Comprehensive Manga: The Master is not here today.

It's really a bad luck.

I accidentally hit the wall...

At this moment, they realized that the power possessed by Shiroyasha was far beyond their current capabilities. Even problem children like Izayoi Sakamaki felt cold sweats breaking out on their backs.

"Such a vast land is just the base of the game...?"

"Yes."

Shiroyasha opened his arms, and the sea of ​​clouds on the other side of the horizon immediately parted, revealing the sun emitting a faint light.

"So, what is your answer?"

She laughed with amusement:

"If you choose [Challenge], I will just play a little with you. However, if you want [Duel], that's another matter. As a demon king, I should also fight with my life and honor, right?"

"Ugh...!"

It was as if Izayoi Sakamaki and the others had been dealt a fatal blow. They could no longer maintain their original calm attitude and were unable to respond for a long time.

Seeing the arrogant problem children being humiliated one after another, Bai Yasha revealed a smile full of evil taste and waited quietly for their replies.

finally--

"…I've been outmaneuvered. I surrender, Shiroyasha."

After a brief silence, Izayoi Sakamaki gave a reluctant bitter smile and slowly raised his hands to show that he gave up.

"Oh? You mean you don't want to duel, but accept the test?"

"Since you can prepare such an amazing game board, you are qualified... Well, I will shut up and allow you to test it this time, Demon Lord."

"...Well, I can let you test it today, too."

"Same as above."

Looking at the three problem children in front of him with frustrated expressions, and their awkward submission, and saying something quite cute like "You are allowed to take the test" in a fit of anger, Bai Yasha couldn't help but burst into laughter, holding his belly.

Black Rabbit, who was standing by, finally breathed a sigh of relief, then complained angrily:

“Really, really! Whether it’s the newcomer who challenges the [Class Ruler] or the [Class Ruler] who accepts the newcomer’s challenge, both sides should show some restraint!”

"Can't you, these problem children, learn a little from Ritsuka-sama standing beside you!?"

“…Huh? What’s wrong?”

When his name was suddenly called, Fujimaru Ritsuka came back to his senses from his thoughts, with a somewhat confused expression.

Seeing this, Bai Yasha also looked over, stroking his chin and said:

"As a newcomer to the same community, it's not okay to be so out of tune. Why don't you come too..."

"...No, let's just forget it, right?"

"?"

Although he didn't understand what happened to them before, Fujimaru Ritsuka was very upset about Baiyasha's erratic behavior:

"What do you mean, are you going to take the initiative to take the lead in ostracizing me?"

"Of course not."

Bai Yasha helplessly spread his hands and smiled:

"Because they chose the [Challenge], wouldn't it be meaningless if they let you join in?"

"Tsk——" x3

The three problem children showed resentful expressions after being stepped on again for no apparent reason, but since they had surrendered voluntarily, they had no way to refute it and could only bury the shame deep in their hearts with gritted teeth.

But at the same time, they also read another meaning from Bai Yasha's words——

If Fujimaru Ritsuka could join their team, would they be qualified to [duel] with Hakuyasha?

Thinking of this, they once again looked sideways at Fujimaru Ritsuka, and couldn't help but begin to wonder in their hearts how strong the other party was.

"I said……"

Seeing this, Fujimaru Ritsuka said to Baiyasha helplessly:

"This is obviously the first time we've met, right? Why do I feel like you and I have a grudge against each other, and you're going to blow me to death?"

"Hahaha, sorry sorry!"

Seeing the insincere smile on the other person's face, Fujimaru Ritsuka sighed helplessly, unable to do anything about it.

In order to express his apology, Baiyasha decided to abandon his previous prejudice and let Fujimaru Ritsuka join the challenge game, and then announced the content of the game -

"The opponent you are going to challenge... well, that guy."

The next moment, a sharp cry, like the cry of a wild beast or a bird, came from the distant mountains.

Bai Yasha waved at the mountains on the other side of the lake, and a huge animal that was probably five meters long spread its wings and glided in the air, appearing in front of the three people like a whirlwind.

Seeing the animal with the wings of a vulture and the lower body of a lion in front of him, Kasugabe Yō, who had been acting very calm, suddenly let out an unusual cry of surprise and joy.

"Griffin!?"

"Hehe, that's right. This guy is the king of birds and beasts. He also possesses all the qualities of [strength], [wisdom], and [courage], and is an animal that can represent the Gift Game."

Not only Izayoi Sakamaki and others, but even Ritsuka Fujimaru looked at the griffin in front of him that saluted Shiroyasha with some curiosity.

It may sound counter-intuitive, but on her way to saving humanity, she had fought many famous monsters from legends, but she had never seen the famous griffin.

The only griffin-related animals she had ever come into contact with were probably Astolfo's mount, the Hippogriff, and the super-giant Hippogriff doll that he gave her.

The griffin has the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, while the hippo has the head of an eagle and the body of a horse. Not only do they look very similar, but they are also related by blood.

The Hippogriff is a mythical beast born from a griffin and a mare.

According to legend, the griffin's favorite food is horses, so the union of a griffin and a horse is considered impossible. However, the Hippogriff, as the offspring of the two, is regarded as a symbol of "miracle" and "love."

"As for the game content..."

Bai Yasha took out the card with the double goddess pattern, and then a glowing parchment appeared in the air that could only be used by those with [Sponsor Authority]. She moved her snow-white fingers to write on the parchment.

"Gift game name: [Griffin's Reins]

List of contestants:

Fujimaru Ritsuka, Izayoi Sakamaki, Kuon Asuka, Kasukabe Yo

Cracking conditions:

Ride on the back of a griffin and fly in the air above the lake.

Cracking method:

Gain the recognition of the Griffin with one of [Strength], [Wisdom], and [Courage].

Losing conditions:

Surrender, or when a contestant is unable to achieve the above victory conditions.

Oath: Respect the above contents, hold the Gift Game in the name of honor, flag and organizer's authority.

Thousand Eyes Seal

"Is this the official gift game?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others gathered together, carefully examining the contents of the parchment with a look of curiosity. The moment they finished reading, Kasukabe Yō raised his right hand with all his strength, as if he was afraid that someone would preempt him. He said:

"I'll challenge you!"

Seeing that Kasugabe Yō, who had been acting indifferent until now, had burst into a rare enthusiasm, the other three looked at each other and could only obey him and give up the right to challenge for the number one spot.

"OK, I'll let you be the vanguard, but don't fail, okay?"

"Be careful, Kasukabe-san."

"Well, I'll do my best."

Under the gaze of everyone, Kasukabe Yō stepped forward and began to negotiate with the Griffinmon.

"Can I ride on your back and let's bet on 'dignity' to see who's better?"

For the proud Griffinmon, "Dignity as a bet" was indeed the most effective provocation, but what everyone did not expect was——

"I'll risk my life."

Kasukabe Yō said so.