Kuoh Academy.
Flame-tinged clouds churned endlessly, staining the sky crimson.
At this hour, the academy's library—bathed in the sunset's glow—felt especially quiet and serene.
Kai, slumped over a desk, blinked as he took in his surroundings. After a brief moment of disorientation, realization struck.
He had unraveled the secret of his birth, awakening memories of a past life.
In this world, he was a half-blood demon raised by the Gremory family since childhood, with a certain Rias as his childhood friend.
Yes, that Rias from High School DxD.
"What kind of world mash-up is this?" Kai muttered, rubbing his temples.
This world wasn't just High School DxD—it was a fusion of countless anime from his past life. As far as he knew, it included Fuyuki City, Chiba, Kyoto, and Kuoh (where he currently was). Though each name sounded ordinary, they were all hubs for the supernatural.
Beneath the world's facade lurked endless anomalies: yokai, exorcists, jutsu casters, heroic spirits, demons, and angels hid in every shadow. Even more absurdly, as a demon himself, Kai knew this world also harbored *Heretic Gods*—beings straight out of myth whose mere presence triggered calamities.
The corner of Kai's lips twitched.
Honestly, stuffing all these monsters together without the world collapsing is an achievement in itself.
"But luckily, I'm far stronger than most." Sensing his power, Kai smirked.
Though a half-blood, thanks to Rias's support, he'd recently ascended to High-Class Demon status. In this world, that wasn't much, but at least he could defend himself.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Kai's expression shifted. A pale-gold virtual panel materialized before him:
[Kai]
[Class: Origin Mage]
[Magic: Lightning Magic LV30 (+)]
[Origin Points: 191]
Of course!
How could he not have a cheat?
His eyes gleamed as he scanned the text. If he recalled correctly, this was the interface from a browser game he'd played in his past life—and Origin Mage was the class he'd chosen. As for Lightning Magic, it was the very power that had elevated him to High-Class Demon.
"Let's see how point allocation works." After a pause, he mentally commanded the system.
Instantly, the panel flashed—
[Lightning Magic LV31 (+)]*
[Origin Points: 188]*
Simultaneously, Kai felt his magical energy surge, his mastery over lightning deepening exponentially.
"Three Origin Points per level… Is that fixed, or…?" He mused but didn't hesitate to keep investing points. In this dangerous world, power had to be seized now.
Whoosh!
The panel flickered relentlessly—
[Lightning Magic LV41 (+)]
[Origin Points: 111]
Kai narrowed his eyes. The cost per level wasn't uniform; the higher the level, the steeper the price.
Whoosh!
He raised a hand, and a scarlet magic circle erupted beneath his feet. Electricity crackled in the air, lightning arcing like a living thing.
This level of control…
Even among High-Class Demons, such precision was rare. In mere moments, Kai had gone from the weakest of his rank to one of its strongest. The lightning obeyed him like an extension of his will.
For a time, he lost himself in testing his newfound power, hurling bolts that danced like azure serpents—crackling yet leaving the library unharmed.
Eventually, exhaustion forced him to slump into his chair.
"Kai, don't push yourself so hard."
A mellifluous voice echoed as a second student entered.
She was breathtaking.
Lustrous crimson hair cascaded over her shoulders, glowing like embers in the sunset. Her features were sculpted perfection, exuding an aristocratic grace that bordered on the divine.
This was none other than Rias Gremory.
"Don't worry, just overdid the magic a bit," Kai chuckled, trying to sit up—
—only for Rias to materialize behind him, letting him sink into something soft.
"You're already a High-Class Demon. You don't need to train so relentlessly," she chided, unfazed by their proximity as she settled him down. "Besides, this is a library. Not the place for spellcasting."
"Had a sudden epiphany. Won't happen again," Kai grinned, squeezing her delicate hands.
"You're unusually bold today." Rias's cheeks pinkened, but she met his gaze challengingly. They'd grown up together; only one final step remained in their relationship.
"Heh." Kai's eyes softened. Memories of two lives had taught him to cherish what he had.
Just as he moved to embrace her—
Rias leaned in, tracing his lips with a finger:
"Since you've drained your magic… Should I *replenish it for you?"
"Gladly."
She'd meant to tease him—her childhood friend was all bravado but shy in action.
But this time, Kai's face inched closer.
Wait, is he serious?!
Before she could react—
Something warm and soft pressed against her lips…
Then—
Rias's eyelids fluttered shut.