Akeno's POV – Kuoh Academy Corridors
Her footsteps echoed faster than her heartbeat.
The kiss still burned on her lips. The slap still stung her skin. And Riser Phenex's presence... she didn't know how to process it.
'What was that...?'
She pressed forward, eyes fixed ahead. She found Rias between classes, standing near the internal staircase. Her voice was firm:
"Rias... Riser is in the club room."
Rias frowned. The name seemed to displease her.
"Gather the others. I'll call Grayfia."
(...)
Occult Research Club Room
The door opened silently.
Riser sat with one leg crossed, arms resting on his knees. His gaze roamed the room as if he owned it.
Rias entered first, Grayfia close behind. The Peerage followed: Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and finally Issei.
Rias held his gaze.
"Riser, what are you doing here?"
Riser stood calmly. His suit still impeccable. A faint smile.
"Just a courtesy visit. We need to discuss a certain... commitment."
Rias didn't react to his tone. Her eyes only hardened.
"That changes nothing. I'm not marrying you."
Issei stepped forward, eyes locked on Riser.
"She's not marrying you."
The system whispered in Riser's mind.
[Protagonist identified: Issei Hyoudou. Current luck: 4650]
Riser raised an eyebrow.
"Who's this insect who thinks he can meddle in matters between nobles?"
Rias intervened before Issei could explode.
"He's my servant. My pawn. And part of my Peerage."
Issei didn't back down.
"I'll protect the President, no matter who shows up."
Riser didn't respond. He simply snapped his fingers.
A subtle flame sparked at his fingertip.
It shot forward.
The impact threw Issei against the wall with a dull thud.
"Issei!"
Rias ran to him. Koneko and Kiba stepped forward, ready.
The temperature dropped. The air grew heavy.
Grayfia had moved.
Riser met her gaze coldly.
"When a servant interrupts a noble's speech, nothing happens. But when a noble responds... you appear."
Grayfia kept her tone neutral.
"With all due respect, Riser-sama, my priority is order. And Lord Zeoticus Gremory anticipated this situation."
She raised her hand. A magical document floated.
"He proposed a Rating Game. A match between you and Rias to decide the future of the marriage."
Riser didn't lose his smile.
"Perfect."
He looked at Rias.
"Two days. You and your Peerage. Against me... and only me."
Kiba frowned. Akeno tensed.
Rias stood slowly, helping Issei up.
"You'll regret this."
Riser turned on his heel.
"We'll see."
He vanished in golden flames.
Ding
[-250 luck points for the protagonist publicly humiliated]
[Issei Hyoudou's current luck: 4400]
[+250 points for humiliating the protagonist]
[+100 points for altering the course of the story]
---
[Villain System – Update]
Name: Riser Phenex
Strength: 10
Speed: 8
Magic: 15
Luck Points: 750
Abilities:
1. Immortality
2. Fire
3. Chess Master Level
4. Tori Tori no Mi – Model: Phoenix
5. Mera Mera no Mi
Special Items:
• Summoning Card – Gold (used)
Recent Achievements:
• Successful Night Operation
• Impression on the Heroine
• Public Humiliation of the Protagonist
• Plot Alteration
Protagonist's Luck:
Issei Hyoudou – 4400
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A new life, a new Clark Kent — with all the memories of his past life intact.