The Strongest Eriri in History

Hisako Arato, Alice Nakiri, and the others were ordinary people. While they were excellent chefs, they still fell far short compared to Aoi Kujo and Erina Nakiri.

Neither their cooking speed nor the quality of their dishes could compare, especially since Aoi and Erina had incorporated their transcendent abilities into their culinary skills.

As for Momo, she continued to assist Aoi Kujo as usual. Although her culinary skills had improved significantly with her recent training, she still lagged slightly behind Alice Nakiri and the others.

The other volunteers who had come along to assist could only handle prep work. Their skills were nowhere near the same level as Aoi and her peers.

Finally, with everyone working together, an extraordinarily lavish lunch was prepared in no time.

Once the meal was ready, Eriri transported everyone scattered throughout the city to the dining hall near the kitchen.

The dining hall was exquisitely designed and spacious enough to accommodate everyone. Four wide dining tables, each about two meters wide and over ten meters long, were arranged parallel to one another in the center of the hall, occupying only the middle portion of the room.

The tables were covered with elegant white tablecloths, and each side of the long tables was lined with soft, comfortable chairs.

Soon, the previously quiet dining hall became lively and bustling, filled with chatter and laughter echoing throughout the space.

"Eh? Furuhashi-san, what's going on? Why did we suddenly end up here?"

"Ah, it's you again."

"Hmph, spatial transfer, is it? To think I didn't sense it at all..."

The sudden relocation left many attendees bewildered. Those who had already experienced the transcendent world and knew Eriri well were unfazed, accustomed to such phenomena.

However, for ordinary people encountering the transcendent world for the first time, it was an incredible experience.

For example, Mafuyu Kirisu and Saki Miyanaga found themselves captivated by the novelty, unable to contain their curiosity and admiration for the transcendent world.

Amid the buzz of conversation, a crisp clapping sound echoed through the room, immediately drawing everyone's attention to Eriri, who was gently clapping her hands. The hall quickly fell silent.

In such a noisy environment, a clap that wasn't particularly sharp or loud wouldn't ordinarily attract attention. However, since everyone's gaze had already been subtly drawn to Eriri, the moment she clapped, all eyes instinctively turned to her.

"Ladies and gentlemen, lunch is ready! Please feel free to find a seat and enjoy the meal," Eriri announced with a bright smile.

Her radiant expression instantly sent waves of excitement through many in attendance.

After saying this, Eriri set an example by leading those around her to the central position of one of the long tables and sitting down.

The others naturally found seats without any disputes over seating arrangements. Everyone sat with people they were familiar with or friends they had just made that day. Sitting on either side of Eriri were Miss Sayuri and Arifureta.

Meanwhile, Shinobu, Gabriel, and others took seats across from or beside Eriri and her companions. Luo Hao and Elaina, who had arrived alone, also sat near Eriri.

Eriri's position was undoubtedly the focal point of the dining hall.

Once everyone was seated, Eriri raised her hand again, bringing the bustling dining hall to silence.

"Welcome, everyone, to the first Martial Arts Tournament hosted by our chat group," Eriri's clear and melodious voice echoed through the hall. "There are many new faces here today. Everyone comes from different worlds, and it's truly fate that we can all gather here. So, let's get along well over the next few days."

Her words were met with warm responses and smiles from everyone present.

"Alright, I won't keep talking. Let's start lunch. Feel free to relax—there's no need to be formal. Treat this like you're at home," Eriri added with a bright smile.

As soon as Eriri finished speaking, Aoi Kujo stood up from her seat and waved her hand.

In an instant, the dishes stored in her storage ring were evenly distributed across all the tables, filling the dining hall with an enticing aroma.

At one corner of the first table, five members from the Saki: The Nationals (Saki Zenkoku-hen) world were seated.

"Mmm, President, this food is amazing! It's even better than tacos," the petite Yuuki Kataoka exclaimed as she devoured the food in front of her, her face glowing with happiness. "Coming here with Nodoka-chan was the best decision ever. I'm so satisfied!"

"Yeah, I've never had anything this delicious before. This truly is another world," said Hisa Takei, the red-haired and red-eyed president, in awe.

She then glanced at Nodoka Haramura across from her and asked curiously, "By the way, Nodoka, are you planning to participate in the martial arts tournament?"

Her question immediately drew the attention of the others. Yuuki even paused her eating, looking at Nodoka with curiosity.

The short-haired, adorable Saki Miyanaga spoke up hesitantly, "Um… a martial arts tournament… wouldn't that be dangerous?"

"It shouldn't be. If they're hosting such an event, they must have prepared adequate safety measures," Mako Someya, adjusting her glasses, said confidently, her green hair framing her calm expression.

"Yes, Eriri said that after each match, both participants would be restored to their optimal condition," Nodoka confirmed with a nod.

"However, I'm not planning to participate. Initially, I thought about joining just to get a consolation prize, but I've decided against it.

"I don't really need the points right now, and I have no combat skills at all. Even if I join, I'd just end up at the bottom. I think I'll wait for the next martial arts tournament," Nodoka explained.

"That sounds like a good idea. Let's just enjoy being spectators this time," Hisa said with a smile, resuming her meal and letting the subject drop.

On another side, Fubuki, Tatsumaki, and Lily of the Three Section Staff were also thoroughly enjoying the meal before them.

Compared to the composed demeanor of the two sisters, the fourteen-year-old Lily was far more exaggerated in her enjoyment. It was as if she hadn't eaten for a week, wolfing down the food with such gusto that the oil and juices from the dishes smeared the corners of her mouth.

