I was reincarnated as a villain in -High school DxD - DxD

As the magic circle fades, Azekiel watches from the shadows as Rias Gremory, Kiba Yuuto, Koneko Toujou, and Akeno Himejima emerge with all the elegance of a well-trained group. Behind them, less imposing but with an unmistakably chaotic energy, is Issei Hyoudou, his signature nervousness making him seem out of place.

The contrast between them and the renegades is stark: the Gremory represent order, the power of the noble clans, while the camp is organized chaos. Azekiel feels a spark of resentment toward them, as if the arrogance inherent to their lineage strikes a chord within him.

The Initial Confrontation

Rias steps forward, her bearing regal and gaze inquisitive.

"Who is responsible here?" she asks, her tone firm but not aggressive.

Lyara attempts to speak, but Azekiel, sensing an opportunity to size up the protagonists and test his place in this narrative, emerges from the shadows. Gazes instantly focus on him. The dark aura surrounding him causes Koneko and Kiba to instantly adopt defensive stances.

"I suppose I am the 'responsible' one, though I don't know if that word is the right one," Azekiel answers calmly, a hint of irony in his voice.

Akeno smiles lightly, as if enjoying the challenge emanating from him, while Rias watches him seriously.

"Your energy is strange. You are no ordinary devil," Rias says, narrowing her eyes. "Who are you and why are you here?"

Azekiel decides not to reveal his true identity or his Sacred Gear, at least not yet.

"I am Azekiel. Just another survivor, like them. These renegades were attacked by your allies from the House of Phenex. I simply helped them."

The mention of the Phenex causes a visible reaction in the group. Rias and her companions know that the House of Phenex has been more aggressive lately, but they did not expect them to attack a group of renegades.

"That does not explain why your aura feels so dangerous," Kiba intervenes, pointing his sword at Azekiel.

Azekiel smiles, although he feels a slight tremor inside. In front of him are key figures of this world, those who in another context would be heroes, but now they see him as a threat. He decides not to attack, but uses his power subtly to show that he is not someone to be underestimated.

The shadows around his feet begin to move, growing and forming black thorns that slowly rise, like snakes waiting to attack.

"Let's say that my bloodline has a... gift." But don't worry, I'm not looking for trouble with you.

The tension in the air is palpable, but before the confrontation escalates, Rias takes control.

"We're here to investigate the movements of the Phenex house. We have no interest in fighting you, Azekiel. But if you cross the line..."

The threat hangs in the air, and Azekiel nods.

"I hope we don't have to."

After the encounter, Azekiel retreats to a secluded spot in the camp, aware that Rias' group is watching him suspiciously. Here he decides to experiment with his Sacred Gear, Umbra Tenebris, to better understand its scope and limitations.

The Sacred Gear allows him to manipulate shadows with precision, but it also has advanced abilities:

Disintegration: Upon contact, shadows can break apart matter at a molecular level, something Azekiel can barely control.

Dark Portals: He can open portals that transport him a short distance, but using them consumes much of his energy.

Inner Shadow Manifestation: A forbidden power that allows him to summon a creature of pure darkness, but also threatens to consume his body and mind.

During his training, he senses Umbra Tenebris trying to communicate with him, as if the Sacred Gear had a will of its own. The dark voice returns.

—Your power is immense, but you are weak, Azekiel. You cannot harness it fully because you hesitate. The world has no place for the indecisive.

The voice taunts him, reminding him that although he has great potential, the price for unleashing it could be his humanity.

That night, as he gazes at the stars, Azekiel reflects on his position. On the one hand, he feels the urge to fight the protagonists, to take on the role of villain that this world seems to have assigned to him. On the other hand, his past life and the knowledge he has about the course of events push him towards another path.

What if I prevent tragedies? What if I change destiny?

But changing the narrative is dangerous. What if by trying to save someone important, he ends up unleashing an even greater disaster?

The chapter ends with Azekiel making a decision: he will begin by observing and manipulating events from the shadows. He will not be an ally, but neither will he be a direct enemy. If he must confront the protagonists, he will do so only when there is no other option. However, he feels that this neutral stance will not last long, especially with such a destructive Sacred Gear and such a dangerous identity.