As Raiser entered the hall, the transformation in his appearance became even more striking upon closer inspection.
His once bright blonde hair was now a deep, silky black, cascading smoothly down to frame his sharply defined face.
His facial features had undergone a remarkable enhancement, giving him a handsomeness that could only be described as ethereal. His cheekbones were more pronounced, his jawline sharper, and his skin had an almost flawless, alabaster quality.
His eyes, now a deep, endless black, exuded a magnetic allure that drew people in, holding them captive with their depth.
The dark and noble aura he now possessed made him appear as though he had been sculpted by the hands of a divine artist, exuding both power and grace.
The white suit he wore, tailored to perfection, further accentuated his transformation. The contrast of the white fabric against his newly darkened features created an image of a being that was both elegant and formidable. The suit seemed to radiate an aura of purity, yet the darkness in his eyes and hair hinted at a profound, mysterious power that lay beneath the surface.
Those with the Phenex bloodline, including Lord Phenex himself, felt an overwhelming sense of awe. Their bloodlines trembled in the presence of Raiser as if recognizing a superior entity—one that had surpassed the limitations of their lineage. The shock in their eyes was evident as they struggled to reconcile the Raiser they knew with the imposing figure that now stood before them.
As Raiser walked calmly to the center of the grand hall, all eyes were fixated on him. The change in his appearance and demeanor was striking, and the aura of authority he now exuded commanded respect. The silence in the room was almost palpable as he paused, taking a moment to observe each person, his gaze moving slowly from one face to another. His eyes lingered on his mother, Lady Phenex, who looked at him with a mix of pride, concern, and confusion.
"Mom," Raiser began, his voice calm and unwavering, "you still have your peerage pieces intact, right? I want to exchange all my pieces with you."
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, it felt as though time had stopped. The shock that rippled through the room was almost tangible, as if everyone collectively doubted what they had just heard. The disbelief was etched on every face, their expressions a mix of confusion and anxiety.
Lady Phenex, recovering from the initial shock, was the first to respond. "Why the sudden change, Raiser? Did they do something wrong?" Her voice was filled with genuine concern, her eyes searching his for answers.
Lord Phenex, standing beside her, quickly added, his tone firm but tinged with worry, "Yes, tell us if they did anything wrong, and I will punish them."
Yubelluna, Raiser's Queen, stepped forward, her usually composed demeanor shattered. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "Yes, Master, please tell us if we have done anything wrong. We will rectify it, or you can punish us, but don't abandon us." Her plea was echoed in the tearful faces of the rest of his peerage, who stood behind her, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and sadness.
Raiser turned to face them, his expression softening. "No, girls, you didn't do anything wrong," he said gently, his tone reassuring.
"Then why are you abandoning us?" Ni and Li, the nekomata twins, cried out, their voices filled with desperation as they clung to each other.
"I'm not abandoning you," Raiser replied, his voice soothing. "I'm just asking you to stay at home and help Mom. I think you'll be more helpful to her than to me."
The twins looked at him, their confusion evident. "What do you mean by not helpful to you? Did something happen?" Lord Phenex's voice cut through the air, a hint of suspicion creeping into his tone as he studied his son closely.
Raiser met his father's gaze steadily. "Yes, Dad. They may not have sensed it, but I cut off the connection between myself and their pieces. I told you I was going to break through, but that wasn't entirely true. My long-time research has been completed, and I've succeeded. Due to it, our bloodline, which was at the Prince grade (72 Pillars), has now upgraded to King grade (Original 7 Satans). This change will affect the pieces, though I'm not sure how exactly, so I've cut off the connection to minimize the risk. If I exchange them with new pieces, the risk will be much lower."
A stunned silence followed his words, the weight of his revelation sinking in. Lord Phenex's eyes widened in disbelief, his breath coming faster as the enormity of what Raiser had said began to dawn on him. "You... Are you telling the truth?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his excitement barely contained.
"Yes, it's true," Raiser confirmed, his tone steady and confident. "But since it's already late for the meeting, I'll be going. We can discuss the details and transfer the pieces when I return."
Lady Phenex, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke up, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and irritation. "Wait! I haven't agreed to the transfer. Why are you talking as if it's already decided?"
