Tenra had made up his mind—he'd be heading to Kuoh Academy. But after so many years away, he wasn't in a hurry. He decided to spend a few days at the Phenex estate first.
Riser's wounds from their duel had been severe, but with the power of the phoenix running in his veins, his body recovered in no time. The damage to his pride, though, was a different story.
He'd lost in front of Father and the Maou—lost to Tenra, the little brother he'd always dismissed as a stain, a failure. For someone as proud as Riser, it was a blow that cut deep.
He locked himself in his room, refusing to see anyone. Servants were forbidden to mention Tenra's name. Ravel and Lady Phenex tried to comfort him, but he shut them out every time.
Tenra thought about visiting, but realized it would only make things worse. Riser needed time—and maybe a little suffering—to grow. If he could find his own way through it, all the better. If not, Tenra would step in eventually. He couldn't let his brother stay broken forever.
In the days that followed, Tenra kept up his daily training, but spent most of his time with Ravel and Yubelluna's group.
Yubelluna's girls were his left and right hands now. Their childhood friendship was a good start, but it wasn't enough. If they were going to fight at his side in the future, their bonds needed to deepen—something only time and shared struggles could forge.
Ravel, too, had clung to Tenra as a child. Years apart had left their mark, but after a few days together, she was closer to him than ever—maybe even more than a little sister should be. Tenra wondered if he was imagining things, but the way Ravel looked at him wasn't just familial affection anymore. It was… something else.
Meanwhile, outside Phenex territory, Tenra's name was causing a storm.
The "worthless" fourth son of House Phenex had returned, defeated his pure-blood prodigy brother, and shown overwhelming strength. Alongside the Bael heir, he'd shed the Underworld's "twin failures" label. And now, with Duke Phenex and Maou Lucifer arranging his engagement to Rias Gremory, the news was everywhere.
Sharp-eyed observers had noticed Tenra wielding multiple Sacred Gears in the duel. Within days, every major family and faction had a dossier on him.
Tenra heard the rumors, but only smiled. In the past, he'd have kept himself hidden—now, it didn't matter.
He was ready.
Grigori, Fallen Angel Headquarters
Azazel swirled his wine, scanning the intelligence report with a smirk.
"Well, well. So the kid who stole all those Sacred Gears was Tenra. The new generation really doesn't know how to behave."
He glanced at the silver-haired youth beside him, lips curling into a mischievous grin.
"Vali, better keep an eye out. Wouldn't want him to snatch your Divine Dividing, too."
Vali's eyes flashed cold. Power crackled around him—a wild, rebellious aura.
"Hmph. If he's got the guts, let him try."
Europe, Vatican
SLAM!
A crowned elder slammed his hand on the table, face dark as thunder.
"Damn Sacred Gear thief—so it's that Phenex brat!"
Underworld, Demon Beast Forest
A massive demon beast lay prostrate, howling in defeat. Atop its head stood a black-haired youth, broad-shouldered and imposing.
He sensed something, and raised his hand. A glowing butterfly fluttered down, landing in his palm and transforming into a scroll.
He scanned the message, froze, then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha… So it's that guy who's always been my rival. Things are about to get interesting!"
Similar scenes played out across the world. Eyes turned toward Phenex, and toward Tenra.
A few days later, Phenex Manor—
"You're returning to the human world?"
Duke Phenex sat high above, looking down at Tenra.
"Yeah. I plan to spend some time at Kuoh Academy."
Tenra nodded.
The clock of fate was ticking. Kuoh Academy was the heart of High School DxD—the place where everything began.
The timing was perfect. The story was about to start, and Tenra didn't intend to miss a single moment. There were powerful Sacred Gears waiting for him, and it was time to claim them.
"Just got engaged to the Gremory princess, and you're already eager to leave?"
Lady Phenex teased, her voice warm and playful.
"Don't slack off, Tenra. You wouldn't want someone else to steal your little princess."
"Mother, it's not like that…"
Tenra wiped a giant bead of sweat from his brow, exasperated.
"Oh, I don't believe that for a second. My Tenra, so shy today."
She loved hearing Tenra call her "Mother." Her teasing smile only grew, refusing to accept his protests.
Tenra sighed and gave up. Lady Phenex took his silence as a confession, her laughter even brighter.
"Onii-sama, once I finish my etiquette lessons, I'll come to the human world and go to school with you."
Ravel hugged Tenra's arm, reluctant to let go.
She was growing up fast—soon she'd represent the family at noble gatherings, so Mother was teaching her the ropes. Otherwise, she'd have followed Tenra to the human world right away.
"Work hard, Ravel. We'll be waiting for you."
Tenra patted her head, smiling.
The time had come. Tenra nodded to Yubelluna, who lifted her staff. A massive magic circle bloomed, enveloping Tenra, Gasper, and the girls.
"Father, Mother, Ravel—we're off. Take care."
Light flared from the circle. Under the Phenex family's watchful eyes, Tenra and his companions vanished in a flash.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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