DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

The residence of the Youkai in Kyoto was a charming place, surrounded by lush nature. The architecture followed a traditional Japanese style, with curved roofs and delicate carved wooden details. The garden was vast, with small ponds, red bridges, and cherry trees in full bloom. Inside the main house, the environment was cozy, with tatami mats covering the floor and sliding doors made of paper and wood.

Riser and Yasaka were seated on silk cushions, facing each other in a spacious and well-lit room. The soft light from the lanterns hanging from the ceiling created a serene atmosphere, while the gentle sound of a small stream outside completed the tranquil ambiance.

"I would like to thank the presence of the King of the Underworld in this moment of vulnerability," said Yasaka, bowing slightly in a gesture of respect. Her gaze was firm, but there was a touch of sadness in her eyes, revealing her concern for her daughter.

Riser observed Yasaka attentively for a moment before responding, his tone soft but filled with conviction.

"No need to thank or act so respectfully. We are both leaders; we can treat each other as equals. So, just call me Riser."

Yasaka hesitated for a moment, clearly unaccustomed to such informality, but then she smiled slightly, her expression softening. "Alright… Riser. Thank you for allowing me to be more casual."

Riser gave a slight smile in response, nodding as he relaxed a little more on the cushion. "That's better. We're here for the same purpose, so there's no need for unnecessary formalities."

"First of all."

Riser paused, his gaze becoming more serious.

"Know that I will bring your daughter back, regardless of your decision. But I would like to propose the marriage between Kunou and Millicas, the son of Sirzechs and Grayfia."

Yasaka became thoughtful for a moment. She remembered Sirzechs, the powerful Maou of the underworld who had recently passed away, and Grayfia, the strongest queen and Sirzechs' wife. She knew that such a marriage could strengthen the relationship between the Youkai and devils, and she had no objections to such an arrangement, as long as it was beneficial for Kunou.

"But when I saw you, I had another idea." Riser interrupted Yasaka's thoughts, his voice firm and direct. "I know you're single, so I want you as my woman."

Riser stood up from the cushion, his posture confident as he looked at Yasaka. "I'll go after your daughter. Take this time to think."

"Wait, Riser! I accept being your woman, and I'm also not against Kunou's marriage. I just want them to get to know each other better first."

Riser was visibly impressed by Yasaka's quick decision. He watched her for a moment before giving a slight smile and nodding. "Agreed. They will have time to get to know each other."

Riser focused his mind, directing his thoughts to the system.

'System, where is Kunou located?'

[SYSTEM ACTIVATED]

[Kunou's Location: Mountain North of Kyoto, Hero Faction's Hideout]

[-2000 Luck Points for information]

[Total Luck Points: 45,000]

Riser looked at Yasaka, his eyes showing confidence and determination. "I found your daughter."

FWOOOSH!

Riser teleported, disappearing from the Youkai residence in a flash of golden light.

Riser reappeared on the mountain north of Kyoto, emerging in a clearing covered with dense vegetation. He looked around for a moment, sensing the hostile energy that hung in the air. His eyes narrowed as he identified the entrance to a hideout, camouflaged among the rocks and trees.

'This must be the place. I won't waste time.'

Riser concentrated his golden flames around himself, the intense glow illuminating the clearing as he advanced towards the entrance of the hideout. With a quick movement, he raised his hand and unleashed a blast of fire against the entrance, destroying the magical barriers protecting the place.

BOOM!

The explosion echoed across the mountain, resonating in all directions. Riser entered without hesitation, his steps firm as he walked through the narrow, dark corridors of the hideout.

"Who are you?!" shouted one of the Hero Faction members, emerging from one of the corridors with a sword in hand. "You have no idea what you're doing!"

"You took something that belongs to me. I'm here to retrieve her." Without giving them a chance to react, Riser unleashed another blast of fire, incinerating the enemy instantly.

[+1000 Luck Points]

[Total: 46,000 Points]

With every step, Riser encountered more Hero Faction members attempting to stop him, but none of them could withstand the strength of his flames. He continued his path until he reached a large room, where Kunou was imprisoned in a metal cage.

"Kunou!" said Riser, his voice filled with authority as he approached the cage.

"R-Riser-sama?" Kunou murmured, still trembling. "You came…"

"Of course I came. I promised your mother I would bring you back." Riser raised his hand and surrounded the cage with his golden flames, melting the metal bars in a matter of seconds.

Kunou ran towards Riser as soon as the cage was destroyed, clinging to him as tears streamed down her face.

"Thank you, Riser-sama… I was so scared."

Riser placed a hand on Kunou's head, gently caressing her hair. "Don't worry, you're safe now. I'll take you back to your mother."

FWOOOSH!

