That idiot Fafnir, he tried to take Asia's pantsu out at such a time! Aaaaaah, my Asia-chan is so embarrassed that she's covering her face and shivering! How should I put this, is this a tactic to make one of my players feel nervous before the match!? The announcer sighed, and then continued with the explanation.

<<…B-By the way, Fafnir-san is Asia Argento-senshu's familiar, so when necessary, he will respond to a summoning and be transported away from the commentary booth to appear on the field. Please understand this in advance, audience members!>>

—Don't you have to explain that to us as well!? Why is that Pantsu Dragon King over there!? B-But, if Asia is in danger, then he'll rush over…. By the way, the Rating Game World Tournament had limitations on the usage of familiars in the same way that the Rating Games did. As explained before, if there were no limitations on the usage of familiars, then it would become a competition in which both sides simply relied on their familiars. That was why there was a need to consider their usage.

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The large screen in the stadium would show what the event of this match would be. Various types of event titles continuously spun around like a roulette wheel. —And then, it was finally decided. What appeared on the screen were — the Devil characters for [Rampage Ball].

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As the announcer shouted, the entire venue began to grow even more excited. …This event would be tough. It would make the match even more unpredictable this time. Beside me, Ravel's expression also seemed grim.

"…Of all things, it had to be this one…!"

Xenovia seemed to recall something about it and she asked Ravel

"This event, if I remember correctly, it's something like a ball game, right?"

"Yes, that's right, Xenovia-sama. This is a game in which we compete for a ball to score points."

The announcer began to explain the rules of the event.

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Chessboard-like signs could be seen across the spacious field, similar to how it was in [Object Break]. For example, if the goal appeared in the box C4, both teams would have to compete for the ball while they made their way towards that location to aim for the goal. The announcer continued

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The highest points possible are from the [King] at ten points, and the [Queen] at nine points, so if we were to try scoring, it would be best done by me or Bina-shi, as this would net us the most points. …But, things wouldn't be as simple as that. After all, our opponents were also aware of this, so while they obstructed us, they would also be looking for opportunities to allow Dulio to score. The announcer then said

<

Irina asked Ravel

"Is it possible to find out where the goal appears very quickly?"

"Yes, using a special device for the game, we can immediately know where the goal has appeared. We'll have to compete for the ball while we race towards the goal area. The problem is…stamina management."

Indeed, just as Ravel said, this was a game type that placed an emphasis on preserving energy. After all, within the time limit, we would have to constantly race towards the goal, and after scoring, we would have to race towards the next goal, and so on. To put it simply, it was a competition that involved constant running back and forth. It caused me to recall that Ravel and Rias had both told me in the past that patience was the most important factor in these kinds of games.

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In this match, injuries would not result in retirement. Even if someone was defeated, they could soon return to the field. Stamina — until one's endurance was worn down, players could continue to return to the game indefinitely. In other words, even if an opponent was defeated, that was not an absolute condition for victory. That was because no points were gained from defeating an opponent. Xenovia sighed

"…Since we can't rely on damage for retirement, we'll have to rely on stamina as the deciding factor huh."

Ravel nodded.

"In normal games, an injury will allow for retirement, or even incapacitation. But in this ball game, even if an opponent has been defeated, they can still return after a while. As long as their stamina is not exhausted for the game's duration, then there is really no such thing as retirement."

Nakiri gave a wry smile.

"…Fighting for the ball while running around the field within the time limit huh. So this is what I've got even though it's my first battle."

Bina-shi said

"This is why the most important thing is stamina management. Compared to the categories that simply involve defeating the opponent, this is a more difficult category. Even for players who have incredible strength, if they don't possess good stamina and plan their energy usage, opponents can come from behind to win if they become exhausted; this has often happened in the professional Rating Games."

…If a finishing technique was used at every opportunity in an attempt to decide the victor, and even if it was a direct hit, it would be very difficult for that to become the final decisive blow. Because this was a competition that was judged based on the scoring of a ball game—. After explaining the rules of the game, the announcer said

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The venue rumbled as my team and Dulio's team were enveloped by the light of transportation—.

The place that we were transported to was — an empty space that had absolutely nothing in it. …It was quite similar to the underground space that we used for training. We stood some distance away from each other as we began our preparations. I had already equipped my crimson armour. For confirmation, Ravel said

"This time, some of our members have changed their piece values. Bova-san who was originally a [Pawn] has now filled in the vacant [Rook] position, and our newly added members Nakiri-san and Elmenhilde-sama have taken up the [Pawn] positions."

One of the [Rook] positions was originally vacant, so that was now allocated to Bova, while [5] of the eight [Pawn] pieces were allocated to Nakiri, and [2] were allocated to Elmenhilde. We had discussed it for quite a while and as a result of those discussions and in terms of the current situation, this was the best arrangement to make full use of the potential of all of our members. At this time, the referee's voice echoed throughout the field. Although we couldn't see them, the referee was looking at us from somewhere.

