Rías, her voice a mix of surprise and confusion, asked,—Eren?
She had never heard of anyone by that name, and it didn't sound familiar at all. The discomfort on her face was clear.
Eren, with a cold and impassive expression, locked eyes with Rías before speaking, skillfully avoiding her question:—Why so much hatred toward my brother?
Raicer, noticing the attention his older brother was giving him, hesitated, searching for an excuse:—Y-you see, I…
Kiba, observing the tension in the room, cautiously intervened:—Some time ago, our president, Rías, was engaged to Mr. Raicer…
Koneko, who had been silently listening, interrupted with her usual bluntness:—Raicer was an unpleasant guy.
Eren shot a stern look at Raicer, who immediately swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his brother's disapproval. The atmosphere grew even more tense, and for a moment, no one dared to speak.
Eren broke the silence, his tone low but firm:—We'll discuss this at home, Raicer.
His voice, though calm, left no room for doubt about Eren's reaction to his brother's behavior. Raicer nodded nervously, terrified of what his brother might do to him. Eren turned around and began to move toward the magical circle, signaling the end of the conversation.
But before they could leave.
Eren stopped, turning slightly toward the group, and, showing a flicker of warmth beneath his cold exterior, said:—I apologize for whatever my brother has done. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. Now, we have nothing more to discuss here…
However, before he could finish, Issei's voice echoed through the room with an unexpected authority:—Stop!
Issei's firm tone surprised all the girls in the club and even impressed the Phoenix brothers. Rías felt a spark of excitement at the determination in Issei's eyes.
Issei stepped forward with a determined stride, his gaze locked on Eren:—I don't care who you are or why you were engaged to her, but I'll tell you one thing: I won't let you marry my Rías!
The intensity in Issei's voice and the firmness in his stance made the atmosphere in the room even more charged with tension. While Eren remained unmoving, his cold eyes, visible through his glasses, focused precisely on Issei, evaluating every word and gesture.
Eren approached Issei until they were face to face, his height making him about ten centimeters taller. But Issei didn't back down. On the contrary, his power resonated in the air, filling every corner of the room.
In a low, controlled voice, Eren asked, stepping close enough for only Issei to hear:—Your relationship with her didn't stop her from being engaged to me. How do you think you can change that?
He said the last part with a hint of malice, as if plotting something. Meanwhile, Issei's blood began to boil with rage at the comment, his power rising dramatically.
The others in the room were terrified, while through Eren's glasses, one could see a glimmer of admiration and surprise in his eyes.
Rías, a mix of resolve and concern in her gaze, shouted with all her might:—With a Rating Game!
The firmness in her voice echoed through the room, and immediately, the power emanating from Issei began to lessen. Upon hearing Rías's words, Issei eased the intensity of his energy, allowing the atmosphere to return to normal. Slowly, he distanced himself, giving everyone a chance to breathe in relief, though they were visibly exhausted from the tension that had just dissipated.
Eren, still maintaining his reserved attitude but showing interest, took a small step back, glancing at everyone in the room before turning to his brothers:—Give me a second.
Raicer and Ravel closely followed, staying by his side as all eyes focused on them.
Ravel, a mix of worry and disdain in her voice, whispered:—Don't listen to him.
Raicer, his tone slightly nervous, added:—Eren, do you at least know what a Rating Game is?
Eren paused and, with his usual impassive expression, replied:—Of course I know. But I see this as a good opportunity.
Raicer frowned, concern evident in his voice:—Opportunity? What kind of opportunity?
Eren, without hesitation, and with a firmness in his voice that contrasted with his usual demeanor, explained:—To get attention in the Underworld.
The decisive tone in his words caused visible unease in his brothers. They knew Issei's power was considerable and feared that Eren was underestimating the challenge. But they also knew their older brother's character—once he made up his mind, it was almost impossible to change it.
Eren, maintaining his imposing stance, turned again to Rías and, with a voice now laced with a slight curiosity, called her:—Rías.
Rías, still taken aback by the turn of events, immediately responded:—What is it…?
Eren stared at her, his gaze penetrating, making her shiver with its intensity.—That guy, Issei… he's your partner, isn't he?
Rías, without hesitation, affirmed with conviction:—Of course. What's it to you?
A small, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Eren's lips, enough for Rías to notice. With a calculated tone, showing his interest in the challenge ahead, Eren proposed:—I propose a deal.
Intrigued by what Eren might have in mind, Rías couldn't help but smile slightly, anticipating what was to come.—What kind of deal?
