Chapter [127]

In his office, Victorius sat behind his imposing desk, a scowl on his face as he rubbed his temples in frustration. He was furious with Ravel's disappearance, and a sense of powerlessness consumed him.

"This can't be happening..." he muttered to himself, his voice laden with irritation. "First, Riser defies my authority, and now Ravel vanishes without a trace. What kind of hell is this?"

Romina entered the office, watching him with concern. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, aware of the fury boiling within Victorius.

"Darling, have you still not found Ravel?" she asked, her voice soft and cautious.

Victorius huffed, his gaze furious as he shook his head in denial. "No, she's just gone. And I'm tired of searching. I'm sure she's at that bastard Riser's house."

"Darling, Riser is our son, don't speak of him like that," Romina murmured almost as a whisper, her voice filled with concern and affection.

Victorius's eyes sparked with anger, and he abruptly stood up from his chair, his fists clenched at his sides.

"Don't give me that, Romina!" he exploded, his voice echoing through the office. "Riser is an ingrate, just like Ravel. They need to learn that you can't defy the head of the Phenex family and get away with it! If you can't stand by my side, then stay away from me."

Romina swallowed hard, feeling her heart tighten at Victorius's anger.

Before she could respond, Victorius raised his hand in a brisk gesture, indicating that she should leave.

"Go to the guest room tonight. And send my harem to our room. I don't want to be disturbed."

Romina lowered her eyes, swallowing the lump in her throat. She knew it would be futile to argue further with Victorius at that moment. With a sad nod, she turned and left the office, closing the door softly behind her.

Alone in his office, Victorius sat back behind the desk, his mind bubbling with dark thoughts. After searching for Ravel all day and not finding her, he had come to the conclusion that she and Asia were at Riser's house. A renewed wave of anger coursed through his body as he considered his options.

Then, Victorius had the worst idea possible. A villainous smile formed on his lips as he contemplated his sinister plan.

"If I go to Riser's house and kidnap Asia while he's in the Rating Game..." he muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with evil determination.

Riser's Mansion in the Underworld

Riser stood in the spacious living room of his mansion, watching with a calm gaze as his Peerage prepared to settle onto the sofas. With his erect posture and authoritative expression, he patiently waited until they were all properly seated before initiating any conversation.

Meanwhile, the girls of his Peerage, including Yubelluna, Nana Shimura, Mirko, Akeno, Shizuku, Erza, and Xenovia, took their places on the sofas, exchanging lively conversations among themselves. Erza and Xenovia discussed sword-fighting techniques, sharing tips and tricks to enhance their skills. At the same time, Nana and Mirko compared the strength of their fists, playfully challenging each other to demonstrate their prowess in hand-to-hand combat.

As the conversations flowed among the girls, Riser remained silent, watching with a slight smile on his lips. He reveled in the camaraderie among his Peerage, knowing that the unity and strength of his team would be essential to face the challenges ahead.

Suddenly, Riser raised a hand in an authoritative gesture, immediately silencing all conversations in the room.

"SILENCE."

Instantly, all conversations ceased, and a tense silence hung over the living room. The girls looked to Riser, awaiting his instructions with anticipation.

With the room now quiet, Riser prepared to share his instructions with his Peerage.

"The Rating Game is about to begin," Riser began, his voice echoing through the space as he spoke. "Our priority is to protect Asia and Ravel while I'm fighting Tannin. I won't allow anything to happen to them."

Yubelluna, always attentive to her master's words, nodded in understanding and readiness to follow his orders. The other girls also remained silent, their gazes fixed on Riser, awaiting his next instructions.

"For the Rating Game, only Merlin and I will participate," Riser declared, observing closely his servants' reactions.

Riser's eyes moved from one girl to another, carefully watching their reactions. Mirko and Erza seemed slightly disappointed by the decision, but they kept their expressions under control, demonstrating their loyalty by accepting their master's orders.

"However, Erza and Shizuku will have a special mission," Riser continued, his eyes scanning each of the girls' faces. "You two will be responsible for an important task outside the mansion."

