The warm breath of morning was little more than a whisper against the open window. The curtains, stirred by a gentle breeze, barely disturbed the silence that ruled the room. Lying on the bed was the heir of one of the seventy-two remaining demon houses: Rian Gremory.
Flat on his back, his breathing calm and his loose hair spread over the pillow, he looked more like a statue than an eighteen-year-old demon. The sheet covered him only up to the waist, leaving his bare torso —smooth, toned, and lightly tanned— exposed to the glow of dawn. If not for the faint rise and fall of his chest, one might have thought he was still dreaming in another plane.
"It's already late, Rian-sama…" murmured a soft voice —sweet, yet always carrying that hidden spark of mischief.
The heir's eyelids fluttered open, and the first sight that greeted him was exactly the one he feared: Akeno. More precisely, Akeno's breasts, swaying gently within the half-fastened neckline of her Kuoh Academy uniform. The fabric strained heroically against gravity, and as if she knew exactly what she was doing —she did— she leaned a little closer with every passing second, feigning sympathy while waking him up.
Rian watched them for a full second.
"Hnn… you're on top of me again," he muttered hoarsely, his gaze still fixed.
"I'm not on top of you," Akeno corrected with a smile that convinced no one. "I'm just keeping my promise to help you get up. As long as you keep that ridiculous vow of chastity, of course."
Rian exhaled through his nose and rubbed his eyes. His body never reacted quickly in the morning; not even demonic blood could change that. But another part of him did react quickly. Akeno's eyes followed the movement without shame, her smile widening.
"Oh… fully awake now, or just one part of you?"
Rian didn't bother opening his eyes again. He only sighed.
"Ignore it."
"Are you sure?" she teased, sitting on the edge of the bed, legs crossed, her cleavage perfectly framed in view. "We could call it morning therapy."
"Akeno." His tone was weary, not angry.
The conversation was an old one. She sighed theatrically.
"Sometimes I really hate your mother. Truly, I do."
Rian finally sat up. His brown hair, still unbound, fell messily down his back. He moved with lazy grace, but his figure was impossible to ignore —lines and proportions shaped by divine precision, his sleepy expression unable to hide the weight of his presence.
"Breakfast?" he asked at last.
"Kiba's cooking today, so there'll be plenty to choose from," Akeno replied, straightening her uniform with elegant fingers. "But if you take too long, Shirone's going to steal your share."
Rian stretched his arms and let the sheet fall casually away. He had no shame —but neither did he have any pride in starting the day with an erection beneath the loose pajama pants. Akeno glanced, unashamedly appreciative.
Already at the door, she turned back and murmured, "Are you absolutely sure we can't make it to second base before class?"
He didn't answer. With a resigned gesture, he adjusted his pants and stood. Another day, another battle unfought.
As he dressed before the mirror, his mind wandered back to that damned promise. It had been a casual conversation with his mother years ago. Worried about her son's growing popularity, she'd warned him how easy it would be to fall into bad habits. And he —to avoid a long talk— had replied in perfect seriousness: "I won't have sex until I'm married."
It wasn't that he lacked desire. Rian, though not lustful by nature, wasn't made of stone either. But there was a simpler reason. The truth was far more absurd than anyone could imagine: Rian wasn't from this world. He had lived, grown, and died in another, and remembered with painful clarity what in his previous life had been only fiction.
And being an adult back then, he found it uncomfortable to take advantage of girls who were still maturing —emotionally or physically. At the time, it had sounded like a perfectly reasonable decision.
"Damn it… harder than I thought," he muttered to himself.
Rian finished buttoning his uniform. Each movement was patient, deliberate. He tied back his hair, his expression calm, eyes half-dead from routine. He closed them, inhaled slowly, and when he opened them again, the weariness was gone.
In its place rested a serene, dignified gaze. Born as the second child of the Gremory family —taking the role that in another world would have been Rias's— he had adapted quickly. He fulfilled his duties with discipline and courtesy. The promise had long served as a perfect excuse to focus on study and training, but now it felt like breaking it would betray the image he had built for himself.
He had hoped that an arranged engagement might eventually solve the problem. But Rian hadn't considered one small twist of irony: that same image of noble composure had turned into its own obstacle. His father saw him as too promising to tie down politically, believing his value would only grow with time. As compensation, he had granted Rian the freedom to choose his own future.
He wasn't sure whether that was a blessing or a curse —but either way, it was a matter he could no longer ignore.
With everything ready, he left the room.
Akeno waited outside, leaning against the wall, arms crossed beneath her chest, her face calm. She looked more like a model than a student.
Rian watched her for a moment, allowing himself to admire her —so composed, graceful, perfect. Akeno had always been beautiful. Even in a world where beauty was commonplace, she stood out. Among his close circle, few could rival her sheer allure.
When she noticed his gaze linger longer than usual, she tilted her head playfully.
"Having second thoughts about your decision, Rian-sama?" she asked, flipping her hair in a way that made her curves shift just enough to make her point.