Eren, with his characteristically neutral tone but a subtle gleam in his eyes that only Rías noticed, replied:—I accept the Rating Game, but with a few conditions.
Rías, feeling a shiver of excitement run down her spine, couldn't resist asking, a mix of curiosity and challenge in her voice:—What are they?
Eren paused deliberately, keeping the suspense in the air before continuing, his gaze fixed on Issei:—First, it's only between him and me, and it must be broadcasted to all the races… unless you're not willing to risk losing, of course.
Eren's comment sparked the competitive fire in Rías, her pride swelling in response to the challenge. On the other hand, Issei, along with the rest of the club, felt a wave of anger and concern, all sharing the same tension.
Rías, maintaining her composure, asked with a calculating tone:—And what do I get out of this?
For the first time, Eren responded with a hint of interest in his tone, offering a proposition that left everyone stunned:"If I lose, I'll personally ask your parents to accept your marriage to your boyfriend. What do you say, deal?"
Issei, his eyes wide in disbelief, could barely form a response as the incredulity washed over him:"W-what?"
The entire club fell silent, unable to process what Eren had just proposed. It was exactly the kind of offer Issei would have made if he had won, leaving him speechless for a moment.
Rias, feeling her heart race with the excitement of the challenge, extended her hand without hesitation and declared firmly:"I accept!"
Their hands shook firmly, and they exchanged a look full of determination, their pride clashing in that moment. Eren's confidence didn't go unnoticed, leaving everyone in the club utterly confused.
With his expression still unreadable but his resolve clear, Eren asked:"When would you like it to be?"
Rias, not wasting a second, responded with determination:"The sooner, the better!"
Eren nodded, considering her words for a brief moment before proposing:"In that case, how about today?"
Rias, surprised by the immediate proposal, could hardly contain her excitement:"Seriously? Today?"
Eren, with quiet firmness in his voice, affirmed:"I would never go back on my word."
Rias, feeling a surge of confidence upon hearing those words, flashed a satisfied smile."Excellent, then it's settled," she declared with conviction, her eyes locking onto Issei, who remained serious and silent, focused on the impending battle.
Eren, maintaining his usual stoic expression, concluded the conversation:"Well, let's go."
The group prepared to head to the underworld. As soon as they arrived, the sounds of his brothers' shouting broke the silence, a mix of concern and desperation in their voices.
"Are you insane!?" Raicer yelled, his voice filled with disbelief.
"Raicer's right, have you lost your mind?" Ravel exclaimed, her eyes wide, anxiety written all over her face.
Eren, unfazed by their scolding, remained calm as he replied:"I told you, I'll restore the family's honor. Besides, if I don't do it now, that guy will try again later."
Raicer, his tone softer but still filled with worry, whispered:"I just hope nothing happens to you…"
Ravel, more emotional, stepped toward him and added:"But, brother, he's so strong…"
Eren, allowing a slight trace of irritation to cross his face, responded as he looked up:"Maybe he is, but don't worry. And no, I won't have him killed, if that's what you're thinking, Raicer…"
His words, though reassuring, carried an edge of frustration. Finally, raising his voice slightly, he directed his gaze toward the ceiling, signaling that he didn't wish to continue the conversation."Now, send me to Earth. I need to grab something."
The determination in his voice left no room for doubt: Eren was ready for whatever lay ahead, prepared to do whatever it took to restore his family's honor.
Minutes later, on Earth
Eren walked through the streets of Tokyo with an apparent lack of direction, his gaze fixed on the pavement as his thoughts consumed him. Despite the bustle of the city, his presence went unnoticed, a ghost among the living. After a while, his attention was drawn to a small bar illuminated by neon lights, a modest establishment that seemed to fit perfectly into the city's night-life rhythm. With deliberate calm, Eren headed toward the bar and entered, slipping in unnoticed by the curious onlookers.
Once inside, he made his way directly to the darkest corner of the bar and took a seat, dropping his vest into his lap. The atmosphere was filled with soft conversations and muted laughter, but Eren seemed oblivious to it all.
"What will you have, sir?"The bartender, a middle-aged man with a professional attitude and sharp eyes, asked.
"A glass of water with ice, if it's not too much trouble," Eren replied in a tired, almost whispering tone, his fingers grazing the edge of the wooden bar.
The bartender raised an eyebrow, surprised by the order, but said nothing. Swiftly, he served the glass of water and handed it over. Eren took it in his hands, sipping it gently as he closed his eyes, allowing the coolness of the liquid to calm his mind.
