Well, well, well. It seems like fate has a funny way of playing tricks on us all. One moment, everything is going according to plan - I was set to marry Rias Gremory and solidify my place as the future head of the Phenex clan. But then along came Issei Hyoudou, that lowly Dragon who dared to challenge me for what he thought was rightfully his.
I'll admit, at first I didn't take him seriously. How could someone like him possibly stand a chance against me? The great and powerful Riser Phenex, with my Phoenix powers and immortal status. But oh how wrong I was.
Issei defeated me in battle, humiliating me in front of everyone we knew. My pride shattered into a million pieces as I realized that maybe there was more to this boy than met the eye. And just like that, my arranged wedding with Rias crumbled before my very eyes.
The days following that defeat were some of the darkest moments of my life. The fear instilled in me by Issei's power lingered long after our battle had ended - a fear so deep it made even thinking about Dragons unbearable.
But as time passed and wounds healed (both physical and emotional), something unexpected happened within me. A transformation took place - not just physically but mentally as well.
I found myself becoming more noble, matured and respectful towards others around me; no longer did I feel the need to flaunt my status or belittle those beneath me for their mistakes because now I understood true strength comes from within rather than through arrogance alone!
And you know what? Despite everything that happened between us back then... if given another chance today.. would have cancelled our engagement immediately!