Training Room – Phenex-Sitri Mansion

  The air crackled with electric tension. In the center of the space, Nana floated gracefully, her fists clenched with precision and power. Across from her, Riser Phenex observed every movement with keen attention, his body rexed but ready to act at any moment.

  The spar had begun with rapid exchanges: Nana moved with astonishing aerial speed, throwing punches that sliced through the air like projectiles. Riser dodged with fluid acrobatics, testing her mobility and the reach of her strength.

  In a bold move, Nana dove from above, unleashing a flurry of punches that forced Riser to retreat. When she advanced again, he allowed a blow to strike his chest—only to demonstrate the effect of Tekkai, hardening his body like iron.

  “Interesting,” Riser commented with a smile. “Your strikes are powerful and precise. But there are moments when the body must be as resilient as the mind.”

  Nana instinctively stepped back, surprised by his unyielding defense.

  “I’m not done yet, Riser-sama.”

  “I hope not.”

  The battle resumed with strategy. Nana began alternating altitude, attack angles, and rhythm. Riser noticed her growth in real-time—each punch was less instinctive and more calcuted. The fight ceased to be just about strength; it became a dance of analysis and reaction.

  When they finally stopped, both were panting but smiling.

  “You’ve improved,” Riser said. “Now understand: the secret isn’t just attacking, but making your style a natural response to any opponent.”

  “Thank you, Riser-sama,” Nana replied, satisfied. “That was the most challenging fight I’ve ever had.”

  ---

  Moments Later – Training Room

  Now it was Erza and Yubelluna’s turn. They faced each other with mutual respect. Erza activated her Requip, switching to reinforced armor. Yubelluna made sparks dance around her with growing explosions.

  “Let’s see what you’re capable of, Yubelluna.”

  “You too, Erza. Let’s make it memorable.”

  The explosions started intense, but Erza defended with heavy shields. When she advanced, she forced Yubelluna to retreat. Both were natural warriors, but the technical advantage soon became clear: Erza was simply more adaptable.

  In a swift move, Erza pced her sword against Yubelluna’s neck.

  “Surrender. This fight is over.”

  Yubelluna, sweating and panting, relented.

  “Yes. I surrender.”

  But inwardly, she felt the weight of defeat. Erza noticed.

  “You fought well. Keep training, and don’t underestimate your power.”

  Riser, watching everything, sensed the restrained frustration in his Queen. An idea sparked.

  ---

  Riser and Yubelluna – Mansion Courtyard

  Riser approached gently.

  “Yubelluna… come with me. I want you to join me on a short trip.”

  Her eyes widened.

  “A trip? Now?”

  “Yes. Just for two days. Before the Rating Game. It’ll be a break… and time for us.”

  Yubelluna’s smile slowly spread.

  “I’d love to, Riser-sama. But… may I ask why so sudden?”

  “Because sometimes, my Queen, you need to be reminded of your worth. And also… because there’s something I pn to do. Use the gold summoning card. And I’d rather have you by my side when it happens.”

  “Then let’s go. Wherever it is, I’ll be with you.”

  “Great. Ask Nana to inform Sona. Pack your things. We leave before dusk.”

  “Yes, Riser-sama.”

  ---

  Elsewhere in the Mansion

  As Riser prepared, he mentally reviewed his resources:

  > “A duel card to eliminate an enemy discreetly. A gold summoning card. A growing Peerage. A Rating Game in four days. Xenovia and Irina arrive in seven. And soon… Kokabiel and Vali.

  > Everything must follow the exact rhythm. Nothing can slip from my control.”

  The Demon King of Fire smiled serenely.

  Nothing like pnning in silence… and executing in chaos.