[Host, you have gained 2000 luck points for eliminating Lord Glasya-Labolas, a traitor of the underworld. Congratulations on the successful execution.]
Riser smiled slightly as he heard the system's message, feeling satisfaction grow within him.
"Merlin," Riser said, his voice cold and authoritative, cutting through the silence in the hall. "Take Iryuka to my mansion and add her to your Peerage. She might be useful to you."
Merlin, still holding Iryuka in her arms, looked at Riser and nodded respectfully.
Merlin took a step forward, preparing for teleportation. She cast one last glance at Riser, Tiamat, Erza, and Ophis, her eyes glowing with quiet confidence.
"I'll return to the mansion, Riser-sama. When you get back, everything will be in order," Merlin said, maintaining her serene composure. With a graceful movement of her hand, a magic circle appeared beneath her feet, glowing intensely.
In an instant, Merlin and Iryuka disappeared, leaving only a faint shimmer in the air where they had been.
After Merlin's departure, Riser looked at the devastated hall, where the smell of burning still lingered in the air, a pungent reminder of the destruction he had caused. The muffled sound of Lord Glasya-Labolas's ashes crackling softly echoed, an almost imperceptible sound that brought a sense of closure for Riser.
"Ophis, Tiamat, Erza," Riser said, his voice calm but laden with authority. "We have more work to do. We can't leave any traitors alive."
A few hours later...
Riser's private mansion in the underworld - Riser and Sona's bedroom
Riser and Sona were in their bedroom, a stark contrast to the recent chaos. The atmosphere in the room was calm and comforting, with soft, warm lights illuminating the space, creating a sense of peace. Sona was sitting on the edge of the bed, her expression serene but slightly tired. Riser was beside her, staring into nothingness as he organized his thoughts.
Sona looked at him, her soft voice breaking the silence. "Was it hard?"
Riser turned his gaze to her, his eyes showing a mix of exhaustion and determination. "It was necessary," he replied, his voice firm. "The traitors needed to be eliminated to ensure the stability of the underworld."
Sona nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation but feeling a pang of sadness for what Riser had to do. She knew that despite everything, Riser was carrying an enormous weight on his shoulders. "I'm here for you, Riser," she said, her hand gently touching his arm.
Riser smiled slightly, appreciating the comfort Sona always brought. "I know, Sona. And I'm grateful for that."
Some time later...
Riser was sitting in a chair in his private office, analyzing the luck points he had accumulated after all the missions. He had earned a total of 5,350 luck points. An impressive amount, the result of his ruthless actions and strategic decisions. The holographic screen before him displayed the points, a tangible reward for his efforts.
'5,350 points... this could be useful,' Riser thought, considering how he could use these points to further strengthen his position as Maou. He knew that every luck point represented an opportunity to ensure his supremacy in the underworld and protect those he considered important.
As Riser was deep in thought, Merlin, Ophis, Iryuka, Tiamat, Rossweisse, and Kuroka returned to Kuoh, leaving Riser at his mansion. Each of them, despite their distinct personalities, knew that their role beside Riser was only beginning.
Riser looked at the holographic screen one last time before closing it. 'These points will be essential for what's to come,' he thought, already starting to plan his next moves.
The comforting silence of the mansion enveloped Riser, but he knew the rest would be brief.
Riser's mansion in the Underworld - Living Room
In the center of the room, a large dark leather sofa was arranged in front of a huge holographic screen that floated in the air, transmitting a clear and sharp image. The screen displayed a live broadcast of an event that held the attention of everyone present.
Sona was sitting beside Riser, her hand intertwined with his, offering silent comfort. She wore an elegant black dress, her eyes fixed on the holographic screen. On Riser's other side, his younger sister Ravel was seated, with a serious and concerned expression. Despite her youth, there was a growing maturity in her eyes, reflecting the recent responsibilities that had been assigned to her.
Tsubaki stood next to Yubelluna. Both maintained an upright and attentive posture, ready to act if necessary.
