A soft breeze drifted through the open balcony, the smell of blooming roses carried in from the Gremory gardens. Kael sat on a cushioned lounge chair, dressed in loose training clothes, a cup of steaming tea in hand. His sharp, obsidian eyes reflected the sunlight, yet his expression remained calm—focused.
A full month had passed since his reincarnation into the world of High School DxD. In that time, he'd fought, trained, experimented, and learned. And every day, he got stronger.
"System," he murmured mentally, sipping his tea.
[STATUS]
Name: Kael Vaelion
Level: 8
Race: Voidborn (Awakening – 23%)
Title: Reincarnator – Dungeon Pioneer – One with the Void
HP: 860
MP: 960
Void Energy: 410
Strength: 42
Agility: 45
Intelligence: 61
Charm: 75
Void Mastery: 18
Coins: 476
Current Dungeon Clear Count: 5 (Forgotten Ruins – Repeated)
"Not bad," he muttered. "Slowly, but surely."
Repeating the first dungeon had helped. No more purple-tier rewards, of course, but even the halved XP and coins were worth it. It had become a training ground—a crucible to refine his style and control his void magic. His body had grown stronger, leaner, sharper. He was no longer just a reincarnated boy.
He was becoming something more.
His time outside training wasn't the only thing that progressed.
Surprisingly, he and Rias had been spending time together—formal dinners, occasional sparring, a few conversations that ended with her rolling her eyes but not walking away.
But one moment stood out far more than any of that.
It had been three days ago.
Kael had just gotten out of the bath, a towel lazily tossed over his shoulder. His body still dripping, steam curling off his frame, he was in the middle of putting on his trousers when—
Click.
"Kael, I—AHHH!!"
Rias stood in the doorway, frozen, eyes wide as saucers.
He paused mid-motion, shirt halfway over his shoulder.
"Well, good morning, Lady Gremory," he said, completely unfazed.
Rias let out a squeak—not a scream, not a shout—just a squeak of pure embarrassment before slamming the door shut. From the other side, he heard a string of unintelligible noises and the hurried shuffle of feet fleeing down the hall.
Kael chuckled, tying his shirt slowly. "She's cute when she panics."
Now fully dressed in his favorite noble attire—elegant black with silver trim, and a cloak clasped by a small emerald brooch—Kael lounged back in his study.
He called out mentally again, "Open Shop."
[SHOP]
Item Categories:
• Skills & Spells
• Weapons & Equipment
• Potions & Consumables
• Summons (Locked)
• Upgrades (Locked)
• Special Offers (Time-Limited)
Available Items:
• [F-Rank Spell: Wind Cutter] – 200 Coins
• [F-Rank Spell: Flame Spark] – 200 Coins
• [Basic Healing Potion] – 75 Coins
• [Beginner Spell Manual – F Rank] – 150 Coins
"System," Kael asked, "explain how this shop works. And what about the Achievements tab?"
[Explanation: SHOP]
– Items in the Shop are ranked from F to SSS. Availability is determined by Host Level, Dungeon Progression, and Achievement Unlocks.
– Items may go on limited-time discount or rotation.
– Higher-tier items unlock at higher ranks, specific quests, or event completions.
[Explanation: ACHIEVEMENTS]
– Achievements are completed by fulfilling hidden or direct conditions.
– They provide one-time rewards such as coins, items, stat boosts, or system upgrades.
– Completion tiers: Bronze → Silver → Gold → Platinum → Obsidian → Diamond.
– Event-based achievements may only be completed once and are unique per dungeon or questline.
"Alright then," Kael muttered, leaning back. "Let's start small."
[Purchased: F-Rank Spell – Wind Cutter]
[Purchased: F-Rank Spell – Flame Spark]
[Coins Remaining: 76]
The moment the purchase was complete, he felt the knowledge sear into his mind—runes, energy flow, incantations. Not overwhelming, just there, as if it had always belonged to him.
Later that afternoon, Kael stood in the inner courtyard, his elegant coat now discarded as he faced his subordinate—a young devil boy, formerly a minor servant of the Gremory household whom Kael had taken under his wing.
The two exchanged a bow.
"Begin," Kael said.
They clashed.
Wind Cutter slashed through the air, narrowly dodged. Flame Spark danced in Kael's hand, his movements precise, surgical. The boy countered with elemental blasts of his own—nothing advanced, but effective.
Kael kept things balanced, never going all out, but ensuring the boy felt pressure. He wasn't cruel—not here. This was training.
When the spar ended, the boy collapsed in exhaustion, grinning through bruises.
"Again soon, Master Kael?"
Kael nodded. "Next time, don't let your right foot drag when you pivot. You'll be faster."
"Yes, sir!"
Drenched in sweat, Kael made his way to the manor's bath. The luxurious stone bathroom was already steamed up, the scent of lavender oils wafting through the air.
He stepped into the hot water, groaning in relief.
A few moments later, he heard the door creak open.
He turned his head—and froze.
Venelana Gremory.
Wrapped in a thin, silk robe. Hair slightly tousled. Expression unreadable.
"Mistress Gremory," he said calmly, raising an eyebrow. "I assumed this bath was unoccupied."
"Oh?" she said with a teasing lilt. "And I assumed you wouldn't mind a little company, considering what happened with Rias."
Kael chuckled, leaning back against the smooth stone. "Different situations entirely."
Venelana walked closer, stopping just behind him.
Then, softly—intimately—she leaned in, breath warm against his ear.
"Let me help you clean up, Kael."
His smirk didn't falter. But inside?
Chaos.
An hour later, Kael and Rias sat under the garden gazebo, sipping chilled juice and enjoying the early evening sun.
They talked. About nothing and everything.
About magic theory. Her ambitions. His training. Even the funny stories of their servants.
She didn't mention that incident again.
And neither did he.
But the way her cheeks flushed every time their eyes met told him she hadn't forgotten.
And maybe… she didn't want to.