Raizer Phoenix sat in his private study, the flickering golden flames of his desk lamp casting long shadows across the walls. The room, tucked away in the farthest corner of the Phoenix estate, was his sanctuary—a place where he could think, strategize, and plan for the future.
The last two years had been transformative. Under Garp's relentless tutelage, Raizer's physical and combat prowess had reached the pinnacle of high-class devil standards. He had honed his mastery of the Rokushiki techniques and sharpened his Observation and Armament Haki to near perfection. Even Garp had grudgingly admitted that Raizer was becoming a force to be reckoned with.
But Raizer knew strength alone wasn't enough.
He had spent countless hours studying devil magic, immersing himself in ancient grimoires and magical theory. His natural reserves, bolstered by his Phoenix heritage, allowed him to wield high-class and even ultimate-class spells with precision and power. The combination of physical prowess and magical expertise made him a rare anomaly among devils.
Yet, Raizer had one rule: his true identity would remain hidden from the world.
The Decision to Hide
The decision had been born out of necessity. The more Raizer expanded his business empire and grew in strength, the more attention he attracted. Rivals from other devil houses began probing for weaknesses, and whispers of his rising influence spread through the underworld.
But no one outside his family and trusted servants knew what he truly looked like.
Raizer had adopted a simple yet effective disguise. In public, he wore a sleek black mask that covered the upper half of his face, leaving only his mouth visible. His golden hair was concealed beneath a hooded cloak, and his voice was slightly altered with magic.
The mask wasn't just a precaution—it was a statement. It allowed him to operate freely, striking deals and forging alliances without being tied to the Phoenix name.
"If they can't see my face, they can't predict my moves," Raizer had told Garp one evening as they sparred in the training grounds.
Garp had chuckled, his fists wrapped in Armament Haki as he blocked one of Raizer's punches. "BAHAHAHA! You've got a good head on your shoulders, kid. But remember, no mask can hide weakness. You've gotta back it up with strength."
Raizer had smirked, his flames flaring brighter. "That's why I have you, old man."
The Depths of Devil Magic
While physical combat came naturally under Garp's guidance, magic required a different kind of discipline. Raizer spent long nights poring over ancient tomes in the family library, his mind racing as he connected dots and uncovered hidden truths about devil magic.
The Phoenix Clan's flames were already a formidable weapon, but Raizer wanted more. He wanted to master spells that transcended fire—a repertoire that would make him unpredictable and unstoppable.
By the end of the second year, Raizer's magical abilities had reached astonishing heights. He could cast:
• High-class elemental spells that manipulated fire, ice, and lightning with devastating precision.
• Barrier magic capable of withstanding even the strongest attacks.
• Illusion spells that could confuse and mislead even experienced opponents.
• Summoning magic, though still limited, which allowed him to call forth spectral beasts as allies.
His ultimate-class spells, though taxing, were devastatingly powerful. One such spell, Solar Tempest, combined his Phoenix flames with pure magical energy to unleash a massive explosion that could incinerate entire battlefields.
Raizer's mastery of magic complemented his physical abilities perfectly. He could seamlessly transition between close-quarters combat and long-range attacks, making him a nightmare for anyone who dared challenge him.
The Application for a Peerage
Despite his progress, Raizer knew that the next step in his journey required more than strength and knowledge. To truly establish himself as a power in the underworld, he needed a peerage—a group of devils bound to him as their king.
The peerage system was a cornerstone of devil society, a reflection of power, influence, and leadership. To apply for a peerage was to declare one's readiness to take on the responsibilities of a noble.
Raizer approached his father in the grand hall of the estate. Lord Phoenix sat on his golden throne, his piercing eyes studying Raizer as he entered.
"You've been busy these past two years," Lord Phoenix said, his tone neutral. "What do you want now, Raizer?"
Raizer bowed slightly, his expression calm. "I've come to formally request permission to apply for a peerage."
The room fell silent. Ravel, seated nearby, raised an eyebrow, while Ruval leaned forward, his curiosity piqued.
"You believe you're ready to lead a peerage?" Lord Phoenix asked, his voice sharp.
"Yes," Raizer replied without hesitation. "I've trained, studied, and prepared myself for this responsibility. I'm ready to take the next step."
Ravel smirked. "You're certainly ambitious, brother. But do you have what it takes to lead others?"
Raizer's golden eyes locked onto hers. "You're welcome to test me if you doubt my abilities."
Ravel's smirk faltered, and she leaned back in her chair.
Lord Phoenix rose from his throne, his expression unreadable. "Very well, Raizer. If you wish to apply for a peerage, you have my permission. But understand this: a peerage is more than just a show of strength. It's a reflection of your character, your leadership, and your ability to inspire loyalty. Do not take this lightly."
"I won't," Raizer said.
Preparations and Reflection
The process of applying for a peerage was both bureaucratic and ceremonial. Raizer spent the next several weeks preparing the necessary documentation and gathering support from influential figures in the underworld.
Despite the tedious nature of the process, Raizer found moments of reflection amid the chaos.
One evening, as he sat in his study reviewing the final application, Garp entered the room, his grin as wide as ever.
"BAHAHAHA! You've come a long way, kid," Garp said, dropping into a chair across from him.
Raizer glanced up, a small smile playing on his lips. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Garp waved him off. "Don't give me too much credit. You've got the drive. That's what sets you apart. Most devils I've met are too arrogant to put in the work."
Raizer's smile faded slightly. "Arrogance has no place in my plans. I've seen what happens to those who rely solely on their bloodline or their name. It's a weakness I won't tolerate in myself—or my peerage."
Garp nodded, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Good. Just remember, leadership ain't just about power. It's about earning the trust of the people who follow you. You're building something big, kid. Don't let it slip through your fingers."
A Step Toward the Future
The day of Raizer's peerage application ceremony arrived, and the Phoenix estate was alive with activity. Lords and ladies from various devil houses had gathered to witness the occasion, their curiosity mingling with skepticism.
Raizer stood at the center of the grand hall, his mask firmly in place and his golden eyes glowing with resolve. His family watched from the sidelines, their expressions ranging from pride to caution.
The ceremony was long, filled with formalities and declarations, but Raizer endured it with patience. When the final approval was announced, a murmur rippled through the crowd.
He had done it.
As the guests began to disperse, Raizer stepped onto the balcony overlooking the estate, the cool night air brushing against his face.
This was only the beginning. With a peerage under his command, his influence would grow exponentially. He would forge alliances, expand his empire, and position himself as a true contender in the underworld's power struggles.
But most importantly, Raizer would continue to build the legacy he had dreamed of—a legacy not defined by his family name, but by his own strength, discipline, and determination.
And with every step forward, he would ensure that the world never forgot the name of Raizer Phoenix.
This concludes Chapter 7, focusing on Raizer's decision to keep his identity hidden, his further growth under Garp's tutelage, and his application for a peerage as the next step in his journey. Let me know if you'd like any revisions or expansions!