Rian chuckled quietly and looked away before returning a faint smile.
"Yeah… maybe a little."
The reply caught her off guard, though not as much as the hug that followed. Rian pulled her close with a firm arm around her waist —brief, steady, without malice.
"You're always pushing my limits," he murmured near her ear.
For once, Akeno had no immediate comeback. The faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her calm facade.
"For someone so flirty, you still have a maiden's heart," he added, lightly tapping her nose with a finger. "It's kind of cute."
He stepped back, adjusting his collar as he started down the stairs.
"I'll talk to my parents next time I see them. It's time to settle the marriage issue —I'll make sure it happens soon."
Akeno watched him go, biting her lip with a soft smile. Her fingers still felt the warmth of his embrace.
"Idiot…" she whispered.
***
The group walked along the main street toward Kuoh Academy.
Rian led the way, followed closely by his peerage —Akeno, Kiba, and Shirone. By now, it was a familiar sight to the locals: the young Gremory heir surrounded by striking faces, radiating a calm that seemed more like the stillness of a painting than the presence of an eighteen-year-old.
The air was cool, and the first rays of sunlight gleamed on the black uniforms they wore.
Rian, however, paid little attention to his surroundings. His mind was elsewhere.
Ever since he had awakened his memories as a child, life had been a constant process of adaptation. In his previous world, Rian had been a man of routine —someone who preferred stability and logic over drama. So, accepting his new identity hadn't been an existential crisis. It was, if anything, a new beginning.
And to be honest, he didn't regret it.
Life had been… gratifying.
At first, adjusting to this world had been strange, of course. His previous life hadn't been bad, but it couldn't compare to the comfort of the Gremory estate. Power, influence, and wealth here existed on an entirely different scale. No human institution came even close. The absurdity of it all had made acceptance easier; when something is that exaggerated, you just accept it as normal.
Besides, he had talent.
Rias Gremory had always been described as a natural prodigy, and Rian had inherited those same gifts. His quick learning, his constant progress —those were what motivated him, far more than any praise. Seeing tangible improvement every day was… satisfying. In a way, it felt like playing a game and watching the level-up screen appear again and again.
He'd enjoyed every day of this new existence. He studied without struggle, trained with contentment after each improvement, learned etiquette with interest, and spent hours reading about races, magics, and mythical cultures.
In his previous life, he hadn't been a passionate reader, but when your new world's entertainment ranked below zero, reading became a necessity.
And the reality of magic and fantasy still fascinated him.
The medieval-like society had once been a source of mild discomfort, but having an adult's mind in a young body was an advantage. Rian behaved reasonably, polite with his peers, hard to offend, and uninterested in petty fights. It didn't take long before he became the "child genius," the model son every noble mentioned with pride. His father didn't hold back from showing him off either, enrolling him in tournaments and political meetings —sometimes for practical reasons, sometimes just to boast.
Rian didn't complain. He had been true to himself from the start —professional when needed, free the rest of the time. His parents didn't hover, he had a bank account that dwarfed his previous life's earnings, and he was surrounded by people he genuinely liked.
In short, a life to envy.
The world was dangerous, yes, but then again, wasn't the previous one as well? In the end, death was only a matter of time —and this time, he had the power to enjoy the journey.
So, if anyone asked him to sum up his life, Rian knew exactly what he'd say:
"A man who enjoys living —that's me."
He hadn't realized when he stopped walking. He stood still in the middle of the street, staring at the horizon with that serene expression that others often mistook for wisdom.
Behind him, Kiba smiled.
"Looks like Rian-sama got lost in thought again."
"Hmm, that's the third time this week," Shirone added quietly, her tone soft as always.
"But isn't it kind of cute seeing him like that?" said Akeno, still in good spirits after the morning's teasing. "It's good for him to disconnect once in a while."
Rian, oblivious to the comments, blinked and resumed walking at his usual unhurried pace.
Another day in the life of the Gremory heir.
The group approached the entrance of Kuoh Academy. Conversations and whispers swelled around them like a constant chorus —not a single student passed without turning to look.
None of them seemed surprised. Their natural appeal was enough to draw eyes wherever they went, and together, the four of them formed a sight impossible to ignore.
Even though this was their first day at school, Rian knew it was only a matter of time before each one of them gained the same popularity he remembered from the "original material."
Without Rias at the academy, Akeno Himejima would inevitably become the focus of attention —for both men and women. Charismatic, flawless, with a smile that could stop traffic and a body that embodied sin itself, she shone like a beacon in the morning light.
Kiba, always elegant and refined, carried himself with that effortless grace that made people see him as the perfect gentleman. Athletic, handsome, kind —he looked like a swordsman out of a high-class novel.
And Shirone Toujou, with her striking white hair, stood as the smallest of the group —but her size didn't lessen her charm. On the contrary, it heightened her cuteness, blending with the quiet sensuality of her well-formed figure. She was the perfect mix of "adorable" and "beautiful."
And then, there was Rian.
