DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Arlong Park

With Merlin's departure, Riser turned his attention to Nojiko, observing her for a moment before gesturing for her to follow. They began walking toward the village, their footsteps echoing lightly on the silent trail.

In the village, many citizens were busy organizing a grand celebration. The atmosphere buzzed with activity as villagers decorated the streets and prepared tables for the festivity. A renewed sense of hope filled the air now that Arlong's oppressive reign had ended.

However, not everyone seemed fully immersed in the festive spirit. Nami was visibly uneasy, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for her sister.

She couldn't shake the anxiety knotting her chest ever since she had left Nojiko at Arlong Park to ensure Arlong's threat was neutralized.

"Where is she?" Nami murmured to herself, her eyes filled with worry as she watched the hustle and bustle around her. She had expected Nojiko to have returned by now, and her absence was only amplifying her fears.

Suddenly, Nami spotted Riser walking toward the village, accompanied by Nojiko. Her heart leapt with relief, and she ran to them, tears welling in her eyes.

"Nojiko!" Nami called out, her voice trembling with emotion.

Nojiko looked up, spotting her sister running toward her. A soft smile formed on her lips, and she opened her arms to embrace Nami. "I'm okay, Nami," Nojiko said, hugging her tightly. "It's over. Arlong is no longer a threat."

Nami held her sister close for a moment, as if needing to confirm that she was truly there. Finally, she pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting Nojiko's.

"You shouldn't have stayed behind alone. I was so worried!" Nami said, her voice shaking.

Nojiko gently caressed her sister's face and nodded. "I know, Nami. But I had to. We needed to be sure that Arlong wouldn't come back to haunt us. And now, thanks to Riser, everything is resolved."

Nami turned to Riser, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and hesitation. "Thank you, Riser. You brought my sister back safe and sound, as you promised."

Riser maintained his calm expression, nodding slightly. "I didn't do it for recognition, but it's good to see everything turned out well." He then turned to Nojiko, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Go and enjoy yourself with your sister, Nojiko. You both deserve it."

Nojiko smiled at Riser, her face showing a mix of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Riser," she replied before turning back to Nami. The two sisters embraced again before walking together toward the celebration.

At the center of the village, the festivities were in full swing. Sanji, ever diligent, was busy in an improvised kitchen, preparing various dishes for the feast. He chopped vegetables masterfully while tending to bubbling pots over the fire. Occasionally, his gaze drifted to the crowd, searching for Nami among the people.

"Ah, Nami-swan... This party is dedicated to you! I'll make the best banquet you've ever tasted!" Sanji murmured, his voice brimming with passion and dedication.

Meanwhile, Zoro leaned against one of the more secluded tables, already holding a bottle of sake in his hand. He took long sips, seemingly indifferent to the commotion around him. His gaze scanned the scene with his typical calmness as he enjoyed his drink and kept a discreet watch over everything.

"Finally, something worthwhile after all that chaos," Zoro muttered to himself, glancing at the bottle with satisfaction.

In the heart of the village, Luffy and Usopp were already in the middle of an improvised dance floor, laughing and having fun. Luffy, with his characteristic enthusiasm, spun Usopp around as they both laughed loudly, drawing everyone's attention. Their clumsy moves were endearing, and no one seemed to mind; the joy was infectious.

"Come on, Usopp! Let's dance until we drop!" Luffy shouted, his voice echoing amidst the villagers' laughter. Usopp, trying to keep up with Luffy, nearly tripped but laughed nonetheless, caught up in the captain's energy.

"Luffy, I'm a great dancer! Just follow my lead and don't trip me up!" Usopp joked, trying to maintain composure as he let himself be swept up in the excitement.

Nami and Nojiko made their way to one of the tables, where they were warmly welcomed by the villagers. Genzo approached them, a genuine smile on his face.

"You two are the village's heroes today. Without you, and without the help of your friends, we would still be under Arlong's tyranny," Genzo said, his voice filled with emotion. "Today marks the beginning of a new life for all of us."

Nami smiled at Genzo, her eyes still shimmering with tears. "Yes, Genzo. It's the end of a nightmare and the start of a new future."

While Nojiko joined the conversation, sharing laughs with the villagers, Riser stood at a distance, watching the interaction between the sisters and the other villagers.

He knew that, despite the momentary relief, his role there was far from altruistic. The night would be one of celebration for them, but for Riser, it was merely the beginning of a new phase in his plans.

...

Syrup Village

Merlin materialized in Syrup Village, appearing first on the deserted beach.

FWOOOSH!

A magical circle glowed brightly beneath her feet, illuminating the sand with a bluish hue and creating an impressive display of power. The beach was tranquil, the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore as Merlin's figure took form with an ethereal glow. Her expression was serene, her eyes scanning the vast horizon as if to grasp the essence of the place.

Merlin closed her eyes briefly, inhaling deeply to take in the sea breeze. Then, she vanished, reappearing in the sky above the village's mountains.

Kaya, looking out her mansion window, noticed something unusual in the sky. Her eyes widened, and she covered her mouth in shock as she saw someone literally floating toward her.

