Riser's glare could have melted steel. "Why did you even bother coming back?!"
He was seconds away from sealing contracts with Yubelluna and the others—a flawless victory in front of the entire Underworld. But Tenra just had to appear at the last possible moment, as infuriatingly persistent as ever.
Tenra smiled, warm and sincere. "Don't be so harsh. We're brothers, aren't we? Of course I came to celebrate your coming-of-age."
"Congratulations, Riser. From now on, you're officially an adult demon."
The genuine tone drew a ripple of laughter from Yubelluna's group—specifically, the twin girls recently recruited by the family, still unfamiliar with proper etiquette.
Riser's jaw clenched. "Ile! Nel!"
Identical faces went pale. The sisters clapped their hands over their mouths, stifling their giggles.
Tenra shook his head, teasing, "Still the same, Riser—always losing your temper. But bullying two adorable girls? Not very gentlemanly."
"Hmph! They're my peerage, not yours!"
"Not yet. You haven't formed the contracts."
The words landed like a slap. Riser's eyes narrowed, the insult unmistakable. For years, he'd considered Tenra a stain—a useless, embarrassing brother. Now, that same brother stood before him, fearless and defiant.
The entire hall was silent, every gaze locked on the two brothers. Riser's anger cooled into icy resolve.
"So, you want to challenge me? My pathetic little brother?"
Tenra's answer was calm, almost casual. "I made a promise to Kalamaina. I intend to keep it. Besides, Father and Mother have given their blessing."
He met Riser's stare without flinching. "Do you accept my challenge? Everything on the line—honor, chess pieces, peerage. Winner takes all."
A collective gasp swept the room. Everyone knew Tenra's identity—the fourth son of the Phenex family, infamous as the Underworld's greatest disappointment. Rumor had it he'd spent years training abroad, but no one expected him to return and immediately challenge Riser.
This was more than spectacle. This was legend in the making.
Failure versus genius. Brothers of the immortal phoenix, locked in battle.
Even demons loved a good show.
Riser threw back his head and laughed, the sound sharp and wild. "Fine! I accept your challenge!"
His aura flared, heat and violence radiating from every pore. He'd always been the prodigy, the pride of the family, never once seriously challenged—certainly not by the brother everyone called worthless. Today, he'd make sure Tenra understood the gulf between them.
A waste who couldn't even awaken his bloodline could never grasp the true power of the phoenix.
Tenra's smile never wavered. Years of life-and-death struggle had forged his resolve. He'd waited for this moment a long time.
On the balcony, Ravel watched her brothers, heart torn. She adored Tenra—gentle, handsome, always kind. But Riser had never been cruel to her, either. If only they didn't have to fight…
But she understood. This was their battle, and all she could do was pray for both.
Sirzechs folded his arms, sighing. "Duke Phenex, aren't you going to stop them?"
The Duke's face was unreadable, voice steady. "This is between brothers. Let them settle it."
Then, turning to the icy maid beside Sirzechs, he added, "Grayfia, would you do us the honor of serving as referee? As the strongest Queen in the Underworld."
Grayfia's silver eyes flickered. She glanced at Sirzechs, received his silent nod, and stepped forward, bowing.
"It would be my pleasure, Duke Phenex."
—
Elsewhere, the twin sisters tugged at Mihae's sleeve. "Tell us about Lord Tenra!"
Mihae smiled, smoothing their hair. "Curious, are you?"
Both nodded eagerly, eyes bright.
"Alright… I'll tell you everything I know about Lord Tenra."
Her voice turned nostalgic as she began. The twins listened, enraptured.
—
Grayfia's voice rang out, amplified by magic across the plaza:
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Grayfia of the Gremory household, serving as referee for the duel between Lord Riser Phenex and Lord Tenra Kamiyo. The battle will take place in a temporary dimensional space. There are no rules, no restrictions—tools, weapons, anything goes. The duel continues until one side surrenders or can no longer fight. Only one victor will remain."
A hush fell, then the crowd erupted. Since the ancient wars, demon numbers had dwindled; fights between pure-bloods were strictly forbidden. Rating Games were invented to encourage growth, but they came with limits—exciting, but never truly wild.
No rules. No restrictions. Such a duel hadn't been seen in centuries.
The excitement was electric. Cheers shook the air.
—
Tenra and Riser materialized in the conjured arena.
Riser spread his arms, basking in the roar of the crowd. "What a glorious sound! What a magnificent stage!"
He drank in the adulation, intoxicated.
Tenra stood calm as water, black eyes unreadable.
"My foolish brother, you should feel honored—you get to share this stage with me."
Riser's smile was cold. "It's your first time, but it'll be your last."
He couldn't imagine losing to a failure. Training abroad or not, trash was still trash.
Tenra's reply was gentle, almost mocking. "You should be honored, Riser. You'll lose to me—your honor, your chess pieces, your peerage. But maybe losing will help you grow."
Riser's rage flared. What he hated most was Tenra's calm arrogance, as if victory was already his.
Their auras collided, stirring wind and dust. The battle was about to begin.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
Explore More Amazing Fanfiction on My Patreon!
Unlock 30+ Advance Chapters and Enjoy Exclusive Stories Early!
��patreon.com/GoldenLong