"Well, this is truly remarkable... This guy is incredibly strong!" Bikou laughed, seemingly exhilarated by the encounter. "What a thrill, meeting a prodigy like this..."
"Let's head back to Vali. He should be nearing a breakthrough as well."
"Agreed. Well, then, Badr, we'll be going for now. But next time, I'll be stronger, and we'll have a proper fight!" Bikou called, waving with a mischievous grin.
Arthur raised Caliburn once more, slicing open another dimensional rift with ease. He, along with Bikou and Kuroka, quickly stepped through and vanished.
Badr watched them go, deciding not to pursue. Protecting Rias and Koneko was his priority now.
Moreover, he wasn't familiar with navigating the spatial storm within the void. Arthur, with Caliburn, clearly had far greater skill in spatial manipulation.
"Are you two alright?" Badr asked as he rejoined Rias and Koneko, noting their slightly pale faces.
"We're fine, thanks to you." Rias managed a faint smile, though her frustration was clear. This time, she'd been little more than a burden, unable to help at all.
"I'll take you both back."
With a gentle smile, Badr wrapped an arm around both Rias and Koneko, guiding them back to the party.
The event had been brought to an abrupt halt, as news of the Khaos Brigade attack spread quickly.
Several Maou approached to inquire about the details, while the Underworld's security personnel conducted assessments and reports.
Word soon spread: an SS-Class fugitive of the Khaos Brigade, the Nekoshou Kuroka, along with Bikou and Arthur Pendragon, wielder of Caliburn, had been single-handedly repelled by Badr.
The reactions were unanimous, utter shock.
This guy... he's a monster!
The younger devils attending the Rating Games couldn't hide their apprehension at the thought of facing him.
With just one appearance, Badr had cast a shadow over the entire Younger Generation...
...
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Chapter 168: Could She Really Be Interested in Me?
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...
Although the party had been interrupted, the guests hadn't left, each group waiting to hear news from their families.
While Badr waited for Rias to finish her report, a familiar girl approached him.
"It's been a while, Badr-san," she said with a polite smile.
Badr regarded her for a moment before remembering. "Ah, you're... Riser's younger sister."
Standing before him was Ravel Phoenix, the golden-haired, twin-tailed beauty he had encountered during the Ranking Game.
"So, your brother didn't attend?" Badr asked casually.
"...Thanks to you, he's not quite himself these days," she replied, sighing.
Badr chuckled lightly. "Really? All it took was that one loss?"
Ravel frowned. "Easy for you to say. That defeat was a tremendous blow to his pride, and then..." She trailed off.
"And then what?" Badr prompted, curious.
"...Forget it," she murmured.
After all, how could she admit that Riser had been utterly deflated, especially after hearing that Badr had taken down a High-Ranking Fallen Angel? Faced with This power, how was her brother supposed to hold his head up?
Ravel sighed again. "Oh well, he's always relied a bit too much on his birthright. Perhaps this setback will finally teach him something. If he can weather it, maybe it'll be for the best."
Badr smiled, bemused. "Aren't you his Bishop? Is it really okay to talk about him like that?"
She shrugged. "After the match, I was transferred to my mother's peerage. And since my mother doesn't compete, I'm more or less a free Bishop now."
...So peerage transfers could be that casual?
Badr tilted his head, surprised. In his mind, a peerage was something sacred, a bond not easily broken. But then again, among devils, it wasn't unheard of to trade, transfer, or even gift peerage members.
"Should I congratulate you?" he chuckled. "But why stay in a peerage at all? Wouldn't you rather be a King?"
Ravel sighed, looking frustrated. "To be a King, you have to reach at least High-Class! Unlike a certain overpowered devil, some of us have limitations..."
Badr suppressed a smile at her self-deprecating remark.
She then composed herself and held out a small, ornate box. "Consider this a gesture of goodwill, a symbol of friendship between us."
Badr took the box, opening it to reveal a small vial within. His gaze sharpened.
It was a [Phoenix Tear], a highly prized elixir, capable of restoring someone to full health from even the brink of death, provided they remained conscious.
...Could such a rare treasure be given away so easily?