Before Riser could activate the magic circle to teleport them, Cao Cao appeared before them, holding his imposing spear, his eyes filled with arrogance and challenge.

"Not so fast, Devil. Do you think you can just come in here and leave without consequences?"

Kunou held Riser's hand, her small fingers clutching tightly, seeking safety. Her touch made Riser glance at the girl for a moment before turning his attention back to Cao Cao. Riser's eyes narrowed as he noticed something strange. Kunou seemed to be under some kind of spell, a subtle dark energy emanating from her body, probably Cao Cao's doing.

Riser snapped his fingers.

Snap!

In an instant, golden, intense Phoenix flames erupted through the area, engulfing Cao Cao, Georg, Jeanne, Heracles, and Perseus. The flames were overwhelming, an unstoppable force consuming everything in their path. Cao Cao tried to raise his spear in a last-ditch effort to defend himself, but the flames quickly enveloped his body, burning his flesh and bones until nothing remained. His scream of agony was muffled by the roar of the flames, which consumed his arrogance along with his body. Georg, Jeanne, Heracles, and Perseus were likewise overtaken by the flames, their faces contorted in despair as they were reduced to ashes within seconds. There was no resistance, only a quick and inevitable death in the face of Riser's power.

[+2000 Luck Points for Cao Cao's death] [+1000 Luck Points for Georg's death] [+1000 Luck Points for Jeanne's death] [+1000 Luck Points for Heracles' death] [+1000 Luck Points for Perseus' death]

[Total Luck Points: 52,000]

Kunou looked at the remains of the captors, her eyes wide with surprise. She hadn't expected it to end so quickly. Fear was still present in her gaze, but now there was also a touch of admiration for Riser's strength.

"I'll take you to your mother," said Riser, his voice calm and confident as he held Kunou in a protective embrace before activating the magic circle to teleport them.

FWOOOSH!

Riser and Kunou reappeared at the Youkai residence in Kyoto, the magic circle dissipating as the young fox girl still clung tightly to Riser's hand. Yasaka, who had been waiting anxiously, ran towards them as soon as she saw them, her eyes filling with tears of relief.

"Kunou!" Yasaka cried, her voice trembling with emotion as she knelt to embrace her daughter.

Kunou released Riser's hand and ran into her mother's arms, tears streaming down her face as she nestled into Yasaka's warm embrace.

"Mother! I knew you would come to save me!" Kunou said, her voice trembling but filled with relief.

Yasaka held Kunou tightly, stroking her hair as tears rolled down her cheeks. "My dear… I'm so sorry for everything that happened. I'm so glad you're safe."

Riser watched the scene in silence, his gaze softening as he witnessed the emotional reunion between mother and daughter. He knew how much this moment meant for Yasaka and Kunou.

After a few moments, Yasaka stood up, still holding Kunou close to her. She looked at Riser, her gaze filled with gratitude.

"Riser… I have no words to thank you for what you've done for me and my daughter. You brought her back to me when I needed it most. I am eternally grateful."

Riser gave a slight smile and nodded. "I'm glad to see you're both safe. As I said before, this was something I would do regardless of any decision."

Yasaka nodded, her gaze softening further. "I know, but even so, your help was invaluable."

Kunou looked at Riser, her eyes shining with gratitude and admiration. "Thank you, Riser-sama. You were amazing… a true hero."

Riser smiled, lowering himself to Kunou's height. He extended his hand and playfully ruffled her hair. "No need to thank me, little fox. The important thing is that you're safe now."

Yasaka approached Riser, lightly holding his hand. "I keep my promise, Riser. I will be by your side, as your woman."

Riser raised an eyebrow, surprised by Yasaka's determination. He nodded slowly, a gentle smile forming on his lips. "I understand. I'm glad to hear that, Yasaka."

Kunou looked at her mother and then at Riser, her eyes wide. "Mother… are you going to marry Riser-sama?"

Yasaka looked at Kunou and nodded, smiling slightly. "Yes, my dear. Riser-sama helped us when we needed it most, and I believe he will be a good partner for us."

Kunou was silent for a moment, processing her mother's words before looking at Riser and smiling. "So… does that mean you'll be my father?"

Riser was visibly surprised by Kunou's question, but he smiled and nodded. "It means I'll take care of you and your mother. I'll do my best to protect both of you."

Yasaka looked at Riser and then at Kunou, her heart filling with relief and hope. The situation had changed drastically, and now, alongside Riser, she felt they could overcome any challenge that came their way.

"Come on, Kunou. Let's rest a little now. We have a long journey ahead, and we need to be prepared for everything that is to come."

Kunou nodded and held her mother's hand, while Riser accompanied them into the residence's interior. They entered together, ready to start a new phase in their lives, surrounded by the warmth of family and the support they now had in each other.

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