Right after the ending of the [Joker of the Heaven] match led by Dulio.

We went to the capital of the Underworld [Lilith]. The reason was…

"Hahahaha, looks like your luck has now ran out! Chichiryuutei!"

In front of the huge outdoor stage, [Evil Dragon General Vabo], Bova wearing an evil costume, mocked me who was kneeling in front of him in my armour.

I also…

"Kuuu! Never would I have expected [Evil Dragon General Vabo] to be this strong…"

Kuuu… and said such heroic line.

All the children filling up the seats cheered me on.

"Chichiryuutei! Don't lose!"

"Stand up!"

Currently, we are in the middle of the [Chichiryuutei] outdoor show!

That's right, in order to perform these shows and other events, ORC members came to visit the underworld.

International Rating game and the school are important but these are also important works for us too.

This [Chichiryuutei] event that we are currently participating in link closely to the television show. This was a special event which was celebrating the release of the new series of [Chichiryuutei] so it was decided that we, the main heroines, would participate.

… And the [Evil Dragon General Vabo] that Bova is taking on is the new enemy in the new series.

Of course, in the television show and other events, the actors that look like us would put on the show…

But for Bova, who only just recently joined my team, to be included in [Chichiryuutei]… man… the people of the House of Gremory sure act fast on these kinds of stuff…

… Anyway, in this show I, [Chichiryuutei] is struggling against [Evil Dragon General Vabo] and is currently in a pinch. It is good to show off the power of the brand new enemy from the start.

"I can't lose! I will get up no matter what and fight you!"

I got up and charged at Bova but Bova moved his huge body as if he really is intending to hurt me and sent punches and kicks toward me. I also pretended to be hit by his attack and staggered backward a bit and collapsed.

"Hahahahaha! Is this all you've got, Chichiryuutei? I had my hopes up since you defeated the Dark Knight Fang… but you've disappointed me! I didn't realise how weak you are, Chichiryuutei! Hahahahahah!"

Bova was perfectly acting as the villain. His evil laughs were spot on as well.

… This guy, is he naturally talented at acting? I've seen yet another side of him.

"Uuuwah! Chichiryuutei is being defeated!"

"That dragon, scarrrrry!"

Children were all focused on the show as well but it looks like Bova's acting also scared them quite a bit. Well, I guess being impressionable is also still quite good, right?

"STOP!"

Then a bishounen appeared along with a bishounen voice… It was [Dark Knight Fang] Kiba in his costume.

"KYAAAAAAAAAA! KIBA-KUUUUUUUN!"

KYAAAAAAAAAA"FAAAAAAANG KINGHT-SAMMMMMMA!"

When he appeared, this time it was the mothers in the audience who accompanied the children that screamed in joy. They were quiet just until now but as soon as he appeared they went crazy.

Fang was the main villain until the last season but this time he appears as Chichiryuutei's ally. That Kiba pointed his demonic sword towards [Evil Dragon General Vabo] and said.

"Idiot! That Chichiryuutei is my pray! I will not let you take him for yourself!"

When he shouted that, Bova returned the shouting with rage in his eyes.

"You traitor! You're taking Chichiryuutei's side! I'll rip you apart as well!"

That's right, in the new season, [Dark Knight Fang], who stayed as the antagonist until the last season is taking up a role as the protagonist in the new season. Thanks to that, the rating amongst mothers went up.

Fang then replied with a cynical smile on his face.

"Don't mistake, the person who will defeat Chichiryuutei is me! I cannot give that away to anyone else!"

"""KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! FANG KNIGHT-SAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"""

KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Hearing his proclaim, the mothers went hysteric once again.

Fang charged at Bova with his sword but… that large dragon acted as if he threw Fang away with only a single punch. Fang dropped his sword and taking Bova's (fake) punch, he got blasted backward.

On top of the stage, Chichiryuutei and Fang, the two most popular characters, are in dire situation. The Children who were all watching the show became anxious and a few started to cry as well.

"Uwahahahahaha! Chichiryuutei! Fang! Both of you are nothing! You guys are nothing compared to I, Evil Dragon General Vabo!!! Uwahahahaha!"

Bova's smirk rang around the arena and when both I and Kiba were pushed to the end, a voice was heard.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!"

Small firework went off on the stage and using the lift on the stage floor, a person in golden armour appeared.

"Evil Dragon General Vabo! I, [Leonis Rex], won't let you get away with your misdeeds!"

The person who said that to Bova was wearing the Lion King's costume and he is Sairaorg-san! The main focus of this show was to promote Sairaorg-san's hero, [Leonis Rex]!

In truth, the character [Leonis Rex] is big hit like [Chichiryuutei] in the land of House of Bael and they've been getting quite good reception.

So, the House of Gremory and the House of Bael decided to collaborate in this Hero business and for the first time, [Chichiryuutei] and [Leonis Rex] decided to join forces.

And the result of this was…

"Lion-san~~!"

"Leonis Rex!!"

"Woah! Chichiryuutei and Leonis in one place!"

In contrast to before, the atmosphere in the arena got really heated. All the people, let alone children, who were distressed at seeing me about to be defeated were all eccentric now.

Looking at both me and Fang on the ground, Sairaorg-san shouted.

"Stand up, Chichiryuutei, Fang! Stand up and look forward! The things that we must fight is… both the enemy and our-self!"

……!

… He's just reading off a script, but when it's Sairaorg-san saying those words, I get deeply moved and I got a sudden surge of energy!

I stood up and boosted my aura!

"I'm aware of that!"

"Fufu, looks like even I wasn't myself there!"

Kiba also grabbed his sword and stood up."

"Hahahahahahahahah! You've got one more ally for yourself but do you really think that's enough to defeat I, Evil Dragon General Vabo!"

Looks like even he's having fun as he shouted out his script.

I, Leonis Rex, Dark Knight Fang. When us three stood next to each other, the mood in the arena lit up. In midst of that, I shouted to the other two,

"Let's go! Leonis, Fang!"

""Let's go!!""

As three of us charged towards Bova.

The event drew to a climax.

A few hours after the end of the show, we took a rest and we moved to another theatre located in [Lilith] for our next show.

In truth, our schedule today is filled with these shows all day. We have Hero shows at the outdoor theatres during the day time and in the evening, there's going to be a talk show between young [King]s.

The topic for the show is [The Future of International Rating Game, Azazel-Cup].

As for the people appearing in the show, they were young devils who are currently participating in the international rating game and are super star amongst the citizen of the underworld. Rias, Sairaorg-san and as honourable as it is, I, was also chosen to participate in the show as well.

Sona-san and Seekvaria-san couldn't make it this time due to their schedule not fitting in with the talk show so they won't be in the show today.

The talk show host stood in front of the podium and explained to the audience of today's topic.

"Then without further ado, we'll call upon the three most anticipated [King]s in this game. Please come forward."

I, Rias and Sairaorg-san came up to the stage while receiving applause, and as instructed by the host, we sat down on the chairs prepared for us.

When I looked around the stadium… I couldn't see any empty seats at all. In fact, it seems like there were a lack of chairs as some of the people people were watching us standing up.

The host started to talk again.

"Now that Sairaorg-sama, Rias-sama and Hyoudou Issei-san has arrived, we'll start the show. To begin, the beginning of the [Azazel-Cup], the international rating game which has been a main focus between many different factions…"

The host began the talks by briefly mentioning some of the highlights of the games so far and got to the current events of the game.

He also talked about the games that Sairaorg-san, Rias and I have participated and also asked about our feelings about the game as well.

At the host's question, Sairaorg-san replied with.

"I am very thankful that many different factions came together to bring this game. As one of the participants, I am honoured to be included in such game and as one of the devils in the game, I cannot let my guard down."

