DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Zekram watched as Riser's hologram disappeared, leaving only the heavy silence in the air. He stood up from the chair where he had been sitting, his thoughts disturbed by Riser's plans. Although Riser's power was undeniable, Zekram saw a troubling trace of authoritarianism in the young Devil. Centralizing power in Riser's hands was not something Zekram fully trusted.

'Riser wants to be the only one in charge... He's taking a path that could bring instability to the Underworld.'

He knew that, no matter how strong Riser was, the traditions of the great families couldn't be ignored. *A centralized command might seem efficient, but the Underworld is vast, with many powerful factions and families. Forcing everyone to bow to a single leader without consideration for the power dynamics could lead to resistance, intrigue, and eventually, revolt.*

Zekram sighed heavily as he walked through the halls of the Gremory mansion. He was there to support the family during their mourning, and now Riser's plans added to his worries. He climbed the stairs with determined steps, his expression firm as he headed to Zeoticus Gremory's study. He needed to discuss this, to ensure that the Gremory family wouldn't be left out of this new Underworld that Riser intended to create.

When he reached the top of the stairs, Zekram paused for a moment in front of the study's door.

Knock! Knock!

He knocked lightly and, hearing Zeoticus's response, opened the door and entered. Zeoticus was seated behind his desk, his tired eyes rising to meet Zekram's.

"Zekram, come in."

Zekram closed the door behind him and approached the desk, sitting in a chair across from Zeoticus. He crossed his arms, his expression serious as he began to speak.

"Riser reached out to me. He intends to take control of the Underworld as the sole ruler," Zekram said without preamble. "He wants to centralize all the power in his hands and plans for the great families to simply follow his orders. This concerns me."

Zeoticus furrowed his brow, leaning forward slightly. "Riser wants to be the king of the Underworld? That's ambitious... but also dangerous. The Underworld has always been governed by a balance of powers. Removing that could cause more problems than he realizes."

Zekram nodded, his expression laden with worry. "Exactly. He has power, there's no denying that, but his authoritarian attitude could bring instability. The great families won't accept being reduced to mere followers without resistance. We need to ensure that our position isn't compromised."

"We need to prepare," Zeoticus finally said, his voice firm. "We can't oppose Riser directly now, not while he has the advantage of power and is one of the few survivors of the war that killed the other Maous. But we need to ensure that the Gremory family and the other great families maintain their influence and power, especially now that Sirzechs is no longer here to protect our interests, in this new system Riser intends to create."

"Yes. We must be careful, Zeoticus. If Riser fails to keep the Underworld united, we'll be there to pick up the pieces."

Zeoticus nodded, his gaze determined. "We'll do what it takes. For the sake of our family and the Underworld."

.....

Riser's Mansion in the Underworld

Riser sat in his study, the room silent. The soft light from the fireplace illuminated the room, casting shadows on the walls. He leaned back in the leather chair, his gaze fixed on the desk in front of him as his mind worked.

'Grayfia... She must be devastated right now. Sirzechs is gone, and she's left alone, trying to handle all of this by herself. But because of that... maybe this is the best time to approach her.'

Riser stood up from the chair, walking slowly to the window of the study. The eternal night of the Underworld stretched out before him, a dark and silent landscape. He crossed his arms, thinking deeply.

'If I reach out to her now, I can offer something no one else can: security for Millicas and a position of influence in this new system I'm going to create. Grayfia has always been the most loyal among the Gremory, and she would be a valuable ally... if I can convince her.'

Riser raised his hand, activating communication magic. A hologram began to form in the palm of his hand as he called Grayfia. He waited as the call echoed softly in the room, but there was no answer.

Riser closed his hand and returned to his chair, sitting down slowly. He rested his elbow on the arm of the chair, bringing his hand to his chin as he pondered.

'She rejected my call. It takes a lot of courage to refuse a Maou... or maybe she's so shaken that she simply doesn't care anymore.'

The soft glow of a hologram began to form again in the palm of his hand. Riser raised an eyebrow, surprised.

"Changed your mind quickly," Riser murmured, watching the hologram take shape.

