinch.
Akari chuckle, then turns to Lucy. The blonde girl gives her an uncaring side glance before returning to eating some chocolate pocky.
Alis slowly gets up and head toward the stairs. She walks past Akari, without so much as giving her a glance. Akari expression harden when feeling the ominous vibe, the blonde produce when coming into close contact. She glances back at the dark stairs and see the Bethan disappear into the shadows.
"Well done... I applaud you for not going overboard" a deep and bored voice comment. Akari turn her head back and see Kailo standing in front of her, scrubbing his messy brown hair and stare at her with bored and half-lid gaze.
Akari rest her left hand on her waist and scoff "That was borderline boring. My next opponent for tomorrow better be a good one or I'll light this whole place up" she spat. Kailo shakes his head at his comrade behavior and walk past her "Sure, go ahead. Just remember that Lord Azazel is keeping a close eye on you. For example, just now at how he stopped you from attacking Nawin Makasha".
Akari just roll her eyes and listen to her comrade walking down the stairs, heading to the arena.
Nawin teleports into the lounge and his gaze immediately meets with Akari. The two stares at one another for a full minute. "Big bro," Lucy calls out, making Nawin break away from the staring contest and turn to his sister, seeing her offering him a pocky. Nawin smile and accept it, then takes a sit beside her "Thanks, Lucy".
Akari smirk darkly and makes way to her sit. She plops down on the couch and rest her right hand on the armrest and turns her sight to the arena ground. The Hirai eyes Alis closely, seeing her calmly waiting for her opponent.
Akari turn and sees Kailo emerge from the stairs, looking bored as ever. 'I'm getting a feeling that this match will be very... entertaining' she thinks with a grin growing on her face.
Next Chapter: Destructive Showdown! Shocking Result!