The Eyes Of The World

Devil King's Citadel, Underworld

Whispers echoed through the vast marble halls of the Citadel, woven with magic, veiled power, and ancient pride. Intricate magical seals glowed along the walls, pulsing gently like the heartbeat of a sleeping beast. Deep within its heart, past countless layers of magical wards and ancestral enchantments, was a sanctum where only the highest of devils could tread.

In the center of the chamber floated a massive obsidian table, smooth as glass, reflecting the swirling runes that hung midair above it. Seated at the cardinal points were the Four Satans the cornerstones of the current devil society.

Sirzechs Lucifer leaned back in his throne like seat, fingers steepled under his chin. His blue eyes flickered with quiet intensity, though his expression retained its usual warm elegance. His red hair, like the embers of a divine flame, swayed ever so slightly in the magical current.

"The boy has progressed far faster than even my most optimistic estimations," he said at last, breaking the silence.

Ajuka Beelzebub, analytical as always, adjusted a floating magical screen with a wave of his hand. On it shimmered a scene Riser standing proudly outside the main capital of the underworld, with Thalia on one side and Artoria on the other.

"I gave him his Evil Pieces myself," Ajuka began, eyes narrowing as complex data flashed across his lenses. "I built in flexibility, but even I did not foresee such efficient and symbolic use of his Evil pieces."

He gestured toward the image of Thalia unleashing a storm bolt.

"Two bishop pieces for a demigoddess. One knight piece for the bloodline of Britain's greatest magical sovereign. These aren't just power moves they're statements. He's building his legacy, not a harem or a warband."

Serafall Leviathan, clad in her usual overly adorable attire, kicked her feet lightly beneath the table, but her eyes glinted with hidden shrewdness.

"Ara~ Riser chan's not just cute anymore," she said in a singsong voice. "He's strategic, dangerous even. Not in the way Rias is growing but in a more focused, refined way. It's like he's preparing not just for noble life but for rulership."

Falbium Asmodeus, the silent mountain of a devil, crossed his arms and muttered in his gravel deep voice, "He's impressive that much is certain. Too composed for his age. Not impulsive like most youth. More surgical."

Sirzechs gave a soft sigh and rested his cheek against his knuckles. "His power is no longer baseless. And his vision, though still growing, is enough to command attention. I've begun to wonder could he evolve into a Super Devil? Not through mutation or inherited status like us, but through sheer will and mastery?"

Ajuka did not dismiss it.

"It's not impossible. He lacks the anomaly trait, but his unique control over Phenex flame its refined nature, the way it bends to his will rather than simply healing or burning it's unprecedented. Add in his peerage, his political maneuvering, and his favor with the Shinto Fraction"

Serafall's smile widened. "He's going to make a lot of devils very nervous~"

Sirzechs turned his gaze to the image of Riser on the screen.

"Let them be nervous. The world is changing."

Mount Olympus, Realm of the Gods

Far above the mortal world, atop the throne of clouds and thunder, Olympus stirred.

The central palace, carved from divine marble and gold mined from the bones of titans, trembled with subtle energy. Lightning split the sky in every direction as Zeus, King of the Olympians, stood at the highest balcony his massive form draped in celestial robes, eyes like storm clouds fixed on a glowing scroll hovering before him.

Thunder cracked as he spoke.

"Thalia"

His voice echoed across the mountain.

"A daughter of Olympus now swears her loyalty to a devil."

The court of gods below had fallen silent. Even the lesser gods did not dare interrupt the Sky Father when lightning coiled around his shoulders like serpents of divine wrath.

"Let me see him," Zeus commanded.

A second scroll appeared, flickering with a projection of Riser Phenex standing in front of Thalia and Artoria. The young devil stood calm, his flames quiet but regal.

Zeus stared at it for a long time.

Then the storm receded. The skies lightened.

"She chose freely," he said at last. "And I shall not defile her will with interference."

"But my Lord," a younger god spoke from below, his voice tentative. "Should we not"

Zeus turned slightly, and the young god fell silent beneath the weight of his gaze.

"She did not go in shame. She stood beside him with pride. I saw it in her eyes. She is not possessed, not deceived. She walks a road she believes in."

He closed the scroll, and the thunder ceased entirely.

"Let the devils be warned. Olympus watches now. Not as conquerors but as someone in the games to come."

Britain, Pendragon Estate

Green hills shrouded in mist surrounded the ancient Pendragon stronghold an old castle that carried the weight of Camelot's shattered legacy. Within the main hall, the Pendragon family had gathered in haste.

"What do you mean she joined a devil!?" roared Lord Pendragon, slamming both fists on a crystal divination table. "That bloodline our bloodline has never bowed to the dark!"

The elderly matriarch of the clan remained silent, her face carved with age and bitterness.

"She abandoned her name. She left without permission. We gave her everything."

"She was a bastard child," muttered one of the younger knights. "We gave her a room, not a place."

The head scribe entered, pale and trembling, holding a letter sealed in silver wax.

"This arrived, my Lord from Lady Artoria."

The letter was torn open and read aloud, the voice cracking as the words echoed across the hall

To the family that bore me but never saw me

I am no longer your weapon. No longer your shadow. I have chosen freedom, I have chosen honor, and I have chosen him Riser Phenex not as a master, but as one who sees me as more than a sword.

Do not come for me. You gave up that right when you let my mother die alone.

Silence.

Fury burned in Lord Pendragon's eyes. "We'll appeal to the Satans. We'll"

"No," whispered the matriarch, finally speaking. "Not against a Phenex. Not against one who walks with with the respect of devil society."

"But what are we to do?"

"We remember," she said bitterly. "We remember what happens when a Pendragon is cast aside. We watch. And we pray she never turns her blade back on us."

Phenex Estate, Underworld

The map of the human world shimmered on the wall of Riser's private study. Cities pulsed with colored lights Tokyo, Kyoto, London and Kuoh, glowing bright with devil sigils and spiritual energy.

Riser stood quietly, arms crossed behind his back. He had changed his stance was regal now, his presence commanding even without flame.

Behind him, Thalia leaned against a wall, arms folded, lightning flickering through her fingertips.

"You're on everyone's radar now," she said, casually. "Zeus didn't deny it. Olympus is watching."

"I know," Riser replied, his voice calm.

Artoria stepped forward, armor gleaming. "My family will paint me as a traitor. A heretic."

"They already have," Riser said. "But they will see what you become. And they will regret it."

At that moment, Ravel opened the door with a bright smile, holding a black envelope sealed in red wax.

"Big Brother! A letter from the Satans!"

Riser took it and read silently.

Sirzechs' elegant handwriting greeted him.

To Riser Phenex,

The world is watching. So we thought we'd offer formal recognition.

You've proven yourself far more than we anticipated. Continue this path and you may find yourself not just as a noble of the Underworld, but one of its pillars.

Make us proud. Or make us wary. Either way you're becoming a name that history will remember.

Sirzechs Lucifer

Riser folded the letter, golden eyes glowing faintly. The flame on his fingertips sparked once, then faded.

"So they've started to noticed," he said with a smirk.

Thalia chuckled. "They've more than noticed. Olympus, the Satans, Pendragon, even the old families you've got them all stirred up."

Artoria knelt on one knee, head bowed. "And we stand with you."

Riser looked to the glowing map once more his eyes fixed on Kuoh.

"The world is watching," he whispered.

He turned, and flames flickered behind him like wings.

"Then let them."