Riser's Mansion in Kuoh
Riser returned to Kuoh accompanied by Yubelluna and the newly incorporated Merlin. Upon entering the luxurious mansion, Sona, who was immersed in her responsibilities, was informed by Tsubaki of Riser's arrival and his new ally.
Setting aside her documents, Sona headed to the entrance hall to welcome Riser.
Sona: "Riser, glad to see you back. And who is your new companion?"
Riser, with a smile, introduced Merlin to Sona. Riser: "Sona, this is Merlin. She has just joined my Peerage as my bishop."
Sona, extending her greetings, expressed her hospitality: "Welcome, Merlin. It's a pleasure to have you here in my home."
Merlin, with a gracious bow, replied: "Thank you for the warm welcome, Sona-sama."
Riser suggested that Merlin also greet Erza, Nana, and Shizuku.
Training Room
In the training room, where Riser's Peerage members often gathered, Merlin approached Erza, Nana, and Shizuku.
Merlin: "Hello, Peerage companions. I'm Merlin, Riser's new bishop. Nice to meet you."
Erza, with her confident posture, greeted Merlin: "Welcome, Merlin. I hope we can fight together."
Nana, smiling, expressed her excitement: "It's great to have a talented mage as part of our team. We're looking forward to working together, Merlin."
Shizuku, with her calm nature, added: "Welcome, Merlin.
Entrance Hall
After the greetings, Sona, deciding to spend some time with Riser, invited him to her room.
Sona: "Riser, can we talk a bit? There's something we need to discuss."
Riser, sensing the seriousness in Sona's expression, agreed, and they headed to the couple's room.
Couple's Room
In the room, Sona began the conversation sincerely:
Sona: "Riser, I feel it's necessary for us to talk about something important."
Riser, attentive, nodded, giving space for Sona to express her thoughts.
Sona: "Rias and I had a significant conversation. We resolved our misunderstandings and made amends. I want you to know that our friendship will not be shaken by past misunderstandings."
Riser, reassuring her, replied: "I'm glad to hear that, Sona. For me, what's important is respect among all of us."
Sona, relieved, smiled and, feeling a wave of gratitude, hugged Riser. Then, she kissed him tenderly.
Riser, sensing the emotion in Sona's gesture, murmured: "It's okay, Sona. What matters is the present."
As she pulled away from the embrace, Sona noticed the serenity in Riser's eyes.
Sona: "Riser, I want you to know that overcoming the past is important to me. I hope you've also managed to move past what happened between you and Rias."
Riser, looking into Sona's eyes, responded confidently: "Sona, that's something I overcame a long time ago. My priority is our present and what we've built together."
Sona, feeling closer to Riser, agreed: "I also believe in our present. And speaking of which, Serafall will be watching the Rating Game. She wants to see you fight."
Riser, satisfied, commented: "It's good to know we have her support. After all, she's a Maou with numerous responsibilities, and the fact that she dedicates time for me is special."
Sona, curious, decided to shift the conversation's focus: "And what about Merlin? Is she strong?"
Riser, with a mysterious smile, replied: "You'll have a surprise during the Rating Game, Sona. Merlin is a valuable addition to my Peerage, and I'm confident she'll surprise everyone."
Sona, intrigued, smiled: "I'm looking forward to seeing what she can do. It seems we'll have an exciting Rating Game ahead."
Riser, agreeing, embraced Sona affectionately: "We certainly will, Sona."
______________
Time Skip
In the quiet atmosphere of the room, Riser was immersed in his own thoughts, contemplating the challenge that awaited him in the upcoming Rating Game. He knew the opponent would be Hisoka, an adversary whose name echoed a strange familiarity with an anime character Riser remembered from his past life.
As the images of both Hisoka, from the anime, and the Rating Game intertwined in his mind, Riser couldn't help but wonder about the future. Victory over Issei was imminent, but what awaited Riser beyond that? He pondered the role he would play, especially after defeating his rival.
"What will happen to me after finally defeating Issei?" Riser murmured to himself, observing the night landscape through the window.
"Will another protagonist emerge, bringing an unexpected plot twist?" Riser questioned, envisioning possibilities that escaped his control. Uncertainty hung in the air like a dense fog.
"And if, somehow, I become the protagonist of this story?" The idea sparked intriguing thoughts. Riser imagined himself taking on the lead role, guiding the narrative with his own choices and challenges.
However, an inner voice whispered doubts.
"The system, does it have other plans for me? Perhaps
an unexpected twist will transport me to another world, thrusting me into a new scenario full of mysteries and challenges." The idea of an interdimensional journey intrigued Riser, blending with his anticipation for the future.
Lost in his musings, Riser expressed his thoughts aloud, breaking the room's silence:
While the moon witnessed this internal conversation, Riser's fate remained suspended in the uncertain balance of the unknown. What awaited him, only time would reveal.
Sona, wrapped in a towel, exits the bathroom and finds Riser gazing out the window.
Sona: (smiling) "Riser, lost in thought again?"
Riser: (turning to look at her) "Ah, Sona. You always appear at the right moments. Just contemplating the night."
Sona, noticing Riser's serious expression, asks: "Is something wrong? You seem a bit tense."
Riser, trying to dispel Sona's concern, replies: "No, nothing happened. Just thinking about the Rating Game."
Sona, approaching Riser, puts a hand on his shoulder.
Sona: "Riser, everything will go well. Tomorrow, we'll go to the underworld to meet our families and check out the Rating Game venue.
Riser, relaxing a bit, comments: "Yes, seeing my family will be good. Especially Ravel, my sister. I want to spend some time with her before the showdown."
Sona, agreeing, smiles: "Certainly. It's going to be an exciting journey. We're in this together, Riser. Now, let's rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day."
Riser: (smiling) "You're right, Sona. Let's rest to face what the underworld has in store for us."
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