The hologram of Grayfia slowly came into focus until her figure materialized in Riser's palm. She looked visibly tired, her silver hair falling gently over her shoulders. It was clear she was in a room, with Millicas sleeping beside her on the bed.

"Asmodeus-sama," Grayfia began, her voice soft but carrying a respectful tone. "I apologize for not answering your call immediately. I was taking care of Millicas." She glanced briefly at the sleeping boy, with a gentle expression, but still maintaining respect in her posture.

Riser observed the hologram for a moment, his eyes focused on Grayfia and Millicas before giving a slight smile.

"Don't worry, Grayfia. I understand the situation." Riser kept a calm expression as he analyzed the scene before him. "I needed to speak with you about something important, but I can wait if this isn't a good time."

"No, Asmodeus-sama. I am available."

"Very well. I want to talk about the future, Grayfia. Sirzechs is gone, and now the situation in the Underworld has changed drastically."

He paused, waiting for her to process his words before continuing.

"I am taking control of the Underworld, and I want you by my side, ensuring Millicas's safety and helping to shape the new system I'm creating."

Grayfia remained silent for a moment, her cold and calculating eyes analyzing each word from Riser. She looked up at him, a hint of curiosity appearing on her face.

"What exactly do you want from me, Asmodeus-sama?"

"I want you, the strongest queen of the Underworld, by my side."

"I am here to serve the Underworld, Asmodeus-sama. If you need my services, I am ready to help with the reconstruction of the Underworld and ensure the security of our society."

Riser smiled slightly, leaning back in the chair as he looked intently at Grayfia.

"I believe we can work together in a more... personal way, Grayfia."

"I understand the proposal, Asmodeus-sama. If my work can help consolidate the new system and stabilize the Underworld, I will do what is necessary." She kept her voice calm and avoided Riser's deeper gaze.

Riser raised an eyebrow, noticing Grayfia's resistance.

"I think you haven't completely understood, Grayfia. I'm not just talking about politics or hierarchy. I'm talking about how you and I can become closer... personally."

Her gaze hardened slightly, but her voice remained serene. "My husband just died. I don't think this relationship would be appropriate."

Riser shook his head as if considering her words. "Today, it may seem inappropriate. But in the future, who knows? You know as well as I do that your position in the Underworld is powerful. Sooner or later, someone will try to get close to you. And it would be better if it were me, someone who already knows your loyalty."

'Accepting would mean security for Millicas and influence to protect the Gremory family, but at what cost? Sirzechs has just left, and this feels like a betrayal to his memory. However, refusing might leave me vulnerable to others who wouldn't hesitate to use this weakness against me. I need time... I need to find a way to protect those I love without compromising my principles.'

Grayfia kept a composed face, but her hands tightened slightly out of sight. "I understand your proposal. I'll think about it."

Riser looked at Millicas's hologram, his gaze becoming colder.

"Grayfia, you'd better know that my patience has limits."

Before Grayfia could respond, Millicas showed signs of waking, moving slightly in bed and murmuring something inaudible, making Grayfia quickly look at him.

"Goodbye, Grayfia. I'll give you time to decide your son's fate because you know that Zeoticus won't be as kind to him as you. As the current head of the Gremory family, he has control over Millicas Gremory."

The hologram faded as Grayfia remained silent, watching Millicas slowly wake. Her hands clenched slightly, reflecting the decision that was to come.

Grayfia remembered all the times Zeoticus had made cold decisions, putting the family's interests above his own daughter's feelings, Rias. She knew, with a heavy heart, that it wouldn't be any different with Millicas. Zeoticus would always prioritize the Gremory legacy, regardless of his grandson's emotional well-being. These thoughts left her uneasy as she watched Sirzechs's son stir, unaware of the political dangers surrounding him.

'I cannot allow Millicas to be manipulated and treated as just another pawn in the family's power game,' Grayfia thought, her determination growing. She knew she would have to do whatever it took to protect Millicas, even if it meant accepting an unwanted alliance with Riser. The responsibility she felt for that boy, who had no control over the circumstances, was overwhelming.

As Millicas slowly opened his eyes, Grayfia smiled at him, trying to hide her worries. 'I will protect him, no matter what it costs,' she promised herself.

To read 15 chapters ahead, go to

pat reon.com/22Mirko22