DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

In the heart of the Calm Belt, Amazon Lily, the Island of Women, rose majestically above the tranquil waters. Its dense tropical vegetation served as a haven for the Kuja warriors. In a secluded area of the island, far from the palace and villages, tranquility reigned—a place of tall trees and sunlit clearings, perfect for meetings away from prying eyes.

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A glowing magic circle began to form in a hidden clearing, its bluish light contrasting with the vibrant green surroundings. The leaves of the trees swayed gently with the wind generated by the magical energy, and the characteristic sound of teleportation echoed through the forest.

FWOOOSH!

Merlin appeared at the center of the circle, her robes fluttering slightly with the dissipation of magical energy. Beside her, Nojiko and Kaya, still adjusting to the experience, looked around with curiosity and a hint of apprehension. The forest's silence enveloped them like a blanket, broken only by the distant song of birds.

"Stay close to me. We don't want to attract unwanted attention," Merlin said, her voice soft yet authoritative.

WHISPER...

The mage raised her right hand, tracing runes in the air with her fingers while murmuring words in an ancient magical language. A bluish light began to emanate from her fingertips, enveloping Nojiko and Kaya like an ethereal mist. They watched in fascination, feeling the magical energy surrounding their bodies.

FWISH!

Suddenly, their bodies began to gradually disappear, as if being erased from the world. In their place, only the emptiness of the forest remained.

"Done. We are now completely invisible to human eyes," Merlin stated, a slight smile forming on her lips. "This magic also masks our scent and sound, so even the keenest senses won't detect us."

"This is incredible," Nojiko said, her voice full of admiration. "It's like I've completely vanished."

"It's not just 'like' you have," Merlin replied with a touch of humor. "You have literally vanished. Now let's move carefully. There's something I need to check."

She began to float in the air, gaining altitude while keeping Nojiko and Kaya invisible in the clearing. The trees diminished beneath her perspective, and the vast landscape of Amazon Lily unfolded before her eyes.

Merlin hovered in the air, her keen eyes scanning the horizon. In the distance, on the island's coast, a large ship with sails decorated with a heart symbol and imposing serpents anchored gracefully. It was unmistakable—the ship of the pirate empress, Boa Hancock.

Merlin descended gently to the clearing's ground, her feet touching the grass without a sound. The magical mist around her, Nojiko, and Kaya remained intact, ensuring they stayed undetectable.

"Now, to the empress's palace," Merlin said, her voice low but filled with determination.

"To the palace? Do you think it's safe?" Kaya asked, concern in her tone.

"Safe or not, it's necessary," Merlin replied. "Hancock is crucial to Riser-sama's plans. We need to secure her cooperation."

Merlin traced more runes in the air, and another magic circle formed beneath their feet. A pulsating energy filled the environment, and the characteristic sound of teleportation echoed once more.

FWOOOSH!

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Boa Hancock's Palace - Throne Room

In the palace's throne room, Boa Hancock sat on her imposing chair, a throne adorned with serpent motifs. Her posture was elegant and powerful, her head slightly tilted back, displaying an unwavering air of superiority. Her sisters, Marigold and Sandersonia, stood beside her, discussing the latest reports from their tribe.

"The weapons stocks are low, Hancock-sama," Marigold said seriously. "We need to organize more trips to neighboring seas to replenish them."

Sandersonia agreed. "Additionally, there are rumors of Marine ships patrolling the Calm Belt. We must be cautious when leaving the island."

Hancock nodded slightly, showing little concern. "The Marines have never been a real threat to me. They wouldn't dare invade my island."

Suddenly, an unusual energy filled the room, and the sisters felt the air around them change. Before they could react, a female figure emerged in the center of the room, enveloped in a magical glow.

FWOOOSH!

Merlin appeared, her presence radiant and imposing, as if the very air around her obeyed her will. The glow surrounding her slowly faded, revealing her calm and serene figure. She dispelled the invisibility magic concealing her but kept Nojiko and Kaya hidden, strategically positioned out of sight.

Boa Hancock's eyes widened briefly, surprised by the sudden entrance. Her expression quickly returned to normal, but a glint of caution remained in her eyes.

"Who dares to invade my palace without permission?" Hancock's voice was cold and authoritative.

Marigold and Sandersonia immediately raised their weapons, assuming defensive positions beside Hancock. The snakes adorning their bodies hissed aggressively, reflecting their owners' alertness.

Merlin stood still in the center of the throne room, calmly observing the Boa sisters' reaction. Her serene gaze contrasted with the growing tension in the environment. Boa Hancock's words were cold and authoritative, but the mage showed no sign of concern.

"I am Merlin," she said, her voice firm yet tranquil, echoing through the room. "And, Boa Hancock, you should be grateful for my presence here. If I am here, it's because I have something of extreme value to offer. Do not interrupt with insignificant questions."

Hancock raised an eyebrow, incredulous at the audacity of the woman before her. Her rigid posture displayed growing indignation, while her eyes gleamed with anger.

"Grateful? Who do you think you are to enter my palace uninvited and demand gratitude?" Hancock's voice was sharp, filled with disdain. "I am Boa Hancock, the pirate empress, and no one gives me orders or speaks to me in that manner!"

Marigold and Sandersonia roared with fury, swiftly moving toward Merlin. Both attacked in unison, their weapons gleaming under the room's light. The snakes adorning their bodies advanced ferociously, ready to crush the intruder.

Merlin stepped forward, calmly raising a hand, a slight smile forming on her lips. Her words emerged as an absolute command, laden with power.

"Perfect Cube."

Immediately, a translucent purple cube materialized around Marigold and Sandersonia. The space within the cube seemed distorted, as if reality had been sealed there. The sisters tried to advance, but their weapons and snakes struck the magical walls with a hollow, ineffective sound. They were trapped, completely isolated from the rest of the room.

Marigold struck the cube's wall forcefully, but the impact was futile. "What is this? Release us immediately!" she roared, her words laden with frustration.

Sandersonia attempted to break the barrier with her immense strength, but her expression shifted from determination to despair upon realizing the cube wouldn't yield. "Hancock-sama, she's using magic! This isn't normal!"

Hancock rose from her throne, her expression frozen in a mix of fury and shock. Despite her usual pride and confidence, she sensed that Merlin was no ordinary adversary.

Merlin turned to Boa Hancock, completely ignoring Marigold and Sandersonia's escape attempts. Her eyes gleamed with a blend of authority and confidence.

"These walls are absolute," Merlin said, her voice as calm as it was cutting. "No matter how hard they try, nothing can penetrate them without my consent. And you, Boa Hancock, should be grateful I came to you personally. I don't usually offer second chances."

Hancock clenched her fists, her anger intensifying. "You think you can enter my palace, imprison my sisters, and give me orders? I am one of the Shichibukai, and no one dares challenge me!"

Merlin merely smiled, taking another step forward. The cube surrounding the sisters began to glow faintly, a silent reminder of her absolute control over the situation.

"Boa Hancock, don't mistake your position for true authority," Merlin said, each word imbued with cold power. "I am here on behalf of Riser-sama, and he believes you will be a valuable ally. But if your arrogance outweighs your wisdom, perhaps you don't deserve this opportunity."

Hancock hesitated for a moment, her eyes fixed on Merlin. Despite her anger, she sensed that the woman before her was not someone to be underestimated. Even so, her fury and pride wouldn't allow her to back down so easily.

"If you have something to say, say it now," Hancock said, her tone still laden with authority. "But know that if this is a trick, you won't get a second chance."

Merlin smiled again, satisfied to have at least temporarily captured Hancock's attention. The cube surrounding Marigold and Sandersonia remained intact, a constant reminder of her superiority.

"Excellent," Merlin said. "Let's discuss the terms of your cooperation. Riser-sama doesn't tolerate refusals, and neither do I."

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