DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Rias lowered her gaze, unable to respond to Sona's words. She remembered her father's orders, feeling the pressure of what she had to do and the weight of her past choices. She knew she couldn't deny the facts, and the truth was exposed for all to see. The burden of the decisions she had made in the past now weighed heavily on her, and there was no escaping the consequences.

FWOOOSH!

"Riser!" Sona exclaimed, rising from the couch. "We weren't expecting you so soon."

Riser materialized in the living room, surrounded by a soft golden light that soon dissipated. He looked at the gathered group, a playful smile appearing on his face as he took in the scene. His current wife, Sona, his future wife, Seekvaira, and Rias, who had once rejected the chance to stand by his side. It was a curious situation, and he couldn't help but find it amusing.

"I see I'm in good company," Riser said, his voice carrying a relaxed tone. "Sona, Seekvaira... and Rias. It seems everyone is comfortable." He cast a curious look at Rias, who appeared somewhat unsettled by his presence.

Riser noticed that Rias seemed distracted, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. He frowned slightly, intrigued by what might be on her mind.

"We were discussing the wedding preparations, Riser-sama. And Rias came to visit us," said Seekvaira, smiling slightly.

"Riser-sama?" Riser raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "We're getting married; you can just call me Riser." He let out a small laugh, amused by Seekvaira's formality.

Seekvaira nodded, a timid smile appearing on her face. "Alright... Riser."

Riser looked at Rias, still curious. "Why don't you invite Akeno to join the conversation, Rias? I'm sure she'd love to know you're here."

Before Rias could respond, Tsubaki returned to the room with a tea tray. "Here's the tea. I apologize for not bringing one for you, Riser-sama," Tsubaki said, bowing slightly.

Riser waved his hand casually, smiling slightly. "Don't worry about it, Tsubaki. I really don't care for tea."

Tsubaki nodded and began serving Sona, Seekvaira, and Rias, while Riser remained standing, observing the group with a relaxed expression.

"Well, it seems everyone is comfortable," Riser said, crossing his arms and smiling. "I have a few duties as the King of the Underworld, so I'll leave you all to it. Seekvaira, continue with the preparations. Sona, keep me informed of any changes. Rias, enjoy your visit."

Riser headed toward his office, leaving a tense and reflective atmosphere in the room.

Rias sighed, feeling frustration growing within her. The pressure to follow her father's orders was overwhelming, and she didn't even know where to begin. Every word her father had spoken still echoed in her mind, and the weight of her past choices left her feeling lost. She felt she was in a no-win situation, forced to act against her own feelings.

Sona watched Rias for a moment, clearly perceiving that her friend was not at her best. Sona turned to Tsubaki and spoke in a gentle tone.

"Tsubaki, please accompany Rias to Akeno's room. Maybe a conversation between the two could help her."

Tsubaki nodded and approached Rias. "Rias-sama, please come with me. I'll take you to Akeno's room."

Rias looked at Sona for a brief moment, acknowledging her friend's concern. She gave a faint smile and nodded. "Thank you, Sona." Rias followed Tsubaki toward Akeno's room, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. Maybe talking to Akeno would help her find some clarity amid the whirlwind of emotions she was facing.

...

Riser entered his office, closing the door behind him. He sat in his chair and sighed, looking at the papers and documents on the desk. His duties as King of the Underworld demanded his attention, but before continuing, he decided to check something important.

[SYSTEM ACTIVATED]

[Mission completion reward: 10,000 luck points]

[Total luck points: 62,000]

Riser smiled, satisfied to see the points adding in his favor. Every decision, every step he took, brought him closer to his goal of consolidating his power in the underworld. He knew that the alliances and relationships he was building were essential and that each strategic move would bear fruit in the future.

With this in mind, Riser turned his attention back to the documents in front of him, ready to continue leading the underworld toward a new era of strength and stability.

....

A few days passed, and finally, the day of the wedding between Seekvaira Agares and Riser Phenex had arrived.

