The Phoenix Estate had transformed over the past years into a home filled with incredible individuals, resonating with the heat of Riser's flames and the clash of weapons. Thalia, the storm born demigod, had honed her spear to command the skies. Artoria, the Devil Knight, wielded her corrupted Excalibur Morgan with deadly precision. Merlin, the ancient witch, continued to imparted magical theory and combat strategy to Riser's growing peerage. At the center stood Riser Phoenix, evolving from a noble son into a rising superpower of the Underworld.
Entering his home arrived Rias, her crimson hair gleaming, eyes filled with pride and determination. Beside her was Akeno Himejima, composed yet carrying the weight of her past.
"Welcome, Rias. Akeno," Riser greeted, arms crossed behind his back, a smile on his lips.
Rias approached with regal air. "I've decided to visit. Consider it goodwill between noble Houses and perhaps you might have missed me."
Akeno bowed respectfully. "Thank you for allowing us to visit, Lord Riser."
Riser chuckled, waving his hand. "You're both always welcome here. And drop the 'Lord' we're friends now, aren't we?"
Akeno nodded a slight blush on her cheek
Rias surveyed the estate, sensing the raw power in the air. Even at eight, she recognized the growing gap between her and Riser.
"Riser," she declared, "I want you to help train me please."
He raised an eyebrow. "You do?"
"I'm not going to be left behind. You're stronger, but I'm a Gremory. I won't be a decoration at your side."
He grinned. "That's the spirit."
She pointed at him. "And Akeno, too! She's going to be my Queen. If I'm to stand by your side someday, she needs to be strong enough to fight beside you!"
Akeno blushed. "Rias"
Riser considered, then opened a portal of blue fire, revealing a training courtyard. "I know just the person to help you both. MERLIN!"
A flash of light, and Merlin appeared, robes adorned with celestial symbols, amber eyes sparkling.
"Oh my the next generation of high class devil comes knocking. How delightful," she said, smiling mischievously. "What's this, Riser? Are you asking me to mold your future consort and her Queen into warriors worthy of your side?"
Rias flushed. "D, Don't say it like that!"
Merlin laughed melodically. "You're adorable. I like this one already."
Riser shrugged. "They both want to grow stronger. You're the best person to help them."
"Oh, naturally." She turned to the girls. "But be warned my training isn't for the faint of heart. I push, and I punish, and I don't coddle."
Rias stepped forward, defiant. "Bring it on."
Akeno hesitated, then nodded. "We're ready."
Merlin grinned like a predator with new prey.
Later that day, sweat drenched Rias's clothes. Her arms trembled as she maintained an destruction energy orb while dodging magical strikes. Nearby, Akeno channeled her lightning through Devil magic painful, chaotic, but effective.
Riser watched from a distance, arms crossed.
"They'll be incredible," said Artoria, leaning on her sword.
"Rias has potential. Her power may rival your own one day if she works for it."
"She'll get there," Riser said confidently. "I want someone who'll challenge me. Someone who'll grow into a Queen of her own court."
Artoria smirked. "And the bratty act?"
Riser laughed. "It's cute."
Merlin's voice boomed: "Dodge, Gremory! I said dodge, not pout!"
Rias shouted back, "I'm not pouting! I'm thinking!"
Riser couldn't stop smiling.
Yes, this was the future he envisioned. Not just strength, but legacy. And if Rias wanted to be the Queen of her own fate and Akeno the blade that protected it then he would give them every tool to succeed.
Because when the time came for him to stand at the peak, he didn't want to look back alone.
While Riser is envisioning the future rias and akeno continued their training
Akeno, continued her intense magical training under the legendary sorceress Merlin. Determined not to fall behind Riser or be seen as a mere noble's accessory. Rias learns more about how to harness her untapped potential. Merlin, ever theatrical and merciless in her methods, puts both girls through grueling drills that challenge their minds, bodies, and magical cores.
Rias learns to control her Power of Destruction with finesse, pushed to her limit as Merlin forces her to balance concentration with mobility. She's made to maintain energy spheres while dodging magical blasts, teaching her composure under pressure. Akeno, meanwhile, still is embracing her innate lightning abilities and fuse them with her developing demonic magic despite the pain and chaos it causes her. Merlin guides her through it, forcing Akeno to stop hiding from her power and start owning it.
The training is brutal but effective. Rias, fueled by pride and ambition, grows steadily more precise and tactical. Akeno, supported by Rias and driven by the need to prove her worth, begins to bloom into a fierce combatant graceful, powerful, and deadly.
Riser still observing from afar with a growing sense of pride. Rias is becoming more than just a noble heiress she's becoming a leader. And Akeno, once broken and lost, is rising into her own as a warrior queen.