DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Riser materialized smoothly in the living room of his mansion in the underworld, surrounded by a faint golden aura that dissipated as he settled into the familiar surroundings. His eyes quickly scanned the room, and as expected, he found Serafall and Sona sitting on the couch.

"Dear, you're back," said Sona, gently placing her hand on Serafall's shoulder, her expression filled with relief but not standing up to avoid disrupting her sister's comfort.

Serafall, on the other hand, had her head resting on her sister's lap in a posture that seemed pitiful, but anyone who knew her understood that it was just her typical exaggerated manner.

"Sona-chan... I've been through so much!" Serafall whimpered, her voice full of drama as she sought more attention and affection from her sister.

Sona, although aware that Serafall was fine, decided to console her sister to avoid prolonging the situation. She ran her hand through Serafall's hair, which seemed to calm her down momentarily.

"You know you're safe now."

Riser gave a slight smile, seeing that the family dynamics were under control. He approached Sona and Serafall, placing a reassuring hand on Sona's shoulder.

"Serafall, you're safe now. No one will dare touch you again."

Serafall looked up at Riser, wiping away a fake tear, and with a sudden jump, clung to her sister's arm.

"Sona-chan, Riser-chan saved me! He's a hero! Now you have to be even more affectionate with me!"

"I completed my mission," Riser said, his voice firm but calm, looking at Sona. "Serafall is safe, and the gods of Olympus will no longer pose a threat to the underworld."

Sona nodded, visibly relieved to hear Riser's words. She knew that despite Serafall's dramatics, the situation had been serious, and having her back safely was a great relief.

"Thank you, dear. I knew I could count on you," Sona replied with a slight smile, though her gaze remained focused on Serafall, who was still clinging to her.

---

Riser was seated in his leather chair in the office, observing Serafall across from him with a calm look, while she processed the latest information he had shared. Serafall, however, was visibly shocked, her eyes widening as she absorbed what Riser had done in Olympus.

"You... subdued Olympus?" Serafall asked, her voice incredulous. "And you even left Athena in command?" She shook her head, trying to assimilate everything. "This is unbelievable, Riser-chan! I knew you were strong, but to defeat Zeus, Ares, Poseidon, and still control Olympus..."

Riser chuckled lightly, the sound echoing in the room as he observed Serafall's surprised expression. His laugh was nonchalant, as if what he had done in Olympus was trivial.

"Besides subduing Olympus, I placed Athena on the throne," he said with a satisfied smile. "Now, they serve me, and by extension, the underworld."

Serafall, still a bit incredulous, looked at him with a mischievous smile, though her eyes showed genuine admiration.

"I hope you made them take the oath, Riser-chan," she said, referring to the feared oath by the River Styx, which would guarantee the gods' loyalty.

Riser nodded. "Of course, the oath was made. They are now bound to me by the Styx."

The room grew quiet as Serafall processed the new information. Riser observed the silence for a moment before asking, in a more serious tone:

"What do you plan to do now, Serafall?"

"We need to contact our allies. Heaven, Norse Mythology, and I was beginning to establish talks with the Youkai faction," Serafall said, her voice firm but tinged with subtle sadness. "But... first of all, we need to organize a farewell ceremony for Sirzechs, Ajuka, and Falbium."

As she mentioned the names of Sirzechs and Ajuka, Serafall's expression shifted. Her previously energetic posture was replaced with deep sadness. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and the silence that followed was heavy.

Riser remained silent, allowing Serafall a moment to process her emotions. He knew that despite her strength and position, the loss of such close friends weighed heavily on her.

Serafall stayed quiet for a moment, trying to compose herself. Her hands trembled slightly, but she took a deep breath and slowly began to regain her composure.

"The underworld has lost great leaders," said Serafall, her voice soft but laden with pain. "But we need to move forward. I will personally handle the preparations for the ceremony."

"Do that. I need to speak with Zekram about some reforms I plan to make in the command system of the underworld," Riser said.

Serafall seemed curious for a moment, but she knew Riser had his plans and chose not to question him at that moment.

"I'll take care of my matters, and you take care of yours," replied Serafall, her voice lighter though still with a hint of sadness. "Just know that you can count on my support."

