Reincarnated in DXD(rewrite)

Chapter 22: Crimsion Prince Returns



In the Underworld, the old royal capital of Lucifaad remained a symbol of the past. It was once ruled by the original Lucifer before the four New Satans rose to power as the second generation of rulers. In its storied history, Lucifaad was home to the descendants and blood relatives of the first Satans. It was also where Sirzechs Gremory ended the civil war, defeating and killing Bidleid Beelzebub in the final battle between the Satan faction and the Rebel army.

While the meeting halls buzzed with activity, Issei Hyoudou stood with Rias Gremory, his master. "So, the student council president and Saji are going to be here?" Issei asked, curious.

Rias nodded. "Yes. Sona is next in line to inherit the Sitri family, so her presence is expected." As she spoke, Rias noticed a tall, muscular figure leaning against the window. Surprised, she called out, "Sairaorg? What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be inside with the others?"

Sairaorg Bael turned to face her, crossing his arms with a faint smile. "It's been a while, Rias," he said, shaking her hand.

"Good to see you," Rias replied warmly. She turned to Issei. "This is Sairaorg Bael, my mother's nephew and my cousin."

Issei's eyes widened. "The heir to the Bael family? I've heard they're the top Grand King-level family, right below the Devil Kings."

Rias nodded. "Exactly." She turned back to Sairaorg. "But what are you doing out here?"

Sairaorg smirked. "Being in there is a waste of time."

Before Rias could respond, a loud crash echoed through the hallway as the door to the meeting room flew off its hinges. Inside, chaos ensued.

Seekvaira Agares, a young woman with pale greenish-blonde hair and sharp pink eyes, stood face-to-face with Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas, a man adorned with black mystic tattoos, green hair, and pointed ears. Their heated argument filled the air.

"Do you want to die, Zephyrdor? I don't think anyone would blame me if I killed you," Seekvaira hissed.

Zephyrdor sneered. "With how you drive everyone away, no wonder you're still a virgin. Maybe I should offer to give you a personal opening ceremony, you ungrateful bitch."

Sairaorg sighed, his annoyance evident. "This is what happens when too many hotheads gather in one place."

As tempers flared, Sairaorg stepped forward, raising a hand to silence the room. "Enough. If you can't resolve this peacefully, you'll answer to me."

Seekvaira gave a curt nod, stepping back, but Zephyrdor scoffed. "What are you going to do? Lecture me about manners?"

Sairaorg's expression darkened. "I'll do more than that."

In an instant, Sairaorg delivered a thunderous punch to Zephyrdor's chest, sending him staggering. A second punch landed on Zephyrdor's face, launching him into a wall with a resounding crash. The room fell silent as Zephyrdor groaned in pain.

Meanwhile, Issei noticed his friend Saji Genshirou waving at him from across the room. "Issei! Over here!" Saji called out, grinning. Behind him, Sona Sitri and her peerage entered, exuding an air of elegance and poise.

"Hey, Saji! What's up?" Issei asked as he joined him.

Sona greeted Rias with a nod. "Rias, it's good to see you here."

"Likewise, Sona," Rias replied. "Your peerage seems to be thriving."

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Saji explained to Issei the significance of the attendees. "See that girl with the glasses? That's Seekvaira Agares, heir to the Archduke-level Agares family. Sairaorg over there is the Bael heir, and the guy sulking in the corner is Diodora Astaroth. He's from the Astaroth family, the lineage that produced the current Beelzebub.

Issei glanced at Zephyrdor, still crumpled in the wall. "And that guy?"

Saji smirked. "That's Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas. He's from the same house as the current Asmodeus."

Later, a government official entered the room, summoning the six young lords. They were led to a chamber filled with government dignitaries and the Four Satans. Sirzechs Lucifer addressed them first.

"You six represent the next generation of your families and possess exceptional skills. I'd like to propose a competition among you, not just for your personal growth but as a means to foster unity and camaraderie. These Rating Games will serve as an exhibition of our collective strength and talent, a demonstration not only to our people but to leaders from other mythologies. By showcasing your potential, we aim to strengthen alliances and pave the way for a brighter, unified future in the Underworld."

Seekvaira's eyes lit up. "An exhibition Rating Game?

Sirzechs nodded. "Now, I'd like to hear your goals."

Sairaorg stepped forward confidently, his powerful frame radiating conviction. "I dream of becoming a Devil King," he declared, his voice unwavering. The room erupted in murmurs, a wave of disbelief and intrigue sweeping through the gathered dignitaries. Whispers of shock echoed: no Grand King-level family had ever produced a Devil King before. The boldness of his ambition, combined with the strength of his lineage, sent a clear message—Sairaorg was unafraid to challenge tradition and carve a new path in devil society. His piercing gaze swept the room, daring anyone to question his resolve.

