Chapter 2 – Childhood Bonds and Hidden Potential
Harsh's new life began in the quiet elegance of the Gremory estate—though technically, his own family's mansion rivaled theirs in size and luxury. Crimson banners, polished floors, and the subtle hum of magic in the air greeted him every morning. Yet, it wasn't the grandeur that fascinated him; it was the sheer presence of magic itself.
By the time he was five, Harsh had learned to walk, talk, and, thanks to his system, instinctively sense his own spiritual energy. It was far too early for a true devil awakening, but the interface had already begun teaching him basic control.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
[Harsh, initiate early training. Focus: Mana control, minor combat techniques, and system familiarization.]
Mana control… combat techniques… got it, Harsh thought. He flexed his fingers experimentally, a faint shimmer of energy dancing along his palms. Not much, but enough to make him feel… capable.
That afternoon, Rias and Sona came to visit. They had grown up in the same neighborhood of noble devils, their families intertwined with politics, magic, and sometimes… dangerous rivalries. Harsh had known them all his life—or at least, he would have in the anime he'd watched on Earth.
Rias, with her fiery crimson hair, tugged at his sleeve. "Harsh, want to practice a little today?"
Harsh smirked. "Sure. But don't expect me to go easy just because I'm a kid."
Sona rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "He's always been… competitive."
The three of them went to a small courtyard, far from prying eyes. Harsh focused, channeling a tiny pulse of energy through his body. The system prompted him silently:
[Minor energy projection successful. Accuracy: 82%. Continue training to increase control and output.]
A small flame flickered from his fingertips—more a spark than a threat—but it was enough to impress the girls.
"Whoa! That was amazing, Harsh!" Rias exclaimed.
"Impressive control for your age," Sona added calmly.
Harsh grinned. "Wait until I'm older. I'll make sure you're both careful next time."
As the days passed, Harsh's system became his quiet mentor. He learned more than his peers, practiced faster, and developed a strange intuition about the world. He could already sense the subtle hierarchy of devils around him, as if his mind were attuned to the currents of power.
At night, when the household was quiet, Harsh would sit by the window and think about his old life. Earth seemed like a dream now—a place he would never return to. And yet, the knowledge he had gained there was a weapon he could use here.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
[Cheesepiece progress: 1%. Primary objective: Survive until age of coming-of-age ceremony. Secondary objective: Strengthen bonds with allies. Suggested allies: Rias Gremory, Sona Shitori.]
So the system already knows about them, he thought with a grin. Looks like they'll be my first… team.
And though no one else had been introduced yet, Harsh felt a quiet certainty. In this world, with Rias and Sona by his side, and his system guiding him, he would become something no devil could ignore.
For now, childhood would be simple games, playful training, and whispered dreams of power. But even at this age, Harsh could feel the spark of greatness flickering within him.