DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Riser's Mansion in the Underworld

Riser, Sona, and Serafall walked quickly through the mansion's corridors.

Upon reaching Riser's office, he opened the door and gestured for everyone to enter.

Riser walked to the desk and sat in the leather chair behind it, gesturing for Sona and Serafall to sit in the opposite chairs.

"Serafall, what happened?" Riser asked, his voice firm and authoritative.

Serafall took a deep breath, her expression revealing unusual seriousness. "Sirzechs contacted me. Something very serious is happening, Riser. Falbium Asmodeus has disappeared."

Sona's eyes widened in surprise. "Disappeared? How is that possible?"

'They finally found out... It took them long enough to notice Falbium is out of the way. I just hope no one discovers my involvement.' Riser thought.

"How is that possible? Are you sure, Serafall?" Riser asked, keeping his worried expression.

"I'm not absolutely sure, but based on recent events, Falbium's absence is extremely suspicious," replied Serafall, her voice grave.

Riser frowned, maintaining the façade of concern. "Why tell us something so important, Serafall?"

"For security reasons," said Serafall. "Sirzechs is concerned about everyone's safety, especially the Maous and their families. We want to make sure everyone is aware of the situation."

Serafall then turned to Sona, her gaze full of seriousness. "Riser, you must protect Sona. She is my sister and I don't want anything to happen to her."

Riser looked at Sona, his eyes filled with a false determination. "I will protect Sona with my life."

Sona blushed but couldn't hide the happy smile forming on her lips.

Seeing Riser's reaction, Serafall smiled slightly. "I trust you, Riser. I know you'll take good care of my sister."

Riser nodded, grateful for the trust. "Thank you, Serafall. I appreciate your confidence in me."

"I need to go back and attend an important meeting with Sirzechs," said Serafall, her voice returning to a serious tone. "I can't stay here long."

Serafall quickly said goodbye, tracing a magic circle in the air. "Take care, Sona. And Riser, stay alert."

"Leave it to me, Onee-sama," said Sona, waving.

With a flash of light, Serafall teleported, leaving the office.

As soon as Serafall disappeared, Sona got up and walked to Riser. She sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Riser, I'm happy to have you by my side," said Sona, her voice soft.

Riser smiled, stroking Sona's hair. "And I'm here to protect you, Sona. Always."

While Sona snuggled closer to Riser, he kept a serene expression, though his thoughts were far away, already scheming the next steps to solidify his power in the underworld.

'With everyone distracted by Falbium's disappearance, I can continue my plans without interruptions.'

Gremory Mansion - Zeoticus Gremory's Office

**Knock, knock, knock!**

The firm knocks on the door echoed through the office. Sirzechs and Ajuka, already present, looked up at the sound. The door opened, revealing Serafall, whose serious expression contrasted with her usual cheerfulness.

"Sorry for being late," said Serafall, entering quickly and closing the door behind her.

Sirzechs, sitting behind the large mahogany desk, motioned for Serafall to join them. "Don't worry, Serafall. Let's begin."

"Falbium Asmodeus is missing," began Sirzechs, his voice laden with tension. "I went to his castle, and the place was completely empty, as if he had never been there."

Ajuka frowned, his hands clasped on the table. "Missing or dead, we need to take countermeasures before the news spreads. The stability of the underworld is at stake."

Serafall settled into a chair, her mind racing. She thought of Riser, with his recent increase in power and influence. 'Riser could take Falbium's place. He has the strength for it.'

"We need ideas to maintain order and security," said Sirzechs, looking at the other Maous. "Any suggestions?"

Ajuka, always thoughtful, spoke first. "We need to consider appointing a new Maou or reinforcing our alliance with the allied factions. Any decision must be made quickly to avoid chaos."

Sirzechs nodded. "Maybe we should ask for help from the angels or Norse mythology."

"I'm against asking for external help," intervened Serafall, firmly. "We can't appear weak, even among our allies. That would put us in a vulnerable position."

Ajuka leaned forward, his voice calm but resolute. "Then all that's left is to appoint a new Maou."

"Who?" asked Sirzechs, his voice reflecting the urgency of the situation.

Serafall, taking a deep breath, spoke with determination. "Riser Phenex. He is the head of the Phenex house and my brother-in-law. His recent display of power proves he is ready for this responsibility."

Sirzechs was stunned by the proposal, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Riser? Do you really believe he's prepared for this?"

