DXD: The Awakening Of Phenex

Riser stood on the deck of the Going Merry, observing Sanji, Zoro, and Luffy, who sat on the floor with expressions of confusion and irritation. The clear sky and gentle sea breeze contrasted sharply with the palpable tension among the crew.

"Stand up. The weight increase isn't that significant," Riser said, his voice calm yet authoritative. "You need to get used to it. I've made a small adjustment to each of your bodies." Crossing his arms, he continued, "Now, act normally, because this is just the beginning. Next time I call you, we'll train specific skills."

Sanji attempted to rise but fell to his knees, breathing heavily. "What did you do to us, you lunatic? It feels like I'm carrying an elephant on my back!"

Zoro grunted, making a colossal effort to stand. His legs trembled under the added weight. "Is this some kind of sorcery? Are you trying to kill us before we even start training?"

Luffy, still seated, looked at Riser with his characteristic mix of determination and curiosity. "This is amazing! I feel heavier, but at the same time... stronger. Is that what you intended, Riser?"

Riser smiled slightly but didn't respond immediately. He took a few steps across the deck, his boots making firm sounds against the wood, before turning back to the group.

"What I did was temporarily intensify your body's gravity," he explained in a nearly didactic tone. "This magic increases the weight you feel, but only your bodies are affected. The ship, the furniture, nothing else will sense this change. The goal is simple: to force your muscles and bones to adapt to a greater load. When the spell is lifted, you'll be considerably stronger."

Sanji stood up with effort, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his arm. "And you couldn't have warned us beforehand? This isn't exactly something you spring on someone unprepared."

Zoro finally managed to stand, crossing his arms and looking at Riser with suspicion. "And how do we know this will work?"

Riser shrugged, his smile becoming a bit more enigmatic. "You won't know until you feel the results. But I can assure you this method is effective. Now, stop complaining and use this as an opportunity to surpass your limits."

Luffy, ever the optimist, finally got to his feet, swinging his arms to test the additional weight. "This is awesome! Let's start the specific skills training. I want to learn something incredible!"

Riser shook his head, almost laughing at Luffy's enthusiasm. "Not so fast, Captain. First, you need to adapt to this new state. Walk around the ship, do your daily tasks. When I see you're ready, we'll begin the next level."

Sanji sighed, heading toward the kitchen with heavy steps. "If I break something because of this, you're paying for it, Riser."

Zoro began walking toward the mast, his determination already overcoming the discomfort. "This won't stop me. I'll use this to become even stronger."

Luffy ran to the ship's edge, his body moving with visible effort, but his energy seemed unwavering. "I'm going to be the King of the Pirates, and nothing can stop me!"

Meanwhile, Usopp, watching from a corner, muttered to himself, "I'm definitely not getting involved in this. It's insane!"

Nami, for her part, remained focused on navigating.

...

Time passed, and among them, Luffy was the first to adapt to Riser's gravity magic.

After observing Luffy's progress, Riser approached him on deck. The Straw Hat captain was panting, but a determined gleam shone in his eyes.

"Well done, Captain," Riser said, raising a hand and murmuring something softly. A faint glow surrounded Luffy as the spell was lifted.

Luffy immediately felt the extra weight vanish from his body. He jumped into the air, spinning joyfully. "This is incredible! I feel light as a feather!"

Riser crossed his arms, an enigmatic smile on his face. "Now, let's see if you can use what you've learned. Try the 'Soru.' It's a technique that requires speed and strength. Just focus all your energy into your feet and push off the ground with maximum force."

Luffy's eyes widened with excitement. "Soru? That sounds so cool! I'll try it now!"

He planted his feet firmly on the ground, concentrating his energy, recalling Riser's instructions. With an enthusiastic shout, he gave a powerful push.

WHOOSH!

Luffy disappeared in a blur, but his lack of control resulted in a disastrous move. He lost balance and collided violently with the side of the mast.

BANG!

"Ahhh!" Luffy cried out, sliding to the floor with a muffled thud.

Sanji and Zoro, nearby, burst into laughter. "Well done, Captain! You're a real genius!" Zoro said sarcastically, while Sanji clutched his stomach, laughing.

Riser, however, remained serious, his eyes fixed on Luffy. He walked over, helping him up. "You managed to grasp the basic principle of Soru in just a few hours. That's impressive."

Rubbing his head, Luffy looked at Riser with a wide grin. "Really? So that means I'm on the right track!"

Riser nodded slowly. "You're more talented than I thought, Luffy. Perhaps you don't need much more than guidance. Show me what else you can do."

Standing with renewed enthusiasm, Luffy said, "Then get ready! I'll show you something I invented myself."

He took a few steps back, stretching his arms, a confident smile lighting up his face. Suddenly, his body began to emit steam, his skin taking on a reddish hue. His muscles tensed as if being stimulated from within.

"Gear Second!" Luffy announced, his voice filled with determination.

The deck trembled beneath his feet as he vanished in a movement so swift that Zoro and Sanji couldn't follow. He reappeared behind the mast, delivering a punch that caused a powerful shockwave in the surrounding air.

BOOM!

Riser watched intently, surprised by Luffy's emerging ability, something he knew, in the original timeline, would only be possible later.

Breathing heavily but with a triumphant smile, Luffy turned to Riser. "This is what I call Gear Second! With this, I'll defeat anyone who crosses my path!"

Riser walked calmly to the ship's bow, turning to Luffy with a casual smile. "Well done, Captain. Despite your chaotic approach, you learn quickly. That's admirable."

He then looked at Zoro and Sanji, who were silent after witnessing Luffy's demonstration. "And you two? How much longer do you plan to take to master the basics? Perhaps you need a special course... or are you saving yourselves for a contest of who takes longer to learn?"

Zoro narrowed his eyes, clearly irritated. "I'll master that technique before you know it, Riser. Don't underestimate a swordsman. In fact, I'll learn Rankyaku before Sanji even dreams of mastering Geppō."

Sanji lit a cigarette, calmly exhaling smoke before responding, "You don't stand a chance, marimo. I'll be the first to master my technique. And when that happens, I'll show you how to fight with style."

Zoro smiled defiantly. "We'll see, moss-head. Maybe you need some lessons before that."

Sanji stepped forward, pointing a finger at Zoro. "Don't worry, moss-for-brains. Once I master Geppō, you'll be so slow you won't even notice."

Riser chuckled softly, observing their competitive exchange. "It seems we have a fierce contest here. This could be interesting. Let's see who's more determined. I expect great results from both of you."

As the two continued their banter, Luffy shouted excitedly, "See, guys? I'm amazing!"

In unison, Sanji and Zoro told Luffy to shut up. The captain just laughed, unfazed.

Riser then walked past Usopp, who was standing at a safe distance, watching everything with a wary look, and approached Nami, who was seated, checking the maps.

"When will we arrive in Loguetown?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.

Nami looked at him, calculating quickly. "Tomorrow. If we maintain this pace, we'll arrive just at dawn."

Riser nodded, satisfied with the answer, and turned to gaze at the horizon as the sun began to set over the tranquil sea.

To read 15 chapters ahead, go to

pat reon.com/22Mirko22