Issei, without uttering a single word, lunged at Eren with great speed. This time, Eren also charged forward rapidly, heading straight toward Issei.
They collided in a clash of fists, the force of the impact so immense that the magical barrier could no longer withstand it and shattered, releasing a powerful shockwave that caused Asia's and Koneko's small chests to bounce.
They began exchanging quick and powerful blows, with Eren's fists enveloped in a yellow aura emanating from his bracelet, which started to inflict greater damage on Issei's armor.
Noticing the increasing damage, Issei put more strength into his strikes, managing to land deep cuts and bruises on Eren. However, upon closer inspection, he saw that the cuts and bruises were healing almost instantly.
He then decided to create some distance to repair the damage across his entire armor.
Eren, assessing the situation, began walking slowly toward Issei, his gaze sharp and analytical.
"As I suspected…" he murmured to himself. "He can recover energy in seconds…"
After this analysis, Eren raised his voice with determination.
"Come here, let's put on a show worth admiring."
"Don't think you're going to beat me!" Issei shot back angrily, boosting his power even further, to the point where an intense energy began to radiate around his armor.
With a powerful leap, Issei used his wings to hover in the air and, charging the cannons on his back, unleashed a devastating attack. All that could be seen was an enormous blast of energy striking the arena, triggering a monstrous explosion that left everyone in awe of the attack's power.
The girls screamed with excitement, but without a doubt, Raicer's horrified expression and Ravel's look of helplessness stole the spotlight, while Issei remained suspended in the air.
"I think that should be enough…" Issei thought, confident that the attack had been decisive.
But Ddraig's voice snapped him out of his assurance.
"I sense something starting to move…" Ddraig warned.
"He's still standing!?" Issei thought, a mix of disbelief and growing concern flooding his mind.
His eyes darted around, scanning every corner of the arena for any sign of his opponent. The nervousness beginning to show on his face didn't go unnoticed by the girls, who, just moments ago, had been cheering with joy. Gradually, the delight on their faces faded, replaced by a rising unease.
Suddenly, a brilliant yellow glow appeared in Issei's field of vision, illuminating the arena with intense light. Issei's eyes narrowed as he locked onto the figure advancing toward him at an astonishing speed.
"He's too fast!" he exclaimed in his mind, his face tensing as he quickly crossed his arms to block Eren's first strike. The force of the impact pushed him back slightly in the air, but he wasted no time in retaliating.
Both fighters engaged in a frenzied exchange of blows midair. Their eyes burned with determination as they poured all their strength into each punch. Issei's energy blazed with an intense red glow, reflecting his fury and unyielding will.
Eren, on the other hand, maintained a cold, unflinching expression. His movements were precise, almost mechanical, yet there was an intensity in his gaze that contrasted with his apparent calm.
The air around them began to warp from the force of their clash, and the red of Issei's energy mingled with Eren's golden aura, creating a dazzling display of light in the sky. The power of their attacks generated a massive shockwave that rippled across the arena, shaking the ground beneath the spectators' feet.
The girls watched the scene with a mix of fascination and fear, their faces mirroring the tension of the moment. Even Rias, who usually exuded confidence, showed clear signs of worry, her eyes fixed on Issei as her heart pounded in her chest.
Both moved in opposite directions, but Eren, with an unflinching expression, conjured a golden chain that materialized in his hand. The chain pierced through Issei's shoulder, causing him intense pain that flashed across his face with a quick look of surprise. The chain gripped tightly into his flesh and armor, and Eren pulled it with a determined gaze, closing the distance between them once more.
With coldness in his eyes, Eren began striking Issei repeatedly, each blow meticulously calculated. Issei, struggling to maintain his composure, tried to return the attacks with visible frustration on his face, but he couldn't land a single effective hit.
Feeling the mounting pressure, Issei gritted his teeth and, with a spark of determination in his eyes, unleashed a Dragon Shot at point-blank range. The energy explosion separated them both, shattering the chain that bound them and causing Eren to lose stability as he fell.
Without wasting a second, Issei, his eyes filled with fury and resolve, charged at Eren, grabbed him in a tight embrace, and, channeling all his strength, plummeted toward the arena at full speed. The impact echoed throughout the arena, kicking up a cloud of dust as Eren let out a faint grunt of pain from the violent collision with the ground.
The impact unleashed a massive explosion that shook the entire arena, partially destroying it. A thick layer of dust rose into the air, obscuring the view of the girls and the spectators in the stands. Only the Phoenix siblings, with tense and focused gazes, could clearly see what was happening.
Their blows clashed with force, generating bursts of energy around them. The frenetic pace of the fight showed no signs of slowing until Issei, with a look of unwavering determination, began to gain the upper hand. His attacks grew more precise and powerful, forcing Eren to retreat toward the edge of the arena.
With Eren cornered, Issei seized the opportunity and pummeled him with a series of devastating blows, so powerful they tore through even his skin. Each impact rang out like thunder, but Issei's stamina was beginning to falter.
In a brief moment of carelessness, Eren, with a cold and calculating expression, seized the chance and launched a lightning-fast counterattack, turning the tide in an instant.
