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

Azekiel trudges through the forest, blood darkening the fabric of his clothes and leaving a faint trail behind. His body is at its limit, but his mind is even more fractured. Every step is accompanied by the mocking voice of Umbra Tenebris.

—You are weak, Azekiel. If you had left me in complete control, those children would be dead, and you wouldn't be running away like a coward.

With a growl of frustration, Azekiel leans against a tree, his breathing ragged.

—I already told you to shut up!

But the voice continues, relentless.

—You know I'm right. I gave you enough power to face them, but you didn't use it. You insist on clinging to that useless humanity. What good does it do you?

He eventually finds refuge in a hidden cave, his shadows sealing the entrance to prevent anyone from tracking him. He lets himself fall to the ground, his chest burning as if he's on the verge of collapse. Umbra Tenebris' words are truths he doesn't want to admit. His Sacred Gear is incredibly powerful, but every time he uses it, he feels a part of himself fading away.

How much longer can I resist before I lose myself completely?

Impact on the Gremory

Back at the renegade camp, Rias' group is gathered in a circle, assessing the recent events. Issei, as always, breaks the silence.

—That guy... Azekiel... what the hell is he? He looked like a demon, but at the same time he wasn't.

Kiba, who has been pondering since the fight, nods.

—He's no ordinary demon. His aura was too dark, even by the standards of the underworld. I wouldn't be surprised if he was related to something forbidden.

Koneko, always direct, adds:

—He was holding back. I know that. If he had used his full power, we wouldn't have come out unscathed.

Rias listens intently, her expression grave. The mention of the Balthezar house in her recent investigations is no coincidence. Though exterminated centuries ago, the Balthezar were known for their extreme practices and their connection to forbidden Sacred Gears.

"I think I know who Azekiel is," he finally says, capturing everyone's attention.

Akeno smiles, though her tone is serious.

—A connection to the Balthezars? If true, that makes him very dangerous.

"More than dangerous," Rias replies. "If the Balthezar bloodline really survives in it, we're dealing with someone who could be a threat to both devils and angels."

Although everyone agrees on the seriousness of the situation, Issei shows a more conflicted expression.

—But he stopped, didn't he? In the end, he didn't attack us with everything he had. Maybe he's not as bad as he seems.

Rias looks at Issei with a mix of curiosity and concern.

—That might be true, but we can't take any chances. Azekiel is a time bomb, and we don't know when he'll explode.

In the cave, Azekiel tries to meditate, but his thoughts are filled with doubt. Issei's words during the fight echo in his mind.

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

Although he tried to ignore it, the words affected him deeply. In his past life, he admired heroic characters like Issei, but now, being in the role of the villain, he can't help but question his place in this story.

—I don't want to be the villain —he whispers to himself—, but this world seems determined to make me one.

Sin embargo, la voz de Umbra Tenebris no tarda en intervener.

—Stop kidding yourself. This world hasn't made you into anything. You are what you've always been: a parasite clinging to something that never belonged to you.

Azekiel squeezes his eyes shut, trying to block out the voice, but he knows it's partly right. This power is not his, and his identity as Balthezar marks him as a threat to all sides.

In the midst of his inner conflict, Azekiel senses a presence approaching the cave. At first he prepares for combat, but soon senses that it is not an enemy. A hooded figure enters the cave, illuminated only by a dim magical light.

"Well, I didn't expect to find you so battered, Azekiel Balthezar," the figure says, his voice soft and laden with irony.

Azekiel struggles to his feet, summoning his shadows if necessary.

—Who are you and what do you want?

The figure removes his hood, revealing a young man with black hair and golden eyes.

—My name is Kael, and I am like you: a renegade. But unlike you, I have learned to accept who I am.

Kael explains that he has been watching Azekiel since he awoke, and that he believes that together they could change the fate that has been imposed upon them. According to Kael, the renegades of the underworld and others like them have been searching for someone to lead them, someone with enough power to challenge the noble clans and the fallen angels.

—Your name is more than a dark legacy. It is an opportunity. You can be the leader we all need, if you choose to accept who you really are.

Although he distrusts Kael, Azekiel cannot ignore that he will need allies if he wants to survive in this world.

"I'm not promising anything, but I'll listen to what you have to say," he finally answers.

The chapter ends with Azekiel and Kael planning their next move, as tensions with the Gremory and other factions continue to rise.