Gremory Mansion - Ballroom
Riser stood firmly in the center of the battlefield, his body covered in black marks pulsating with sinister energy. He looked at Fenrir, who was approaching with diminished ferocity, seeming less aggressive than before. Loki watched the scene, his face showing astonishment at the strength Riser emanated.
"Fenrir, why aren't you attacking with all your strength?" Loki asked, his voice full of frustration as he glared at the giant wolf.
"Oh, is Loki's little wolf scared?" Riser mocked, a disdainful smile on his lips as he observed Fenrir's hesitation.
Loki became furious at Riser's provocation. "Fenrir, if you don't move and attack now, I will kill you myself!" he threatened, his eyes glowing with murderous rage.
"No need to fear Loki killing you. I'll do it myself." Riser said as his body emanated a dark glow.
With impressive speed, Riser moved toward Fenrir, his fist enveloped in black flames. He struck the wolf with devastating force.
BAM!
The impact of the punch was so powerful that Fenrir's massive body was thrown against a wall, which crumbled with the impact. The wolf let out one last agonizing howl before falling lifeless to the ground.
"One punch, one death." Riser said as he observed Fenrir's inert body.
Loki, in shock, took a step back. "You... you killed Fenrir with a single blow," he said, his voice trembling with incredulity and fear. "I... I need to get out of here."
Riser noticed Loki's intention to flee and quickly launched himself toward him. With a precise movement, he grabbed Loki by the arm, preventing his escape. "You're not going anywhere." Riser said, his eyes gleaming with cold determination.
CRACK!
The sound of Loki's hand bones breaking echoed through the hall as Riser applied pressure, breaking the God of Lies' hands with ease. Loki screamed in pain, his expression twisted with suffering.
Meanwhile, Euclid Lucifuge, realizing imminent defeat, activated a teleportation magic circle. "This fight is not ours." Euclid said as he disappeared, undoing the Dead Zone and freeing everyone present.
With the Dead Zone undone, the devils present began using their magic to teleport to safe places, while Riser kept Loki under control, ensuring the God of Lies would not escape his punishment.
Riser dragged Loki through the hall, the God of Lies' expression of pain contrasting with Riser's cold determination. The devils around watched, some still teleporting to safe places, while others looked with a mix of admiration and fear.
"I will take you to Sirzechs. He will know what to do with you," said Riser, firmly, as he pulled Loki without difficulty.
As he passed by Diehauser's inert body, Riser cast a brief glance, noting the corpse with indifference. Internally, he felt a grim satisfaction with Diehauser's death, but he kept his feelings well guarded. 'One less obstacle in my way,' he thought, with a slight smile that quickly disappeared.
Zekram observed Riser bringing Loki, his eyes fixed on the scene. He noticed Riser's impassive expression and the way he handled the defeated Loki.
Zekram looked at Diehauser's corpse on the ground and then back at Riser. 'Diehauser has fallen, but perhaps fate has brought someone even more capable to fill this gap.'
Serafall and Grayfia approached, Serafall with a look of relief and admiration, while Grayfia maintained a serious but determined expression.
"Riser, you did an amazing job," Serafall said as she lightly touched Riser's arm. "Your strength was crucial in saving many here."
Grayfia, on the other hand, went directly to Sirzechs, her gaze fixed on her husband as she assessed the situation around her.
"Let me go!" Loki screamed at Riser, writhing in pain and trying to break free from the relentless grip.
Riser, impassive, looked coldly at Loki. "I told you, you're not going anywhere." With a quick and brutal move, Riser stomped on Loki's leg, breaking it with a sharp sound.
CRACK!
Loki screamed again, his voice echoing through the hall. "Aaaahhhh!"
Sirzechs looked at Loki with anger, his eyes glowing with contained fury. "Leave him to me, Riser."
Riser nodded, tossing Loki to Sirzechs with a careless gesture.
THUD!
Loki's body fell at Sirzechs' feet, who looked at him with an expression of disgust. "You will pay for your crimes, Loki." Sirzechs said as he raised his hand, preparing to take Loki into custody.
Venelana, Zeoticus, and Grayfia approached, concerned about the rare expression of hatred on Sirzechs' face.
"Sirzechs, calm down," Ajuka urged, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Remember, Loki is part of Norse mythology. We need to handle this diplomatically."
Sirzechs took a deep breath, his hands trembling with anger as he tried to regain his composure. He closed his eyes for a moment, gradually calming down.
