In the Hidden Corners of the World
Where realms overlapped and boundaries between myth and man blurred, whispers spread like wildfire.
Of a place unlike any other.
A night club In Kuoh
Built not by any god, angel, or high devil lord
But by Riser Phenex.
It catered to all so long as they left their swords and dogma at the door.
A sanctuary of pleasure. Of diplomacy. Of power disguised in velvet.
Golden Halls of Heaven
"Gabriel," Michael's voice broke the silence as he scanned the glowing scroll floating before him. "Is this accurate?"
The serene Seraph nodded, hands folded beneath her chin. "It appears so. Riser Phenex constructed a neutral ground a gathering place for every faction. Even the Fallen."
Michael's frown deepened. "There's no record of corruption? Possession? Blood pacts?"
Gabriel tilted her head thoughtfully. "No. In fact many describe it as pure. Exotic even Not in divinity but intent. There are boundaries. Rules. And peace."
Michael leaned back, exhaling. "A devil choosing unity over conquest."
"Strange, isn't it?" Gabriel said, voice soft. "And oddly commendable."
The Grigori, Shadowed and Loud
Azazel slouched in his usual chair, boots on the polished obsidian table, swirling a glass of whiskey.
"A nightclub," he muttered, smirking. "The Phenex Flame. He even branded it."
Shemhazai raised a brow. "He invites fallen angels, devils, gods, and monsters and they come?"
"Hell, I might go," Azazel chuckled. "It's either the most brilliant play of diplomacy I've seen, or an ego trip to end all ego trips."
"What should we do?" Shemhazai asked.
"Send scouts," Azazel said, downing the glass. "And get me a reservation. I want a firsthand look at this flame."
The Underworld The Four Satans' Chamber
"He draws influence," Serafall murmured, eyes dancing with concern and curiosity. "Not with war or politics but with wine, music, and indulgence."
Ajuka laughed softly. "Influence is influence. Doesn't matter if it comes with velvet ropes and strobe lights. He's uniting power centers without signing treaties."
Falbium, silent as ever, opened one eye. "Watch him."
Sirzechs nodded, arms crossed. "If he continues at this pace Riser Phenex may become more than just a high noble. He may become the fifth satan."
The Phenex Flame Kuoh
Outside, the facade was sleek, obsidian black with gold trim, humming with enchantments and charm magic.
Inside?
A symphony of sound, lights, and exotic pleasure.
Devils, hidden gods, fallen, yokai, and humans mingled with laughter and purpose. Music poured through the air a mix of old world symphony and modern rhythm, woven with spells that made even the most stoic tap their foot.
Kaijin, in a sharp cut dwarven forged suit, barked orders behind the bar, mixing ancient cocktails with a grunt. "No more Ambrosia for the Valkyries! One's already arm wrestling a Minotaur!"
Milim pouted from the bar, red gown hugging her form. "I like this dress I just hate how tight it is."
"You're on your twelfth cake," Kaijin noted flatly.
She licked her fork. "Riser said I looked pretty. I'll wear it every night if he keeps feeding me sweets."
Merlin spun by, dancing with a female fallen angel in a designer dress. She twirled, blew the fallen angel a kiss, then leaned into Riser's ear from behind. "Hermes wants to offer you a trade agreement with Olympus. He also asked what conditioner you use."
Riser chuckled, eyes glowing faintly gold. "Tell him I'll consider it. And it's not just a conditioner. It's Phenex tears mixed in."
Merlin laughed and melted into the crowd, ever the phantom.
Guardians of the Flame
At the grand entrance, Thalia stood tall in armor forged of black mythril and streaks of lightning. Artoria stood beside her, poised, her gaze hiding the storm in her gaze.
"Everyone's behaving," Thalia muttered, watching a Shinto shrine maiden flirt with a vampire. "So far."
Artoria's eyes flicked to the balcony above. "Because he still a unknown force. And because they want what he offers."
"Peace?" Thalia asked.
"No," Artoria said quietly. "Belonging."
The Masquerade continued
The ballroom shimmered with magic. Tonight, a spell cloaked every being's aura. No one cared who is who. Only masks and music spoke.
Azazel, drink in hand, leaned toward Shemhazai. "Is that Loki?"
"Disguised. Drinking mead and staring at Riser."
Azazel chuckled. "Of course. That snake wouldn't miss this."
Up on the balcony, Riser stood in black and gold, a flaming cape flowing behind him like wings. His eyes scanned the crowd not just watching, but commanding it.
He turned to Merlin. "Is everyone in place?"
"Yes," Merlin said. "Olympus. Norse. Shinto. Grigori. Even the Youkai. All here. All curious. All under your roof."
Riser stepped forward. The lights dimmed. The music quieted.
The Declaration
"Friends."
His voice echoed, calm, controlled imbued with magical resonance that made hearts still.
"Tonight, we stand not as fallen or devils. Not as gods or monsters. But as beings who understand the true meaning of power."
He raised a glass wine that shimmered like fire.
"Pleasure is power. Peace is power. Respect is power."
He turned slowly, gaze sweeping across masked faces.
"This Flame is sacred. This place is neutral. So long as you honor its laws, you are welcome."
His smile turned cold.
"Any who threaten it will burn."
A beat of silence.
Then applause thunderous, mixed with laughter, cheers, and the clinking of goblets.
The Phenex had spoken.
Later That Night
Rias sat on a plush crimson couch in one of the upper lounges, the balcony offering her a perfect view of the dance floor below. Her mask lay on the table beside her, her long red hair cascading over one shoulder.
Akeno, ever poised, sat next to her, swirling a goblet of fruit Wine. "He's brilliant."
Rias nodded, eyes fixed on Riser as he moved through the crowd, speaking, smiling, commanding.
"He's more than just strong," she said softly. "He's changing the world."
Akeno leaned in slightly. "You sound jealous."
Rias's lips curled slightly. "Maybe I am."
She turned to look at her friend.
"I've trained. I've grown. But he, he's evolving."
Akeno touched her arm gently. "So will we. He inspires people but he also needs them. He needs us."
Rias looked away. "Then I'll be damned if I let them take him alone."
Her eyes flicked to the far balcony, where Thalia and Artoria stood, their eyes on Riser full of longing, conflict, and silent promises.
Akeno chuckled.
"Oh, this will be fun."