I know it.
I know this is just a game—a match, a structured battle set within boundaries and rules.
But still… still—
I can't stop this anger boiling inside me.
The weight vanishes from my arms, and for a moment, it's like a fog lifts—and leaves behind only frustration and helpless rage.
Damn it.
Why am I getting angry? Why am I this worked up?
Kiba just got taken out. It wasn't fatal. It wasn't permanent. This isn't life or death… right?
So why…?
I grit my teeth and try to refocus, to return to the original strategy. Kiba did his part. I have to do mine. Stay on track. Follow through. Be efficient.
But my body disobeys me.
"Come down heeeeeere! I'll be your opponent!"
The words rip out of my mouth before I even register the impulse. My voice echoes through the gym like a shout in a canyon, full of raw, unfocused fury.
Again…?
This isn't the first time I've lost control of my actions.
The first time was back when I reincarnated as Issei—when Kalawarna invited me to sleep with her. I hadn't planned to say yes… but my mouth did. My body reacted. Like a remnant of Issei's mind had taken over for just a moment.
And now, here it is again.
Since I am not a fool, I can confirm that some of Issei influence is still on this body. Which mainly act on high emotional situation.
That's when I slip.
Hmph. So that's what it is, huh? Residual emotions from the soul that once lived here…
Across the court, the woman with flowing purple hair, wrapped in a figure-hugging dress, smiles with elegance—and danger.
Yubelluna, Riser Phoenix's [Queen]. Known as the "Bomb Queen" for a reason.
"Fufufu. What a noisy [Pawn] boy. Do you want to explode like that guy from before?"
Her hand is already raised, glowing with magic circles and volatile mana.
She's going to launch a spell!
Before I can move, a soft step lands beside me.
And the air instantly changes.
"Ara ara... I'll be your opponent."
That teasing tone. That gentle voice full of latent danger.
Akeno.
She walks forward with grace, positioning herself between me and Yubelluna.
There's a quiet dignity to the way she stands—a contrast to the raw energy crackling around her like a thunderstorm trapped inside human skin.
"Raiser Phoenix-sama's [Queen], Yubelluna-san. Or should I call you... the Bomb Queen?"
Yubelluna's smirk twitches. "I don't like that name. It lacks elegance. Much like your own title—'Priestess of Lightning.' But I admit, I was hoping you'd come."
Their gazes lock, sparks—literal and metaphorical—flying between them.
"Ise-kun," Akeno says without turning, her voice calm and commanding, "meet up with Koneko-chan. Leave this to me."
Her back is to me, but I can feel her presence more clearly than ever. She's serious.
I take a deep breath and rein in the last of my anger.
"Alright." My voice is firm now. Controlled.
I glance at Kiba's fallen form in the distance. He fought with everything he had.
"I'll keep moving forward," I whisper to myself.
For now, I will keep my focus on the game. After this is over, I will think about previous issei influence on me.
Right now, I need to play my role.
"Don't worry, Akeno-san," I say, "I'll avenge Kiba with everything I have."
Just then—whoosh—the golden aura erupts from Akeno like a fountain of pure, concentrated magic. Her long black hair flutters like silk in a hurricane.
This is Akeno's true power. The strength of our [Queen].
Akeno smiles softly. "It won't take long."
Yubelluna raises her arms, summoning more of her signature explosive spells.
"You'll regret standing in my way, woman."
Boom!
A sudden clap of thunder cracks the air behind me as I turn and bolt toward the sports court. My feet move swiftly, but my focus momentarily flickers—because behind me, lightning and fire explode in a violent dance, rocking the gymnasium.
Akeno's storm has begun.
I force my attention forward.
The match is shifting. The opening phase is over.
Now begins the mid-game.
My job is to regroup with Koneko and move on to the next phase of the plan. With the [Queen] of Riser's team locked in a high-level duel with Akeno, the pressure on our flank will lessen. If we're quick, we can exploit the gap.
But even as I run, the image of Akeno's back stays in my mind.
She stood between me and a lethal spell without hesitation.
I owe her.
No—we all do.
Boom! Crack!
Lightning clashes again behind me.
~~~
[There is a 20% discount in my Patreon, where you can read all the chapters I posted till now. Use the Code: F62FB. Hope, you will enjoy it. Last date nov 8.]
I have posted 50+ advance chapter on my Patreon. If you are interested, join my Patreon.
Support me:
patreon.com/BlackBolt517