Reincarnated in DXD(rewrite)

Today is mine and Rias' birthday. We are to be introduced to high devil society. Today feels like nothing but a burden. But to my twin, she is very nervous because she wants to make a good impression.

The day started early, with the castle bustling with servants preparing for the grand event. Rias had been fretting since dawn, her nerves palpable in every word she spoke. She kept pacing the room, glancing at herself in the mirror and tugging at her dress as if adjusting it could fix her anxiety. Meanwhile, I sat by the window, my mind preoccupied with a fascinating experiment I had devised the night before. The contrast between us couldn't have been starker.

The worst part is she comes to me to vent her feelings. As a good brother, I listened to her, but I couldn't help but think of finishing a new experiment I thought up last night.

"Huh?" I murmured, realizing she had been talking to me all along.

"Rias, relax. Just calm down. You'll do fine. After all, you and I have been practicing etiquette with Mother for two years now. Remember, I'll also be there with you. Rely on me if you're feeling nervous. After all, we are twins."

Rias' face finally relaxed, and she came over and hugged me. "Thank you so much, Maximus."

"Rias, you're welcome."

"You're the best little brother ever."

When she said that, it really annoyed me.

"What do you mean little brother? We're the same age!"

"But I was born first, so that makes me the oldest."

"No, that just makes you lucky."

This kind of back and forth continued for at least an hour until we had to prepare for the party. Despite the teasing, I could sense Rias' tension easing. It was moments like these that reminded me of the unique bond we shared as twins—a bond forged through shared experiences and mutual support.

The preparations for the party took up most of the morning. Our mother, Venelana, insisted on inspecting every detail, from the placement of the floral arrangements to the selection of music. Rias and I were dressed in elaborate formal attire; her crimson gown shimmered with a subtle elegance, while my dark suit was tailored to perfection. When we were finally ready, Mother took a moment to inspect us. Her violet eyes softened as she smiled, a rare display of warmth.

"You both look perfect," she said. "Remember, today is about making an impression. Be confident."

Rias nodded, but I could see the anxiety still lingering in her expression. I reached out, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Let's get this over with," I muttered, earning a small laugh from Rias.

When the time came to head to the grand hall, I offered her my arm, a small gesture of solidarity. She smiled nervously, but her grip on my arm told me she felt reassured. Together, we descended into the maelstrom of high devil society, ready to face whatever the evening held for us.

Gremory Castle

The Gremory Castle was a masterpiece of grandeur and history, its walls steeped in centuries of tradition. The grand hall, where the event was held, was a testament to the family's prominence. Massive chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceilings, their crystals catching and refracting the warm light of countless candles. The polished marble floors gleamed, reflecting the grandeur of the room's ornate furnishings and intricate tapestries that depicted scenes of valor and triumph from Gremory's storied past.

In the grand hall, the place was filled with high-ranking members of society: the family of the great King, relatives from my mother's side, like Lord Bael—my uncle and his second wife—and the archduke Agares family, known for their power over time. Lord Agares was accompanied by his wife and daughter, Seekvaria, whose elegant poise captured the attention of many.

Also attending the event were the Phenex and Sitri families. The Sitri family, known for their control over water, held the title of prince. Sona Sitri, a friend of Rias, constantly challenged me to chess matches, which she always lost. Her presence brought a touch of rivalry to the otherwise formal gathering.

The four Satans, rulers of devil society, were also present. Among them was my brother Sirzechs Lucifer, accompanied by his wife, Grafiya. Unlike her usual maid outfit, she wore a stunning black evening gown. Sirzechs was seen talking with Ajuka Beelzebub, head of the underworld's technical department and the creator of the Evil Piece system. Ajuka's rivalrous relationship with my brother was apparent. On Ajuka's left was Serafall Leviathan, dressed in a beautiful pink gown instead of her typical magical attire. Falbium Asmodeus, overseeing military affairs, completed the group with his gray suit and goatee.

The atmosphere was alive with conversation, laughter, and the subtle undercurrent of competition. The nobles assessed one another with sharp eyes, their words dripping with both compliments and veiled barbs. The aroma of rich food and fine wines wafted through the hall, adding to the sensory overload.

A butler dressed in a black suit with blonde hair called for everyone's attention.

"Allow me to introduce Lord Duke Sir Zeoticus Gremory and Madam Venelana Gremory."

The couple descended the staircase, meeting in the middle and coming down hand in hand. Zeoticus, with his long crimson hair and light blue eyes, carried a dignified aura, while Venelana, a natural beauty with short violet hair and violet eyes, radiated elegance. Following them were two children: a cute little girl resembling her mother and a handsome boy with crimson hair and striking steel-gray eyes.

"Thank you all for coming to celebrate the birthday of my children, my daughter Rias and my son Maximus. I hope this shows you how they will live up to the expectations placed upon them for the family and the underworld."

Everyone's eyes turned to us with interest, as if we were rare gems or endangered species. It was uncomfortable, like being under a microscope. I could hear their whispers:

"So that's the boy with the Power of Destruction like his siblings."

"He's just like the Bael's former heir—no future except under his father's protection."

"No, I heard he's a scientist responsible for the preserve filled with odd creatures unseen in this world. Apparently, they're his creations."

While walking around, trying to dodge introductions to daughters of nobles, I noticed a boy in the corner. He stood alone, his broad shoulders hunched slightly, as if he was used to avoiding the attention of others. I was shocked; he was Sairaorg Bael, a future powerhouse known for his relentless training. Despite his lack of inherent power, he would become the strongest of his generation through sheer will and effort.

Curiosity drew me closer.

"Hey, cousin, why are you by yourself in a corner?" I asked, keeping my tone light.

He looked up, his eyes wary but intrigued. "Did you come here to make fun of me? After all, you were born without the Power of Destruction as well."

"Cousin, you've got me wrong. I didn't come to make fun. I thought you and I were alike. I can see how hard you've trained to become strong." My eyes wandered to his muscular build and the faint bruises on his knuckles, signs of countless hours of relentless effort.

He hesitated, then offered a small smile. "Sorry. I thought you were like the others. It seems I was wrong. You're different."

We stood together in the corner, talking about our shared struggles and ambitions. I admired his tenacity and resilience. "Your dedication is inspiring, Sairaorg," I said. "You prove that strength comes from willpower and effort, not just inheritance."

He chuckled, a sound tinged with self-deprecation. "And you? I've heard whispers about your experiments. Some say you're creating things no one has seen before."

I smirked. "It's true. Science and magic have endless possibilities. One day, I'll show you what I've been working on."

Our conversation shifted to training methods and strategies. We exchanged ideas, discussing the best ways to build strength and endurance. Sairaorg described his grueling routines, while I offered insights into the balance between physical and mental preparation.

As the party wound down and guests began to leave, I felt a rare sense of camaraderie.

"Hey, Sairaorg, I have something for you," I said, reaching into my coat. I materialized a book using dark matter magic and handed it to him. Its cover read "Hasshoken: The Eight Impact Fist." The martial art focused on controlling vibrations to create shockwaves, though it had its limitations.

"Is this a martial art?" he asked, flipping through the pages.

"Yes. It won't change your training but can act as a steppingstone to your dreams. Think of it as a tool to refine your skills and create something uniquely yours."

After a long pause, he nodded, his expression softening. "Thank you, cousin. Even though it's your birthday, you've given me a gift."

I waved his thanks away. "Don't mention it. Use it well."

Sairaorg nodded, his eyes reflecting newfound determination. "I will. And one day, I'll show you how far I've taken this."

I waved goodbye, walking away with a rare sense of connection. Despite the odds, I felt that we both understood each other in a way few ever could.