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

Tensions in the renegade stronghold are mounting as the arrival of House Phenex looms large. Spy reports indicate that at least two members of the clan are leading the attack, backed by a dozen lower-ranking devils. The presence of the Gremory adds a layer of complexity: both they and the Phenex are underworld nobles, and any clash between these groups could spark serious political repercussions.

Rias Gremory and her group watch as the renegades prepare for battle. Selene, Darian, and Kael organize the defenses, while Azekiel stands, his shadows swirling around him. Finally, Rias approaches.

—Azekiel, if we are going to face the Phenex together, we must coordinate our forces. Otherwise, this will be a disaster.

Azekiel looks at her suspiciously, but he knows she is right. Although the renegades are strong, they are disorganized and lack the experience of the Gremory.

"Fine. We'll work together for now," Azekiel replies. "But if this is a trap, you'll pay dearly."

Rias nods calmly.

-I'm wondering the same.

The two groups decide on a joint strategy. The renegades will form the first line of defense, while the Gremory will use their unique abilities to attack the Phenex leaders. Issei, with his Boosted Gear, will be in charge of opening gaps in the enemy defenses, while Kiba and Koneko will eliminate the subordinates.

The calm is broken by a flash of fire on the horizon. The air heats up as the Phenex arrive at the front, led by Riser Phenex and his younger sister, Ravel Phenex. Both are surrounded by impressive strength, and their mere presence intimidates the less experienced renegades.

Riser steps forward, his arrogance evident.

—So here are the renegade rats. And I see the Gremory are involved. This is getting interesting.

Rias answers firmly.

—Riser, this is none of your business. Go back home before someone gets hurt.

Riser laughs, flames dancing around his hands.

—Don't be ridiculous, Rias. These renegades are a stain on the underworld, and I will make sure they disappear. If you side with them, you will suffer the consequences.

Azekiel steps forward, his shadows stretching out like a warning.

—Try it, Phenex. You're just a pawn in this game, and today you'll learn what it means to face something bigger than yourself.

Riser frowns, clearly irritated, and the battle begins.

The fortress becomes a chaotic battlefield. The renegades, led by Selene and Kael, fight with everything they have against the Phenex's subordinates, while the Gremory confront the leaders directly.

Azekiel, meanwhile, focuses on Riser. The shadows of Umbra Tenebris form sharp blades that clash against his opponent's regenerative flames. Although Riser is powerful, Azekiel quickly discovers that his regenerative ability has a limit: if he uses his shadows to directly disintegrate the magical energy of the flames, Riser takes longer to recover.

Meanwhile, Issei and Kiba work together to contain Ravel. Although more strategic than her brother, Ravel cannot match the destructive power of the Boosted Gear or Kiba's speed.

As the battle intensifies, Azekiel feels Umbra Tenebris demanding more control. The dark voice echoes in his mind.

—Surrender to me, Azekiel. Let me release our true power, and this battle will be over in seconds.

Reluctantly, Azekiel allows a larger portion of Umbra Tenebris to take control. The shadows around him solidify, creating giant tentacles that sweep across the battlefield, disintegrating everything they touch. Riser, who was previously arrogant, begins to back away, his flames struggling to keep him safe.

"What the hell are you?" Riser screams, clearly terrified.

Azekiel doesn't answer. For a moment, he feels invincible, but he also senses something dangerous: the shadows are beginning to spread beyond his control, attacking indiscriminately, even his allies.

Issei, realizing the danger, intervenes.

—Hey, Azekiel! Calm down! You're going to destroy us all!

Issei's words shake him, and with great effort, Azekiel manages to suppress the overflowing power of Umbra Tenebris. However, the damage has already been done: a portion of the fortress has been destroyed, and several renegades have fallen victim to their own leader.

With Riser severely injured and their forces decimated, the Phenex decide to retreat. An enraged Ravel vows that her family will not let this go unanswered.

Rias approaches Azekiel, visibly upset.

—Your power is impressive, but it is also uncontrollable. If you want someone to trust you, you will have to prove that you can use it without destroying your own allies.

Azekiel doesn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the wounded renegades. Though they managed to repel the Phenex, he feels the battle was a moral defeat.

Later, in private, Kael confronts Azekiel.

—Your power is terrifying, Azekiel, but if you do not learn to control it, you will not only lose your allies; you will lose everything you are fighting for.

Azekiel nods slowly, aware that Kael is right. However, he also senses that he is reaching a breaking point. Umbra Tenebris is both his greatest weapon and his greatest threat, and if he does not find a way to master it, he knows it will eventually destroy him.

The chapter ends with Azekiel staring at his reflection in a pool of blackened water, promising himself that he will learn to control his power, no matter the cost.