Mystic

The day of the first task of the Triwizard Tournament arrived at Hogwarts with an electric energy. The entire school grounds buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Students filled the stands, cheering for their champions—Harry, Viktor Krum, and Fleur Delacour—all while the crisp autumn air hung heavy with tension.

Riser sat in the special guest section, an elevated area with a perfect view of the arena below, where the champions would soon face their first challenge. The stands around him roared with cheers and conversation, but he remained silent, his eyes fixed on the scene below with a faint smirk. It was exciting, yes, he thought, but it's hard to be thrilled when you know every twist and turn.

He could practically see how things would play out. He had watched it all unfold once before. For Harry, it would be a game of dodge and strategy, avoiding the dragon's fire and attacks until he managed to snatch the Golden Egg. Viktor Krum would rely on his brute strength and Quidditch reflexes, and Fleur would tap into her Veela charm and resilience, gracefully outmaneuvering her opponent. There were few surprises for him here being harry being mature at this time, and it made him feel as though he were simply re-watching a film he already knew by heart.

Next to him, Yubellena watched with curious amusement. She leaned closer to him, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Quite the grand display, isn't it?" She gestured toward the arena, where Fleur was already squaring off with her dragon, a fierce-looking Common Welsh Green. "Though I must admit, they're not nearly as prepared as they think they are."

Riser chuckled, glancing at her. "True. I mean, the dragons are formidable creatures, no doubt, but this all are low level one"

As Fleur cast a charm, creating an enchanting light that briefly distracted her dragon, Yubellena arched an eyebrow. "A decent attempt at diversion magic," she noted, unimpressed. "But she's relying too much on her Veela heritage. It's making her predictable and in long term weak."

Riser nodded, observing the way Fleur dodged a blast of fire, the flames brushing the edge of her robe. Fleur was swift, using her agility and Veela charm to confuse and distract the dragon, but Riser could tell that she was struggling to fully control the beast. The dragon seemed to be growing frustrated with her charm, nearly breaking free from its restraints in its fury.

"And Viktor Krum," Yubellena continued, nodding toward the Bulgarian champion, who stood with his typical stoic demeanor, waiting for his own turn in the arena. "He's strong, that much is obvious. But he's too reliant on physical prowess and straightforward tactics."

Riser watched Krum, noticing the hardened look in the boy's eyes. "True. Krum is like a sledgehammer in a game of lockpicks. His approach works, sure, but it's so... unimaginative."

Yubellena smiled, clearly sharing his thoughts. "He'll likely try something simple yet effective. My guess? A well-placed Blasting Curse, aiming for a weak point. Krum's not one for flair."

Riser leaned back in his seat, his arms crossed as his gaze shifted to Harry, who was pacing in the waiting area, visibly nervous but determined. This was the champion who truly interested him, the one who stood at the center of it all.

"And Harry Potter," Yubellena said with a faint smirk. "The young hero of hogwards everyone's counting on. There's talent there, but... he's unpolished. Not strong enough for his reputation"

Riser nodded thoughtfully. "He has a certain potential, though. I'd say he's more adaptable, willing to think on his feet. That could be his advantage here—his unpredictability."

They watched as Harry stepped into the arena, his gaze steely, though his hands shook ever so slightly as he held his wand. The Hungarian Horntail—a dragon notorious for its aggression—was his opponent, a truly fearsome beast with massive wings and jagged scales. The dragon's yellow eyes gleamed with bloodlust, and it gave a menacing growl that echoed across the stadium, silencing the crowd for a heartbeat.

As predicted, Harry took the dodge-and-distract approach, relying on his broom to avoid the dragon's fire and tail. He zipped around the creature, narrowly avoiding blasts of flame and powerful swipes of its tail. The crowd gasped and cheered, clearly captivated by Harry's skillful flying, but to Riser, it was all too familiar.

"Predictable," Yubellena commented dryly. "It's effective, but if that boy had been facing anything with more intelligence than a dragon, he'd be in serious trouble."

Riser shrugged, mildly entertained despite himself. "It's not about skill with Harry, is it? It's more his... willpower. He doesn't give up, even when he's outmatched. I suppose that's admirable in its own way."

