There was naturally nothing much to say after that. By the time Duanmu Huai woke up from a nap, Rias's peerage had already won the first match of the Ranking Competition.
Duanmu Huai's summoning list had also unlocked another slot. He had done absolutely nothing throughout the entire process and could be said to have won purely by lying down.
If only every victory could be this easy.
But as for whom to summon next... Duanmu Huai really couldn't make up his mind, so he went to discuss it with Mary. After all, Mary had been with him for quite some time—or rather, because of the Gold Eye's special trait, he had taken her with him everywhere ever since recruiting her. Thus, Mary was the most familiar with the people around him.
"The next one?"
Hearing Duanmu Huai's question, Mary wore a somewhat troubled expression.
"Although it may sound unpleasant to say this, shouldn't we summon Miss Ann and Okegis over?"
"I plan to leave them until the end. They have special means of enhancement, so there's no need to rush."
Duanmu Huai shook his head. Soul Cards were not his primary targets for enhancement this time. His current goal was to make up for his weaknesses, not to strengthen what was already strong.
"I see, but I'm worried they might throw a tantrum..."
"Hmm? Why?"
"Er... nothing."
Mary gave a light cough and quickly changed the subject.
"Currently, the only chess pieces Teacher Duanmu is using are my 'Queen' and Miss Rumiere's 'Rook', right?"
"That's right."
Duanmu Huai nodded. His summoning list had been unlocked three times, and he had used two chess pieces. Frieren was not among them. The reason was simple: his primary purpose in summoning her was to have her teach the Human Magic System. He