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Page 178
It's Sazex.
He remained seated there, his face expressionless, calmly watching the unconscious Riesel.
"Duke Heath Ledger, it seems your son is seriously injured. Rias went a bit too far."
These words sounded like a reassuring remark, but to Heath Ledger, they were nothing short of the sharpest mockery.
What do you mean by "going a little too far"?
This is clearly showing off!
He boasted that his Gremory daughter could beat the Phoenix heir to a pulp!
Heath Ledger's fists clenched so tightly under the table that they cracked, his nails digging deep into his palms.
He looked up, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace.
"Lord Sazex, you flatter me. It's normal for young people to get a little heated in a competition. It was my son Riser who lost because he wasn't skilled enough, so he has no one to blame but himself."
The deathly silence in the room was broken, and whispers began to rise.
"I never expected... the Gremory family's little princess was so well hidden."
"That wasn't hiding her true abilities; it was a complete transformation! Did you see that punch she used at the end? What was that? It was like a savage warrior! Completely unlike a young lady who uses magic."
"I'm more interested in the items she has than that. That ring, and that gear array that can neutralize magic... When did the Gremory family acquire such resources?"
"I heard... she's been getting very close to a human of unknown origin lately."
"Humans? Are you kidding me! Humans could produce magical artifacts of that level?"
These whispers, though not loud, were like steel needles piercing Heath Ledger's heart.
Rias's strength has completely exceeded everyone's expectations.
This ranking game, which should have been a sure thing for the Phoenix family to use to demonstrate their family prestige, has now become a huge joke.
The Phoenix family became the stepping stone for the Gremory heiress's rise to fame!
This is not just a personal failure for Riesel, but a great disgrace to the entire Phoenix family!
They prepared meticulously, thinking it was a lion hunting a rabbit, but instead, they were kicked to the ground by the rabbit.
Whether it's Rias's endless stream of mysterious gadgets or her ferocious and unreasonable close-combat skills, they all clearly tell all the demons present—never underestimate a girl who wants to break free from the shackles of an engagement; the determination and price she can pay for it far exceed your imagination.
Leval Phoenix, standing next to Heath Ledger, also looked extremely grim.
He looked at his good-for-nothing younger brother, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes, but more so a sense of solemnity.
He whispered to his father.
“Father, the eldest daughter of the Gremory family has strange physical skills; it’s not just simple strength. Moreover, the person who provided her with the tools… we must reassess his threat level.”
Heath Ledger did not respond to his son's words; he simply stared intently at Sazex, awaiting the final verdict from the evil lord.
Sazex finally looked away, picked up his glass, and took a small sip.
"Rias's growth truly makes me, as her older brother, feel very gratified."
He smiled and looked at Heath Ledger.
"However, this ranking game doesn't seem to be over yet."
Sazex's words brought everyone's attention back into focus.
"According to the rules, the game ends when one side's [King] leaves the field. But if both sides agree, another exhibition match can be held."
His gaze passed over everyone, seemingly piercing through the barriers of space, and landed on the observation room where Zhou Ye was.
"I am very interested in Rias's friend and his retinue."
Sazex looked at Heath Ledger, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
"Duke Heath Ledger, what do you think? Is the Phoenix family willing to go all the way and let us enjoy an even more exciting duel?"
This was no longer a question; it was a choice laid bare before Heath Ledger.
reject?
That would be tantamount to admitting that the Phoenix team was scared and didn't even have the courage to fight another game, which would be even more shameful than losing the game.
accept?
The opponent's strength is unfathomable. Even Rias could be trained like that. Heaven knows what kind of monsters they will face.
But Heath Ledger had no way out.
The honor of the Phoenix family will not allow him to retreat even a single step!
He slowly stood up, a trace of color returning to his ashen face, his eyes burning with the flames of revenge.
"Since Your Majesty the Demon King has such an interest, our Phoenix family will gladly oblige!"
His gaze shifted to Leval beside him.
"Leval, go and prepare."
"Yes, father."
Leval bowed and accepted the order, then turned and left, his eyes filled with a chilling fighting spirit.
Chapter 147 Help me place the bet, I'll bet on myself to win.
The atmosphere in the broadcast room, where the live commentary was being provided, suddenly became tense.
Cangnasidi, the student council president known for his calmness and wisdom, couldn't help but narrow his eyes behind his intellectual glasses when he saw the new match list in his hand.
Her attendant, Tsubaki Shinra, instinctively straightened her back, her expression revealing undisguised astonishment.
"Next match, an exhibition match..." Sona's voice was low, carrying an incomprehensible scrutiny, "Zhou Ye, against Leval Phoenix?"
are you crazy?
Have the Phoenix family gone mad?
The crushing defeat of Riesle Phoenix is still fresh in our minds. The humiliating scene of being utterly overwhelmed by pure violence, without even having a chance to use "Phoenix's Tears," has just ended.
Now, they're even going to send up the real elite of the family, Raisel's brother, Leval Phoenix.
Is this a case of not having lost face enough, and now they're deliberately offering up their other cheek to be slapped as well?
"President, this..." Shinra Tsubaki hesitated, completely unable to understand the Phoenix family's actions.
This is no longer just acting out of spite; it's a high-stakes gamble using the family's reputation.
"I see."
Cang Na adjusted his glasses, quickly suppressing his emotions and regaining his professionalism as a commentator.
"Let's get ready for the live commentary."
She has seen through it all.
This was not the Phoenix family's foolishness, but rather the Demon King Sazex's open scheme and the Phoenix family's desperate struggle with no other choice.
They had nowhere left to retreat.
……
On the other side, Rias, who had just finished the battle, was surrounded by her familiars.
The joy of victory washed over her, making her feel lighter than ever before.
She won.
With her own fists, she smashed the engagement that had plagued her for years to pieces!
This feeling is far more exhilarating and real than using magic to blast away opponents!
"Minister, you were so cool just now!" Kiba Yuto exclaimed sincerely.
"Minister, you're amazing." Kitten Toujou Shirayune rarely said more than a few words, her eyes filled with pure admiration.
Rias smiled and was about to say something when she saw Zhou Ye and his group walking towards her from around the corner of the corridor ahead.
Her heart skipped a beat for no reason.
"Ye, where are you all going?"
Rias took the initiative to go to him. She still smelled of gunpowder from the battle, but her eyes were so soft and tender when she looked at Zhou Ye.
Zhou Ye stopped in his tracks. Behind him, Saeko Busujima, Nami, Gilgamesh, and the others also stood still. The invisible pressure made Rias's familiars subconsciously tense up.
"Oh, nothing serious."
Zhou Ye's tone was so calm, as if he were saying, "Just going out to take out the trash."
"The Phoenix family felt one game wasn't enough and insisted on playing another exhibition game."
He shrugged.
"So, we'll go and play with them. Our opponent is Leval Phoenix."
what? !
Before Rias could react, Himejima Akeno, who was standing beside her, showed a drastic change in her usually gentle smile for the first time.
"Leval?!"
Zhu Nai's voice changed tone.
"Is it Leval Phoenix, the one known as the 'prodigy of the Phoenix family'?!"
Unlike his younger brother Riser, who relies on his immortality to cause trouble everywhere, Leval is a recognized genius in the Phoenix family. He is strong, mature, and enjoys a high reputation among the younger generation of demons.
Letting him play is a completely different matter from the farce we just witnessed!
"Ye, this is too dangerous for Leval..."
Before Zhu Nai could finish speaking, a hand patted her shoulder lightly.
It's Zhou Ye.
He looked at Zhu Nai's worried face and gave her a reassuring smile.