Chapter 9: Vicious Towards the Enemy
Riser Phenex was no ordinary devil.
Born the third son of the prestigious Phenex family, one of the 72 Pillars of the Underworld, his immortality had ensured an unbroken string of victories in the Rating Games. His losses were merely symbolic, arranged matches for social courtesy.
Facing Kazuki Fuwa, Riser sought to uphold that legacy, aiming to claim victory by eliminating the King herself.
All of his followers were beautiful, women and he had built a harem of them all. Every member of his peerage was a vision of allure, and, as expected of someone of his status, Riser had taken all of them as his lovers. His life seemed to be nothing short of perfect.
Yet, deep within, one issue continued to gnaw at him that was his own status.
The inheritance of the Phenex household had already been decided. His eldest brother was set to become the head, while the second brother would take on the role of advisor.
Riser, despite his abilities, was relegated to the position of the third son, an identity he found increasingly unsatisfactory.
It was during this time of discontent that a marriage proposal came from the prestigious Gremory Clan, another of the 72 Pillars.
The Gremory family had risen in prominence thanks to producing a Maou and had since grown more powerful than the Phenex household.
The proposed bride, Rias Gremory, was not only the future head of her house but also a renowned prodigy and, to Riser's delight, a stunningly beautiful young woman who perfectly matched his tastes.
To Riser, this marriage was an ideal opportunity. It promised to elevate his status, provide him with an exceptional bride, and contribute to the continuation of the pureblood devil lineage—a matter of great importance in devil society.
Without hesitation, he accepted the proposal.
However, the only issue was Rias herself, vehemently opposed the engagement.
Riser dismissed her resistance as trivial. He believed that once they were married, her objections would fade.
According to him, Rias's disdain for his relationships with his female peerage stemmed from her naivety and inexperience.
He was confident that once she was his, her perspective would change. The thought of claiming her voluptuous body filled him with anticipation.
However, Rias's persistent defiance began to strain the negotiations. Even her famously doting brother, Sirzechs, seemed to reconsider the arrangement.
Alarmed, Riser pushed his father to accelerate the marriage plans, which ultimately led to the current confrontation.
Under Grayfia's suggestion, it was decided that a Rating Game would settle the matter.
Riser felt no concern. He had all of his peerage members, experienced in Rating Games, on his side. In contrast, Rias had only six members, was a complete novice, and lacked proper preparation.
Moreover, Riser himself was a Phenex, a devil with the gift of immortality. Losing was inconceivable.
However, the unimaginable happened.
Riser Phenex found himself cornered, his once-unshakable confidence shattered.
A single, nameless pawn in Rias's peerage had systematically defeated five of his members, and now that same enemy had him on the ropes.
Kazuki Fuwa's mysterious combat skills and the overwhelming power of his armor, a Sacred Gear known as the Guyver, were beyond anything Riser had prepared for or even imagined.
Pain and terror consumed Riser as Kazuki's relentless attacks broke through his immortality time and again. Each resurrection took longer, his flames flickering weaker with every revival.
For the first time, Riser truly understood that while a Phenex could not be killed in the traditional sense, they could be broken—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Desperation drove him to take drastic measures.
Abandoning his pride, he turned his attention toward Rias, who was watching the battle from behind Kazuki.
"If I take the King, this game is over!" Riser roared, channeling every ounce of his magical energy.
Flames burst forth from his body, forming an enormous fireball aimed directly at Rias.
Kazuki, recognizing the danger, acted instantly. His voice rang out as he surged toward Rias with blinding speed, the enhancements of his Guyver armor amplifying his movements.
"President, stay where you are. I'll protect you!"
"Kazuki!" Rias exclaimed in surprise, but something in his voice reassured her.
Trusting him entirely, she stood her ground, "I believe in you, Kazuki," she said softly, her voice filled with conviction.
Her faith sent a surge of strength through her Pawn's body. Whether it was the effect of the Evil Pieces or his own emotions, he couldn't tell. All he knew was that he would stop at nothing to keep Rias safe.
Kazuki opened the armor on his chest, revealing the brilliant core of his Sacred Gear. From the core, an overwhelming surge of energy began to build.
"This is for Rias, for everything you've done to her!"
With a roar, Kazuki unleashed —the Mega Smasher, the Guyver's most powerful weapon.
The massive torrent of light consumed Riser's flames effortlessly, swallowing the Phenex entirely.
"Impossible! No, this can't be—AAAAHHHHH!!"
Riser's scream echoed as the light carried him into the distance, vanishing into the night sky.
For the first time in his life, Riser Phenex knew defeat.
Riser's scream echoed as the light carried him into the distance, vanishing into the night sky.
For the first time in his life, Riser Phenex knew defeat.
Moments later, faint embers drifted down from the skies like falling stars.
One ember landed on the rooftop and ignited briefly before morphing into the battered, unconscious body of Riser Phenex. His regeneration had reached its limits, and his once-proud form lay motionless.
"Big Brother!"
Ravel Phenex rushed to his side, her delicate features contorted with worry. She knelt beside him, gently cradling his head, but he showed no signs of waking.
Grayfia's calm, authoritative voice soon cut through the tense atmosphere.
"Riser Phenex has been retired. Therefore, this Game has been declared the victory of Rias Gremory!"
The announcement echoed across the battlefield.
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