Rias Gremory had once been described by the author as the epitome of perfection —talent, intellect, potential, status, and above all, beauty.
As the original heroine, she was always the one who drew the most attention, even when standing beside Akeno, a woman who in the human world would have broken every record of beauty.
In the source material, Rias was often declared the most beautiful woman in Kuoh, her looks emphasized time and time again.
Zekka, the protagonist of Junior High School DxD, had realized instantly that Rias couldn't be human —because, in her own words, "no human could ever be that beautiful." She hadn't sensed her aura or heritage, only seen a divine beauty that transcended the human category.
Rian used to think those descriptions were exaggerated. But in retrospect, having lived in this world, he now understood.
The supernatural was overflowing with beautiful beings. Gods, angels, and demons had long since raised the standard of beauty far beyond mortal limits.
And Rian, though male instead of female, was no exception. His looks surpassed even Kiba's —refined yet imposing. Even when concealing his more distinct traits, like the healthy brown tone that softened his crimson hair, he exuded an aura of nobility and serenity.
The combination of such striking individuals naturally attracted attention. Half of them had features foreign to Japan, which only made the group stand out more.
Rian, walking at the front, seemed deaf to the whispers. He'd long grown used to the stares. His mind —and his heart— were focused elsewhere.
Anxiety.
Suppressing a sigh, he kept his expression unchanged. Ever since awakening his memories as a child, a quiet unease had followed him. He had died still young —barely stepping into adulthood— and now, at seventeen, he had lived almost as long as he had in his previous life.
At first, he'd hoped for a peaceful life, surrounded by the comforts of his mansion. But…
"It's simply impossible," he thought. His knowledge of this world was broad, thanks to his past life, but not absolute. Too many variables swirled around him. What he knew wasn't an unbeatable advantage —nor an infallible guide.
"I'm proof of that myself. And besides, in this world there are also—"
His thought was cut short by a loud honk and the sharp cry of a girl, tearing through the calm morning air.
A blaring horn shattered the air, followed by the sharp cry of a girl.
Rian's attention shifted instantly forward —a limousine sped down the side street, far too fast. A dog had slipped from its owner's grasp, and farther ahead, a boy was sprinting toward it, clearly intent on pulling it out of the way.
Rian didn't hesitate.
His feet shifted slightly, the ground cracking under the sudden force, and in the next heartbeat, he was gone. His backpack hit the pavement as he vanished from sight, the eyes of the crowd focused entirely on the imminent crash.
The boy —and several bystanders— shut their eyes tight.
But the impact never came.
In a single motion, Rian caught the dog with one arm and the boy with the other, halting a few meters past the intersection. The car roared past behind them, its horn blaring uselessly into the distance.
The boy was panting, struggling to process what had just happened. Rian glanced at him from the corner of his eye, his tone calm as ever.
"You all right?"
The boy nodded clumsily, still holding the trembling dog.
Rian studied him for a second longer, and in his mind, he finished the thought that had been with him all morning.
He couldn't rely solely on what he remembered —because this world wasn't made of only DxD.
His gaze settled on the boy's face: messy hair, tired eyes —those unmistakable sanpaku eyes that looked like they could see straight through everything.
Hikigaya Hachiman.
A name he knew all too well.
The roar of the limousine faded down the street, leaving behind only dust, the shivering dog, and the confused boy still trying to understand what had just happened.
A few seconds later, a female voice called from the sidewalk —he didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Yuigahama Yui.
"Sable! Sable, please!"
Rian turned slightly. A girl with pink hair was running toward them, clearly frightened.
When she saw the dog in Hachiman's arms, she exhaled in relief and knelt before him, hugging the animal tightly.
"Oh my god, thank you, really! I don't know what I would've done if—" Her eyes darted between the two boys, searching for words. "—if it weren't for you."
Rian nodded lightly, offering a faint smile.
"Make sure it doesn't happen again," he said gently. "And thank him —he moved first. I just made sure both of you came out alive."
The girl blinked, then turned to Hachiman.
"Ah—uh… thank you!"
The boy, still pale, scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
"It's nothing… I didn't even think. I just… moved."
"That's admirable," Rian replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Not everyone would've done the same."
Hachiman looked up at him, and Yui followed his gaze.
"You're both first-years, right?" Rian asked calmly. "May I know your names?"
"I'm from Class 1-F! Yuigahama Yui!"
"Uh… I'm from 1-F too. Hikigaya Hachiman."
They both nodded almost in unison.
Rian narrowed his eyes slightly, satisfied.
"Good. Then I'm your senpai. My name is Rein —Kuremi Rein, second year." His voice was steady, polite, carrying that subtle note of refinement. A small smile followed, the kind that seemed both calm and quietly nostalgic.
Sunlight caught the brown strands of his hair, and for a moment, time seemed to stop.
Yui stared, lips parted, unable to respond.
Hachiman too, though for entirely different reasons.
The difference in presence was overwhelming.
Rein, either unaware or pretending not to notice, gave them both a kind smile.
"Nice to meet you."