"Who in their right mind orders water at a bar?"A raspy, rough voice came from beside him, carrying the weight of a life full of stories.
Eren let out a soft chuckle, interrupting his drink. He turned his head toward the source of the voice and found himself face-to-face with a man who appeared to be in his fifties, partially bald, with a prominent scar across his face. He wore a black suit, elegant yet unpretentious, complementing his air of authority.
"It was the only excuse to come in here, my friend," Eren responded with a calm smile."By the way, I find it a bit indiscreet that 'the Root' is located in such a frequented place like this bar."
"Don't worry, I just wanted to try some of Japan's liquors,"The man replied, raising his brandy glass. "Most of them are smooth, but the good thing is, they know how to make anything."
Eren shook his head, still smiling as he watched the man enjoy his drink.
"By the way, how did your family reunion go?"The man asked, settling into his seat with genuine interest.
Eren sighed and looked at his water before answering."Well, when I got home, the first ones to greet me were my siblings. Ravel... she's already a woman, so different from the girl who cried when I left last time. My brother has grown in many ways, though he still gets into trouble. Mom's still as sweet and charming as ever, and Dad... he seemed happy to see me, can you believe it?"
The man nodded, his expression softening."It had to happen eventually. After all, you're his son…"
Eren smiled faintly, but there was a touch of sadness in his eyes."Yeah… Honestly, I never thought I'd hear him call me his son. By the way, do you want another bit of news?"
"Hm, tell me…"The man leaned forward, his curiosity piqued.
"I'm getting married…"Eren said, his tone playful.
This caused the man to raise an eyebrow, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement."You? Married?"
Eren nodded, but his tone shifted to a more serious one."I know… though it's just to help out his brother."
Eren calmly explained what had happened with his family and how the marriage would be temporary until they could resolve the situation.
"Well, in that case, you know you have the full support of the organization for whatever you need,"The man said, placing a firm hand on Eren's shoulder, conveying unconditional support.
"That's why I came…"Eren mentioned as he turned in his seat to face the man accompanying him. The man, raising an eyebrow, looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
"What do you want?"He asked, though his tone suggested he already had an idea of what Eren was about to ask.
Eren smiled, though there was a flicker of seriousness in his eyes."I'd like you to lend me her…"
He said, his voice ambiguous, leaving the exact nature of his request hanging in the air.
The man narrowed his eyes for a moment, his expression turning solemn. With a small sigh, he crossed his arms, contemplating Eren's request.
"You know you can only use her for missions… or in compromising situations,"The man warned in a firm voice.
"I know,"Eren responded with a nod of approval.
"And you know she consumes a lot of energy… If you don't use her properly…"The man continued, but was interrupted.
"I know, I know,"Eren repeated impatiently. "But this is one of those situations where I don't need to worry about how much energy I can expend."
His insistence was palpable, the conviction in his voice almost tangible. The man, resigned, rubbed his temples before looking back at Eren, his eyes showing a mix of concern and responsibility.
"Fine…"He said finally, with a resigned tone.
Eren felt a surge of emotion upon hearing those words, nodding with determination."I won't let you down,"Eren said, a confident smile spreading across his face, his mind already focused on what would come next.
"Don't think it'll be that easy,"The man responded, leaning forward to emphasize his words. "I'll be there to see you fight, to observe how your body reacts. But afterward…"His voice turned stern."You'll return her to me, no excuses, understood?"
Eren nodded, his tone elevated and almost cheerful."Perfectly clear and understood."
With that, both men returned to the bar, resuming their drinks in a silence thick with anticipation. Eren knew what he was asking for could be decisive, and the promise of returning her was a small price to pay for the advantage he hoped to gain.
Hours later
At Kuoh Academy, all the girls from the Occult Club were gathered with Issei. Akeno, thoughtful, gazed out the window with a serene expression, though a flicker of concern showed in her eyes. Suddenly, a loud crash broke the silence of the room, causing Akeno to blink and turn her head. Xenovia, frowning and frustration etched on her face, was on top of Issei on the floor.
"Xenovia! Let me get warmed up, I can't lose!" Issei said, determination in his voice, furrowing his brow.
Xenovia crossed her arms, throwing a challenging glare at Rías.
"That's ridiculous. You'll finish him off in an instant, won't you, Rías?" she exclaimed, her tone full of defiance.
