Riser's Mansion in Kuoh
After the intense conversation with Serafall and Sona, Riser decided he needed some time at his mansion in Kuoh to reflect on his plans. Upon arriving at the mansion's entrance, he was greeted by a group of servants who bowed respectfully.
"Welcome back, Riser-sama," said one of the servants, bowing. "Merlin is waiting for you in the library."
Riser nodded, his expression serious and resolute. "Thank you. Inform Kuroka, Tiamat, and Rossweisse that I'm here, but let me speak with Merlin first."
Mansion Library
Merlin was seated in an armchair near the fireplace, flipping through an ancient grimoire. She looked up as she heard Riser's footsteps entering the room.
"Riser-sama, welcome," Merlin said, her voice calm and serene. "From your expression, it seems we have important matters to discuss."
Riser closed the door behind him and walked to a nearby chair, sitting down across from Merlin. "Yes, Merlin. I need to share a plan with you."
Merlin leaned forward slightly, showing her interest. "I'm at your disposal, Riser-sama. What is the plan?"
"I want Falbium Asmodeus dead," Riser said indifferently.
Merlin raised an eyebrow but did not show surprise. She knew Riser's ruthless side well. "I understand. How do you plan to accomplish this?"
"I want to use Ophis for this," Riser responded, his confidence unwavering.
Merlin couldn't help but smile, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "An excellent idea, Riser-sama. Ophis' power is unparalleled. Although I sense her immense presence since she joined us, I've never had the opportunity to see her in action. This will be a great opportunity."
Riser nodded, pleased with Merlin's reaction. "Great. I want everything to happen tomorrow while I and the other Maous are in the meeting. Falbium will be the only one absent, and it will be the perfect opportunity. Additionally, it will remove any suspicion from me, although it will cause chaos in the underworld, but that's part of the plan."
Merlin kept her smile, understanding the plan's implications. "Understood, Riser-sama. I'll prepare everything to ensure there is no evidence linking Ophis to the attack. This will be crucial to maintaining our position."
Riser stood up, his determination clear in his eyes. "Perfect. I'll speak with Ophis now. Prepare everything as discussed."
Merlin made a slight bow. "Yes, Riser-sama. I will be ready."
Ophis' Special Room
The room where Ophis stayed was unique. Despite being inside the mansion, it was a separate dimension, completely soundproof and isolated from the rest of the world. Riser stopped in front of the door, traced a magic circle in the air, and murmured a few words. The door opened silently, revealing a serene and isolated environment.
Ophis was sitting on a cushion in the center of the room, meditating. Sensing Riser's presence, she slowly opened her eyes, her enigmatic gaze fixing on him.
"Riser," Ophis said, her voice soft and ethereal. "What do you want?"
Riser entered the room, closing the door behind him. "Ophis, I need your help to eliminate Falbium Asmodeus."
Ophis tilted her head slightly, considering the proposal. "Why?"
"He is an obstacle in my plans. His power and influence are a threat to me and our joint objectives," Riser explained, approaching her.
Ophis observed Riser for a moment before slowly nodding. "Very well. I will help you."
Riser smiled, satisfied with her response. "Thank you, Ophis. We will coordinate everything with Merlin to ensure the plan is executed perfectly."
Ophis closed her eyes again, resuming her meditation. "I will be ready when you need me."
Riser made a slight bow, respecting Ophis' strength and power. He left the special room, feeling more confident and resolute than ever. As he walked through the mansion's corridors, he knew each step brought him closer to his goals.
Mansion Library
Returning to the library, Riser found Merlin exactly where he had left her, sitting in an armchair near the fireplace. The environment was cozy, with the soft candlelight and the comforting warmth of the fire creating an atmosphere conducive to important discussions. Hearing Riser's footsteps, Merlin looked up from the grimoire she was reading, awaiting confirmation.
"Ophis agreed," Riser said, his firm voice echoing in the silent room. "Let's start planning the execution."
Merlin bowed, a discreet smile curling her lips. "Perfect, Riser-sama. We are ready to proceed."
