The news spread like wildfire through the underworld. Raizer Phoenix, the young devil whose name had already become synonymous with ambition and unpredictability, was now about to face off in a peerage game with Rias Gremory, one of the underworld's most talked-about heirs.
What made the situation even more fascinating was the sheer audacity of it. The Phoenix heir wasn't just competing—he was bringing his infamous peerage of legendary warriors into the fray.
It didn't take long for the Devil Council and the heads of the noble devil houses to catch wind of the upcoming game. The reactions, as expected, were as varied as they were dramatic.
The Devil Council: Whispers and Wagers
The grand chamber of the Devil Council was abuzz with activity. The high-ranking devils sat around a massive circular table, their expressions ranging from amused to concerned as they discussed the situation.
Lord Zekrom Bael, the ever-proud patriarch of the Bael family, slammed his hand on the table. "This is a farce! Raizer Phoenix is treating the peerage games like some kind of circus act. Bringing in those… beasts he calls a peerage? It's an insult to the tradition of the games!"
Lady Seraphina Agares, known for her calm demeanor, raised an eyebrow. "Is it an insult, Lord Zekrom? Or is it simply… strategy? The boy has built a team of unparalleled strength. Surely that's the point of the games—to test the strength and leadership of devils."
Zekrom scoffed. "There's no honor in overwhelming your opponents with sheer power. He's making a mockery of the system."
"And yet," chimed in Lord Mathion Beelzebub, his tone laced with amusement, "he's playing by the rules, isn't he? The council never set limits on who could join a peerage."
Lady Seraphina smirked. "Perhaps the real issue is that Raizer Phoenix has managed to do something none of us have—create a peerage that even the strongest houses would fear."
The Gremory Estate: A Fiery Response
At the Gremory estate, Lord Zeoticus Gremory paced back and forth in his study, his crimson robes trailing behind him. His wife, Lady Venelana Gremory, watched him with a bemused expression.
"This is absurd!" Zeoticus exclaimed. "A peerage game against Raizer Phoenix? And Rias is the one who initiated it?"
Venelana sipped her tea, her expression calm. "You raised a stubborn daughter, dear. She doesn't back down easily."
"She doesn't know what she's up against!" Zeoticus ran a hand through his hair. "Raizer's peerage is a group of monsters! Garp, Whitebeard, Mihawk—these aren't ordinary devils. They're legends in their own right."
Venelana set her cup down, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Perhaps this will be a valuable lesson for Rias. She's grown too comfortable relying on her family name and her peerage's loyalty. Facing someone like Raizer may force her to confront her own shortcomings."
Zeoticus groaned. "Or it will end with her being utterly humiliated."
The Sitri Manor: Quiet Contemplation
In the serene halls of the Sitri estate, Lady Sona Sitri sat in her private study, reading the latest report on the upcoming peerage game. Her queen, Tsubaki Shinra, stood nearby, her expression as calm as ever.
"So," Tsubaki began, "Raizer Phoenix and Rias Gremory are going head-to-head. What do you make of it?"
Sona adjusted her glasses, her brow furrowing in thought. "It's not surprising. Rias's impulsiveness has always been her weakness. She let her emotions drive her into this challenge without fully considering the consequences."
"And what of Raizer?" Tsubaki asked.
"He's calculated," Sona replied. "Everything he does has a purpose. This game isn't just about proving himself—it's about making a statement. By showcasing the strength of his peerage, he's sending a clear message to the underworld."
Tsubaki nodded. "And what message is that?"
"That he's not to be underestimated," Sona said simply.
The Beelzebub Estate: Smug Amusement
At the Beelzebub estate, Lord Mathion Beelzebub leaned back in his chair, a glass of wine in hand. He chuckled softly as he read the report on the peerage game.
"This is going to be entertaining," he said, glancing at his wife, Lady Vestra Beelzebub.
Vestra raised an eyebrow. "Entertaining? You're not concerned about the implications of Raizer's actions?"
"Not at all," Mathion replied, taking a sip of his wine. "In fact, I admire the boy's audacity. He's shaking up the old order, and frankly, it's about time someone did."
Vestra frowned. "But what if he wins decisively? The council may start to see him as a threat."
Mathion smirked. "Let them. A little chaos never hurt anyone."
The Bael Manor: Outrage
At the Bael estate, Lord Zekrom Bael was livid. He paced the length of his study, his face flushed with anger.
"This is unacceptable!" he roared, slamming a fist onto his desk. "Raizer Phoenix is making a mockery of our traditions!"
Lady Erya Bael, his composed and pragmatic wife, watched him with thinly veiled amusement. "Is he, dear? Or are you simply upset that he's proving to be more capable than you anticipated?"
Zekrom shot her a glare. "This isn't about capability. It's about respect. The peerage games are meant to be a test of leadership and strategy, not brute strength."
"And yet," Erya said, her tone cool, "Raizer is playing by the rules. Perhaps you're just upset that he's outmaneuvering the rest of us."
Other Noble Houses: Varied Reactions
Across the underworld, the reactions from the noble houses were a mix of amusement, concern, and outright jealousy.
• The Astaroth Family saw the game as a fascinating experiment. "Let's see if the Phoenix boy can back up his confidence with results," mused Lord Darion Astaroth.
• The Agares Family, ever pragmatic, dismissed the game as a sideshow. "The outcome is inevitable," said Lady Seraphina Agares. "Raizer's peerage is too strong to be challenged by anyone, let alone Rias."
• The Vassago Family, known for their ambition, viewed Raizer's actions with a mix of envy and admiration. "He's making waves," said Lord Tyron Vassago. "Perhaps it's time we started doing the same."
The Council Reconvenes
Back in the Devil Council chambers, the discussion reached a boiling point.
"This game could have far-reaching consequences," Zekrom Bael said, his voice sharp. "If Raizer wins, he'll cement his position as a rising power in the underworld. The council must address this."
Lady Seraphina Agares shook her head. "Address what, Lord Zekrom? Raizer is doing nothing wrong. He's simply playing the game better than anyone else."
Mathion Beelzebub smirked. "I, for one, look forward to seeing the outcome. Perhaps it will remind us all that the old ways are not the only ways."
The Final Word
As the discussions continued, one thing became clear: Raizer Phoenix had become a topic of both fascination and fear among the devil nobility. His peerage game against Rias Gremory wasn't just a battle—it was a statement.
And whether the noble houses liked it or not, Raizer was a force to be reckoned with.
This chapter captures the reactions of the Devil Council and noble families, emphasizing their varied perspectives on Raizer and the peerage game. Let me know if there's anything you'd like to adjust or expand!