Reborn of The Mercenary: [Toji Fushiguro x Highschool DxD]

Chapter 16: The Battle Begins

Kuoh Academy Replica Arena

The air was tense as the Rating Game between Rias Gremory and Riser Phenex commenced. Both teams spread out across the replica of Kuoh Academy, utilizing the familiar terrain to their advantage.

Kiba Yuuto and Koneko Toujou led the initial assault, their movements swift and precise. Kiba's swordplay was a blur as he clashed with Riser's Knight, Siris, who wielded a spear with deadly precision. Sparks flew as their weapons met, each trying to outmaneuver the other.

Koneko, using her immense strength, engaged Riser's Rook, Xuelan. Xuelan's martial arts skills were formidable, but Koneko's sheer power gave her an edge. She dodged a powerful kick and countered with a flurry of her own strikes, her small frame belying her incredible power. Her opponent staggered but quickly regained her footing, her resilience matching Koneko's strength.

Meanwhile, Akeno Himejima took to the skies, her wings spread wide as she unleashed bolts of lightning at Riser's Bishops, Mihae and Karlamine. Her attacks were relentless, forcing them to scatter and seek cover. Akeno's laughter echoed through the arena, her sadistic pleasure in battle evident.

Rias stayed back, directing her team and using her demonic power to support them. She unleashed crimson energy blasts, forcing Riser's Pawns to stay on the defensive. Her strategic mind was at work, anticipating Riser's moves and countering them with precision.

Suddenly, a member of Riser's team, one of his Bishops, vanished without a trace. Mihae's disappearance was so abrupt that it left the remaining members momentarily disoriented. Rias noticed the confusion and seized the opportunity.

"Akeno, Kiba, press the advantage!" Rias commanded.

Kiba intensified his assault, managing to disarm Siris and deliver a decisive blow that rendered the Knight unconscious. Koneko, inspired by Kiba's success, pushed Xuelan back with a series of rapid, powerful punches, eventually overwhelming her.

Akeno capitalized on the chaos, focusing her lightning attacks on Karlamine. The Bishop, already off-balance from the mysterious disappearance of her comrade, couldn't withstand the onslaught and fell to the ground, defeated.

Riser Phenex, watching from a distance, frowned. "What is happening? How did we lose someone without a fight?"

Riser's Queens, Yubelluna, approached him. "It seems there's more to Rias's team than we anticipated."

Riser nodded, his arrogance tempered by a newfound respect for his opponents. "We can't underestimate them. Regroup and prepare for a counterattack."

The battlefield shifted as both teams adjusted their strategies. The disappearance of Mihae had given Rias's team a crucial advantage, but they knew the battle was far from over.

Rias called her team together. "Stay sharp, everyone. We're doing great, but we can't let our guard down."

Toji, still hidden and executing his own part of the plan, watched the battle unfold. He knew the real challenge was yet to come, but for now, he was content seeing Rias's team gain the upper hand.

The fight continued, each side pushing themselves to their limits. The outcome of the Rating Game remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: this was just the beginning of a real fight.