Day 50 of Training (Equivalent to 5 real-world days)
The change was noticeable.
Rias no longer fired destructive spheres like cannonballs. Now her attacks were precise laser beams that could slice through hair-thin targets while moving at impossible speeds. Even more impressive, she had learned to create "kill zones" – areas where anything that entered was automatically disintegrated.
"Excellent, Rias," I commented as she maintained three zones simultaneously while dodging attacks. "Now try creating a moving zone."
-Mobile?
—A zone of destruction that you can direct toward your enemy, instead of waiting for them to come toward you.
His eyes lit up with understanding, and moments later, a semi-transparent sphere of destructive energy floated following his hand movements.
In Kiba's area, the change was even more dramatic. He was no longer limited to traditional swords. He had created a "Probability Sword" that existed in multiple positions at once, making it impossible to predict where he would strike from. His latest creation was a "Time Sword" that could strike the enemy a second before being swung.
"Interesting concept," I said, watching him defeat twenty holographic opponents without any of them being able to touch him. "But have you considered a sword that cuts concepts instead of matter?"
—Concepts?
—A sword that severs the connection between cause and effect. Or between a mage and his magic. Or between a demon and his regeneration.
I saw the exact moment his mind exploded with possibilities.
Koneko had progressed from brute force to something that could only be described as a lethal martial art. Her movements now had a feline fluidity, and she had learned to use ki not only to enhance her attacks, but to sense her enemy's intentions before they acted.
"Your technique has improved dramatically," I told her as she defeated an opponent three times her size without using more strength than necessary. "But there's a level beyond physical combat."
-Which?
—Spiritual combat. Attacking not only the body, but the soul itself.
His golden eyes focused intensely.
—Can you show me that?
—I can. But it requires you to understand not only how to fight, but why you're fighting.
Akeno had completely transcended her previous limitations. She no longer created just lightning; she created entire storms that obeyed her will. Rain that burned like acid, wind that cut like blades, and lightning that could change direction mid-flight.
"Impressive elemental control," I observed as she created a miniature hurricane that followed her commands with military precision. "But what about elements that don't exist naturally?"
—Like what?
I smiled and extended my hand. Black flames appeared, but they radiated no heat. Instead, everything they touched grew colder.
—Cold fire. Solid water that isn't ice. Wind that pushes inward rather than outward. The elements are just the beginning, Akeno. The real magic lies in redefining the rules of how they work.
But the most impressive change was in Issei.
The boy who had relied entirely on harnessing his brute strength now orchestrated battles like a chess master. He had learned to use Boosted Gear not only to boost his own power, but also to drain the enemy's power, redistribute energy among allies, and even "boost" abstract concepts like the speed of time or the accuracy of attacks.
— The boy has exceeded my expectations — Ddraig commented as we watched Issei lead a mock battle against impossible odds and win using pure strategy.
"I had potential from the start," I replied. "I just needed to learn to think before I act."
—And now? Do you think they're ready for Riser?
I looked at the group training. Five people who less than two months ago were promising rookies, now moving with the precision and power of war veterans.
—Almost. But there's one more lesson they need to learn.
I snapped my fingers, and all training stopped.
—Central meeting! Now!
They all approached, sweaty but with a confidence in their movements that they hadn't had before.
"You've made admirable progress," I began. "Individually, each of you could take on High-Class Devils and win. But there's a difference between being strong individually and being a lethal team."
"What do you mean?" Rias asked.
—Perfect coordination. Synchronized combat. The ability to fight as one mind in five bodies.
The field transformed again. This time, five holographic enemies appeared, each clearly designed to counter a specific enemy's abilities.
"Your final challenge," I announced. "These opponents know exactly how to fight each of you individually. Your only option is to work together in ways you've never attempted before."
"What if we lose?" Kiba asked.
—Then we spend another two months training, and Rias marries Riser.
The silence was absolute.
"But if they win..." I continued. "I'll consider them ready to show the world what it means to face a team coached by a Demon King."
