Chapter 231: [228] : Preparing for the Next Confrontation—New Training Regimen!
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With Mika's arrival—Rias and her peerage felt a surge of confidence, especially Issei.
"Mika, let's finish him here and now! There's no need for a Rating Game, or to wait three days!" he shouted, glaring at Riser, surrounded by his peerage. They glared back at Issei.
"No, now isn't the right time," Mika said, turning to them with a smile.
"The engagement between the Phenex and Gremory clans is a matter of great importance in the Underworld. This should be dissolved on a more—formal stage. A private duel wouldn't be recognized, would it—Miss Grayfia?"
"Indeed. Even if this engagement is to be broken, it must be done under the supervision of both families, not through a private brawl," she confirmed.
"That's how it is." Mika turned to Riser.
"Therefore, let's settle this in three days."
"Very well," Riser agreed. "I didn't expect you to have a powerful—asset, Rias. He's far more formidable than that fledgling Red Dragon Emperor."
As a seasoned Rating Game veteran, Riser was a skilled combatant. He could sense Mika's power, the sharp, dangerous aura he radiated.
'A True Warrior,' he thought, his earlier shock at Mika's sudden appearance replaced by a wary respect.
Combined with his uncanny ability to conceal his presence—he was undoubtedly a terrifying assassin.
However, even the deadliest assassin couldn't defeat him.
He was confident.
"Then we'll meet again in three days." He turned and, along with his peerage, departed for the Underworld.
"Now that you've reached an agreement, I will inform both families." Grayfia also departed.
With their departure, only Rias and her peerage remained.
"So, Rias, what's our next move?" Akeno asked after a moment of silence.
Rias looked at Mika.
"There's no need to worry. We will win this battle," he said confidently.
"However, this is a team battle. We need to win decisively. Therefore, let's use this time to train."
"Yes! Training!" Rias agreed. "Time is of the essence. Go home and gather your belongings. We'll begin immediately."
"Yes, Buchou!"
…
While they called it "pre-battle training," it wouldn't drastically increase their strength.
They were no longer novices who could improve significantly in just a few days.
However, there were some novices among them, namely, Asia.
Having just become a Devil, she hadn't received any training yet. As a healer with powerful abilities, her potential was worth developing.
As for Issei—he had already learned a great deal from Mika.
He didn't need any last-minute cramming.
However, he did lack practical combat experience. And that would be the focus of his training.
…
After gathering their belongings, they used a teleportation magic circle to travel to the base of a mountain where the Gremory family owned a villa.
This would be their training ground.
They made their way up the mountain, the boys carrying the girls' luggage, though it was a negligible burden for Mika, Yuuto, and Issei, thanks to their enhanced strength.
Upon reaching the villa, Rias assigned them their rooms, and they changed into their training attire.
In the spacious living room, they divided into two groups:
Rias, Akeno, and Asia formed one group, focusing on magical training.
Mika, Issei, Yuuto, and Koneko formed the other, concentrating on combat.
With their training regimens established, they began immediately. Time was of the essence.
…
Inside the villa, Akeno was teaching Asia about magic manipulation, demonstrating how to transform water into ice.
Asia, a quick learner, swiftly mastered the technique.
Laughter filled the room as they practiced.
Outside—Issei was being relentlessly beaten.
For this training, his Sacred Gear was forbidden, and they were using wooden weapons.
He was sparring with Yuuto, who—under Mika's instructions, was fighting at full strength, holding back only lethal blows.
His Sacred Gear was also disabled.
Issei's cries of pain echoed through the training grounds.
"Mika-senpai, isn't this a bit—much?" Koneko asked, watching the brutal sparring match.
"Don't worry, Koneko," Mika replied with a smile.
"With Asia's healing, any injuries he sustains will be quickly mended. For those seeking strength, such treatment is a luxury. Issei will appreciate it."
He grinned, watching Issei's struggles.
