The morning sun rose over the Phenex estate for what felt like the final time at least, for now. The golden light spilled across the mansion's flame adorned spires, casting long shadows that danced across the marbled courtyards and glistening obsidian walkways. The sky was clear, the wind still, and the estate for once silent.
The air was heavy, not with tension, but with anticipation. This was no ordinary day. This was the beginning of a new era.
At the edge of the estate's central courtyard, Riser Phenex stood tall. Clad in regal black and gold formal wear embroidered with arcane sigils, a royal cloak trailing behind him in the wind, he looked every bit the ruler he was becoming. His golden eyes were sharp, determined, and filled with purpose.
Around him stood his peerage. They were dressed for travel, each according to their role practical armor, enchanted garments, mystical staves and blades at their side. The morning sun caught on Milim's metallic gauntlets, shimmered off Merlin's staff, and cast Thalia's spear in a faint glow.
Ravel clung to her brother's arm, her small hands tightening with every breath. Her eyes were glossy, her voice a whisper.
"Brother you're really leaving this time."
Riser crouched to meet her eye level, gently brushing a strand of her golden hair behind her ear. His expression, usually so composed and confident, softened.
"I am," he said quietly. "But not forever."
Ravel's lip quivered. "But what if something happens? What if you get hurt?"
Riser pulled her into a hug. "Then I'll rise again. That's what Phenex do, right?"
She sniffled into his shoulder, clinging tighter. "I want to help you. I want to be strong enough to stand by your side."
He smiled as he pulled back. "Then train. Study. Learn. When the time comes, I'll be waiting for you. We'll rule together. You, me, and the rest of the family."
She wiped her eyes and gave a trembling nod. "I promise."
Their mother, Lady Phenex, stepped forward. Elegant as ever, her long golden hair cascading down her back, she carried herself like the queen she might've been in another life. Her smile was soft but proud.
"You've grown so quickly, Riser," she said. "It seems only yesterday you were setting the dining hall on fire because the chef made your soup too cold."
Riser blinked. "It was cold."
Lady Phenex chuckled lightly, touching his cheek. "And now you stand here, ready to build a kingdom. Be careful, my son. Greatness draws eyes many of them envious."
"I know, Mother. But I'm not the same boy I was back then. I'm ready."
Lord Phenex, tall and broad shouldered, strode forward with arms crossed and a wide grin on his face. His voice boomed like a battle drum.
"Go on, son. Set your dominion in the world of man. Make your mark, carve your path. But never forget your name carries weight. You carry our name."
"I won't forget," Riser said solemnly, turning to give both his parents a formal bow. "I will make the name Phenex feared, respected, and remembered."
His peerage followed suit, bowing as one. Then, with a wave of his hand, Riser summoned the dimensional gate a swirling vortex of blue flame and gold light.
He looked back once just once at the estate. Then stepped forward.
Kuoh, Japan
A burst of crimson flame erupted on the outskirts of Kuoh, far from the eyes of any human. The grass sizzled, the air shimmered, and then they appeared Riser and his peerage, stepping out onto Earthly soil as the breeze of the human world swept over them.
Riser took a deep breath, tasting the atmosphere. "So this is Kuoh"
"It smells like rice, concrete, and repressed spiritual energy," Merlin mused, twirling her staff. "I like it."
"The leyline beneath this city is active," Artoria said, crouching to touch the ground. "I can feel it pulsing alive."
"There's something primal about it," Thalia murmured, eyes narrowing. "Like the earth itself is watching."
"It's perfect," Riser said simply.
Kaijin, already examining the terrain, nodded. "I'll begin immediately. Give me seven days. You'll have a fortress worthy of a king."
And true to his word, Kaijin summoned his elemental workers beings of stone, flame, wind, and water who emerged from magical sigils and began reshaping the land. Under Kaijin's command, and Daryun patrolling. Riser and Merlin overseeing the placement of wards and enchantments, the Phoenix Estate rose anew.
The mansion was unlike anything the human world had seen Underworld grandeur fused with sleek, modern elegance. Floating crystal sconces lit the halls. Magically regulated temperature and air kept it pristine. Every bedroom was enchanted to adapt to its occupant's magical affinity. A central war room held a glowing map of Kuoh, its leyline, and all supernatural activity within a ten mile radius.
But it was The Phenex Flames that would become the jewel of their dominion.
Built right above the nexus point of Kuoh's leyline masked within the city's thriving entertainment district the nightclub was a palace of shadows and secrets.
From the outside exclusive, chic, high end. Rich black marble walls, glowing signs, velvet rope, charming staff.
On the inside a sanctum. Velvet, obsidian, and gold trim. Spell woven chandeliers that shimmered with elemental energy. A central stage with enchanted acoustics. Private VIP suites and conference rooms behind hidden walls.
At the lowest level, a hidden chamber held the magical core an artifact forged by Merlin and powered by Riser's flames and the leyline itself. It made the club a beacon of Phenex energy and a fortress no ordinary enemy could breach.
"This will be the heart of our reign," Riser said to his gathered peerage, standing atop the central balcony overlooking the club floor. "Here, we will influence both the supernatural and human worlds. Every shadow in Kuoh will bend to our will."
Thalia leaned against a pillar, grinning. "Feels like we're building an empire. I like it."
Artoria knelt. "My King. Your kingdom rises. I await your command."
Merlin smirked, sidling up beside Riser and whispering in his ear. "You've come a long way, darling. You're growing into a dangerous man. I find that irresistible."
Milim cracked her knuckles. "So when do we get to start kicking people's asses?"
"Soon," Riser replied with a smirk. "First, we establish ourselves. Quietly. Let the world think we're nothing more than nobles playing dress up with human toys."
He turned toward the city, the neon lights twinkling in the distance as night fell. "And when they realize the truth it'll already be too late."
The final wards sealed. The mansion stood firm. The nightclub's signs blazed to life in crimson and gold.
From the highest balcony of The Phoenix's Flame, Riser looked over the city, his city.
He had left the Underworld as a noble's son.
Now, he stood not as a prince, but as a ruler in the making.
He was Riser Phenex The Phenex King of Kuoh.