"Who... who is that?" Kaya murmured, her eyes still wide as she watched the figure descending gracefully toward the window.

Merlin descended with supernatural grace, her robes billowing slightly as if gravity held no sway over her. Approaching the window, she stopped mid-air, hovering just outside the mansion.

"Greetings, young Kaya," Merlin said, her voice calm and soothing yet distinctly audible despite the distance. "Do not be afraid. I come on behalf of Riser-sama. There is something important to discuss with you."

Kaya blinked, struggling to process the surreal sight before her. Her gaze shifted between the floating figure and the mansion interior, as if seeking confirmation that she wasn't dreaming.

"Riser-sama...? What... what does he want with me?"

Merlin smiled faintly, her eyes meeting Kaya's with an almost hypnotic calm. "Everything will be explained soon. Would you like to talk somewhere more comfortable?"

Kaya hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded, opening the window with trembling hands. Merlin floated into the mansion, her feet touching the ground softly, her presence filling the room with a peculiar, almost mystical tranquility.

Kaya stepped back slightly, still trying to make sense of it all, but something in Merlin's voice seemed to calm her, as though she was facing something both inevitable and fascinating. She didn't know what to expect, but she knew that from this moment on, her life would never be the same.

Merlin looked around, noticing the details of the mansion. The walls, adorned with paintings reflecting a prosperous era, contrasted with the frailty emanating from Kaya. Merlin observed the young woman closely, noting the weariness hidden behind her eyes and the slight tremor in her hands. She could tell Kaya's health was fragile, evident in the pale tone of her skin.

"You are not well, Kaya," Merlin stated, her voice soft but laden with an undeniable certainty. "I can see the burden you carry. Your health is frail, and that's what I want to address first."

Kaya, surprised, lowered her gaze, trying to hide the weakness she had been feeling for so long. She knew she was ill, but hearing it from a stranger felt like a harsh dose of reality. "I... I've been sick for some time," she admitted, her voice weak, almost resigned. "The doctors say my body is fragile, that there's not much they can do."

Merlin stepped closer, her expression remaining serene. "You are right to say your body is fragile, but there are ways to transform that frailty. Riser-sama sent me to offer you a new perspective on life. I want you to experience an adventure far beyond the walls of this mansion, beyond the limitations you've known until now."

Kaya looked at Merlin, a mix of hope and distrust growing inside her. "Adventure...? How can I talk about adventures when I can't even walk through the gardens without feeling exhausted?"

Merlin extended her hand, revealing a small vial containing a deep red liquid that seemed to pulse lightly, as if alive. The ethereal glow surrounding the vial was mesmerizing, and Merlin watched Kaya with eyes that seemed to read her soul. "This is an elixir that will change your life forever. It holds a special power capable of transforming your condition and offering a new beginning, free from the frailty that binds you."

Kaya frowned, her gaze shifting between the vial and Merlin. "Why should I trust you? I've been betrayed before, and I know miraculous promises usually come with a price far too high to pay."

Merlin kept the vial suspended, her eyes still fixed on Kaya's. Her voice, however, took on a deeper tone, charged with an almost hypnotic authority. "I understand your concerns, Kaya. I know the fear of betrayal weighs heavily on your heart. But know that what I am offering is an opportunity to break free from the chains of the past and your suffering. Riser-sama does not send empty promises. This power is yours by right, and all you need to do is accept it."

Kaya hesitated, her mind waging a battle between fear and hope. Something in Merlin's voice seemed to calm her doubts, filling the room with a sense of inevitability. She knew she couldn't go on living like this, and if this was a real chance for change, she couldn't simply ignore it.

With trembling hands, Kaya took the vial from Merlin's hand. She stared at the red liquid for a long moment, then, with a deep breath, brought the vial to her lips. The liquid went down her throat like fire, burning every inch of her body as it flowed. Kaya almost wanted to stop, but Merlin's voice, gentle and reassuring, kept her focused.

"Keep going, Kaya. You're setting yourself free."

Kaya closed her eyes and drank every last drop, feeling the overwhelming heat spread through her body, burning like a flame that seemed to consume her weaknesses. Her muscles tensed, and she felt a new energy, something she had never experienced before. The pain gave way to a sense of strength, as though every cell in her body was being renewed.

When Kaya opened her eyes, they were slightly different — a subtle but undeniable glow filled her irises. Merlin smiled faintly, pleased to see the transformation begin to show its first signs.

"Now, young Kaya," Merlin said, her voice almost a whisper that echoed throughout the room, "your journey has only just begun. Tomorrow, you will be taken to a place where you'll learn to control this new power, where you'll understand what it means to be free and powerful. For now, rest. Your new life awaits you."

Kaya, still processing everything, nodded slowly, feeling a pleasant exhaustion as though she had finally been freed from the weight that bound her. She knew something inside her had changed, and for the first time in a long while, she felt that the future held real possibilities, not just limitations.

Merlin watched as Kaya settled in, preparing to rest. The magic had been done, and now the young woman was ready to follow a new path, one that Riser had deliberately chosen for her.

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