Three years had passed since the Phenex estate hosted the grand celebration marking Riser Phenex's completed peerage. The memory of that night still echoed in the hearts of all who had attended, but the boy was no more he had long since been forged into something greater.
Now, at fourteen years old, Riser stood a towering six foot two an impossible height for his age, a testament to his overflowing demonic energy and the grueling regimen he had embraced. His physique, once lean and graceful, was now sculpted with power, a warrior king in both bearing and strength. His golden hair shimmered in the morning light as it danced in the wind, and his golden eyes held the weight of a monarch and the fire of a visionary.
From his private balcony atop the training hall, he watched the Phenex lands stretch far into the distance vast, vibrant, and teeming with life and legacy.
"It's time," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
He turned on his heel, cloak fluttering behind him, and descended the stairs. His boots echoed with purpose through the stone halls until he stepped into the central atrium, where his entire peerage awaited him assembled and attentive, like elite knights before their liege.
Each had grown in strength and confidence. Thalia's armor gleamed with enchantments, her presence calm and assertive. Artoria stood beside her, posture impeccable, her sword resting at her side. Kaijin, broader than ever, smelled faintly of molten steel. Daryun stood quietly, his hand never far from the hilt of his blade, while Milim practically bounced on her heels with visible excitement.
At the far end, Merlin leaned lazily against a marble pillar, arms crossed under her chest, a knowing smile on her lips.
Nago ever the loner, but who's heart now holds something to fight for stayed sleeping next to kaijin forge waiting for any call to battle.
Riser stepped forward, the room falling utterly silent.
"I've made my decision," he said, his voice deeper now commanding, confident, with a trace of fire underneath. "We've spent three years building ourselves up, preparing, becoming something more than just a noble's peerage. That time has borne fruit."
He let his gaze sweep across each face. "We are strong. Feared. Respected. But strength without ambition is a candle in the wind. That's why we move forward."
He raised a hand, conjuring a projection of a map with a glowing red dot. "Kuoh Town. A peaceful city, sitting on the threshold of spiritual turbulence. A nexus point for all kinds of supernatural activity fallen angels, exorcists, stray devils, and more. That will be our next home. Our base. Our foothold into something greater."
The room buzzed with energy. Thalia raised a brow, intrigued. "A foothold? You're not just planning to live there, are you?"
"No," Riser said, a grin spreading across his face. "We're going to build something a symbol of power, influence, and culture. A place that commands attention from all supernatural factions."
He paused, then declared, "A nightclub. High end. Luxurious. Sophisticated. And it will serve as our headquarters."
Milim gasped and shot her hand in the air. "A nightclub?! I call dibs on being the bouncer!"
"Only if you don't scare off all the customers," Thalia said dryly, smirking.
Merlin chuckled. "You do know how to make an entrance, my King. Nightlife is wild and unpredictable, brimming with magic and vice. It will be entertaining."
Kaijin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I'll need a forge near the city. Can't keep making your armor with borrowed fires."
"You'll have it," Riser replied. "Start scouting locations immediately. The armors you forge will be essential. We're not walking into Kuoh as guests we're planting our flag."
Artoria took a step forward, eyes calm but curious. "And how will we present ourselves to the public?"
Riser met her gaze. "We'll use the Phenex name but not as aristocrats. As pioneers. Business leaders. Patrons of the arts and magical advancement. The humans will see us as visionaries. The supernatural world will see us as something new. We won't bend the knee to the system we'll redefine it."
Daryun finally spoke, voice low. "And if others challenge us?"
"Then we burn through them," Riser said without hesitation. "With fire, steel, and will."
A moment of silence passed. Then Thalia stepped forward and placed a hand over her heart. "Then I stand with you, Riser."
Artoria nodded. "As do I."
"One hundred percent in!" Milim grinned. "Also, can I have neon lights shaped like a dragon?"
"I'll allow it," Riser said, amused.
Kaijin grunted his approval, and Merlin gave a graceful bow. "As always, your ambition is intoxicating. Let's make the world tremble."
Daryun always quite but listening nodded
With unity in their hearts, the meeting adjourned. But as the peerage dispersed to begin preparations, Riser remained behind, thoughtful. He could feel the tides of destiny beginning to shift again.
Elsewhere in the Underworld
The Four Satans had been watching.
Within a private chamber in the capital of the Underworld, Sirzechs Lucifer leaned forward, watching Riser new form.
"He's matured," Sirzechs mused. "More dangerous then ever."
Serafall Leviathan twirled a strand of hair. "He's cute when he's serious."
Ajuka Beelzebub adjusted his glasses. "The rate of his growth it defies normal devil biology. He's not just becoming powerful. He's evolving."
Falbium Asmodeus yawned. "As long as he doesn't cause paperwork, I don't care."
Sirzechs's eyes remained locked on the screen. "He's not causing trouble. He's aiming for something higher. And Kuoh, Kuoh is a powder keg."
Back at the Phenex Estate
In the garden, Riser stood beside the koi pond, enjoying a rare moment of stillness. Crimson petals floated on the breeze. A familiar voice interrupted the peace.
"You're really leaving soon, huh?"
He turned to find Rias Gremory now eleven standing behind him. She wore a navy dress with silver accents, her red hair tied into a ribboned braid. The girl had matured noticeably over the past three years still innocent, but burning with ambition.
"I am," Riser replied. "It's time to expand our reach."
Rias crossed her arms. "Tch. Always a step ahead. But don't think I'll let you leave me behind."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
She stepped closer, looking up at him. "Just wait. When I'm Sixteen, I'm coming to Kuoh too. And I won't be the little girl chasing after your shadow. I'll be someone strong enough to stand beside you."
Riser smiled, softening. He ruffled her hair, earning a small flustered frown. "I'm counting on it, Rias. I'll make sure Kuoh's ready for you."
"Better," she said, her eyes determined.
That night, under a star filled sky, Riser Phenex stood at the edge of the estate, his cloak fluttering like wings.
The time had come. The world would remember the name Phenex not as a symbol of luxury, but of fire, vision, and destiny.
Kuoh would never be the same.