Chapter 173: Chapter 171: The Rookie Tournament Begins
Recalling her past briefly saddened Asia, but in Badr's embrace, she quickly recovered.
At least now, surrounded by her friends, her life was filled with happiness. She couldn't help but feel grateful for her decision to become Rias's servant devil.
After all, it was Badr who had suggested this path, especially when she was being hunted by fallen angels for the Sacred Gear within her.
"I'm fine now…" Asia whispered softly, hugging Badr tightly, a serene smile gracing her face.
Nearby, Diodora's expression darkened momentarily, his narrowed eyes betraying his discontent as he watched the scene.
However, he wisely concealed his displeasure, knowing full well that Badr was not someone to anger..
The fact that Badr had the guts to kill Zephyrdor in plain view and yet walked away without any punishment spoke volumes of his boldness and influence.
"Heh… I'll take my leave now. See you in the Rating Game," Diodora said with a polite smile before turning and walking away.
Badr gently stroked Asia's hair, his gaze following Diodora as he left. From their last encounter, Badr had noticed Diodora's inexplicable hostility toward him. Now, it was obvious, the man had set his sights on Asia.
Was it because she had once saved his life?
Regardless of the reason, Asia was now part of Badr's world. He wouldn't tolerate anyone coveting her. If Diodora didn't get eliminated early, Badr thought, he might have to deliver a thorough beating to make things clear.
...
Time flew by, and soon, the preparation phase was over.
Rias and her peerage stepped into the central area of the massive stadium, greeted by a thunderous wave of cheers from the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Rookie Tournament!" the announcer's voice boomed through the arena. "Before you stand the brightest young stars of the six great families and their loyal servants!"
The event's structure mimicked a worldly sports competition, complete with a commentator and a play-by-play analyst. The excitement in the air was palpable, with devils from all walks of life cheering enthusiastically.
Amid the loud commotion, a mocking laugh could be heard.
"Zephyrdor, you've got some nerve showing up here. I can't believe you survived," Seekvaira taunted with a cold smirk, her gaze fixed on the devil standing beside her.
Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas, who had been "killed" by Badr just days earlier, now stood alive and well on stage. Most assumed he had narrowly escaped death and had been revived with Phoenix Tears.
Zephyrdor, however, lacked his previous bravado. His gaze avoided Badr, his fear evident.
After witnessing Badr's sheer audacity and power, Zephyrdor had been thoroughly cowed. Worse still, the lack of any punishment from the Maou after his supposed "death" left Zephyrdor utterly shaken.
He realized that if Badr had killed him, it would have been a meaningless death, with no one to avenge him.
Now, whenever Zephyrdor looked at Badr, a chill ran down his spine.
And it wasn't just Zephyrdor. Among the young devils present, Badr's reputation loomed large. Killing a house heir in front of the Maou and escaping unscathed had made him a figure of both awe and fear.
...
"Now, participants, please draw your lots to determine your matchups," the announcer said with a cheerful tone, trying to diffuse the tension.
Rias stepped forward and drew her lot. It displayed the number six.
Once all the participants had drawn, the announcer revealed the pairings.
"Here are the matchups for the first round of the Rookie Tournament!
Match 1: Seekvaira Agares vs. Sona Sitri
Match 2: Sairaorg Bael vs. Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas
Match 3: Diodora Astaroth vs. Rias Gremory
Let the Rookie Tournament begin!"
The crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause, the excitement reaching a fever pitch.
Badr glanced at Diodora and smirked faintly. It seemed their paths were destined to cross, and now he had the perfect opportunity to settle the score.
...
"Good luck, Sona," Rias said, offering her encouragement.
Sona Sitri, the youngest of the six competitors, faced an uphill battle.
She and Rias were both High-Class Devils, putting them at a disadvantage compared to the Ultimate-Class powerhouses in the tournament. While they had the talent to reach those heights, their youth left them a step behind.
Despite this, Sona entered her match against Seekvaira with confidence, displaying her trademark strategic brilliance. Using careful tactics, she managed to eliminate several of Seekvaira's pieces in the Rating Game.
However, Seekvaira's superior raw power as an Ultimate-Class Devil ultimately proved insurmountable. Sona fought valiantly but was forced to accept defeat.
The audience cheered wildly for both competitors, appreciating Sona's clever strategy and Seekvaira's commanding presence. It was a match of beauty and brilliance, leaving the crowd thoroughly entertained.
...
The second match, Sairaorg Bael versus Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas, was entirely one-sided.
Despite both being Ultimate-Class Devils, Sairaorg overwhelmed Zephyrdor with nothing more than his fists. His raw physical strength and martial skill made short work of Zephyrdor's entire peerage, as well as Zephyrdor himself.
It was no wonder Sairaorg was considered the strongest among the younger generation.
Of course, after this tournament, that title would undoubtedly belong to Badr.
...
As the second match concluded, Rias rose confidently to her feet and turned to her peerage.
"It's our turn. Let's go!" she declared.
Badr smiled as he stood, flanked by Akeno, Koneko, Asia, and Xenovia. Together, the six of them stepped onto the teleportation array that would take them to the battlefield.
In a flash of light, they vanished from the stadium, reappearing in a specially designed dimensional space where their battle would begin.
...
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