… And gave such serious answer. And Rias, who received a different question…

"As a game that anyone can participate, I think there's a great chance we can find someone who deserved some attention or possesses hidden genius or any unknown talents. I want to meet those people and fight against those people. It's most likely that we'll be able to meet people who can, not only help during the competition, but also help the underworld greatly."

And gave her opinion.

I then received the question, 'As a person promoted to a high-class devil and leaving Rias-sama's peerage, what is your reason to participate in the competition?'

Ah, I'm sure that the people of the underworld and various media would find that interesting.

I replied…

"I… always dreamed of becoming a High-Class devil, and I've worked hard in order to make that dream of mine come true… I've nearly died multiple times but… I've become a High-Class devil and I'm happy that I got this recognition from many people. I don't have any noble or cool theory or idea like Sairaorg-san or Rias…-sama, but I want to know how much I can do as I am right now in this competition… And I thought that all the rivals that I fought before are participating so I couldn't just sit behind and do nothing."

… And I told them the truth.

Oh god, I'm so embarrassed that everyone here's listening to me so seriously!

The host opened his mouth again.

"As expected the match between yourself and the arch-rival Hakuryuukou is getting a lot of attention. For yourself, Hyoudou-san, is the fight against Hakuryuukou important to you?"

"Yes of course, since we've promised to have a show down at a later date. I think that this international rating game is the perfect place to have such a show-down."

When I gave them my true feelings, the entire stadium went 'Ooooo' and the mood got excited.

Ah~ that guy is entering the competition under 'Lucifer' so not only to other factions but even the citizens of the underworld now knows that he's the descendent of Lucifer.

The name 'Lucifer' is absolute and unlike Serzech-sama, who only inherited the name, he's the descendent of the real 'Lucifer' so the voices supporting him has grown steadily. However, it looks like he's ignoring that.

And just like that, the show continued with us answering so many different questions…

It happened when Sairaorg-san was answering a question about 'the future of Devil players who are participating in the game'.

"… Therefore, I think that it's not a bad thing for pro players to lose against other team but rather, they should take that as a lesson to create a much better team…"

And just then, someone shouted from the audience.

"… YOU CHEAT!"

One male audience stood up and looked at us… no…. glared at Sairaorg-san and shouted.

When we thought that was all…

"Yes! You used the [King] piece, didn't you?!"

"That's why you're that strong without having any powers!"

"You're the heir to the Great King, aren't you?! Then there's no doubt you've used it!"

Words of criticism came flooding in and the number of people standing up from their seat increased.

"Please everyone, calm down. This is time for International Rating game not…"

The host tried his best to keep the situation under control. But the voice of resentment grew and grew.

Another audience couldn't hold his anger and shouted.

"You protected politicians in the Great King factions as well! I bet you did that to hide your own dirt!"

They even started to go after the politicians as well! I knew that because of their use of [King] Piece, the House of Bael were currently scrutinised by the people…

Anyway, they think that Sairaorg-san has gotten stronger because he used the [King] Piece?! There's no way he'll do such a stupid thing! This guy had it worse than any other people here!

"Scum!"

When someone shouted that at him…

"Scum! Scum!"

"""Scum! Scum! Scum!"""

People started to shout Scum at Sairaorg-san. It wasn't like everyone was shooing at him but it was significant enough that they couldn't be just ignored.

Meanwhile, Sairaorg-san kept his silence and took the abuse. He wasn't cross and kept his composure.

I stood up from my seat.

Stop it! This guy is different! This guy wouldn't touch things such as the [King] Piece…

When I was going to defend Sairaorg-san, Rias blocked me.

"Ise, just watch."

"… But! If we just leave it like this…!"

Rias then calmly continued.

"… If you step in now, even your peerage will be under suspicion… and Sairaorg definitely don't want that."

"Even so, I…!"

When I wouldn't back down, Rias then said this.

"You're now [King], so protecting your peerage is now your duty. And don't worry about this, all three of us can just shut them up with our results. And without any results, any of your words won't reach them."

…………!

After hearing what she had to say, I couldn't do anything but to grind my teeth. Sairaorg-san also looked at me as if to tell me to calm down, shook his head.

"You cheat! Go get burn by the angels!"

Curses were still thrown at Sairaorg-san while he was getting escorted out by the security.

I… clenched my fist as hard as I could.

He didn't use that thing. This guy wouldn't ever go near such crap as a [King] Piece…!

As someone who exchanged blows with this person, I understood him very well.

In that fist, there was no such thing as a [King] piece…!

The fight between me and Sairaorg-san was real…!

Even during that time, Sairaorg-san said to those who were getting escorted away.

"… Please watch my future fights. I request everyone here to watch my battles from now on. That's all I could say at this point."

"………"

When Sairaorg-san said such things, people who were escorted away kept their silence.

… I, who felt the attacks against Sairaorg-san as they are my own during the interview and even after the interview, couldn't calm myself down from this…

After finishing the talk show and the hero shows, we stayed at a high-class hotel at [Lilith]. And the morning after, I snuck out and went to a nearby park around here.

I saw this place out of my hotel window.

Sairaorg-san was training at a remote part of the park alone. After seeing him training in his work clothes, I couldn't bare it any longer and followed him.

I did hear that his peerage was also staying in the hotel nearby but for him to train straight after what happened last night…

It seems like he's done with the warm up as he got ready to run. When I approached him, he turned his attention towards me.

Looking at him, I asked.

"Do you mind if I run with you?"

He was initially shocked at my offer but quickly changed his expression to a bitter smile and nodded.

We then ran through the early morning of the capital in silence with me alongside him.

After running for few km, he talked to me.

"Physical training… this is something you need to do regularly. That's why this is one of trainings that I trust the most."

"I also ran through mountains like I was going to die when I first came here so I'm confident in my physicals as well."

Now that I think about it, whenever I come to the underworld, I get mixed up in really weird stuff. When I first came here, I got chased by Old-man Tannin through the mountain but thanks to that, I've gotten quite confident at my basic strength.

Then Sairaorg-san said this while running alongside me.

"Looks like you got mad on behalf of myself."

………

… Looks like he's talking about last night. My body trembled for the entire time while I heard various curses directed toward Sairaorg-san.

"… I'm so sorry that I couldn't be of any help back then."

I apologised to him. All I could do right there was just be angry for him but not help him anyway. I couldn't think of anything I could say towards the comrade that I fought alongside with many times.

This position of [King] held me back in the end.

But as if understanding me feelings, Sairaorg-san laughed wholeheartedly.

"Hahaha, I'm thankful of that gesture alone. As a [King], you shouldn't do something that may get on the nerve of others. This is basically my destiny for being born into House of Bael. To tell the truth, I'm slightly happy that I got into this situation in the first place."

Then Sairaorg-san continued.

"This is definitely not an easy life… but many people regards me as the Devil of the House of Bael, or the Heir of House of Bael. It's a painful and tiring situation… but it's worth it, and I genuinely want to sort this situation out as well."

………

… even after hearing those words, even after being questioned of his powers, this person takes pride in being a [Bael].

If you look at this person's life until now, it would be sure that he has gained this position after many hardships.

Whatever things comes his way, this person won't flutter at all since he already went through countless number of pain and suffering to get to this stage.

Still running beside me, Sairaorg-san spoke brightly.

"Hyoudou Issei. I am just a stupid devil. Towards my comrades or toward citizens, I can't do anything but to be honest. I've trained this body after countless losses and being down, thinking to myself that I'll win next time and that I need to move forward."

Sairaorg-san stopped running and lifted his fist up in to the sky.

"… That I can reach anywhere with this fist and keep training."

His rough fist….

Riddled with scar and hard skin. It was so well trained that it doesn't look like a fist of a noble prince.