He had endured similar training himself. Now that he had the opportunity, why not share the—joy?
....
"Argh!" Issei charged at Yuuto, wooden sword raised, but was sent flying backward once more.
"Don't just focus on the sword! Expand your awareness! Observe your opponent and your surroundings!" Yuuto instructed.
"Yes!" Though frustrated, Issei couldn't deny his constant defeats.
He picked up his sword and charged again, only to be thrown back once more.
"He's improving quickly," Mika commented, observing their sparring match.
Initially, Issei hadn't been able to keep up with Yuuto's speed at all, constantly being struck. But now, though still unable to counterattack, he could block a few blows.
This was a clear sign of progress—
"He is improving," Koneko agreed, surprised. She usually avoided Issei due to his—enthusiasm towards women.
"Indeed. While his mind hasn't caught up to Yuuto's speed—his body is adapting. However, that's not the kind of improvement I'm looking for." He turned to Koneko.
"Go fetch Asia. It's time for Issei's healing. And while you're at it, prepare yourself. You're next."
"I'm next?" Koneko blinked, then rolled her eyes. "You're a devil—Mika-senpai."
Unlike Yuuto—her fighting style completely different. Issei had just barely adapted to Yuuto's speed; now he would have to face her.
She knew exactly what Mika was planning.
"Thank you for the compliment," Mika replied with a grin.
…
"Issei-san!" Asia's voice interrupted their training.
"Asia!" Issei, lying on the ground after being thrown, looked up at her.
"Issei-san!" She rushed to his side and began healing him.
Feeling the soothing warmth of her magic, he relaxed, sinking back onto the ground.
"Your training methods are rather—intense," Rias commented, approaching Mika with Akeno.
They had seen the blood on Yuuto's wooden sword.
"With Asia's healing, we can afford to be more—thorough. Besides, you know how—untalented Issei is when it comes to technique," Mika explained. Issei had no natural aptitude for combat or magic.
To improve—he needed to be pushed.
"Therefore, a more…hands-on approach is necessary."
"I see," Rias nodded thoughtfully, a subtle smile playing on her lips.
Akeno shivered slightly.
....
After healing Issei, Asia was pulled away by Rias and Akeno, while Issei began the second stage of his training: sparring with Koneko.
He was once again relentlessly beaten. Her fighting style was completely different from Yuuto's, resetting his earlier progress.
After Koneko, it's Mika's turn. For this duel, Issei is permitted to use his Boosted Gear.
He was confident; he couldn't possibly lose so badly with his Sacred Gear activated.
But reality was harsh. Even with Boosted Gear, he was still outmatched. Despite using only his base physical abilities, Mika's superior skill and technique allowed him to effortlessly control the fight.
As the day wore on and their training concluded, night fell. Issei, feeling the surge of demonic energy, was utterly dejected.
After dinner, Rias took him outside for basic physical conditioning. However, unlike their usual exercises, this involved weight training.
She had a massive boulder, dozens of times his size, tied to his back, and made him run up and down the mountain repeatedly until he collapsed from exhaustion.
…
"You're all cruel—so cruel!" Issei complained the next morning, devouring his breakfast.
"Mika said the outcome of the Rating Game was already decided. Why torture me like this?!"
"Issei—" Mika said with a smile, "Don't focus on the Rating Game, but on the future. Don't you want to become stronger? Remember those beautiful girls in Riser's peerage?"
"Beautiful girls…" Issei's eyes lit up, his fighting spirit rekindled.
"I'll train! I'll become a High-class Devil—I'll become the Harem King!" He began devouring his breakfast with renewed vigor.
The others laughed, except for Asia, who glared at him jealously.
Seeing her reaction—they laughed even harder.
After breakfast, they resumed their training.
This time—it wasn't just Issei.
While he sparred with Yuuto, Mika trained with Koneko.
Under their rigorous training, everyone grows stronger each day.
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