The Limitless Curse (Rewrite taking over the original story)

Chapter 27: The Wildcard's Gambit

"Of course," Y/N replied, grinning. "You want me to 'stay focused' and 'work together.' Got it."

"Why do I feel like you're mocking me?"

"Probably because I am."

Issei, trying to diffuse the tension, chimed in. "Don't worry, Buchou! I'll make sure this guy doesn't slack off!"

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

Issei faltered, scratching the back of his head. "Uh... I'll think of something."

Koneko's flat voice cut through. "You won't."

Akeno chuckled. "Shall we get started before they kill each other?"

The Match Begins

The Sitri team opened strong, immediately taking control of the battlefield with their precise coordination. Sona's tactical brilliance was on full display as her knights and rooks moved in perfect sync, forcing the Gremory peerage onto the defensive.

Kiba darted across the field, engaging in a high-speed duel with one of Sona's knights. Akeno rained lightning from above, her graceful movements commanding the skies. Meanwhile, Issei charged headfirst into battle, his Boosted Gear glowing as he squared off against Saji.

Y/N watched the chaos unfold from a distance, leaning casually against a wall. To him, this was more entertaining than anything else—a chess game played by two brilliant minds, with everyone else acting as pieces.

Saji, after breaking away from Issei, spotted Y/N standing idly. "You're not even trying, are you?"

Y/N smirked. "Trying? Against you? Nah, I don't think that's necessary."

"Cocky, aren't you?"

"Observant, aren't you?" Y/N replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Saji growled and lashed out with his Absorption Line, but Y/N sidestepped effortlessly, catching the line in one hand. With a quick, fluid motion, he yanked Saji forward and delivered a spinning back kick to his chest, sending him flying.

Saji landed with a grunt, glaring up at Y/N. "Damn it..."

"Nice try," Y/N said casually, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder. "But you're out of your league."

As the game progressed, the Gremory peerage began to adapt to Sona's tactics. Kiba exploited a gap in their formation, taking out one of her rooks, while Akeno's lightning strikes forced their bishop into a corner.

Even Issei managed to land a decisive blow, much to everyone's surprise.

Y/N, however, remained unpredictable. He darted in and out of the battlefield, dealing minor blows to the opponents with quick, brutal efficiency before retreating to the shadows leaving the finish up to the ORC. His presence was a constant wild card, disrupting Sona's carefully crafted strategies.

The game ended with a dramatic showdown between Rias and Sona. Their mutual respect and rivalry were evident as they faced off, their powers clashing in a brilliant display of magic.

When the dust settled, it was Rias who stood victorious.

"You fought well," Sona said, shaking her rival's hand.

"You pushed us to our limits," Rias replied with a smile.

Y/N, leaning against a tree nearby, clapped slowly. "Bravo. Truly an epic battle for the ages."

Sona adjusted her glasses, giving him a sharp look. "You're as sarcastic as ever, I see."

"Comes naturally," Y/N replied with a grin.

Aftermath

As the team celebrated their victory, Y/N slipped away from the group, his thoughts drifting. The Anti-Spiral's voice echoed in his mind, cold and calculating.

"You're toying with their lives, Y/N. Do you think this charade will bring you closer to your goal?"

Y/N's smirk faded as he stared into the distance. That's none of your concern. I'll do what I need to—on my own terms.

To Be Continued...