"Tenra-sama, Riser-sama is secured and ready," Tosca announced, leading the barrier sphere containing Riser.
Tenra nodded and turned to Lady Phoenix. "Mother, we'll be gone for a few days."
"I'm trusting Riser to you, little Tenra." Lady Phoenix's smile was gentle but firm.
"Ravel, don't make trouble for your brother," she added.
"Mou, I know, Mother!" Ravel puffed her cheeks in protest, earning a soft laugh from Lady Phoenix.
After their farewells, Tenra, Ravel, Yubelluna, and the rest ascended into the sky, the barrier sphere with Riser trailing behind like a stubborn balloon.
"Mother! What are you doing? Stop that bastard! Get me out of here!" Riser hammered at the barrier, voice raw with desperation. But Lady Phoenix just waved cheerfully, calling out, "Do your best, Riser!" Her encouragement only stoked his fury.
Why are you cheering? I need you to save me, not root for my misery!
With Lady Phoenix's smile lingering in the distance, Tenra's group soon vanished into the horizon.
—
Above the Demon Beast Forest, a giant bird soared, clutching a rhinoceros-like beast in its talons. Triumphant, it shrieked, ready to return to its nest.
Suddenly, a python as thick as a barrel shot up from the trees, jaws clamping onto the bird's belly. With a strangled cry, the bird and its prey were dragged down into the forest, vanishing into the shadows.
"This is the spot," Tenra murmured, hovering over the wild landscape.
The Demon Beast Forest was infamous for its ferocious monsters. Deep within lurked Demon King-level threats, but in this area, most beasts were only as strong as high-class devils—perfect for Riser's training.
Tenra flicked his hand. A slender beam of light sliced through the air, shearing off a nearby mountaintop with a thunderous crash and leaving a broad, smooth plateau behind. From Tenra's body, a miniature palace emerged, expanding rapidly until it settled on the new ground—a majestic fortress gleaming in the sunlight.
The Sancta Diabolus Ecclesia.
The palace's heart, Skíðblaðnir, was a magical ship forged by the Ivaldi clan, evolving as it absorbed its master's power. With Tenra's strength at new heights, the palace had grown even grander.
Rooms lined its halls, making it a convenient mobile castle—their base for the coming days.
Incidentally, Katerea was still imprisoned within, receiving "education" from three fallen angel girls. If their training succeeded, she'd soon emerge completely transformed.
—
"What are you planning? Let me out! Let me out!" Riser was still shouting from inside the barrier, his complaints a constant background noise.
"Riser, your body and mind are ruined. You need to be rebuilt from the ground up," Tenra said coldly. "Enjoy your time here. Try not to die."
He signaled Tosca, who instantly released her Sacred Gear. Caught off guard, Riser shrieked as he dropped straight into the forest below.
"Onii-chan, is Nii-sama going to be okay?" Ravel's eyes were wide with worry.
"The blood of the Phoenix doesn't die easily, no matter how far he's fallen," Tenra reassured her, brushing her forehead. "If things get truly dangerous, I'll step in."
"Let's go. We'll be training here too."
"Mm…"
—
"Ugh… ow… ow…" Riser crawled from the undergrowth, battered and filthy.
"TENRA KAMIYO!" The memory of his humiliating drop reignited his rage. That bastard really had the nerve!
Before he could plan his revenge, a black shadow lunged at him—his arm was torn off in a flash.
A guttural roar echoed. Riser blinked, staring at the black-scaled demon panther that had mauled him. More panthers, a dozen at least, slunk from the shadows, surrounding him.
"Damn beasts! Even you dare mock me?" Rage flared—his magic surged, and his arm regenerated instantly.
"Die!" Riser unleashed a barrage of blazing fireballs. Explosions rocked the clearing, turning several panthers to ash.
"See that, you mongrels? That's what happens when you cross Riser Phenex!" He spread his fire wings and soared above the carnage, laughter ringing with manic relief.
But the surviving panthers only grew more vicious. With a guttural chorus, each sprouted massive flesh wings from their backs, their eyes gleaming with murderous intent.
Riser's laughter died. Unease crept in.
"ROAAAAAR!"
"Ahhhh—!"
—
"Open up! Open the door!" Night had fallen when Riser, exhausted and filthy, staggered to the palace gates, pounding desperately.
He'd fought a pack of crazed panthers, been swallowed by a giant python, barely escaped, and then been hunted by more monsters. He'd cursed Tenra a thousand times for dumping him in the forest, but now, out of strength and starving, dignity was a luxury he couldn't afford.
The door swung open. Tosca stood there, her smile infuriatingly sweet.
"Well, well, Riser-sama. What brings you here so late?"
"I—I need food. And a place to sleep." Riser's face burned with humiliation. Begging for scraps from Tenra's servant—could he sink any lower?
"I see…" Tosca's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Tenra-sama left instructions. Food and shelter are ready for Riser-sama."
She tossed him two cold, hard buns and pointed to a cave blasted out by Yubelluna's magic. "Your food. Your shelter. Enjoy."
With a giggle, she slammed the door.
Riser stood frozen, wind biting at his skin. He looked at the icy buns, then at the crude cave.
Tenra Kamiyo, you bastard! You've gone too far!
"Come out, Tenra Kamiyo! I know you're in there! Ravel, you too! Get out here!"
He hurled fire at the palace, but the barriers shrugged off his attacks. No matter how much he screamed, no one answered.
Panting, Riser glared at the crushed buns in his fist, ready to throw them away. At the Phoenix estate, even dogs wouldn't eat this garbage.
But hunger gnawed at him. He hadn't eaten all day, had barely escaped death a dozen times. Tears of humiliation welled in his eyes as he bit into the cold bun and trudged toward the cave.
Damn you, Tenra Kamiyo. I won't forget this.
He found a flat spot and collapsed, sleep claiming him instantly. Maybe, he thought, maybe this was all a nightmare. Maybe he'd wake up and find it gone.
—
Inside the palace—
"Onii-chan, Nii-sama looks so pitiful…" Ravel whispered, leaning on Tenra's shoulder. She'd almost run out to help him several times.
"He needs to go through this," Tenra said softly. "It's the only way he'll recover. Just hold on a little longer, Ravel."
"Mm…"
After soothing her, Tenra glanced at Ile and Nel.
"Ile, Nel—tomorrow, it's your turn."
"Yes, Tenra-sama." The two electric lolis bared their teeth, grinning with devilish anticipation.
Poor Riser didn't know it yet—when he woke up, the nightmare wouldn't end.
It was just beginning.
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