5

Riser Phoenix stood alone in the training ground, deep in thought. The vast space was silent, save for the occasional crackle of flames from his innate Phoenix abilities. He had a monumental task ahead of him: creating a new peerage, one that would be far stronger and more balanced than his previous one.

His mind wandered back to the members of his former peerage. Though he had loved and valued them deeply, with his new clarity, he could now see the flaws in his earlier choices. Yubelluna, his former Queen, while powerful, was better suited as a Bishop, her magical prowess being her greatest strength. She had been placed as Queen simply due to his earlier, less strategic thinking.

His pawns—well, Riser had to admit that their selection had been influenced more by his personal desires than by their combat effectiveness. That was a mistake he wouldn't repeat.

Chun-Li, his Rook, was another misplacement. She possessed agility and speed that made her more fitting as a Knight. The Rook piece had gone to her out of convenience, not because it was the best match for her abilities.

Only Isabella, his other Rook, had been appropriately matched. Her physical power and defensive capabilities were well-suited to the Rook's role, but even she had lacked that lethal edge he now sought in his peerage.

His Knights, skilled swordswomen, had been competent, but they lacked the unique abilities that could turn the tide in battle. They were capable, yes, but not deadly enough to face the threats that loomed on the horizon.

And then there was Mihae, his Bishop, whose magical abilities were decent, but she was far from a top-tier support magician. Her skills had been adequate, but Riser knew that "adequate" wouldn't suffice in the trials to come.

Perhaps this was all arranged by god, Riser thought, not entirely dismissing the idea. It seemed as though fate—or perhaps the Rebirth—had wiped the slate clean, giving him a chance to rebuild without being clouded by past attachments or lingering affections. The memories of his old peerage were still dear to him, but now he could see them with the clarity necessary to make hard decisions.

As he reflected on himself, Riser assessed his own abilities. He was a high-class devil with a substantial reserve of demonic power, passive immortality thanks to his Phoenix heritage, enhanced strength, and durability. His combat skills, however, were lacking. The fight with Issei had exposed his physical weaknesses and the gaps in his hand-to-hand combat techniques. He had nearly lost everything because of those shortcomings.

If I'm to avoid repeating that mistake, I need to prioritize my physical power and combat techniques, he resolved. His demonic power, fueled by imagination, gave him the potential to recreate various fire abilities from fiction—abilities that could be as versatile and powerful as he could conceive them to be. But all the imagination in the world wouldn't save him if he was physically overpowered.

Riser clenched his fists, feeling the heat of his Phoenix flames flicker around him. I have the power. I have the potential. Now, I need the discipline. He would start from the basics, honing his physical abilities, refining his hand-to-hand combat skills, and developing new techniques that would make him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

The next step will be to carefully choose my new peerage. He wouldn't rush the process. Each piece, each member, would be chosen with precision, ensuring that their abilities complemented each other and filled the gaps his previous peerage had left exposed.

riser it is better i get gym equipment from the human realm and get them set according to my standard and weight adjusted for superhuman level . then go in a workout so i get the feel of body capability . i already have workout let go all on that .

Day 1: Strength Training

Bench press: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

Squats: 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Overhead press: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

Pull-ups: 3 sets of as many reps as possible

Rows: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

Day 2: Circuit Training and Agility

Burpees: 20 reps

Push-ups: 15 reps

Mountain climbers: 30 seconds

Jumping jacks: 50 reps

Rest for 30 seconds, then repeat 3-4 times.

Agility drills: Ladder drills, cone drills, shuttle runs.

Day 3: Rest or Active Recovery

Light activities like yoga, swimming, or walking.

Day 4: Strength Training

Deadlifts: 3 sets of 6-8 reps

Lunges: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg

Dumbbell curls: 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Lat pulldowns: 3 sets of 8-12 reps

Crunches: 3 sets of 15-20 reps

Day 5: Circuit Training and Agility

Kettlebell swings: 20 reps

Box jumps: 10 reps

Plank: 30 seconds

Sprint in place: 30 seconds

Rest for 30 seconds, then repeat 3-4 times.

Agility drills: Ladder drills, cone drills, shuttle runs.

Day 6: Rest or Active Recovery

Day 7: Strength Training or Active Recovery .

Riser paced the training ground, his mind racing as he considered his options for training. He knew that hiring someone with his family's connections to teach him combat techniques would not be difficult. In the underworld, families guarded their secrets fiercely, and no master worth their salt would train a member of another family without deep trust or a genuine bond—a bond that would take years to develop. And those who could be swayed by money alone weren't the type of teachers he needed; they lacked the authenticity and expertise to help him grow.

