Ascending Flame 3

Riser POV)

The days leading up to the rating game passed in a blur, each moment filled with preparation and tension. My family estate, usually filled with a subdued elegance, buzzed with the energy of my peerage as they threw themselves into training. There was no room for complacency, not with what was at stake.

The more I trained, the more I realized how much potential lay dormant within me. The three meta-essences gifted by that mysterious entity had awakened something terrifyingly powerful within me. My flames had evolved; it was no longer the simple fire of the Phenex line but something much more dangerous. 

I found myself experimenting, calling forth blue flames one moment, black the next, and even something that resembled the burning energy of a star. The possibilities were endless, and for the first time, I felt like the power I wielded could actually be worthy of the title I held.

But power alone wasn't enough. I needed to outthink Rias and her peerage. While they were inexperienced, their abilities were nothing to scoff at. Issei, the Red Dragon Emperor, was raw and unrefined, but he had plot armor thicker than the gates of Cocytus. Koneko, though young, was far more dangerous than she seemed, and Akeno… well, her power was a match for any of my queens, even Yubelluna, if she let loose.

In short, they had potential; if I underestimated them, I would lose. And I wasn't about to let that happen.

"Yubelluna, how are the preparations coming?" I asked, my voice echoing slightly in the grand training hall where she was overseeing the exercises.

"My lord," she replied, bowing slightly. "Everything is proceeding as planned. Ni and Li have been working on their coordination, and I must say that their teamwork has improved significantly. Xuelan has also been pushing herself harder than usual, especially after that sparring match with Karlamine."

"Good," I nodded. "And what about Ravel?"

Yubelluna's expression softened at the mention of my little sister. "She's been focusing on her magic, as you requested. She's determined to prove herself, but I can tell she's nervous about the upcoming battle."

"She should be nervous," I replied, though my tone was gentle. "This isn't just about winning a game. It's about survival. She'll learn more from this experience than anything else."

Yubelluna nodded, her gaze following mine as I watched Ravel practice her spellwork in the distance. Even at her age, her fire magic was powerful, but she lacked the confidence that came with experience. The thought of her going up against someone like Akeno made me uneasy, but I had to trust that she would pull through. After all, she was a Phenex.

"Prepare the training area for a full simulation," I instructed Yubelluna. "I want to see how everyone handles a scenario where they're facing an opponent stronger than themselves."

"Yes, my lord." With a bow, she turned to relay my orders.

As Yubelluna moved to arrange the simulation, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to that strange letter and the three essences. What kind of being could grant such a gift? And why choose me? I wasn't exactly the hero type or someone who aspired to greatness. My past self, the original Riser, was content with being a mediocre noble, basking in the luxury of his status without any real ambition. But now… now things were different. 

This new power opened a path before me, one that was fraught with danger but also with opportunity. If I played my cards right, I could surpass the expectations of everyone around me: my family, the other houses, and even the Satans themselves.

And then there was Rias. 

I shook my head, banishing thoughts of her to the back of my mind. She was an obstacle, nothing more. A stepping stone on my path to power. She might hate me, despise me even, but that wouldn't change the outcome. This marriage was just politics—a means to secure alliances and strengthen our bloodline. Love had nothing to do with it, and if she couldn't understand that, then she was even more naive than I thought.

"Lord Riser," a voice called out, pulling me from my thoughts.

It was Karlamine, one of my knights, her eyes gleaming with determination. "We're ready for the simulation, sir."

"Good," I replied, masking the turmoil inside with a calm exterior. "Let's see how you all perform under pressure."

The simulation was brutal, just as I intended. We had to be ready for anything, and I spared no one during the mock battles. Ni and Li were the first to fall, overwhelmed by the combined strength of Xuelan and Isabella. Yubelluna played the role of the enemy queen, her bombardment forcing the others to adapt or be obliterated. Even Ravel was pushed to her limits, forced to maintain barriers against Yubelluna's relentless onslaught.

It was a harsh reminder that power alone wasn't enough. Tactics, strategy, and teamwork were just as important. I could see the exhaustion on their faces as they struggled to keep up with the simulation, but I also saw something else: determination.

As the simulation drew to a close, I called for a halt. My peerage collapsed in various states of exhaustion, panting heavily as they tried to catch their breath. Even Yubelluna looked drained, her usual composure slightly frayed at the edges.

"You did well," I said, walking amongst them. "But it's not enough."

There were no groans of protest, no complaints. They knew as well as I did that we were up against a formidable opponent, and any weakness could be our downfall.

