The Sitri estate's training grounds were vast, an open field reinforced with ancient barriers. It was here that Serafall Leviathan, one of the Maou, stood with her arms crossed, her magical aura shimmering like the Aurora Borealis. Beside her, the Sitri family and Sona's peerage stood as witnesses.
Riser Phenex, hands clasped behind his back, appeared utterly calm, though the faint shimmer of black flame danced at his fingertips.
Serafall's voice was deceptively sweet. "I'll give you credit, Riser. You made quite the speech back there. But speeches don't protect hearts. They don't protect my Sona. Only power, resolve, and honesty do. So—show me."
Her aura burst outward, the entire training ground flooding with biting cold. Snowflakes crystallized in the air, a freezing domain pressing against everyone present. Sona stiffened at her sister's seriousness, but her eyes turned to Riser—watching closely.
Riser smiled faintly. "As you wish, Maou Leviathan. I'll let my flames answer."
He snapped his fingers. Fwoosh! Black-gold flames erupted around him, rising like molten wings. His Eternal Rebirth Armor formed—obsidian plates traced with glowing magma cracks, shifting and flowing like living steel. Haki's black sheen layered over it, arcs of Conqueror's lightning sparking faintly across his gauntlets.
Even Serafall blinked at the sudden transformation. "…So the rumors weren't exaggerations."
The Duel Begins
Serafall flicked her wrist, and a barrage of ice spears materialized and shot toward him. Each one carried enough force to pierce through mountains.
Riser raised a single armored arm. CRACK! The spears shattered against blackened flames infused with Armament Haki. He moved forward, each step burning away ice beneath his boots.
"Not bad," he teased, eyes glinting. "But if this is a trial of resolve, don't hold back. I won't."
He vanished—shooom!—appearing above her with wings spread. "Phoenix Tyrant Fist!" His fist, coated in Conqueror's Infusion, blazed down like a meteor.
BOOOOM! Ice walls rose instantly, but his punch tore through, shattering them with black lightning arcs and hellfire that left cracks spreading across the battlefield.
Serafall's lips curled. "Interesting. Let's see how far you've really climbed, Phenex."
She spread her arms, summoning a storm. The sky dimmed, snow and hail swirling like a blizzard apocalypse. "Absolute Ice World!"
The domain clashed with his aura, frost against flame, each devouring the other.
Riser Ascends
But Riser only laughed. His Observation Haki flared—he slipped through attacks before they landed, his movements precise, impossible to predict. With each dodge, his flames grew brighter, stronger, more refined.
"Beautiful…" he murmured mid-battle, eyes briefly flicking to Sona, who watched with wide eyes. "Do you see, Sona Sitri? This is what I promised. Flames that will never die… fighting for the woman I want."
Serafall's attacks intensified, forming ice dragons that roared across the field. Riser's response was immediate:
"Rebirth Cataclysm!"
His body detonated in an explosion of flame and black lightning arcs, vaporizing the dragons. From the inferno, he re-emerged unscathed, armor gleaming, aura oppressive. Conqueror's Haki burst outward—half the Sitri peerage staggered, overwhelmed by the sheer will.
For the first time, Serafall's expression tightened. "…He's not bluffing."
Riser landed before her, his hand wreathed in molten flame and black arcs. "Do you yield, Maou Leviathan? Or shall I show you my Eternal Phoenix Domain?"
His voice wasn't mocking—it was firm, resolute. His entire being radiated sincerity: I will not bend. Not even to you.
The Outcome
Serafall narrowed her eyes, then raised her hand to halt the battle. The frost dissipated, snow melting into nothing under his flames.
Silence fell.
Finally, Serafall smirked, lowering her guard. "…You're reckless. Arrogant. Way too blunt for your own good." Her voice softened. "But damn it—you're serious. You really would fight the whole world for her."
Riser extinguished his flames, his armor dissolving into sparks. He exhaled, gaze steady. "I would."
Sona's mask cracked again, the faintest blush gracing her cheeks as her heart pounded harder than she liked.
Serafall crossed her arms. "Fine. You passed my test, Phenex. But if you ever make Sona cry, I will kill you. Immortality or not."
Riser chuckled. "Fair enough. Then I'll simply make sure she never has a reason to cry."
The training ground fell into uneasy silence—until Lady Sitri sighed softly, murmuring to her husband:
"…This boy might actually be different from the rumors after all."