The silence that followed my interruption felt like someone had pressed pause on the entire Underworld.
Every eye in the ballroom was on us. Some confused. Some outraged. A few calculating. I could feel the weight of their stares like physical pressure against my skin, the kind of attention that would make most people shrivel up and apologize. Good thing I'd left my sense of self-preservation in the human world along with my dignity.
FWOOOM.
Flames erupted around Riser, and suddenly the temperature in my immediate vicinity spiked several degrees. His face had gone from smug confidence to the kind of anger that suggested he was five seconds away from committing a public murder.
I kept my hands in my pockets and my expression blank "I'm here because I was invited as a guest of the Sitri family, also there was an invitation from Gremory family as well" I tilted my head slightly "Though I didn't expect Rias's fiancee to be a dick, who treats her like a acquired trophy"
The flames around Riser's shoulders intensified. Several nobles gasped, though whether it was from the fire or my audacity, I couldn't tell.
"You dare—" Riser roared, but I cut him off.
I pulled one hand from my pocket and gestured casually "Alright, let's talk business instead of throwing tantrums like kids. I'm here to introduce my other creation just as amazing the Styx Touch is"
MURMUR.
The reaction rippled through the crowd like a stone dropped in still water. Heads turned. Whispers spread. I caught fragments of conversations, the name of my potion being passed from group to group with varying degrees of recognition and interest.
"The one with the Devil Sleep cure?" A woman in a green gown said to woman next to her.
"It can't be true, is it?..." another noble muttered.
"A human created that?" Someone else sounded skeptical.
. .
.
"Riser doesn't care about some potion maker! This is Riser's—"
"Engagement party, yeah, I got that part" I reached into my dimensional storage and pulled out a small leather case "Now let me get to business, as I don't intend to stay here all night"
I opened the case and pulled out three vials filled with liquid that glowed a soft amber color. The light caught the contents, making them glow like trapped sunlight. I held them up so the nearby nobles could see.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to my new creation. The healing potion, that have the same quality as Phoenix Tears. Actually, let me be more specific, ahem! It's identical quality to Phoenix Tears in every measurable way" I smiled as I put final nail to the coffin "But this is the part where it gets interesting for all of you.....I will provide these for a fraction of the cost of what you're paying for Phoenix tears"
BOOM.
The murmur became a roar. Nobles pressed closer, their formal composure cracking as economics overrode etiquette. I caught sight of several pulling out analysis crystals, the magical tools that could measure the quality and composition of potions. Hmm, so such a thing do exists.
I tossed the first vial to a devil in dark robes who looked like he knew his way around potions. He caught it with ease, already muttering a chant under his breath. The crystal in his other hand then began glowing with a steady white light.
The second vial went to a woman with green hairs who'd been watching me with sharp eyes. She didn't bother with spells, just uncorked the vial and took a small sip. Her eyebrows rose as she saw wound on her arm heal in just a few seconds.
The third, I handed directly to a portly devil who wore enough family crests on his coat to suggest he had connections worth impressing. He waved a hand over it, and magic circles appeared in the air above the vial, shifting through different configurations as his magic probed the liquid.
"This is..." The first devil stared at his crystal "The purity is exceptional. The magical resonance matches the Phoenix Tear signatures perfectly, they're indeed high quality healing potion"
"It's effects are instant and even the taste is good" the woman said with a look of approval as she eyed me with a gleam in them "But to know their true extent, we have to test them thoroughly"
The portly noble lowered his hand, and the magic circles dissipated "Young man, if you're claiming these are equivalent to Phoenix Tears, you'll be easily replacing them in no time"
"I'm aware" I said "Which is exactly why I'm here"
CRACK.
A magic circle activated at the edge of the platform, and two figures stepped through. Lord and Lady Phenex, if the family resemblance to Riser was anything to go by. Lord Phenex had the same blonde hair as his son, though his was streaked with silver at the temples.
He wore formal suit in red and gold, and his eyes held the sharpness that came from decades of dealing with the current political bullshit. Lady Phenex stood beside him in an elegant gown that somehow managed to look both fiery and gentle. Her expression was concerned rather than her husband's calculating one
"Lord Phenex. Lady Phenex" I gave a slight bow "Thank you for hosting such a lovely party"
Lord Phenex's expression didn't change, but I saw his eyes narrowed slightly "You are the one who cured Devil Sleep? I was not aware you had expanded into healing potions"
"It's a recent development" I said "Thought I'd announce it somewhere memorable. Your son's engagement party seemed like the perfect venue"
"I see" Lord Phenex stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the nobles who were still examining the potion samples "And you chose this moment?"