"Cough, cough, Lily, pay attention to your manners," Fubuki couldn't help but remind her.

Hearing this, Lily's cheeks turned bright red as she replied somewhat embarrassedly, "But, Lady Fubuki, it's just so delicious! I can't help myself…"

"Hmph, it's just food. Nothing special," Tatsumaki said with a tone of disdain, though her eating didn't pause for even a moment.

At Ais Wallenstein's table with Riveria and the others, a similar scene unfolded.

"This is amazing! The food at 'The Benevolent Mistress' can't even compare to this. It's a pity there's no alcohol; that would make it perfect," Tiona, with her modest figure and revealing attire, exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Hey, Ais, can you get us some alcohol?" Tiona looked at Ais expectantly.

"I can't," Ais replied with a blank expression, shaking her head.

Her words immediately made Tiona's face fall in disappointment. "Ah… What a shame. If I'd known, I would have brought some bottles with me."

"Tiona-san, these 'beverages' on the table are quite tasty too. You should try them," Lefiya suggested as she picked up an unopened can of soda and handed it to Tiona.

"Oh? Let me give it a try," Tiona said with some interest. She took the soda, fiddled with it until she managed to open it, and took a big swig.

As soon as the tart, refreshing flavor hit her, her eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but burp. "Not bad! It's quite good, though I still prefer alcohol."

"Enough, Tiona. The fact that no alcohol is on the table suggests that Lady Eriri doesn't want anyone drinking. You should respect that and refrain," Riveria said calmly as she elegantly swallowed her food, casting a subtle glance at Tiona.

"Okay!" Tiona nodded decisively, readily heeding Riveria's advice.

About an hour later, the sumptuous lunch officially came to an end.

In the afternoon, people scattered across the city. Some continued exploring and enjoying the attractions, while others stayed in their rooms to train. A few even began sparring on the martial arts stage ahead of the official matches.

The stage was especially accommodating for battle enthusiasts since any injuries sustained would be instantly healed, making it identical to the chat group's sparring arena in functionality.

Time passed quickly, and soon the first day was over.

The following morning, after everyone had finished breakfast, the First Martial Arts Tournament of the Multiverse Same-Sex ♀ Friendship Chat Group officially began.

"Perhaps my lady has already explained the tournament rules to the group members, but I'll reiterate them now," Aoi Kujo, the tournament's host, announced while floating in the air above the martial arts stage. Her voice, amplified by Eriri's power, resounded across the entire world.

"All participating group members, regardless of their original strength, will have their power suppressed to the continental-level beginner stage, which corresponds to Level 4, Stage 1.

"Participants will face off in one-on-one matches. If the number of participants is odd, a draw will determine one member to skip the current round and proceed directly to the next stage. The tournament will continue until the top three participants and the ultimate winner are decided.

"During the matches, all participating group members are allowed to use weapons, but any overpowered weapons will also be restricted to the Level 4, Stage 1 standard.

A participant will be eliminated if they lose the ability to fight back or voluntarily surrender during their match.

The rewards for the martial arts tournament are entirely provided by my lady. The champion will receive 100 million chat group points, the runner-up will receive 50 million points, and the third-place finisher will receive 10 million points. Those who do not place in the top three but participate will still receive a 1 million-point consolation reward."

On the spectator stands beside the martial arts stage, Eriri and the others were seated, including the group members who were about to participate in the matches.

This time, unlike her elevated and regal demeanor in the High School DxD world, where she sat on a throne above everyone, Eriri chose to sit among the group on the soft steps of the spectator stands.

The context here was entirely different. In the High School DxD world, her elevated posture was to establish authority and reprimand those who harbored ill intent toward Rias. But now, this was a celebratory event hosted within the chat group. Facing her group members and their friends and family, Eriri naturally displayed a more approachable demeanor.

Everyone was seated along one side of the spectator stands, while the other three sides remained empty.

Eriri sat at the very center of the group, holding Ophis in her arms. To her left and right were Arifureta and Shinobu, respectively.

To Arifureta's left were Shea, Megumi Kato, Utaha Kasumigaoka, and Yuzuru Hanyu. On Shinobu's right were Akame, Kanae Kocho, Kanao Tsuyuri, and Shinobu Kocho.

Meanwhile, a group of little girls, including Reina, Myu, Illya, and Enju, sat two steps below Eriri.

Above Eriri, two steps higher, sat Lala and her sisters, the Yukinoshita sisters, and Miss Sayuri, along with the rest of the household.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on Aoi Kujo, who was floating in the air, waiting for her to announce the start of the tournament.

Soon, Aoi's voice rang out again from above.

"As of ten minutes ago, a total of 23 group members have signed up to participate in the first Martial Arts Tournament of the Multiverse Chat Group.

That means everyone in the chat group is participating except for Gabriel, Nodoka Haramura, Myne, and my lady, Eriri."

As Aoi's announcement concluded, a wave of cheers erupted from the spectator stands.

In one corner of the stands, Mafuyu Kirisu, with her waist-length cherry-pink hair, stared in shock at Furuhashi Fumino sitting beside her.

"Furuhashi-san, are you really planning to participate in this martial arts tournament?"

"Yes, I am! Even though I know my combat skills are at the bottom, I still want to give it a try," Furuhashi replied with a smile, her eyes filled with determination.

"No, that's too dangerous!"

"Don't worry, Kirisu-sensei. I forgot to mention this before, but after every duel on the martial arts stage, both participants will instantly return to their peak condition," Furuhashi reassured her.

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