Chapter 264 Career Guidance with Belial

That night, after the new student council members were officially announced, a celebration party was held to congratulate Xenovia on becoming student council president. As usual, everyone had finished their devil-related work late, so it was already deep into the night. Kiryuu, who had contributed significantly to Xenovia’s election campaign, unfortunately couldn’t attend due to other commitments.

Well, it would’ve been difficult to suddenly send her home that late anyway, or to arrange an overnight stay without proper explanation to her parents. And if she had prior plans, there was nothing to be done.

At the party’s final highlight, everyone turned their attention to the TV tuned to the Underworld broadcast channel, preparing to watch the “Emperor Belial Ten Battles Series,” the match between Riser and the reigning champion, Diehauser Belial.

At that moment, someone casually walked into the room. “Yo. Are you guys having fun yet?”

“Sensei! What are you doing here at this hour? And more importantly, that’s not how a teacher should greet students!” Issei immediately fired off his usual complaint at Azazel-sensei’s completely inappropriate entrance.

“What’s this? Just juice and snacks? Tch. At times like this, students are supposed to sneak alcohol or smoke fake cigarettes behind the teacher’s back, that’s what makes youth exciting.”

No, we’re perfectly capable of having fun without delinquency. And besides, there’s another teacher in the room, you know?

As expected, Rossweisse stood up with a sharp expression. “Azazel-sensei! Please refrain from encouraging students toward delinquent behavior!”

“Oh, how stiff. This is education too. Kids grow into refined adults by learning a bit of corruption along the way.”

“That’s not education! There’s a difference between learning and actively throwing yourself into it!” As always, it wasn’t so much a debate as Rossweisse unilaterally scolding him. A familiar sight for all of us.

Rias then spoke up. “So, Azazel. What brings you here? The match is about to start.”

“Ah, right. I actually just finished something. I used that Holy Grail fragment Strada gave me to create a new item.”

“An item?” Everyone’s attention sharpened instantly.

“Yeah. In theory, it should be able to awaken Gasper’s princess, Valerie Tepes.” The room went silent.

Gasper immediately lunged forward. “V-Valerie!? I-is that true, sensei!?”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself. This involves both a Longinus and a Holy Grail fragment. I can’t guarantee 100% success, but I put everything I’ve got into it. So? You coming to see it?”

“Yes!” Azazel may not have absolute certainty, but when it came to research, he never cut corners. If he said he put everything into it, then he truly did. Naturally, Gasper’s answer was immediate.

Rias began organizing everyone. “Then we should head to Grigori right away, ah!” She stopped mid-sentence and turned toward Ravel. Valerie’s awakening was urgent, yes, but Ravel also had a duty: supporting her brother Riser in his return match. “Ravel, shouldn’t you stay and support your brother’s match?”

“I-I’m fine, Rias! I can watch the recording later, a-and I already know the result anyway.” Her eyes kept flicking toward the screen. She clearly wanted to stay, but hesitated.

Gasper gently took her hand and shook his head. Then he smiled. “Thank you, Ravel. But it’s okay. Please go support Riser-san. Azazel-sensei is trustworthy in situations like this.” Gasper had chosen to prioritize each other’s “family.” Ravel’s family, and Gasper’s family.

“Hey, Gasper. You just casually implied I’m usually untrustworthy, didn’t you?” Azazel muttered, but nobody responded.

I stepped in. “Then I’ll stay here too. And Kuroka as well.”

“Me too, nya.” We hadn’t even properly met Valerie before. It would be better for introductions later after she awakens. Besides, if Ravel and Valerie met us right away, it would just be confusing.

“I’ll stay as well,” I added. “It’s fine, right, Kuroka?”

“Yeah, no problem nya.”

Then, “I, stay too?”

“No, Ophis. The Grigori facility isn’t a place you can go this time.” Ophis was too high-profile. Even Azazel’s base couldn’t just host her casually. So in the end, the group split up.

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Meanwhile, the match between Riser Phenex and Diehauser Belial had already begun. It wasn’t a time-limit exhibition. It was a straightforward, head-on battle with only minor restrictions on the reigning champion. The fight progressed quickly. Riser’s queen, Yubelluna, was engaged by Belial’s servants, allowing Riser to advance alone.

“Riser Phenex’s Queen has retired!” BOOM. The announcement echoed through the field. Riser’s fiery wings carried him forward as he confirmed there were no pursuers.

Well done, Yubelluna. Even if we were held back, half a year ago we wouldn’t have reached this far. He turned his gaze forward toward the unseen presence of the Emperor. My retainers, I will respond to your devotion by reaching that man myself. And so Riser advanced alone.

He looks like a main character. Even Ravel, sitting beside me, had tears in her eyes. “My brother, you’ve grown so much.”

But I knew what came next. Because I knew the story. And that knowledge sat like a stone in my chest. If I interfere, maybe I could prevent it. But I didn’t act. I chose not to speak. That decision, I have to carry it.

Riser stepped into the depths of the cave and then both kings vanished from the game field.

…..