"Know Tannin?" Serefall asked, her smile widening.
Riser nodded, recognizing the name. "Yes, I know him."
Serefall's smile grew even wider. "He will be your next opponent in the Rating Game," she announced.
"My next opponent?" Riser questioned, his interest piqued by Serefall's revelation.
Serefall nodded enthusiastically, her smile radiant. "Yes, I arranged this for you. It'll be a great opportunity to showcase your strength in the Rating Game."
A playful smile played on Riser's lips. "And since when did I appoint you as my manager?" he teased, amused by Serefall's suggestion.
Serefall pouted, feigning indignation. "Oh, you're hurting me, Riser-chan," she replied, her tone playful.
Sona intervened in the conversation, addressing Tsubaki. "Take the Peerage to my house in the underworld," she instructed, giving a clear command.
Tsubaki nodded in response, assuming the role of guide as she led Sona's Peerage girls to another part of the house. With skilled magic, she teleported the group to the Sitri territory.
Meanwhile, Serefall settled comfortably on the couch, ready to explain the situation to Riser.
"I'll explain it to you, Riser-chan," she began, her expression serious indicating that she had important information to share.
Sona and Riser also sat on the couch, awaiting Serefall's explanations. A subtle tension hung in the air as they waited to hear what she had to say.
Once they were settled, Serefall started, her serious expression indicating the gravity of the situation. "Riser, you've been attracting a lot of attention," she said, her voice laden with concern.
Riser raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Serefall's assertion. "What do you mean?"
Serefall looked directly into Riser's eyes, her expression serious. "You've been making powerful enemies," she declared, her voice heavy with concern.
Riser straightened on the couch, his gaze meeting hers firmly. "I am powerful," he replied, his confidence unwavering.
"True," agreed Serefall, her voice soft but firm. "But your reputation comes from your family name, not your own deeds."
A playful smile danced on Riser's lips.
Sona gave him a reproachful look, her expression serious. "Riser, this is not the time for jokes."
Riser sighed, acknowledging Sona's tone. "Sorry, Sona," he murmured, his voice gentle.
Riser turned his attention back to Serefall, resuming the conversation. "I defeated Kokabiel and the wielder of the divine divide," he reminded her, his tone proud. "I have my merits."
Serefall nodded, acknowledging Riser's accomplishments. "It's exactly because of these merits that Tannin agreed to fight you," she explained, her voice grave. "Moreover, Tannin seems to be annoyed by the fact that you have a dragon-killing weapon."
Riser frowned thoughtfully. "Are you talking about 'Ascalon'?" he inquired, recalling the powerful sword in his possession.
Serefall nodded, confirming his suspicions. "Exactly," she replied. "Tannin sees you as a threat, Riser. He's determined to test your strength and prove that he's superior to you."
Riser remained silent for a moment, absorbing Serefall's words. As he listened, he thought about the fact that in the anime, no one questioned Issei about owning the sword. And Issei was even trained by Tannin himself, so why did it seem like Tannin had a personal grudge against him now?
"Well, that really doesn't matter," Riser pondered to himself. "In fact, it's even helpful. I can take advantage of this opportunity and gain luck points for defeating one of Issei's masters."
Turning his attention back to Serefall, Riser displayed a confident smile. "I'm ready for the challenge," he declared, his voice firm and determined.
Serefall smiled, satisfied with Riser's response. "Great," she replied, her voice conveying confidence. "I'll take care of all the preparations for the confrontation. I'm sure you'll shine in the Rating Game, Riser-chan."
Sona, who had been silent during the conversation, finally spoke up. "I'll be rooting for you, Riser," she said, her gaze conveying her unwavering support.
With a radiant smile, Serefall informed Riser about the possible consequences of defeating Tannin in the Rating Game.
"If you defeat Tannin, you'll enter the top 10 of the Rating Game Ranking," she explained, her tone excited.
Riser nodded, absorbing the information. Entering the top 10 would be a significant achievement, and he knew it would bring a host of benefits.
"Furthermore," continued Serefall, her smile widening even more, "once in the top 10, you'll be recognized as an Ultimate-Class Devil."
Riser's eyes lit up at the prospect of achieving such status. Being recognized as an Ultimate-Class Devil would bring even greater influence and prestige within the devil community.
"That would be amazing," murmured Riser, his voice filled with determination.
Serefall rose from the couch, her vibrant energy filling the room. "Well, I have to go," she announced, her smile still present on her lips.
Sona rose alongside her, ready to accompany her. "I'll go with you," she said, casting a meaningful glance at Riser.
Riser nodded, understanding Sona's gesture. "I'll meet you both in the underworld," he stated, his voice firm.
Sona approached Riser, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "See you later," she said, her tone soft and affectionate.
Riser returned Sona's kiss with a warm smile. "See you later," he replied, watching as Sona and Serefall teleported out of the room.
With the two women departing, Riser headed to Yubelluna's room. Upon entering the room, he saw Yubelluna ready and waiting.
"Let's go, Yubelluna."
Yubelluna nodded promptly. "Yes, Riser-sama," she replied, obediently following him out of the room.
Together, Riser and Yubelluna departed for the underworld.
Brigade of Chaos Secret Base
Bikou arrived at the secret base, his face displaying a serious expression that didn't go unnoticed by the other members of the Brigade of Chaos. Kuroka, always ready for a tease, approached him with a hint of curiosity.
"What's up, Bikou? Why the long face, Nya?" she asked, her mischievous smile evident in her voice.
Bikou sighed, impatient with games. "I don't have time for games, Kuroka. Where's Ophis?" his voice was firm and direct.
Kuroka raised an eyebrow, noting the seriousness in Bikou's words. "She's inside, Nya," she replied, indicating the abandoned warehouse with a nod of her head.
Bikou entered the building, his steps echoing in the silence of the surroundings. Inside the warehouse, he found Ophis leaning against a wall, her gaze lost in emptiness and a bored expression on her face.
"Well, you look as thrilled as ever," Bikou commented, his voice tinged with sarcasm.
Ophis turned her head to him, her eyes meeting his with a vacant stare. "How's the plan to kill the Great Red?" she asked in her monotone voice.
"The plan will be delayed," Bikou said, his expression somber reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Ophis looked at Bikou with the same expressionless gaze as always, but still, a cold sweat ran down Bikou's back. Why did Ophis ask?
Bikou took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the words he was about to utter. "Vali died," he announced, his voice heavy with the sad news.
Kuroka, who was approaching, stopped in surprise. She couldn't imagine many people having the strength to kill Vali. "Who?" asked Ophis, her voice calm and tranquil, as always.
Bikou swallowed hard before responding. "Riser Phenex!" He said the name with a mix of anger and disbelief.
Ophis pondered for a moment, processing the information. "Kuroka," she called.
Kuroka ran closer to Ophis, her expression curious. "What do you want?" she asked, ready to act according to Ophis's orders.
Ophis turned to Kuroka, her gaze serious. "Go to this Riser and recruit him for the Brigade of Chaos."
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