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After saying that, a light shone brightly near us, and the operators sent us two identical watch-like devices. Ravel and I wore it on our wrists. After some fiddling with — a full projection of the field was displayed. The entire field had been divided into eight by eight regions. The goal would appear at random in any of these areas. If they appeared at any of the far ends…then we would have to expend a vast amount of energy to reach it. This was a rather terrifying and unpredictable game type. In a space that had absolutely nothing, anything could happen within this vastness. On the contrary, it was impossible to hide anything because there were no obstacles. There were advantages and disadvantages to this. The referee continued

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A buzzer rang out across the field to mark the beginning. Ravel and I used the projection device to confirm — the first goal had appeared in E4! Right in the centre of the field. Our current location was D1. Dulio's team was currently in E8. They were exactly opposite it. Our first destination was right in the centre, so it was a goal that would be taken by the first to race there!

"Everyone, the first one is in E4! Let's go!"

[Yeah!]

As soon as I gave the order, all members rushed over towards E4! The ball would also appear next to the goal, so the first team to arrive had the advantage. Whether it was flying through the air or running at high-speed across the ground, everyone used their own method of movement to close in on the goal area. As for Asia who was not as good in terms of high-speed ground movement, she had summoned the fastest Evil Dragon of the four Evil Dragon brothers, and she rode on its back. Elmenhilde had transformed into a bat and she flew through the air. Along the way, Rossweisse-san said

"I'll chant magic to improve everyone's physical abilities!"

—She then cast the magic on us, causing our flying and running speeds to increase further. Hence, it was only a minute or so whilst flying until I saw a glittering gold hoop up ahead. That's the goal! We'll be able to score as long as we can get the ball into that ring! And the ball that we were after — was not far away from the goal. The golden ball floated in mid-air. So that's the ball! It's roughly the size of a basketball!

"Anyone will do! Get the ball and then throw it in!"

[Understood!]

Everyone responded to me enthusiastically! Needless to say, I increased my speed to get closer to the ball as soon as I saw it. Just as we were about to reach it—. On the field which originally couldn't have changes in weather conditions, rain clouds appeared! I immediately understood! It was Dulio's Sacred Gear! Weather manipulation! He used his Sacred Gear to make these rain clouds! He planned to control the weather to hinder us! As expected, the rain clouds turned into thunderclouds, causing heavy rain to fall down onto the field accompanied by lightning strikes! The ice-cold drops of water rained down heavily on our bodies, instantly increasing the effort we had to make, and if rain continued to fall on us, our stamina would quickly be exhausted! Even dodging the lightning strikes would drain us of energy! However, we would also take damage if we were hit by it! My comrades dodged the bolts of lightning while moving underneath the falling rain, doing their best to rush towards the ball — but appearing in that place were Angels encased in bubbles! —Damn it! It's Dulio's ability! He had created a bubble for each team member so that they would be unaffected by the weather's influence! He ensured that everyone on his team could invalidate the effects of his own ability! The first person to touch the ball was — Xenovia! As expected of my [Knight]! She held Durandal with one hand, and held the ball in her other hand. At that time, an Angel charged across towards her!

"Captainnnnnnn Angel! I'm coming, Xenovia!"

It was Uriel's Ace who was dressed up like an American superhero — Nero!

"Nero huh, I won't hand over the ball!"

"Nonsense, I will take it!"

Xenovia and Nero engaged in a fierce battle for the ball. After Nero snatched the ball away from Xenovia's arms, Xenovia snatched it back! Xenovia swung Durandal and Nero dodged. Nero unleashed a fierce kick as Xenovia turned about and dodged. This offensive and defensive battle for the ball was heating up more than I had expected. The other Angels followed by closely and tried to pin us down. The person marking me was — Dulio. Whilst Dulio's body was inside a bubble that rendered the weather ineffective, he laughed at me.

"It's begun, Ise-kun."

"Yeah, I won't lose to you."

Offense wasn't absolute in this game, the most important thing was who held the ball.

"Xenovia, pass!"

Following my instructions, Xenovia — threw the ball to Bova who was closest! After Bova caught it, Nero instantly changed targets and rushed towards Bova!

"Kuh!"

Bova reflexively used his giant claws to swipe at Nero…. But Ravel shouted

"—! Bova-san, you can't just attack Nero-san like that."

Just as Ravel finished, Nero's body emitted a green-white light after being pushed away by Bova! The aura enveloping his body also strengthened a bit.

"…Not a bad attack, dragon! But, thank you for your that!"

Nero seemed grateful for Bova's attack. The reason for that was Nero's Sacred Gear.

"…Nero's Sacred Gear is [Sturdy Saint] [1]. The more he's attacked, the greater his defence will rise. So long as the wielder isn't defeated, the effect will continue to work. In other words—"

The more Nero was attacked, the sturdier his defences became! Although it was a rather simple ability, the threat of that was beyond measure if it was used correctly against someone with higher physical abilities!

"This isn't all I have! His Eminence Strada gave me—"

A holy aura gathered at Nero's fist, and then he instantly thrust it towards Bova!

"Holy Fist!"

