DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Gremory Mansion - Ballroom

Riser, observing from a distance the group where Sona was conversing with Rias and Latia, decided to approach. He walked with confident steps, maintaining a charismatic and confident expression. As he joined the group, he smiled cordially.

"Sona, Latia, Rias," Riser greeted, inclining his head slightly. "I hope you're enjoying the evening."

Latia smiled and made a small bow. "Lord Phenex, it's always a pleasure to see you."

"Hi, dear," Sona said, holding Riser's hand with an affectionate smile.

Latia, with a curious look, asked, "Riser, what do you think about the Old Satan faction's ambitions? They seem to be gaining quite a bit of support lately."

Riser pondered for a moment before responding, keeping his voice calm and controlled. "Destabilizing the underworld is a dangerous strategy. If they succeed, the resulting chaos could be devastating for all of us."

Sona nodded, agreeing with Riser. "Riser is right. We need to be vigilant and prepared for any eventuality. The stability of the underworld is crucial for our survival."

Rias, however, seemed a bit lost on the subject. "I'm not so involved in these political matters. I think I prefer to focus on my responsibilities as head of the Gremory family."

Suddenly, a figure approached the group. Seekvaira Agares, with her elegant posture and air of authority, joined the conversation.

"Good evening, everyone," said Seekvaira, greeting them with a nod.

Rias smiled politely. "Seekvaira, it's good to see you."

Seekvaira looked around, noticing the absence of several important families. "I noticed that many families have yet to arrive. This is quite unusual for such a significant event."

Sona frowned. "The absence of these families could be interpreted as implicit support for the Old Satan faction. It's concerning."

Riser, disinterested in the topic, just nodded. 'These discussions are so boring.'

While lost in his thoughts, he noticed someone waving with a champagne glass. It was Roygun Belphegor, the Top 2 of the Rating Game Rankings. She smiled enigmatically, catching his attention.

Riser recognized her immediately. 'What does this woman want?'

He excused himself from the girls, inclining slightly. "Excuse me, I need to attend to a call. I'll be back soon."

The girls nodded, continuing their conversation as Riser walked away. He approached Roygun, who was leaning against a column, her mysterious smile never leaving her face.

"Good evening, Roygun," Riser greeted, maintaining his composure.

Roygun smiled seductively. "Good evening, Riser. You seem quite popular tonight."

Riser raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And you, Roygun? I don't believe you called me over just to flirt."

Roygun laughed softly, swirling the champagne glass. "Maybe I have more in mind than just flirting. But we can't talk here. Shall we take a walk?"

Riser was curious but agreed. 'What does she really want?'

He offered his arm to Roygun, and the two walked away from the bustling ballroom, ready to discuss whatever Roygun had in mind.

Gremory Mansion - Hallways

Roygun led Riser to an isolated balcony, where they could talk without interruptions. She turned to him, her expression changing from seductive to serious.

"Riser, I was expelled from the Belphegor family and lost the position of number 2 in the Rating Game," Roygun said, her voice firm. "Ajuka made it happen, but the information was not disclosed due to the recent events in the underworld."

Riser looked at her, surprised. "Why did this happen?"

Roygun sighed, looking at the horizon. "I was involved in a cheating scandal in the Rating Game. The situation became unsustainable, and Ajuka decided I should be removed."

Riser frowned, not showing much interest. "I see. And what do you want from me?"

Roygun looked directly into Riser's eyes. "I want to join your Peerage. With my experience and skills, I can be a valuable asset to you."

Riser thought for a moment. 'Having the former number 2 in my Peerage could be advantageous. With my current strength, she could be a pawn, or I could transfer another member to Merlin.'

He nodded slowly. "I accept your proposal, Roygun. Welcome to my Peerage."

Roygun smiled, genuinely grateful. "Thank you, Riser. I promise you won't regret it."

Ballroom

As Riser and Roygun returned to the ballroom, Venelana and Zeoticus descended the stairs, followed by Sirzechs and Zekram. The presence of the Gremory family leaders caught everyone's attention.

Sirzechs raised his hand, calling for silence. "Attention, everyone. The ceremony is about to begin."

Sona, noticing Riser's absence, asked Rias, "Have you seen where Riser went?"

Rias shook her head. "I haven't seen him, Sona."

At that moment, Riser entered the ballroom with Roygun by his side. Sona raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Riser, what were you doing with her?"

