Chapter 17: XXI - XXIII: The Downfall of a Phoenix
21
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STATUS
Name: Kazuki Tanaka Level: 70
Job: The Monarch of Shadows Fatigue: 0
Title: Wolf Slayer Age: 17 HP:23,000 MP: 8150
❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅
Strength: 328 Vitality: 216
Agility: 271 Intelligence: 205
Remaining Points: 0
Kazuki spends even more time killing the demons. It got to the point where he was completely surrounded by them. With the help of his shadows, the demons were all taken care of. The only one that was left was the boss.
"Are you surprised? Our strength is unmatched," Kazuki stated. Looking at the expression of the floor boss he could not help but smirk.
"It's over for you."
Using his daggers, Kazuki sliced the face of the boss. "This has been fun."
"But it's time for it to end."
[You have defeated the guide of souls, Metus.]
[Demon souls sealed in metus' pendant has been discovered.]
[Your level has risen by 2]
"Metus also dropped a set piece as expected."
"One more set item piece left. That means there is another boss-grade monster...but."
[Collected demon souls: 10,001/10,000]
"The quest is already completed."
[Normal quest: Collect demon souls (Part 1) has been completed.]
[You can receive the following rewards.]
1. Item of your choosing
2. Bonus stats +20
3. Hidden reward
"Accept reward 1."
[Reward 1: You can choose any item. Please choose an item.]
"I can choose any weapon prices in the billions. But I also get items by doing quests and dungeons so..."
"Cursed random box."
Name: ???
Item Class: ???
Type: ???
"I wonder what this could be used for..." Kazuki puts the key into his inventory.
"Accept reward 2."
[You received bonus stats +20.]
[Stat points: 40]
"I'll put all the points into intelligence."
[Intelligence: 245]
"And lastly, accept reward 3."
"Yet another item I probably won't use."
[You will now be exiting the dungeon in 3...2...1]
Time Skip
Kazuki's POV
Some time has past since I used the dungeon key. Asia and I went to go see the devils put they were not at the Occult Research Club. We figured that they were currently fighting Riser in the rating game, and that was the case. And that brings us the present, or should I say this very moment in time. Grayfia, it was Grayfia. She visited us via a magic circle.
Third Person POV
"My visit may come as a surprise but I assure you I've hadn't come without a good reason. A rating game was held between Lord Riser and Lady Gremory. The match was in Lord Riser's favor, in the end he was the victor," Grayfia stated. "Damn, so all that training was for nothing?" Kazuki questioned.
"Not exactly," Grayfia hands the two a paper.
"What is this?" Asia questioned. "This will allow you to go to the underworld. Lady Rias and Lord Riser are having their engagement party today. Sirzechs, Rias' brother has given Kazuki to option to stop the engagement if he so wishes. The option is up to you. If you decline, Issei will be the one that will attempt to stop it. Although, Sirzechs would much rather see you in action than the Red Dragon Emperor. Asia can come but she would have to be a bystander, watching as it all happens.
Kazuki nods. "Okay, I understand. I'll be there."
"Farewell," Grayfia says. He looks at the paper he was given again. "Oh, I am so ready for this." The papers started to glow red and they were shortly transported to the place of the engagement. Kazuki and Asia were in front of two huge doors. They both enter, now being stared at by all of the devils present.
"This is not happening, not on my watch," Kazuki confidently stated. "Kazuki, Asia? What are you guys doing here?" Rias questioned. "How dare you!" Riser says angrily. "Seize them!" All of his guards surrounded the two. "So how about it guys? Should we help out?" Kiba says. "Yeah, let's do this." Koneko said. Kiba used an ice sword to take out a number of the guards while Koneko used her raw strength. Akeno used her elemental magic abilities to electrocute the guards.
"What is the meaning of this?" A devil questioned. "Lord Riser, is this your doing?" Another questioned. "Is that a human? How did he get here?"
"It's just some little entertainment I prepared." Kazuki sees a red-haired man with gray and gold armor.
"You must be Sirzechs." "My brothers here?" Rias says surprised. "You are correct, Mr. Kazuki."
"What exactly do you mean by 'entertainment?'" Riser questions. "I watched the game, Riser. And honestly I was underwhelmed by you. My sister lacks your gaming experience and yet, against your considerably larger forces, she nearly had you beat."
