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

Chapter 18: A Timely Intervention

Kuoh Academy Replica Arena

Riser Phenex stood over Rias Gremory, his flames swirling menacingly around his hand. His smirk was wide, confident, and dripping with victory.

"Goodbye, Rias," he said, his voice echoing with finality.

Before he could strike, a deafening shot rang out, echoing across the battlefield. In an instant, Riser's arm was blown apart, the flames extinguished as he stumbled back, screaming in agony.

"What the-?!" Riser yelled, clutching the remains of his arm.

From the shadows emerged Toji Fushiguro, a massive sniper rifle slung over his shoulder. He stepped into the light, his expression calm but eyes filled with cold determination.

"Sorry for being late, Rias," Toji said, his voice steady. He looked down at Rias, who was struggling to comprehend what had just happened. "I had a few loose ends to tie up."

Rias's eyes widened in relief and surprise. "Toji..."

Riser snarled, reaching into his pocket with his remaining hand. He pulled out a small vial, the legendary Phoenix Tear. With a quick motion, he poured it over his shattered arm, and within moments, the limb began to regenerate, flesh knitting back together in a display of his regenerative prowess.

"I underestimated you," Riser admitted, his voice laced with venom. "But it won't happen again."

Toji remained unfazed. He set the sniper rifle down and drew his katana, its blade gleaming in the arena's light. "You can heal all you want, but it won't change the outcome."

Riser's eyes narrowed. "You're confident for someone who's about to be incinerated."

Toji shrugged. "Confidence isn't my problem. Overconfidence is yours."

The tension in the arena was palpable as the two warriors faced off. Rias struggled to her feet, supported by Akeno and Koneko, both of whom were battered but still standing. Kiba joined them, his sword at the ready.

Riser's flames flared around him, his anger fueling his power. "You'll regret interfering, Toji Fushiguro."

Toji smirked, his grip tightening on his katana. "We'll see about that."

Riser unleashed a torrent of fire, the heat radiating off him in waves. Toji moved with lightning speed, dodging the initial blast and closing the distance between them. The flames barely grazed him, a testament to his agility and skill.

The two clashed in a burst of sparks and flame. Toji's katana met Riser's fire-coated fists, each strike sending shockwaves through the arena. Rias watched, her heart pounding, knowing this was their last chance.

"You're strong, I'll give you that," Riser said, his eyes burning with intensity. "But strength alone won't save you."

Toji's expression remained cold. "I don't rely on strength alone."

The battle raged on, each combatant pushing the other to their limits. Riser's attacks were relentless, his flames seeking to overwhelm Toji. But Toji was a master of his craft, his movements precise and calculated. He parried and countered with surgical precision, exploiting every opening.

"You fight well for a devil," Riser taunted, trying to shake Toji's focus. "But you're still just a pawn in Rias's game."

Toji's eyes flashed with anger. "I fight for my own reasons."

Riser laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "And what reasons are those? Loyalty? Love? You're nothing more than a tool."

Toji's grip tightened on his katana, his mind flashing back to the moments that had led him here. His resolve hardened, and he pushed forward with renewed vigor. "I fight for my friends, my new life, and I fight to win!"

With a powerful strike, Toji knocked Riser back, the force of the blow sending him skidding across the ground. Riser's flames flickered, and for the first time, there was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.

"You're... different," Riser muttered, struggling to rise. "But it won't be enough."

Toji raised his katana, ready for the final confrontation. "We'll see about that."