Riser smiled, approaching Sona. "I'll explain later."

Ignoring the absence of some families, Sirzechs began to speak. "We are here today to nominate the new Maou. Diehauser Belial, please come forward."

Diehauser walked to the center of the ballroom, where Zekram Bael was waiting. Zekram began his speech. "Diehauser Belial, your nomination as Maou is a symbol of our trust in your ability to protect and lead the underworld. Your duties are vast and heavy, but we know you are up to the task. Do you accept this responsibility?"

Diehauser, with a solemn expression, replied firmly. "I accept."

Diehauser addressed those present with an imposing and confident posture. "I thank you for the trust placed in me. I know these are difficult times, and many challenges lie ahead, but I promise to dedicate all my strength and abilities to protect and strengthen the underworld. Together, we will overcome any adversity and ensure the prosperity of our world."

While Diehauser spoke, Riser watched with a neutral expression.

[Prepare yourself, Riser. A great danger is approaching.]

Riser remained calm, but his eyes narrowed slightly. 'What's happening?' he thought, alert for any sign of imminent danger.

[Host, you have five seconds to accept the survival mission. Choose yes or no.]

'I have no choice. They will attack one way or another,' Riser thought, feeling the urgency of the situation.

[5... 4... 3...]

"Yes."

[Invasion. Prepare to act.]

Riser looked around discreetly, searching for warning signs. He noticed Dimitri Astaroth observing him from a distance, his gaze cold and calculating. As Diehauser continued his speech, a deafening roar echoed through the ballroom. The walls began to shake, and pieces of the ceiling started to crumble.

THUD!

KRA-KOOM!

A massive explosion tore through one of the ballroom walls, and confusion took over. Shouts of surprise and fear filled the air as the devils tried to understand what was happening.

Riser, quick as lightning, grabbed Rias and Sona by the waist and moved them away from the danger. Roygun did the same with Latia and Seekvaira, pulling them away from the debris.

Euclid Lucifuge, Rizevim Livan Lucifer, Loki, and several pure-blood devils emerged from the rubble, their expressions relentless and full of malicious intent.

Rizevim, with a sadistic smile, announced loudly, "The time has come for a new era! We, the Old Satan faction, declare civil war in the underworld. Prepare for destruction!"

'This is ridiculous,' Riser thought, as a magic circle glowed beneath his feet. 'DxD should have just been an anime about boobs.'

He wasted no time and teleported everyone to the safety of his mansion in the underworld.

Serafall watched Riser taking Sona away from the scene. A sigh of relief escaped her lips seeing her sister safe.

Zekram Bael, recovering from the explosion, raised his authoritative voice. "Rizevim, what do you think you're doing?"

Rizevim laughed, a cruel and sarcastic sound, as he looked at Zekram. "Have you gone deaf with age, Zekram? I already said. We are declaring civil war in the underworld. The time for a new era has come."

Zekram frowned, his expression reflecting disdain and anger. "You're crazy, Rizevim. This is insane."

Euclid Lucifuge stepped forward, his hands emanating a dark energy. "Dead Zone!"

A field of dark energy spread throughout the ballroom, creating an invisible barrier that prevented any attempts to teleport.

Devils around began to scream, desperate. "Maous, our magic isn't working! We're trapped!"

Serafall, Sirzechs, Ajuka, Zekram, and Diehauser, extremely powerful beings, felt the resistance of the Dead Zone but were not completely prevented from using their magic.

---

Riser's Mansion in the Underworld - Living Room

Riser materialized in the living room of his house, bringing with him Rias, Sona, Roygun, Latia, and Seekvaira. Everyone was a bit disoriented but safe.

Rias sighed in relief. "We are safe, for now."

Riser looked at Sona, determined. "I need to go back to the Gremory mansion."

Sona, with a worried expression, called him. "Riser, wait."

Riser looked at Sona, seeing the fear in her eyes. 'She's afraid I'll get hurt,' he thought.

Sona stepped forward, her voice firm but full of concern. "Please, protect Serafall. I know you're capable of fighting, so protect my sister."

Riser was surprised by the request. He expected Sona to try to stop him from going back, but instead, she was trusting him to protect Serafall.

"I will protect her," said Riser, with a determined smile. He leaned down, kissing Sona softly. "I'll be back soon."

With that, a magic circle appeared under his feet, glowing intensely. In an instant, Riser teleported back to the Gremory mansion.

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