Sairaorg-san narrowed his eyes and continued.

"… Unfortunately, others are born with their natural talent. You've surely experienced this as you fought until now."

I've fought against many others that were considered geniuses. Kiba, Vali, Cao Cao… Men that I fought, with only a fraction of the training that I've done, got much stronger than me in no time. That made me genuinely angry but at the same time I felt the 'wall'.

I, Sairaorg-san or Saji. We must run and train like this in order not to lose against all these geniuses.

However, Sairaorg-san declared.

"But there are limits to what talent alone can do and soon these people will realise their limit as well… However, Hyoudou issei, there is no end to patching what you lack and nothing but to train in order to do so. If what you lack is speed, then you need to train that. If you lack physical strength then you need to train your physical strength. If you need to be more unpredictable, then you just need to interact with the unknowns."

Sairaorg-san then placed his fist on my arm.

"… You must train everything in order to maximise your abilities. The true enemy is yourself who deny your own ability."

…………

… Suddenly Azazel-sensei flashed through my head. I've heard [Believe in your potential] many times from him before.

Yes, Sairaorg-san is right. When I was lacking something, I searched for any ways to make myself stronger and the result of all that is the current me.

I want to tell that to the past me, the me from a few months ago, the me from half a year ago and the me from a year ago…

… that the answer to worry you are having is the answer itself.

I was so touched by what Sairaorg-san has said but I noticed something from behind and turned around.

… And there stood a person so unexpected to the point it was like an illusion.

"Ah, what a coincidence."

It was a guy wearing Hanfu [1] on top of his uniform… Cao Cao!

[1][1]

Well that's obvious! This guy, who's participating in this game as an underling of Indra, just appeared in front of me in the capital of the underworld!

"….!! Cao Cao! What are you doing here?!"

When I asked that in surprise, he just shrugged.

"Well I had something to do. I've got permission."

He replied in a brief manner… wait, even if you've got permission, the fact that you're here is what makes it more surprising.

Understandably, he did turn this place into utter chaos during the [Monster Crisis]…

There's another weird thing about him. This guy isn't carrying that spear that he always has around him. Since he's not tapping his shoulder with his spear out of his own habit, it really seemed out of place. That's how much he carried that spear with him.

"… Huh, is there something on my face or something?"

Cao Cao asked me since I was staring at him.

"Ah, it's just that this is probably the first time seeing you without your spear."

"Fu, if I walk around in the underworld this early in the morning with my spear, then you guys are going to try to kill me, right?"

That was his reply while smiling a bit.

Well true, that'll be a headache later…

… meanwhile the person next to me have been giving Cao Cao a cold stare.

In an unlikely event in which by chance, the two [Kings] that are going to go head to head in the next game, they are meeting right now…

Sairaorg-san and Cao Cao exchanged glares silently for a few seconds.

Cao Cao then said only one thing as he went past Sairaorg-san.

"I'm looking forward to the match."

And Sairaorg-san replied with a provocative smile.

"Then I'll see you at the arena."

…and like that, the greetings between the incarnation of strength and tactics came to an end. They don't need to use words since just looking at each other is enough to understand each other.

Both fans and the participants of the games are looking forward to the next match.

And so am I!

While looking at the back to Cao Cao with Sairaorg-san, a question just popped into my head. I crossed my arms and tilted my head.

Looking at me like that, Sairaorg-san asked me.

"What's up?"

"Ah it's just that that guy… I only meet him when something big is about to happen."

After Kyoto, I met him in really serious situations. Even after he became an underling of Sakra, I only met him during big fights or during a huge event.

Thinking back, he was there during my promotion as well.

Then Sairaorg-san said to me,

"Hmm, because of the power he possesses, he would have been the centre of attention from the beginning as well. I'm sure that person is also living a life much more complicated than we think."

… Life, that can't be summed up as attention.

… Life of a man who possess the World's greatest Longinus, I can just about begin to imagine what that could be…

Imagining those who couldn't live due to the sacred gear in their body, that guy must have been also…

"… I wonder why he decided to challenge the mystical beings?"

I said something that Cao Cao said when I first met him.

Since he's human, he wants to challenge the mystical beings… he said that it's always been humans who topple the monsters….

"… I wonder. It's not like us Devils can understand the [System] that the God of the Bible created."

After saying that, Sairaorg-san started to run again.

Running with him, I looked behind… Looked towards Cao Cao and there, I saw the back of Cao Cao slowly getting smaller and smaller.

This boy was born in a village in a remote mountain somewhere in China.

The house in which the boy was born into have been traditional farmers, the boy's grandparent, great grandparent and so on have all lived their whole life in that village as farmers.

This boy also started his farm life as he grew older, learning how to farm from his parent day in and day out.

It was a very simple farming village. There were no televisions, let alone electricity in the village.

The house the boy lived in was just a shack, but so were all the other houses in the village.

That was the way of life over there.

The boy enjoyed running around the mountain and playing with children his age.

His heart jumped whenever he heard stories with 'monsters' in, and he liked playing 'monster hunting' with his friends in the mountain.

That boy… had a place that he went to whenever he was happy or sad or scolded. His own special seat… he climbed up the tallest tree in the village and looked up to the nameless mountain in front of him.

The tallest mountain he can see from his village… the boy's dream was to climb to the top of that mountain one day.

The calming and static life at the village, the boy thought his life won't change in his life time.

But at last, one day, incident happened.

It happened when he went into the mountain to play with his friends again. He was the only one who got lost and ended up losing his way deep inside the forest.

The thing that he met there… was a monster that he has never seen before.

The boy saw the monster eating an animal by chance, and unfortunately, he was spotted by the monster right there. The monster said that it was his first time in long time to have tasted a human and jumped at the boy.

The boy ran for his life as fast as he could, but since it was a dense forest he couldn't run as fast as he wanted. With his child's steps, there was no way he would be able to out-run a monster.

Then when he was about to be eaten by the monster and was giving up on running away, his whole life flashed before his eyes and suddenly he thought of that time when he played the 'monster hunting' game" with his friends.

… Ahhh, it would be great if I really had a power to defeat monsters…

Just as he thought of that, he felt a pulse deep inside his heart. And with a bright light, an object came out shining with bright light.

… A spear with holy aura around it.

The monster staggered as his body was disintegrated by the light of the spear.

The boy grabbed the spear, and as if he had known how to use the spear his whole life, started to attack the monster.

… A few minutes later, the boy was covered in blood and was standing expressionlessly where the monster used to be.

And about an hour later, the village's search party found the boy in the forest. Everyone, including the boy's parents, were shocked at the sight of the boy covered in blood.

After that, his life continued as normal… Except for one thing.

… He was now able to summon that holy spear from his body at will.

He didn't understand what happened to his body, it was so unbelievable that he didn't tell his parents nor his friends.

But when he stares at that spear, his mind becomes clam.

For a beautiful spear to appear before his eyes, the eyes of a boy living a normal life in a remote village.

At that moment, he had something that he could 'show off' to others.

Half a year later, the boy met another monster.

"Oh ho~ looks like that spear has gone to some troublesome kid."

It was a monster resembling an old monkey. That monster called himself "Sun Wukong"

Monkey monster spoke while patting the boy's head.

"… Hey kiddo, that spear will make a kid's life living in a remote village like yourself quite difficult. But kiddo, you are you, and that spear isn't you. You will need to make that spear a part of you."

After that, the monkey monster said something like 'right, what should I report back to the heaven' and made a bitter smile.

Before disappearing, that monster said this to him.

"I don't know if you know kiddo but the hero of this country [Cao Cao] runs in your body. Well, so far, it's just running in your body that's all. To be able to wake that power and use it is a whole different story… And that's up to you."

