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

Azekiel continues to watch the Gremory from the shadows. The group continues to investigate the connection between the renegades and the recent attacks by the Phenex house. During this time, Azekiel keeps a low profile, but tensions in the camp begin to grow. The renegades, intimidated by the power of the Gremory, see Azekiel as their only defense, pushing him closer to the role of leader he was trying to avoid.

An Unexpected Threat

One night, as Rias' group continues to investigate, a new danger arises: a group of fallen angels led by a minor general, Caerel, arrives at the camp. Their goal is to capture Azekiel, having received reports of his rebirth and the power of his Sacred Gear.

Caerel wastes no time in declaring his objective in front of everyone.

"You, Azekiel Balthezar! Heaven and the Underworld have tolerated the threat of your bloodline for too long. Surrender now, or I will wipe this camp from the face of the earth."

Rias' group is also present, watching the scene cautiously. Unlike before, they don't intervene immediately this time, letting Azekiel handle the situation.

Azekiel steps forward, facing Caerel calmly, though deep inside he is gnawing at doubt. He knows his power can stand up to that of the fallen angels, but he fears losing control will lead to a worse outcome.

"If you really think you can take me out, then try it," he replies, allowing his dark aura to spill over.

The confrontation erupts into a fierce battle. Azekiel's shadows spread out like a living cloak, blocking the energy attacks of Caerel and her subordinates. He uses his skills more accurately this time, proving that he is no ordinary enemy. However, as the battle progresses, Umbra Tenebris begins to demand more power.

"Give me full control, Azekiel," the dark voice whispers in his mind. Together we will annihilate them.

Resisting temptation, Azekiel attempts to defeat Caerel without giving in to the Sacred Gear completely, but this leaves him vulnerable. A well-aimed blow from the fallen angel severely injures him, pushing him over the edge.

Issei's Intervention

At that moment, Issei unexpectedly intervenes, launching a direct attack on Caerel.

"Hey, you winged idiot! If you want a fight, I'm here."

Issei's attack, though impulsive, distracts Caerel long enough for Azekiel to regain his balance. Even though he wasn't expecting help, Azekiel takes advantage of the situation. Using a shadow portal, he appears behind Caerel and attacks him with a blast of dark energy, weakening him.

Issei smiles at Azekiel, as if expecting a thank you, but Azekiel simply ignores him, focusing on the enemy.

"I didn't need your help," he mutters coldly, as he launches one last attack that forces Caerel and his subordinates to retreat.

The clash between Azekiel and the Gremory.

With the fallen angels out of the way, Rias finally steps forward, demanding answers.

—Who are you really, Azekiel? You are not just a renegade. That power does not belong to an ordinary person.

Azekiel, weakened by the battle and frustrated by the Gremory's intervention, decides to face them directly.

—What does it matter who I am? I am not here to answer to anyone, much less the dogs of the noble houses.

Kiba and Koneko react immediately, putting themselves on guard, while Issei steps forward, still confident.

"Maybe we should teach him some humility, Rias," Issei suggests, as the energy in his Boosted Gear begins to grow.

A confrontation becomes inevitable. Azekiel uses the shadows to create a controlled battlefield, darkening the area and limiting his opponents' vision. Though the Gremory are formidable, Azekiel manages to keep them at bay with his ability to manipulate the environment and attack from multiple angles.

However, as the battle progresses, the cost of using Umbra Tenebris becomes apparent. The pain in his chest intensifies, and the dark voice in his mind becomes more insistent.

"Let me act, Azekiel. You can't beat them alone."

Finally, in a moment of desperation, Azekiel partially gives in to the Sacred Gear, allowing a fraction of his true power to be released. The shadows solidify into the form of a monstrous creature that attacks the Gremory with overwhelming force.

Azekiel's Humanity Awakens

At the climax of the confrontation, Issei, with his characteristic impulsiveness, manages to break through Azekiel's defenses and confronts him directly.

"I don't know who you are or what you're doing here, but I won't let you hurt anyone else!"

Issei's words and determination spark an internal conflict in Azekiel. For a moment, he remembers his past life, when he admired characters like Issei for their bravery and humanity. That spark of empathy makes him back off, regaining control over Umbra Tenebris before the Sacred Gear causes irreparable damage.

The chapter ends with Azekiel retreating from combat, severely injured and emotionally conflicted. As he gets lost in the shadows of the forest, he reflects on the danger of his power and his place in this world.

Should I ally myself with them? Or am I simply destined to be the villain everyone fears?.