Chapter 80: The Path to Peace

The supernatural world had entered an unprecedented era of economic collaboration under the guidance of Raizer Phoenix and his International Trade and Economic Growth Committee (ITEGC). His diplomatic successes, particularly with notoriously reclusive factions like the naga, garuda, and dragon clans, had not gone unnoticed by the angels of Heaven and the fallen angels of Grigori.

While the two factions shared a history steeped in betrayal and conflict, they now faced a mutual challenge: navigating a world that was rapidly uniting through trade and economic growth. The constant skirmishes and ideological clashes had left them both weakened over the centuries. As their leaders reviewed the impact of Raizer's committee, they came to a startling conclusion: perhaps peace was not only necessary but also achievable—with Raizer Phoenix as the mediator.

Heaven's Perspective

In the pristine halls of Heaven, Michael, the leader of the angels, sat in quiet contemplation as he reviewed the latest reports from his advisors. A projection of the ITEGC hovered before him, displaying its intricate web of trade agreements, economic growth statistics, and diplomatic successes.

"His accomplishments are remarkable," Michael admitted, his voice calm but thoughtful.

Seated across from him, Gabriel, the Seraph known for her compassion, nodded. "It is. He's done what we could not—unite opposing factions through mutual benefit. Even the dragons, who have never trusted anyone, are working with him."

Another angel, Raphael, frowned slightly. "But he is a devil. Can we truly entrust him with something as delicate as mediating peace among our factions?"

Michael clasped his hands together, his expression serene yet firm. "We have fought the devils and fallen angels for centuries, but it has brought us little but loss and sorrow. Raizer Phoenix is not like the others. He is pragmatic, focused, and unburdened by ego. If anyone can mediate, it is him."

Gabriel's voice softened. "He represents something new—a devil who builds instead of destroys. If we don't take this opportunity, we may never have another chance to end the conflict."

Grigori's Perspective

In stark contrast to Heaven's tranquil halls, the Grigori's headquarters buzzed with restless energy. Azazel, the leader of the fallen angels, leaned back in his chair, lazily tossing a silver pen in the air as he listened to his advisors argue.

"This Phoenix kid is dangerous," Shemhazai, one of his lieutenants, said with a scowl. "He's consolidating power in ways we've never seen before. If we let him mediate, we're giving him leverage over all three factions."

Azazel smirked, catching the pen mid-air. "And what's the alternative? Keep fighting a pointless cold war while the devils grow stronger without lifting a finger?"

Shemhazai hesitated, but Azazel pressed on. "Look, I don't trust devils any more than you do, but Raizer Phoenix isn't your run-of-the-mill devil. He's a businessman, a dealmaker. If we can get him to broker peace, we stand to gain a hell of a lot more than we lose."

Another fallen angel, Baraqiel, crossed his arms. "And what if he uses this to further his own goals? He's already a threat with his trade network and peerage. What happens when he decides the Grigori aren't useful anymore?"

Azazel chuckled. "Then we'll deal with it when the time comes. For now, we play along. Besides…" He grinned mischievously. "I've been itching to see how this devil handles real diplomacy. Let's give him a shot."

The Approach

Raizer Phoenix was sitting in his study at the Shadowed Cliff Castle, reviewing a series of proposals for expanding his trade network, when Yuballuna entered with a formal message.

"My Lord," she began, her tone slightly bemused. "It seems you've caught the attention of Heaven and Grigori. They're requesting your assistance to mediate peace among the three factions."

Raizer raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "The angels and fallen angels? Coming to me for help? Now that's new."

Yuballuna handed him the scrolls containing the official requests. "They seem… desperate. Both sides have cited your success with the committee as proof of your ability to bring opposing factions together. They believe you can help them find common ground."

Raizer smirked. "Interesting. But I assume they're not doing this out of the kindness of their hearts. What's the catch?"

Yuballuna shrugged lightly. "Likely trust—or the lack thereof. Both factions seem wary of each other and probably think having you involved will give them a neutral party with no ideological bias."

Raizer tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Neutral, huh? They clearly haven't met Garp. But fine, I'll hear them out."

The Meeting

The meeting took place in a neutral location—a grand chamber enchanted with equal parts angelic and demonic magic to ensure safety for all attendees. Raizer arrived with Yuballuna at his side, her composed demeanor contrasting with his relaxed confidence. On one side of the chamber stood Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, radiating divine serenity. On the other stood Azazel, Shemhazai, and Baraqiel, their sharp, restless energy filling the room.

Raizer strode into the chamber with an easy smirk, glancing at both factions before taking his seat.

"So," he began, his tone casual, "what brings the holiest of angels and the edgiest of fallen angels to my doorstep?"

Azazel snorted, clearly amused by Raizer's irreverence, while Michael's expression remained neutral.

Michael spoke first. "Lord Phoenix, we have reviewed your actions and accomplishments through the ITEGC. Your ability to unite conflicting factions through diplomacy and mutual benefit is undeniable."

Gabriel added, her voice warm, "We believe you are uniquely suited to help us mediate a peace treaty between Heaven, Grigori, and the devils."

Raizer leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Peace, huh? Sounds noble. But let's be real—you're not here out of altruism. What's really driving this sudden urge for unity?"

Azazel grinned, clearly enjoying Raizer's bluntness. "He's sharp. Alright, fine—I'll say it. We're tired. Tired of the endless fighting, tired of watching our people die over grudges that don't matter anymore. But more than that…" He gestured to the angelic delegation. "We can't afford to stay divided while the world moves forward. Your committee is proof of that."

Michael nodded solemnly. "The supernatural world is changing, and if we remain entrenched in old conflicts, we will all be left behind."

Raizer tapped the table thoughtfully. "And you think I'm the guy to make this happen? A devil, of all people?"

Gabriel smiled faintly. "You've shown that you value progress over tradition. That makes you the perfect mediator. You have no ideological bias—only pragmatism."

Raizer's Terms

Raizer glanced between the two factions, his golden eyes glinting with interest. "Alright, I'll consider it. But let's set a few ground rules. First, if I'm mediating this, you're both playing by my rules. That means no interruptions, no sabotage, and no theatrics. Agreed?"

Michael and Azazel exchanged glances before nodding.

"Second," Raizer continued, "this isn't just about signing a treaty and calling it a day. If we're doing this, we're building a framework for long-term cooperation. Trade agreements, resource sharing, joint educational programs—the whole nine yards. Peace isn't just the absence of war; it's the presence of opportunity."

Azazel chuckled. "You really don't do anything halfway, do you?"

Raizer smirked. "Why bother if you're not going to do it right?"

Finally, he leaned forward, his tone serious. "And third—there's no turning back. If we go down this road, it's all or nothing. If either of you tries to back out or undermine the process, I'll walk away, and you'll be left to deal with the consequences. Understood?"

The room was silent for a moment before Michael spoke. "Understood."

Azazel grinned. "You've got a deal."

Cliffhanger: The First Step

As the meeting concluded, Raizer stood, adjusting his jacket with a confident smirk.

"Alright, then," he said. "Let's see if we can pull off the impossible."

As he walked out of the chamber, Yuballuna leaned in with a small smile. "Do you think they'll actually cooperate?"

Raizer shrugged. "Who knows? But one thing's for sure—it's going to be interesting."

Back in the chamber, the leaders of Heaven and Grigori exchanged wary but hopeful glances. For the first time in centuries, peace felt within reach.

This chapter blends intrigue, diplomacy, and Raizer's signature pragmatic approach to supernatural politics. Let me know if further refinement is needed!