Rías, with a soft smile, approached Issei calmly, extending a hand to help him up."Xenovia is right. You'd never lose, would you?" Rías said, confidence reflected in her eyes.
Issei took Rías's hand and stood up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. Xenovia, on the other hand, stood with her arms crossed, clearly upset by their closeness.
"Never. I'll win for you!" Issei declared, looking at Rías with a firm, determined smile.
Moved by his determination, Rías kissed him gently. The other girls couldn't help but show their jealousy: Akeno sighed, turning her gaze to the window once again, while Asia pouted and Xenovia clenched her fists, trying to suppress her feelings.
Suddenly, the door to the room opened. Sona and her queen, Tsubaki, entered with grace. Sona observed the scene with a slight smile as she crossed her arms.
"Well... it seems we've arrived at a bad time," Sona commented, her voice tinged with amusement.
Rías, without letting go of Issei and keeping her gaze fixed on Sona, responded confidently."Honestly, just a little. But tell me, is everything ready?"
"In fact, we're more than ready to broadcast to all the factions. We just need it to start," Sona confirmed, maintaining a professional tone while exchanging a glance with Tsubaki.
Rías flashed a confident, slightly mocking smile."In that case, it's only a matter of them arriving. And it seems they've reconsidered their decision."
Rías smiled confidently, holding Issei's hand as he raised the other to greet them. Meanwhile, Sona was deep in thought, trying to make sense of what Rías had just said but failing to deduce it in time.
Akeno, carefully observing the scene, turned toward the door and spoke calmly."They're here," she announced, pointing at a magic circle that began to materialize in the center of the room.
From the circle emerged the three Phoenix siblings. Ravel and Raiser were completely serious, their demeanor reflecting the tension of the moment. Sona, watching them closely, noticed something peculiar about Eren: he was holding something strange in his hand. As he adjusted it on his left arm, her eyes narrowed in interest as the object began to unfold, transforming into an unusual bracelet.
Rías, with a playful smile, let out a tone of arrogance as she observed Eren."Well, for a moment, I thought you weren't coming."
Eren remained silent, covering the bracelet with his vest, which caused a look of displeasure to cross Rías's face. She turned to look at Issei, who, noticing her gaze, smiled determinedly.
"I'm ready!" Issei declared with a firm voice full of resolve.
Rías, smiling with pride, approached him to give him a kiss, an act that ignited jealousy in the other girls and caused visible discomfort in Raiser.
"Where will we fight?" Eren asked, his voice cold and direct.
Sona, maintaining her composure, motioned for them to follow her outside. The Phoenix siblings followed, accompanied by the members of the Occult Research Club, until they reached the school's main courtyard.
"I didn't have many options with the short time given to organize the Rating Game, but when I heard it would only be between you and him, I figured this would be more than enough..." Sona said, stopping in front of what appeared to be an arena about 40 square meters in size.
"It's not like Miss Grayfia's creations, but this arena can withstand the impact of a meteor," she commented, her tone slightly proud of her effort.
Sona moved to the side to prepare to record the match, while the Phoenix siblings advanced toward the arena. A sense of concern began to fill Rías, who watched the scene with growing tension.
Noticing this, Issei gently cupped her face and kissed her, a gesture that somewhat cheered Rías up.
She grasped his hands tightly."My love..."
"I promise I won't lose… I love you!" Issei said with determination before walking firmly toward the arena.
The Phoenix siblings began to doubt, wondering if their brother would be able to win. Around the arena, a magical barrier rose to contain the potential damage Issei might cause.
Ravel, her voice filled with concern, addressed Eren."Brother, we can still stop all this..."
Raiser, visibly nervous, added,"We could even call Miss Venelana and..."
Eren, keeping calm, gently interrupted them."Don't be afraid… Trust in your older brother."
Ravel, still uneasy, tried to protest."But..."
Eren cut her off with a warm smile, tenderly stroking her head."I'll win."
With that, Eren placed a reassuring hand on Raiser's shoulder, leaving them in silence as he walked toward the arena. There, he saw Issei had already formed his complete armor, but Eren showed no reaction, remaining impassive in the face of Issei's display of power.
Both contenders stood completely still, waiting for the other to make a move. This tense silence left the girls of the club bewildered, watching the scene with increasing uncertainty. Noticing that neither of the two took the initiative, they began shouting at Issei, trying to motivate him.
Issei, hearing the voices of his teammates, especially Rías's, felt an impulse to act...
Issei, brimming with determination, charged his fist with an immense amount of energy. His eyes locked onto Eren as he dashed forward with incredible speed, fully intent on ending the fight with a single blow.