Yubellena snorted softly. "Admirable or not, determination alone doesn't win wars. It's only a matter of time before he learns that lesson the hard way."

As Harry finally snatched the Golden Egg from under the dragon's nose and the crowd erupted into applause, Riser felt a slight pang of disappointment. That's it, then. Just like I remembered. No surprises, no twists.

Watching things unfold exactly as he knew they would was almost... boring. He had come to Hogwarts expecting excitement, but he realized now that knowing the outcome of every event stripped away much of the thrill. This place, while still a magical marvel, felt a little smaller, a little less grand.

Riser sighed, letting his gaze drift away from the stadium. Just as he did, a faint, almost imperceptible tingling sensation sparked at the back of his mind. His eyes narrowed. It was a familiar feeling—the distinctive pull of a contracting scroll old riser had left somewhere .

Someone was attempting to contact him.

Yubellena noticed the shift in his expression. "What's wrong?"

Riser held up a finger, signaling her to wait, as he closed his eyes and focused on the faint magic signature resonating in his mind. He could sense the scroll he'd left behind being activated, the faint touch of a summoning spell reaching out to him. Whoever was on the other end was persistent, the magical thread pulsing with energy, as if demanding his attention.

Riser opened his eyes, a small smirk playing on his lips. "It seems someone has stumbled upon my contracting scroll."

Yubellena's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh? Any idea who it might be?"

Riser shook his head, the excitement returning to his voice. "No idea. But that's what makes it interesting, don't you think?"

Yubellena's lips curved into a sly smile. "So, what's your plan? Are you going to answer the call?"

Riser glanced back at the arena, where the other champions were being congratulated by the crowd. The Triwizard Tournament may have been a bit of a letdown, he thought, but perhaps the real adventure is waiting just outside these walls.

"I think it's time for me to take a little detour," he replied, standing up and straightening his coat. "Let's see who dares summon a Phenex... and what they want."

-----

Riser arrived at the location in a flash of crimson flame, his senses immediately heightened as he took in the environment. They were in a misty, forested area cloaked in shadows and dense with an aura of suppressed power. Before him stood a figure clad in gleaming armor of midnight blue and black, adorned with intricate symbols of wolves across his chest plate and shoulders. The design was unmistakably familiar—Koragg, the name echoed in his mind, stirring up distant memories. It reminded him of Koragg, the Wolf Warrior from another world's tale, yet Riser held his silence, hiding any indication of familiarity.

The armored figure took a step forward, his stance commanding but controlled. "Are you the one known as Riser Phenex?" he asked, his voice carrying a deep, resonant tone.

Riser crossed his arms, examining him with mild curiosity. "That would be me. And you must be the one who activated my scroll. Why have you summoned me? "

The man removed his helmet, revealing a face that was hardened and battle-worn, yet marked with a quiet resolve. His intense eyes held both strength and vulnerability as he introduced himself. "I am Koragg, the Wolf Knight... but my true name is Leanbow. I was once a Mystic Wizard of great power, but I was corrupted and turned into a slave of Octomus, the Supreme Master of the Underworld."

Riser raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "Interesting backstory. But what do you want?"

Taking a steadying breath, Leanbow began his tale, his voice solemn. "Twenty years ago, I led the Mystic Wizards in a battle against Octomus and his Morlocks. We fought to keep them from entering the human realm, to protect this world from his influence. During that battle, I personally held off Morticon, one of his generals, while the Gatekeeper, Niella, sealed the Underworld Gate, trapping me inside to hold the darkness at bay. I was lost to the forces of darkness… Niella sacrificed her life to ensure the gate remained shut."

He paused, his eyes shadowed with regret. "For twenty long years, I was a puppet, a slave known as Koragg. My spirit was bent and twisted, my will bound to Octomus. But recently, I gained a moment of clarity. I came to understand that Octomus... he's merely a monster, a powerful creature but not the true master of the Underworld. I learned of your kind—of devils. You hold the true influence over the underworld realms, not creatures like him."

Riser's gaze softened slightly as he listened, impressed by the depth of Leanbow's resilience. Still, his tone remained calculated. "And what do you want from me?"