… [Cao Cao]

It was a name that had no resemblance to his own, a complete stranger's name. but a word [Hero] stayed with him strongly

After gaining that spear, the boy experienced countless number of mysterious encounters.

And after a while, not only monsters, but even humans started to approach him.

One day coming home after a day's work at the farm, the boy saw a bunch of men in suits at his house.

His parents smiled as soon as they saw the boy.

"This is great news!"

"Yes, great news indeed!"

Since his parents hugged him tightly while saying that, the boy was surely confused. Even during that, his parents continued.

"You've been accepted to a school in the city!"

"This is amazing! You can eat lots of tasty food there!"

The boy's head filled with question mark but… A man in suit smiled at him and said.

"You've been chosen, and we've come to tell your parents the news."

And then they started to explain what was going on but as they were using all sort of difficult words which the boy couldn't understand, he couldn't follow what was going on.

However, he knew one thing for sure. His gaze locked onto his father's hands.

His father was grabbing onto a thick wad of cash.

Even this small child could understand what was going on.

He's just been sold.

That night, the boy, only with small amount of food in his pocket, ran away from his home.

He thought that by leaving the house for few days, he could go back to his normal life after that. But his delusion was shattered by a visitor from a world outside his common sense.

Adults wielding weapons began targeting the boy and just like that, an unequal and struggling life for the boy has started. Waving his holy spear around, the boy ran away from these adults.

Even after being caught by his pursuers, he was able to escape with his life thanks to his spear.

Even after being cornered by wild animals in the middle of forest, he was able to escape with his life thanks to his spear.

Even after being confronted by human traffickers in one village, he escaped without losing his life thanks to his spear.

Having experienced many events that can change his whole life around in a row, the boy… was able to see the wide world for himself.

Shiny buildings with towers as tall as mountains, roads that can host countless number of people once the festival starts…

Even in that huge town his pursuers targeted him… and his spear.

… Give up your spear now! That is an object that the likes of you should never handle!

The day to day life of risking his life continued.

And there were even ones who would recruit him using sweet and tempting words but…

After being sold by his parents and being chased by many people, the boy became a person who couldn't trust anything but his spear.

And just like that, a few years after leaving his home village….

The boy left China for another country.

While meeting and observing people and cultures that he has never seen before, he begins to believe in something.

… I've got this spear in my possession. With this, I will be able to go anywhere and will be able to beat anyone.

While he was on the run, he awakened his talent and he learnt the abilities of his spear as well.

And after denouncing his own name, he began to use the name of the hero that the monkey demon used… [Cao Cao]. Also he had learnt that his spear is one of [Sacred Gear] and of those, one of the special [Longinus], and the strongest of all… one of the [Relics].

The boy… Cao Cao then roamed around the Earth and after becoming an adult, he visited his town of birth once again.

While traveling around the world, he had learnt that his village is a very small part of the entire world. And most of all, learnt the terrifying power of this object called [Money]. Cao Cao had reached an understanding that with a huge sum of money, even basic farmer parents in remote village are willing to reach a conclusion to give their son away.

It wasn't like he wanted to fault his parents at this stage, nor was he intending to stay in that village any longer. But he wanted to see the faces of his parents at least once.

But the house that he had once lived… had become a deserted.

His parents no longer lived there.

When he asked around the village, they started to tell him the story of what happened.

After their son ran away, it was said that his parents were visited by an agent of a certain faction and his parent decided to give information about their son away.

An information about a person who wields the world's strongest [Longinus] is precious. Information that could be used to lead that user to their side was too great of a temptation.

On top of that, the money that their parents had earned by selling information about him was so great and they had learned the joy of spending. For people who had lived all their lives poor, it was a turning point.

Of course, people who never had known the joy of spending would also not know how to spend sensibly… And not long after having lost their sight to money, they had accumulated a huge amount of debt.

Day after day, getting chased by the debt collectors, the paths that they had chosen was…

The villager who was telling Cao Cao the story pointed at the empty house and finished.

"… They hung themselves there."

………

… That was the final answer that those two had given him.

… I wonder whether if I weren't born with this spear, would our lives be peaceful?

Cao Cao often thought like that, but quickly he shook his head.

… I or his parents, we are all weak humans.

With or without the spear, that doesn't change the fact that they are weak. Even with the blood of a hero and possessing the spear, he wouldn't be able to change the outcome back then.

If I had fought there instead of running away, his parents may not have met their demise. If he talked with them instead of running away, all of them might have survived.

It could have happened… it could have… it could have…

All the possibilities went through his head but… it was all pointless and all he could see was the reality where he was standing in front of his old empty and abandoned house.

Sitting there for about an hour, Cao Cao left the village.

Swearing that he will never return.

In this world… there is only I.

All I've got is this spear. If that's the case… all I could do is to go as far as I can with this spear.

That was what Cao Cao used as his fuel… his reason for living.

After that, he had met people whose lives had been ruined because of sacred gear just like himself. And in the process of meeting them, he learnt about the supernatural beings such as God and such.

… Devil, Maou, dragon, Dragon King, Dragon God.

They all possess power that transcend human power and they were hiding at the edge of our world.

Naturally, Cao Cao began to think of something.

… Them and I, will my spear ever reach them?

Gaining his first ever objective… purpose in his life, in the blink of a second, many sacred gear users gathered around him.

With the sacred gear that had ruined their lives, they found new meanings to their lives…

And thus, began the daily life of endless fighting. Cao Cao's group fought ability users, devil and dragons and showed off their power.

And in the middle of that they met them.

Hyoudou Issei, and Vali Lucifer.

For Cao Cao, who had never cowered in front of any God or demons, the beings that made him truly feel awe and make him shudder were these two… the Two Heavenly Dragons.

One showed off even greater talent than himself.

And the other created miracles far greater than his own spear.

And to Hyoyudou Issei's group, Cao Cao lost his meaning to life, meaning to fight, power, his pride. Lost them all…

Cao Cao, who was reminiscing his past life while walking on the road of Lilith… Capital of the Underworld, looked up to the unique colour of the Underworld sky.

"… I prefer blue sky though."

While muttering to himself, he continued to his destination.

In a residential area somewhere in the Lilith, Cao Cao arrived at a corner of that town.

There was… a kindergarten for children of Devils.

While getting shown around by a guard, Cao Cao went inside the building where he saw a huge man working on flower bed.

It was… Hercules.

He is currently part of his team, participating with him in the International Rating Game but in the meantime, he works at this kindergarten.

After that [Monster Crisis] incident he was captured by the government forces and after many tortures, his body was placed with many spells to stop him from causing more trouble.

And the government… Sirzech Lucifer made him work at this kindergarten instead of putting him in a prison.

Even though Sirzech knew that back then, it was him who caused a scene with the Kindergarten bus.

At first he was criticised by the populous, especially by the parents of children but… In the end seeing how they all have accepted this decision, it was evident that Maou… Sirzech Lucifer was regarded very highly by everyone.

If he tried to do something, the spell will activate and burn Hercules's body to the ground. But the fact that he is still alive means…

It was the end of the day and so many children were coming out of the building, holding their parent's hands.

The children waved at Hercules, who was working on the flowerbed and all said to him…

"See you later ojii-san."

"See you tomorrow!"

Hercules also waved coldly at the children.

"Careful of the roads. And stop calling me ojii-san."

At then our eyes met. As if he was saying he didn't want to show this to me, his expression became bashful but…

He stopped his work and with his face full of dirt, he went towards Cao Cao.

Looking at him like that, Cao Cao spoke.

"Sorry to come to your work place like this."

"…. Hmph, looks like I showed you something unsightly. I, who has inherited the soul of Hercules is now a kindergarten worker and guard."