So, what should I do? Riser pondered. The answer came to him as he thought about his former Rooks—Chun-Li and Isabella. Chun-Li had once been on a journey to perfect her martial arts, training under her father at a dojo before Riser's hedonistic influence had derailed her path. Isabella, on the other hand, was a brawler and boxer, skilled in physical combat but lacking the refinement that could have made her a true powerhouse.

Perhaps they're the key, Riser realized. He could tap into the potential they once had, and in doing so, they could help him unlock his own.

Determined, Riser called for both of his former Rooks to join him at the training ground. When Chun-Li and Isabella arrived, they were surprised, to say the least. Riser was not known for his training habits—at least, not until now. As they approached, they couldn't help but blush slightly, their minds wandering to the less disciplined side of their former master.

When they arrived, they found Riser in the midst of a chest press exercise on a machine they had never seen before. His brow was furrowed in concentration, his body glistening with sweat, evidence of his newfound dedication. They watched in silence for a moment before stepping closer, curiosity overcoming their surprise.

"Riser-sama, what are these machines?" Isabella asked, her tone hesitant yet intrigued.

Riser stood up from the chest press, wiping the sweat from his brow, and smiled at them. "These machines are part of a routine I've been working on to build my physique. This one," he gestured to the chest press, "targets the pectoral muscles, shoulders, and triceps. It's all part of my plan to strengthen my body."

Isabella and Chun-Li exchanged glances, still unsure of what to make of this new development.

Riser continued, his tone serious. "The reason I called you both here is because I need your help. I want to learn hand-to-hand combat—something I neglected before. I need to make up for lost time."

Chun-Li looked at him, her expression conflicted. "But Master, you once told me that the power you were born with was enough and status is the one that tryuly matter, and that I should be content with it. I gave up my journey to perfect my martial art because of you."

Riser's expression softened, regret flashing in his eyes. "I was wrong, Chun-Li. Your father was right. In this world, it's not status that makes you powerful, but true strength—strength that you have to work for."

Chun-Li's eyes narrowed as she processed his words, feeling a mixture of betrayal and sadness. "I forsook my dream because I believed in you."

Riser bowed his head deeply, his voice sincere. "And for that, I'm truly sorry, Chun-Li. I can't change the past, but I can ask for a second chance. Now that you're free to choose your own path, you could resume your journey. I would like to join you this time, to learn from you and grow alongside you."

Chun-Li studied him for a long moment, her heart torn between her old resentment and the sincerity she saw in Riser now. Finally, she nodded, accepting his apology. "Very well, Riser-sama. I'll train you, but on one condition."

"Anything," Riser replied, his voice full of resolve.

"You must promise me that you'll take this seriously—that you won't fall back into old habits," Chun-Li demanded, her eyes locking onto his with intensity.

"I promise," Riser said, his voice firm. "I'm committed to this."

Chun-Li nodded, satisfied with his response. She began by outlining a rigorous training regimen that would focus on martial arts. "We'll start with the basics—stances, strikes, footwork. From there, you have to find your way as the martial art i follow i design for women."

Isabella, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward. "And I'll train you in boxing and brawling. It's about more than just throwing punches; you need to learn how to take hits, how to read your opponent, and how to use your environment to your advantage."

Riser nodded, absorbing every word. He understood now that this wasn't just about gaining power—it was about discipline, strategy, and respect for the art of combat. The old Riser had relied too much on his natural abilities and his Phoenix immortality. The new Riser "me" would be a warrior who earned his strength through sweat, pain, and perseverance.

The training began immediately. Chun-Li started with basic stances and movements, correcting Riser's form with a strict but encouraging demeanor. They worked through strikes and blocks, with Chun-Li demonstrating each move with fluid grace. Riser followed suit, his body slowly adjusting to the new demands placed on it.

Isabella took over afterward, focusing on building Riser's core strength and teaching him the fundamentals of boxing. She emphasized the importance of footwork, head movement, and combinations. Riser found himself immersed in the rhythm of the training, each jab, cross, and hook bringing him closer to a more complete understanding of combat.

The days were long and grueling, but Riser pushed through, his determination unwavering. With each passing session, he could feel himself growing stronger, not just physically, but mentally.

riser:- " time to abuse passive immortality "