Chapter 48: Spectator
The power of Devils is so versatile...' thought Vahn, sitting next to Asia in the Student Council Room, populated by a bunch of floating displays that reminded him of Throne. Sona and Tsubaki could control what was shown on each with a simple thought, and by making minute gestures with their right index fingers and thumbs, they could freely control the size, field of view, and color range of each display.
"I hope Rias-sama and the others come out of this okay..." muttered Asia, squeezing Vahn's left hand and resting her head against his shoulder as she softly appended, "If I had joined Rias-sama's Peerage as a Bishop, I could have protected and healed them..."
"They'll be fine," affirmed Vahn, his gaze focused on the central display, showing Rias strategizing with Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, and Issei. In place of their Kuoh Academy uniforms, Rias was wearing a black dress that made her look like a Demon Queen, Akeno was sporting a B-Rank version of her Shrine Maiden outfit, Koneko was modeling her Brawler's Secret set, Kiba was still in uniform but had a silvery-white breastplate and gauntlets, and Issei, since Tsubasa thought it made him look manly, was wearing a black and silver-studded leather jacket over his usual red t-shirt. He also had a red fingerless glove on his right hand to match his Boosted Gear, leather pants, and, to balance things out, a red belt and black, red-soled combat boots.
'I shouldn't have to rely on others to protect those I care about, but I'm counting on you, Issei-san...' thought Vahn, his expression gaining a hint of severity as Grayfia's voice echoed from each of the displays, explaining the rules and victory conditions to the viewers. During this, Riser ordered the members of his Peerage, five of which had been gathered around him, clinging to his body, to mobilize, clearly planning to take full advantage of the numbers he had at his disposal by capturing and occupying every key objective before the members of the ORC had a chance to depart the Old School Building...
Seeing Riser's Peerage move into position in groups of two to four, Vahn, though he knew it would be cheating, wished he could inform Rias what was happening. Fortunately, while Riser's Peerage had the advantage in numbers, the ORC was far more familiar with the terrain and layout of the Academy. To secure their base, the Old School Building, Rias had Koneko and Kiba leave to scout and set up traps in the surrounding forest, aided by their Familiars, while Akeno spent several minutes weaving an illusory barrier. In the meantime, Issei sent Munemaru to scout out the gym while he hung back with Rias, relaying what he saw while she sat calmly at her replicated desk.
'She's so calm...' thought Vahn, feeling a great sense of admiration as he observed Rias calmly administering orders through the tiny motes of light everyone had placed in their ears to stay in communication. She didn't appear even a little concerned by the fact they were outnumbered, and as more than half of Riser's Peerage was idling about, chatting away, the Old School Building became progressively more fortified.
Feeling increasingly confident, Vahn nodded and gently squeezed Asia's slightly cold hand, asserting, "They have a plan, and they've trained hard for this. We just need to trust in Rias—in all of them..."
"I know..." muttered Asia, turning and looking up at Vahn with her large, innocent eyes full of concern as she reiterated, "I just wish I could help more. I hate feeling so...helpless..."
"I understand completely..." sighed Vahn, his expression softening as he turned to stare at the largest display, adding, "Even with all my power and abilities, I'm stuck here, powerless to do anything but cheer them on. But, sometimes, just being here—believing in them—is enough. We may not be fighting alongside them, but they know we're watching, sharing the same tension, and praying for their victory. And no matter the outcome, we will be here to welcome them back and heal their wounds..."