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

Chapter 17: The Tide Turns

Kuoh Academy Replica Arena

The air was charged with tension as Rias Gremory's peerage found themselves with the upper hand. The battlefield was littered with the remnants of fierce skirmishes, the echoes of clashing weapons and magical blasts still hanging in the air. Rias stood at the center, her eyes blazing with determination. She felt a surge of hope, believing victory was within their grasp.

"Stay focused, everyone," Rias called out, her voice firm. "We're close to winning this!"

Kiba Yuuto and Koneko Toujou regrouped, their breathing heavy but spirits high. Akeno Himejima hovered above, her eyes scanning the battlefield for any remaining threats. The mysterious disappearance of one of Riser's Bishops had given them a critical advantage, and they intended to capitalize on it.

"Rias, we've taken down most of his team," Kiba reported, his sword still at the ready. "It looks like it's just Riser and a few others left."

Rias nodded, her mind racing with strategies. "Good. Let's press the attack and finish this."

Just as she was about to give the command, a sudden explosion of flames erupted in the center of the arena. The intense heat forced everyone to shield their eyes. When the flames subsided, Riser Phenex stood there, his wings of fire spread wide and a confident smirk on his face.

"You've done well, Rias," Riser said, his voice carrying a hint of mockery. "But did you really think it would be that easy to defeat me?"

Rias's heart sank. She knew Riser was powerful, but the confidence in his voice sent a chill down her spine. "Everyone, be careful. He's not done yet."

Riser's remaining team members, his Queen Yubelluna and his Rook, Isabella, stood by his side, their expressions fierce and determined. The battle was far from over.

"Let's end this," Riser declared, launching himself at Kiba with blinding speed. Kiba barely had time to raise his sword before Riser's fist, wreathed in flames, connected with his gut, sending him crashing into a wall. Kiba tried to stand, but the sheer force of the blow had knocked the wind out of him.

"Kiba!" Rias screamed, rushing to his side. But before she could reach him, Riser intercepted her, his hands blazing with fire.

"You're mine, Rias," Riser said, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "You and your pathetic team will bow to the Phenex family."

Akeno, seeing Rias in danger, unleashed a torrent of lightning at Riser. "Get away from her!"

Riser dodged the lightning with ease, his movements fluid and precise. He countered with a wave of fire that forced Akeno to retreat. The flames licked at her clothes, and she winced in pain.

"Is that all you've got?" Riser taunted, his laughter echoing through the arena.

Koneko, determined to protect her King, charged at Riser with a roar. Her fists, imbued with her tremendous strength, struck at Riser's midsection. But Riser's body, resilient as ever, absorbed the blows. He grabbed Koneko by the arm and tossed her aside as if she weighed nothing.

"Koneko!" Rias cried out, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the desperation in her friends' eyes, the realization that their enemy was far stronger than they had anticipated.

Yubelluna took this moment to attack Akeno, her magic amplifying the destructive power of her bombs. Akeno struggled to maintain her defenses, the sheer force of the explosions pushing her back.

Isabella, the Rook, engaged Koneko once more, their clash of strength causing shockwaves that rippled across the battlefield. But even Koneko's might was no match for Riser's loyal servant, who seemed to draw energy from the fiery resolve of her master.

Rias felt her hope dwindling. She had underestimated Riser's power, and now her team was paying the price. "We can't give up," she whispered to herself. "We have to find a way."

Riser turned his attention back to Rias, his smile widening. "It's over, Rias. Admit defeat, and maybe I'll go easy on you."

Rias clenched her fists, summoning her demonic power. "I won't surrender to you, Riser. We're not done yet!"

She launched a barrage of crimson energy blasts at him, each one crackling with raw power. Riser deflected them effortlessly, his flames consuming the attacks.

"Impressive," Riser said, "but futile."

He surged forward, his fist ignited with an intense blaze. Rias barely had time to react as he struck her, the force of the blow sending her sprawling across the ground. Pain radiated through her body, and she struggled to rise.

"Akeno, Koneko, we need to regroup!" Rias called out, her voice strained.

Akeno, despite the pain from her burns, nodded. "Koneko, let's give it everything we've got!"

The two launched a coordinated attack on Riser. Akeno's lightning and Koneko's brute strength combined into a devastating assault. Riser, however, seemed almost amused by their efforts. He conjured a massive wall of fire, blocking their attacks and retaliating with a scorching wave that engulfed them.

Akeno screamed as the flames seared her skin, and Koneko gritted her teeth, trying to withstand the heat. But it was too much. They fell back, their bodies battered and burned.

Rias felt a surge of panic. Her team was being decimated. She couldn't let this happen. Summoning the last of her strength, she launched herself at Riser, her hands glowing with crimson energy.

"Rias, no!" Kiba shouted, but it was too late.

Riser caught Rias by the wrist, his grip like a vice. "You're persistent, I'll give you that," he said, his tone almost bored. "But this ends now."

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed Rias to the ground. She landed hard, the breath knocked out of her. Riser loomed over her, his hand raised, flames swirling around his fingers.

"This is it, Rias," Riser said, his voice cold. "You've lost."

Rias looked up at him, her vision blurred by pain and exhaustion. She could see the triumph in his eyes, the certainty of his victory. But she refused to give up. Summoning the last of her strength, she prepared to unleash one final attack.

Before she could, Riser's flames roared to life, ready to deliver the finishing blow. "Goodbye, Rias," he said, his voice echoing with finality.

Rias closed her eyes, bracing herself for the end. But deep down, she still clung to a shred of hope. The battle wasn't over yet.