*Zeoticus POV

I... am finding this twist of events quite hard to comprehend. Being able to absorb such amount of power, were it even from a Pawn... It was just, like, incredible!

Now I see why they are worth fearing...

On a side note, I wish I'd taken a camera. Vene's look just now was priceless.

Down there, the duel was still on--I would not say raging, because it appeared that the Vladistan was now gaining the edge.

Even Milli, when I looked at him, was anxiously leaning toward the arena, putting his fists on the box's railing.

"Millicas."

"...Yes, Grandpa?"

"Guess with me, who might win?"

"I... don't really know. That blast must have taken quite an amount of mana out of Issei-niisama, but I heard he has many tricks... Might still put on some last-minute surprise."

"He doesn't seem to fare as well, though. See?"

"I know..."

...I think I could sympathize with his anxiety, and might as well cheer him up with the thought that at least there would be a winner; if only that might not arouse Vene into doing anything un-royal.

Not here.

***

*Kouya POV

[CLANK... KLIING...]

"Gah! That's close..."

Hmm... turning desperado, are you...

[GIIIN!!]

My sword struck something hard, again and again. Really, this kind of shield...

In utter silence, under the stares of Devils holding their breath, steel met... I don't know... in a display of symbolic mastery of the races. The way it is now, I am gaining ground--but the rules said that this duel won't end until one side admits defeat. And that might not be expected from him.

Yes, I succeeded to shatter one's pride before many, by rendering his most prized movement harmless; but yes, I don't wanna be made fun of once I step out of here.

"...Heh... like I'll... *pant ...let you win..." Issei managed as I tried another hit.

Like this, we entered some kind of stalemate...

"Fuu~ haa..."

"Haa~ haa..."

Tough.

...

...

--Oh! There!!

"Yaah~!!"

I lifted up the weapon, aiming to strike a bit higher.

[KLANK!]

"?! What are you...?!"

[CRACK...]

"--Oh shit!! No, please--Please!!"

For you, sweet Erissa!

"Sayonara, Perv."

[KRASH!!]

"NOOO~!!! You... the jewel... YOU BASTARD!!! What did you do to..?!"

He fell to his knees, slumped, gaping. Pitiful perv, as he really was.

"...my manhood... *sob..."

Huff... there, that's how it's done.

...Also, if they are indeed broadcasting this, then the improper words as well as the green jewel's shattering would not go unnoticed.

Now he would have no choice.

I walked away, sword in one hand and shield in the other, under streams of cheers and curses.

The Red Dragon Emperor, to all appearances, was no more.