The grand chamber of the Devil Council, adorned with intricate symbols of the noble houses, was unusually tense. The torches lining the walls flickered against the oppressive silence, and the normally confident expressions of the lords and heirs seated at the grand table were replaced by unease.
At the head of the chamber, Sirzechs Lucifer, ruler of the underworld, stood with a solemn expression. His crimson eyes scanned the room, lingering on the faces of the assembled lords. He had called for an emergency meeting to address a matter of growing importance—Raizer Phoenix, his peerage, and his rapidly rising influence.
"This meeting," Sirzechs began, his deep voice cutting through the murmurs, "concerns the state of balance in the underworld. Specifically, the Phoenix heir, Raizer, and the power he has amassed."
The lords exchanged puzzled looks, some intrigued, others dismissive. For many, Raizer was still the subject of gossip—a supposed playboy with no real accomplishments beyond his family's wealth. But Sirzechs's tone suggested otherwise, and their curiosity grew.
The Strength of Raizer's Peerage
"Let me be clear," Sirzechs continued, his voice firm, "the rumors you have heard about Raizer Phoenix are not only inaccurate—they grossly underestimate the reality."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.
"Raizer Phoenix has assembled what is, without question, the strongest peerage in the history of the devil world," Sirzechs announced, his crimson gaze sweeping across the room.
The lords exchanged shocked glances, but before they could interrupt, Sirzechs raised a hand. "This is not speculation. I will detail their strength so that none of you misunderstand the gravity of the situation."
He took a step forward, his voice ringing with authority. "Raizer's peerage includes four Super Devils: Garp, Whitebeard, Mihawk, and Gol D. Roger. Their combined strength is unprecedented, capable of rivaling even the strongest factions in the supernatural world."
The chamber erupted into gasps and murmurs.
"Four… Super Devils?" asked Zekram Bael, one of the oldest and most influential lords. His voice, usually steady, trembled slightly. "This cannot be true."
"It is," Sirzechs replied grimly. "And that is only the beginning. The rest of his peerage consists entirely of Mid to Peak Satan-Class devils: Sengoku, Shiki, Akainu, Kuzan, Greenbull, Fujitora, and Ben Beckman. Even his secretary, Yuballuna, is a High Ultimate-Class Devil."
Another wave of disbelief rippled through the chamber.
"And Raizer himself?" asked one of the younger lords, his tone betraying both awe and trepidation.
"Raizer is currently Mid Satan Class," Sirzechs said. "He is 24 years old and rapidly ascending in power. If he continues at this pace, he will surpass many of us within a few years."
Shock and Fear in the Council
The room descended into chaos as lords and heirs began voicing their opinions, their shock and fear palpable.
"This is madness!" one lord exclaimed. "How can one peerage hold so much power?"
"It's not just the power—it's the composition," another said, his voice laced with jealousy. "Four Super Devils in a single peerage? That's unheard of!"
"And dangerous," added Zekram Bael, his sharp gaze fixed on Sirzechs. "This disrupts the balance of the underworld. A peerage like this could easily challenge the Devil Council itself."
Sirzechs nodded, his expression grave. "Exactly. Which is why we must tread carefully. Raizer has not shown any signs of rebellion or hostility toward the council, but his rise cannot be ignored."
Raizer's Business Network
Sirzechs continued, his voice measured. "But Raizer's strength is only part of the issue. His business network is just as extraordinary. He has formed alliances with factions that most devils can only dream of approaching."
He began listing them off, his tone unyielding. "Raizer has trade agreements with the Marid Jinn and other Jinn factions, the Garuda, and the Naga Kingdom. He has also secured partnerships with the Dragon Clans of China, including the Black Tortoise, White Tiger, Phoenix, and Qilin. In Japan, he has allied with both factions of yokai. His influence extends to Thailand, Korea, the Philippines, and countless other supernatural communities."
The lords stared at him in stunned silence, the weight of his words sinking in.
"This isn't just strength," Zekram said quietly, his voice tinged with both awe and dread. "This is empire-building."
Jealousy and Envy
For many in the chamber, the initial shock gave way to envy and resentment.
"While we've been negotiating petty alliances," one heir muttered bitterly, "Raizer Phoenix has secured connections that put our entire houses to shame."
"How is this even possible?" another asked, his voice trembling with frustration. "At 24, he's achieved what most of us won't accomplish in a lifetime!"
"And he's done it all without relying on his family's name," a third added, his tone begrudgingly admiring.
The envy was palpable, but so was the fear. Lords whispered among themselves, their minds racing with the implications of Raizer's power and influence.
The Council's Decision
Zekram Bael stood, his imposing presence commanding attention. "We cannot allow this to go unchecked. Raizer Phoenix's rise, while impressive, poses a potential threat to the balance of power in the underworld."
"What do you suggest?" Sirzechs asked, his tone cautious.
"We must implement red tape around all matters related to Raizer," Zekram said firmly. "His trade agreements, his alliances, even his peerage's achievements—they must all be monitored and controlled. If we do nothing, we risk allowing him to outgrow the council's authority."
There were murmurs of agreement throughout the chamber.
"And what of Raizer himself?" a younger lord asked hesitantly.
"For now, we observe," Sirzechs replied. "Raizer has not shown any hostility toward the council. Until he gives us reason to act, we will not interfere directly."
The Lords Target Raizer's Family
While the council deliberated, the news of Raizer's accomplishments spread beyond the chamber. Noble lords, ever opportunistic, turned their attention to the Phoenix family.
At the Phoenix Estate, Raizer's father, Lord Zoroaster Phoenix, found himself inundated with letters, messengers, and even unannounced visitors. Each one carried a similar message:
"Lord Phoenix, my house would be honored to form a marriage alliance with your son…"
Proposals flooded in from every corner of the underworld. Lords offered their daughters, nieces, and even distant relatives, desperate to secure a connection to Raizer Phoenix.
Zoroaster's Growing Pride
In his grand study, Zoroaster sat amidst the piles of letters, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. For years, the Phoenix name had been respected but underestimated, overshadowed by the likes of the Baels and the Gremorys. Now, his son had changed everything.
"Four Super Devils," Zoroaster mused aloud, leaning back in his chair. "An entire peerage of Satan-Class devils. And now the most powerful families in the underworld are clamoring for his attention."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "It seems my son has outdone us all."
Despite his pride, there was a flicker of annoyance. For years, the devil world had mocked Raizer, dismissing him as a spoiled playboy. Now, those same lords were desperate to align themselves with him.
"Fickle fools," Zoroaster muttered, picking up yet another proposal.
Cliffhanger: The Devil World Watches
Back in the council chamber, Sirzechs concluded the meeting with a final warning.
"Raizer Phoenix is not someone we can afford to ignore," he said. "Whether we like it or not, his actions will shape the future of the underworld. We must ensure that his rise strengthens our society rather than destabilizing it."
As the lords filed out of the chamber, their expressions were a mix of envy, fear, and ambition.
Far away, in the Shadowed Cliff Castle, Raizer Phoenix remained unaware of the storm his achievements had unleashed. But as the devil world watched, one thing was clear: his name would not be forgotten.
This expanded chapter provides detailed insights into the reactions of the Devil Council, noble lords, and Raizer's family, blending political intrigue with personal pride and envy. Let me know if further adjustments are needed!