"Impressive, isn't she?"
Algernon turned to find Akeno beside him, her purple eyes glinting with amusement. He'd been so focused on Rias that he hadn't noticed her approach this close, a reminder that he couldn't afford to lose himself in observation, not in a room full of devils whose senses far exceeded human norms.
"She is," he admitted. No point in denying what was obvious. "Though I'm surprised to see you here, Akeno. I didn't realize you were part of the Gremory household."
"Oh?" Akeno's smile widened, taking on that teasing quality he vaguely remembered from childhood. "Do you not keep up with current events, Lord Algernon? I'm Lady Rias's Queen."
The words confirmed what he'd already known from his meta-knowledge, but Algernon let surprise flicker across his face. "Her Queen? That's... impressive. When did that happen?"
"About a year ago." Something softened in Akeno's expression. "Rias offered me a place when I had nowhere else to go. She's been more than just a King to me; she's been a friend."
Algernon heard the weight behind those words. The unspoken history he couldn't acknowledge without revealing knowledge he shouldn't have. Akeno's fall from grace, her mother's death by her own Family, the failure of her father. All tragedies that had led her to Rias.
He chose his next words carefully. "She seems like someone worth serving."
"She is." Akeno's gaze drifted to where Rias stood surrounded by well-wishers. "Which is why I'm going to do you a favor, for old times' sake. Would you like an introduction?"
His heart rate picked up. This was it, his actual first real interaction with Rias Gremory. The beginning of an impossible quest.
"I'd appreciate that."
They made their way across the hall, weaving through clusters of nobles. Algernon kept his posture relaxed but proper, aware of the eyes that tracked his movement. A Branch House member approaching the main family's heiress it would be noted, discussed, analyzed for political implications he didn't yet understand.
Rias noticed Akeno first, her face lighting up with genuine warmth. She excused herself from her current conversation with practiced grace and met them halfway.
"Akeno." Then her blue-green eyes shifted to Algernon, curiosity evident in their depths. "And this is...?"
"Lady Rias, may I introduce Algernon Gremory of the Gremory Branch House." Akeno performed a slight curtsy. "We were friends as children, before I entered your service."
Recognition flickered across Rias's features. "Ah, yes. I've heard Lord Sirzechs mention your family." Her expression turned sympathetic. "I was sorry to hear about your parents. War takes too much from all of us."
The condolence was genuine, not just political courtesy. Algernon appreciated that.
"Thank you, Lady Rias. They would have been honored to know their sacrifice contributed to the peace we now enjoy." The words came easily—diplomatic without being obsequious. "Though I must say, meeting you in person has been worth the wait. The stories don't do you justice."
A faint blush colored her cheeks. "You're too kind, Lord Algernon. I hope you're enjoying the celebration?"
"It's magnificent." He gestured to the glittering hall. "Though I confess, the company is proving more interesting than the spectacle."
Rias laughed—a genuine sound that seemed to draw smiles from those nearby. "Spoken like someone who's attended too many of these events. Tell me, what do you do to occupy yourself in the Branch House? I imagine it must be quiet with just yourself and the staff."
The conversation flowed naturally from there. Rias asked about his studies, his interests, his thoughts on recent underworld politics. Algernon answered honestly where he could, carefully where he couldn't. He presented himself as intelligent but not threatening, ambitious but not grasping. Someone worth remembering, but not yet worth worrying about.
Throughout it all, he studied her. Not just her beauty—though that was undeniable—but the way she carried herself. The genuine interest in her questions. The way she made sure Akeno felt included in the conversation. The subtle tells that indicated when a topic made her uncomfortable.
This was the girl he was supposed to win over. The future head of the Gremory family, currently engaged to Riser Phenex, surrounded by political machinations and family expectations.
'Eight years,' he reminded himself. 'Eight years to become someone she'd choose freely.'
As the evening wore on and guests began departing, Algernon made his excuses politely. He'd accomplished his goal—made a positive first impression without overextending his welcome.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Rias. I hope we'll have more opportunities to speak in the future."
"I'd like that." Rias's smile seemed genuine. "Don't be a stranger, Algernon. The main house is always open to family."
He bowed, nodded to Akeno, and made his exit. As he walked through the grand corridors back toward his quarters, a familiar screen materialized before him.
[Quest Progress Updated]
Side Quest: The Crimson Princess
Progress: 0.5%
First impression: Favorable. Initial rapport established.
Half a percent. Out of a hundred.
Algernon couldn't help but laugh quietly to himself. The system wasn't going to make this easy.
Morning light pierced through the curtains like a blade, dragging Algernon from sleep. He sat up, mind immediately shifting to plans and priorities.
Meeting Rias had been step one. But charm and charisma would only take him so far in a world where power determined everything. If he wanted to stand beside her as an equal—if he wanted to survive the threats that were coming—he needed strength.
Real, tangible, overwhelming strength.
The system had elevated him to Low-Class Peak in both physical and magical capabilities. But what did that actually mean? He could feel the demonic energy thrumming beneath his skin, respond to his will in small ways, but he had no practical understanding of how to use it effectively.