Eren, his gaze impassive, began barraging Issei with a series of massive strikes. Each blow landed with brutal force, shattering Issei's armor piece by piece. Drained of energy, Issei could only watch, exhausted, as Eren grabbed his helmet with a firm hand.
Showing no mercy, Eren lifted him once more and slammed him violently into the ground. The impact generated a monstrous shockwave that cleared the dust cloud enveloping the arena, revealing to everyone—both in the stands and on the broadcast—the devastating scene of Issei lying at the bottom of a crater, seemingly defeated.
Sona, observing the scene with analytical eyes, let out a whisper of amazement.
"Incredible…" she murmured, noting how Issei was in a deplorable state, while Eren not only appeared nearly unscathed but seemed in better condition than before, as if the battle had only strengthened him.
Ravel cried out in desperation, "Brother!"
Raicer, on the other hand, burst into jubilation.
"He did it! Ha, ha, ha! The demon's spawn did it!" he exclaimed excitedly, watching Eren shake off the dust. Seeing the joy on his siblings' faces, Eren allowed a faint smile to creep onto his own.
Rias, her voice breaking, whispered, "N-no… It can't be possible…"
Her tone reflected her disbelief at seeing her beloved defeated on the ground, while the rest of the club stood stunned, unable to process what had just happened.
Eren, shifting his gaze toward the buildings, smiled faintly before murmuring, "I hope you enjoyed it, my friend…"
His tone was enigmatic as he prepared to turn away. However, he froze when he heard a weak voice coming from Issei. Turning slowly, he watched as Issei, with great effort, struggled to his feet.
Issei, his voice trembling yet resolute, said, "N-no matter…"
Eren raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "...?"
Issei continued with determination, "I don't care how many bones I break… I'll never give up!"
He shouted with fury as an explosion of energy erupted from his body, partially repairing his armor. This act reignited hope in his companions, though Eren observed it with a sigh and a warm smile.
Eren, in a relaxed tone, remarked, "I think it's time to reveal some important details…"
His voice was calm, but the mystery behind his words left Issei and the rest of the club bewildered. Sona, ever analytical, paid close attention, intrigued by what Eren might say next.
---
Eren spoke with a slightly melancholic tone, his gaze lowered and shoulders slightly slumped. His siblings watched him with a mix of sadness and concern in their eyes. Despite his dejection, Eren's bracelet began to glow with renewed intensity, reflecting a spark of pride and determination.
"Unlike my siblings, I was born without the ability to use flames or magic," Eren said, his voice heavy with a sorrow he could barely conceal.
"What?" Tsubaki asked, raising an eyebrow and widening her eyes in surprise, her lips parting slightly.
"It makes sense now, the advantage he has," Sona commented, her expression shifting to one of understanding and awe. Her eyes narrowed in assessment as she nodded slowly.
"But isn't it dangerous to contain so much energy?" Tsubaki inquired, frowning and crossing her arms, her face full of concern.
"Yes, it's risky," Sona confirmed, her expression serious and contemplative. "But one of the reasons the Phoenix household has maintained its standing is its accelerated regeneration ability."
"Oh, I see," Tsubaki added with a curious tone, continuing to watch the Rating Game.
"And this artifact allows me to shape it however I wish," Eren explained as his aura flowed down to his hand. With a decisive motion, he raised his arm toward Issei. Out of nowhere, a double-edged sword materialized, then transformed into a spear, and finally a dagger, all with astonishing fluidity.
"Unfortunately, it requires a lot of concentration and is limited to one object at a time," he added, a hint of resignation in his voice.
At that moment, Eren swapped the dagger for a chain, which he launched with precision toward Issei. Issei instinctively shielded himself, but the chain wrapped around his arm, momentarily immobilizing him. Issei scowled, struggling to break free from the makeshift trap.
"But for me, it's more than enough," Eren concluded, his expression one of determination with a touch of satisfaction.
Eren yanked the chain hard, disintegrating it as he enveloped his fist in his aura. With a precise strike, he hit Issei's abdomen, eliciting a choked cry of pain as the air rushed out of his lungs.
Seizing the moment, Eren hurled him into the air, but a golden chain swiftly shot out and snared Issei's foot. The chain jerked him downward aggressively, causing him to crash into the center of the arena with a resounding thud. Without pause, Eren pulled the chain again, dragging Issei back toward him.
With relentless motion, Eren delivered a Spartan kick, smashing Issei into the arena once more. Issei's friends watched in frustration and anger as his cries echoed through the arena. Each time he tried to muster his strength, Eren struck with ruthless precision, quickly snuffing out his attempts at recovery.
"Issei!" Rias screamed in desperation, her voice breaking with anguish.
Eren stopped immediately, lifting his gaze to meet Rias's. Then he slowly turned toward his siblings, who watched in complete silence, their faces reflecting the impact of his brutality toward Issei.
With a sigh of resignation, Eren approached Issei and grabbed him firmly, carrying him to the edge of the arena. With a decisive motion, he threw him to the ground, declaring his victory.
"N-no…" Rias murmured, her voice thick with devastation. Tears welled in her eyes as her hopes crumbled at the sight of Issei lying defeated.
