Merlin watched with interest the interaction inside the Cube. His eyes gleamed with shrewdness as he studied the dynamics among the members trapped inside. "Wait a moment," he said with confidence, "Riser-sama will soon defeat the enemies outside. There's no need to panic."
Inside the Cube, Issei huffed, irritated with the situation. "Wait for Riser? That's ridiculous! We need to find a way out of here and help our friends out there."
"Rias, control your pawn," Sona advised calmly, her voice laden with authority. "We need to keep a cool head and work together to find a solution."
Rias, chest inflamed with anger, shot a glaring look towards Sona. "You control your husband, Sona! And remember, Gasper is part of my Peerage, and Kuoh is my territory. I won't allow anyone to interfere in my affairs."
Sona crossed her arms, maintaining her steady gaze on Rias. "Kuoh is my territory too, Rias. And as Riser's wife, I have every right to intervene when he decides to act."
Rias raised an eyebrow, her expression hardened with determination. "Riser shouldn't even be here during the meeting."
"Please, stop arguing," Akeno intervened, her voice soft as she tried to calm the heated tempers. "This argument isn't getting us anywhere. Rias, you need to trust Riser. He's helped us before, and we can trust him to help us again."
Rias frowned at Akeno, reluctant to accept the idea. However, she knew she didn't have many options at the moment. "Fine, let's trust Riser for now. But we need to find a way out of here and rescue Gasper as soon as possible."
In the sky, Riser confronted the mages with unwavering determination. With swift gestures, he unleashed fireballs toward his enemies, his fiery aura enveloping him in a deadly dance. He was hit by some enemy spells, but they didn't seem to affect him. Without hesitation, Riser retaliated with even more power, sending flames toward the opposing mages. As he defeated each one of them, a voice echoed in his mind.
"+1850 luck points for defeating 37 mages."
Occult Research Club
(A few minutes earlier)
Serefall watched with a mix of distrust and curiosity as Katerea entered the Occult Research Club.
"Katerea, what brings you here?" Serefall questioned, her voice serene but laced with caution.
Katerea cast a cold glance toward Serefall. "Just a little visit to cause some destruction. I hope you don't mind."
Michael intervened with disapproval. "Is your goal so petty, Katerea? Peace between factions is something we should value, not disturb."
Katerea snorted disdainfully. "Peace? You speak as if it's something everyone desires. Some of us prefer chaos, discord. And I'm one of them."
Vali looked out the window, watching Riser confronting the mages outside. "I agree with Katerea," he said, turning to the group. Azazel raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean by that?"
"See that guy out there? Defeating the mages?" Vali pointed. Serefall frowned, irritated. "What do you want with Riser-chan?"
"It's nothing," Vali replied, smiling slyly. "Just want to take a closer look. Might be fun."
"If you..." Serefall began, but Vali interrupted her. "You're coming after me. I'm counting on it."
"Let them be with you, Katerea Leviathan," Vali said, addressing the intruder. He prepared to leave the club room, but Azazel shouted, "Wait, Vali!"
Azazel moved quickly to catch up with Vali, but the albino had already spread his wings and flown out the window, leaving the Occult Research Club behind. As Azazel watched Vali disappear into the horizon, he felt a wave of concern spread in his chest. Katerea Leviathan's presence in the club was a bad omen, and he feared what might happen next.
Meanwhile, Katerea raised her staff with a cruel smile on her lips, preparing to unleash a destructive magic. With a swift gesture, she released a burst of dark energy, which spread rapidly through the Occult Research Club.
Sirzechs and Grayfia acted quickly, conjuring a protective barrier to envelop the club members. The barrier's energy glowed intensely, repelling the debris and keeping everyone inside the club safe from Katerea's attack. Sirzechs looked at Grayfia seriously, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Azazel, annoyed with Katerea, decides to intervene. "I'll deal with Katerea," he declares with determination, his voice echoing through the room.
Katerea, with a sarcastic smile on her lips, faces Azazel. "You'll deal with me, leader of the Fallen Angels?" her voice carries a challenging tone.
Michael, perplexed by Katerea's intentions, asks, "Why do you want to bring destruction to the world?"
Katerea casts an arrogant glance at Michael. "I need to destroy to rebuild. And when that happens, I'll be leading," she responds with conviction.
Azazel, tired of the conversation, decides to put an end to the situation. "Enough talk, it's time to act," he declares, his expression serious as he prepares to confront Katerea.
Outside the club
Riser heard the system's voice announcing his gains and felt satisfaction fill his being. Another battle won, more points for him. However, before he could fully savor the victory, an explosion echoed in the distance. His eyes automatically turned toward the Occult Research Club, where the meeting was taking place.
Riser watched the Occult Research Club in ruins, as he tried to process what had happened. By his side, Vali flew in his direction with an excited expression, ready to face whatever was to come.
The deafening noise of the explosion also made Rias and Sona turn, their tense expressions reflecting concern for their siblings inside the club. Rias clenched her fists firmly, her mind swirling with thoughts on how to protect her family and friends.
"Rias, Sona, don't worry," Riser said confidently, trying to calm the girls. "Sirzechs and Serefall are powerful Maous. An explosion like that won't be able to hurt them."
Sona took a deep breath, trying to keep calm in the chaotic situation. "I hope you're right, Riser," she replied, her words filled with anxiety.
Meanwhile, Vali landed in front of Riser, his challenging smile reflecting determination in his eyes. "Ready to finish what we started, Riser?" he asked, his voice echoing with confidence.
Riser looked at Vali, a determined smile forming on his lips. "I'm always ready for a good fight, Vali," he replied, his posture becoming firmer as he prepared to face the challenge ahead.
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