The grand ballroom of the Phenex Clan's royal manor shimmered with golden chandeliers and elegant nobles. The air was heavy with pride and power — devils of all major noble families mingled, exchanging pleasantries and alliances.
Roy Valvas, dressed sharply in a dark crimson suit lined with silver, entered alongside Scáthach, the legendary warrior queen of shadows. Her beauty and presence turned every head — calm, composed, and deadly.
The Encounter
As the pair moved through the crowd, Riser Phenex, ever flamboyant and arrogant, made his entrance surrounded by his peerage. His phoenix flames flickered faintly around him as a display of superiority.
Roy's gaze, however, was drawn not to Riser, but to a young girl with gentle golden hair and curious eyes — Ravel Phenex, barely nine years old, yet already intelligent and composed.
She approached Roy shyly.
"You're Roy Valvas, aren't you? I've heard you're the youngest High-Class Devil ever. I wanted to meet you."
Roy smiled warmly, offering her a sweet, calm reply.
"And you must be Ravel Phenex — it's an honor. You have a good aura, refined yet kind. I think we'll be friends."
The two began talking comfortably — Ravel was fascinated by Roy's calm intellect, and Roy found her curiosity refreshing.
Riser's Challenge
Riser noticed Scáthach standing beside Roy — her stunning crimson eyes, her aura of divine might. Instantly, his pride flared.
He swaggered up, placing a hand on his chest.
"Roy Valvas, I'll be direct — how much for your servant? I want Scáthach to serve under me. Her power will be a fine addition to the Phenex Clan."
The room fell silent.
Scáthach's eyes narrowed, but she remained still.
Roy's smile vanished.
"Scáthach is not for sale. Nor is anyone in my peerage. They are my family."
Riser chuckled arrogantly.
"Come now, no need to be dramatic. I'll make it interesting — let's have a Rating Game. If I win, Scáthach joins me. If you win, I'll even throw in my Queen, Yebullana."
Roy frowned.
"I have no interest in gambling with people's lives."
As Roy turned to leave, Riser's voice cut through the crowd.
"What's wrong, Roy Valvas? Afraid? Just like your parents — weak and pitiful, hiding behind their pride until they burned away with their so-called honor!"
The crowd gasped.
Scáthach's killing intent flooded the hall like a storm.
Even the Phenex guards froze under her presence.
Roy's eyes — normally calm — glowed red with demonic fury.
"You dare insult my family?"
Riser smirked.
"Oh? Did I touch a nerve? Tell you what — let's make it even juicier. If you lose, I'll take Scáthach. If you win, I'll give you my dear little sister Ravel. That's a fair trade, no?"
Gasps echoed. Ravel's eyes widened in horror.
"Brother, stop!"
Roy clenched his fists, demonic energy spiraling around him like a hurricane.
"You've gone too far, Riser Phenex."
He stepped forward, his aura shaking the chandeliers.
"Fine. I accept your challenge."
The Devil World Reacts
Within hours, the news exploded across the Underworld.
"Riser Phenex challenges Roy Valvas — stakes include peerage members and Phenex family honor!"
The noble houses erupted in chaos.
Darius and Clara Valvas were enraged beyond measure, their aura shaking the Valvas mansion.
Andrew Agares (Seekvaira's father) and Zeckram Bael declared that if Phenex didn't retract the insult, they would go to war.
Within hours, Darius, Clara, Andrew, and Zeckram personally traveled to the Phenex manor.
No one knew what was said in that meeting, only that afterward —
The Lord of the Phenex Clan emerged pale and trembling, and Riser was confined to his estate under strict family supervision.
The Aftermath
The situation worsened when Elina Phenex, Ravel's mother and the former wife of the Phenex Lord, officially severed ties with the Phenex Clan.
She publicly declared:
"From this day forward, I stand with the House of Valvas. My daughter will not be used as a bargaining chip by fools."
The Underworld was left in shock. The Valvas Clan's influence skyrocketed, their alliance with Elina Phenex giving them political dominance.
The Calm Before the Game
As the Rating Game date was set, Roy stood in the training arena surrounded by both his peerages.
"This isn't just a battle," Roy said calmly, his crimson eyes burning with quiet fury. "It's a lesson — for those who think loyalty, honor, and love can be traded for pride."
Scáthach smiled faintly.
"Then let's teach them, my king."
Lavania Reni, Kuroka, Koneko, and the others stood ready — loyal and fierce.
The upcoming Rating Game would not just be a fight... it would be a declaration.
Roy Valvas would show the Underworld that the true power of a Devil isn't born of arrogance — it's forged through bonds.