DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Falbium Asmodeus' Castle

Sirzechs approached the main gate, his majestic presence immediately recognized by the guards on duty.

The guards, clad in shining armor and wielding spears, straightened up immediately upon seeing Sirzechs approaching. One of them stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

"Lucifer-sama, welcome to Asmodeus-sama's castle," said the guard with a firm voice.

Sirzechs smiled gently, nodding in response. "Thank you. Please inform Falbium that I have arrived."

One of the guards quickly nodded, turning on his heels and running inside the castle, his boots echoing on the stone floor.

Inside the Castle

The other guard opened the large wooden door, bowing slightly. "Please, come in, Lucifer-sama. Falbium Asmodeus will be informed of your arrival."

Sirzechs entered the castle, observing the grand hall decorated with rich tapestries and golden chandeliers.

He waited patiently, his imposing presence causing a sense of respect and reverence among the passing servants.

Falbium's Room

The guard who ran arrived at Falbium's door and knocked quickly, his firm hands making a loud sound.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

He waited for a few moments, but there was no response. He frowned and knocked again, this time harder.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

"Asmodeus-sama," called the guard, his voice echoing through the silent corridor. He waited a few more seconds, but the absence of a response left him worried. He turned and ran back down the corridor.

Meanwhile, Sirzechs continued to wait in the hall, his posture calm and confident. He observed the decorations around him, but his mind was focused on speaking with Falbium.

The guard returned hurriedly, stopping in front of Sirzechs and bowing slightly. "Lucifer-sama, I apologize, but there was no answer at Asmodeus-sama's room."

Sirzechs frowned, concerned but maintaining his composure. "I understand. Let's go check."

The guards made way as Sirzechs walked towards the corridor leading to Falbium's room. His imposing presence caused everyone around to step aside respectfully. Upon reaching the door to the room, he paused for a moment, sensing a dense and familiar magical aura on the other side.

Falbium's Room

Sirzechs knocked on the door firmly, his hand creating a clear and authoritative sound.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

No one opened the door. The silence on the other side was unsettling, and Sirzechs frowned, feeling a growing concern. He signaled to the guards accompanying him and, without hesitation, turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.

Upon entering the room, Sirzechs was met with a desolate sight. The room was completely empty. No furniture, no decorations, nothing to indicate that anyone had been there recently.

The only thing present was a vague feeling of absence, as if Falbium's very presence had been erased.

Sirzechs walked around the room, his footsteps echoing softly on the stone floor. He touched the walls, searching for any sign of magic or spell that could explain the disappearance. But there was nothing. Just an unsettling emptiness.

'Gone... Falbium is gone,' Sirzechs thought, a dark thought beginning to form in his mind.

The idea that someone could have eliminated a Maou was disturbing, and the implications of that were even more alarming.

However, Sirzechs knew he couldn't let the guards perceive his concern. He needed to maintain the appearance of control and normality.

Sirzechs smiled gently, turning to the guards who were watching with expectation.

"It seems Falbium decided to go out and have some fun somewhere," he said with a casual tone. "Don't worry, he should be fine. Keep this a secret, please."

The guards nodded promptly, relieved by Sirzechs' explanation. "Yes, Lucifer-sama. We will keep it a secret."

Sirzechs took one last look at the empty room before leaving, maintaining the reassuring smile on his face. "Thank you. I will take my leave now."

With that, Sirzechs traced a magic circle on the floor, concentrating on the image of the Gremory mansion. In an instant, a flash of light enveloped his body, and he disappeared, teleporting to the Gremory mansion.

Gremory Mansion - Living Room

A magic circle formed on the floor of the Gremory mansion's living room, emitting a bright glow. In an instant, Sirzechs materialized in the center, his expression laden with tension.

Grayfia and Venelana, who were sitting on opposite sofas, immediately stood up upon seeing Sirzechs appear. Grayfia, always attentive, noticed the tense expression on her husband's face, while Venelana, with her maternal intuition, caught a rare shadow of fear in Sirzechs' eyes.

"Sirzechs," began Grayfia, her voice soft but filled with concern, "what happened?"

Sirzechs took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "I went to Falbium's castle, and he wasn't there. The room was completely empty, as if he had never been there."

Venelana, frowning, couldn't grasp the immediate concern in Sirzechs' voice. "Dear, maybe Falbium went somewhere and forgot to inform. He's not someone who can be easily defeated."