"Freedom," Leanbow said with quiet intensity. "If you take me under your control, I believe you have the power to break the hold Octomus has over me. I would serve you in return—forever, if you wish."

Riser's eyes narrowed. "Why would you willingly trade one master for another? From your perspective, isn't that... hypocritical?"

Leanbow didn't hesitate. "At this point, it's no longer about pride. I have seen enough of the Underworld to know that Octomus will never free me, and he will soon try to enter the human realm again. He's only a beast, one that cannot be negotiated with. You, however, are something more—a devil, yes, but not a mindless monster. I've gathered knowledge, learned about your kind. Devils have been resurrecting humans and joining your ranks, and i heard about phoenix family being one of the good one , your followers are treated with dignity, even granted powers. You have something Octomus lacks—a sense of honor."

Riser smirked slightly, intrigued by the man's forthrightness. "And what makes you so sure I won't just betray you?"

Leanbow's expression didn't waver. "If you meant to betray me, you'd have taken advantage of me by now. You're asking questions instead of immediately seizing control. It speaks volumes. Besides, I have nothing left to lose. The gate seal on Octomus grows weaker every day, and if he breaks free, he will wreak havoc. and the first thing being destroyed would be my hometown . My only chance to stop him, to save those I once protected, is to find a new path under someone else's command."

Riser considered Leanbow's words, sensing the genuine conviction in his voice. The man was more than just a powerful warrior; he was a soul fighting to regain his honor. Finally, Riser gave a small nod. "Very well, I'll help you. If you're willing to serve me, I'll do what I can to break Octomus's control over you."

Just as he spoke, Leanbow's posture stiffened, his shoulders slumping as his face twisted with pain. A dark, sinister purple aura began to pulse around him, like chains tightening around his soul. Leanbow's gaze turned blank as he straightened up, and Riser could see the faint glimmer of Octomus's influence washing over him once more.

"Leanbow?" Riser asked, his voice low, but the man didn't respond. Instead, he began to advance on Riser, his aura intensifying. His eyes glowed an unnatural purple as he raised his sword, the edges gleaming with malicious energy.

Riser's instincts kicked in immediately. So Octomus still has a hold over him. 

With a swift movement, Riser called upon his power, summoning the Phoenix flames that burned within him. His body emitted intense heat, a crimson glow surrounding him as he prepared to counter the assault. Leanbow—or rather, Koragg—swung his sword, the blade crackling with dark magic as it sliced through the air. Riser sidestepped, feeling the sheer force of the attack pass dangerously close.

"Not bad, Koragg," Riser said, his voice taunting. "But I've faced worse."

Koragg let out a low growl, his attacks growing more frenzied as he advanced on Riser, each strike more aggressive than the last. But Riser remained calm, his movements fluid as he dodged and blocked with ease. He raised his hand, channeling his magic into a fiery nova that burst outward, sending waves of intense heat toward Koragg.

The flames engulfed Koragg, but he pushed through them, seemingly unaffected. His armor absorbed much of the heat, though scorch marks began to mar its pristine surface. With a snarl, Koragg lunged forward, attempting a powerful thrust with his blade. Riser dodged to the side and retaliated, launching a series of rapid, precise strikes. His fists, charged with Phoenix fire, connected with Koragg's armor, leaving glowing imprints that began to weaken its integrity.

"Enough games,time to get serious" Riser muttered. He focused, summoning a larger burst of energy, his Nova ability activating fully. The air around him shimmered with heat, distorting the surroundings as he unleashed a barrage of flaming strikes, each one hitting with the force of a sledgehammer.

Koragg staggered back, momentarily disoriented as the flames licked at his armor, finally penetrating its defenses. With a final, well-aimed punch, Riser struck Koragg in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground. The dark aura flickered, then dissipated, leaving Leanbow lying there, struggling to catch his breath as he regained control.

Riser knelt beside him, offering a hand. "You're stronger than I expected, but Octomus's hold over you is still powerful. We'll need to break it before you can serve me."

Leanbow grasped Riser's hand, his face etched with gratitude and exhaustion. "Thank you... Lord Riser. For giving me this chance."

Riser smirked. "Don't thank me yet, Leanbow. We have a long road ahead. But together, I think we can make quite the formidable team."