But Rias's despair didn't last long. A massive crimson magical circle began forming in a corner of the stands, radiating powerful energy that filled the air.
The Phoenix and Gremory families had arrived, and the tension was palpable. Venelana, her aura brimming with fury, turned to Rias, her voice dripping with displeasure.
"Rias! Come here right now!" Venelana commanded, her tone laced with an almost tangible anger.
Rias, visibly shaken by the intensity of the situation, approached her with hesitant steps. Her face showed evident fear, her movements slow as if each step weighed heavily on her. Members of both families watched with mixed expressions of unease and anticipation as Rias neared Venelana, feeling the weight of the disapproval surrounding her.
"Damn it…!" Issei cursed as, with effort, he began to rise. The energy he exuded was palpable, drawing the attention of everyone around him.
Eren, turning back, saw the girls and his parents standing with his own family, holding Rias and her companions firmly to prevent any reckless interference. Eren observed the scene with unwavering seriousness.
"You need to calm down, kid!" Eren said firmly. "We don't want anyone getting hurt."
Despite Eren's words, he noticed Issei no longer seemed in his right mind. The desperation and hatred in his voice were unmistakable.
"If I kill you, I can stop you from marrying Rias!" Issei shouted as a large red sphere began materializing beside him, his draconic energy filling the air. The threat was clear, putting Eren on high alert as he quickly ordered his siblings to step back.
"But brother!" Ravel protested, worried.
"I'll be fine," Eren assured her, determination in his voice. "What matters is that he doesn't hurt anyone."
Eren raised his right hand, pointing his index finger to the sky. His action left everyone in the arena confused, unsure of what to expect.
"Get to safety, now!" he said. Suddenly, from Eren's finger, which radiated intense heat, a small flaming sphere of energy began to form. The vibrant, blazing orb grew rapidly, expanding to a colossal size, emitting such massive energy that the air itself seemed to tremble around it.
"Incredible…!" Raicer commented in awe, feeling the heat Eren generated alongside the others as it melted the ground and began pulling small fragments of the arena toward itself.
"Die!!!" Issei yelled, striking the sphere and transforming it into a massive energy blast.
Eren, his bracelet overflowing with intense golden energy, unleashed his own attack. The powerful blast not only consumed Issei's attack but engulfed him entirely. Issei, trapped in the onslaught, tried to escape, but the heat was so overwhelming that his armor began to melt under the ferocious energy.
"S-stop!" Rias cried, her voice laden with desperation. Without a second thought, she unfurled her demonic wings and flew straight at Eren. Her face showed a mix of anger and despair as she conjured magical circles in her hands, ready to strike. But Eren didn't even flinch.
"Rias! Stop!" Venelana shouted urgently, but her plea went unheard.
Just as Eren's attack was about to crash into the academy, he abruptly redirected it skyward. The blast shot into space at tremendous speed, piercing the heavens like a rocket.
"Ahhhhhh!" Issei screamed in agony as the heat enveloped him, his armor nearly completely destroyed.
Ddraig's deep, grave voice echoed in Issei's mind with urgency.
"Issei! If this continues, you won't survive. I'll use my energy to cushion the explosion, but that means I won't be able to communicate with you for a while. Take care, partner…"
"What?! No! Wait!" Issei shouted desperately in his mind, trying to stop Ddraig, but it was too late.
"Stop!" Rias, tears streaming down her face, launched her attack at Eren. Yet he remained unfazed. With a mere gesture—clenching his fist—the attack triggered a devastating explosion.
The blast's power was so intense it seemed to shatter the sky itself. Rias, watching in horror, saw her attack fail to stop Eren as Issei's body vanished amid the blinding light.
The explosion was so powerful it turned night into day in an instant. A shockwave rippled across the country, uprooting trees and shattering windows. Car alarms blared throughout the region as a massive gust of wind tore through everything in its path, leaving a trail of destruction.
Rias crashed to the ground, her eyes reflecting despair as she stared at Eren's imposing silhouette gazing back at her with a serious expression. The explosion's glow illuminated his figure, heightening the tension in the air. The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the echoes of devastation.
Finally, Venelana spoke, her voice firm and brimming with restrained anger.
"This is enough! Stop the broadcast now!" she ordered, her tone brooking no argument. Sona quickly complied, shutting off the transmission as Venelana approached Rias.
Meanwhile, Eren stepped forward to catch Issei before he hit the ground. His body was bare, covered in severe second- and third-degree burns, completely unconscious. With an unreadable expression, Eren held him carefully, preventing a more painful fall.
As he returned, Eren witnessed Venelana, her face a mask of contained fury, slap Rias hard across the face. The sound reverberated through the air, but Rias barely reacted, her eyes welling with tears as her mother scolded her harshly, pointing out every mistake she'd made and everything she'd failed to do.
Rias, more broken inside than ever, stood motionless, her gaze fixed on the ground, unable to find the words or strength to defend herself. Her heart shattered at the thought of Issei's defeat—the man she loved and couldn't protect. As Venelana continued her stern reprimands, Rias could only feel the crushing weight of guilt.