Erza and Shizuku exchanged determined looks before nodding in agreement with Riser's instructions.

The other girls obediently nodded, ready to accept any mission their master assigned them.

With the instructions given and the plan established, Riser knew he could trust his Peerage to protect Asia and Ravel.

"Excellent," Riser said, pleased with his Peerage's response. "All except Erza and Shizuku may retire to their duties. I'm counting on you to protect the mansion while I'm away."

Immediately, the girls rose from the sofas, ready to follow their master's orders. They left the room in silence, prepared to fulfill their responsibilities.

"Erza, Shizuku, come here," ordered Riser, his authoritative voice filling the living room.

Erza and Shizuku rose from the sofas, moving with grace and determination toward Riser. Their steps were firm, and their expressions serious, ready to receive their master's instructions.

As they approached, Riser extended his hand, prepared to perform the teleportation that would take them out of the room.

With a skillful gesture, Riser activated his teleportation magic, enveloping Erza and Shizuku in a bright aura as the three of them disappeared from the living room, leaving behind only the echo of their presence.

Riser's Mansion in Kuoh

In the living room of the mansion in Kuoh, Merlin was lounging on the sofa, watching a random TV show. Her face lit up with a warm smile when she saw Riser, Erza, and Shizuku appear before her through teleportation.

"Riser-sama, what a pleasant surprise to have you here," greeted Merlin enthusiastically, rising from the sofa to greet them. Her eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of her master and his Peerage.

Riser returned Merlin's smile, appreciating the warm welcome. "Merlin, thank you for having us. We need to discuss some important matters."

"Of course, Riser-sama. I'm here to help in any way I can."

Meanwhile, Erza and Shizuku remained silent beside Riser, watching attentively the interaction between their master and Merlin.

"Please, have a seat," Merlin invited, indicating the sofas around the room.

Riser, Erza, and Shizuku settled comfortably on the sofas.

"Erza, Shizuku," Riser began, his voice calm and controlled. "There are a few things we need to discuss."

Erza and Shizuku nodded in unison, demonstrating their readiness to listen to their master's instructions.

Riser spent the next few minutes explaining about the imminent presence of Kuroka and Ophis in the mansion. He detailed the importance of keeping a close watch on Kuroka while ensuring that Ophis was not disturbed in any way.

"Understood, Riser-sama," responded Erza, her voice firm and determined. "We'll make sure Kuroka is closely monitored and that Ophis isn't disturbed."

Erza and Shizuku exchanged determined looks, ready to take on the responsibility assigned by their master.

Riser then turned to Merlin, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Merlin, could you bring Kuroka to the room?"

Merlin snapped her fingers with a malicious smile, and instantly Kuroka teleported into the room, landing face-first on the floor.

Riser couldn't resist making a jest. "I thought cats always land on their feet, don't they, kitty?"

Kuroka, with a sleepy look, blinked a few times before picking herself up from the floor. "Nya, you caught me off guard, Riser-sama." She yawned lazily, showing her laid-back demeanor even in the face of the situation.

Riser then introduced Erza and Shizuku to Kuroka. "Kuroka, these are Erza and Shizuku. They'll be staying here with you and Ophis."

"Pleasure to meet you, Kuroka-san," said Erza, her voice firm and polite.

Shizuku nodded in agreement. "We're here to help in any way we can."

Kuroka, with a lazy smile, returned the greeting. "It's good to have more company, Nya."

As the introductions continued, Riser began to prepare to depart. He looked to Merlin.

"Merlin, please take us back home."

"Erza, Shizuku, take good care of Kuroka and Ophis. I'll be back soon."

Erza and Shizuku nodded.

"Understood, Riser-sama."

Merlin snapped her fingers once again, and in the blink of an eye, Riser and she disappeared from the living room, leaving Kuroka alone with the girls.

Kuroka, with a lazy yawn, looked at Erza and Shizuku with a friendly smile. "Let's get along well, Nya. We have plenty to talk about while we wait for Riser-sama's return."

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