'Most devils gain power passively,' he thought, recalling what he knew of DxD lore. 'They grow stronger simply by existing, aging, living. It's why older devils are typically more powerful—they've had centuries to accumulate strength.'
But passive growth wasn't enough. Not for someone with eight years to become Ultimate-Class or higher. Not for someone destined to conquer worlds.
He needed training. Combat experience. Practical knowledge.
And before any of that, he needed to understand the fundamentals.
After a quick breakfast, Algernon made his way to the Branch House library. It was smaller than what the main family surely possessed, but it would serve his purposes. Right now, he needed breadth of knowledge, not depth.
The library was a cathedral of information—high ceilings supported by carved pillars, endless shelves holding centuries of accumulated wisdom. Dust motes danced in the beams of light from tall windows, giving the space an almost sacred atmosphere.
Algernon approached the shelves with purpose, pulling down tomes on magic theory, devil physiology, combat techniques, and underworld history. He stacked them on a nearby table until he had a small mountain of leather-bound knowledge.
Then he encountered his first real obstacle.
The books were written in the demonic script—a flowing, intricate writing system that looked nothing like any language from his previous life. He could speak and understand it perfectly thanks to his devil nature, but reading was another matter entirely.
"Of course," he muttered, staring at the incomprehensible symbols. "It couldn't be that easy."
He found a basic grammar primer and settled in for what he expected to be a long, frustrating process.
It wasn't.
The symbols began making sense almost immediately. Not through magical understanding, but through genuine comprehension—his mind processing patterns, identifying structures, drawing connections between spoken sounds and written forms. By his third time through the same chapter, he had it memorized. Perfectly. Every rule, every exception, every nuance.
'This isn't normal.'
He tested it, moving to a more advanced text. The reading came smoother this time, his newly acquired knowledge applying itself automatically. He absorbed information at a rate that would have been impossible in his previous life.
'The system mentioned I was chosen as a Supreme candidate. Is this part of it? Enhanced learning? Accelerated comprehension?'
Whatever the cause, he'd take it. This was exactly the advantage he needed.
Algernon dove into his studies with renewed intensity.
He started with magical theory—the fundamentals of how demonic energy worked, how it could be shaped and directed through will and imagination. Devils didn't use complicated spell formulas like human mages. Their magic was more instinctive, fueled by imagination and demonic power.
But that didn't mean it was simple. The text outlined techniques for energy manipulation, ways to enhance physical capabilities, methods for projecting power externally. It was like learning to use muscles he'd never known he had.
Next came combat theory. How to move efficiently. How to use demonic energy to amplify speed and strength. How to read an opponent's intentions. The books were dense, technical, filled with diagrams and detailed explanations.
Algernon absorbed it all.
He learned about devil physiology—how their bodies stored demonic power in something analogous to a second heart, how that power could be circulated through the body to enhance various attributes, how bloodline abilities were genetic expressions of particularly potent demonic traits.
He learned about the Evil Pieces system that Rias used—how Ajuka Beelzebub had revolutionized devil society by allowing High-Class devils to reincarnate other beings into their peerages, granting them a second life and the chance to rise beyond their birth limitations.
He learned about the political structure of the underworld, the delicate balance between the Four Great Satans and the noble families, the old guard who resented the new order and the reformists who pushed for change.
Hours blurred together. The stack of books beside him grew as the one in his hands dwindled. His mind felt sharp, focused in a way it never had before. Information didn't just enter his brain—it integrated, forming connections, building a comprehensive framework of understanding.
By the time golden afternoon light had shifted to orange sunset, Algernon had worked through more material than should have been possible.
He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as he mentally reviewed everything he'd learned. It was all there, perfectly accessible, organized like a well-indexed library in his mind.
'This is what it means to have potential,' he realized. 'Not just power, but the capacity to grow. To learn. To adapt.'
Most devils coasted on their natural advantages. They had centuries to gain experience, so why rush? Why push?
Algernon didn't have that luxury. But more importantly, he didn't want it.
He stood, stretching muscles that had gone stiff from hours of sitting. Tomorrow he'd continue building his knowledge base. Then he'd move to practical application—actually using the magic he'd learned about.
But tonight, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.
'Knowledge is power,' he thought, looking out at the twilight sky of the underworld. 'And I'm just getting started.'
[System Notice]
Host has demonstrated exceptional learning aptitude. This is expected of a Supreme Candidate.
Suggestion: Combine theoretical knowledge with practical application for optimal growth.
Algernon smiled at the notification.
"Way ahead of you," he murmured to the empty library.
The path forward was becoming clearer. Study. Train. Grow. Repeat.
Eight years felt like both an eternity and no time at all.
But he'd make every day count.
(END OF CHAPTER)
chapters are released early and uncut on Patreon, ahead of public publication along with exclusive NSFW works.
If you wish to walk ahead of the world…If you want to see the Empire rise before history records it—
You know where to stand.
patreon.com/xxSUPxx
Or you can buy me a coffee at:
buymeacoffee.com/xxSUPxx
Special thanks to all my EPIC members and,
MYTH: Asaf Montgomery
MYTH: Dutchviking
MYTH: Robert Hernandez
MYTH: Kevin Boutte jr.