"It's the final result that counts, my lord." Riser stated. "In the past. But the games don't mean what they used to. Besides, Riser you were nearly brought to your knees by a first time competitor. I can't imagine your family's proud of the way you performed. I think you should be given another chance. Besides we don't have a celebration like this every day. This party could use some flair I think." Sirzechs now focused his attention on Kazuki.
"You there, they say you posses the power to resurrect beings from the dead and make them fight by your side. You also don't posses any sacred gears. And to top it all off, you are a human. I for one would like to see what you are made of which is why I had Grayfia bring you here this evening."
"I see, so you want to fight." Riser says looking at Kazuki. "Say, what would you like to be called? Do you have a title?" Sirzechs questioned. Kazuki thought for a moment. "Yeah, I do have a title. I am the Monarch of Shadows, Kazuki Tanaka."
"Very well. The Monarch of Shadows vs The Phoenix. I believe our guests would enjoy a head-to-head match-up between two powers such as yours."
"An excellent Idea, my Lord. I will be more than happy to oblige you," stated Riser. "How about you, Shadow Monarch? There are many here that wish to see your abilities. Would you be kind enough to show us what you're capable of?" Sirzechs says.
"Oh you have no idea how ready I am."
"So tell me, Shadow Monarch. What would you like as a reward?" Sirzechs asked. "You can't be serious, a reward for a human?" A devil says. "Human or not he'll get his prize. I'm the one that's requested this of him. I must give him compensation for his trouble. What would you like to receive? A title? Or perhaps a woman of great beauty? Ask, and if you win, I shall receive."
"The first two things you listed, I already have. Now, if I win this battle, Rias Gremory will not be forced into this engagement." Kazuki confidently stated.
"Good, now let's get started," Sirzechs says. Kazuki and Riser were both transported to the battlegrounds. "You sure are cocky for a lowly human." Riser stated. "Come, boy. Fight me!"
From his back, Riser grew a pair a fire wings. He flew at Kazuki, aiming to finish the fight as quickly as possible. Kazuki did the same, he summoned his fallen angel wings. "What?!" Riser yelled in surprise. "Don't act surprised, this was over before it even began!"
An ominous black and blue surrounded the Shadow Monarch's wings, changing them into something different.
22
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STATUS
Name: Kazuki Tanaka Level: 72
Job: The Monarch of Shadows Fatigue: 0
Title: Wolf Slayer Age: 17 HP:23,000 MP: 8650
❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅
Strength: 328 Vitality: 216
Agility: 271 Intelligence: 245
Remaining Points: 0
"Balak, come out," Kazuki commanded. Riser watches as one of Kazuki shadows forms right in front of him. "Do you think your pets will hurt Riser?" Riser says. "Who are you calling a pet?" Balak questioned.
The demonkin blitzed for the devil, now right in front of his face. "I will not take this level of disrespect," Balak stated. He reeled his arm back and sent a devastating punch the to the Riser's gut. Riser doubled over, clutching his stomach in agony. This was more than just an act of aggression to Balak; it was a symbol of his authority, a display of power that could not be ignored. In one swift move, Balak had sent a message that he would not tolerate any disrespect.
Kazuki uses 'Quicksilver' to reach the two. With Rasaka's Venom Fang, he stabs Riser. Riser crumples to the ground and Kazuki faces Balak, "Stay back for now." The demonkin Balak nods and backs away.
Kazuki turns around and looks at the downed Riser. The devil slowly got to his feet, clutching his stomach that was just stabbed. "What is this feeling?" Riser questioned. "It is poison, and it is slowly killing you," Kazuki stated. The realization struck Riser like a ton of bricks and his face paled as the reality sunk in. Riser felt to poison spread to his veins and he crumbled to the ground, his legs no longer able to carry his weight. Panic coursed through Riser's veins as he grasped the severity of Kazuki's words.
"You can surrender now and I'll get you a healing potion. Or you can suffer in the last moments of your life." In an instant, Riser knew that his options were limited. He then started to laugh, confusing Kazuki. "What the hell is so funny?" He questioned. "It seems you don't exactly know who I am," Riser says.