"More like declare my intention to enter the Underworld market" I pulled out another vial and held it up to the light "These healing potions? I'm planning to sell them at half the price of Phoenix Tears. Maybe less, if I don't get what I want to tonight"
WHOOSH.
The ballroom exploded into chaos. Nobles surged forward, shouting questions over each other. The orchestra had stopped playing at some point, leaving only the roar of voices as more devils pulled closer to witness this historic moment.
Lady Phenex raised a hand, and the crowd quieted slightly. Her voice was gentle but she spoke with authority "Young man, I'm certain you understand the significance of what you're proposing. But I must ask, what does this have to do with my son's engagement to Rias Gremory?"
FLASH.
A magic circle appeared on the ground above the platform, silver and intricate. From it stepped a woman who looked like she'd been designed to intimidate people with her presence.
Grayfia Lucifuge.
She wore a maid outfit that somehow conveyed more authority than most military uniforms. Her eyes, when they swept across the ballroom, the devils who'd probably fought in wars took involuntary steps backward.
Grayfia's gaze landed on me. Her expression didn't change, as she gave me a non threatening glare.
Right. Grayfia Lucifuge wasn't someone who enjoyed the small talk.
"I created healing potions equivalent to Phoenix Tears," I said "I'm announcing my intention to sell them in the Underworld at half the current market price. This will significantly undercut the Phenex family's primary revenue source." I paused "And yeah, I picked this engagement party specifically because I'm not a fan of watching someone get forced into a marriage for political convenience"
The ballroom went dead silent again.
Grayfia studied me for a long moment. I couldn't read her expression at all, which was probably intentional. Finally, she turned to Lord Phenex "Do you wish to contest these claims?"
Lord Phenex glanced at the nobles still holding my potion samples, at the analysis crystals still glowing with confirmation of quality "The claims regarding the potions appear to be accurate, based on examination of experts here" He looked back at me "However, I question why this young man chose my son's engagement celebration as the venue for his business announcement"
"I already explained that part" I said "But sure, I'll spell it out more clearly"
I turned slightly, making eye contact with Rias. She stood at the edge of the platform, her face pale and her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Terrified that I was about to make everything worse.
Yeah, I probably was. But sometimes making things worse was the only way to make them better.
And I won't be letting my high rank gacha ticket opportunity slip right in front of me.
"Back when I was just some powerless human stumbling around the dangers of my world. She treated me with the kindness, even though she don't have to"
I looked back at Riser, who stared back at me like I was an insect that had inexplicably learned to talk.
"So yeah, watching your son treat her like a trophy instead of a person? Watching him parade around with his harem while forcing her into a marriage she clearly doesn't want?"
"If repaying Rias's kindness means going to ruin the Phenex family enterprise to end this forced marriage, then I accept that" I spread my hands "So here I am announcing that I'm about to destroy your economic monopoly and publicly calling out your heir for being a spoiled brat who thinks women as collectibles"
BOOOOM!
Riser's flames exploded back to full intensity "You DARE!...you DARE speak to Riser this way?!" Riser is the heir to the Phenex family! Riser is immortal! What is a pathetic human compared to Riser's power?!"
"Oh goodness" I said "The third-person thing is back. I was worried you might have a moment of self-awareness there"
Lord Phenex held up a hand, stopping his son from lunging at me with flames. The older devil's expression had shifted from polite curiosity to a calm one. He was smart enough to see the trap I was setting, I could tell. But family honor and pride were chains just as binding as any contract.
"You understand what you're proposing" Lord Phenex said quietly "Challenging the Phenex family's economic interests while simultaneously insulting my son at a public event attended by the nobility of the Underworld. This is not a trivial matter."
