This wasn't an official Rating Game, so there weren't any spectators that day—only those directly involved, the people of the Gremory and Phenex families.
But when Rias summoned H.A.M.P, the audience erupted into noise—specifically, the members of the Phenex family. Then Rias began blasting away wildly in her Gundam.
Demon Lord-level destructive power tore across the battlefield. Several of Riser's followers were eliminated in the very first clash.
From the rear, Riser watched with a dark expression. Yet he wasn't entirely unprepared—he just hadn't wanted to use his contingency.
Seeing the power gap, however, it was clear that at this rate, Rias would clear the field alone. Even relying on his Phoenix immortality and regeneration would be meaningless. And he couldn't accept that outcome.
So—
"Do it." Riser gave the cold order in a low voice.
He hadn't wanted to use this card, since it would reflect poorly. His backup was a Super Devil-level outside helper he had invited. Still, it didn't matter. This wasn't an official Rating Game; there were no spectators, and the details of this duel wouldn't spread. It would have consequences, but better that than losing to Rias. And after all, Rias had called in outside help first!
"Don't blame me, Rias! You're the one being underhanded!"
Zeroy's H.A.M.P was indeed powerful, with Demon Lord-level combat ability. Yet Riser's outside reinforcement was no ordinary Super Devil.
In truth, except for those who took shortcuts through special means, any true Super Devil was never to be underestimated. Each had their own story, talents, and strengths.
Very quickly, Rias fell into a bitter struggle, even being forced onto the defensive. After all, H.A.M.P was ultimately only a weapon. Its true combat ability couldn't fully match that of a real Super Devil. And Rias had only had a few days to learn how to pilot it. Her proficiency was nowhere near enough.
Meanwhile, Riser's remaining followers went after Rias's. Although she had wiped out some at the start, Riser still had more left than she did. Her peerage was too small: only Kiba, Akeno, Koneko, and Gasper, who couldn't even fight.
Numbers aside, Rias's followers were all undeveloped potential talents, each carrying personal psychological burdens—without exception! Only Koneko's issues had been addressed, though she still hadn't had time to grow. So Rias's side also fell into a disadvantage.
"No choice. I'll give her a hand." Watching from outside, Zeroy decisively simplified H.A.M.P's control systems. Even though Rias and the others were inside a separate dimension, H.A.M.P belonged to Zeroy, fused with her—she could operate it from anywhere.
On the battlefield, as Rias was being driven back, her counterattack began.
"So this is power…!"
"Will you dare defy me while I wield H.A.M.P?!"
Her control and battle sense visibly improved by the second. That was the effect of the reduced difficulty—like enabling an auto-combo system in an action game. Even pressing randomly could unleash a string of moves, even make it look impressive.
The outcome of the duel was once again uncertain. And if Rias still couldn't win? Then Zeroy would simply descend herself, directly remote-controlling H.A.M.P to crush the enemy.
What else? It wasn't about blaming Rias for not trying hard enough. She couldn't be expected to shoulder it all when time hadn't given her a chance to prepare. When a friend asked for help in trouble, why worry about rules and formality? You help, that's all. Especially since this was about Rias's life.
And it wasn't as if Rias hadn't worked hard—she just hadn't been given enough time. In just a few days, how far could she really master H.A.M.P?
So Zeroy didn't need to overthink it. She just needed to help. If not for fear that manually operating it would be ruled as cheating, she would have taken direct control already, instead of setting it to semi-automatic.
Even so, with semi-auto mode, H.A.M.P wasn't nearly as strong as under Zeroy's direct control. Yet after a grueling fight, Rias finally managed to eliminate Riser's hired reinforcement. From there, the outcome was obvious—Rias emerged victorious.
Rias said then: "I thought it was just a speed bump."
...
When the dust settled on the battlefield of the Rating Game, the tense atmosphere finally gave way to the joy of victory. Back in reality, Rias abandoned noble decorum. Seeing Zeroy awaiting her, she strode forward without warning, threw open her arms, and pulled her into a crushing embrace.
"Thank you, Zeroy!" Her voice brimmed with gratitude and joy, her eyes glistening with tears.
The blond girl was instantly enveloped, her slender figure stark against Rias's voluptuous frame. Zeroy's cheek was pressed squarely against the softness of Rias's chest, almost drowning her in that embrace.
After all, both she and Patchouli were of more modest proportions—nothing compared to Rias.
A flicker of exasperation crossed her emerald eyes. Zeroy hurriedly lifted a hand, lightly patting Rias's arm, the motion somewhere between comfort and a plea for mercy.
Only then did Rias realize her enthusiasm had gone too far. She released her hold with slight embarrassment, though her joy still shone through.
"Phew—"
Finally free, Zeroy drew in a deep breath, tidied her tousled golden hair, and showed no displeasure—only a faint smile. "As long as it's resolved, that's what matters."
Rias gathered back her flowing hair, quickly regaining the elegance of the next head of House Gremory, though her passion remained. "It's still early. I've already had the family prepare a banquet in celebration. Why not stay until after the feast before leaving?"
Zeroy gently shook her head, her golden hair shimmering in the dim light of the Underworld. "No, next time."
"Alright then." Rias smiled softly, her eyes showing reluctant understanding. She knew Zeroy had other obligations, and to press further would not be passion but a burden.
...
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