With the presence of the main families of the underworld. The ceremonial hall was splendidly decorated, with golden ornaments and symbols of the Agares and Phenex families intertwined, representing the union of two powerful houses.

The noble devils were present, all watching closely as Riser and Seekvaira approached the altar. Seekvaira wore a beautiful white dress adorned with silver details, while Riser was in a dark formal suit with golden details symbolizing his power and status.

As the two stood before the altar, a respectful silence filled the hall. Everyone awaited Riser's words, the King of the Underworld, as he prepared to deliver his speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor that I stand before you today, joining with an extraordinary woman, Seekvaira Agares," Riser began, his voice echoing through the hall. "Seekvaira is not only a powerful ally but also a worthy partner whose strength and intelligence inspire me. Today, we are not only uniting two houses but also strengthening the future of the underworld."

Riser paused briefly, looking at Seekvaira and smiling before continuing. "This marriage symbolizes a new era for all of us. I would also like to take this occasion to announce that Yasaka, the leader of the youkai in Kyoto, and Grayfia Lucifuge, the strongest queen who once served alongside Sirzechs, are now part of my life as my lovers. This alliance aims to further unite our forces and protect the future of our children."

Murmurs of surprise swept through the hall but soon quieted when Riser raised his hand, signaling for attention. "Furthermore, I want to announce a future marriage between Millicas Gremory and Kunou, Yasaka's daughter. This will be yet another step toward stability and unity among our families and allies."

The crowd of noble devils began applauding Riser's speech, recognizing the impact and importance of the alliances being formed.

Clap, clap, clap.

The applause echoed through the hall, filling the atmosphere with respect and admiration. Riser and Seekvaira exchanged glances, and he took her hand, drawing her closer. They both bowed slightly, receiving the applause and acknowledgment from those present.

Clap, clap, clap.

Riser knew this moment was crucial for consolidating his power and influence. Each alliance, each promise made that day, was a step toward a future of glory for the underworld.

"Long live the King of the Underworld!" someone shouted from the back of the hall, and soon the voices of the crowd joined in unison, repeating the greeting.

"Long live the King!"

Clap, clap, clap.

...

The return of the Gremory family from the wedding of Seekvaira Agares and Riser Phenex was marked by tense silence. The atmosphere inside the carriage was charged with emotion, but no one seemed willing to be the first to speak. The wedding, meant to symbolize a new era of alliances in the underworld, had left deep marks on the Gremory family dynamic.

Zeoticus sat with clenched fists and a hardened expression. The anger he felt was palpable, his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes fixed on a random point in the carriage. Finally, he couldn't hold back any longer.

"That slut didn't even wait for Sirzechs' body to cool before jumping into Riser's bed!" Zeoticus exploded, his voice laced with venom that surprised Rias and caused Venelana to raise an eyebrow slightly. "And what's worse, now she's out of my reach. Both she and Millicas!"

Venelana, seated beside him, remained silent for a moment before sighing softly.

"Zeoticus, you know this was inevitable. Grayfia was always pragmatic and would do anything to protect Millicas. If it were me, I would have done the same."

Zeoticus huffed, his anger clearly not soothed by Venelana's words. "You're truly cold, Venelana. But I cannot accept this. Grayfia should have remained on our side, under our control. Now, Millicas is out of my reach, and that's something I cannot allow."

Rias, sitting on the other side of the carriage, remained silent, absorbing her father's words. Her mind was a whirlwind. Not only had she seen a childhood friend, Seekvaira, marry Riser, her former fiancé, but she had also witnessed her former sister-in-law, Grayfia, become Riser's lover. It left her perplexed, unsure how to react or what to think about everything that had happened.

Rias lowered her eyes, trying to process the entire situation. The decisions she had made in the past now seemed to have unexpected and profound consequences. Riser, who had once been just an unwanted fiancé, was now the King of the Underworld, and those around him were aligning with him in ways she never imagined.

Silence returned to dominate the carriage, each member of the Gremory family lost in their own thoughts and feelings. Alliances were shifting, and the power dynamics in the underworld were no longer the same. They would all have to adapt to the new reality, whether they liked it or not.

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