"I could not care less who you are," Kazuki answered. Riser stayed quiet for a moment. Kazuki watches as his face went from a grin to one of confusion and terror. "Why...why am I not healing?" He questioned. Kazuki smirks. "You didn't tell me you could heal yourself, that's not very fair. If you're questioning why you aren't healing than it only means one thing. You heal from physical damage, and the poison is internal," Kazuki explained.
Kazuki's explanation was met with silence. The realization of what was being said sunk in slowly for Riser, a feeling of dread gripping him as he realized how much trouble he was really in. Understanding that his current predicament was a result of internal suffering, Riser now had to face the challenge of healing from his emotional wounds. He was being made a fool by a mere human and he dispised Kazuki for that.
"You forced me to do this," Riser stated. "What exactly does that mean?" Kazuki questioned. From his pocket, he grabbed a small fancy bottle. "These are phoenix tears, if my healing doesn't work I can always drink this."
He opens the bottle and drinks it. Riser starts to laugh in the face of Kazuki. "This will be your downfall!" He stated.
23
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STATUS
Name: Kazuki Tanaka Level: 72
Job: The Monarch of Shadows Fatigue: 0
Title: Wolf Slayer Age: 17 HP:23,000 MP: 8650
❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅
Strength: 328 Vitality: 216
Agility: 271 Intelligence: 245
Remaining Points: 0
Kazuki scoffed. "My downfall? Think again! Shadows come out!" The surrounding area was filled with dark shadow-like figures. "You are outmatched. And you already used your little healing potion. Just give up now!"
Riser looked at the figures surrounding Kazuki. "Sirzechs surely this cannot be allowed! This is cheating!"
"No, it is part of his abilities so it is allowed," Sirzechs voice called out. "What? This is not fair!" Riser yelled. "Riser will not stand for this!"
"Igris, Freed, Viser, Balak attack now!" Kazuki yells. "Yes! This is what I've been waiting for! DIE DIE DIE!!" Balak yells. Viser swung her mace at the phoenix. He caught the weapon with his hand but was shot by Freed.
"This is not happening!" Riser yelled. "Riser will not be humiliated like this!" Balak appeared in front of Riser with a fist reeled back. And just as fast as he appeared he punches a hole through Riser. The phoenix yelled out in agonizing pain.
As Riser was distracted Kazuki took this as his chance to equip the soultaker. Using his new axe he amputates Riser's left arm.
The phoenix screamed in pain as he fell to the ground.
"No! This can't be happening!" Riser yelled. "I won't let you win!" He tried to stand up but was too weak.
"It's over Riser," Kazuki said. "You have lost."
Riser looked up at Kazuk. "No, it is not over for me," Riser says. Flames cover where his left arm once was. Once dissipated, a new arm was revealed.
"No matter how much damage I take from you, I will heal!" Riser shouted. "I am a phoenix nobleman. The flame of the immortal bird burns within me! The hellfire of my clan will scorch you to dust!"
Riser rushed in, now covered in a fiery aura resembling a phoenix. Kazuki does the same, being covered in his shadow aura. Their fists collided causing a shockwave to be sent around the arena.
HP: 21,378/23,000
"Damn, maybe going against hellfire wasn't the best idea," Kazuki says. And then it hit him. "Hellfire! Cerberus attack now! And don't hold back!" The Shadow Monarch commanded.
A fierce roar came from the hellhound. Running at maximum speed it pounced on Riser. Not holding anything back it began to tear him piece by piece. Opening all three mouths of all three heads it released hellfire upon the phoenix.
You would think that a fire-based attack on a fire-based being wouldn't do much damage. But this was a different case, this hellfire was made by Cerberus itself. The father of all hellhounds.
What was left was a being that was burnt to a crisp. Kazuki watches as Riser's body heals itself. The only difference was the healing was taking longer.
"Alright, I'm bored. It's time to end this," Kazuki announced. He summons a spear of light and pierces Riser's chest.
Riser yelled in agony as he was no longer able to fight. "This fight is hereby over. The Shadow Monarch Kazuki is the winner!" Sirzechs says. "Shadows, return to me."
The arena shatters, and Kazuki and Riser return. "Congratulations on your win, Kazuki," Sirzechs says. "Hmph, it was a waste of time. Now I want to return home."
Rias walked over to Kazuki, thanking him for saving her. "You're very welcome. Now let us leave this place."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone