Chapter 78: The Envy of Lords and the Response of the Phoenix

Raizer Phoenix's reputation as the most influential and wealthiest devil in the underworld was now impossible to ignore. In a few short years, he had gone from a rising star to a veritable juggernaut, a force that no one in the devil world could overlook. His successful International Trade and Economic Growth Committee (ITEGC), unparalleled business acumen, and unshakable alliances had earned him respect among supernatural factions—but in the devil world, respect was often accompanied by envy and animosity.

The devil lords, notorious for their ego and pride, found Raizer's rise intolerable. His name dominated conversations, not just in the underworld but across the entire supernatural world. Even the once-dismissive human world whispered of his floating islands, alliances with mythical races, and rumored power.

For many of the devil lords, this was unacceptable.

The Devil Council's Meeting of Envy

In the grand chambers of the Devil Council, the atmosphere was tense. Lords and heirs of major houses had gathered to address what they saw as a growing "problem": Raizer Phoenix.

Zekram Bael, the ancient patriarch of the Bael clan, sat at the head of the table, his withered but sharp eyes glinting with irritation. "This Phoenix boy has overstepped his bounds. The devil world is no place for such reckless ambition."

A lord from House Glasya-Labolas spoke up. "He's become too powerful. His influence extends far beyond the underworld. If we don't act soon, he'll surpass even the four Demon Lords in reputation."

A younger heir, itching to prove himself, sneered. "His arrogance knows no bounds. Hosting an international convention, establishing embassies—he acts as though the devil world revolves around him."

Zekram raised a hand to silence the murmurs. "Enough. We must remind Raizer Phoenix of his place. If he does not heed our warnings, we'll strip him of his status as a devil and banish him from the underworld entirely."

The room erupted in murmurs of approval, but one skeptical voice cut through the noise.

"And how, exactly, do you plan to enforce that?"

Raizer's Entrance

Raizer Phoenix had entered the chamber uninvited, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, a smirk tugging at his lips as he strode confidently to the center of the room. Behind him stood Yuballuna, her quiet poise contrasting with Raizer's sharp wit.

The murmurs turned to silence as all eyes fell on Raizer. Zekram Bael narrowed his eyes. "You dare enter uninvited, Phoenix?"

Raizer gave a casual shrug. "It's funny—you're all talking about me, and I didn't even get an invitation. Bit rude, don't you think?"

Several lords bristled at his tone, but Raizer continued before they could respond. "I figured I'd save you the trouble of sending someone to 'remind me of my place.' After all, I do have a busy schedule running the most successful devil-led initiative in supernatural history."

The sarcasm in his voice was thick enough to cut with a knife, and Yuballuna hid a smirk behind her hand.

The Threat

Zekram rose from his seat, his voice cold. "You may think yourself untouchable, Phoenix, but let me remind you—your status as a devil can be revoked by this council. Without it, you are nothing."

Raizer tilted his head, his smirk unfaltering. "Without it, I'm still a mid-Satan-class devil with a peerage of monsters who could wipe the floor with most of you. But sure, revoke my status if it makes you feel better."

A ripple of shock passed through the room.

"You speak as though we are beneath you," snarled a lord from House Astaroth.

Raizer's eyes gleamed. "Oh, I don't speak it—I'm stating a fact. Let's do some quick math, shall we?" He raised a hand dramatically, summoning a glowing chart into the air.

"Most of you sitting here are high-class devils, with a few ultimate-class members sprinkled in for flavor. Among the four Demon Lords, only Sirzechs Lucifer and Ajuka Beelzebub are super devils. The other two? Peak Satan-class."

His smirk widened as the chart shifted to display his peerage. "Now, let's look at my lineup. Garp, Mihawk, Roger, Whitebeard—each one a super devil, leagues above most of you."

He began counting off on his fingers. "Then there's Shiki, Akainu, Kuzan, Greenbull, Fujitora, Sengoku, and Ben Beckman, all at peak to mid-Satan class. And, of course, Yuballuna—high ultimate class. But don't worry," he added with a wink toward Yuballuna, "we're working on getting her to Satan rank soon."

The Sarcastic Breakdown

Raizer leaned against the table, his tone dripping with mock concern. "So tell me, lords, what exactly is your plan? Kick me out and then… what? Hope my peerage gets bored and wanders off? Or are you planning to fight us? Because if that's the case…"

He gestured toward the room. "The odds aren't exactly in your favor. Last I checked, super devils don't grow on trees—and neither do Satan-class warriors. But don't let that stop you from trying!"

The room was dead silent, save for a few lords shifting uncomfortably in their seats.

Zekram's voice was ice-cold. "You speak with arrogance, Phoenix. Do not forget that we are the foundation of devil society."

Raizer straightened, his smirk returning. "And don't you forget that foundations can crumble. You've built this society on ego and stagnation, while I've built alliances, businesses, and actual results."

He waved a hand dismissively. "But sure, keep clinging to your titles. Let me know how that works out when the rest of the supernatural world moves on without you."

The Peerage's Take

As Raizer's words echoed through the chamber, his peerage—watching from a hidden observation room—was in stitches.

Garp chuckled loudly. "This kid's got a way with words. I've gotta give him credit for putting these lords in their place."

Mihawk, ever composed, smirked faintly. "They're used to intimidation and politics. They have no idea how to handle someone who just tells the truth."

Whitebeard let out a booming laugh. "I almost feel sorry for them. Almost."

Shiki, lounging against the wall, grinned. "This is better than any soap opera. Who needs diplomacy when you've got sarcasm and stats?"

The Aftermath

Raizer's sarcastic takedown left the council stunned and scrambling for a response. While some lords seethed with resentment, others were forced to confront the reality of their situation. The balance of power in the devil world was shifting, and Raizer Phoenix was at the center of it.

As Raizer turned to leave, he delivered one final remark: "Oh, and before you waste any more time plotting against me, maybe consider this—I'm not your enemy. I'm just better at this game than you are."

With that, he strode out of the chamber, Yuballuna following with a knowing smirk.

Cliffhanger: Whispers of Rebellion

In the wake of Raizer's departure, the council was left in turmoil. Some lords whispered of rebellion, while others began quietly reaching out to Raizer, recognizing the futility of opposing him.

The question lingered: Would the devil world adapt to Raizer's vision, or would it collapse under the weight of its own pride?

This chapter balances humor and tension, showcasing Raizer's sharp wit and strategic prowess while highlighting the growing divide between him and the traditional devil lords. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!