It probably helped that I had already bound them using the essence of the binder, so they all have a diluted version of my essence of the blank. So, while they won't be able to learn everything across the Multiverse, I could tell that their demonic power reserves are growing

I may have to do some resizing if I can't get more evil pieces.

There's just so much potential in this world, and I do not want to see it squandered, at least not unless I can get my hand on it. But that immediately brings someone like Azazel, and I kill it with holy fire.

"Rest up," I continued. "We'll resume training tomorrow. And remember, this isn't just about the rating game. This is about proving ourselves—proving that we're more than just a bunch of spoiled nobles playing at war."

As they nodded in understanding, I caught sight of Ravel watching me, her eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and concern. I gave her a small, reassuring smile before turning away. She was still young, still learning, but she had potential. And if there was one thing I was determined to do, it was to help her realize that potential, even if it meant pushing her harder than anyone else.

Later that evening, as I sat in my study, poring over the details of our upcoming battle, a knock on the door drew my attention. Before I could respond, the door creaked open, revealing Yubelluna.

"My lord," she began, her voice carrying a note of hesitation. "There's something I need to discuss with you."

I raised an eyebrow, motioning for her to enter. "What is it?"

She closed the door behind her, her usual confidence replaced by a rare look of uncertainty. "It's about the rating game. I've been thinking… about the risks."

"And?" I prompted, leaning back in my chair.

"And… I'm worried," she admitted, her eyes meeting mine. "Not just about the game, but about what happens afterward. You're different now, Lord Riser. Stronger, yes, but also more… intense. Focused. It's as if you've awakened something inside you that's been dormant for a long time."

I stayed silent, letting her words sink in. She wasn't wrong. I had changed, and I knew it. But that change was necessary. I couldn't afford to be the same Riser I was before—not if I wanted to survive what was coming.

"I appreciate your concern, Yubelluna," I finally said, my voice steady. "But this is the path I've chosen. I won't let anything, or anyone, stand in my way."

She nodded slowly, a mixture of resignation and acceptance in her eyes. "I understand, my lord. Just… promise me you won't lose yourself in the process."

I gave her a small peck on her lips her, slightly shivering from my touch alone. "I won't. Now go and get some rest. We have a lot of work ahead of us. I'll join you all soon. You all deserve a reward, after all."

With a final nod and blush, she turned and left, leaving me alone with my thoughts. It's funny; even after all of the time we have spent together, she still is that blushing maiden I found in the street all those years ago.

As I sat there in the quiet of my study, I couldn't help but reflect on her words. Losing myself? Perhaps I already had. But if that was the price for survival, then so be it. I was no longer just Riser Phenex, the spoiled third son of the Phenex family. I was something more—something stronger.

And I would make sure the world knew it.

The night stretched on, but sleep eluded me. Instead, I found myself standing by the window, staring out at the darkened landscape of our estate. The stars above twinkled faintly, their light distant and cold, a stark contrast to the fire that burned within me.

Ten days. That's all I had to prepare. Ten days to ensure victory. But as I gazed up at the night sky, I couldn't shake the feeling that this battle was just the beginning.

Something was coming. Something far bigger than a simple rating game.

And when it arrived, I would be ready. But for now, I need to take advantage of my control over the elements.

While I have indulged myself in forming the classic Rasengan using my control over the wind, it's not lacking, to say the least, so I tried to up the ante and formed a smaller version of its shuriken variation.

As I hold my hand in front of me, I will the wind into a form that continues to coalesce, almost as if I am creating a miniature star in my hand. It begins to spin and spin. A small ball begins to form above my hand, and its aura begins to spread across the room.

I control the output so as not to alert anyone in the mansion, and as soon as I can form a small version of it, I put it out as easily as blowing out a candle.

I still have nine more days, and the rest of my retinue needs to be up to snuff. The biggest issue was that a decent number of them didn't have their own specializations. They were chosen more because of my rough decision-making.

Although I do pat myself on the back for getting to catgirls in my group.

A small smile forms on my face as I reminisce. It's almost frightening how much perspective can change with a couple of decades' worth of memories crammed into your brain, but was I the same? Could I even be considered the same person?

That's for the future. For now, however, I need to focus on more important things, like rewarding my group for their hard work and then proceeding to train them even harder.

I could almost sense my group shivering and fearing the prospect of more brutal training. But that might just be my own inner lust. Speaking of which, I'm pretty sure various cultivation flames allow for increasing strength through dual cultivation.

But such is the slippery slope of cultivation. Soon, I will be peddling sketchy drugs. The very thought sends shivers down my spine.

" I need to take a vacation after this," I whisper while combing my memory for various flame ideas. Because you can't just throw out new moves, you must look fabulous while doing so.