Romina and Victorius, Riser and Ravel's parents, were seated in nearby leather armchairs. Both watched the screen with somber expressions, aware of the gravity of what was about to occur. Romina, with her hands resting in her lap, maintained a neutral expression. Victorius, on the other hand, appeared more serious and contemplative, the lines on his face hardening as the moment approached.
On the holographic screen, the live broadcast focused on a central figure: Ajuka Beelzebub. He stood in an open field, surrounded by a silent and watchful audience. Before him, on his knees, was Dimitri Astaroth, the man who had been his father but also a traitor to the underworld. Dimitri's expression was one of pure fear, but curiously, there was no regret in his eyes. He knew what was coming, and his posture indicated that he had accepted his fate, even if with terror.
Latia was present at the execution. She stood at a respectful distance, her expression one of pain but also of acceptance. She understood that the family's honor needed to be restored, even if it meant the death of a relative. Her eyes were fixed on the ground, avoiding directly looking at what was about to happen, but her presence there was a demonstration of strength and loyalty to the underworld.
Ajuka, with a solemn expression, raised his ceremonial sword. The surrounding environment was steeped in a deadly silence, the only audible sound being the wind gently passing through the field. Dimitri kept his head held high, but the trembling in his hands revealed the fear he felt. No words were exchanged, only a silent understanding between father and son about what needed to be done.
"This is the fate of traitors," Riser thought, observing the scene with a deadly calm. He knew that Dimitri's execution was necessary to maintain order in the underworld and that Ajuka, as Maou, was merely fulfilling his duty.
With a swift and precise movement, Ajuka brought the sword down upon Dimitri's neck. The blade gleamed for an instant under the sunlight before cutting through the air with a sharp sound.
SLASH!
Dimitri's head was severed from his body, rolling onto the dirt ground with a dull thud.
THUD!
The camera focused for a moment on Dimitri's decapitated head, which stopped at Ajuka's feet. Dimitri's eyes, now empty and lifeless, reflected the inevitable fate he had met. The expression on his face, still marked by fear, contrasted with the tranquility of the surrounding field, where the silence seemed to swallow the echo of his death.
Riser, showing no emotion, raised his hand and gestured to end the transmission. The holographic screen dissolved into particles of light, leaving the room steeped in a heavy quiet. The air seemed denser, as if Dimitri's death still lingered over them.
Riser slowly stood up, still silent, and addressed those present in the room. His eyes passed over each one, capturing the serious and contemplative expressions of his family and allies.
"The traitors have either died or fled," Riser finally said, his voice low but laden with unquestionable authority. "Order will be restored in the underworld, and those who dare betray our peace will face the same fate as Dimitri."
"We are the Phenex family," Riser continued, his gaze firm on everyone. "Our strength lies in our unity and loyalty. The underworld needs leaders who won't hesitate to do what's necessary to protect what's ours. And we will be those leaders."
A reverent silence fell over the room after Riser's words, each family member reflecting on what had been said. They knew the path ahead would be difficult, but with Riser at the helm, they were confident they would overcome any challenge.
"We are currently the most powerful family," Riser continued, his voice resonating with unwavering conviction. "We, the Phenex, will be the pillar that upholds the underworld from now on."
Riser's words echoed throughout the room, each syllable imbued with a silent promise. He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink into the minds of everyone present.
Romina slightly inclined her head in approval, acknowledging her son's strength. Victorius, though serious, showed a small sign of pride in his gaze. Ravel, inspired by Riser's words, raised her head, a new determination shining in her eyes. She knew she needed to be strong to honor the family's legacy.
Riser, sensing the silent support around him, lifted his head, his eyes now fixed on the invisible horizon of the future. "I will personally kill Rizevim," he said, his voice cold as ice but burning with controlled rage. "He will be the final example for all those who dare to oppose us."
The silence that followed was absolute. Riser's words reverberated in everyone's mind, solidifying the certainty that a new chapter was beginning for the Phenex family and the underworld. Each person there knew that with Riser at the helm, nothing would be able to stop the Phenex family's advance as the most powerful and relentless pillar of the underworld.
From that moment on, everyone in the room understood they were facing a new era, where Riser Phenex's strength, loyalty, and determination would shape the future of the underworld.
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