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

Chapter 19: The Final Clash

The tension in the arena was palpable as Toji Fushiguro and Riser Phenex faced each other, their gazes locked in a battle of wills. Riser's flames flickered around him, casting an eerie glow in the dim light, while Toji's presence exuded an aura of deadly calm.

"Ready to die, Toji?" Riser sneered, his confidence unwavering despite the earlier setback.

Toji's grip on his katana tightened, his expression unreadable. "I'm ready to end this."

With a roar, Riser unleashed a torrent of flames, the heat scorching the air between them. Toji moved with lightning speed, his katana slicing through the flames as he closed the distance. The blade met Riser's flaming fists in a clash of sparks and fire.

Riser's strength was formidable, his punches infused with the power of his flames. Toji, however, was a master of combat, his movements precise and fluid. He parried Riser's attacks with calculated efficiency, each strike a testament to his skill.

Riser pressed the attack, his flames growing more intense with each passing moment. Toji dodged and weaved, his katana flashing as he deflected the fiery onslaught. The ground beneath them scorched and cracked under the heat, but Toji remained unfazed.

"You're fast," Riser admitted, his voice laced with frustration. "But you can't keep this up forever."

Toji didn't respond, his focus unyielding. He shifted his stance, his katana gleaming in the firelight. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance again, his blade aimed at Riser's heart.

Riser countered with a wall of flame, the heat pushing Toji back. The Phenex heir smirked, his confidence returning. "You'll have to do better than that."

Toji's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. He knew he had to end this quickly. Summoning the power of his Sacred Gear, Void Reaver, he felt a surge of dark energy flow through him. Shadows coalesced around his form, enhancing his speed and strength.

Riser's eyes widened as he sensed the shift in Toji's power. "What... what is this?"

Toji didn't answer. He moved like a shadow, his katana cutting through the air with deadly precision. Riser barely had time to react as Toji's blade found its mark, slicing through his defenses and drawing blood.

Riser staggered back, his flames flickering. "You... you'll pay for that!"

With a roar, Riser summoned a massive fireball, hurling it at Toji. The force of the explosion shook the arena, but Toji emerged from the flames unscathed, his Sacred Gear shielding him from harm.

"Toji!" Rias's voice called out, filled with both hope and fear.

Toji spared her a brief glance, his expression softening for a moment before he turned his attention back to Riser. "This ends now."

Summoning the full power of Void Reaver, Toji's form seemed to blend with the shadows. He moved with supernatural speed, his katana a blur as he launched a relentless assault on Riser. Each strike was precise, aimed at exploiting Riser's weaknesses.

Riser's flames flared wildly as he struggled to keep up. He unleashed a series of powerful attacks, but Toji's agility and strength allowed him to dodge and counter with ease. The ground beneath them was scorched and cracked, the air thick with the smell of smoke and burning flesh.

In a desperate move, Riser charged forward, his fist blazing with intense flames. He aimed a devastating punch at Toji's chest, putting all his strength behind it. Toji, however, remained calm, his eyes narrowing in focus.

The punch connected, Riser's fist going through Toji's chest. Rias and her peerage gasped in horror, but Toji didn't flinch. Instead, he smirked, his form flickering and then dissipating into shadows.

"A clone?" Riser exclaimed, his eyes widening in shock.

The real Toji emerged from the shadows behind Riser, a pistol in his hand. Without hesitation, he fired multiple shots, each bullet infused with dark energy. The bullets tore through Riser's back, causing him to scream in pain and stagger forward.

Riser's flames flickered and weakened, his regeneration struggling to keep up with the damage. Toji didn't let up. He advanced on Riser, his eyes cold and determined. With a swift motion, he kicked Riser to the ground, pinning him down.

"You're done, Riser," Toji said, his voice low and menacing.

Riser glared up at him, his face contorted with rage and pain. "You... you can't do this..."

Toji ignored him. He aimed the pistol at Riser's legs and fired, each shot precise and deliberate. Riser screamed as the bullets shattered his bones, rendering him unable to stand.

"You deserve this," Toji said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Riser lay on the ground, his flames flickering weakly. He struggled to speak, his voice a mere whisper. "This... isn't over..."

Toji knelt beside him, his eyes cold. "For you, it is."

The arena fell silent as Toji stood over Riser's broken form, his victory undeniable. Rias and her peerage watched in awe and relief, their hearts pounding with the realization that they had won. The battle was over, and Riser Phenex had been defeated.