Phenex Territory – Riser's Private Mansion
The hall was vast, silent, and bathed in the orange light of dusk. The Phoenix crest adorned the stained-glass windows, casting fiery reflections across the marble floor.
Riser stood motionless before a chessboard.
"Riser-sama."
Yubelluna's voice broke the silence, laced with respect and concern.
"Your parents have accepted your decision to isolate yourself for training for the Rating Game. But they are… apprehensive about your choice to fight without the support of your original Peerage."
Riser lifted his eyes.
"Convey my gratitude to them. And tell them I fully trust those I've chosen."
Yubelluna bowed and left the room.
Shizuku waited near the window.
"Keep monitoring the cameras installed in Issei's room. If he breathes differently, I want to know."
"Yes, master."
"Is Erza still at the training grounds?"
"She is. Since sunrise. She hasn't stopped, not even to eat."
Riser nodded, satisfied.
'This will be my army.'
(...)
Sitri Territory – Main Mansion
Sona's POV
The family meeting was informal, but the presence of Serafall, Lord, and Lady Sitri made the atmosphere heavy.
"So, Sona-chan," Serafall chirped, sitting sideways on the sofa, "what happened?"
Sona sighed.
"I was defeated."
Three voices rose in unison:
"WHAT?"
"By Riser Phenex."
Silence fell like a blanket.
"He came to me. Suggested a match. We played. And he won."
Lord Sitri frowned.
"Why would Riser Phenex seek you out?"
"He's about to face Rias in a Rating Game. He wanted to… gauge my strength. And perhaps more than that."
Serafall's eyes widened.
"More than that?!"
"I wouldn't mind marrying him if it's politically advantageous."
"WHAT??"
Sona kept her voice steady.
"Serafall, he's not the monster everyone paints him to be. Rias rejects him without trying to understand him. I saw what he'd do for his family. If it were my sister… I'd sacrifice anything too."
Serafall blinked, thrown off.
"You want me to…?"
"Support you. That's all. I'll handle the rest."
Serafall looked at her parents, then back at Sona.
"Even if I have to drag him to the altar… fine."
Sona rolled her eyes but smiled, almost imperceptibly.
(...)
Phenex Territory – Personal Suite
Riser's POV
Dim light. Burning incense. Yubelluna's fingers worked on Riser's tense shoulders with precision. His breathing was calm, almost meditative.
Shizuku entered without ceremony.
"Riser-sama."
Her expression was rigid.
Riser raised his eyes, wary.
"Something happened?"
Shizuku handed him the tablet.
"Video from Issei's room. You need to see this."
He took the device.
Pressed play.
The image shook slightly. The recording showed Rias—naked—materializing magically in Issei's room. Her voice, clear:
"Do it… take my virginity."
Riser's face remained neutral.
Grayfia appeared seconds later. The argument was brief. She dragged Rias away.
The video ended.
"Leave me."
Yubelluna hesitated but obeyed. Shizuku bowed and followed.
The silence returned. Colder than before.
(...)
Riser touched his temple.
"Post it."
[Do you wish to post anonymously on DevilNet? Cost: 300 luck points.]
"Yes."
[Confirmed. Post scheduled.]
[-300 luck points]
---
[Villain System – Updated]
Name: Riser Phenex
Strength: 10
Speed: 8
Magic: 15
Luck Points: 600
Abilities:
1. Immortality
2. Fire
3. Chess Master Level
4. Tori Tori no Mi – Model: Phoenix
5. Mera Mera no Mi
Items:
Hidden Cameras
Compromising Video Posted
Protagonist's Luck:
Issei Hyoudou – 4400
Achievements:
• Political Maneuver: Sitri
• Exposure of Rias (in progress)
---
Riser leaned back in the armchair.
"War is made of pieces. Every move matters. Every scandal… an advantage."
He closed his eyes.
"After all… if the world will hate me, let it be for being the player, not the piece."
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A new life, a new Clark Kent — with all the memories of his past life intact.