Rias followed. "My goal is to uphold the Gremory name while advancing through the Rating Game rankings."

Sona spoke next, her tone resolute. "I want to establish a Rating Game school in the Underworld."

A government official scoffed. "There are already facilities for learning Rating Games."

Sona's eyes narrowed, her voice steady but laced with passion. "Those facilities cater only to aristocrats, perpetuating the divide between high-class devils and everyone else. My vision is different—a school without barriers, where low-class devils, reincarnated devils, and even those who come from human origins can learn and thrive. Education should be a tool to bridge gaps, not widen them, and my goal is to ensure that every devil, regardless of birth or status, has the opportunity to prove their worth.""

The room erupted in laughter, audible even outside the chamber. Issei frowned. "What's so funny?" he asked.

Saji sighed, his expression darkening with frustration. "They're mocking the president's dream, again. It's not the first time. Every time she brings up the idea of a school for all devils, the so-called elite laugh at her. To them, the notion of equality is absurd. The devils of the aristocracy have always discriminated against low-class devils and those with human origins. They see themselves as superior and cling to the outdated belief that power and status are tied to birth. That's why they think her dream is impossible—because it challenges everything they stand for."

Tsubaki, Sona's Queen, gently stopped Saji as he moved toward the door. "Sona can handle this," she said. "She's stronger than you think."

Saji clenched his fists but relented. Tsubaki's words hung in the air, a testament to his belief in Sona.

Slurp... Slurp...

The tension in the room was broken by an odd slurping sound. Heads turned toward the source, revealing a young man casually seated on the floor. He was engrossed in a massive bowl of ramen, the steam rising as he eagerly devoured the noodles, entirely oblivious to the stares. His attire was a striking mix of carefree and eccentric—a dark blue short-sleeved button-up shirt with a bright sunflower pattern, light blue shorts that gave a breezy vibe, a yellow sash tied around his waist, and a straw hat perched jauntily on his head, partially concealing his unruly crimson red hair. Despite the casual air, there was something undeniably magnetic about his presence, a confident ease that drew every eye in the room.

Beside him, a small, white creature nibbled on a honey bun, its delicate paws holding the treat as it occasionally glanced at its companion. To his right, a stunning young woman with long, flowing gray hair that shimmered like silver under the light and striking yellow eyes radiated both beauty and quiet strength. Her cheeks were tinged with pink, a mixture of embarrassment and mild exasperation as she covered her face with her hand, clearly unused to the attention the young man's antics were drawing. Despite her apparent discomfort, there was a faint trace of amusement in her eyes, betraying a deep bond with the unusual pair beside her.

"Who is that?" Issei asked, clearly puzzled.

"I have no idea," replied Saji, equally bewildered.

Only Akeno appeared to recognize the strange group, her expression one of shock. Luna, meanwhile, maintained her usual aloof demeanor, unaffected by the unfolding scene.

Back at the Meeting

Government officials were berating Sona until Serafall finally reached her limit.

"It looks to me like you old geezers just want to bully Sona-chan," she declared, her tone sharp, her usually cheerful demeanor replaced with a dangerous edge. Her eyes glinted with a warning as she continued, "I've only got so much patience before I do some bullying of my own. And trust me, you won't like it when that happens." The air in the room grew heavy as her words settled, and an uncomfortable silence followed, broken only by the subtle shifts of the officials as they squirmed under her piercing gaze.

Her words silenced the room. Sirzechs was the one to finally break the tension.

"How about a match between Sona and Rias?" he proposed.

Both girls exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. With that, the meeting shifted focus to arranging matchups for the upcoming Rating Games between the young lords.

Upon returning to the waiting room, Rias and Sona were greeted by an unusual sight—a lively gathering of their peers, all captivated by the presence of a young man at the center of the crowd. The air buzzed with hushed whispers and stifled laughter as the unmistakable sound of vigorous slurping echoed through the room. The young man, seated cross-legged on the floor, was completely absorbed in his ramen, the steam curling invitingly from the bowl as he savored every bite. His carefree demeanor and unapologetic enjoyment of the meal contrasted sharply with the formal atmosphere, adding a layer of intrigue to the scene.

"What's going on here?" Rias asked as she and Sona made their way through the crowd.

Burp.

The young man in the straw hat finished his meal, stood up, and addressed the room. His voice carried an unshakable confidence.

