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

Kael and Azekiel walk through the dark corridors of an abandoned underground fortress, hidden on the edge of the underworld. This base, according to Kael, had been a refuge for other renegades decades ago, before being attacked and abandoned. Now, it was their best option to establish a headquarters while Azekiel decided which direction to take.

The air is filled with a sense of oppression, but Azekiel barely notices it. His mind is busy processing Kael's words.

—Why are you so sure I can lead these renegades? I can barely control my own power.

Kael smiles, though his expression is calculating.

—Because you don't need to control it yet. What they need is not a master of power, but a spark, someone who can show them that there is still hope to challenge the noble clans and the fallen angels.

Azekiel is not convinced. In his past life, he was not a leader or someone who made important decisions. The idea of leading an entire group of individuals filled with hate and despair seemed absurd to him.

—All I am is a walking menace, he mutters.

Kael glances at him, and his tone becomes more serious.

—You are more than that. The problem is that you don't know it yet.

Kael leads Azekiel to a large room in the fortress, where several magical torches illuminate a ritual circle etched into the floor. In the center, Kael places a dark crystal that pulses with a strange energy.

—This crystal is a catalyst. It contains a fragment of energy similar to that of your Sacred Gear, but without its own will. We are going to use it to teach you to control your power.

Reluctantly, Azekiel agrees. As Kael activates the crystal, a thick shadow fills the room. Azekiel feels the power of Umbra Tenebris respond to the crystal, trying to connect with it.

"First lesson," Kael says, watching Azekiel struggle to keep his balance. "Don't fight your Sacred Gear. If you do, you will always lose. Learn to guide it, not suppress it."

Shadows begin to move erratically around him, trying to form shapes that Azekiel cannot control. His instinct is to resist, but that only intensifies the chaos.

"This isn't working!" Azekiel growls.

Kael steps closer, his tone cold but direct.

—Because you're thinking like a weak human. If you want to survive here, you must let go of your fear. Accept what you are, or you'll die as a tool for others.

Kael's words stir something in Azekiel. Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath and stops struggling. The shadows, instead of spiraling out of control, begin to move fluidly, as if responding to his thoughts. For the first time, he feels like he has some measure of control over his power.

After training, Kael takes Azekiel to a secret meeting on the outskirts of the Underworld, where a group of renegade demons have gathered. They are a diverse group: former soldiers of fallen clans, mercenaries with no loyalty, and even hybrids with human blood.

Kael takes the floor, introducing Azekiel with confidence.

—This is Azekiel Balthezar, the last descendant of a house that defied the nobles and nearly destroyed them. He has the power and the will to lead us into a new future.

Murmurs fill the room. Many look at him with suspicion, while others seem intrigued. Azekiel feels the weight of the stares, but decides to face them.

"I didn't come here to lead," he says, his voice echoing in the room. "I came because I'm sick of this system. The noble clans, the fallen angels, even the heroes… they all think they have the right to decide who lives and who dies."

A tense silence falls, and Azekiel steps forward.

—If you are willing to join me, I promise you this: we will not be pawns in anyone's game. But know that it will not be easy. The world sees us as waste, and if we fail, we will be destroyed.

One by one, the renegades begin to nod, inspired by his declaration. Though not all are convinced, some come forward to pledge their allegiance, including a female demon named Selene, a former strategist of House Astaroth, and a fallen angel named Darian, who claims to have defected from the Grigori.

Kael smirks, but Azekiel feels a mix of triumph and apprehension.

How far will I have to go to fulfill these promises?

As Azekiel begins to consolidate his small faction, Rias Gremory's group receives news of his movements. An emissary from the House of Sitri arrives with an urgent message: Azekiel has begun gathering allies, and his influence could become a problem for the balance of the underworld.

Rias, still reflecting on her confrontation with him, makes the decision to confront him again, but this time not as open enemies.

"Before we decide if he is a threat, we need to understand him better. Perhaps there is something more behind his facade," Rias says, surprising her companions with her diplomatic approach.

However, Akeno and Kiba are not convinced.

"What if it turns out to be too dangerous?" Kiba asks.

"Then we will act accordingly," Rias replies firmly.

The chapter ends with the Gremory preparing to infiltrate Azekiel's circle, while he, for his part, begins to plan his next move to challenge the noble clans.