Chapter 1 - Cain Lucifuge
Underworld, Lucifuge Clan Castle...
"Haa…"
After several hours of brutal training, Cain's demonic power was completely drained.
He let out a tired breath and dropped to the ground, wiping sweat off his face with a towel. Even then, his gaze drifted to the perfectly clear sky, and a faint trace of unease crossed his face.
He was a reincarnator. This was his second life.
Just days ago he had finally recovered his memory of his previous world.
As a baby he had been found on a battlefield and adopted by the Lucifuge Clan, making him Grayfia Lucifuge's stepbrother.
"Not a bad deal, all things considered."
Cain gave a small sigh.
With Grayfia watching his back and the full resources of the Lucifuge Clan behind him, he had already reached High Class strength not long ago, an impressive level for his age.
Still… "This world is completely insane."
Every piece of information he had gathered made his eyes twitch.
This was a world where a bunch of different anime settings from his old life had crashed together.
One glance at a human world map proved it: Kuoh Town, Fuyuki City, Chiba City… Under the calm surface of realism, all kinds of madness was hiding.
Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, Jujutsu Sorcerers, Exorcists, Youkai, none of that was news to a devil like him.
He had even seen records mentioning Heretic Gods.
It had almost made him lose his cool.
"Right on time, as always."
A familiar, gentle voice reached his ears.
Cain turned around.
A tall woman with silver hair and a cool, composed air stepped into the training ground.
She wore a pure white dress, and everything about her radiated refined nobility mixed with the sharp edge of someone who had fought in real battles.
It was Grayfia Lucifuge.
Because Cain existed in this life, her original fate had changed.
For one thing, she never had to wear that maid uniform.
"Fia."
Cain smiled and tried to stand, but his legs buckled from exhaustion.
The next second, soft arms caught him and pulled him into a warm embrace.
Grayfia steadied him without hesitation, completely ignoring how close they suddenly were and exactly what kind of reaction that closeness was causing.
"You don't have to push yourself this hard," she said quietly, worry in her voice. "With me here, nobody is going to mess with the Lucifuge Clan."
"I still want to get stronger."
Cain shook his head.
This world was too dangerous to feel safe for even a second.
Grayfia was strong, no question, but even she wasn't enough against the real monsters at the top.
And no way was he going to spend his life hiding behind anyone.
"Cain, you will become incredibly strong. I know it."
A soft smile appeared on Grayfia's face.
She meant every word.
His growth rate already matched or beat most devils.
And the man she loved couldn't possibly be ordinary.
"Could you drop this part already?" Cain asked, half exasperated.
"Also, wanna see my growth rate?"
"Mhm?"
Grinning, Cain slipped an arm around her slim waist.
"Getting bold, are we?"
A faint blush colored her cheeks, but she didn't pull away or break eye contact.
If it weren't for a bit of lingering shyness, she would have told him how she felt a long time ago.
"Never," Cain laughed. "I'm just completely out of demonic power and could use some… replenishment."
Grayfia went still for a second.
He really had changed.
He used to turn bright red and refuse whenever she offered to help him recharge.
But now…
Before she could finish the thought, Cain leaned in, his face only inches from hers.
Heat rushed to her cheeks.
Cain felt his power flowing back the moment their lips met.
Demonic power replenishment, transferring energy through bodily fluids, was something only devils who completely trusted each other ever did. Usually, that meant a kiss.
When they finally pulled apart, Grayfia's voice was soft and just a little accusing. "Be honest, Cain. Have you been practicing with someone else? You're way too good at this."
"I just paid attention during theory lessons," he answered with perfect innocence.
This was honestly his first time doing it in this life.
Anything from his previous life obviously didn't count.
Grayfia raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "Then I guess I'll have to test you properly."
"Go right ahead."
For a moment the rest of the world didn't exist.
"Ahem."
A loud, deliberate cough came from the entrance.
Grayfia jumped back like she'd been shocked.
Perfect. Just perfect.
This was all Cain's fault.
She hadn't even sensed anyone approaching.
Did that person see everything?
"Oh wow, bad timing on my part?"
Rias Gremory leaned casually against the wall, arms folded, a mix of amusement and envy in her eyes.
Thanks to the close alliance between the Gremory and Lucifuge Clans, she had every reason to show up whenever she felt like it.