That's right, one reason why the devils accepted him this fast was that in case of an emergency, they can use him as a security guard. The spell on his body means that he has no choice but to fight in those cases, and since there have been multiple incidents happening in a row, the fact that a criminal with immense [Strength] is being their [Shield] made devils accept him.

But Cao Cao couldn't help but think that the way Devils think is a bit too weird, this and the fact that the Oppai Dragon is immensely popular here. He thought it's probably because of the difference in culture.

Taking his gloves off, Hercules asked Cao Cao.

"The reason you're here is because… of the Rating Game? That's probably the only reason why you've come all the way here."

At that, Cao Cao did nothing but shrug.

"That's one reason. Another is that I wanted to see how you are doing on your job."

At that moment, Hercules didn't know how to respond for a bit… but soon scratched his cheeks and smiled.

"… Hmm, even you've changed."

"Right back at you. You know that we're having a meeting at that place we decided right? Let's go together."

At his suggestion, Hercules agreed, but soon looked at the flower bed and said.

"Can I finish that first? It's something I need to do."

After saying yes, Cao Cao pulled his sleeves up as well.

"I'll help. I've done these jobs before."

He had never expected that he'll work with the soil in underworld but… He also thought that this wasn't bad at all.

The place that Cao Cao and Hercules headed was… the home of Catholic Church, the Vatican.

Just like he did in the Underworld, he showed his pass to the guard and went to a facility in the corner of the Vatican.

As a person with one of the artefact, a Holy Spear, and a person who not long ago considered them his enemy, the fact that he was able to come into to a place like this without causing any scene, Cao Cao couldn't help but to sneer at himself.

The place that they arrived at was a facility where young warriors affiliated with the Vatican, trained and lived.

This was the place where they'll be having meeting about the next match. It was something they did to test what they could do at their current situation but…the truth is that they chose this place as a meeting place out of a whim.

When they went inside the facility's dining area, a bunch of people from the church were enjoying their meals since it was dinner time.

They heard that due to internal reformation of the church, the number of personals in the church has reduced but… Dining area was still filled with people.

People with some experience noticed the aura given off by Cao Cao and Hercules and turned towards them but after noticing that they had no harmful intentions, they went back to their meals with slightly confused expressions.

Meanwhile, there was a young woman running around the tables.

It was Jeanne.

With an apron on her, she was running around, placing food on the table.

Maybe she noticed their aura as well, she shouted at them.

"Ah it's you two. Can you wait for a bit? I'm a bit busy. Ah why don't you guys eat too? I'll give you guys some discount."

Cao Cao and Hercules looked at each other and decided that it'll be weird to sit around without any food in front of them in the dining area, so they ordered some pasta.

After dinner time and with people having mostly left, Jeanne took her apron off, sighed and sat heavily next to Cao Cao and Hercules.

"Haaaaa, I'm busy around here serving and cooking food and you decided to have our next match meeting where I work. Isn't this too much? Not only that, I never thought Vatican would even give us permission in the first place."

Jeanne complained, and until everyone arrive, they decided to have a chit-chat.

Just like Hercules, Jeanne was captured during that [Monster Crisis] incident but unlike Hercules, Jeanne was transferred from the Underworld to the Vatican. After questioning her for her sins, they ultimately put her to work at this facility as a cook.

Just like their underworld counterparts, Vatican gave her a hard to understand punishment.

Cao Cao guessed that since she has inherited the soul of one of the holy saint, Vatican can't really give her a harsh sentence.

Ever since then, she's been cooking for the people that lived here.

"I would have never guessed that you have become one of the training chef in Vatican, let alone on warrior training facility."

When Cao Cao said that with a slightly sarcastic tone, Jeanne laid her chin on the table and complained.

"Same here. Those church people were like 'If you truly are a person who have inherited the soul of Jeanne D'Arc then shouldn't you aid the people' and such."

Hearing that, Cao Cao and Hercules made a bitter smile.

As if she's enjoying herself, Jeanne looked at Cao Cao and Hercules and said.

"Well from my eyes, you two changed quite a lot as well… But that's that, why did the leader involved us two and who are chained by our necks? Are you thinking of asking for the whole world after winning the whole lot?"

Hercules looked at Cao Cao as if he was planning to ask the same question as her.

"… I simply wanted to test my current self."

Cao Cao answered their question.

"… We all thought that we were geniuses. With blessings from heaven and earth, we thought that we were the true [Hero] but that was utterly shattered by those red and white dragons."

Even if they had tools or skills that can produce a miracle, they learnt that they don't work towards people that causes even bigger miracle to happen continuously. No, they realised that there exist beings that they can't simply approach that easily.

… To fight two heavenly dragons means to calls upon destruction on themselves.

That is just evident from themselves, as well as countless number of people who have been defeated by their hands.

And from those who were lucky enough to survive from them, they learnt a way to challenge those two.

… It was that they take interest in those who want to fight them in proper and fair fight, and those who challenge them also gain invaluable growth from it.

… If one wants to combine their desire to get stronger and their will to challenge the Heavenly Dragons, then it is best to fight them in a fair and proper fight.

Also, if possible, I want to avoid being defeated by one of their miracles. So therefore I……

Attempting to read his thoughts, Jeanne spoke after Cao Cao.

"So, you want to fight them fair and square?"

Being surprised that Jeanne read his thoughts, Cao Cao turned his head towards her. When he did, she simply told him that 'Your thoughts were always on your expression'.

Brushing that off, Cao Cao continued.

"In truth, I don't even know if I can beat them right now."

"Woah Woah, the once confident leader of Hero Faction has suddenly become so humble."

Jeanne teased him.

Hearing that, Cao Cao told them what he really thought.

"… But I'm still angry about before. I've realised that the scar in my heart carved by the shape of humiliation, helplessness and fear won't go away until the day when I finally defeat them, and that's all there is to it… For that simple reason, I want to fight them, rematch against them and against myself."

I tried to become a hero with comrades who has the same will as me, but Vasco Strada had looked through that illusion and realised that was just a [Hero Play]. That is why they had lost against Sekiryuutei, who always marched forward no matter what.

Strada-san have said that it's the people who choose the heroes. Meanwhile, they weren't even close to being called hero by the said people.

Maybe there is a need to re-think what is meant by a 'Hero', but in the meantime Cao Cao has decided to chase after the Two Heavenly Dragons first.

… Right then, the two people entered the dining hall.

"Leader, I've brought him."

The person who spoke first was the user of Scared Gear, Shield of Dark Night [Night Reflection] Connla. After losing in Kyoto and even after the disbandment of the Hero Faction, becoming the guard of Seekvaria, he still defended Cao Cao's side.

The other person was the user of Sacred Gear [Dreamlike Curse] Marsillio who even after the loss of Hero Faction, went out against Rias Gremory by himself.

After losing to Hyoudou Issei, he was taken by the Underworld Government and been given the same fate as Hercules and just like Hercules, he's been giving Cao Cao his help.

"Ah thank you Connla, Marsillio."

Cao Cao's eyes then looked past these two people, to a young male behind them.

It was a familiar male wearing glasses.

"Didn't believe you'll really be here. Wouldn't have guessed that you will have picked this place as a meeting place."

It was a young wizard wearing a cape… Georg.

""Georg?!""

When he entered, both Hercules and Jeanne stood up from their seats.

That's to be expected. After losing to Hyoudou Issei's group, his Longinus… Dimension Lost was taken by the Three Faction. And along with Cao Cao and [Annihilation Maker] Leonardo, he was sent to Hell.

Cao Cao left Hell quickly, but he decided to stay there to study magic and therefore he hasn't entered the tournament yet.

And since that person has just appeared in Vatican, for Hercules and Jeanne, they would be quite surprised.

