Chapter [163]

Riser's Mansion in Kuoh - Training Room

The blade of Ascalon gleamed intensely as Riser prepared to deliver the final blow. Issei, kneeling and bleeding profusely, looked up, seeing death approaching. His body trembled with pain, and his vision began to blur.

"You... can't do this..." Issei said, his voice weak and trembling, each word filled with desperation and pain.

Riser smiled coldly, his eyes shining with malice. "Oh, but I can. And I will."

With a swift and precise movement, Riser drove Ascalon into Issei's heart. The blade pierced deeply, and Issei let out a scream of agony before his body began to go limp. His breathing became shallow, and he felt life slowly slipping away.

**SHUNK!**

The bright blade drove deep, and Issei felt the last breath of life leaving his body. His eyes opened one last time, and he saw Riser's triumphant expression.

'Rias... I'm sorry...' were Issei's last thoughts before his vision went completely dark.

The system sounded in Riser's mind, announcing the completion of his terrible act:

[+5000 luck points for killing the protagonist]

[5800 luck points in total]

[You gained the Protagonist's Halo: now, everything that was directed towards Issei will be redirected to you]

Riser felt a surge of power and satisfaction upon hearing the system's announcements. He looked at Issei's lifeless body and smiled.

"Ddraig," Riser called mentally, "now you are mine."

Determined to maximize his power, Riser focused on spending 2000 luck points to kill Ddraig and steal the Dragon's powers. The system quickly responded to his intention.

[2000 luck points spent to kill Ddraig and steal his powers]

[3800 luck points remaining]

Ddraig, the mighty Red Dragon Emperor, felt the invasion and the irresistible force of the system's power. In a final effort, he tried to fight back, but it was useless.

'Issei... I'm sorry...' were Ddraig's last thoughts before his essence was ripped away and absorbed by Riser.

Riser felt Ddraig's power merge with his own. A sensation of absolute power flooded his body, and he let out a triumphant laugh.

"HAHAHAHA! Finally! The power of the Red Dragon Emperor is mine!"

With one last look of disdain at Issei's body, Riser invoked a magic circle of fire. Flames quickly rose, engulfing Issei's body. The intense heat and bright light began to consume the remains, reducing them to ashes.

The flames danced fiercely, and Riser watched as Issei's body turned to ash, disappearing completely. He reveled in the sight, feeling invincible.

When the flames finally extinguished, Riser looked around the training room, now without any trace of Issei. He knew that from that moment on, he would be the center of everything. All challenges, all powers, all opportunities that were once destined for Issei now belonged to him.

After reducing Issei's body to ashes, Riser looked around, satisfied with the result of his action. With a confident smile, he invoked a magic circle under his feet and prepared to teleport back to Ruval's office in Tokyo.

Tokyo - Ruval's Company Office

Riser appeared in the bathroom of Ruval's office, adjusting his suit and ensuring he looked presentable. He opened the door and walked back into the corridor, where he found Ruval, Ravel, Asia, and Yubelluna still admiring the view and atmosphere of the office.

Ruval, seeing Riser, smiled and made a joke. "Riser, you took so long in the bathroom. Were you having a stomachache?"

Ravel laughed, joining in on the joke. "Onii-sama, you should have told us if you were feeling sick. We could have helped you!"

Asia, always shy and polite, blushed slightly and said softly, "Please, don't mock Riser-sama. He must have had a reason to take so long."

Riser laughed, taking the opportunity to accept the joke and alleviate any suspicion about his prolonged absence. "Ah, yes, let's say it was an urgent stomachache... But now I'm fine."

"Good to hear everything is fine, Riser. Let's continue our tour." Ruval said, smiling.

As they walked, Riser established a mental connection with Merlin. "Merlin, eliminate the hypnotized humans and Issei's parents. Leave no evidence."

Merlin responded immediately, her voice cold and efficient. "Understood, Riser-sama. It will be done."

Riser maintained his serene expression, not letting the mental communication show. He knew Merlin would take care of everything, ensuring there were no traces that could link the events to him.

After the tour of the office, Ruval approached Riser and suggested, "Riser, why don't you stay at my mansion tonight? We can talk more comfortably and enjoy each other's company."

Riser nodded, appreciating the offer. "That sounds like a great idea, Ruval. We accept your hospitality."

Ravel and Asia were excited at the prospect of spending more time together. "Yes! Let's go to Ruval-niisama's mansion!" Ravel said enthusiastically.

Asia smiled shyly, always grateful for the Phenex brothers' kindness. "Thank you, Ruval-sama. It will be a pleasure."

With the decision made, the group prepared to leave the office and head to Ruval's mansion.

Occult Research Club

Rias was alone in the occult research club room, pacing back and forth with an air of irritation and worry. The environment, normally a refuge of tranquility and focus, was charged with the tension emanating from her. The soft lights and familiar decor of the club couldn't dissipate the anxiety she felt.

"Issei, where are you?" Rias murmured to herself, casting anxious glances at the clock on the wall. She had arranged with Issei that he would look for his missing parents and then meet at the club. However, he hadn't shown up, and her attempts to contact him by phone only resulted in missed calls.

Sitting heavily in one of the chairs, Rias ran her hand through her hair, her mind swirling with worries. "This isn't normal. He would never leave me waiting like this, especially in such a critical situation."

After a few minutes of heavy silence, Rias stood up decisively. "I can't wait any longer. I need to take action."

Underworld - Gremory Mansion

Rias used a magic circle to teleport directly to the Gremory mansion in the underworld. The transition was quick, and she found herself in the elegant and imposing hall of the mansion. The serene atmosphere of the mansion contrasted with the storm of emotions inside her.

Wasting no time, Rias hurried to Sirzechs' office, where she knew Grayfia, always ready and efficient, would be. Entering the office, she found Grayfia organizing some documents, her posture impeccable and her expression as serious as ever.

"Grayfia, I need your help," Rias said, her voice firm but tinged with worry. "Issei is missing. We arranged to meet at the occult research club after he looked for his parents, but he didn't show up. I have a feeling something terrible has happened."

Grayfia looked up from the documents, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I understand, Rias-sama. We will organize a search immediately. Tell me everything you know so far."

Rias took a deep breath, trying to stay calm as she explained the situation. "Issei's parents were kidnapped, and he went out to look for them. We agreed to meet at the club, but he never showed up. I tried calling him several times, but to no avail."

Grayfia frowned, processing the information quickly. "Very well. We will start by tracking the last location where Issei was seen and any unusual activity in the surroundings. I will mobilize some of our best agents for this task."

Rias nodded, feeling a bit more relieved by Grayfia's efficiency. "Thank you, Grayfia. I don't know what we would do without you."

Grayfia made a slight bow, her posture always impeccable. "It is my duty, Rias-sama. I will do everything in my power to find Issei."

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