Isabella's POV (Riser's ex-Rook):
The past few weeks have been tumultuous, to say the least. When we attended the engagement party, we all assumed everything would go smoothly. But nothing did. Riser-sama did something none of us could have ever predicted—he performed the Rebirth ability. It was a shock to everyone, not just because of the power he unleashed, but because of how drastically it changed him. His priorities shifted completely, and we were left in disbelief.
Before, Riser-sama had always been content with playing around with his powers, relying on his innate abilities without much thought. But after the Rebirth, something fundamental changed in him. He started exercising and training, pushing himself to become stronger. Watching him, a fire ignited within me as well. I wanted to become strong too, strong enough to stand beside him with pride, to be the shield he could rely on.
Riser-sama didn't just gain power; he gained focus. Where he once spread his attention thin, now he tackled challenges one by one. He said he wanted to master one thing before moving on to the next. It was truly commendable, and I found myself admiring him even more.
Then came the battle with Birgir's peerage. Riser-sama, with his newfound strength and focus, defeated them all on his own. It was glorious—something I'll never forget. His victory was not just physical; it was a testament to his growth and determination.
After that, he gathered us and shared his plan to leave the household. At first, we were confused. Riser-sama had always taken such pride in our family, so why would he want to leave it? But then he explained—if we stayed within the family, we would be restricted in our actions, always having to put the family first. That would hinder our growth. And maybe he was right. Ever since I joined Riser-sama, my progress in martial ability had slowed. I had become complacent, relying on my natural strength rather than pushing myself to improve.
Later, he called me to his chamber. After a moment of intimacy, he shared with me his vision for my future. It was something else—a feeling I can't quite express. He told me he saw me as a heavy knight, not just in title but in true form. He described his vision of what a heavy knight should be, and it was inspiring. To achieve that vision, I would need to learn how to fight in full armor, with a sword and shield. I thought it would be easy to master, given my strong body and solid foundation, but there was more.
The part that surprised me most was when he told me to learn barrier magic. At first, I didn't understand why. It seemed so out of place for someone like me, but Riser-sama must have had a reason. And if that's what he believes I should do, then I'll follow him—no matter what. Even if it means following him to heaven itself.
I've seen how much Riser-sama has changed, how he's grown, and I'm determined to grow with him. He's no longer just the playful devil I once knew; he's becoming something greater, and I'll be there every step of the way, as his shield, as his knight, and as his loyal servant.
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Riser and Chun-Li stood at the end of the cave, staring at the swirling jade-colored portal before them. The portal's soft glow illuminated their faces, casting an otherworldly light on their expressions. Chun-Li stood there, lost in her thoughts. She thought about her father's last wish, the legacy she was meant to carry on, and the immense pressure that came with it. This portal could be the key to fulfilling those dreams, to making her father proud and continuing the legacy of her family.
Riser noticed her hesitation and gently squeezed her hand. "Hey, don't get cold feet now," he said, his voice steady but with an encouraging smile.
Without giving her time to second-guess, Riser took Chun-Li's hand and, together, they stepped toward the portal. In a leap of faith, they jumped inside.chun-li had only one thought going the portal and she have her beloved riser with her
As they passed through the portal, everything around them shifted. They could feel the energy of the portal seeping into their bodies, stripping away their demonic powers and magic. Riser's body began to change—feathers started to sprout from his skin. Panic surged through him as he tried to grasp what was happening. "What in hell...?" he muttered, his voice tinged with fear.
Chun-Li was also undergoing a transformation. White fur began to grow rapidly over her body, her form changing in ways she couldn't comprehend. "Oh my devil...," she whispered in disbelief, her voice quivering.
The world they emerged into was peaceful, a place where people lived happily, ate heartily, and had no wars to worry about. But as they entered, a subtle disturbance rippled through the air, unnoticed by all except for one old man. He leaned on his stick under a tree, his eyes sharp despite his age. "Ho ho, it looks like we have some visitors," he said, a smile spreading across his wrinkled face. "Perhaps I'll get to meet my old friend again."
Riser and Chun-Li were thrust out of the portal, landing unceremoniously on the soft grass of this new world. The gate behind them collapsed in on itself, disappearing as if it had never been there. Dazed and disoriented, they slowly stood up, feeling as if they had been pulled through a straw and reshaped.
Riser groaned, his head heavy and throbbing. He raised a hand to his forehead, only to feel something strange under his fingers. He looked at his hand, now covered in soft feathers, and panic set in. He tried desperately to shake them off, but it was useless. "What... what happened to me?"
A shrill shriek from beside him drew his attention. He turned to see a small creature—a rabbit, standing on its hind legs, fur as white as snow. The rabbit was panicking, just as he was.
Riser blinked, still in shock. "Hello... Rabbit-san?"
The rabbit turned its wide, frightened eyes toward Riser, examining him up and down. "A... a chicken?" the rabbit stammered.
A heavy silence fell between them, the kind of silence that pressed down on their minds, making it impossible to ignore the truth they were both dreading. They stared at each other, neither wanting to speak, both terrified that if they did, their nightmare would become all too real. a pin drop silence .