The grand hall of the Phenex estate was bathed in the warm glow of eternal flames. The gilded chandeliers shimmered with phoenix fire, casting long, flickering shadows across the polished obsidian floors. At the center stood Lord Phenex, a figure of regal bearing and an aura that seemed to radiate both heat and command. He paced with measured steps, eyes narrowed in contemplation.
His mind was consumed with thoughts of his son Riser. The boy had grown rapidly, both in power and intellect. His mastery over their ancestral flames was beyond even what Lord Phenex had once achieved at his age. But more than power, it was the boy's sharp strategic insight and commanding presence that impressed him most.
He is no longer a child, Lord Phenex thought. He is a Phenex in full, ready to carve out his place in the world.
He halted before the hearth, where a great golden phoenix sculpture curled around the flames. The fire pulsed gently, as if reacting to his resolve.
"Attendants," he called, his voice steady yet firm. "Prepare a carriage. I will travel to the capital. I must speak with Lord Lucifer."
Within minutes, the estate stirred to life. Servants scrambled, the family's signature fire carved carriage was summoned, and a pair of blazing steeds were readied to pull it through the infernal paths of the Underworld.
Lucifer's Court Lilith
The capital of the Underworld, Lilith, was a city of grandeur that defied mortal understanding. Spires of obsidian and violet crystal stretched high into the darkened sky, runes etched into their surfaces glowing faintly with ancient power. Rivers of magic pulsed through the city like lifeblood, and winged devils soared between the towers with purpose.
Within the central citadel sat the Crimson Satan himself Sirzechs Lucifer. Despite his terrifying title, his demeanor was composed, even warm. He reviewed documents floating in the air before him with glowing, blue eyes, his long crimson hair tied back loosely.
A guard stepped forward. "My lord, Lord Phenex has arrived and requests an audience."
Sirzechs set the documents aside. "Send him in."
Lord Phenex entered the grand chamber, the two powerful devils exchanging nods of respect.
"Lord Phenex," Sirzechs said, standing to greet him with a clasped forearm. "It's been some time. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Lord Phenex's voice was calm, but firm. "I come today with a proposal concerning my son, Riser. He has reached a level of maturity and power that I believe warrants greater responsibility. It is time he establishes his own dominion."
Sirzechs raised an eyebrow with interest. "Ambitious, as always. Do you have a location in mind?"
"Not yet," Phenex admitted, "but I was hoping you might offer guidance."
Sirzechs stepped away from the throne, hands behind his back as he walked slowly. "There is one place Kuoh Town. It exists in the human world, on a spiritual hotspot. However, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Shinto pantheon. The town itself is modern, but the area is ancient. Old shrines, lingering ley lines, and spiritual gateways"
Phenex nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like a place of interest."
Sirzechs turned to face him. "It is. And politically, gaining access would be a significant diplomatic maneuver. If the Shinto are willing to yield some authority, it could become a powerful foothold."
"What would it take to secure their cooperation?"
"Negotiation," Sirzechs said. "And a worthy offering. Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, is not easily swayed. But I believe I have something in mind."
Neutral Realm Garden of Harmony
The meeting took place in a neutral realm neither Underworld nor Heaven, but a pocket dimension known as the Garden of Harmony. A serene place where the sun never set, where the scent of cherry blossoms lingered eternally on the breeze, and crystal clear streams cut through the soft grass like veins of light.
Amaterasu awaited them, seated gracefully upon a platform of white stone surrounded by lotus blossoms. Her beauty was radiant but otherworldly, her presence calming yet commanding.
"Lord Phenex. Sirzechs Lucifer," she greeted, her voice like the ringing of a silver bell. "It is rare to see you both together. What brings you here?"
Phenex stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Lady Amaterasu, we come with a humble proposal. I seek to secure a territory for my son, Riser Phenex, in the human world. A place where he might grow his strength and influence. We have set our sights on Kuoh Town."
Amaterasu's gaze sharpened, though her smile remained. "Kuoh is a place of spiritual balance, Lord Phenex. A delicate equilibrium exists there between the realms. Why should we consider handing it over?"
Lord Phenex answered smoothly, "Because in exchange, the Phenex family is prepared to offer a steady and exclusive supply of Phoenix Tears."
That earned a flicker of surprise from the goddess. She Faced Lord Phenex fully. "Phoenix Tears your family's most precious healing elixir. Rarer than divine nectar. How much are you prepared to offer?"
"Enough to outfit your shrine guardians and priestesses," Phenex said. "And more, should the alliance prove fruitful. We are not asking for ownership of the town at least not yet, only the authority to manage it. The spiritual essence will remain under your protection."
Amaterasu tilted her head, closing her eyes in thought. The garden fell into silence for a moment before she spoke.
"A tempting offer," she said at last. "Phoenix Tears are sacred even among gods. I will agree to this arrangement conditionally."
Sirzechs inclined his head. "Name your terms."
"There will be regular inspections from my shrine maidens," she said. "Any abuse of Kuoh's natural balance, and the agreement is void. Additionally, Riser Phenex must present himself to as someone who oversees with authority not a child with too much ambition."
Lord Phenex bowed. "He shall."
Amaterasu smiled again, this time with something like amusement. "Then let the contract be formed."
Back at the Phenex Estate A New Chapter is forming
Lord Phenex returned home with purpose in his stride and satisfaction burning in his chest. That evening, he called for Riser.
The boy entered the hall with confidence. Tall for his age, with golden eyes that shimmered like fire and a proud, knowing smirk that never quite left his face.
"You summoned me, Father?"
"I did," Phenex said, rising from his seat. "You've proven yourself time and again, Riser. Your power, your leadership, your understanding of what it means to be a Phenex it's time you took your next step."
Riser eyes lit up. "You secured a territory?"
Lord Phenex smiled. "Kuoh Town. A spiritually active place in the human world. You'll be establishing your dominion there. Govern it wisely. Make it your nest, your castle, your legacy."
Riser's chest swelled with pride. "And the Shinto?"
"We have negotiated an agreement with Amaterasu herself. She has granted permission on the condition that you treat the land with respect and present yourself as a worthy ruler not a child looking for fame."
Riser nodded slowly, then grinned. "Understood. I'll show her and the world that I am no ordinary devil."
Lord Phenex stepped forward, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "This is your proving ground, Riser. Make it the foundation of something greater."
As the young devil turned to look out over the horizon from the balcony, the sky seemed to darken just enough for the flames in his eyes to be seen clearly. They danced and flickered with intensity not just of fire, but of vision.
He whispered, more to himself than anyone else, "Kuoh Let's see how bright a Phenex can burn."