For a fleeting moment, he wondered if, by making Ravel cry, he might obtain a never-ending supply.
He quickly dismissed the thought, though Ravel's unexpected gift genuinely surprised him. "Isn't this... a bit much?"
"Of course! It's typically reserved for High-Class devils," she replied, sounding slightly proud. "So just accept it with gratitude. Not that you don't deserve it."
Her cheeks flushed faintly, and Badr noticed her eyes lingering on him. It was clear that, despite her brother's loss, she found Badr's strength and confidence captivating.
"Alright, I'll gladly accept it," he said with a warm smile, pocketing the vial. He wasn't one to let pride get in the way of survival. Something like this could very well save a life.
"Thank you, Ravel," he added, sincerity evident in his tone.
Since undergoing noble etiquette training, Badr had adopted a refined manner that exuded calm confidence. His respectful demeanor felt as refreshing as a spring breeze.
Ravel's heart skipped as she took in his poise and elegance, feeling a slight flush rise to her cheeks.
"Y-You're welcome... um, would it be alright if... I called you by your name?" she asked hesitantly, looking away as if to hide her blush.
"Of course," Badr replied with a friendly smile.
"Then... Badr, maybe we could have tea together sometime?"
"Oh? Sure, I'd be honored," he replied easily.
"And... if you're okay with it, I could bring something I baked... I've been practicing recently," she added, her fingers nervously fidgeting.
Badr found her behavior curious but kept his expression gentle. She'd just given him an invaluable gift, so he intended to show genuine appreciation.
"Then I look forward to it," he said with a nod.
Ravel beamed at his response, her cheeks glowing as she gave a graceful curtsy and excused herself with a shy smile.
...
No sooner had she departed than Akeno slid up behind him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and pressing her cheek to his.
"My, my... someone seems to be a little smitten~"
Badr sighed. "Akeno, what are you talking about?"
"She's clearly taken a liking to you~" Akeno replied with a playful smile.
"Oh, come on. I beat her brother to a pulp right in front of her. There's no way she'd actually be interested in me," Badr replied, dismissive.
Just then, Rias returned, accompanied by Sona, only to find Akeno hanging onto Badr. She scowled. "Akeno, really? We're still in public."
"Oh? Isn't it normal to be a little close to one's teammates?" Akeno teased, leaning in even closer to Badr.
Rias clenched her fists, barely able to contain her irritation. "...Enough!"
Sona watched silently, her expression unreadable.
After finally prying Akeno off Badr, Rias bid farewell to Sona and turned back to the group with a small smile.
"For now, the situation's under control. Let's head back. There's something I need to share with everyone about Koneko."
...
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Chapter 169: A Strategic Move by Akeno
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...
Back at the Gremory estate, they were warmly welcomed by Grayfia in her maid attire.
"Everyone, the hot springs are ready," she announced.
This was met with instant smiles; everyone felt a well-deserved soak was in order.
"Let's discuss things while we relax in the hot springs," Rias suggested.
With enthusiastic agreement, they all made their way toward the baths. Badr had intended to head to the men's side, but Rias casually took his hand and pulled him along with her, bringing him into the ladies' side without a second thought.
Once settled into the warm waters, everyone sighed in contentment. Even in the Underworld, hot springs had their own unique appeal.
"So, Koneko's sister wanted to take her away... that's really heartbreaking," Asia said sympathetically after hearing Rias recount the recent encounter.
"It's tragic, having to face her own sister as an enemy," Akeno murmured softly.
Badr glanced over at Koneko. She sat quietly in the spring, gazing at her reflection in the water, lost in thought.
Despite her calm exterior, the pain of facing her sister, now a Stray Devil, was clear in her eyes.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Koneko. We're your family now," Badr said gently, wrapping an arm around her and drawing her into a comforting embrace.
Koneko flinched slightly but then relaxed, nestling into his warmth. After a moment of quiet reflection, she looked up with a determined expression.
"I know... I'll learn to accept this, whatever it takes, whether it's about my sister or my own powers."
Koneko, or rather Shirone, gave everyone a small, brave smile.
"President, is it alright if I still go by Shirone?"
"Of course," Rias said warmly, nodding.