Raiser turned to her, a small, knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Well, are you really going to decline and make us take an unknown risk? No, you won't, so why that tone?" He paused, his expression turning serious as he addressed his father again. "Dad, the meeting won't go as you expect. You might get some news you won't like, but believe me, it will all be for the best."
Without waiting for a reply, Raiser turned and calmly walked back to his room, his footsteps echoing through the hall. The room was left in a stunned silence, the gravity of his words weighing heavily on everyone. The girls, unable to hold back their emotions any longer, began to weep quietly, their tears a mixture of sadness and confusion.
Lord and Lady Phenex exchanged a worried glance, their minds racing as they tried to process the implications of what their son had just revealed. Raiser's transformation was not just physical—it was a complete evolution, one that had far-reaching consequences for their family and the future.
As the door to Raiser's room closed behind him, the hall remained eerily quiet, the only sound the soft sobbing of the peerage members. Each person was lost in their thoughts, grappling with the reality of the situation and the uncertainty of what was to come.
Once Raiser returned to his room, he sat down and addressed the system, "System, show me the subquest related to removing my peerage."
[DING]
[Subquest: Eliminate Your Peerage]
Description: Though your current peerage is strong in the context of the present world, they are not impressive on a multiversal scale. To truly ascend to your destined greatness, it is imperative to seek out stronger allies who can support you on your journey. Your task is to eliminate your current peerage without turning them against you and find a worthy King who will take care of them. This process will free you from any obligations and allow you to form new, more powerful alliances.
Reward: One-time Transmigration Experience Card
[One-time Transmigration Experience Card]
Description: The One-time Transmigration Experience Card grants you the ability to create a temporary avatar and experience life in an entirely different world. This reward transcends the boundaries of your current existence, allowing you to venture into a realm beyond your own.
Temporary Avatar Creation:
Customization: You will have full control over the appearance, abilities, and background of your temporary avatar. Whether you wish to retain your current powers or explore new ones, the choice is yours. You can select a race, choose a unique set of skills, and even decide the physical characteristics of your avatar, tailoring it to fit the world you are about to enter.
Integration into the New World: Your avatar will be seamlessly integrated into the chosen world, complete with a backstory that fits the world's lore. This ensures that your presence doesn't disrupt the natural order of the world, allowing you to blend in or stand out as you see fit.
Experience:
Immersive Exploration: Through your avatar, you'll be able to explore a new world with its own unique cultures, landscapes, and challenges. This world could be anything from a medieval fantasy realm filled with magic and dragons to a futuristic city where advanced technology rules. The experience is designed to be immersive, giving you the chance to live, learn, and grow in an environment entirely different from your own.
Learning and Growth: As you navigate this new world, the experiences and knowledge you gain will be transferred back to your main self upon your return. Whether you learn new combat techniques, develop a new philosophy, or simply gain a fresh perspective, these insights will enhance your journey in your original world.
Duration: The time spent in the new world will be subjective. Though it may feel like years, only a short period will have passed in your current world. This ensures that your primary objectives are not neglected while you enjoy this temporary yet profound experience.
Return and Integration:
Knowledge Transfer: Upon returning to your original body, all memories, skills, and experiences gained during your time as the avatar will be integrated into your consciousness. This can lead to newfound strengths, insights, and a broader understanding of the multiverse.
Potential Power Boost: Depending on your actions and achievements in the new world, you may also receive a power boost or unique ability that reflects the growth you underwent during the experience.
This reward is not just an opportunity to escape your current reality but a chance to broaden your horizons, test your limits, and gain invaluable experiences that could alter the course of your journey.
---
Raiser's eyes lit up with interest as he read through the detailed explanation provided by the system. The possibilities offered by the One-time Transmigration Experience Card were limitless, and the idea of exploring a completely different world while enhancing his own abilities was more than tempting.
Feeling invigorated by the prospect, he stood up, his mood significantly brighter than before. "This is going to be interesting," he mused with a slight smirk.
Without wasting any more time, Raiser activated the teleportation circle, a flash of light engulfing him as he vanished from his room, reappearing in a neatly arranged room filled with a group of teens and a silver-haired beauty in a maid costume.
As the light faded, his newly transformed figure was revealed, and everyone in the room drew a sharp breath, shocked by his new appearance.
"Long time no see, my dear fiancée, Rias Gremory," Raiser said with a confident smile, his voice carrying the weight of authority and mystery that now defined him.