Riser's Mansion in the Underworld - Living Room
As Riser prepared to take the next steps, he heard soft footsteps descending the stairs. He turned and saw Sona coming down gracefully, each step light and elegant.
"Sona," Riser said, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. "I hope you got some rest."
"Yes, I rested a bit," Sona said, a slight smile forming on her lips as she approached. "But I can't sit still while everyone is preparing for war."
"You want to help me?" Riser asked, looking at Sona inquisitively as he sat down in a nearby chair.
"Yes, I want to help," Sona said firmly as she sat next to Riser. "I can't just stay idle knowing there's so much to do."
"Do nothing," Riser said, his expression serious as he looked deeply into Sona's eyes.
Sona looked confused, her brow furrowing slightly. "What do you mean by that?"
"I will have to fight many devils, and the fight will be to the death," Riser said, his voice grave. "I can't worry about you during the battle. I need to know you're safe."
Sona was silent for a moment, digesting Riser's words. "Are you saying I'll be a hindrance?" she asked, her eyes filled with hurt.
"Yes, Sona," Riser confirmed with a nod. "You're powerful, but my concern for you could distract me on the battlefield. I need to know you're safe to fight with everything I have."
Sona already knew this, but it hurt to hear it from Riser's mouth. She lowered her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I understand," she said softly, her voice resigned.
Riser leaned in and held Sona's hand, his touch firm and reassuring. "Gather my Peerage and yours here in the living room. I have something to do, and when I return, I want everyone here."
Sona nodded, feeling a bit more useful. "Yes, I'll do it right now."
Riser stood up and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Thank you, Sona. I'll be back soon." A magic circle appeared under his feet, glowing intensely as he teleported to his mansion in Kuoh.
....
Riser materialized in his mansion in Kuoh, finding Merlin, Tiamat, Kuroka, and Rossweisse gathered in the living room. Merlin, his bishop, stood next to a table, intently observing a map. Tiamat, Kuroka, and Rossweisse, members of Merlin's Peerage, were seated around the table.
"Riser-sama," Merlin said, looking up as he arrived. "Welcome back."
"Thank you, Merlin," Riser said as he approached the table. "I have an important update for all of you."
The girls turned to him, giving him their full attention. Riser took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking.
"We are going to the underworld. The situation there is critical, and I need all of you by my side," Riser said.
Kuroka frowned. "Riser-sama, I am wanted as an SSS-rank criminal. How do you expect me to help without getting captured, nya?"
"Kuroka, I am a Maou now. That means I have the authority to absolve you of all your crimes. You are free from those charges," Riser said, his voice firm and confident.
Kuroka was surprised, her eyes widening. "You can really do that?"
"Yes, I can," Riser confirmed, his gaze determined. "But first, I need to address another important matter. I'm going to take Ophis from Kuoh."
The girls exchanged confused looks as Riser headed to a special room in the mansion. Merlin was the only one who remained impassive, already aware of Ophis's presence.
...
Riser entered the special room where Ophis was sitting on a cushion, her hands resting in her lap. The atmosphere in the room was tranquil, almost ethereal.
"Ophis," Riser said, his voice gentle but firm.
Ophis looked up, her eyes deep and calm. "Riser," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "What do you want?"
"I need your help. The underworld is on the brink of war, and your strength could be crucial," Riser said, looking directly into her eyes.
Ophis remained silent for a moment before speaking. "If you lose, I lose my silence?"
"Yes," Riser confirmed, knowing how much peace meant to Ophis.
"Then, I will help," Ophis said, her voice devoid of emotion.
Riser nodded, relieved. "Thank you, Ophis."
....
Riser returned to the living room, with Ophis walking silently beside him. The girls turned, their expressions ranging from surprise to curiosity. Rossweisse looked especially confused, not recognizing the ethereal figure beside Riser.
"Riser-sama, this is...?" Rossweisse asked, frowning slightly.
"This is Ophis," Riser said, his voice firm. "She will help us in the underworld."
Rossweisse was stunned. "Ophis? The Infinite Dragon God?!"
Ophis looked at Rossweisse with her deep, expressionless eyes but said nothing. The atmosphere in the room became more tense, everyone feeling the weight of Ophis's presence.
Tiamat, who was sitting around the table, looked at Ophis with a mix of respect and fear. "Riser-sama, I didn't expect you to bring Ophis here," Tiamat said, trying to stay calm.
"Relax, Tiamat," Riser said. "Ophis is my ally now. She's here to help us."