Ajuka, always analytical, was pensive, considering the implications. "Riser has power, no doubt. But his age and lack of political experience could be an obstacle. However, we can't dismiss this option without further analysis."

Dark Castle of Thalindor

In a dark and heavily guarded room, Euclid sat in an imposing chair, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. In front of him, a spy knelt, reporting the latest news.

"My lord," began the spy, his voice low and urgent. "Falbium Asmodeus has disappeared. The castle is empty, and no one knows his whereabouts."

Euclid smiled, satisfied. "Excellent. Continue monitoring the situation. I want to know of any movement by the Maous immediately."

The spy nodded, remaining submissive. "Yes, sir. I will keep you informed."

As the spy withdrew, Euclid reflected on the news. 'With Falbium out of the way, our opportunity approaches. It's only a matter of time before we can act and take the control that rightfully belongs to us.'

Euclid stood up, his posture tall and confident. 'The next phase of the plan is about to begin, and the underworld will never be the same.'

Euclid, with a satisfied smile, activated a magical communication circle on the table, creating a hologram that displayed the image of Dimitri Astaroth. The image flickered before stabilizing, showing Dimitri.

"Dimitri," began Euclid, his voice smooth and authoritative. "I have interesting news. Falbium Asmodeus has disappeared. It's the perfect opportunity to advance our plans."

Dimitri frowned, processing the information. "Disappeared? Who's behind this? The Old Satan faction?"

Euclid smiled, letting the question linger in the air for a moment. "Let's let the rumors suggest that, but the important thing is that you take responsibility for spreading the news. We need everyone to believe the Old Satan faction is involved."

Dimitri nodded, his expression determined. "Understood. I will spread the news. This will sow chaos and distrust among the Maous."

"By the way, when will Riser be destroyed?" questioned Dimitri, his voice filled with hatred.

Euclid observed Dimitri with a cold, calculating look. 'Dimitri is a useful pawn, but his obsession with Riser is starting to annoy me,' Euclid thought.

Euclid kept his expression calm. "Soon, Dimitri. Be patient. We're working on bigger plans, and Riser will be dealt with at the appropriate time."

'Riser is a small obstacle,' thought Euclid. 'Dimitri is too obsessed with him. This could become a problem.'

"Continue your work," said Euclid, ending the conversation. "We will keep in touch."

Dimitri bowed before the hologram disappeared. Euclid, with a sigh of exasperation, deactivated the magic circle and leaned back in his chair.

Gremory Mansion - Zeoticus Gremory's Office

"Riser is too impulsive and young. We can't risk putting someone so inexperienced in such an important position." said Sirzechs.

Serafall crossed her arms, her defiant gaze fixed on Sirzechs. "And who would be better than him? We need someone with power and determination, and Riser has shown he has both."

Sirzechs sighed, his mind racing with possibilities. He looked at Ajuka, who was observing the discussion with a neutral expression.

"What about Diehauser Belial?" suggested Sirzechs, his eyes shining with a new idea. "He's first in the Rating Game rankings and has an impeccable reputation. His experience and skill are unquestionable."

Ajuka leaned slightly forward, considering the proposal. "Diehauser is, without a doubt, a heavyweight figure. His appointment could bring stability and confidence to everyone in the underworld."

Serafall, realizing the direction the conversation was taking, couldn't hide a look of displeasure. "Diehauser may be a heavyweight name, but he also represents the status quo. We need someone who can bring change and innovation. Riser has the potential to do that."

Sirzechs shook his head, maintaining his position. "We need stability now, not radical changes. Diehauser is a safe and reliable choice."

Serafall pressed her lips together, clearly dissatisfied but recognizing the strength of Sirzechs' argument. "I understand your concern, Sirzechs, but Riser can also bring stability. He just needs a chance to prove it."

Ajuka, always thoughtful, raised his hand to interrupt the discussion. "Let's consider all options carefully. Diehauser Belial has a clear advantage due to his experience and position in the Rating Game. However, we cannot completely dismiss Riser. We need to evaluate the pros and cons of each candidate."

Serafall nodded, albeit reluctantly. "I agree, Ajuka. But I insist that Riser should be seriously considered. He has a lot to offer."

"Let's conduct a more thorough evaluation of both," said Ajuka finally, his voice firm. "We need to make the best possible decision for the future of the underworld."

Serafall maintained her serious expression, still with a touch of disappointment. "Okay, Ajuka. I trust we'll make the right choice."

With that, the meeting continued with other important matters.

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