Cao Cao casually explained.

"I called him. He said Hades is frequently absent these days, so I told him to come back if that's the case."

And apparently Georg agreed easily.

"Well, it looked pitiful that no one in the team could use magic here."

Georg hasn't yet officially participated in the game yet, but Cao Cao's team hasn't lost yet. It might be because they haven't yet met up against God-class beings but it's given that they will soon meet against such foe. Therefore, Cao Cao called him for his help.

Hercules then looked around to those who just entered, as if he was looking for someone.

After a while, he then said.

"So, I guess Leonardo isn't coming."

Looks like he's worried about the boy that was sent to Hell along with Georg.

Georg then answered him.

"He's back from Hell as well. He's currently in Grigori's lab."

That's right, it looks like it was pre-determined that this would happen once Leonardo came back from Hell. Looks like Grigori made some back-end deals with other members of Three Factions.

Cao Cao continued.

"It hasn't been more than a year since the [Monster Crisis] incident, so they won't allow a person who can give birth to monsters easily."

That the biggest worry of Three Faction. To increase their man-powers, they are clearly aiming for the three Longinus users, Cao Cao, Georg and Leonardo. But their sins were too great for them to ignore, especially Leonardo who cannot control his powers well. Considering that they took him to Grigori, where research into Sacred Gear is most active, Cao Cao thought that Three Faction were being considerate in that case.

And just like that, as the meeting time draws near, the members of the group slowly all arrived.

Amongst them, there were some people who exited the group during [Khaos Bridgade] days but came back to help during the tournament.

Hercules noticed a male with neat brown hair and stroked a conversation with him.

"Oh, so you're also here Pe."

"Oi, don't call me Pe. call me the men-of-men Perseus-sama."

The person who said that jokingly was pervious executive of the Hero Faction… Perseus.

He's the person who has inherited the soul of Hero of the Greece. Just before the Kyoto incident, due to his differing view to Cao Cao he retired from the group but apparently, he agreed to help out during the tournament.

Even after exiting, there was one time where he went to Cao Cao. The person who brought the Eye of Medusa was none other than Perseus. He was the executive who believed in his own justice the most out of any one and he was also the person with the most loyalty.

That Perseus looked at Georg and was shocked.

"Woah it's Georg. I heard you got a new job as Grim Reaper."

"Well I didn't really feel like going over the 'Evil Organisation' level, so I really didn't like working at places like Hell."

Hearing his reply, Perseus laughed wholeheartedly and talked to Jeanne while taking his seat.

"Well that's true. That's that, so this is Jeanne's work place. Oi onee-san, bake me a pizza please."

"If it's fine with pasta then eat the ones that they didn't finish."

When Jeanne replied in an annoying tone, Perseus simply said 'Cool' and started to eat pasta that Cao Cao and Hercules were eating before.

Once the new members, including Perseus, arrived they borrowed the whole dining hall and started their meeting.

"Well it seems like everyone's here now. I'll give everyone files on Sairaorg Bael's team."

Cao Cao handed paper files to everyone. Inside was information on the team members of Bael peerage.

Sairaorg Bael's team has taken alliance with his younger brother's… Misala Bael's team, with Sairaorg's peerage as centre and Misala Bael's peerage taking back-up roles. Depending on the opponents, they were periodically changing their members.

"… Then shall we start the meeting."

Considering those facts, Cao Cao's meeting has finally started.

Considering many rules of the game as well as the data of their opponents, they planned moves of each member of the team.

Basically, the rule of the rating game is set on the day of the match, they were planning for all the different rules possible against their opponents.

"… And in case of this rule being picked, I assume this is how the moves will be played out."

As Cao Cao's talk about predictions and plans got longer, Hercules seemed to be bored of all talks he asked Cao Cao straight on.

"… Oh hell with it, this takes too long. Oi Cao Cao, just come out with it. Can you dodge all of Sairaorg's attacks when it comes to it?"

……

When Hercules asked, all eyes focused on Cao Cao.

The most dangerous aspect of the next match was the power of the opponent's [King], Sairaorg Bael's attack.

He was the person who boasted the strongest attack out of all the young devils. The power is so great that his normal attacks are equivalent to Seikiryuutei's attack, and in CQC situation, it was regarded as a power greater than that of the Vali Lucifer…

If it ends up becoming head-on collision it would be over for even those who have inherited the soul of the Heroes, most likely it would give them all fatal wound.

That is the reason why Hercules asked the strongest member of this group, their leader Cao Cao.

Can you dodge it all? Like that, it showed that everyone here knew even if one hit was given to Cao Cao, it would be the end for even Cao Cao himself.

…The punch of Sairaorg Bael is that fatal.

Sighing, Cao Cao said.

"Well his fighting style is similar to those of Hyoudou Issei. He attacks with ridiculous amount of power and therefore even one hit will cause critical wound. That kind of person will turn our 99.9999% victory with one punch."

Even in a situation where they have supressed him, all it takes is one hit… One hit is enough to cause fatal damage to him. After considering all other possibilities and going over all sorts of planes, only conclusion that can be made was that he must not be hit by that punch.

The punch that was recorded on International Rating games files were chilling. Even Ultimate-Class Devils went down with that punch. It broke a seasoned Wizard's shield magic in the same way as like breaking a stick and defeated him so quickly as well.

It was a simple and quick fight. One hit and you're out… That was the strength of that man.

Hercules spoke.

"As a person who was hit by his punch, I'll give you an advice. Win or lose, THE PAIN WILL BE WITH YOU FOREVER."

After losing to Sairaorg, Hercules was captured by the Underworld.

Rubbing his cheek, Hercules narrowed his eyes.

"After being defeated by him… I couldn't forget the pain that came with his punch."

Hearing Hercules's story, everyone just sat there in awe but… there was one person who was laughing during all that.

"Fufufufu"

It was Perseus.

"Hey what's so funny?"

When Hercules said that while pouting, Perseus replied with laughter.

"That's like tenth time I've heard that story now."

"Shut up!"

Perseus then spoke while fending off an angry Hercules.

"Well now that Georg is back, our team can show them our true power."

The Wizard… [Dimenssion Lost] Georg's return was welcome by everyone present.

But then Jeanne stared at the celling and said.

"It would have been better if that idiot Seig is with us right now. We are sitting at his old base after all."

Once the name of Hero Faction's sub-leader, Seigfried was uttered, the mood became solemn.

He was the coldest out of everyone in the Hero Faction… As well as the most wicked. And thus, he lost his life.

Cao Cao shook his head.

"… If he was here, we wouldn't have set this place as our meeting place. That place… is his final resting place. Let him take his rest now."

Although he was selected by Gram itself, due to his Dragon Sacred Gear he couldn't bring out all the potential of the Gram.

Including Gram, swords he had were taken by the Church and were given to skilled knights.

The question is why the Gram chose Seigfried in the first place, and why did it now choose Kiba Yuuto.

There are no definite answers, but Cao Cao can think of a few reasons. After escaping the shackle of Vatican, Seigfried was… satisfied with himself. By escaping this place, he had fulfilled most of things that he had wanted.

… And towards the owner who had stopped its growth, the Demonic Swords revolted.

… Well that won't be very accurate either. The truth is only known by the swords probably.

It got to the stage where the mood was too dark to even speak.

Someone knocked on the door of the dining hall. When one of the person sitting at the table went and opened the door… a few warriors from the church appeared.

Looking at Jeanne sitting there, they hesitantly came into the hall.

"Jeanne-san, we heard that you are about to compete…. C-Cao Cao?! H-Hey, there's a Holy Spear user is here!"

They seem to be familiar with Cao Cao from the tournament and previous incidents as they horridly bowed at him.