Tiamat took a deep breath, trying to control her anxiety. "If you say so, Riser-sama, I'll trust your judgment."
Ophis, with her expressionless face, looked directly at Riser. "You give me silence," she said, her voice soft and almost hypnotic. "And I will kill your enemies."
The silence in the room was almost palpable after Ophis's declaration. Her imposing presence seemed to make the air denser, and everyone felt the weight of her words.
Riser nodded, maintaining eye contact with Ophis. "Yes, Ophis. I guarantee your silence. In return, we need your strength to protect the underworld."
Ophis remained motionless for a moment before giving a slight nod.
Riser, Ophis, Merlin, Tiamat, Kuroka, and Rossweisse teleported back to the mansion in the underworld. Upon arrival, they found Sona already gathered with her Peerage and the rest of Riser's Peerage in the living room.
...
Sona stood next to Tsubaki, her queen, while the other members of her Peerage - Momo, Reya, Tomoe, Tsubasa, and Yoruichi - were scattered around the room, talking in low voices. Seeing Riser and his group materialize, they all turned, their expressions ranging from curiosity to surprise.
"Sona," Riser said, smiling as he approached her. "These are my new allies."
Sona looked at the new faces with a surprised expression.
"This is Tiamat," Riser continued, pointing to the dragon. "She is extremely powerful and a valuable ally."
Tiamat nodded slightly, her presence imposing and intimidating. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Sona."
"And this is Kuroka," Riser said, looking at the nekomata. "She is now free from her charges."
Kuroka smiled, her feline eyes shining with amusement. "Nya, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Sona-sama."
Sona was speechless upon seeing Tiamat and Kuroka. 'How did Riser manage to bring these powerful allies?' she thought, amazed.
"And finally," Riser said, gesturing to Ophis, "this is Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God."
Ophis looked at Sona with her deep, expressionless eyes, and her overwhelming presence caused Sona to faint instantly.
Sona collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
Riser quickly caught her, holding her carefully. "I'll take Sona to her room. Tsubaki, come with me," Riser said, his voice firm.
Tsubaki immediately approached, concerned. "Yes, Riser-sama," she said, following Riser as he carried Sona up the stairs.
"Tsubaki, please take care of her," Riser said as he covered Sona with a blanket. "When she wakes up, tell her I went to do my job as Maou."
Tsubaki nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, Riser-sama. I will take care of her."
Riser gave one last look at Sona before turning and leaving the room. He quickly descended the stairs, feeling the urgency of the situation.
Riser returned to the living room, where the members of his Peerage and Sona's Peerage were waiting. The atmosphere was tense, and everyone looked at Riser expectantly. He paused to observe everyone, aware of the importance of the moment.
"Everyone," Riser began, his voice firm. "We have a lot of work to do. The underworld is in danger, and we need to be prepared."
Tiamat, Erza, Merlin, and Ophis positioned themselves next to Riser, ready to hear his instructions. Yubelluna, Kuroka, Rossweisse, and the members of Sona's Peerage were also attentive.
"Tiamat, Erza, Merlin, and Ophis, you will come with me to visit the traitors' families," Riser said.
Riser turned to the others. "Yubelluna, you will be in charge of protecting the house. Make sure everyone is safe while we're away."
Yubelluna stood up immediately, her expression serious. "Yes, Riser-sama. I will organize the protection of the house."
Riser continued, addressing Sona's Peerage. "Sona's Peerage will help Yubelluna with the task. Arrange the accommodations and ensure everyone is prepared for any eventuality."
Tsubasa, Tomoe, Reya, Momo, and Yoruichi also confirmed with a nod, ready to follow the instructions.
Riser raised his hand and conjured a communication magic circle. A hologram of his mother, Romina, appeared before him, projecting a clear and sharp image.
"Riser, dear," Romina said, her voice warm and concerned. "What happened?"
"Mother, I need you to bring Ravel and her Peerage to my house immediately," Riser said. "And remember to bring father as well. I won't be here when you arrive."
Romina nodded, her gaze reflecting understanding and determination. "Understood, Riser. I will prepare everything and bring them to your house as quickly as possible."
"Thank you, Mother," Riser said, ending the communication. The hologram of Romina slowly faded away.
Riser turned to Tiamat, Erza, Merlin, and Ophis, who were waiting for his next instructions. "We will teleport to the Gremory mansion. We have an important mission ahead."
A magic circle appeared under their feet, glowing intensely. In an instant, Riser, Tiamat, Erza, Merlin, and Ophis teleported, leaving Riser's mansion and reappearing at the Gremory mansion.
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