The halls of the Phenex estate glowed like a sunlit cathedral, every flickering torch imbued with enchanted flame, casting warm halos across marble floors and high vaulted ceilings. It was not a celebration, not yet. It was a gathering of heirs a convergence of bloodlines that formed the backbone of devil nobility.
Riser stood near the grand obsidian hearth, hands clasped behind his back, his posture that of a born aristocrat. At only ten years old, he stood tall 5 feet 8 inches and still growing, his physique lightly sculpted from years of quiet training. His hair shimmered like captured firelight, and his golden eyes were pools of molten sunlight, watching, always watching.
He wore tailored noble garments of crimson silk and gold threading. Fire kissed embroidery shimmered along the sleeves stylized phoenixes in mid flight. Despite the ceremony around him, he moved with an easy grace, as if none of it impressed or burdened him. It was his presence that weighed on others.
Whispers followed him not that he would ever run from them.
"He received two mutation pieces most Heirs only receive one"
"Ajuka Beelzebub gave them to him personally most of the time we must go and receive them."
"They say his flame burns like a miniature sun almost like a star waiting to explode, it's almost frightening but majestic all at once"
He ignored them he has learned people would talk regardless, good of bad his name will soon carry weight.
Down the steps into a open gallery the Exchange of Heirs has begun taking root
Riser's first approach was to Sairaorg Bael muscular for his age. Word has it that his own father has stripped him of being the family heir, such a sad sight to witness only he knew what kind of beast this noble heir would become. His shirt sleeves rolled up in defiance of noble etiquette. Sairaorg had no magic to his name, but even at ten, his presence was solid.
"You're the golden boy I hear who been making waves across devil nobility," Sairaorg said, eyeing him up and down with a smirk. "Burn anything down yet?"
"Only my limits you must know a thing or two about that," Riser replied calmly, then extended a hand. " Little Bael."
Sairaorg took it firmly. "You're taller than me. For now once my training complete who knows what I will become."
They both smiled a silent agreement of mutual challenge. Something I would need if things start to become dull and easy.
Nearby, Seekvaira Agares raised her glass of crimson wine fruit juice, in truth and stepped toward them with a hint of curiosity.
"Phenex," she said smoothly. "They say you don't speak often at these events. Are we blessed today with your noble appearance?"
"Only if the conversation blesses me back," Riser said with a nod. "Heir Agares, I hear you've already memorized the strategic campaigns of all three devil wars, most Heirs find that a bit tedious I for one think knowledge along with strength is important."
She tilted her head, intrigued. "You've done your reading." She said almost surprised, if it wasn't for most devils already knowing how intelligent young Riser is.
"I make it a point to know potential allies or future rivals."
She smiled faintly, sipping her drink. "Then I hope we remain allies, it will be interesting to get to know a individual who values such specialties."
Sona Sitri, standing nearby with a group of younger Sitri cousins, overheard and approached in her usual composed manner. Her eyes assessed him coolly, calculating.
"You speak like an adult," she said. "But you're just a boy, you remind me of myself."
"Maybe. Or maybe I'm the future dressed in childhood," Riser replied. "Time will tell how far im willing to go."
Sona narrowed her eyes slightly, but didn't argue. Slowly respecting how much of a difference Riser truly is to her.
He left her with a nod and walked deeper into the chamber, where nobility from lesser clans parted around him like waves. He wasn't arrogant he was magnetic.
While some other Heirs came to chat with Riser only one has yet too, Rias Watched from a far.
From a upper balcony, Rias Gremory leaned against the railing, arms folded. She was only seven, but pride already pulsed in her blood or was it just Immaturity which kept her from approaching.
"That's him?" she huffed. "He doesn't look that special."
"He looks older with a maturity not yet found in other Heirs," Sona said beside her, arms also folded.
"He thinks he's better than us."said Rias
"You said that already," Sona replied, monotone.
"He hasn't even looked up here. What kind of boy doesn't look when girls are watching?" Said Rias with a frustrated look
Sona tilted her head. "A focused one."
Rias pouted. "I bet he can't even smile."
Yet she kept watching. Her fingers curled tightly around the railing.
After the formal introductions, Riser excused himself and stepped out to the Flame Garden a carefully tended area with glowing flora, burning lilies, and phoenix bloom roses. Ruval followed a short distance behind, watching his younger brother closely.
Riser stood by a basalt balcony, looking out over the Underworld's horizon. In the distance, the chasm between worlds shimmered a faint curtain dividing realms.
"I want to go to the human world," Riser said quietly.
Ruval blinked. "Already? You're not even of age."
"I don't mean today," Riser said. "But someday. I want land. Territory. Not just for title but because they don't know us up there. I can rule from the shadows controlling the lives of humans, who knows maybe it will be a welcome change for them."
"You want to rule?"
"I want to influence," Riser corrected. "The old families think the human world is just a farm for contracts. But there's something poetic in claiming a place no one expects. Lighting a fire where there was none."
Ruval smiled. "You always speak like you've read too many epics."
"I live like I'll write one."
The older brother placed a hand on Riser's shoulder. "Then write it well. The Gremory have taken notice. They're discussing an engagement contract."
"I know," Riser said. "Let them watch. I haven't finished becoming who I'm meant to be just yet."
Later that evening, Riser visited his sister private room, where Ravel was located she was playing with a phoenix feather doll on a golden bed. When he entered, she beamed, running over to hug his waist.
"Big brother!"
He knelt down and hugged her gently, his golden eyes softening. "You've continued to grown again, little flame."
"I made the dolly dance with magic!" she declared proudly, showing him the charred remains of the doll's dress.
He laughed lightly. "You'll be stronger than me if you keep that up."
"Nooo," she said, pouting. "You're the strongest forever."
"Then I'll be strong enough to protect you always."
She giggled and climbed into his lap. As he held her, he looked out the window again, the glow of the Flame Garden reflected in his eyes.