"I'm well aware" I said "I'm also aware that Phoenix Tears are your family's primary source of wealth and influence. Taking that away means taking away your political power" I shrugged "But hey, maybe if your customs didn't use that power to force people into marriages with assholes, I wouldn't have to"
Lady Phenex stepped forward, her gentle expression now tinged with worry "Young man, I understand you believe you're helping Rias. But you're inserting yourself into matters of family alliance and political necessity. The arrangement between our houses is on mutual agreement"
I said "Yeah, I get that arranged marriages are normal in the Underworld. That family interests outweigh individual happiness. But I don't play by those rules, apparently" I met her eyes "And with all due respect, Lady Phenex, your gentle nature doesn't change the fact that your son is a spoiled brat"
CRACK. CRACK. CRACK.
The air itself seemed to bend. Reality twisted, and suddenly the ballroom felt like it was being compressed under the weight of something vast and terrible. Every devil in the room went rigid, their faces pale. Even Grayfia's composure cracked slightly, her eyes widening a fraction.
A magic circle appeared directly above the platform, crimson and impossibly complex. The magical pressure intensified until I thought my bones might crack.
From the circle stepped a man who made every instinct I had scream "RUN."
His long Crimson hairs over his face while he had casual smile. Eyes that held enough power to crack continents. He wore a suit that looked expensive but comfortable, like he'd just stopped by on his way to grab coffee.
Sirzechs Lucifer. One of the Four Great Satans and strongest being in the Underworld.
Oh, and the siscon who would probably destroy a city if someone in there made his little sister cry.
"Well" Sirzechs said, his voice warm and friendly despite the earlier display of his apocalyptic magical pressure "This is certainly an interesting development"
Every devil in the ballroom bowed. Deep, formal bows that spoke to genuine respect mixed with terror.
I didn't bow. Partly because I was human and technically not subject to devil hierarchy rules.
Sirzechs's gaze swept across the room, then landed on me with a smile as if he was seeing his best friend after a long summer break.
"You must be Motohama. The alchemist who created the Styx Touch potion" He said approaching me until he stopped in front of me "I've been wanting to meet you."
"Lord Lucifer"
"Oh, just Sirzechs is fine" He waved a hand dismissively "We're at a party, after all. There is no need for formality."
FLASH.
Two more magic circles activated at the edges of the platform. From them stepped an older couple who were Rias's parents. Zeoticus Gremory had dark hair dripped in crimson, wearing formal suit that marked him as the head of a Pillar family. His expression was troubled, like he'd walked into a situation he didn't quite know how to handle. Venelana Gremory stood beside him, her hairs pulled back in an elegant style. Her expression was of concern as she assessed the scene.
Sirzechs glanced toward Rias, and for just a moment, the laid-back mask slipped. I saw genuine concern, protective instinct, the look of an older brother who'd walk through fire for his sister. Then the smile was back, casual and unthreatening.
"So" Sirzechs said, turning back to me "From what I understand, you're here to challenge the Phenex family's long continued business of Phoenix tears while simultaneously objecting to my sister's arranged marriage" His smile widened "That's quite ambitious for a human"
"I'm just repaying the kindness that I owed to Rias. In all this, the opportunity to make use of my new potions seemed perfect, so here I am"
Sirzechs laughed "I appreciate your honesty. But we must throughouly examine if your potions are truly equivalent to Phoenix Tears?"
"Sure, as long I am getting good deal out of it, I see no problem with it"
"Of course" Sirzechs nodded "Which brings us to the interesting part. You've made quite a dramatic announcement, Motohama. One that threatens a major Pillar family's economic interests. I imagine you have a plan for how this plays out?"
"I do" I said. I pulled my hands from my pockets and stood straighter, meeting Sirzechs's gaze "I'm challenging Riser Phenex to a one-on-one duel"
The ballroom erupted again. Nobles shouted over each other, some laughing at the absurdity, others scandalized.
"A DUEL?!" Riser's voice cracked "Riser will incinerate you! What can a mere human possibly—"
I interrupted "So here's my proposal.. If I win, the engagement dissolves and I get free market access to sell these potions at half of Phoenix Tears price"
"And if you lose?" Lord Phenex asked. His voice was confident and completely unbothered, but I could see the calculations running behind his eyes.
"If I lose..." I looked right in his eyes "Then I'll publicly acknowledge the Phenex family's superiority, never speak of these potion sales in the Underworld again, and leave. How does that sound?"
Riser stared at me like I'd just grown a second head. Then he started laughing as if I was the biggest idiot he'd ever met.
