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Chapter 5 - The Knight of Flame and the Serpent’s Kiss [05]

Tokyo – Luxury Hotel

Silence filled the room like dense smoke.

The moon reflected on the glass. The city below still pulsed, but inside, the world was on pause.

Riser stood upright, his eyes fixed on the blue screen.

[Villain System – Active Interface]

Name: Riser Phenex

Strength: 10

Speed: 8

Magic: 15

Luck Points: 300

Current Abilities:

• Immortality

• Fire

• Chess Master Level

• Tori Tori no Mi – Model: Phoenix

Special Items:

• Summoning Card – Gold

• Mera Mera no Mi

Achievements:

• Successful Night Operation

He slid his hand to the inventory.

The fruit hovered before him, surrounded by illusory flames. Riser grabbed it without hesitation and took a bite.

Heat coursed through his veins.

A flame sparked in his left hand. Malleable. Wild. Entirely his.

Riser closed his fist calmly.

"It's not enough to burn... you must control."

With a gesture, he pulled out the golden card.

He tossed it to the floor without ceremony.

Energy flared, spreading through the room. The air grew heavy. A magical seal spun.

From the center, a woman emerged.

Scarlet hair, sharp gaze, refined armor. Her presence dominated the room effortlessly.

"I am Erza Scarlet. User of Requip Magic. I am here to serve you, master."

"Show me."

Her armor shifted in seconds. Swords appeared, vanished, and returned with tactical variations. Shields, spears, even metal wings.

Versatile. Lethal. Beautiful.

Riser didn't hesitate. He pressed the knight piece against her chest, embedding it into Erza's heart.

The demonic seal glowed crimson.

"Welcome to the game."

(...)

One Hour Later

Yubelluna entered silently.

She carried a discreet bag.

Riser received her with a firm gaze. Behind him, Erza rested on the edge of the bed, polishing her favorite sword.

Yubelluna bowed slightly.

"The microcameras are here, Riser-sama."

"Excellent."

He pointed to Erza.

"This is Erza Scarlet. Knight of my board."

"A pleasure to meet you."

Yubelluna returned the gesture, no questions asked. Only understanding.

"Shizuku will receive instructions to install one of the cameras in Hyoudou Issei's room. You will handle the location of the wedding."

"Yes, master."

"Discretion is absolute."

Both nodded.

"I want natural reactions. Shock. Fear. Envy. No staged performances."

Riser's gaze fixed on the window. The city of Kuoh called like an empty chessboard.

(...)

Kuoh Academy – Occult Research Club

Akeno was organizing papers. She was alone.

The Phenex symbol burned into the floor. Embers danced in the shape of the crest.

She turned quickly.

"Riser Phenex...?"

The heat dissipated, revealing the man. Dark suit. Wine-red tie. Sharp gaze.

"Good afternoon, Akeno."

She hesitated.

"Should I call Rias?"

Riser approached.

"No need to run from me, Akeno."

His arm slid around her waist.

Akeno gasped, frozen.

"I don't bite."

She tried to resist, but the firm touch, the warm presence, the subtle pressure on her hip... it unraveled her.

The kiss came before she could process it.

Her reluctance evaporated.

She reciprocated. Fully. Intensely.

When the contact broke, Akeno was breathing fast.

"Don't let Rias know."

"I... I won't."

He smiled. His palm rested on her lower back.

A snap.

Akeno stepped back with a start, flushed.

"See you soon."

She hurried out, trying to compose herself.

Ding

[+100 points for making a strong impression on the destined heroine]

---

[Villain System – Updated]

Luck Points: 400

New Achievements:

• Deep Impression on the Heroine

• Successful Seduction Executed

---

Riser adjusted his shirt cuff.

"The board is set."

He smiled at the closed door.

"Time to play."

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Also, don't forget to check out my other fanfic:

Reincarnation in Smallville

A new life, a new Clark Kent — with all the memories of his past life intact.

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