"Human, what do you think of my figure?" Tiamat closed the distance in a few swift steps, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Absolutely perfect. You're a masterpiece," Shuo replied, not holding back his admiration.
Sculpted, athletic, and impossibly alluring—with the added mystique of being a dragon queen. He'd be a fool not to cherish her.
"Enough talk, Shuo Nangong! I can't wait to drag you home as my mate!" Tiamat declared, her patience clearly running thin.
Her words caught Shuo off guard. For a moment, he just stared.
Seriously? Did she think he was some prize to haul off?
Time to remind her who was in charge.
A few minutes later…
Tiamat lay sprawled on the ground, utterly defeated, staring at the sky with a look of existential despair. Shuo's strength was beyond anything she'd imagined.
He couldn't help but laugh, striding over and crouching beside her. Ignoring her embarrassed glare, he pinched her cheek.
"So? Still planning to conquer me? Or are you ready to accept your fate as mine?"
Before she could answer, Shuo scooped her up, carried her to a scenic glade, and set up a shimmering barrier.
"Shuo Nangong—what are you going to do…" Tiamat's voice trembled, her eyes wide with uncertainty.
But it was no use. Shuo's grin turned devilish as he cracked his knuckles and closed the distance.
What followed was a clash worthy of legend.
An hour passed.
"Heh, you're stubborn. But let's see how long you can hold out!" Shuo pressed the attack, relentless.
Several hours later…
"No wonder you're a dragon—tough as nails. But I'm not even tired yet. You sure you don't want to surrender?"
Tiamat glared, refusing to yield. Shuo just grinned and dove back into the fray, pushing her to her limits.
The battle raged on until nightfall. Finally, Shuo looked down at the battered, breathless Tiamat, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Tsk, Tiamat—are you ready to admit defeat? I could keep going all night."
She shivered at his teasing grin, her voice barely a whisper. "Okay… okay, I give up. I'll never go against you again. You're too strong—I can't take it."
Thinking back on the fight, she realized just how terrifying this man truly was.
At the very start, Shuo had unleashed a surge of dragon might—his bloodline pressure was overwhelming, both awe-inspiring and strangely familiar.
He'd let her attack freely, but she hadn't managed to land a single blow.
And when he got serious, she was routed—body and pride both left in tatters.
Shuo glanced at the dragon blood staining the earth and chuckled. He could officially call himself a dragon rider now.
"From now on, you're one of my wives. Got it?" He wrapped an arm around her waist, his other hand wandering playfully.
"Mhm, I know." Tiamat nodded, face burning red as she buried herself in his embrace.
"I'm staying with the Gremory family for a while—there's a Devil banquet and the Rating Games coming up. Want to come with me?" Shuo whispered in her ear. "Or you can stay here in the Familiar Forest. Once things settle down, I'll come get you and bring you to the human world."
Tiamat considered for a moment before shaking her head. "I'll stay here for now. All those Devil rules and etiquette… I'd rather avoid them."
Shuo laughed. "Can't blame you. I prefer freedom too—noble formalities drive me nuts."
After a few more tender moments, Shuo kissed her goodbye and vanished in a flash of white light.
Back at the Gremory estate, Shuo changed into fresh clothes and headed for the main hall.
Rias and the others were already dressed to the nines, ready for the big night.
Tonight was the Underworld's new generation Devil banquet—nearly every young Devil would be there.
Even the Maou, clan leaders, and top nobles would make an appearance. The future of the Devil world was on display, and everyone was watching.
The purpose was simple: young Devils could only enter official Rating Game tournaments after coming of age. This gathering let them size each other up beforehand.
Rias wore a dazzling crimson gown, radiant as a true princess.
Akeno, Xenovia, Kiba, Koneko, Kiyome Abe, and Gasper were all dressed to impress.
Asia and Irina, not peerage members, stayed behind at the castle.
When Shuo arrived, Rias led the group out, heading for the banquet hall beneath the Underworld's largest building—the Devil City's grand platform.
In the elevator, Rias couldn't help but remind everyone:
"Listen—whatever happens tonight, keep your cool. No matter what anyone says, don't start a fight. The people upstairs are our future rivals. We can't afford to make a bad impression."
Shuo shrugged. "Rias, you worry too much. After my training, you guys are the strongest of the new generation. If anyone tries to mess with us, we'll just teach them a lesson."
Akeno smiled sweetly. "Ara ara, Shuo-chan, you're as bold as ever."
Kiyome Abe puffed out her cheeks. "That's right! Nothing to be afraid of—we're the best!"
Kiba grinned. "Honestly, I'm looking forward to a good fight."
Even Gasper, usually timid, found his courage. "I… I won't back down either."
Koneko raised her tiny fist in silent agreement.
Rias shot Shuo a look, unable to hide her exasperation. One comment from him, and her whole peerage was fired up.
She sighed. "Well, if they're looking for trouble, we don't have to be polite either."
Not that she blamed them—her team's power far outstripped their peers.
For the first time, Rias felt a thrill of anticipation. She'd been waiting for the Rating Games for so long.
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