DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Olympus

Athena was enjoying her new position in the castle on Olympus. The grand hall was illuminated by the soft sunlight streaming through stained glass windows, casting vibrant colors onto the marble walls. She walked through the corridors with a confident posture, admiring the grandeur of the place now under her command. The death of Zeus had changed everything, and even though she had become a servant of Riser, Athena couldn't help but feel an unexpected satisfaction. Being in control of Olympus's decisions brought her a certain sense of fulfillment.

Athena stopped in front of the throne that once belonged to Zeus and let a small smile escape.

"Time to enjoy my command and modify a few laws."

BAM!

The sound of doors opening abruptly echoed through the hall. Athena immediately turned, her thoughts interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Aphrodite. The goddess of beauty entered with determined steps, her gaze filled with envy. Aphrodite had always envied Athena, and now, with Athena in command, that feeling seemed only to grow.

"Athena, you seem quite comfortable on Olympus's throne," said Aphrodite, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she approached. "Don't you think you're taking too much pleasure in something you didn't achieve on your own?"

Athena raised an eyebrow and gave a slight smile, ignoring Aphrodite's provocative tone.

"I am exactly where I need to be, Aphrodite. It may be hard for you to accept, but some changes are necessary for Olympus's greater good."

Aphrodite scoffed, crossing her arms as she regarded Athena with disdain. "Changes for Olympus's good or your own good, Athena? Don't fool yourself; everyone knows you're just following Riser's orders."

Athena kept her gaze fixed on Aphrodite, remaining calm. "Yes, I follow orders. But I also have my own vision of how this place can improve. Maybe it's time for you to set aside that envy and contribute to something greater."

Aphrodite let out a mocking laugh. "Envy? Look at me, Athena! I'm the most beautiful woman on Olympus—not just Olympus, but the entire universe! There's no room for envy in someone like me."

Athena chuckled slightly, mocking Aphrodite's statement. "Oh, of course. The most beautiful woman and also the most envious of Olympus. It must be hard to maintain that 'perfection' while carrying so much resentment, right?"

The two stared at each other for a moment, the air between them charged with tension. Athena didn't look away, maintaining a firm and defiant posture, while Aphrodite's eyes, filled with disdain, remained fixed on the goddess before her.

"I think it's best you leave, Aphrodite. I have more important things to do than discussing your insecurities," Athena said, her tone clearly dismissive.

Aphrodite hesitated for a moment, then turned angrily, her steps echoing through the grand hall as she walked away. "This isn't over, Athena," she muttered, leaving the room with a look of contempt.

...

Hades' Underworld Kingdom

Hades sat on his throne, made entirely of human bones, in a dark and oppressive setting. The throne, like Hades himself, was a manifestation of death and decay. The skull adorning Hades' head glowed with a sinister light as he stared into the emptiness before him, a growing fury emanating from his figure.

CRACK!

The sharp sound of Hades gripping the arm of his throne echoed through the hall, cracking the bones under his fingers. His rage at the Heroes' Faction's failure was evident, an intense fury burning deep within him. The plan to kidnap Kunou, daughter of Yasaka, was supposed to force the youkai leader to submit to his wishes, but everything had been ruined by Riser. Hades hated devils, and seeing one interfere and thwart his plans was an insult he could not tolerate.

"That damned devil…" Hades growled, his voice reverberating through the dark hall. "How dare he defy my authority and interfere with my plans?!"

He rose from his throne, the sound of his footsteps echoing on the stone floor as he paced, his rage growing with each moment. The dark aura around him seemed to pulse, reflecting his frustration and hatred for those who dared stand in his way.

"Not only did they fail to kidnap Kunou, but they also allowed a devil to humiliate them!" Hades spat, his tone dripping with contempt. "I hate the devils… all of them. They're arrogant, conceited, always getting in the way of those who truly hold power."

Hades stopped and looked at his servants, who were cowering in the shadows, fearful of his fury. He knew he would need a new strategy, something that would guarantee his victory and make those who opposed him pay dearly.

"I will not rest until the underworld and all devils kneel before me," he murmured, his eyes glowing with intense hatred. "Riser may have won this battle, but the war is far from over. And when I strike again, they will regret daring to defy me."

