Gremory Mansion - Ballroom
Serafall, amidst the chaos that ensued after the explosion, noticed a figure materializing in the center of the ballroom. Her eyes fixed on the Phenex family crest that shone brightly. She immediately recognized the figure emerging from the magic circle.
"Riser!" exclaimed Serafall, surprised and relieved at the same time.
Riser, upon materializing, quickly assessed the situation around him. He saw the debris, the confusion, and the worried faces of the devils present. His gaze met Serafall's, who ran up to him with an urgent expression.
"Riser, you came back!" Serafall said, her voice filled with relief. "Where is Sona? Is she safe?"
"Sona is safe, Serafall. I took her to my mansion, along with some other guests. They are out of danger." Riser said while looking around, analyzing the situation.
"Thank you, Riser. I knew I could count on you." Serafall sighed in relief, touching Riser's arm lightly.
Riser frowned, observing the chaos around him. "Why haven't the devils escaped?" he asked, noticing that many were still trapped in the ballroom.
"Rizevim and Euclid cast a Dead Zone, a barrier that prevents teleportation," explained Serafall, her eyes shining with concern. "This magic blocks almost all our ability to flee and teleport."
Riser clenched his fists, his expression becoming more determined. "Then we need to fight and protect everyone here."
At that moment, Euclid approached with a mocking smile. "Well, well, if it isn't the famous Riser Phenex," Euclid said, his voice dripping with irony. "Have you come to save the day, or just to try to stand out?"
Riser cast a cold look at Euclid. "I'm here to ensure that your insane actions don't cause more destruction," he said firmly.
Euclid laughed, taking a step back. "Good luck with that. You'll need it."
Riser ignored Euclid's sarcasm and turned to Serafall. "Serafall, help the devils who can't fight to escape. Take care of them while we deal with these traitors."
"Of course, Riser. I'll make sure everyone is safe," said Serafall, agreeing while she began organizing the non-combatant devils to retreat from the ballroom.
Serafall then moved quickly, guiding the devils to safer areas within the mansion. She used her magic to create small protective barriers along the way, ensuring they had enough time to escape.
Riser cast a disdainful look at Euclid.
"It's interesting that you know who I am," said Riser, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I'm sorry to say I have no idea who you are."
"Where are my manners?" Euclid began, "I am Euclid Lucifuge," he said, making a slight bow without showing any irritation.
"Lucifuge? Are you Grayfia's brother?" asked Riser, his expression showing genuine curiosity.
"Yes, Grayfia is my sister," said Euclid, a cold smile appearing on his lips as he watched Riser. "But don't expect that to change anything between us."
Riser gave a scornful smile. "Interesting. That means there might be one less Lucifuge in the underworld soon," he said, preparing for battle.
Before the two could face off, a familiar figure stepped between them. Grayfia appeared, her expression serious and determined. "Euclid, stop this now," said Grayfia, her voice firm and authoritative.
Riser sighed, regretting the interruption. 'Tsk,' he thought, before turning his attention to another opponent. His eyes found Loki, who was causing destruction around.
Riser raised his hand, aiming at Loki, preparing a powerful spell.
...
Meanwhile, Diehauser positioned himself in front of Sirzechs and Zekram, his expression determined. "My first act as Maou will be to defeat Rizevim," he said, his voice full of conviction.
"Rizevim is extremely powerful and has years of combat experience. Do not underestimate the danger he represents," said Sirzechs, his voice serious as he watched Diehauser.
"I understand, Sirzechs," replied Diehauser, his gaze fixed on Rizevim. "But this is my responsibility now. I need to try."
Rizevim, hearing the exchange, mocked Diehauser.
"You? Defeat me?" he said, laughing cruelly. "You're dreaming, Diehauser. I will destroy you and all who oppose me."
...
Riser launched a powerful burst of flames toward Loki, who dodged with surprising agility, an arrogant smile on his face. The flames whizzed through the air, hitting a wall and causing an explosion of heat and light.
"Damn," Riser thought, lamenting the missed chance to hurt Loki. He was preparing another attack when he heard a mocking laugh.
"Attacking from behind, Riser? How dishonorable," said Loki, still smiling as he moved gracefully through the battlefield. "I expected more from a Phenex."
"In war, everything is fair, God of Lies," said Riser, moving to a more strategic position. "I will do whatever it takes to protect my people."
Loki whistled, his eyes shining with malice.