They sat at the large oak table in the center of the library, covered with maps and ancient scrolls. Riser began outlining the details of the plan, explaining each step with precision. Merlin, with her vast experience in magic and strategy, suggested adjustments and improvements, ensuring every move was calculated and precise.
"Ophis will be in position on the morning of the meeting," Riser said, pointing to a spot on the map indicating Falbium's location. "We need to ensure the execution is quick and silent."
Merlin nodded, already mentally working on concealment and disguise spells. "I'll prepare the necessary spells to ensure no evidence points to Ophis. Discretion will be crucial to protect you from any repercussions."
After an hour of finalizing the plan's details, Riser and Merlin continued their conversation, discussing the long-term implications of their actions.
"My ultimate goal is to assume the position of Maou in place of Falbium Asmodeus," Riser revealed, his voice filled with ambition. "This position is the most prestigious a devil can achieve, and I'm determined to secure it."
Merlin, always pragmatic, smiled approvingly. "Your plan is bold, Riser-sama. Assuming the position of Maou will not only elevate your status but also consolidate your power in the underworld. It's a smart move."
Riser continued, his words revealing a more calculative side. "I have nothing personal against Falbium. He's an obstacle, a piece that needs to be removed for me to advance. It's simple logic."
Merlin nodded, fully understanding Riser's motivation. "I understand. In the game of power, sometimes we need to make difficult decisions to achieve our goals."
Riser leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "It's ironic, isn't it? The meeting that was supposed to punish me will actually provide me with a great opportunity. While everyone is distracted, I'll be executing a plan that will change the course of the underworld."
Merlin laughed softly, appreciating the irony of the situation. "The meeting will be the perfect distraction. While all eyes are on you, we can move our pieces with precision."
Riser stood up, looking at the map in front of him with a resolute expression. "Let's ensure everything goes as planned. The underworld is about to witness a significant change, and I will be at the center of it."
Merlin made one last bow before leaving to prepare the necessary spells. "I trust you, Riser-sama. Together, we will turn this opportunity into a decisive victory."
As Merlin left the library, Riser remained alone for a moment, contemplating the future. He knew each step he took brought him closer to his ultimate goal. With Ophis and Merlin by his side, he was confident nothing could stop him.
The mansion was silent, except for the gentle crackling of the fireplace. Riser looked at the dancing flames, his gaze determined. Tomorrow would be a decisive day, and he was ready to face any challenge that lay ahead. However, he knew that securing his position as the next Maou would be just the beginning. The real battle would begin after Falbium's execution.
Riser walked slowly to the window, looking out at the dark sky of the underworld. His mind was occupied with the challenges he would face, even after eliminating Falbium. Being the head of the Phenex family gave him influence, but his youth and lack of support from important figures like Sirzechs could be considerable obstacles.
The only thing that could overcome all these obstacles was absolute power, and the only way to obtain that power overnight was to use his greatest secret.
The system.
Riser closed his eyes for a moment, connecting mentally to the System. 'System, how many luck points do I currently have?'
[You have 5300 luck points.]
'Great. What do you suggest I buy to increase my demonic power?' Riser asked, eager for the options the System would offer.
[To increase demonic power, I recommend acquiring the Commandment of Love from the Demon King in the anime Seven Deadly Sins. This commandment not only provides a massive stat boost but also prevents anyone feeling anger toward the host from moving. It costs 5000 luck points.]
Riser opened his eyes, a satisfied smile curling his lips. The Commandment of Love would be the key to solidifying his power and ensuring no one could challenge him. He knew this power would be crucial not only for executing Falbium but also for facing any future opposition.
"Buy the Commandment of Love," Riser ordered the System.
[Purchase complete. The Commandment of Love has been activated.]
Riser felt a surge of power course through his body, his demonic aura growing in intensity. His eyes turned pitch black, and he could feel the power of the Commandment of Love flowing through his veins, enhancing his abilities and making him even more formidable.
He closed his eyes again, feeling the energy pulsate within him. When he opened his eyes, his gaze was even more resolute.
With the decision made and the newly acquired power, Riser returned to the leather armchair, watching the dancing flames in the fireplace.
Tomorrow would be a decisive day, not just for him, but for the entire underworld. And Riser was determined to emerge victorious.
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