"This ends now!"he shouted, throwing all his strength into the attack.
However, Eren calmly sidestepped, effortlessly avoiding Issei's strike. The punch missed its mark and slammed violently into the magical barrier, producing a deafening crash that echoed across the arena.
Unexpectedly, Eren reached out and grabbed Issei's helmet with a firm grip. The bracelet on his arm began to glow intensely. With a powerful motion, Eren lifted Issei off the ground using the artifact's strength, then slammed him down with brutal force, leaving a massive impact crater in the arena floor.
Stunned by the blow, Issei still managed to recover before Eren could crush his head beneath his foot. He quickly put some distance between them, still not fully understanding what had just happened.
"A-amazing...!"Raiser exclaimed, shocked to see his brother lift Issei so easily.
Ravel shared the same stunned expression—neither of them had ever imagined Eren possessed such strength.
Sona narrowed her eyes, watching the fight closely.
"Did you see that...?"she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.
"What do you mean?"Tsubaki replied, still unsure what her leader was referring to.
"That thing on his left arm..."Sona continued, eyes narrowing further as she analyzed Eren's every movement."Do you think it's some kind of enhancer?"
"I don't know. I've never seen anything like it. And you?"
Sona fell silent for a moment, thoughts racing.
"Neither have I… but something doesn't add up."she muttered, eyes still locked on Eren, increasingly intrigued.
Back in the arena, Issei—having regained his footing—wasted no time. He conjured a sphere of energy before him, striking it forcefully as he shouted:
"Dragon Shot!"
The bracelet on Eren's arm lit up once more. Swiftly, he dodged the attack, which again crashed into the barrier.
"Too slow..."Eren murmured calmly.
"Don't underestimate me!"Issei roared, furious, unleashing a massive surge of power.
The wave of energy shook the arena. As it peaked, Issei charged again, his armor glowing as his chest and arms thickened, though at the cost of speed.
He threw a heavy right punch, but Eren lightly hopped back, dodging with ease.
Issei kept pressing, strike after strike, but Eren—his face completely emotionless—evaded each blow with uncanny agility and speed.
"This can't be happening... (He's toying with me!)"Issei thought, frustration mounting with every miss, each punch creating only bursts of air around him.
From afar, Rias watched in disbelief."No! This can't be!"
she cried, her voice filled with despair as she witnessed Issei—the same boy who had defeated beings of unimaginable power—fail to even land a hit on Eren. The fear that Issei might lose over something so absurd overwhelmed her.
In the middle of the fight, Eren glanced away from Issei, looking briefly at one of the school buildings. A faint smile appeared on his face as he effortlessly dodged another of Issei's attacks.
"Stop messing around!"Issei shouted, his anger and frustration boiling over—but in that moment, the bracelet on Eren's arm emitted a faint flash.
With a sharp and precise motion, Eren unleashed a yellow blast that crashed violently against the barrier. At the same time, a deep vertical gash appeared across Issei's chest and helmet. The bracelet immediately returned to normal.
Issei dropped to his knees in front of Eren, feeling blood begin to pour from the wound. Eren took two steps back, waiting patiently. Issei, still unsure of what had just occurred, felt a burning pain radiating from his chest.
Xenovia's eyes widened in shock."This can't be…!"she murmured, reflecting the disbelief shared by all the girls—who now sat in stunned silence—as well as Eren's siblings, all unable to accept that their brother had defeated Issei so easily.
"Issei..! Issei!!!"Rias screamed in desperation as the boy she loved knelt before her, gravely wounded.
"Issei! Get up! Please!!!"she pleaded, tears beginning to stream down her cheeks.
Her voice, heavy with anguish, cut through the chaos—and Issei heard her loud and clear. In response, he released an overwhelming burst of energy, rising up and pushing against the very limits of the barrier.
As Issei's armor began to reconstruct and shine brightly once more, Rias watched with relief and a spark of hope returning to her eyes.
Suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the arena. From within the smoke and dust, Issei emerged—fully clad in his armor, now transformed into his most powerful form yet…
"Cardinal Crimson Promotion."
The arena fell into complete silence. Rias, tears in her eyes, watched as Issei stood tall once more.
The bracelet on Eren's arm began to emit a radiant golden light, drawing his attention back to Issei, who stood firm, ready to continue the battle.
Eren offered a slight smile as he removed his glasses, revealing his deep blue eyes.
"Then let's begin."