[Ah, Lord! The Holy Spear!]

[Amen!]

And they started to offer prayers while bowing at him and seeing that, even Cao Cao got perplexed.

This was the home of the Vatican church and thus, if they see anyone wielding the spear related to the holy trinity, it is natural for those with deep faith to act like this. Not only that, Cao Cao is currently participating (as Mt Meru Faction) in the international rating game so he was famous amongst those who kept up with the games.

Seeing that, Hercules laughed at him.

"Kekeke, it looks like the Holy Spear is finally doing its original work."

"Shut it."

When Cao Cao was telling Hercules off, those who were praying were talking to Jeanne.

"… Please do well."

"We can't cheer you on as publicly but we all hope that you win."

That's right, they were supporting Jeanne.

Even Jeanne looks like she wasn't expecting this.

Then they continued.

"Jeanne-san's pasta dish is sometimes too strong but we're all hooked to it now."

"Yeah and also, we'll be sure to fix that broken pizza oven, so please bake us that slightly undercooked margarita pizza again."

When all those church warriors cheer her on, Jeanne turned her head side and got tsundere.

"… Really you guys… I'm a villain, you know? You good kiddies should go and support angels."

Looking at the scene before his eyes, Cao Cao thought that this was also Underworld and Church… Angel's cheeky punishment. They are putting her in such a situation and slowly dissolving Jeanne's evil intents.

And so is Hercules.

… But in one side of his heart, he realised he was glad that it worked out this way, Cao Cao smiled.

After warriors returned to where they came from, Georg fixed his glasses and said in an emotional voice.

"… International rating game. I would have never guessed that our objectives will be fulfilled like this."

A tournament in which you can participate regardless of your religion, your place in society. By participating in this event, you will be able to face off against devils, angels, dragons or even gods.

It was a situation that they would have never even dream of a few months ago.

Hercules also spoke with a bitter smile on his face.

"Hehe, it's really bizarre. We, who caused that much trouble before, is now participating in such legitimate competition. Not only that but this is filled with interesting monsters and Maou-class and god class opponents."

They all fought against many factions and faced truly transcendental beings.

Things that they have done a year ago was just utterly madness, but right now there's a competition that they can participate.

It was, as Hercules said, simply bizarre but… This does not forgive us who's done such unspeakable things.

Cao Cao spoke again.

"Isn't this so simple? If we win this… then we are the world's strongest beings."

Hearing that, everyone there made a confident smile on their faces.

"Right let's do this."

Hercules spoke, cracking his knuckles.

"Yup, that's why we all came together around Cao Cao. Well we might not win, but we can try again next time, right? Until we win."

Jeanne brushed her hair back.

"Hahaha. It's not my place to say as a person who cut ties with you after handing over that Eye of Medusa but… I can believe in the current you Cao Cao. I'll fight in Seig's stead as well."

Perseus said while laughing.

One comrade has died… But the one we lost before came back.

"I'm honoured to be able to fight with all of you."

"I'm just happy to be here."

When Connla and Marsilio said that, Georg continued.

"Same here. To be able to chase that dream of ours alongside Cao Cao again, this is just like a dream."

… How strong can one get with a human body?

Cao Cao looked at each other's faces.

Everyone here has had their lives turned upside down by Sacred Gear.

To Vasco Strada, we, who played 'Heroes' to vent our anger would have looked foolish.

We are weak humans. Both our body and mind are weakest of the weak. But we have all inherited the blood of Heroes, and thus, can gain power like that of a miracle. But is there any meaning to all these? Or a significance?

… The answer hasn't been found yet but… just like Hyoudou Issei and Vali Lucifer, Cao Cao and his group wanted to walk forward and not lose their paths once more.

"Then let's definitely win tomorrow."

When Cao Cao said that, everyone nodded…

Seeing that, Cao Cao remembered something.

It was when he returned to his home time for the first and last time, when he learned of his parent's fate.

For some reason, Cao Cao climbed the mountain which had the largest tree in the village. He just wanted to go up that mountain. The mountain, which looked so huge back in the day, was now something he could walk up to in the blink of an eye. Honestly speaking, he was disappointed.

Thinking that it's only to the eyes of a child that this would look big, Cao Cao became disappointed.

However, the thing that has waited for him at the top of the mountain was… a grand blue sky.

Seeing that grand scene of blue sky with his own eyes, he remembered that there is a huge world that seem vast and unending on top of this mountain.

Then what will there be at the end of that blue sky?

"… I wonder how far I can go over that blue sky, let's try and find out."

Those thoughts that he had before, although his methods have changed now, were still in his head even today.

The day of the battle between [Team Imperial Purpure] and [Team Spear of the Heavenly Emperor]…

I, Hyoudou Issei, came to the floating city of Agreas in the land of the House of Agares where the match is about to happen. That's right, this city, which was taken from Qlippoth before, has turned into a spot for the battle once all the checks have been completed to make sure it was safe.

Both the current and former members of the ORC and Student Council decided to meet up and watch the match in the VIP room having prepared for this match.

With this place being the holy place of the Rating Game, the normal seats were filled to the brim.

Amid all that, the announcer, Naud Gamigin-san, who is same one as ours, shouted louder than the audience.

[Now the match that all of you were waiting for is about to begin! The top player of the elite group of the young devils [Rookies Four] Sairaorg Bael-san, owner and wielder of the strongest Longinus holy spear… Cao Cao! The two teams that they lead have created such overwhelming hype even before the match begins! Now we'll be introducing to you our casters for this game.]

When the camera focused on the person next to him, we saw a God in child form, Shiva!

[How's it going everyone. It's the host of this tournament, Shiva.]

He said that with a smile on his face but… why is the God of Destruction and the host of this tournament casting the game!

Looks like even Naud-san is tense.

[Since the God of Destruction himself is in attendance, even I'm getting tensed up!]

[Hahaha! Don't be. If some bad guys decided to come at us right now I'll get rid of them easy. Even if that's a god, that'll be no problem.]

And he goes off and say something like that! It is true that if Shiva is here, this will be the safest place in the universe but still!

Naud-san, also having heard the god's joke, just said [I-It really is reassuring] and was clearly lost for words… after dry coughing once he then resumed shouting into the microphone.

[Now the game in which the VIPs from all over the factions are having all of their interest in will be starting shortly!]

Well that's that but this is really interesting! In the same arena that we and Sairaorg-san fought before, it's now going to be a match between Sairaorg-san and Cao Cao!

The two teams were already glaring at each other on the field. Both sides were emitting such dangerous and unspeakable killing intent from their bodies.

The field was… not the rock island that we fought before. This time it was changed to the official tournament field, although they will be teleported to the playing field soon anyway.

And there was a reason why the match hasn't yet started.

Cao Cao's [Queen] has yet to arrive.

… Both the audiences and us were paying close attention to the [Queen].

Rias opened her mouth.

"… When the members were announced for Cao Cao's team, I'm sure everyone was surprised."

Yes, she's right… that's because on the list of names even someone thick headed like me recognised.

While the audiences were murmuring to themselves, the [Queen] finally appeared.

Through the entrance that Cao Cao's team has entered, we all heard the sound of horse hooves and suddenly, a gigantic red horse showed itself! And everyone's attention focused on to the rider!

[… I apologise for my tardiness.]

The person who showed up saying that was… a giant wearing a green Chinese armour!

This long-bearded person had such overwhelming aura to the point it could be felt over the monitor.

He was wielding his Green Dragon Crescent Blade in one hand as well.

When that giant mounted off from his red horse, Cao Cao made a pose of wrapping his right fist with his left hand… Baoquan li and greeted him.

[No, it was an entrance fitting of your name, Guan Gong.]

