Yet, even with two blades at her neck, Vali didn't flinch. She merely looked amused.
"The Holy Demonic Sword and Durandal, huh? Impressive weapons… but you should know better than anyone that they won't be enough."
"Tch! Damn it…"
Both Yumi and Xenovia grit their teeth in frustration at Vali's words.
'What the hell did she mean by that?'
"No need to feel ashamed. Understanding the gap in power between yourself and your opponent is proof of true strength. The difference between us is overwhelming. You two cannot defeat me."
'No way…
Was there really that much of a gap between us?!'
Xenovia and Yumi both looking closer, Issei noticed their hands trembling slightly. Beads of sweat formed on their foreheads.
He knew how strong they were—he had fought alongside them, trained with them. But even they were feeling fear.
That was how terrifyingly powerful Vali was.
"Still… you might be an interesting challenge." She suddenly shifted her gaze.
"How about it? Want to test yourself against me—Guyver… Fuwa Kazuki?"
That's when Issei realized it.
Somehow, at some point, Kazuki had appeared behind Vali.
Yumi and Xenovia's tense expressions shifted slightly, relief evident in their eyes.
Even Vali, as composed as she was, couldn't completely ignore Kazuki. That playful smirk remained on her lips, but now there was a flicker of caution in her gaze.
"I'm not interested," Kazuki said flatly.
"Fighting you is Issei's destiny, not mine. But you'll have to wait. Right now, he's not even close to your level. But soon… he'll be stronger than me. When that day comes, then you can fight him as much as you want. You wouldn't find it fun to crush a weak opponent, would you?"
'Wait, hold up, SENPAI?!'
'What the hell is he saying?! Me… stronger than him?! No way! Not happening! That is impossible!' Issei thought.
His dream was to build a beautiful harem, not to get dragged into some fated duel with a monster like Vali.
"Fufu… you have a point. Fighting someone weak isn't interesting in the slightest." Vali chuckled softly before turning back to Issei.
"But I never intended to challenge Hyoudou Issei in the first place. At least… not yet."
"Then what the hell are you doing here?" Kazuki's voice remained sharp.
"Nothing special. I'm here as Azazel's escort, but honestly, I was getting bored!! I thought I'd take a look at this 'academy' everyone talks about. Running into you all was pure coincidence… or maybe, just maybe, fate is drawing us together. Don't you think, Issei-kun?"
'Shit.'
Even knowing who she really was, even knowing she was a goddamn monster in a cute package, that seductive smile still made Issei's heart race.
He hated that he was this weak to women.
He also hated that Asia had chosen this exact moment to pinch his butt, silently telling him to focus.
When he glanced back, he noticed Rias, Akeno, and the rest of the peerage had arrived, all of them already in combat stances.
"Hmm…" Vali's eyes scanned over the group.
"The daughter of Baraqiel and Kuroka's little sister, huh? Unfortunately, only one of you poses even the slightest threat to me. The rest of you… you'll need to get much, much stronger. Especially you, Hyoudou Issei. You'd better become strong enough to entertain me."
Akeno and Koneko both stiffened at her words. 'What the hell did she mean by that?'
Without another word, Vali easily brushed away the swords at her throat, stepping past Kazuki as she casually walked away.
No one moved until her presence completely vanished. Only then did the tension in the air finally dissipate.
Asia took Issei's hand, squeezing it gently, her face filled with concern. He gave her a small smile, squeezing her soft hand in return. "I'm fine, don't worry!"
The White Dragon Emperor, Vali.
Meeting her like this… it only made Issei realize one thing.
'I need to get stronger.'
-------
The following Friday, a special event was taking place at Kuoh Academy: a class observation day.
It might seem strange for high school students to have a class observation, but this event was more formally known as an "Open Lesson." Not only were parents invited to watch their children in class, but junior high students from Kuoh Academy's middle division, as well as local middle schoolers, were allowed to tour the school and observe lessons.
For the parents, it was a chance to see their children's academic progress.
For the younger students, it was an opportunity to consider their future educational path. This event had been held annually for a few years now.
With visitors coming, the entire school had an air of excitement, students were restless, and the usual calm was nowhere to be found.
Kazuki's Fuwa classroom, 3rd-year Class A, was no exception to this strange atmosphere. However, the moment a certain group entered the room, all attention was instantly drawn to them.
A dandy-looking gentleman and a young, handsome man—both with the same striking red hair.
It was obvious whose family they belonged to. And to make things even more eye-catching, they were accompanied by a stunning silver-haired maid. With that lineup, it was no wonder everyone was staring.
'Seriously, they actually showed up… That damn Demon Lord.'
Kazuki glanced toward Rias, but she stubbornly refused to look toward the back of the classroom, staring straight ahead instead.
As soon as the class ended, Rias bolted out of the room. It was clear she wanted to avoid those people at all costs. Her speed was so impressive that even her knight, Yumi, would have struggled to keep up.
Still, Kazuki couldn't just leave things as they were. Catching Akeno's eye, he silently signaled for her to handle the Demon Lords while he went after Rias.
"Rias."
Kazuki found her on the rooftop. He called her name, but she remained crouched down, her face buried against her knees, refusing to respond.
Kazuki sighed and leaned against the railing, waiting for her to react.
"Aaaahhhh! I can't take this anymore!" Suddenly, Rias sprang to her feet and screamed in frustration.
"They always do this! They come together for every single observation day, taking videos, snapping pictures, calling out to me in the middle of class without a second thought! They don't even care if it embarrasses me or causes trouble for others!"
'Yeah…' Kazuki had to admit that was rough.
Sirzechs, her older brother, had been loud and enthusiastic the entire time. Whenever Rias got called on, he'd cheer, "You got this, Ri-tan!" And when she answered correctly, he'd proudly turn to the other parents and boast, "That's my little sister! Amazing, isn't she?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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