Kael stood before an ancient portrait in the Gremory estate's private archive, a long-forgotten room thick with dust and quiet power. The man in the painting bore striking features—sharp red hair, noble stance, and eyes that mirrored Rias's. But it wasn't him that Kael focused on.
It was the man standing beside him.
Dressed in formal armor, black and silver, a proud insignia etched into the chestplate—an unfamiliar crest to most, but not to Kael.
House Vaelion.
His original body's lineage. A house that once served the Gremory with absolute loyalty. Warriors. Mages. Protectors of noble bloodlines. Long ago, an agreement had been struck—should House Vaelion ever fall into ruin, one of their own would be wed into the Gremory line to restore their standing.
That "one" was now him.
Kael Vaelion.
"I remember hearing this story as a child," came a soft voice behind him.
Kael turned. Venelana Gremory walked in gracefully, her eyes momentarily tracing the painting. "Your father—well, your past father—was a good man. Died honorably in the Devil Wars. Rias's father honored the pact and raised you under our protection. Not everyone in the underworld agrees with it… but the contract stands."
Kael nodded slowly, absorbing every word. "And Rias?"
Venelana's smile faltered just slightly. "She's… not thrilled. She has her own dreams, her own desires. But give it time. Let her see who you really are."
Kael smirked. "That's the plan."
Later that day, in the Gremory training grounds, Kael stood shirtless under the sun, a wooden sword in one hand, a faint magic circle glowing around the other.
Sweat beaded on his skin, but his expression remained calm, focused.
[Quest Progress: Begin Magic and Sword Training – 30%]
[Passive Skill Gained: Beginner Sword Style – Lv.1]
[New Ability: Void Spark – Lv.1 (Basic Destruction-Type Spell)]
He moved fluidly, swinging the blade in arcs while channeling void energy through his free hand. The feedback from the system helped adjust his posture and refine his movements in real time.
A small explosion crackled from his palm. The wooden dummy twenty feet away scorched at the center, smoking.
"Void magic…" he whispered. "Feels like my soul is cutting the world."
He wasn't training to impress anyone. He was preparing—for devils, angels, dragons, and whatever else this world had to offer. He needed power, and he needed it fast.
The system had made one thing clear: canon events would begin in three years.
And Kael intended to be ready.
Later, he found himself walking through the manor's courtyard, a towel slung over his shoulder, still radiating faint heat from his training session. That's when he saw her.
Rias Gremory.
Crimson hair cascading like a waterfall of fire. Eyes the color of blood and roses. Regal posture, yet restrained—like a noble lioness behind glass.
She turned, and their eyes met.
It was their first real interaction.
"Lady Gremory," Kael greeted with a relaxed, confident tone, giving a small, exaggerated bow.
Rias crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "You don't have to act like a noble. I'm sure this arrangement wasn't your choice either."
Kael smiled lazily. "Actually, I find the whole 'marriage to a beautiful heiress' thing pretty interesting."
She rolled her eyes. "Of course you do. Just like every other man."
"But," he added, voice dropping an octave, "I'm not here to control you. I'm not going to chain you down, Rias. I'm just here to live. If that means I walk beside you for a time, then fine. If not… that's your choice too."
She blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected honesty.
Kael walked past her, his gaze never lingering too long, his smirk never mocking. "Besides, I've got bigger things to worry about than dragging around a stubborn redhead."
"…Hmph."
Her lips curved upward—barely. But it was there.
A spark of interest.
[Affection with Rias Gremory +5]
That night, Kael sat cross-legged on the floor of his room, a dark magic circle glowing beneath him.
His training sword lay on one side. A spellbook on the other.
But his focus was on the system screen before him.
[Dungeon Access Unlocked]
[Location: Dimensional Rift – Tier 1: Forgotten Ruins]
[Recommended Level: 1-5]
[Monsters: Goblin Shades, Lesser Wraiths, Corrupted Hounds]
[Objective: Clear All Floors and Defeat the Dungeon Core Guardian]
[Rewards: EXP, Void Crystals, Skill Scrolls, Unknown Item]
[Enter Now? Y/N]
Kael reached forward, placing his hand on the screen.
"Time to begin."
[Dungeon Initiation: Accepted]
[Warping in 3… 2… 1…]
Light swallowed the room, and Kael vanished from the Gremory estate.