When Cao Cao uttered the name [Guan Gong] everyone in the stadium couldn't hide their shock!

[Guan Gong]… Or the name for when he was alive Guan Yu! One of the heroes of Three Kingdoms!

Caster Naud-san shouted on top of his lungs once Guan Yu appeared!

[H-Heeeeeeeeeere he comes! Team Cao Cao's [Queen], U-U-U-U-Ultimate god-class being! A person who's been one of the most popular people in the human world Guan Gong! He's a being who is revered as a god in many countries! The onetime hero of Three Kingdoms General Guan Yu!!! That Guan Gong has entered this Rating Game!!!]

Yes! It's Guan Yu, that Guan Yu from Three Kingdoms! He's someone even a thick-headed person like myself knows of! I did hear a legend that once he died, he was worshipped and ended up becoming a god but still…

Shiva explained.

[The person who made Guan Yu participate in this game was that god… Indra. The members of Cao Cao's team are all trouble makers of [Khaos Brigade]'s Hero Faction after all. Even if I, one of the hosts of this tournament allow their participation, people would be wary, so Indra sent someone who is in charge of their lives along with them… an overseer if you will. Since if they put General Guan Yu, who has been revered, both before and after death, as an ex-terrorist's overseer, then people would feel safer.]

Shiva's actually really good at casting… But really, is that the reason why Indra puts heroes such as Guan Yu with Cao Cao's team…

"They probably gave Guan Gong an order to cut their head off if they start something sketchy."

… Kiba said that in a small voice. Well, they are participating in a public tournament so that kind of precaution will be normal…

"I wonder if there is a reason why he's so late in joining the tournament?"

I asked around. It is weird that he is just joining his team now.

Sona-senpai, who is watching the tournament with us, answered.

"It is most likely that he has been busy since becoming the god of commerce. I heard that any god of commerce in any faction is busy all year around."

Ah~ that makes sense. I did hear that there are many shrines which serve Guan Yu all over the world.

When Guan Yu… Guan Gong appeared, the leader of the opposite team, Sairaorg-san, stepped forward and asked Guan Gong a question!

[Are you wielding your weapon along with Cao Cao once again?]

Responding to that, Guan Gong streaked his beard and answered Sairaorg-san.

[It's just that I'm remembering the old days, the Great King of Destruction-san.]

That scene…. Knowing so little of history, that scene just looked like two incredibly strong people having a chatter but…

Others were groaning a little while keeping a close eye between those two.

"For General Guan Yu, a person who were so loyal toward Liu Bi, to stand next to Cao Cao even if he's a descendant of the real one…"

Sitri-peerage's [Queen] Shinra-senpai spoke with her hand on her chin.

Following that, Koneko spoke as if she's explaining things for me.

"Once, Guan Yu used to be Cao Cao's POW. Cao Cao, who took a liking to Guan Yu, tried to recruit him as his general but Guan Yu was said to have stayed loyal to Liu Bi and went back to him at a later date."

There might have been a story like that when I researched about Cao Cao before… I was recently researching about the historic Cao Cao in order to make some plans against the current Cao Cao.

I should research about Liu Bi later. I might face off against him on a later date.

With her arms crossed, Rias's expression froze.

"As a hero, this might be a duty that only he can perform."

While we were focusing on the conversation between Sairaorg-san and Guan Gong, Naud-san explained today's game rules having checked that everyone arrived.

[This game is currently going to be [Audience Choice] format! Audiences both in the living room and currently in the arena, please choose from the many rules that you would like to watch!]

That's right! Prior to the match, they asked the audience, both in the arena and watching on the television, what rule these two teams will be playing by! This was a festive type of match which was being broadcasted to the public, so they raised the entertainment value by doing such a thing!

They normally use this system when two popular teams face off, and even during normal Rating Games it was quite a popular system amongst fans.

It is understandable that if you are a fan of this game, then you would want to watch the two most famous teams fight in a match most fitting of their hype.

Of course, everyone in the ORC including myself has casted a vote… now which one will be picked?

The players, audience and our eyes all watched the giant monitor.

Naud-san continued.

[The rule with the most votes will be used! Now what rule will everyone here have chosen? It's getting exciting!]

The names of the rules are randomly flashing before our eyes and finally one was chosen.

[The results are in!]

The rule that was chosen was … [Lightning Pace]!

Seeing the result, Naud-san got excited while the audiences cheered loudly!

[Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, I can't believe it! I-It's been decided! The format that everyone has voted on is… [Lightning Pace]! A rule famous for its short blitz fights!]

………!

Out of all rules in the Rating game, this one has the smallest area as well as the lowest time limit! That's why matches like these usually involve blitz style fights!

"… Looks like everyone wants to see these two facing off head to head instead of using tactics."

Ravel spoke.

…. I understand that feeling! Even I had to choose between this and the normal rule, and ended up picking the normal rule in the end. As a [King] I wanted to see how these two teams will move around the arena! But personally, I really want to watch the [Lightning Pace] match!

The mood inside the arena rose up dramatically. Within those moments, Cao Cao stepped forward and initiated a conversation with Sairaorg.

[Sairaorg Bael. I've got an offer for you.]

The cameras all focused on Cao Cao now.

While making a confident smile, Cao Cao continued.

[Whatever happens in this match, there are things you and I must do. I will strive forward towards victory and…]

Even while Cao Cao and Sairaorg-san walked towards each other, Cao Cao didn't stop speaking.

[… I will wait for you at the centre of the field. You know what that means right?]

Both teams were surprised at his proclamation.

That's to be expected… that announcement was…!

With such a confident smile on his face, Sairaorg-san asked.

[Are you perhaps suggesting a 1-on-1 duel between the [King]s?]

[That is what you want also, right? Of course, I'm including your Longinus.]

………………..!!!! I, no everyone in this room right now all froze at what we've just witnessed!

Even when we were all anxiously watching, Naud-san continued to shout into this microphone.

[Such a provocative statement! Cao Cao has just offered a duel against Sairaorg-san in a fair and square fight!!!!!!]

After sending his challenge, Cao Cao added.

[You might be suspicious when it comes to my offer of a 1-on-1 battle. Well I am a brutal villain after all… I am pretty not trustworthy… However, I swear on a person that I am looking forward to our duel.]

Once again, Sairaorg-san returned with a question.

[Swear upon? To whom I wonder? To Indra whom you serve? Or your ancestor that you proclaim you're from?]

Cao Cao answered his questions straight away. The camera was focusing on his face the entire time.

[… I swear upon the name of Hyoudou Issei.]

"""….!!"""

When he said that, everyone currently here were all astounded!

… I also couldn't help but to stand up at his words!

….. That bastard…!!! You're swearing on my behalf…! I… can't even be angry at that! My rival is currently swearing on my behalf to have a fair fight! My chest is just burning up with emotions right now!

Hearing Cao Cao's words, an unbelievable amount of fighting aura came off from Sairaorg-san.

Seeing that, Cao Cao asked in delight.

[Can't you believe me still?]

Between these two… the strength of their auras colliding could be felt over the monitor. It's as if the space itself is about to collapse.

While returning to his team, Sairaorg-san spoke.

[No, since his name is uttered, there's no reason to not… I will defeat you at the centre of the field!!!]

Those two are having a conversation that's making even me fired up…!

Seeing what happened in front of him, Saji said in a slightly rough voice.

"Sairaorg-sama will not trust Cao Cao at all, and Cao Cao also will think of Sairaorg-sama as someone that he must defeat one day. But Hyoudou."

Rias continued from Saji.

"For the two of them there, Ise.. the pledge in which they have done in your name is that important."

And thus, began the fight between the Team Imperial Purpure Sairaorg-san and Spear of the Heavenly Emperor Cao Cao.