"You're right, Ajuka. I'm sorry, I let my emotions take over," said Sirzechs, lowering his hand and stepping back.
Riser watched the scene with a certain fascination. 'It's amusing to see the calm Sirzechs so irritated,' he thought, maintaining an impassive expression while Sirzechs struggled to control his anger.
"Let me handle Loki, Sirzechs," said Ajuka as he calmly looked at Loki.
Sirzechs took a deep breath, struggling to control his emotions. He looked at Ajuka and, after a moment of silence, nodded slowly.
"You're right, Ajuka," said Sirzechs, his voice more controlled. "Handle him appropriately."
Ajuka gestured to two devils nearby. They approached and, under Ajuka's supervision, took Loki, still moaning in pain, out of the hall.
"My work here is done," said Riser, drawing everyone's attention as he prepared to leave. He started walking towards the exit but was interrupted by Zekram.
"Wait, Riser," said Zekram, raising a hand to stop his departure. "Before you leave, there's something we need to discuss."
Riser stopped and turned to Zekram, curious. "What is so important?"
Zekram looked around, noticing everyone's attention in the hall. "I would like to offer you the position of Maou. Your performance today showed that you possess the strength and courage needed to lead the underworld."
Everyone in the hall was surprised by the unexpected proposal. Murmurs of shock and disbelief filled the air as the devils present tried to process Zekram's offer.
"I don't think this is the right time," Sirzechs said, sighing as he observed Zekram with a serious expression. "We're still dealing with the aftermath of the attack."
"The ideal moment is the one I determine," Zekram replied firmly, not taking his eyes off Riser. "We need a strong leader now more than ever."
The hall was abuzz with surprised murmurs and curious glances.
"Zekram, it is a great honor to receive this offer," said Riser, his voice firm and clear as he looked directly at Zekram. "I appreciate the trust you are placing in me."
Riser felt a wave of satisfaction and happiness wash over him. He knew this was a decisive moment, an opportunity to stand out even more and shape the future of the underworld.
"I accept," said Riser, with a confident and determined smile. "I accept the responsibility of leading the underworld as Maou."
Zekram nodded, a slight smile appearing on his face. He stepped forward, raising his hand so everyone could hear clearly.
"From today onwards, Riser Phenex will be known as Riser Asmodeus, the new Maou of the underworld!" announced Zekram, his voice resonating through the hall, silencing the murmurs and capturing everyone's attention.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
The devils present, despite the initial shock, began to applaud the decision, recognizing Riser's strength and leadership.
Riser raised his hand, asking for silence. When the applause died down, he began his speech, his voice firm and authoritative.
"Devils of the underworld," began Riser, his gaze sweeping over the faces of those present. "Today, we faced a treacherous attack, an act of cowardice and desperation by those who want to destroy us. But we will not be shaken. We, the devils, are strong, resilient, and united."
"The traitors who dared raise their hands against us will be hunted down and killed. There will be no mercy for those who tried to destroy our peace and stability. We will take revenge and rebuild the glory of the devils, stronger and more determined than ever."
"Together, we will overcome any adversity. We will rebuild what was destroyed and show the world that the devils are an unbreakable force. With everyone's help, I will lead the underworld towards a future of prosperity and power!"
**Clap! Clap! Clap!**
The devils applauded enthusiastically, cheering Riser for his promise of revenge and renewal. The applause echoed through the hall, resonating with the approval and support of those present.
Sirzechs did not like what was happening. He observed Zekram and Riser with a serious and concerned expression. 'Zekram is impulsive. Riser is the worst possible option,' he thought, clenching his fists as he listened to the applause and acclaim.
Serafall, thrilled with Riser's nomination as Maou, ran towards him. Her face was lit up with a radiant smile, and her eyes shone with pride. Upon reaching him, she hugged him warmly, wrapping him in her arms.
"Congratulations, Riser-chan! You deserve this position. The position of Maou is perfect for you," said Serafall, hugging him tightly.
Zekram, observing the scene, approached Riser.
"Riser Asmodeus," said Zekram, with a solemn tone. "You have 12 hours to settle your personal matters and prepare. During this time, I will stay here to ensure security and order. When you return, you will fully assume your responsibilities as Maou."
Riser nodded, understanding the importance of the moment. "Thank you, Zekram. I will use this time to prepare properly."
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