Death hurts.
No matter how many times you experience it in video games or movies, the reality is very different. The cold metal of the truck, the sound of the cat escaping unharmed, and then... nothing.
I woke up in an endless field of black flowers that shone like fallen stars. The purple sky stretched out without a horizon, and the silence was so absolute I could hear my own pulse.
—Wow, you woke up faster than expected.
I turned toward the voice. A woman was floating a few feet away, her black and white wings flapping lazily. Silver hair, golden eyes, and a smile that could have been angelic or devilish depending on the angle.
"Am I dead?" I asked, surprisingly calm.
"Very dead. But also very lucky." He leaned closer. "You may call me Seraphiel, Goddess of New Beginnings. And you, dear noble soul, have a second chance."
-Because?
"You died saving an innocent life. That counts as a heroic act in our records." He snapped his fingers, and a scroll appeared. "You have the right to be reincarnated in any fictional universe with the abilities of a character of your choice."
My heart raced. This sounded too good to be true.
—Any universe?
"Within reason. No absolute omnipotence or multiversal destruction. But beyond that..." His smile widened. "The sky's the limit."
I didn't have to think about it much.
—High School DxD. Anos Voldigoad de Misfit of Demon King Academy.
Seraphiel raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting choice. Massive destructive power, time magic, absolute regeneration, resistance to conceptual abilities..." He nodded. "Very interesting. But remember, with great power comes..."
—Great fun. I know.
—I was going to say responsibility, but... I guess it works.
The world faded into white light.
Four Years Later - Kuoh Academy
—...And that's why, Saji-kun, never attempt to modify a summoning circle without first understanding its fundamental structure. You could summon something far worse than a low-ranking demon.
I was sitting in the occult club classroom, patiently explaining why the magic circle Saji had drawn was about to open a portal to the Primordial Void. With just a gesture, I undid the faulty magic and redrew the circle correctly.
"Amazing!" Saji looked at me in admiration. "How did you know what was wrong?"
"Experience," I answered simply, while Rias Gremory watched me with growing curiosity from her desk.
I'd been at the academy as a "transfer student" for three weeks, and so far it had been... entertaining. The Occult Research Club had invited me after I "accidentally" demonstrated magical knowledge. They assumed I was a talented human mage.
If they knew the truth...
"Anos-kun," Akeno approached with a mischievous smile and a cup of tea. "Would you mind staying after school? Rias-buchou wants to talk to you about something important."
"Oh?" I took the cup, noticing the small electric shock Akeno had mischievously added. "And what could the Gremory heiress possibly want to talk to me about?"
Rias tensed slightly. He'd been careful not to reveal that he knew her identity, but little clues here and there kept things interesting.
"Just… academic curiosity," Rias replied, though her crimson eyes were studying me intently.
—Very good. But I hope there's more of this excellent tea.
Akeno laughed, and I noticed Kiba smirking from his corner while Koneko gave me an appraising look. These demons really did believe I was just a special human.
How adorable.
That night, as I walked home, I felt the familiar presence of divine magic being summoned in the distance. A red light fell from the sky like a shooting star.
Ah, so it finally begins.
With a thought, my body dematerialized and reformed in the park where the light had fallen. In front of me, a familiar figure loomed over a bloodied body: Raynare, the fallen angel, standing over Issei Hyoudou.
"Thanks for the date, Issei-kun," she said in a sweet voice. "But I don't need you anymore. Die knowing that you were useful in locating the Sacred Gear inside you."
Issei gasped, a mortal wound piercing his chest.
—Yu... Yuuma-chan... why...?
"Why?" Raynare laughed. "Because you're pathetic. A weak human doesn't deserve a dragon's power."
-Sorry?
My voice cut through the air like a blade of ice. They both turned to me, and I saw Raynare's eyes widen in shock.
—Who are you? Get away if you don't want to die!
I walked slowly towards them, my footsteps echoing in the night silence.
"You know, there are few things that truly bother me in this world." My voice deepened, more resonant. "Unbridled arrogance is one of them."
Raynare formed a spear of light in her hand.
—I warned you!
He threw the spear straight at my heart. I simply raised a finger.
The spear disintegrated before touching me, its particles of light scattering like dust in the wind.
"Impossible..." Raynare whispered, stepping back. "What are you?"
I smiled, and for the first time in four years, I let a fraction of my true power leak out.
The air thickened. The streetlights went out. The ground beneath my feet cracked into perfect patterns.
"I'm someone who doesn't tolerate others being hurt on a whim." I raised my hand. "Jio Graze."
A beam of black and purple energy erupted from my palm. Raynare barely had time to scream before she completely disintegrated.
I turned to Issei, who was looking at me with glassy eyes.
—That... that was...
"Magic," I said simply, stepping closer. "And you, Issei Hyoudou, are about to die."
—H-how do you know my name?
"Let's just say I have some good sources of information." I placed my hand over his wound. "You have two choices: die here as a human, or live as something else."
-Anything else?
—A demon. Specifically, my subordinate.
His eyes widened.
-Are you...?
"A demon, yes. But not just any demon." My smile widened. "I'm going to make Rias Gremory an offer she can't refuse. And you, Issei, will be my first piece in this game."
Before he could respond, I placed my hand completely on his chest.
—Resurrect. But remember who brought you back to life.
A purple light enveloped his body, and his wounds began to heal. But more importantly, I could feel the Boosted Gear reacting to my power, instinctively recognizing a being of superior power.
Issei slowly sat up, staring at his hands in amazement.
—Am I... am I alive?
"More than that. You're my demon servant now." I sat up. "And tomorrow, we're going to have a very interesting conversation with a certain redhead."
Because if there's one thing this world needs to learn, it's that the Demon King is back. And this time, he doesn't intend to be subtle.
---
Will continue...
Author's Notes:
Thank you for reading the first chapter of "Rebirth of the Demon King." This is my attempt to create a story where an OP protagonist truly feels empowered, but without making it boring. Comments and constructive criticism are welcome.