Sirzechs shook his head, his expression growing even more grave. "It's not just that, Venelana. Azazel is also missing, and Issei is dead."

Grayfia's eyes widened, absorbing the gravity of Sirzechs' words. "Could Falbium be dead like Issei?" she pondered, the worry evident in her voice.

"I hope not, Grayfia. But we need to be prepared for that possibility," Sirzechs said.

Venelana, absorbing the gravity of the situation, let her concern show on her face.

"Rias cannot leave the house. It's too dangerous out there."

"We'll ensure she stays safe here," Grayfia said firmly.

Sirzechs sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "I'll go to the office. We need to organize an emergency meeting."

Gremory Mansion - Office

Sirzechs walked quickly to his father's office, stopping in front of the carved wooden door. He knocked firmly.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

From inside the office, Zeoticus' voice resounded. "Enter."

Sirzechs opened the door and entered, finding Zeoticus seated in his leather armchair, surrounded by documents and maps. "Father, we need to talk. Falbium is missing, and the situation is very serious."

Zeoticus frowned, understanding the seriousness of the situation. "I understand, Sirzechs. What do we need to do?"

"I'll use the office as the headquarters for an emergency meeting. We need to contact Ajuka and Serafall immediately," explained Sirzechs.

Zeoticus nodded, giving Sirzechs space to prepare the magical communication. Sirzechs traced runes in the air, creating a magical communication circle. Two holograms began to form, one of Ajuka and the other of Serafall.

"Ajuka, Serafall, we need to talk urgently," said Sirzechs, his voice echoing through the office as the holograms fully materialized. "Falbium is missing, and I fear something very serious is happening."

Ajuka, always calm and analytical, frowned slightly. "Missing, you say? That is concerning."

Serafall, with a more serious expression than usual, responded immediately. "What can we do, Sirzechs? We need to act quickly."

Sirzechs looked at the holograms of his fellow Maous, feeling the urgency increase. "We need to meet and discuss our next steps. The security of the underworld is at stake."

Ajuka and Serafall agreed, their expressions reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

"Let's meet immediately," said Ajuka, his voice firm.

Sirzechs ended the magical communication.

Riser's Mansion in the Underworld

Training Area

Sona and Riser were positioned on opposite sides of the field, ready to start training. Sona, with her serious and focused expression, summoned her water magic. Waves of crystal-clear water began to form around her, reflecting the ambient light and creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Riser, with a confident smile, released his fire magic. Burning flames danced around him, illuminating his face with a fierce glow. The heat emanated was intense, but Riser seemed completely at ease amidst the flames.

In the stands around the training area, a group of spectators watched with interest. Tsubaki, Nana, Mirko, Erza, Yoruichi, and Xenovia were sitting together, each with their unique expressions of expectation.

The battlefield was filled with flames and waves as Sona and Riser exchanged powerful attacks. Sona launched jets of water that snaked through the air, trying to douse Riser's flames and find a breach in his defense.

Riser, however, showed his superiority by dodging or evaporating each attack with his intense flames.

"You're getting better, Sona," said Riser, his voice full of confidence. "But you still need more practice to surpass me."

Sona narrowed her eyes, determined not to let Riser's taunt shake her concentration. "I'm not done yet, Riser."

She summoned a large water dragon, which roared and advanced towards Riser. The spectators watched with admiration and apprehension as the dragon charged at Riser's flames.

Riser smirked disdainfully and, with a wave of his hand, transformed his flames into a giant phoenix that collided with the water dragon. The resulting explosion sent a wave of steam and light across the field, forcing the spectators to shield their eyes.

When the dust settled, Riser was standing, his fire phoenix still burning brightly. Sona was kneeling, panting, but not giving up.

Suddenly, a magic circle formed on the ground, and Serafall materialized in the center of the battlefield. Her presence immediately interrupted the battle, and all eyes turned to her.

"Riser-chan, Sona-chan," began Serafall, her voice serious but with a touch of affection. "We need to talk. It's something important and private."

Riser, still surrounded by the fire phoenix, dispelled the flames with a gesture and walked over to Serafall. Sona, recovering quickly, did the same.

"Of course, Serafall," said Riser, his expression shifting to one of attentiveness. "Let's talk."

Sona nodded, looking at her sister with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Yes, Onee-sama. Let's go somewhere more private."

Serafall nodded, leading them out of the battlefield.

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