Bova took a direct hit from the aura of the holy fist, and the ball was loosened from the grip of his claws. After throwing a punch at Bova, Nero laughed loudly

"Hahaha! This [Captain Angel] is the owner of a steel body and a holy fist that has become the most powerful weapon!"

While Nero laughed, Nakiri quickly recovered the ball from the side, and then rushed towards the goal—.

"—Go!"

It went in! Numbers appeared in the air above the field, and what was originally [0 – 0] had become [5 - 0]! —We had scored the first goal of the game!

<>

The ball that had been used to score would be returned to the team that scored; so after Nakiri recovered the ball, the buzzer to indicate a resumption of play rang out and a battle for the ball began again. The next goal that appeared was displayed by the projection device, so we had to rush over to that area whilst we did everything we could to guard the ball. Like this, a hell-like endurance battle began—.

After we scored the first goal, both sides scrambled for the ball, passed the ball, scored goals and we continued to repeat this many times. The score was currently at [88 - 85], so we had a small lead…. Everyone's breathing had become quite laboured. Even though less than half the time limit had gone by, running around across the vast field as we battled for the ball was certainly draining on our stamina. Dulio would also cause changes in the weather occasionally to exacerbate our side's physical exertion. Even when it came to hydration, Dulio could allow his team members to drink rainwater, so there was no need for them to go to specific areas for replenishment. Dulio's ability sure is convenient! In front of the new goal, Irina and Shinra Kiyotora-san competed for the ball. Irina wielded her holy sword while Kiyotora-san wielded a katana, both of them were sweating as they clashed with their swords to try and snatch the ball off each other. We had arrived into position so that we could receive the ball at any time while we continued to shorten the distance between ourselves…. However, the Angels' movements seemed strange. Diethelm-san, Mirana-san, Nero and Dulio were in a certain formation…. Ravel noticed, and she alerted us of it. At that moment, Irina managed to grab hold of the ball and fly towards the goal—. Diethelm-san, Mirana-san, Nero and Dulio all cried out at the same time!

""""Five Card!""""

In an instant, a blinding flash of light was emitted from Diethelm-san, Mirana-san, Nero, Dulio and Irina! This was the special technique that reincarnated Angels could use! The announced yelled

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Indeed, it was the opposing team that initiated the attack — but they had somehow included Irina in it as well. Irina was completely surprised by this. But it seemed as though Dulio knew that this would happen, so he used this characteristic of reincarnated Angels to increase his own physical abilities. He snatched the ball away from Irina with incredible speed, and then used that momentum to throw it into the goal!

<

The announcer called out. …We were also astonished. Irina…she was actually used by the other team because of her characteristic! Their odd formation was all so that they could successfully use this ability! Irina seemed quite shocked about it herself. She had actually assisted the other team. …[Five Card] was a combination that used a set of four identical cards values, with the fifth card being a Joker. It was a powerful combo. …It was still so hard to imagine that they were able to score like that so easily…. We were all surprised. At that time, the announcer asked Beelzebub-sama beside him

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And then Dulio revealed a proud smile.

"Well, even if we're on different teams, as long as thoughts involving a desire such as 'I want to attack' or 'I want to protect' can resonate, that will satisfy the conditions to activate the card combination."

…So something like that was possible! On that topic, was that something they were aware of? Irina didn't seem to be aware of it…. What's was the difference? Who told them about that characteristic? I suddenly realised. —It was Rudiger Rosenkreutz. …Was this also one of his tactics…? He even knew the conditions for activation? …Damn it, we didn't foresee this! The announcer asked Beelzebub-sama again

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That was Beelzebub-sama's judgement.

"…Using the characteristics of the card combinations, we did predict that something like this would happen, but I never imagined that the reincarnated Angels' ability would be activated in such a manner…"

Ravel also seemed somewhat disappointed.

"…In that case, Irina's movements will be restricted…!"

My words caused doubt to surface on Ravel's face.

"Yes, she may become a seed that will be exploited by the reincarnated Angels' ability. …It's because the effect of this is tremendous. Irina-sama's mentality has also been impacted by this."

I looked at Irina. She seemed extremely affected by what had happened. Even her face had turned pale. …Irina was completely shaken. I moved closer to Irina and hugged her shoulders to encourage her.

"Ise-kun, I'm sorry. I-I…"

"Don't worry about it…it goes without saying that the match is not over yet. Don't be discouraged. Don't be afraid, everyone is still with you! Of course, I'm also on your side!"

I smiled at Irina, allowing her to calm down. It wasn't Irina's fault. If we could help Irina more, then it may be preventable. …Moreover, it'll be fine so long as all of us can overcome this together.

"Let's win, Irina."

"Yes!"

Irina response seemed to be filled with energy again. I also felt a surge of passion within myself. …My breathing was only just starting to grow heavier. The score was [88 – 95], and we had finally been overtaken. The score had been reversed, but there was still half the time left in this game—.

(All 2 of 2 parts) (4/2)

[1] Kanji was Saint's Trial.

Continues on to Upsetting Sorcerer.2

Chapter end