> [Congratulations, Host! By choosing your path, a mission has been activated.]
> Get Ready!
Before the story begins, you must become stronger!
— Talent ×2
— Luck ×2
"Seriously? Perfect!" Rias thought, excitement bubbling inside her.
"With this, I can push Rias's potential even further!"
—"Gua, gua!" —she cried out, mimicking typical baby sounds.
"Aww, look how happy she is," Venelana said, smiling warmly.
Zeoticus and Sirzechs looked on, clearly pleased.
---
Three Years Later…
A small, red-haired girl stood in front of a boulder nearly four meters tall. Her eyes gleamed with determination.
"Cleave!"
Slash.
Slash.
The massive stone cracked, then shattered into several large chunks. But the truly remarkable thing was that, if one looked closely, the fragments were slowly disintegrating into dust.
"Yataa!! I did it!" Rias shouted in joy, jumping up and down.
"Very well done, Rias," Venelana praised, watching her daughter from a short distance away. "You've managed to combine your bloodline with the Bael clan's power of destruction."
Sirzechs crossed his arms proudly.
"Just as expected from my little sister! Not only does she possess a new bloodline, she's also a genius when it comes to wielding Bael magic."
"Hehe… Thank you!" Rias replied, blushing slightly from the praise.
> [Congratulations, Host! You've completed the mission of fusing your abilities with your bloodline.]
Rewards:
— 1500 system coins
— Summon Beast: Kon, the Demon Fox
(You can summon a part of the fox in exchange for a part of your body.)
"Whoa! I got Kon! I can summon him from now on? That's so cool!"
"Though I'm not really used to pain yet… I guess that's another thing I'll need to train."
A lot had happened during these three years. Rias never bothered to hide how intelligent she was for her age. Eventually, she revealed both her cursed technique and her regeneration powers. In no time, she became a rising star — hailed as the new prodigy of the Gremory family.
Her fourth birthday was just a few days away, and with it… the official announcement of her as the heir to the clan.
"I wonder if they'll still try to engage me to Raiser… even after seeing my regeneration," she thought, annoyed.
Oh — and in case you were wondering — her sudden and unique bloodline caused many nobles to question Venelana's fidelity. But nothing a DNA test performed personally by Ajuka couldn't settle.
---
"Lady Rias, Miss Sona Sitri has come to see you," said a maid, stepping inside with elegant grace.
She had silver hair tied neatly — none other than Grayfia, Sirzechs's wife and the most well-known maid in the Underworld.
"Okay, Grayfia! I'll go see her!"
In a flash, Rias darted off. Her speed was far beyond anything a normal child could achieve. Using her enhanced perception, she located Sona in one of the nearby rooms.
"Sonaaa!!"
She leapt toward the girl with short black hair and glasses — someone her age, yet already carrying herself with calm composure.
"Rias!" Sona responded, catching her in a tight hug.
"Hehe, you didn't tell me you were coming. It's not like you to be so informal," Rias said, teasing.
"Well… to be honest, I was running away from my big sister. She's been trying to force me into magical girl outfits again."
Sona sighed dramatically, clearly worn out. She hadn't yet entered the full-on "denial phase" about magical girl cosplay… but she was getting there.
"Hmm, I see. You can come here anytime," Rias replied with a grin.
"Changing the subject… your birthday party's coming soon, right?" Sona asked.
"Yeah… and it's going to be a pain dealing with all those nobles showing off their sons. And the old council members trying to pressure me into training as a proper lady of the house.
Not that it'll ever work."
"Rias… I get that you're frustrated, but you should be careful about what you say regarding the Council," Sona whispered, glancing around.
"I know. But it's fine… as long as I'm at home, right?"
She turned toward a wall behind her — and addressed someone hidden.
"Right, brother?"
"Exactly, little sister," came Sirzechs's voice, stepping out from the shadows like he'd been there the entire time. "Those old geezers are troublesome, but nothing you say here will leave this house."
"W-Whoa! I didn't even notice he was there!" Sona gasped.
"Rias, you're amazing!"
Then, realizing who she was speaking to, she stood straight.
"Ah! Lord Lucifer! Good morning!"
"Hahaha! No need to be so nervous, Sona. You're my sister's friend, after all."
"Y-Yes, sir!" she replied, flustered.
Rias and Sirzechs shared a look — and sighed in sync.
"…Eh." Sweat drop.
---
Three Days Later…
The Gremory mansion was buzzing with life. Countless nobles had gathered for the occasion. Decorations covered every surface, and the scent of gourmet food filled the halls.
"Welcome," the maids said, bowing to each guest as they entered the grand ballroom.
In a private room nearby…
"Lady Rias, are you ready?"
Standing before a large mirror, Rias examined herself in silence. A mix of thoughts ran through her head.
"I have to admit… even though I don't wear dresses often… I look beautiful."
She smiled proudly at her reflection.
"But I really don't want to go out there. It's going to be such a hassle."
"Rias, it's time to come out!" her father's voice called from the hallway.
"I'm coming!"
She stepped out of the room and headed toward the stage at the far end of the ballroom. As she waited just offstage, Zeoticus addressed the gathered nobles.
"Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us today to celebrate the fourth birthday of my beloved daughter, Rias."
He paused, smiling warmly.
"Now then — let us begin the festivities properly.
Please welcome the star of the day… Rias Gremory!"
Rias let out a quiet sigh.
"...Here we go."
You can watch advance episodes here ---> @tre0n.com/Gatoferoz