124 chapter [124]

Riser's Mansion in the Underworld

As they prepared in their room at the mansion, Riser and Sona enjoyed a moment of quietude together. The atmosphere was imbued with a sense of intimacy as Sona, with her characteristic elegance, helped Riser adjust his tie while he ensured his suit was impeccable.

"You look amazing, darling," praised Sona, her smile radiating warmth as she admired her husband.

Riser returned the smile, grateful for his wife's support and affection. "Thank you, Sona. You always know how to make me look good."

With one final adjustment to his tie, Riser finished getting ready and glanced at the mirror, satisfied with the reflected image. He then approached Sona and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"Now I'm ready," he said, his voice soft and determined. "I'll go to the living room to check if Yubelluna is ready."

With one last look in the mirror to ensure everything was perfect, Riser headed towards the door.

Upon entering the living room, he found Yubelluna, his loyal servant, waiting for him. Her eyes lit up with joy upon seeing him, and she respectfully bowed in greeting.

"Riser-sama, I'm ready to accompany you to the location of the Rating Game," announced Yubelluna with a graceful bow.

Riser nodded, and the two approached each other. With a wave of his hand, Riser activated his teleportation magic, enveloping them in an aura of energy as they prepared to travel to the Rating Game location.

In the blink of an eye, they vanished from the room, leaving behind only a faint trail of energy in the air.

×××××××××××

Rating Game Arena

As Riser and Yubelluna materialized in the Rating Game arena, they were greeted by an impressive sight. The vastness of the arena stretched out before them, surrounded by towering walls that seemed to touch the sky. The solid, uniform ground was an invitation to the imminent confrontation, with no cover to hide behind.

In the center of the arena, the elevated podium awaited the competitors, emanating an aura of challenge and determination. Riser watched with interest as floating platforms around the podium, each presenting a unique challenge. Some were wide and flat, while others were narrow and sloped, testing the skill and balance of the competitors.

"It's an impressive arena, don't you think, Yubelluna?" Riser commented, his gaze sweeping over the scene before them.

Yubelluna nodded in agreement, her serene expression reflecting her master's admiration. "Yes, Riser-sama. This arena is truly worthy of a Rating Game."

As Riser carefully observed the arena, searching for the dragon Tannin, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. Serefall suddenly appeared in front of Riser, her arrival announced by her characteristic playfulness.

"The magical girl has arrived!" she exclaimed, her tone lively as she winked at Riser with a mischievous expression.

Riser sighed lightly, a faint smile playing on his lips at Serefall's dramatic entrance. "Hello, Sera-chan. You seem excited today."

Serefall gave him a playful look, her expression reflecting her playful mood. "I always am, Riser-chan. You know that."

Riser, feeling somewhat bored, decided to change the subject. "Have you seen Tannin around? I'm looking for him."

Serefall shook her head, her expression assuming a thoughtful look. "Oh, he's already left. Said he had nothing to talk to you about."

Riser furrowed his brow, surprised by Tannin's lack of courtesy. "Strange. Any idea why?"

Serefall shrugged, her mischievous smile returning. "He just said that during the Rating Game, you two can settle your differences with your fists."

Riser shrugged, not seeming too concerned about Tannin's attitude. "Well, if that's how he wants it. Anyway, I think I'll leave."

With a farewell wave, Riser turned to leave the arena, leaving Serefall behind with her antics.

Phenex Family Mansion

Ravel's POV

As I walked down the hallway, I could hear muffled voices coming from inside an office. Instinctively, my steps slowed, and my ears caught the words laden with malice he directed at Diodora, resentment bubbling in every syllable. Onii-sama had already warned me about Diodora's sinister plans, and I didn't trust him one bit.

But it was when I heard Asia's name, my best friend, that my body froze in place. A wave of concern and fear washed over me, and my eyes widened as I listened to the conversation behind the door.

My fists clenched with anger when I heard my father agreeing to hand over Asia during Riser's next Rating Game. I knew I couldn't allow that. I needed to find a way to intervene and protect Asia, no matter the cost.

With determination, I promised myself that I would thwart my father's and Diodora's plans. I wouldn't allow Asia to be used as a pawn in their dirty game of vengeance.

Quietly, I slipped through the mansion's corridors, each step calculated to avoid drawing unwanted attention. My mind was in turmoil, worried about my friend Asia's fate at the hands of my father and Diodora.

Finally, I reached Asia's room and, with a racing heart, gently knocked on the door. Hearing a murmur of consent, I pushed the door open slowly and stepped into the room.

Asia was sitting on her bed, her blue eyes filled with concern as she turned to look at me. "Ravel-san, what's going on?"

I took a deep breath, trying to control my own anxiety as I approached her. "Asia, we need to talk. My father and Diodora are plotting something terrible against you."

She furrowed her brow, clearly confused by my assertion. "Against me? But why?"

"I fear they may be planning to use you as part of a dirty game during Riser's next Rating Game," I explained quickly, my voice laden with urgency. "I can't let that happen. We have to escape from here, right now."

Asia looked shocked by the revelation, but quickly rose from the bed, ready to follow my lead. "Where are we going?"

Without hesitation, I firmly grasped Asia's arm, conveying to her a sense of determination. "To the safest place I know: my brother's house."

With a nod of her head, Asia agreed, trusting in my guidance as we prepared to flee. With a focused thought, I activated my teleportation magic, enveloping us in a bright aura as we moved away from the mansion, leaving behind the shadows of our pursuers and heading towards safety.

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