She stood up smoothly, casting one last glance at Riser before waving her hand lightly. "Goodbye, Riser-chan."

With one last confident look, Serafall left the office, closing the door softly behind her. Riser watched as she left, his gaze remaining thoughtful for a few moments.

Riser, now alone in the office, took a deep breath and decided it was time to begin his next task. He raised his right hand, and a soft magical circle began to form in his palm. The golden light shone softly, and within seconds, a hologram began to materialize in his hand.

After a few moments of silence, Zekram Bael's face appeared in the hologram, his expression severe and tired. Riser immediately noticed the weight Zekram carried, especially after the recent losses in the underworld.

"What do you want, Riser?" Zekram asked, his voice deep.

"Hello, Zekram. How are things with the Gremory?" Riser asked directly.

Zekram, with a serious and weary expression, sighed before answering.

"Things are complicated, Riser," he said, his voice heavy. "The Gremory family is in deep mourning. Venelana and Grayfia can barely hold themselves together, and Millicas... well, the boy still can't comprehend his father's death. Rias is devastated, and it directly impacts the family's leadership. The loss of Sirzechs was far more than anyone could have anticipated."

"The Gremory family's situation is indeed complicated," Riser said, showing little emotion on the matter. "But, changing the subject, I plan to establish a new command system in the underworld."

Zekram narrowed his eyes, clearly interested but also aware that Riser wasn't just suggesting something—he was informing him of a decision that had already been made.

"What exactly do you mean by that, Riser?"

Riser gave a slight smile, crossing his arms as he tilted his head slightly.

"I will be the sole commander. The underworld needs strong, centralized leadership, and no one else is qualified to take that position now. With Sirzechs, Ajuka, and Falbium gone, the power structure that maintained the balance of the underworld no longer exists. I will take the throne and rule as king."

Zekram looked at Riser closely through the hologram, his penetrating gaze trying to capture the nuances of the Devil's words before him. He knew that Riser was speaking with the authority of someone who had already conquered much, but the Bael family, like the Gremory, had a power tradition that would not be easily relinquished.

"A king cannot do everything alone," he said. "It's normal for him to have advisors and other positions to assist in governance. These positions will be available, but the real question is: which family's devils will fill these roles?"

Zekram realized that Riser was offering something, but cautiously. He wanted to secure his place at the top but also knew he needed the support of some of the most powerful families, like the Bael, to avoid resistance.

"And who do you suggest take on these roles, Riser?" Zekram asked, his voice now sharper. "You talk of advisors and a power structure, but your vision seems very focused on centralizing control. The families, especially the Bael, will not stand by easily."

Riser smiled slightly at this, as if already anticipating Zekram's veiled resistance.

"It's simple, Zekram. The Bael family will continue to have its influence, but under my rule. The power of advisors and other roles will be distributed based on loyalty and competence, but the final word will always be mine. The traditional families will have their place... but ultimate command will be centralized in me."

Zekram was silent for a moment, pondering Riser's words. He knew that this type of proposal could cause unrest among the families, but he also knew that after the recent losses, Riser's strength was undeniable.

"And what about the Gremory family?" Zekram asked, testing the limits of what Riser was willing to concede.

"The Gremory family is in deep mourning. Rias is in no condition to command, and the family's leadership is unstable. However, the Gremory family has a legacy that cannot be ignored. They will also have a role in the new system, but their strength will be restored over time and under my supervision."

"You have the strength for this, Riser," said Zekram, his voice now more resigned. "But know that despite the centralization of power, the underworld is vast. You will have to deal with resistance and intrigue, even with this new system."

"I'm aware, Zekram," Riser said with a cold smile. "And I'm more than ready to handle anyone who opposes my reign."

Silence settled between the two for a moment before Riser concluded the conversation with one last instruction.

"Prepare for the changes. The underworld is entering a new era, and everyone will have to adapt."

Zekram nodded slightly before the hologram disappeared.

Riser remained silent for a moment, his thoughts already moving to the next steps of his rise to the throne. He knew that the battle for total control of the underworld was just beginning.

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