The Rating Game was over. The curtains had closed on a battle that had shaken the entire Underworld.

The audience, still processing what they had just witnessed, began to disperse in silence. Even Riser Phenex had already returned to the Phenex estate, nursing both his wounds and his pride.

Meanwhile, Akira had been summoned privately by Sirzechs Lucifer. The two now sat alone in a quiet room, far from the lingering tension of the battlefield.

"Shin Akira, thank you... for everything you've done for Rias," Sirzechs said with a gentle smile.

Akira offered a calm nod. "No. If anything, I should be the one thanking her."

Sirzechs chuckled softly. "Haha, looks like Rias has a better eye for people than I do."

Both smiled, though the meanings behind their words were vastly different.

Akira was thankful because it was thanks to Rias that he had broken through his limits and reached Maou-level strength.

Sirzechs, on the other hand, was grateful because Akira had fought with everything he had to protect his little sister.

In every sense of the word, this Rating Game had been a one-man stage for Shin Akira.

With overwhelming force, he defeated Riser Phenex. Not only that, he exploited a gap in the game's rules to force Riser into activating Nirvāṇa, his forbidden trump card.

And all of it happened under the watchful eyes of nobles, devils, and major houses across the Underworld.

One thing became abundantly clear to everyone who watched: Rias Gremory had found a man far stronger—far more deserving—than Riser Phenex.

This wasn't just some romantic rebellion arranged by House Gremory to annul an unwanted engagement. This was proof. Undeniable proof that Rias had chosen someone worthy of standing beside her.

And truth be told, how the story was told... depended entirely on who held the power.

Public opinion, after all, was a tool of the powerful. And Sirzechs Lucifer understood that better than anyone.

Behind his calm smile was a quiet warning—a message directed at House Phenex.

Despite being one of the prestigious 72 Pillars, the Phenex family had grown... greedy. Entitled, even.

With the mythical Phoenix Tears under their control, their influence extended to many corners of the Underworld. They had supported the Reformist faction during the civil war and gained much in return.

But instead of stopping there, they had continued to reach for more. Rumors—no, intelligence—suggested that the family had begun illegal sales of Phoenix Tears on the black market. Worse still, there were whispers of their involvement with global-scale terrorist groups... even ties to the remnants of the Old Maou Faction.

And Sirzechs could not ignore that.

Though the New Maou Faction had won the civil war, it didn't mean the Old Faction had been completely wiped out. Many of their supporters still operated in secret, hiding among the noble houses.

A full purge would destabilize the fragile peace between the Three Factions. That's why, for now, they were simply... watched.

But make no mistake—the Old Maou loyalists hadn't given up. They were waiting, plotting, dreaming of restoring their long-lost era.

Sirzechs knew this.

And now that his authority and that of his fellow Maou had solidified, eliminating threats to the current order had become a top priority.

"That's actually the reason I called you here today," Sirzechs finally said. "There's something important I need to ask of you."

"I'm listening," Akira replied.

"I want you to protect Rias."

"...Huh? What do you mean by that?" Akira raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard.

"Rias is my sister. Even though I'm one of the Maou, there are plenty out there who'd love to see me fall. And they might try to go after her to get to me."

Akira slowly nodded. "I see... In that case, you don't need to worry. I'll keep her safe. Always."

"Thank you. That's all I needed to hear."

Sirzechs smiled, but his crimson eyes never left Akira's face.

He could tell—Akira had already realized the full weight behind those words.

The Old Maou Faction wasn't acting alone anymore.

They had started collaborating with the Khaos Brigade.

And worst of all... they were now backed by the power of Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis herself.

Everything was building toward a storm.

And Sirzechs, ever the tactician, had sensed the approaching tempest long before anyone else.

After that, the mood between the two relaxed. Their conversation drifted to lighter topics—mundane things, small talk—until eventually, they parted ways.

— — —

Later that evening, back at the Gremory residence.

"Akira, what did Onii-sama talk to you about?" Rias asked, eyes filled with curiosity she couldn't quite hide.

"Nothing serious," Akira replied with a shrug. "He just said you're my responsibility now. Told me to make sure you don't suffer."

"E-Eh...?!"

Rias's face turned bright red. A strange mix of embarrassment and mild irritation crossed her features.

Why did her brother always have to say things like that?

Just then, Koneko Toujou walked over without a word and sat in Akira's lap, like a cat claiming her favorite perch.

Naturally, Akira placed a hand on her head and began gently stroking her hair—exactly like how one would pet a small feline.

Akeno Himejima entered next, smiling sweetly as she placed a tray of hot tea and snacks in front of him.

Meanwhile, Asia Argento sat quietly beside him, fidgeting shyly like a newlywed bride who still hadn't gotten used to being near her husband.

Rias could only stare.

What... what is this?

She turned to Kiba Yuuto in confusion, but the pretty-boy knight just gave a helpless shrug and sat down in silence, as if to say, Don't look at me. I have no idea either.

Are they still... my peerage? Rias thought, eyes wide in disbelief. When did everyone start hovering around Akira like this?

Especially Koneko. Ever since Akira helped heal her heart, the once-distant girl had become far more open—and far more attached.

Meanwhile, Akira opened his system status window, his expression tightening in slight confusion.

— — —

[Name: Shin Akira]

[Status: Transfer Student – Kuoh Academy]

[Rank: 6 (Ultimate-Class)]

[Template: Enkidu (80%)]

[Noble Phantasm: Chains of Heaven]

[Innate Abilities: Consummated Shape, Beast King's Instinct, Body Transformation]

[Skills: Blue Lightning Light, Aura Detection, Wisdom of the People, True Name Release]

[Equipment: Boosted Gear (Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet)]

[Items: —]

— — —

His synchronization with the Enkidu template still sat stubbornly at 80%.

Even after defeating Riser Phenex and ascending to Maou-level power... it hadn't moved an inch.

That irritated him.

Why? Why was he still stuck at 80%?

Was power alone not enough to complete the bond? Was there something more he was missing?

Though he had stepped into the realm of Maou-tier strength, Akira couldn't bring himself to feel satisfied.

Because strength—true strength—was a hunger that never faded.

— — —

At the same time, in another part of the world...

The air trembled violently as a massive silver dragon soared through the sky. Its aura radiated with power equivalent to a Maou, casting a heavy pressure over the land.

But in the next moment, the dragon vanished—replaced by a lone young man, panting and soaked in sweat.

Vali Lucifer.

"Just a little more... If I can perfect this, I'll be able to control Juggernaut Drive completely…"

He was training. Endlessly. Obsessively.

Since his defeat at the hands of Shin Akira, Vali had disappeared from public view, dedicating himself to one thing:

Mastering the Juggernaut Drive of the Vanishing Dragon, Albion.

All for one reason—and one reason only.

To defeat Akira.

And take back everything he'd lost.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

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