Seeing her rare smile, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
"Badr's right. We're all here, together, and we always will be," Rias added with a gentle smile.
With Koneko feeling reassured, everyone allowed themselves to fully unwind.
After rigorous training and the intensity of the recent events, this was the first time they could truly relax and let the hot springs wash away their fatigue.
A little while later, Badr moved to sit at the edge of the pool, Koneko still curled up in his lap, seeming to find comfort in his steady presence.
The thought of being taken away had frightened her more than she cared to admit, and it was Badr's protection that had kept her safe. For her, being near him now was the only place where she felt at peace.
As Badr held Koneko, he suddenly felt someone press up against him from behind.
Akeno's smooth, warm skin was now flush against his back as she playfully leaned over him, taking full advantage of the moment.
"Hehe... gotcha~"
Caught off guard, Badr could only give a small chuckle as Koneko looked up at him, blushing slightly. She gave him a shy glance before mumbling, "Perv."
She slipped out of his lap and retreated to a quieter spot by the edge, dipping her legs into the water, trying to hide her flushed cheeks.
"Hey, that wasn't my fault, it was all Akeno's doing!" Badr protested, casting Akeno a bemused look, but she only smiled wider, seemingly enjoying every second.
"Hey! Akeno, you're way too close!" Rias quickly interjected, stepping forward to reclaim her spot next to Badr. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed close, clearly staking her claim.
"Akeno, hands off my man!"
Rias wasn't about to let Akeno get the upper hand, but Akeno had anticipated this move, her own arms clinging tightly around Badr, refusing to let go.
"No way~ I'm going to enjoy being close to Badr too! I want to feel his warmth, just like this, it's so comfortable~" Akeno cooed, leaning in even closer, her voice sweet but mischievous.
Rias gritted her teeth, clearly annoyed. "Let go of him already! He's mine. You think all these moves of his didn't come from our time together? He's so good at holding people because of me! He's mine, body and soul."
With Rias and Akeno now openly vying for his attention, Badr was left speechless, unsure whether to intervene or simply let them be.
Maybe it's best to just let them sort it out... he thought with a sigh.
As the two pressed against him, Akeno suddenly leaned down, taking full advantage of Rias's distraction.
Badr tensed, feeling Akeno's mischievous lips near him.
This bold move left Asia and Xenovia watching wide-eyed, completely taken aback by Akeno's confident approach.
Their reactions ranged from shock to admiration; clearly, Akeno's experience far surpassed their own.
Even Rias was left speechless for a moment, not expecting Akeno's sudden boldness in front of everyone.
Asia and Xenovia glanced at each other, both clearly intrigued by Akeno's confidence and grace.
"So... that's a thing we could do too..." Xenovia murmured, nodding thoughtfully, while Asia's eyes sparkled with new ideas.
"I... I want to be that close to Badr too..." Asia whispered, her voice filled with a hint of longing.
"Taking Badr from both of them might be tough. Maybe we should wait until they're done," Xenovia said, her resolve growing as she added, "But I'll definitely try something like that soon!"
Badr could only manage a sheepish smile, sensing that the others were getting all sorts of ideas. This playful rivalry was quickly getting out of hand...
In the corner, Koneko watched the scene unfold, her face half-submerged in the water, hiding her flustered expression as she blew bubbles to distract herself from the sight.
Badr certainly hadn't expected that their return from the gathering would lead to a spirited bath-time competition back at the family's hot spring.
—
The days in the Underworld passed by swiftly. Following the gathering, Badr finally enjoyed a few days of relaxation.
Rias's family had fully embraced him, treating him as if he were already part of their clan. Even Sirzechs's son affectionately referred to him as "Uncle" now...
Badr found it amusing. Though he and Rias hadn't formally wed, her family's enthusiasm was undeniable.
After all, it seemed that in every world, it was always the families who grew most eager and excited about marriage, sometimes even more so than the couple themselves.
A week passed in a flash, and soon, the New Generation Tournament was upon them.
With everyone geared up and ready, they prepared for the upcoming days of competition.
They were about to engage in a series of Rating Games, a tournament that would pit the most gifted young devils from the Six Great Houses against each other to crown the strongest among them.