*Fiuuu*
"You're right, Riser. In war, everything is fair," said Loki, his tone full of amusement. "Let's see how far you're willing to go."
CRASH!
A thunderous sound echoed through the ballroom as a giant wolf, Fenrir, appeared out of nowhere, breaking through one of the mansion's walls. With a terrifying roar, the creature charged directly at Riser, destroying everything in its path.
**THUD! THUD! THUD!**
Riser barely had time to react before Fenrir was upon him, its jaws snapping shut with a SNAP!.
He dodged at the last second, feeling the wind from the bite pass dangerously close.
"Fenrir! What an unpleasant surprise," said Riser, retreating and trying to buy time while thinking of a plan to face the gigantic wolf.
As Fenrir charged again, Riser launched a wall of flames to try to contain the beast. But Fenrir, imbued with magical power, passed through the flames with ease, forcing Riser to keep dodging and looking for an opening to counterattack.
"You'll need more than fire to defeat Fenrir, Riser," mocked Loki, watching the fight with a satisfied smile. "He is relentless."
Riser ignored Loki's comments, focusing entirely on Fenrir. 'If I increase the intensity of my flames here, I'll end up hurting allied devils. I need to be precise.'
Fenrir growled, his eyes shining with primal fury.
Grrrrrr!
Riser gave an arrogant smile, his flames intensifying around him as he spoke.
"I'll cause such a spectacle here that everyone will remember this day." he said as he adjusted his stance, his confidence radiating.
...
Rizevim was about to take Diehauser's life.
"I have thousands of years of experience. Did you really fall for such a trick? What a disappointment," said Rizevim as he plunged his black sword into Diehauser's chest.
Sirzechs ran to try to stop Rizevim, but it was too late.
**THUD!**
Rizevim threw Diehauser's corpse to the ground.
Rizevim watched with a sadistic smile as Diehauser fell to the ground, the lifeless body reflecting the flickering light of the ruined ballroom. Sirzechs, paralyzed for a moment by shock, rushed towards Diehauser's corpse, but Lord Belial was quicker.
"Diehauser!" shouted Lord Belial, his voice filled with despair as he knelt beside his son's body. "My son, no! This can't be happening..." he said as he held Diehauser's body in his arms, tears of pain streaming down his face.
"You were always my pride," continued Lord Belial, his voice trembling with emotion. "I promise your death will not be in vain. The Old Satan faction will pay for this."
Rizevim watched the scene with disdain, his smile widening. He turned to Sirzechs, who was approaching with a furious and determined expression.
"Sirzechs, it looks like you'll need another Maou," mocked Rizevim, his voice dripping with irony. "Maybe the next one won't fall so easily for simple tricks," he said as he wiped the blood from his black sword with a dismissive gesture.
"Rizevim, you will pay for this," growled Sirzechs, his aura of power increasing as he prepared to attack.
Rizevim laughed, a cruel and sarcastic sound, as he took a few steps back, watching Sirzechs with a superior expression. "I'd love to see you try, Sirzechs. But for now, I think I've caused enough destruction."
With those words, Rizevim extended his hand, a magic circle glowing intensely under his feet. In an instant, he disappeared from the ballroom, leaving Sirzechs and the other devils in the chaos he had created.
Lord Belial still held Diehauser's body, his gaze fixed on the void, his pain visible to all. Sirzechs knelt beside Lord Belial, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Lord Belial, I'm so sorry," said Sirzechs, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Diehauser was a great devil and an exceptional leader. His death will be avenged."
...
Euclid cast a disdainful look at Diehauser.
"So, Diehauser fell so easily. Pathetic," said Euclid, mocking as he kicked Diehauser's body with contempt. "Next will be Sirzechs."
Grayfia remained impassive, her eyes fixed on Euclid. "Sirzechs-sama is the strongest. He won't fall like Diehauser," she said, defending her husband while maintaining her upright and confident posture.
Euclid let out a sarcastic laugh. "We'll see, traitor," he said, watching Grayfia with a look of disdain. "Let's see if your precious Sirzechs is really as strong as you think."
Suddenly, a powerful magic enveloped the entire battlefield. Everyone present felt the overwhelming pressure, becoming paralyzed by the intensity of the energy.
Grayfia and Euclid looked around, surprised by the strength of the magic. Euclid tried to move but was unable to break through the invisible barrier that held them in place. The tension in the air was palpable, and all the devils felt the magnitude of the power surrounding them.
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