"You? Fight Riser?" He smirked "Riser is immortal! Riser's flames can incinerate anything! What could a pathetic human possibly do against Riser's power?!"
"I don't know" I said "Why don't we find out? Unless the great immortal phoenix is actually afraid of a mere human"
"AFRAID?!" Riser's flames exploded outward, forcing nearby nobles to step back "RISER IS NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING! ESPECIALLY NOT SOME WORTHLESS HUMAN!"
I'd struck right at his pride, the most vulnerable spot on any arrogant noble.
"Fine!" He pointed at me, flames dancing along his arm "Riser accepts your pathetic challenge! When Riser defeats you, you will kneel before the entire Underworld and acknowledge that you are nothing compared to the Phenex family's power!"
Riser continued, riding the wave of his wounded pride "You will serve as an example of what happens to those who dare challenge the Phenex family!"
Lord Phenex closed his eyes briefly. He knew. He understood exactly what had just happened. His son had been baited into a challenge that would be a political nightmare for the family. But refusing now would make them look weak, make Riser look like a coward.
Pride was a hell of a thing.
Lady Phenex placed a hand on her husband's arm, her gentle expression now tinged with worry. She didn't object harshly, her nature too kind for that. But I could see the concern in her eyes.
Sirzechs stepped forward, and suddenly everyone was looking at him. The laid-back smile was still there, but there was something calculating in his eyes. Something that suggested this had played out exactly as he'd hoped.
"Well then" Sirzechs said "As one of the Four Great Satans, I officially sanction this duel" His voice carried across the ballroom with absolute authority "One-on-one combat between Motohama and Riser Phenex. No peerages, no outside interference. To be held in three days at the Bael Stadium"
Three days. That was... actually more time than I'd expected. Smart move on Sirzechs's part. Long enough for anticipation to build, short enough that neither side could prepare too extensively.
"The terms are as follows" Sirzechs continued "Should Motohama win, Riser's engagement to Rias Gremory will be dissolved, and Motohama will gain unrestricted market access to sell his potions at his chosen pricing" He paused "Should Riser win, Motohama will publicly acknowledge Phenex family superiority, cease this potion sales in the Underworld"
SWOOSH.
Grayfia stepped forward, her expression all professional detachment. She raised one hand, and a magic circle appeared in the air between Riser and me.
"I will formalize the terms in a binding contract" Grayfia said. Her voice was cold, precise "Both parties will be magically bound to uphold the agreed conditions upon conclusion of the duel"
The magic circle shifted, rearranging itself with said words into a complex pattern. I felt something brush against my mind and overall body. The contract was writing itself based on the spoken terms, creating an agreement that would be enforced by the fundamental laws of devil magic.
"Do you accept these terms?" Grayfia's eyes fixed on me.
"I accept" I said.
"Riser accepts!" Riser practically shouted. His pride wouldn't let him do anything else.
The magic circle flared brightly, then condensed into two points of light. One shot toward me, sinking into my chest with a cold burn. The other struck Riser, making him flinch slightly. The contract was sealed until the day we both fulfill it.
Zeoticus looked conflicted, torn between family duty and... something else. Venelana's expression was harder to read, but I caught a flicker of sympathy when she glanced at Rias and then at me.
Lord Phenex turned to face Sirzechs "The Phenex family accepts the terms of this duel" His voice was dignified, composed. He'd recognized the trap, but there was no way out now except through.
Lady Phenex said nothing, but her hands were clasped tightly in front of her.
The ballroom exploded into chaos for the third time. Nobles surged forward, shouting questions and placing bets. I caught fragments of conversation, odds being calculated, economic discussions about what my potions meant for the market.
Through it all, I saw Rias. She was staring at me with an expression that mixed gratitude, terror, and desperate hope. Like I'd just offered her a life raft while simultaneously setting the ship on fire.
Sona stood at the edge of the crowd, and when our eyes met, she gave a tiny nod of approval.
Well, I'm fighting an immortal phoenix in three days. This should be fun.
The gacha ticket reward for this insanity better be worth it.
In the next moment, I was welcomed by the sight of familiar blue screen showing me the exact purpose of my visit to Underworld. I couldn't help but grin, as I read the details of new quest assigned to me.
. . . .
Quest : Defeat Riser Phenex in the upcoming duel
Reward : Rank 9 Gacha Ticket
. . . .
. . .
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