Hades sat back on his bone throne, his anger still simmering within him. He knew he would have to be patient, planning each move carefully. But one thing was certain: he would not stop until he had full control over the underworld and everyone who inhabited it.

BAM!

The door to Hades' throne room opened abruptly. A knight entered and bowed deeply before the lord of the underworld.

"My lord, I bring news from Olympus," said the knight, his voice trembling slightly as he felt Hades' oppressive aura.

Hades looked at the knight, his eyes shining with a mixture of curiosity and impatience. "Speak quickly. What happened on Olympus?"

"Zeus is dead, my lord. Athena has taken the throne and… she has allied with the devils," replied the knight, hesitating at the end, fearing Hades' reaction.

BOOM!

The throne hall shook as Hades released his power, his dark aura expanding throughout the room. The stone walls trembled, and the surrounding servants shrank further, terrified of the underworld lord's fury.

"My niece on Olympus' throne… and allied with the devils?!" Hades roared, his voice echoing like thunder through the hall. "That throne should be mine! How dare she usurp the power that rightfully belongs to me?! And to ally with the underworld?!"

The knight, still kneeling, trembled before Hades' devastating power, yet there was a hint of admiration in his eyes. Hades' strength was unmatched, and his determination to dominate was something he couldn't help but respect, even amid fear.

Hades took a deep breath, trying to regain control of his rage. He knew he needed a new strategy, something that would ensure his rise to power and eliminate all who opposed him, especially the devils and now his own niece.

"Prepare yourselves," Hades said, his voice dark and cold. "I will not tolerate failure again. The underworld and Olympus will kneel before me, no matter the cost."

....

Riser's Mansion in the Underworld - Office

Sona and Rias sat across from each other, the tension in the air evident. Sona had invited Rias for a more private conversation, as there were many unresolved issues that needed to be addressed.

Sona looked directly at Rias, her expression serene, but a spark of curiosity gleamed in her eyes.

"You visited my home that day, and we didn't have time to talk, as I was handling the details of Seekvaira and Riser's wedding." Sona paused briefly before continuing. "I want to understand how you're coping with everything, Rias. Sirzechs's death, the issues at home... and more than anything, I want to know what you truly feel about Riser."

Rias lowered her gaze, her hands slightly clenched in her lap.

"Sona, I…" She took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "It's hard. Sirzechs's death left me adrift. And now, seeing Grayfia beside Riser, knowing she's with him… It's like everyone around me is moving forward, while I'm stuck in the same place."

"As for Riser…" Rias hesitated, her words difficult to form. "I don't know. I rejected him in the past, and now I see him becoming something I never imagined. A leader, strong and capable. I… feel like I may have made a mistake."

Sona nodded slowly, understanding her friend's words. "So, you feel regret?"

"Yes, I think so. I don't know if it's love, Sona. Maybe it's just regret for not giving him a chance when I had it. Now, I see all these women by his side, and I wonder if it could have been different for me."

"Rias, you know I married Riser for political reasons, but over time… I developed feelings for him. I can't say if it's love, but I can say I respect and admire his strength. Maybe what you're feeling is the pressure of watching the world change around you, and feeling like you're being left behind."

Rias nodded, feeling Sona's words resonate within her.

"Maybe that's it. I just… don't want to be the last to understand what truly matters. I don't want to stay stuck in the past."

Sona smiled slightly, leaning forward a bit. "Except for you, Riser has always had everything he wanted. And today, if he wanted you, he would have you, regardless of your opinion. But I doubt he still wants to be with you after the end of the marriage contract. I think only you can clear that doubt when he returns from the honeymoon, if you really want to confess to him. But be prepared to hear a big 'NO.'"

Rias blinked a few times, surprised by Sona's frankness. She knew her friend's words were true. Sona had always been direct, and perhaps that was exactly what she needed to finally make a decision for herself.

Rias took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Sona's words. For the first time, she realized she wasn't doing this because of her father's orders or out of jealousy of the other women by Riser's side. She wanted answers. She wanted to know what could have been and what might still be, for herself.

"I'll think about it, Sona. And when he returns, I'll speak to him. Whatever the answer, at least I'll know I did what I felt was right."

Sona nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "That's all I can ask of you, Rias. Do this for yourself, and no one else."

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