"There are two kinds of people in this world: those who chase dreams and those who bury them. Some look to the horizon with fire in their eyes, daring to believe the impossible is within reach. They risk it all, knowing that a dream's true worth is measured by how far you're willing to go to make it real.

And then... there are those who've given up. Beaten down by failure, blinded by doubt. They scoff at dreamers because they once reached for something greater—and when they fell, they stayed down.

But here's the truth: dreams only die when you stop chasing them. Dreamers, the ones who refuse to give in, shape the world. They remind us that as long as you keep moving forward, no storm, shadow, or failure can take your dream away.

So laugh, mock, or turn your back on the horizon if you will. But remember this—dreams only end when you stop believing."

His words resonated far beyond the room, echoing like a rallying cry for those who dared to dream. Among those present, Sona's reaction was particularly striking. Her usually composed demeanor faltered as her eyes widened, reflecting a mixture of surprise and admiration. She clenched her hands into fists, her heart pounding as the speech reignited a fire within her. Maxius' words resonated deeply, reaffirming her own aspirations and the struggles she had endured to pursue them. For a moment, her insecurities and doubts seemed to dissipate, replaced by a renewed sense of determination. A small, resolute smile spread across her lips, and though she didn't speak, the gratitude and conviction in her gaze spoke volumes.

After a long pause, Sona stood tall, her posture straight and purposeful. Turning to her peerage, she gestured for them to follow, her composure fully restored. Meanwhile, in the adjacent chamber, the government officials' reactions were markedly different. Their faces were a mix of indignation and unease, their whispers crackling with suppressed anger as they realized the speech was a direct challenge to their authority. One official muttered under his breath, "How dare he speak such insolence here," while another clenched his fists, his face turning crimson with fury. Yet, even amid their outrage, none dared voice their complaints openly, wary of invoking the ire of the Four Satans who had clearly taken an interest in whoever that young man' was who had such boldness. The room buzzed with tension as they exchanged glances, silently resolving to address this affront when the time was right, their pride bruised but their ambitions unbroken. 

"An interesting speech," Ajuka remarked.

"I agree," Falbium added.

"I'm so happy someone believes in my Sona-chan's dream!" Serafall exclaimed, beaming.

Sirzechs, smiling, said, "He's finally returned."

Back in the waiting room, Rias stood frozen, her body trembling slightly as tears streamed down her face. Her crimson locks framed her pale cheeks, glistening with the trails of emotion she could no longer contain. It was as if the weight of years apart, the longing, and the uncertainty had all come crashing down at once, leaving her momentarily paralyzed. The room seemed to hold its breath, the intensity of the moment silencing even the faintest whispers. Her eyes, filled with a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming joy, remained locked on the man she thought she'd never see again.

"President, are you crying?" Issei asked, concerned.

"Are you hurt?" Asia chimed in.

With a soft laugh, Rias assured them, "Don't worry. This is a moment I've been waiting for... for five years."

The man in the straw hat approached her, grinning. "Five years apart, and the first thing I see is you crying. "What a mess," he teased as he gently wiped her tears.

Rias couldn't hold back anymore and hugged him tightly. "I missed you," she whispered.

"Hey! Get your hands off our president!" Issei interjected.

The man turned, removing his straw hat. "Don't ruin the moment, Red Lizard. It's been five years since I saw my sister."

Gasps filled the room. "Wait... this is the president's brother?" Issei said, shocked.

Maxius Gremory. His name seemed to ripple through the room, an unspoken signal of respect and recognition. Those who knew him, or at least knew of him, stood in awe at his presence, the weight of his reputation adding gravity to the moment. Sairaorg's fists clenched at his sides, the fire in his eyes betraying his burning desire to challenge Maxius. Yet, after a moment of intense contemplation, he released a measured breath, signaling to his peerage to leave. Other young lords, including Diodora, Zephyrdor, and Seekvaira, followed suit, though their expressions varied—some carried quiet determination, others a lingering sense of unease. Each of them, however, bore the impact of Maxius' words like a brand, etched into their minds as they departed with heavy hearts.

As the reunion settled, Rias introduced her peerage to Maxius, as well as his companions, Katsumi and Kei. They chatted and reminisced before Rias finally asked, "Are you coming back home?"

Maxius froze, a cold sweat forming as the image of a stern, disapproving face loomed vividly in his mind. "Uh... Nox is negotiating my return as we speak," he said sheepishly, his voice tinged with both hesitation and a faint trace of humor. Despite his casual tone, there was no mistaking the underlying nervousness, as though he were preparing for a storm he could not escape.

Rias smiled knowingly. "I'll hold you to that."

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.