The ensuing battle was a symphony of coordinated destruction.
Rias created moving destruction zones that didn't attempt to touch the enemies, but instead directed them toward the exact positions where Kiba could attack with his Conceptual Swords. Koneko used her newfound mastery of spiritual combat to weaken the enemy's defenses just as Akeno unleashed impossible storms that channeled perfectly around her allies without touching them.
But it was Issei who coordinated everything. Using the Boosted Gear in ways Ddraig had never considered, he redistributed power among the entire team in real time, boosting Rias's attacks as they connected, accelerating Kiba's speed when he needed to position himself, strengthening Koneko's defenses when she was on the receiving end of attacks, and amplifying Akeno's elemental control when she created complex effects.
In less than three minutes, all five "impossible" opponents were defeated.
" Extraordinary ," Ddraig muttered. "I've never seen Boosted Gear used as a gear booster."
—Because I've never had a wielder who understood that true power doesn't come from being the strongest, but from making everyone around you stronger too.
I approached the group, who were panting but smiling triumphantly.
—Congratulations. Officially, you're no longer students. You're warriors.
"Does that mean we're ready for Riser?" Akeno asked.
—It means Riser should start writing his will.
Day 60 of Training - The Final Revelation
"There's something else you need to know before we finish," I said, gathering the group together one last time. "Something about Riser Phenex that probably no one has told you."
"What?" Rias asked, her concern growing.
—He's stronger than he looks. Much stronger.
-What are you talking about?
—Phenex are known for their regeneration, yes. But what few people know is that Riser isn't just a demon with phoenix powers. He's a true phoenix who chose demonic form.
The group exchanged worried glances.
—That means his regeneration isn't just quick healing. It's literal resurrection. As long as he has enough magical power, he can return from death itself.
"So... how do we defeat him?" Issei asked.
I smiled with an expression that made everyone involuntarily step back.
—They don't defeat him. They crush him so completely that his pride never recovers, even if his body does.
—And how do we do that?
"Easy." My smile turned absolutely terrifying. "They show him that his entire life has been a lie. That his power, his lineage, his superiority... everything is insignificant compared to what you have achieved."
—But he's still more powerful...
—Is it? Rias, can you create a destruction zone that cancels regeneration magic?
She considered it.
—I think... I think so.
—Kiba, can you create a sword that cuts the connection between a phoenix and its resurrection power?
His eyes lit up.
—A sword that cuts mystical ties... yes, definitely.
—Koneko, can you directly attack his life force instead of his physical body?
She nodded slowly.
—If it's what I think it is... yes.
—Akeno, can you create a storm that drains magic power instead of just causing damage?
—A storm that absorbs energy... interesting. Yeah, I can try it.
—And Issei, can you use the Boosted Gear to amplify not only power, but also the enemy's weaknesses?
—Amplify weaknesses?
—If you can leverage strengths, you can also leverage weaknesses. Make their insecurities paralyzing, their fears overwhelming, their doubts certain.
— That's... devilishly brilliant — Ddraig commented.
—I'm a Demon King, Ddraig. "Devilishly brilliant" is in the job description.
I turned to the whole group.
—Do you understand now? You're not going to win this Rating Game with power alone. You're going to win it by proving that you're better than Riser in every aspect: strategy, coordination, creativity, and determination.
"What if it's still not enough?" Rias asked.
My expression turned completely serious.
—Then I'll intervene personally. And believe me, none of you want to see what happens when a Demon King decides someone has hurt his family.
The word "family" echoed in the air, and I watched as everyone realized that was exactly what they had become to me.
"Now," I said, returning to my normal tone, "I think it's time to leave this training space and remind the world why it should fear when a Demon King decides to train disciples."
With a final click, the training ground vanished, and we returned to the occult club classroom.
Exactly six hours had passed in the real world. But the people who left the training weren't the same people who had entered.
They were something much more dangerous.
They were my legacy.